Ely Parker’s Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs (1869)

Document Text

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Washington City, D.C., December 23, 1869.

Sir: As required by law, I have the honor to submit this, my first annual report of our Indian affairs and relations during the past year, with accompanying documents.

Among the reports of the superintendents and agents herewith, there will be found information, with views and suggestions of much practical value, which should command the earnest attention of our legislators, and all others who are concerned for the future welfare and destiny of the remaining original inhabitants of our country. The question is still one of deepest interest, “What shall be done for the amelioration and civilization of the race?” For a long period in the past, great and commendable efforts were made by the government and the philanthropist, and large sums of money expended to accomplish these desirable ends, but the success never was commensurate with the means employed. Of late years a change of...