Report to the Synod of the Columbia, i8Sl. 67 



from time to time to insignificant numbers, compared with the vastness of the 

 Territory. The scarcity of population shows still more clearly, the risk of giv- 

 ing too much notoriety to the claims of that field. It is believed that the Tlin- 

 ket tribes are increasing in population, and that they are not excelled by any 

 native tribes, in physical vigor or intellectual capacity, and equaled only by the 

 Hydahs of Prince of Wales Island, among whom also we intend to establish a 

 mission. 



But the more pressing need at present, is the opening among the Chilkats. 

 They are the most numerous of the Tlinket tribes. Mr. Young has gone among 

 them to meet an emergency, and to make arrangements for introducing our 

 work as soon as a missionary can be found to take possession. The Chilkat 

 tribe is L cated at the head of Lynn canal, on a river which penetrates into re 

 gions unexplored, and inhabited by people of the Tinneh stock. A mission 

 among the Hoonyas should be undertaken. This tribe consists of about 800 

 souls almost free from "white" vices or diseases, and very desirous to receive 

 instruction and adopt the customs of civilized life. 



We see no reason for changing our recommendations pertaining to the dis- 

 tribution of Missions. They are now in operation at Wrangel and Sitka. 

 Other localities selected, are among the Chilkats, another among the Hoon- 

 yas, and the fifth among the Hydas. 



By the favor of Providence, I was enabled to present the cause of the In- 

 dians in an unembarrassed and familiar manner to President Hayes. After my 

 first interview, I addressed to him a letter on the subject of "The Civilization 

 of the Native Alaskans."* It has been circulnted to a limited extent. It con- 

 tains a plea for the education and salvation of the aborigines of the whole 

 country. The published Minutes of the Synod of Columbia, I also placed in 

 his hands ; and I have the satisfaction of knowing that his views and ours on 

 essential points are identical, and that he expressed them in a public speech a; 

 Forest Grove. I spent the day with the President, and am confident of his 

 hearty support in the effort to secure Congressional appropriation for schools in 

 .\laska. I was not prepared to press a petition for the return of Joseph's Band 

 to the reservation in Idaho, for the single reason that they would not be safe 

 from outrages which would be inflicted in retaliation for real oi fancied griev- 

 ances, during the Nez Perce outbreak. 



I will only add that it is high time for this great nation to show mercy to 

 the aborigines whom they are driving to despair and madness, and to introduce 

 a tranquilizing and generous policy. Whatever any citizen or association can 

 do to promote this change should be done without delay ; and I therefore earn- 

 stly invoke the aid of the brethren that our influence may reach men in power 

 in a direct course, and under the signal favor of Divine Providence. 



*This Letter forms No. V, which precedes this. 



