444 
INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY. 
stantlv sending traders with large quantities of goods to remote points in the Blackfoot country, 
who are not only permitted to go and come without molestation, but are treated with much 
kindness and hospitality at the camps. The horses at this post are always turned out to pasture 
without a guard, and are seldom or never stolen. 
So far as has been ascertained, their present relations with the Hudson’s Bay Company are 
simply those of a limited trade, which is entirely confined to a portion of the Blackfeet and 
Blood bands. These Indians procure in the northern part of their territory a considerable num¬ 
ber of small peltries, and in the summer—at which season they go farthest north'—trade them 
at one of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s posts on the Saskatchawan river; “Chesterfield House,” 
I think. This trade is carried on for two reasons: first, because the Indians are paid there a 
higher price lor their small peltries than is given by American traders; secondly, they procure 
at that post an abundance of whiskey ; and it is undoubtedly this latter consideration that induces 
them to go. In the winter they generally come upon the Marias river and trade their robes at the 
American traders’ winter posts on that river, bt cause they obtain more for robes here than at the 
north. But I have lately understood that a new proprietor at Chesterfield House has offered for 
robes the same price that is paid here; in consequence of which, a large number of Bloods and 
Blackfeet have started for the north. Deeming it my duty so to do, I sent them tobacco and a 
message to induce them to return ; warning them that in case they did not return, they need not 
expect to participate in the benefits of a treaty that might be concluded with the remainder of 
their nation. 
5th. No conventional arrangements exist between the Indians and white inhabitants of this 
country to be respected in the event of a treaty. 
6th, 7th, and 8th. At present but one agent will be required. The agency should be located 
near this point, and embrace the four above-named tribes or bands of the Blackfeet nation. 
9th. The employes required at present for the contemplated establishment of an agency and 
larm will be one interpreter, one farmer, one blacksmith, and three laborers. 
10th. The amount required for the erection of the agency buildings and fixtures will be 
$12,000. A rough draught of the buildings contemplated is herewith submitted, and an offer has 
been made to construct them upon this plan for the price above mentioned at any point in this 
vicinity. It is proposed to use adobes in the construction of all buildings. I consider them the 
cheapest, warmest, driest, and most enduring building material to be obtained in this vicinity. 
Barns, small outbuildings, fences, pickets, &c., if necessary, will be constructed by agency labor¬ 
ers, and without much cost to the department. The offer to erect the agency buildings is by Mr. 
Clarke, at $10,000, if on the Highwood, or $12,000 at Sun river or other points. Being in the 
country, and situated as they are, either Mr. Clarke or Mr. Harvey can underbid any one out of 
the country; and I consider the enclosed plan, at the price mentioned, the cheapest and most 
practicable method of building the establishment. 
11th. The contingent expenses, $1,000. 
12th. The amount of presents to be distributed annually will probably be determined when a 
treaty is held and confirmed ; I estimate $4,000. 
13th. For provisions, $1,000. 
I regard the project of establishing a farm for these Indians as entirely practicable: first, 
because farms have, succeeded among all our Indian tribes where the experiment has been 
thoroughly tested; second, because in my recent journey through the Piegan, Blackfeet, and Blood 
Indian camps, the establishment of an agency and farm was fully explained to all the principal 
chiefs, and not only were they unanimously in favor of the project, but promised that, in case a 
farm should be started, they and their people would work upon it and give it a fair trial. I have 
not yet visited the Gros Ventres, but understand that for several years they have been very 
anxious to be taught how to cultivate the soil. 
I propose to locate the agency at the point most favorable for farming, regard of course being 
