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California S201 E. Steele San Francisco, Cal Oct 30, '63
Suggests certain improvements in the conduct of Indian Affairs in his Dist. rel. to cultivating the soil and building Adobes - Enc. proposal of D. Lacock, to build Adobes
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[ink stamp] RECEIVED AT THE 25 INDIAN BUREAU
Mr. Commr
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Sacramento Valley Oct. 5th 1863
Dryden Lacock Esq.
Sir Being advised that you are acquainted with the construction of adobe buildings and have engaged in that business somewhat, I would like you to proceed to Round Valley Reservation and examine the soil climate &c. advise me of the practicabillity of erecting houses of that kind in the Valley for indian use.
I would like also to be informed of the probable costs of constructing adobe houses each 12 X 14 feet 8 feet high with the openings; the buildings to covered with board alias Shake roofs extending six feet beyond the walls in shape of portico, on each side. The shakes to be riven out of pine timber Reserve indians to be used to all extent possible in reduction of expense
Very Respectfully Yours
Suptg. Agt. Ind. Affairs N. Dist. Cal.
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Round Valley Oct. 12th 1863
Sir In compliance with your request of Oct. 5th, I have visited this Valley and examined the soil at various points and find ample and convenient clay beds and sand for the making of a good quality of adobes.
With the conveniences here offered and the use of indians to assist in the manufacture of adobes and then carrying and laying I would be willing to take the job of erecting such buildings as you suggest in yours of the 5th inst. including all material, for thirty dollars each, if the work could be let in the proper season.
If the government should conclude to erect the buildings they should be commenced as early as June of next year -
All of which is respectfully submitted Yours &c (signed) "Dryden Lacock"
To E Steele Esq. Supt. Agt. Ind. Affairs N. D. Cal.
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OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS, NORTHERN DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA.
San Francisco Oct 20 1863
Sir, I would respectfully suggest as an improvement in the conduct of indian affairs in my district that all of the indians who desire it or can be induced to cultivate and take care of the same have allocated to each family a small piece of ground to be marked and recognised as devoted to their own use. And that a small adobe house be constructed for each on his separate premises
This could require at present an erection of about Sixty adobes and more as more indians should come into the Reservation
The expense of this plan would not exceed two thousand dollars $2000.00 And from the time of taking possession of their home, I should consider each family self sustaining. I would require each of the families or the able bodied members thereof to work on the Govt farm a given number of days or pay a rental of his place in order to raise sustenance for the old infirm sick & needy and towards defraying the expenses of the Reservation
Herewith please find copy of a letter addressed by me to Mr Lacock & his reply thereto. Mr Lacock has been much engaged in the construction of that kind of tenement. I consider [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] for Indian use.
If the improvement of the status of Round
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Valley but about 30 of these buildings would be required at present.
Sixty adobes estimated cost ea 30.00 1800.00 Incidental expenses 200.00 2000.00
I would ask an appropriation for this if the Valley & improvements be not acquired by the department but should they make such purchase and allow the allottment I will try and economize some other branch enough to build houses to effect a complete trial of the improvement
I am Very Respectfully Your obedient Servant E Steele Supt Agt Indian Affairs N. D. Cal
Hon Wm P Dole Commissioner of Indian Affairs Washington D.C.