The Indians are
deterred even asking for possession. I would earnestly ask, as agent for
these wronged and destitute people, that some measure be adopted by the
Government to give these Indians their rights.
An official report made to the Secretary of the Interior dated February
16, 1871, gives the history of these lands, and concludes as follows:
These lands are now all or nearly all occupied by white persons who have
driven the Indians from their homes--in some instances with violence.
There is great necessity that some relief should be afforded to them by
legislation of Congress, authorizing the issue of patents to the
allottees or giving them power to sell and convey.
In this way they will be enabled to realize something from the land, and
the occupants can secure titles for their homes.
Apparently in the line of this recommendation, and in an attempt to
remedy the condition of affairs then existing, an act was passed on the
19th day of February, 1873, permitting heads of families and single
persons over 21 years of age who had made settlements and improvements
upon and were _bona fide_ claimants and occupants of the lands for
which the thirty-two certificates of allotments were issued to enter and
purchase at the proper land office such lands so occupied by them, not
exceeding 160 acres, upon paying therefor the appraised value of said
tracts respectively, to be ascertained by three disinterested and
competent appraisers, to be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior,
who should report the value of such lands, exclusive of improvements,
but that no sale should be made under said act for less than $3.
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