FEDERAL INDIAN RELATIONS PACIFIC NORTHWEST 60
female in all of the several tribes treated with.
You will observe that besides furnishing each band with pro- visions, which will go far towards their yearly subsistence, there are many useful farming tools and cooking utensils.
I am convinced that money or goods given to the Indians of the Pacific, beyond what is absolutely necessary for their sub- sistence from year to year, is worse than thrown away. I would however here remark, that in every case with the bands treated with, they are well satisfied with the Compensation to be given them as well as with all the Conditions and Stipula- tions of their Several Treaties.
It may not be uninteresting to inform you, that during each treaty concluded with the thirteen tribes, the entire band was present, men, women and children, and all were made to fully understand the importance and the conditions of the contract entered into. In most cases they were extremely anxious one and all to sign their names (make their mark) upon the Treaty. In several cases every man living of the band, did sign, make his mark. I mention this to show you that a difficulty often arising in Indian Treaties, may not be looked for here. I allude to the many cases that have occurred, where loud com- plaints arise after a Treaty was concluded that the greater part of the Tribe, were not parties to, or consulted during the Negotiation.
The lower band of Chinook Indians, which is the largest of that tribe; have their head-quarters at what is called Chinook point on the Columbia ; and occupy at present, the country on the north side of that river directly opposite that of the Clatsops : As late as the year 1820 this point was the rendezvous of the most powerful Nation upon the Pacific Coast ; now wasted to a few over three hundred souls.
In going to council with this band, a difficulty arose which they assured me must be settled, before they were ready to "talk." They stated that one Washington Hall, a white man, had laid claim to the ground covering their whole Village he
