The Nez Perce were brought as prisoners of war with their famous leader, Chief Joseph, from their reservation in Oregon and Idaho, and settled on a reservation on the Chikaskia River in the Indian Territory in 1879.

[Other Articles relating to Ponca Indians and Nez Perce are in Ponca Indian file.]

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Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.

Washington, Oct. 13. Many of the Nez Perces Indians have never been parties to any treaty, and as serious difficulties have arisen between them and the white settlers of Idaho and Eastern Oregon, the Indian bureau is now preparing to send out a special committee to them with a view of settling all questions in dispute and will avert any further trouble. The committee will consist of Gen. O. O. Howard and Major H. Clay Wood, his adjutant, Wm. Steckney, Secretary Borrel, H. D. Jerome of Saginaw, and probably A. C. Barstow of Providence, R. I; the latter Indian commissioners. Gen. Howard leaves Washington today, and the eastern members of the committee will rendezvous in Chicago Monday next.

Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.

The Nez Perce Indians in Montana Territory were attacked August 9th by Col. Gibbon, U. S. A., and about 180 men. The Indians were victorious, killing and wounding more than half of the command and capturing all their horses.

Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.

Gen. Howard has been severely criticized, particularly by the Democratic press, because he has not succeeded in overtaking and destroying Chief Joe and his Nez Perce. The criticism has probably been inspired partly by his staunch Union, Republican, and Christian record. Gen. Howard is an accomplished officer and enjoys the respect of the whole corps of army officers. There is no doubt that he has done all that could be done under the circumstances toward the suppression of the hostiles.

Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.

Gen. Howard has got Joseph in the valley of the Yellowstone, Gen. Miles is hunting him from the east, and it begins to look very scary for the Nez Perce.

Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.

Gen. Sturgis in pursuing the Nez Perce down Clark's ford, overtook them and fought them a whole day, killing or capturing several hundred Indians and taking 150 horses.

Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.

Gen. Sheridan has received an official account of the battle of Big Hole, of August 8th, from Col. Gibbons, who says that the white inhabitants of Montana sustained and helped the Nez Perce by supplying them with provisions. The Indians numbered 200. Gibbon by forced marches with 144 men and officers and 34 citizens, overtook them and made the attack late at night. The Indians sought shelter in the bushes and poured volleys into the troops who were on open ground. In a few minutes the whole camp was in possession of the troops, but the Indians continued the firing at long range; but were finally so much cut up that they withdrew. Gibbon's loss was 29 killed and 40 wounded. The Indians left 89 dead on the field.

Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.

Chicago, September 29. A telegram from Benton, Montana, says the Nez Perce attacked the rifle pits at Cow island, at sundown on the 23rd inst., making seven charges, and fighting until ten o'clock the next morning, when they left, probably for Mill river. Sunday night they burned the freight pile, containing thirty tons of government and twenty tons of private freight. Citizens Weymore and Walker were seriously wounded in the fight. It is believed the hostiles are making their way to the British possessions.

The Sitting Bull commission has arrived at Benton, but owing to the absence of troops necessary for an escort, it will not leave before the 1st proximo.

Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.

A law of the Nez Perce is that a widower shall not marry within a year after the death of his wife. But polygamy is allowed, and when a man thinks his sick wife is about to die, he marries another woman, and so escapes the weary year of waiting.

Winfield Courier, December 20, 1877.

Chief Joseph gets complimentary tickets to the shows of Leavenworth.

The Nez Perce at Fort Leavenworth one Sunday had three thousand visitors.

Winfield Courier, December 27, 1877.

The little Indians of the Nez Perce tribe spend the greater portion of their time in spinning tops. They can discount city boys. They start a top and keep it going by lashing it with a whip until they are tired and the last one who strikes it wins the game. Leavenworth Times.

Traveler, January 9, 1878. Official dispatches from Big Horn post, in Montana Territory, says two Nez Perce have come into camp, having been in Sitting Bull's camp, and report that a white scout is in the camp of the hostiles as a prisoner. The Nez Perce are anxious to leave Sitting Bull, and are slipping away whenever possible, but are afraid to come in a body. A dispatch from Fort Buford says Sitting Bull is reported encamped on Rock Creek and committing some depredations, chiefly on other Indians.

Traveler, May 8, 1878.

Three sub-chiefs of the Nez Perce prisoners, headed by White Feather, left Fort Leavenworth for Sitting Bull's camp, accompanied by Mr. Clarke, an experienced interpreter and guide. These Indians go as commissioners to the Nez Perce with Sitting Bull to report to them the condition of Chief Joseph and band at Fort Leavenworth, it having been rumored among the Indians on the plains that those here were badly treated. They go without military escort, a fact which shows the confidence the government officers repose in them. This is the first step in a movement for reuniting the several bands of the tribe.

Traveler, May 22, 1878. An amendment was made to the Indian appropriation bill by the Senate on the 8th, which provides that the

should be removed from Fort Leavenworth to such point in the Indian Territory as the government has a right to assign them without interfering with the treaty rights of any other tribe. The discussion of this bill was long and apparently to little purpose. No other business was transacted.

On the 9th inst. the Indian appropriation bill was passed loaded with amendments which will take extended discussion in the House.

Traveler, July 14, 1878. Gen. McNeil has been ordered to Fort Leavenworth, to superintend the removal of the Nez Perce Indians to their future home near Baxter Springs, formerly occupied by the Ponca Indians, who are now on their way to their new agency near Dean's ranch, thirty-five miles south of this place.

Traveler, September 25, 1878.

[From the Galena Miner.]

Of the four hundred Nez Perce Indians recently located at the Qua Paw Agency, forty have died and a hundred and sixty are lying sick.

Traveler, January 29, 1879.

Chief Joseph, in full aboriginal regalia, was the bright particular star at a White House reception on Tuesday evening. Joseph seemed to enjoy it immensely.

Traveler, February 19, 1879.

Chief Joseph=s band is to be settled west of the Ponca Agency.

Traveler, June 18, 1879.

Special U. S. Indian Agent Hayworth gave us a call on Friday last. He had in charge Chief Joseph=s band, on their way to their new reservation at the mouth of the Chikaskia. Mr. Hayworth is an accomplished gentleman, and has done good service for the department.

C. M. Scott volunteered as guide to the new reservation.

The Nez Perce will be attached to the Ponca Agency, and this will somewhat increase the duties of Agent Whiteman.

Traveler, Wednesday, June 18, 1879.

On Saturday last, we started, in company with Joseph Sherburne, Esq., on a short trip into the Indian Territory. We crossed the State line at Young's Ranche, and bearing southwest reached the mouth of Bitter creek about noon. Crossing the Chikaskia just below this point, we continued our drive in the same direction, and soon found that the trail we were traveling led to the late camp of James Bell and party.

It appears that Bell took a claim on the west side of the Chikaskia, and turned a few furrows of sod under the apprehension that, as a Cherokee, he could not be removed from the soil. But one morning, not long ago, an order came from Headquarters directing the military to remove Jimmy and his party, and a notice to that effect persuaded them that it was the better part of discretion to get up and dust.

They came into Arkansas City one hot day and cooled their fevered brow in the shade of a limb of the law. In the meantime, the Cherokee authorities at Tah-le-quah have sent a protest to Washington against Bell or other Cherokees settling on lands in the Territory west of 96 degrees of longitude, claiming that the treaty gives the General Government the sovereign right to take these lands on the OutletCSixty miles in width, through to the Pan HandleCfor the use of other tribes, and wishing to act in good faith, they desire to keep them free from any encroachment on the part of their people.

If the President and the army of the United States are not all brought up into the August presence of some Kansas justice for disturbing the peace of this party, we presume the question will soon be settled.

From this camp we drove across the prairie, traveling several miles between the Chikaskia and Salt Fork. About 2 o'clock p.m. we espied an ambulance at the junction of the rivers, and driving into the timber, we met Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perce, just crossing the Chikaskia, from the east side, to take a rest on their new Reservation. As each wagon arrived at the west bank of the river, Chief Joseph fastened a rope to the pole, and with the aid of his men, assisted the teams in pulling the leads up the hill.

The first white man we met on the ground was C. M. Scott, who had volunteered to guide the tribe to their new Reservation. Crossing the river, we met on the east side Special Agent Hayworth, also Agent Whiteman, of the Ponca Agency, who will take charge of the Nez Perce. After resting about two hours we were invited by Col. Whiteman to a seat in his ambulance, and in ten miles drive were at the Ponca Agency. Here we enjoyed the hospitality of the Colonel and his accomplished wife, for which we are greatly indebted.

We found things at the Ponca Agency in a flourishing condition. The buildings already completed are neat and substantial, while the four new cottages in course of construction will add much to the comfort of the employees. The Poncas are hard at work, building houses and making homes, and on every side we saw evidence of prosperity. On the north of the Agency a field of over one hundred acres is planted to corn, and many small fields can be seen on the Reservation.

We think that the restless spirit of the Poncas can be justly attributed to the influence of whites at their old Reservation in the North. Certainly no tribe of Indians in the Territory has a more attractive agency, and no Reservation a finer body of land.

Under the supervision of Col. Whiteman, this tribe is gaining in livestock, the habits of industry are taught, and if undisturbed, in a short time will be an independent people. Sherburne & Houghton, the traders at the Ponca, are doing a good business, and with the addition of the Nez Perce, trade will be increased considerably. The loss of the interpreter at Atchison ten days ago is seriously felt by Col. Whiteman and the Indians. We met a number of employees at the agency, several who are residents of this town. On Sunday morning we started on our return, and with the cooling influence of a northwest breeze, our trip was a pleasant one.

Traveler, July 16, 1879.

Chief Joseph, who has eclipsed Ben Butler in newspaper notoriety during the past year, was in town yesterday. The Nez Perce now corner with the Poncas in the Territory, but we understand they are taking steps looking toward establishing a new reservation in the north.

Traveler, August 13, 1879.

The Poncas and Nez Perce, numbering some twenty teams in all, who passed through town en route for Wichita some two weeks since, were in town last Monday on their way back to the agency.

Traveler, September 3, 1879.

Last Monday morning Mr. George Walker, who is holding cattle in the Territory, came in with the rather startling information that the Nez Perce had run off their interpreter, Chapman, and leaving Col. Whiteman, the agent, in charge of a few Indians, the rest had taken about a hundred ponies belonging to the tribe and made off.

Our people have heard too many Indian stories to be easily alarmed, and the general opinion is that it will not prove to be anything serious. From all the stories afloat, we are able to gather the following particulars.

It seems that the Nez Perce, whose reservation corners with that of the Poncas, about thirty miles south of Arkansas City, have been dissatisfied with their location at that place, and want to get back to Dakota. Their enmity to Chapman has been open and pronouncedCso much so that Chapman told Col. Whiteman that he was afraid at times to stay among them. During the recent difficulty in the north, Chapman, who was raised with this tribe, scouted for Uncle Sam against the Indians, and after the declaration of peace, returned to the tribe as an interpreter, which accounts for their hostility towards him. Chief Joseph, however, assured Agent Whiteman that none of the tribe would kill Chapman, though they disliked him exceedingly.

Last week ten Nez Perce, who had been connected with Sitting Bull, arrived at the agency, and it is thought they were instrumental in creating the present disturbance. Chapman's story is to the effect that early last Sunday morning they drove him across Salt Fork, threatening death, and taking possession of 100 ponies under his charge; after which they followed him over the river and rounded up Dean's ponies, but whether they ran these off or only held them, is not stated. Chapman and Dean immediately went to Ponca Agency, Col. Whiteman's headquarters, and reported as above, when the Colonel started for the Nez Perce camp to learn the straight of it. This was in the morning, and hearing nothing from Whiteman by the middle of the afternoon, five men from Ponca started for the Nez Perce to see if any danger had befallen them.

This is as much of the story as we can get hold of, and it is given for what it is worth. In all probability, it will amount to nothing serious. If the Nez Perce have broken out, and the agent is missing, they may be detaining him until the absconding redskins have sufficient start to guarantee their escape. As to the direction they will take, there is nothing certain.

One party who spends considerable time in the Territory gives it as his opinion that they will endeavor to make Cheyenne Agency in time to create an outbreak in that tribe, while others think they are on their way north. But there is no certainty that they are gone at all yet, and we should not be surprised if it proved a tempest in a tea-pot. Lieut. Cushman and eight soldiers left for Ponca Monday morning, accompanied by Capt. C. M. Scott.

LATER. As we go to press, we are proved to say, "Just what we thought." We should like to treat our readers to a first-class sensation, but can't do it on a one-man scare. Parties who have passed through the agency since Sunday morning report all quiet.

Traveler, September 17, 1879.

Chapman, ex-interpreter for the Nez Perce, who was recently run off the reservation, was in town Saturday and Sunday. He has left that tribe for good and all, claiming that it is not safe for him to remain among them.

Traveler, October 8, 1879.

Yellow Bull=s Speech at the Cowley County Fair.

At the request of the fair managers, Yellow Bull, 2nd chief, Red Elk, chief of a band, and Yellow Bear, a young chief, all of the tribe of the Nez Perce Indians, were escorted to the grounds of the Cowley County Fair by Mr. C. M. Scott, on Friday last. They were invited to the platform with the Governor, and after the Governor's speech, Yellow Bull responded through his interpreter, Capt. Chapman, saying that he was glad to meet the people there. Last summer he fought the whites, but wanted them to know now that he knew how to make friends. The Great Spirit made this world for them all to stand on, and he wanted to live like one people, under one roof, with one law to govern them all. He said that he knew that the people were friendly towards him because they did not turn away from him as though they were mad.

The Chiefs took a great interest in the display of fine stock, especially horses and cattle, and showed their appreciation of the same. In the fine art hall the things that called out the most praise from Yellow Bull were a tanned dog skin, and a variegated rug, which he remarked would make a good saddle blanket.

We hope that each fair may be visited by a delegation of Indians, and that every delegation will be treated with the same respect that was shown to these, and have no doubt but that it will reach our neighboring tribes with a civilizing influence.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1879.

A portion of the Nez Perces passed through on Tuesday, on their way to Wichita for freight for their Agency. The government is employing the Indians to do a great deal of freighting for themselves. Chief Joseph was with them. He rides a very fine horse and is a fine looking Indian.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 26, 1879.

"Joseph," chief of the Nez Perces, was in town yesterday.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 24, 1879.

Chief Joseph and his interpreter were in town last Sunday.

DIED. The ranking third elder of the Nez Perces tribe died a few weeks ago of malarial fever.

An Indian preacher of the Presbyterian faith attended the M. E. church last Sunday evening.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, February 18, 1880.

Yellow Bull, second chief of the Nez Perces, was on the streets last Saturday evening.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 7, 1880.

Yellow Bull of the Nez Perce tribe of Indians was in town on Monday.

Traveler, May 19, 1880.

Mr. John Gooch, brother of our townsman, Wyard E. Gooch, who for some time past has been commissary clerk at Ponca Agency, we are glad to learn has been promoted to the superintendency of the Nez Perce at an increased salary. Mr. Gooch is a very deserving young man, and his many friends in this neighborhood will be glad to hear of his good fortune.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 2, 1880.

Three strays made their appearance at the Nez Perce Indian camp south of this place May 27th: one light bay mare, one brown mare with chain hobbles on fore feet, and one yearling mule; no brands. There are great numbers of strays scattered over the Territory at this time, more than ever before, and scarcely a day passes without some persons in search of strays making inquiries at the various camps.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 25, 1880.

Chief Joseph, of the Nez Perces, is very sick at his camp, forty miles from this place. His wife is very attentive, and nurses him with the greatest of care.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 1, 1880.

A hide buyer recently purchased some $50 worth of hides from a Nez Perce, and paying $10 down was to pay the balance as soon as the hides were delivered here. The Indian brought the hides to town and delivered them to the butcher, as per agreement, but Mr. Hide-buyer had skipped out, having first sold the hides to the butcher for a fair price. He hired a boy to take his horse to Winfield, for which he promised to pay a dollar, but upon reaching Winfield the horse was found to be a livery nag, and thus the boy was out. The Indians lost the hides, and naturally feel a little sore over it.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 8, 1880.

Ed. Malone, some time past at Ponca Agency, is now a Government employee at the Nez Perce reservation, having charge of the mill at that place. Ed. is a practical machinist, having served his time in the Eagle Machine Works at Chicago, is reliable in every respect, and a favorite among the Indians.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 6, 1880.

Yellow Bull, second chief of the Nez Perce Indians, frequently comes to Arkansas City, and generally stops with his friend, C. M. Scott. Calling a number of times during the summer, he inquired in broken English where Scott was, and was referred to W. R. Scott at the Central Hotel. Coming there and not finding the object of his search, he did not know what to think of those who had directed him. C. M. coming in soon after, Yellow Bull exclaimed:

"Long time me no see you, me see 'em white man, and tell him: You see 'em Scott? White say Scott, eat house (Hotel). Me go eat house; no see 'em. Ebery time he say Scott, (at) eat house, ebery time no see 'em."

C. M. Scott then explained there were two Scott=s, and he must inquire for "C. M. Scott," and all would understand. The next time he came up he tried the experiment by asking the boys at the drug store: "You see 'em, see 'em Scott?" And was told the Captain was in the Territory. He had to inquire several times, on different occasions, and received satisfactory answers, but Yellow Bull don't yet understand why a man's first name should be "see 'em."

Arkansas City Traveler, October 13, 1880.

Jasper Houston is now rusticating in the Territory as a wood-butcher at Oakland, headquarters of the Nez Perce Indians.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 13, 1880.

George McIntire, Joseph Schuster, E. T. Horne, Mr. Midkiff, Capt. Scott, and three Nez Perce IndiansCJames Reuben, Charley Moses, and Wolf HeadCstarted for Leavenworth last Monday afternoon, to attend the U. S. Court. Agent Whiting started Sunday afternoon. They are subpoenaed as witnesses in two cases: one for selling liquor to an Indian, and one for stealing hides from the Nez Perces.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 20, 1880.

U. S. COURT ITEMS.

The old tailor, George Manson, who sold whiskey to the Nez Perce Indian, Charles Moses, confessed the crime, and was fined $25 and costs.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 3, 1880.

By request of the presbytery, Rev. Fleming will spend next Sabbath with the Nez Perce Indians at Oakland, in consequence of which there will be no services at the white church on that day.

Traveler, Wednesday, November 3, 1880.

Some Nez Perce Indian Police recently arrested some parties hauling wood from the Territory, and made them take it down to the Agency. An Indian is no fool.

Traveler, November 3, 1880.

If there is a man in the Indian service who understands managing an Indian Agency, that man is Col. Whiting, of the Ponca and Nez Perce Agencies. He superintends building the new schoolhouse, makes his own brick, burns his own lime, and in fact furnishes everything except the pine lumber and nails. Another fact worthy of note, and in this business an item of considerable importance, he is well liked by all the Indians and white people of the Agencies.

Traveler, December 1, 1880.

By D. P. Marshall, Arkansas City, Kansas.

Editors Banner: It may be interesting to your readers to hear what is being done in this, to you, far off land, and a place no doubt many of your readers consider beyond the border of civilizationCthe Indian Territory; but the principal object of this letter is to tell you what God is doing for the Nez Perce. To understand the situation it will be necessary to go back a little and explain. Nearly three years ago the Government removed the Poncas and located them on a reservation thirty-five miles south of Arkansas City, Kansas, in the Indian Territory, where the river known as the Salt Fork empties into the Arkansas, and an Agency was established there. Col. Whiting, a very able and efficient officer, is now agent and is doing all in his power to advance civilization and instruction among those under him.

About one year ago a part of the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph in Idaho, becoming involved in a war with the United States, were captured and brought here as prisoners of war, placed on a reservation up the Salt Fork, with their headquarters fourteen miles distant but under the same agent. Archie Lawyer and James Rubens, both of the same tribe, who had received some education and been converted, it is thought by the teaching of Miss McBeth, came as missionaries among them. The former stayed but a short time. The latter was employed as interpreter and teacher by the Government. He has proved to be an excellent and most wonderful man. Although without a house for worship or school (and but very recently have they any dwelling houses); yet, by the help of God, he has accomplished wonderful things.

Some two months ago Col. Whiting requested Rev. S. B. Fleming, pastor of the Presby-terian church in Arkansas City, to try to do something for them spiritually. Requests came from James Rubens and other members of the tribe for a church organization. Acting on these requests the Presbytery of Emporia, Synod of Kansas, at its late meeting appointed a committee to visit them and, if they were ready, to organize a church. For this purpose Rev. S. B. Fleming, Elder James Wilson, and your correspondent left this city Oct. 20th, and after a pleasant seven hours' drive, arrived safely at Ponca Agency Oct. 21st, accompanied by Dr. Minthorn, the Agency physician, a Christian gentleman of the Friends persuasion and deeply interested in the welfare of the Indians.

Two hours' drive took us to our destination. We had on the previous day apprised them by letter of our coming, yet they were afraid our promise would be like so many others made to them and never fulfilled. Some of them shed tears of joy when they learned that we were surely there for the purpose stated. They sent out runners to notify the people, some of them living several miles distant. Scarcely an hour and a half elapsed when we found a congregation assembled at a new unoccupied dwelling house sixteen by twenty-four feet, one story, and not a seat except two chairs. At a given signal they began to enter, the children first, who went forward and squatted down in front of the chairs at one end of the building. The women came next and seated themselves in the same manner in rows beginning at the other end of the house. The men were seated on the right and left in the same manner, until by actual count there were one hundred and twenty-five Indians and five white men in that building, and many Indians outside.

Could you have seen the feeling of solemnity depicted on every countenance, from the oldest to the little childrenCcould you have heard them sing, "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove," in their own tongue, and repeat the Lord's prayer in concert, everyone uniting in both exercisesCcould you have heard the quick and intelligent answers to questions propounded both before admission to the church and before baptism, you would have been led to exclaim: "From whence hath this people all this knowledge? Surely they have been taught of God!" "Lord, thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and has revealed them unto babes."

You would have felt as we did: that God had received them as his children, and that we must admit them as members of his church on earth. Fifty-nine came forward and made a profession of their faith in Christ and obedience to Him and were received and baptized, their parents being too anxious to wait until our next visit, which was set for the first Sabbath of November, when the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is to be administered, children baptized, and no doubt there will be many more seeking admission to the church. Two young girls presented themselves near the close of the meeting; but the day was so far spent, and as we had fourteen miles of a drive, they were induced to wait until our next visit.

Everything had to be said through the interpreter, and nearly all those baptized wished to drop their Indian and receive English names, and it was left to us in nearly every case to give the name. Those admitted were of all ages, from four score or more down to the boy and girl of fifteen or sixteen years.

We can scarcely realize what wondrous things God has done for his people. Here is a tribe of Indians, who but a few years since were in the depths of savage darkness, now brought to the foot of the cross.

Our exercises were of necessity nearly three hours in length, yet there was not a whisper nor a single act of misconduct in the assemblage. Our meeting closed by an act of Christian love and fellowship that might well be imitated by Christian people all over the country. After the benediction all placed themselves in position for shaking hands, showing that they were accustomed to it; the children first, beginning on the right side of the door, passed clear round and out; the women and then the men following. The whole exercise did not occupy five minutes, and yet everyone had taken every other one by the hand in an orderly way. One of our number was led to exclaim: "Behold how these brethren love each other!"

At 4 p.m. we started to return to Ponca where Rev. Fleming was to participate in the laying of the corner stone of the building intended for an industrial school for the two tribes.

Friday morning, Oct. 22nd, the sun rose clear and pleasant. Almost with the sun our friends of yesterday began to arrive in wagons and on horseback until by 9 a.m., the hour appointed, not less than two hundred were on the ground (the tribe numbers three hundred and forty-seven persons), showing the interest they had in the proceedings, while not half that number of Poncas were present, although it was just at their homes. The ceremonies, having been delayed until 11 a.m., began with the singing of a hymn by the whites present, accompanied by an organ. Prayer was offered by S. B. Fleming; then came the filling and depositing of the box in the stone. Among other things it contained many trinkets and samples of Indian handiwork, deposited by themselves. The stone was laid by Col. Whiting. An address was delivered by Prof. Martin, who will take charge of the school. Here there were of necessity two interpreters. Then came singing of a hymn by the Nez Perce and an address by Tom Hill, one of their tribe, followed by an address by Standing Buffalo, a Ponca chief. The exercises were closed by singing "Come thou fount of every blessing," by the Nez Perce in English, and the benediction by Rev. Fleming. At 4 p.m. we started on our drive of thirty-five miles, and at 10 p.m. were at Arkansas City. Presbyterian Banner.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1881.

Rev. Fleming preached at Nez Perce Agency last Sabbath.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1881.

BY D. P. MARSHALL, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.

According to the promise made on my former visit, we returned to the Nez Perce Agency on the first Sabbath of November; this time accompanied by Mrs. Fleming, Mrs. Marshall, and Mr. Gaily, formerly of Indiana County, Pennsylvania. We found a comfortable house erected, 20 x 40 feet, since our visit two weeks since, which has been accomplished by the exertions of the Agent, Col. Whiting, and the employees about the Agency.

None are members of the Presbyterian Church, and a number are not members of any church, yet they are interested in this people on account of their evident sincerity and their general good conduct. The house was partly seated and furnished with a stove, and will be used for a church and schoolhouse for the present. When we remember that this is done for the Indians by these friends without aid or authority from the government, it gives us more enlarged views of their generosity. We trust they will be amply rewarded in the good they will receive to their own souls.

At the hour for services (10:30 a.m.), the house was filled to overflowingCthe seats were occupied and a number squatted on the floor, as on the former occasion.

Let us look at them for a moment. Here on a front seat is Chief Joseph, the head chief of this band. He believes the great Spirit created him a chief. He is not yet converted, and at our former visit could not be induced to enter the church, but today he is here, and it is hoped that ere long he will be brought to the Cross. He has just donned citizens' clothesCis not at ease in the suit, yet is proud of it.

Near the door stands Tom Hill, commissioned by the United States as Lieut. of police. He is the General Grant of the tribe, the chief warrior and statesman. In him is embodied firmness and honestyCa terror to all evil doers on the reservation.

On the left are more of their prominent men: Bald Head, Three Eagles, Jim Horn, Yellow Bull, Yellow Bear, etc. Most of these have been converted and united with the church, the latter with his wife, son, and daughter.

Every convert has put on the white man's clothes, and many of the others. Some few are still robed in the blanket. The women are dressed very much alike; about the only difference is in the color, but red predominates. Their dresses are neat and becoming, and all of the same style. Each one of them has a shawl which covers her from the shoulders to the feet, and their head dress in most cases is a silk handkerchief tied tightly over the head. Their style has some advantages over ours. They have neither flowers nor feathers on their heads to be soiled by the sun or rain, nor trains on their skirts to annoy their friends.

Nearly all, male and female, wore moccasins, most of them ornamented with bead work, a few with silk. The little boys and girls are dressed similar to their seniors, and are squatted on the floor close in front of the preacher's stand. There were quite a number of infants in the congregation, some bound to a board, and could be passed around without any danger to their spines. When not pleased with their treatment, they all spoke in our own native tongue.

The singing was conducted by the Indians themselves in selections from the Gospel Hymns. Besides this everything was said to them through the interpreter, James Reuben.

After the sermon, twenty-two presented themselves for admission and baptism. Questions were asked and satisfactorily answered.

Rev. Mr. Fleming was about to administer the baptismal ordinance, when Tom Hill, who stood at the head of the line, stepped forward and signified that he wished to say something, and then made a wonderful confession of what he had been during his savage life. He said he thought then that the braver he was and the more he could do to overcome his enemies, the better he was, but now his heart was changed and he wanted to live at peace with all men. He hoped his sins were pardoned, and that he would be saved through Christ. This is but an outline of his words. He was then baptized.

The next was Jim Natt. When he first attempted to speak, he broke down and sobbed like a child, and there were tears in more eyes than his. His remarks were similar to Tom Hill's.

Some of the others also made a public confession. Bald Head spoke of how ignorant and wicked he had been; of how he had worshiped spirits among the mountains of Idaho, and how he had been brought from darkness into the light of the Gospel. And now how he had learned of the true Spirit and of the Savior Jesus Christ.

At 1 p.m. services closed until 2:30 p.m., when the Lord's Supper would be administered, and just at the close two others made known their desire to unite with the church. When we again assembled we were agreeably surprised to see twelve present themselves for admission instead of the two expected.

Jim Horn, Jim Natt, and Red Wolf, after being duly elected, were ordained Ruling Elders, and the Presbyterian church of Oakland, Indian Territory, regularly constituted with ninety-three members.

This communion was the most joyful, as well as the most solemn, occasion we have ever been permitted to have. Here was a tribe of Indians who but a few months since were wild savages among the mountains, worshiping they knew not what, following the instincts and habits of their savage life, and believing that goodness lay in bravery and self-inflicted punishment. Now nearly this whole tribe seems to be brought to Christ, and more than one-fourth of their number have publicly confessed Him, and a more earnest, sincere, devoted, humble, and happy people were, perhaps, never seen.

Here is an instance of their sincerity. Many of them, after they had taken the elements into their hands, and before partaking, would engage for a few moments in a silent prayer. Now recollect that this was all done by a people who had never seen such a scene, and who had received no instructions except that from their teacher and interpreter, James Reuben.

It was nearly sundown before the meeting could be brought to a close, and then there were two more who presented themselves for admission, and could we have held another service, no doubt a number more would have made a public profession.

Application has been made through the proper channel to the Board of Missions for assistance for this people. Will not God's people everywhere pray that this may only be the beginning among the Indians, and that they shall soon all learn of the "meek and lowly Jesus?" This people are already letting their light shine. When visitors come from other tribes, instead of entertaining them with a dance as formerly, they entertain them with a prayer meeting, and when they return the visit, they take their prayer-meeting with them; and herein, no doubt, is the secret of the great blessing which has been poured out on this people.

During the summer and until now, they have had a prayer meeting every evening, and on Sabbath days two more. Last 4th of July they spent the whole day in prayer and exhortation. If all God's people would do as this people are doing, no human being could foot up the results. Presbyterian Banner.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1881.

Rev. Fleming reports a continued interest among the Nez Perces in religious matters. Five more were baptized on Sabbath, Feb. 6th, making ninety-seven adults in all since October.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 6, 1881. Editorial Page.

At the meeting of stockmen held at Caldwell, in March last, the privilege of driving through Texas cattle west of the west line of the Nez Perce Agency, and in any direction to shipping points upon the strip of country lying north of that Agency and south of the State line, was accorded.

This action throws our entire State line on the south open to the drive of Texas stock, and as will be readily seen works a great injustice to all owning native stock in the vicinity of the Territory.

Had the "dead line" been placed ten miles south of the State line, with a drive limited to one mile in width, and leading directly north to the various shipping points, this danger would to a great extent have been avoided.

Traveler, April 27, 1881.

The Presbytery of Emporia, at its meeting at Wichita last week, adopted the following resolutions in regard to the work among the Nez Perce Indians.

Resolved, 1st. That Presbytery has heard, with feelings of the very greatest and most profound gratitude, to the great King and head of the church, of the organization by Messrs. Fleming, Wilson, and Marshal, of a Presbyterian church of ninety-eight members among the Nez Perce Indians upon our border, as one of the most remarkable and encouraging works of grace with which it has been our happy privilege to be connected. And,

2nd. That Presbytery unite in a prayer of Thanksgiving under the direction of the Moderator to Almighty God for his great and wonderful grace to these people. And

3rd. That Presbytery affirm to the board of Home Missions its most profound interest in these Indian people, and invoke in their behalf, the tenderest interest and care of this board in the future.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 11, 1881.

The ladies of the Nez Perce persuasion are anxiously looking forward to the arrival of their spring millinery, which will take the form of sun-bonnets. It is a wonder they have not had them before, and this fact cannot but be considered as a strong evidence of their advancement towards an aesthetic civilization.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 18, 1881.

It will be noticed that in another column mention is made of a meeting to be held by the prominent stockholders of this vicinity at the Canal office in this city next Saturday at 2 p.m. All interested in this business are requested to attend, and give the matter of protecting their herds from the contamination consequent upon the driving of Texas cattle promiscuously over the range occupied by domestic stock due attention.

Action on this matter is rendered necessary by the declaration of the stockmen's convention, held at Caldwell, that "through Texas cattle could be driven anywhere west of the Nez Perce Agency, and anywhere along the State line north of that reservation." This, as will readily be seen, works a great hardship upon men holding domestic graded stock in the Territory; in fact, virtually renders it impossible, no man being willing to run the risks of infection from the through cattle.

It is talked of locating the dead line west of the Nez Perce reservation, and north to the State line, but whether this would best subserve the varied interests of this vicinity, it is hard to determine; yet everyone admits that something must be done, and, to this end and purpose, the meeting alluded to above was called.

This will give all interested an opportunity to attend and help in the manner that seems best for the mutual interests involved.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 18, 1881.

Tom Hill, the Nez Perce policeman, shot and wounded "Hooper," a half-breed Indian, last week while endeavoring to arrest him. Hooper had been to Wellington and came back intoxicated and opened fire on Hill, shooting four shots from a Colts pistol without effect. Hill then took his carbine and shot him in the hip. The wound is not considered dangerous.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 25, 1881.

Mr. James Reuben, a Nez Perce Indian, and a deacon in the Presbyterian church, passed through the city on his way to the agency. He is tolerably well educated, and is a very intelligent man.

C. M. Scott diary of May 28, 1881.

Went as far as Nez Perce Agency and stayed at noon. Met Col. Pollack. Then went on to Yellow Bull=s. Rained hard in the evening.

C.M. Scott diary of May 29, 1881.

At Yellow Bull=s. Raining showers. Salt Fork up. Saw Henry Rivers the half breed that was shot by Tom Hill. Called with Yellow Bull on AYellow Head.@

Arkansas City Traveler, June 8, 1881.

Next Sabbath being communion services in the newly organized Nez Perce Indian church, the Rev. S. B. Fleming has promised to assist, consequently there will be no morning services at the First Presbyterian church in this city. In the evening services will be held at the named hour, and the Rev. J. Cairns of Winfield will occupy the pulpit.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 22, 1881.

ARKANSAS CITY, KS., JUNE 20, 1881.

It may be a matter of interest to your readers to hear a little of the work among the Nez Perce Indians at the present time.

In company with my sister-in-law, Miss L. C. Guthrie, I started for Oakland Agency on Saturday, June 11thCthe thermometer standing at about 90. Fortunately for us, and greatly to our comfort, the clouds rising in the west, shading the sun, relieved us from the oppressive-ness of the heat.

We passed along on our journey with pleasure and safety, enjoying the refreshing breeze, the beautiful sunset, and the imposing spectacle in the southwest of a majestic storm cloud rising. At first the sheeted lightning, as the twilight deepened, lit up the "ragged edges" of the cloud with its gleaming coruscations, while the distant muttering of the thunder betokened the approaching storm. Soon the lightning seemed to change from the broad sheeted form to that of chain lightning, and by this we knew that the storm would be upon us soon.

I don't want to be in a storm on the prairie again. I will not attempt to describe it, any more than to say that the wind blew a gale and the electricity fell, seemingly, on every hand, and the rain literally drenched us. After from a half to three-quarters of an hour of such experience, the storm abated somewhat, and we were glad to proceed, over the four remaining miles, to our destination.

On Sabbath morning we repaired to the building used for school purposes, and as it was the day appointed for communion service, we found the house, capable of holding 300 people, filled to overflowing. After some spirited singing in their own language, Rev. Mr. Sawyer preached an earnest and eloquent sermon, followed by a brief exposition of the nature and design of the Lord's supper, by the writer, James Rubens interpreting. Then an opportunity was given to any who desired to do so, to unite with the church by profession of faith. Nine came forward, and after a careful and very satisfactory examination as to their knowledge of the important step they were taking, they were received into full communion with the church.

Among these was Amos Bear, an old man, who, more than forty years ago, was baptized by Missionary Spaulding in Washington Territory. Thus a child of the covenant is reclaimed in his old age. It was truly affecting to see this old man, who was blind as well, stand up and intelligently confess Christ.

At this juncture of the service, we were very glad to see Mr. W. D. Mowry and Miss Parker come in and join us.

But, Mr. Editor, as this has grown already large enough for one communication, I will now close and finish this letter next week.

(Signed) S. B. FLEMING.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 13, 1881.

OAKLAND AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, July 4, 1881.

Thinking some of your readers would like to know how the national holiday was kept among the Nez Perce, I send the following programme of the day's doings.

Long before day break the festivities were inaugurated by the firing of guns and other noisy demonstrations; and at 8 o'clock the police were mounted and en route for the scene of the proposed picnic. Upon arriving at the grounds, I found the Indians ranged in two pro-cessions opposite, and about twenty feet apart, one consisting of Joseph's and Yellow Bull's bands and the other of Huse's Kuttes' and Yellow Bear's bands.

Chief Joseph then advanced and made a speech to the Indians, after which Yellow Bear entertained them in a like manner. Tom Hill was then called upon for a talk, and from his frequent allusion to the "Star-spangled Banner," which was proudly waving over and at the heads of the two columns, it was fair to presume he was explaining to them the "day we celebrate."

Rev. A. B. Lawyer then spoke for a short time, concluding by invoking the blessing of God to be with them throughout the day.

After this a general hand-shaking was commenced and kept up till it was time to repair to the scene of the proposed feastCa large arbor about one hundred feet square.

When the cloth was spread and everything in readiness, the tables presented a very enticing appearance, being literally covered with good things of every descriptionCincluding fish, fowl, and game, early vegetables and fruits, and, in fact, everything that the taste could crave. The blessing was asked by Rev. Lawyer, after which we all fell to work with a will. The dinner was followed by prayer, after which a season of quiet enjoyment was had. In the evening a display of fire-works were given, affording much amusement to the little folks, and not a few of the older ones.

The day of pleasure was brought to a close by the Indians forming a band and going from house to house singing; sometimes in Nez Perce, and at others, well-known strains from the "Gospel Hymns." While watching the proceedings of the day, I could not help thinking of the change for the better which had come over this people, all but twelve of them assembled being in citizens dress. The little school girls made quite a pleasing picture in neatly fitting dressesCthanks to the kindness of Mrs. W. H. Nelson and Mrs. H. J. Henthorn. These ladies, with Messrs. Reuben and Lawyer, have indeed done a noble work for this people in calling them to the fold of the true God and leading them in the path of the good white man.

(Signed) AGRICOLA.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 3, 1881.

James Reuben, a full blood Nez Perce Indian, is attending the Teachers' Normal at Winfield. James is one of the most intelligent Indians in the Nation, is fond of history, and takes great interest in the policies of the Nation.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 31, 1881.

John T. Bennett, a citizen of this county, living between Clear Dale and South Haven, was last Sunday morning arrested by Sheriff Thralls on the charge of stealing cattle, and brought to this city. The Complainants are Nez Perce Indians. There seems to be no doubt of Bennett's guilt, and the Sheriff is of the opinion that he has been engaged in the same business for three years. Mr. Hazzard, to whom the stock was sold, had butchered four of them at the date of Bennett's apprehension. During the afternoon of the same day, he visited the prisoner; and was requested by him to "run" the cattle yet alive, and to efface the brands on the hides of those he had killed. After the preliminary examination, he will be taken to Fort Smith to be tried in the Federal Court. Wellingtonian.

Traveler, October 5, 1881.

Chiefs Joseph and Yellow Bull came up again last week to trade Indian goods for eatables. The Nez Perce Indians have almost stopped the glove trade for our merchants, by the gloves of their own make. During the past year they have disposed of more than one thousand pair of gloves, besides moccasins and numerous other Indian trinkets. This tribe is especially energetic and are fast learning the ways of the white man. A large quantity of seed wheat was issued to them at Ponca Agency, and they will be busy during the next ten days putting it in the ground.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1882.

A memorial from the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Kansas has been gotten up and forwarded to the President, asking for the restoration of the Nez Perce Indians to their home in Idaho Territory. From the tenor of the memorial, we cannot but think that the Indians have been ill-treated and that the ends of justice and humanity would be best served by a compliance with the petitioners' request therein contained.

Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882..

The COURIER job office has printed a AMemorial to the President of the United States, from the Synod of Kansas of the Presbyterian Church, asking for the restoration of the Nez Perce Indians to their home in Idaho Territory.@ This memorial was prepared by a committee appointed for that purpose by the Synod, consisting of Rev. James E. Platter, Rev. Samuel B. Fleming, and Rev. James Wilson, and is as well written and as neatly printed as any pamphlet we ever saw. It covers the whole ground and shows from public documents and the reports and statements of officers of the army and Indian department that by the treaty of 1855 the Nez Perces were entitled to that territory in Idaho which they considered their ancestral home; that the whites came to want to occupy their territory for speculative and other purposes, and that the treaty of 1863 was proposed which would remove them to a reservation, that a portion of the tribe known as Joseph=s band refused to sign the treaty ceding their portion of the territory to the United States, but remained thereon, as they had the right to do; that the unjust attempt to drive them from this land brought on what was known as Chief Joseph=s war; that they fought bravely and finally surrendered under the stipulation that they should be sent back to Idaho; that instead thereof, they were sent to the Indian Territory and that sickness, caused by the change of climate, has reduced their numbers from 950 to 320; that now they are entirely supported by the government, while in Idaho they were, and the rest of the tribe are, self-supporting; that they have only the longing desire to return to their old home; that the Nez Perces have always been loyal and peaceable, and are very far superior to most of the Indians in morals and intelligence. In conclusion, it makes a most powerful and convincing appeal on their behalf and we hope it will have the desired effect.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1882.

The Nez Perce Indians are much interested in the efforts of the Presbyterian Synod to have them removed to their old home in Idaho. In the name of God and humanity, they should be permitted to go. Joseph never signed the treaty, deeding away his lands, and duly fought as any man would have fought for his home. Besides his home, the Government took from him 1,000 horses. He was wealthy then. He is a pauper now. His band numbered nearly 1,000 souls then; it numbers 320 now.

Courant, May 25, 1882.

James Reuben, the Nez Perce Indian who attended the Normal here last year, came up Monday from the Territory with Dr. Minthorne and has been stopping in the city ever since.

Traveler, May 31, 1882.

The order abandoning Fort Dodge has been received, and the troops now there will be sent to Camp Supply, Forts Reno and Elliott.

The Indian Industrial School to be located in the Indian Territory, just south of Arkansas City, is no longer a myth. Word has just been received from Senator Plumb that his amend-ment to the general Indian appropriation bill, appropriating $25,000 for the Indian Industrial School, has become a law. The bill requires the school to be located in the Indian Territory, near the south line of the State of Kansas, convenient to the Ponca and Nez Perce reservations. The site selected is on the banks of the Chilocco, near the place where the three large springs flow into that stream.

$15,000 of the present appropriation is to be used in erecting buildings, and $10,000 to run the school for the first year. This is the best location we know of in the United States for such a school. An abundance of stone of the very best quality can be found nearby for all building purposes, and a better agricultural district cannot be found anywhere. The school will be convenient to all the Agencies, so that the distance to be traveled by the students will not be a drawback to attending it, and the farmers of Bolton township have no superiors in the State, and thus the students will have the advantage of observing first-class farming in the immediate vicinity of the school. We predict that the school will have a full attendance, also, for the reason that the scholars are afforded an opportunity to see their relatives and friends occasionally, and will feel more at home than in Pennsylvania.

They will also be far enough away from the uncivilized tribes to prevent their unruly influence being felt. It will have a tendency to make an industrious class of people of the tribes south of us, and will develop the resources of the best agricultural district in the Indian Territory. It means the occupancy of a large district of the now unoccupied lands near the south line of this county by the class of Indians who are anxious to become first-class farmers and stock raisers. It also means the shipment of the different kinds of commerce to and from this section of country at some time in the near future. It means incalculable benefits to the Indians, business for the businessmen of Arkansas City, and prosperity for Southern Kansas, if the present intentions are carried out as they should be. Our people will give every encouragement to such an enterprise, and we wish it the best of success.

Koots-koots-hah-ats-wa, is what the Nez Perce Indians have to say for boy. At that rate it would take them all day to say man.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1882.

Messrs. Yellow Bull, chief of the Nez Perces, and White Eagle, chief of the Poncas, addressed the people at the Arkansas City celebration Tuesday. Yellow Bull made a very good speech, detailing the wrongs which the government had heaped upon his people by removing them from Idaho, where there was good water and good game, for this hot southern country. He is a fine-looking Indian and quite intelligent. White Eagle is a fat, hearty-looking chap, and said he didn=t have any desire to go on the war-path, but would be content with extra rations of beef and dog meat.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1882.

As we understand it, the Pawnee, Otoe, Ponca, and Nez Perce Agencies, in the Territory, are to be consolidated under the Agent, and Maj. Woodin, now of the Otoe Agency, will be the gentleman retained. We also understand that Agents Bowman and Jordan have been tendered other appointments in the Indian service.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1882.

Courier Clips.

We noticed one very significant thing at the Arkansas City celebration, Thursday. Every exhilarating citizen on the grounds was from Winfield. Arkansas City was on her best behavior, while Winfield seems to have gone abroad to make a fool of herself.

Messrs. Yellow Bull, chief of the Nez Perce, and White Eagle, chief of Poncas, addressed the people at the Arkansas City celebration Tuesday. Yellow Bull made a very good speech, detailing the wrongs which the government had heaped upon his people by removing them from Idaho, where there was good water and good game, for this hot southern country. He is a fine-looking Indian and quite intelligent. White Eagle is a fat, hearty-looking chap, and said he didn't have any desire to go on the warpath, but would be content with extra rations of beef and dog meat.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 2, 1882.

Probably one of the most remarkable Indians in the Territory is James Reuben, a full-blood Nez Perce Indian, now employed by the government teaching school at the Nez Perce Agency, Indian Territory. James has read all the standard modern and ancient histories, as well as the biographies of our most prominent men and books of travel. He is a regular ordained Presbyterian minister, and is thoroughly conversant with the scriptures. During the fight with Chief Joseph, he acted as scout for Gen. Miles, and performed many daring deeds. Transporter.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1883.

The following extract from the Report of the Secretary of the Interior for the year ending June, 1882, gives some facts relative to the Nez Perces Indians not generally known.

The number of this band now in the Indian Territory is 90 men, 146 women, 54 boys, and 33 girls, making a total of 323. Of those who surrendered at Bear Pan Mountain, Montana, in October, 1877, 451 were transferred to Fort Leavenworth at one time, and a few others, subsequently captured, were also taken to that post. In July, 1878, 410 were turned over to the Interior Department and taken to the Indian Territory. Notwithstanding the births since that time, the total number has decreased to that given above.

Believing that the war, which exiled these people from Idaho, was the result of a failure of the government to keep its plighted faith, as a member of the United States Senate, I opposed their removal against their will to the Indian Territory. I considered such removal a violation of the terms on which they had surrendered. They had been forced into war, and contending with an army far outnumbering them, had made a fight almost without a parallel in the annals of history, extending over a district of more than 1,300 miles, and then, though entrenched in the rocks where they could not have ben dislodged without great loss to the Army, as well as to themselves, surrendered. As Joseph says, because he did not want anymore lives sacrificed.

General Miles, the officer to whom the surrender was made, says, in a communication addressed to the President in February, 1881, that he informed them that it was the design of the government to place them upon what is known as the small Nez Perces reservation in Idaho, and he believes in due regard for his word, the good faith of the government, and every other consideration requires that his promise given the Nez Perces at that time be made good. He further speaks of the hardships suffered by the Nez Perces in consequence of their removal to the Indian Territory, and recommends that they be returned to Idaho.

I concur in these recommendations, and recommend that provisions be made to carry them out.

The Nez Perces have changed very much in manner of living and style of dress since going to the Indian Territory. Nearly or quite all have adopted citizens= clothing. They have an organized churchCPresbyterianCof over one hundred and fifty members; have been industrious, and ready to respond to any requirements of the department. Their advancement in civilization has been such that it is not believed any trouble would follow their return to Idaho. Their faith in the ultimate fulfilling of the promise made them of being returned to that country has been a strong incentive to them in the advancement they have made. Some assistance by the government would be necessary in helping them to make a commencement after reaching there, when they would be self-supporting, as those of the tribe now there are.

The Caldwell Journal, July 5, 1883.

The last Cheyenne Transporter contains the following items.

It is the usual custom of the Nez Perce to make annual visits to their neighboring tribes to witness the AMedicine dances,@ etc. As it is customary among all Indians to present their guests with some ponies, the Nez Perce, of course, make this the main object of these visits. This year they came too late to receive gifts from the Cheyennes. Last year the visiting committee of the Nez Perce received at an Arapahoe dance some twenty-seven head of ponies. Last Friday Yellow Bull, Chief Joseph, Jr., accompanied by about forty Nez Perce, arrived at this place, remaining a few days, and then passed down the trail to the Wichita Agency, where the Comanches are holding a AMedicine dance.@ This heathen custom is not practiced by the Nez Perce, but they take a great interest in the dancing of other IndiansCtheir main object being to get a choice lot of ponies.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1884.

Last week the Traveler briefly mentioned the visit of James Reuben, an ordained minister of the Nez Perce tribe, to his people south of Arkansas City, and his hope that congress had at last recognized the justice of the Nez Perce=s claim for removal to a more healthful location, and provided for their transportation. Since then we have looked over the sundry appropriation bills introduced by the house, as returned with senate amendments, and find the following paragraph:

AFor support and civilization of Joseph=s band of Nez Perce Indians in the Indian Terri-tory, $20,000; and of this amount a sum not exceeding $1,625 may be paid under the direction of the secretary of the interior, to James Reuben, for expenses incurred by him in taking thirty-three Nez Perce Indians from the Indian Territory to Idaho, and the Secretary of the interior is authorized to expend the balance of this appropriation for the Nez Perce Indians now in the Indian Territory to some other location if he deems it proper so to do, and for their support at such new location.@

At this time we deem this question of sufficient importance to devote a large part of our space to a short history of these Indians and their fortunes since moving into the Indian Territory.

Chief Joseph=s band, at the time of their surrender to Gen. Miles, numbered about 950Cscarcely one-fourth of the entire tribe. They entered into war against the government only as an act of self defense, or for maintaining property rights. They refused to sign the treaty of 1863, which took from them the land to which they were so greatly attached, and cited as a reason therefore that the government had heretofore failed to live up to its treaty stipulationsCthat the covenants of a treaty were Aa band of steel to the Indian but a mere rope of sand to the white man.@ This action resulted in a war between the Indians and the government, which of course resulted in defeat to the former. We can hardly call it defeat, however, for they surrendered with the understanding that they were to be returned to Idaho.

But here is where the injustice to these Indians commenced. Simply as prisoners of war they were transferred, first to Fort Leavenworth and located on the low bottom land of the Missouri river, then to the Indian Territory. From the first, Chief Joseph and his band have seen that their stipulations with the government were to be ignored, as had been the case with other tribes, and that they must depend upon outside influence for help.

To this end Revs. Fleming and Wilson, of this city (Arkansas City) and Rev. Platter, deceased, of Winfield, labored until they secured the united effort of the Presbyterian general assembly on their behalf. This influential body brought the matter before the government in such a light as to command recognition, and to this agency, and the labors of these gentlemen, are the Nez Perce principally indebted for the tardy justice done them.

That it is a subject worthy the attention of all humane people, we need only cite a few undisputed facts. Out of the 950 souls that crossed the Lolo trail in June, 1877, there now remain but 276Csickness, as a result of climatic changes, being the principal agent in this work of decimation. Of all the children born into this tribe since their settlement south of us, only three have lived to the age of two years. This applies to children born later than one year after the settlement of the parents in the Indian Territory. Another striking, yet no less true, result of their life in this climate is the fact that in a large majority of instances the children are still-born and born from one to three months before maturity. Add to this the continual decrease among the aged, by death, and we are not surprised at the rapid extinction of this race.

Leaving aside all sentimental ideas of the superlative goodness of Apoor Lo,@ or any of his relatives, pure justice and humanity long ago demanded that Chief Joseph=s band be returned to Idaho, where the government promised to send them at the time of their surrender. These Indians are of a higher grade than many others. They are better educated, are more anxious to become citizens of the United States, and in a country favorable to their health will soon be beyond the common red man. One-half of Chief Joseph=s band are fully accepted members of the Presbyterian church.

Another item in favor of their removal is that of economy to the government. In Idaho these Indians are self-supporting, never accepting any rations from the government, while here they are pensioners upon the government, and their passionate desire to be reunited with their tribe makes it well nigh impossible to interest them in any scheme of self improvement. The main body of the tribe in Idaho, numbering about 2,500, say they will take care of Joseph=s bandCthat they will cost the government no more, if they are only allowed to return to the clear mountain air of their natural home.

We are glad congress has at last resolved to right the wrongs of these Indians, and this action will be indorsed by every lover of justice. They will probably remain here through the summer until they have gathered their crops, but it looks now as though the fall months will see them joyfully returning to their mountain haunts, where the historic Joseph and his band can end their days in peaceCsinking quietly to rest surrounded by kindred and friends, breathing an air full of tribal traditions and laden with health for a future generation, rich in its promise of a higher citizenship. Those who have worked to this end rejoice with them and hope that new life will be given to a band of Indians who at heart were ever friends to the white man.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 27, 1885.

After long delay and repeated disappointments, the government has at length got ready to move (the Nez Perce); and is entrusted with the duty of removing these people to Lapwai. They gladly packed up their effects, and on Thursday morning started from their agency, leaving the horses and cattle issued to them by the government to be sold in their interest by Agent Scott. Transportation was furnished for their baggage, and some few women with their young children rode; but most of the tribe tramped through the deep mud, and arrived in town late the same night or early the following morning.

By ten o=clock they were mustered at the depot, where a special train of seven emigrant cars, sent here from McPherson, was waiting to receive them.

The departure of the train was delayed till the arrival of the Winfield express at noon; the last adieux were then said, the whistle screamed and those battle-tried aborigines started on their return to their former homes. This route will be by the Santa Fe to McPherson, thence to Denver by the Kansas Division, and on to Cheyenne and Ogden. The Utah & Northwestern (narrow gauge) running to Montana, will carry them within a few miles of Lapwai.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 16, 1884. Rev. A. B. Lawyer went to Washington last week to meet the committee appointed by the synod of the Presbyterian Church upon the matter of the return of the Nez Perce Indians to their former home in Idaho Territory.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1884. Archie Lawyer, the regularly ordained Nez Perce Presbyterian minister, and an Indian of unusual intelligence, returned from Washington last week, where he had been to intercede with the powers that be requesting the return of the Nez Perce to their mountain home in Idaho.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1884.

Red Elk, brother of the Nez Perce chief, Yellow Bull, died last week at his camp on the Chicaskia. He was a large, powerful Indian who had successfully braved the trials and hardships of many battles in the north, but the malaria of this southern climate proved more destructive than the weapons of his enemies in human form. The fatality of this tribe since their removal to the Indian Territory has been alarming. To say the least, it seems cruel that these Indians are forced to remain in a climate so full of death for them.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1884.

Mr. R. A. Houghton, of Arkansas City, has succeeded in securing a lease from the Nez Perce Indians, their entire reservation situated on the Cherokee Strip, for a term of ten years. The reservation is 12 miles square, and one of the best watered and grassed ranges in the Territory. The annual rental is about 22 cents per acre. Mr. Houghton has a bonanza in this range, and we wish him success. He has about 2,500 cattle on the range now and will place a lot more on it during the summer. He will try the Galloway mulleys a turn and see what the result will be on the beef part of his herd. Caldwell Journal.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1884. [From Arkansas City Traveler.]

Archie Lawyer, a full blood Nez Perce Indian, has just had some envelopes printed at the Traveler office. Mr. Lawyer is a regularly ordained Presbyterian minister, a man of much intelligence, and an earnest worker in the interests of the tribe. He believes the interior department will take some action soon looking to returning the Nez Perces to their northern home. In the interest of humanity, we hope this change will be made.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.

[Frederic Lockley, Editor & Publisher of Traveler.]

During our brief stay at the Agency, Chief Joseph came in from the Nez Perce camp with his wife. The once haughty chief maintains his intelligent look and robust proportions, but his adoption of white men=s ways is evidently a humiliation, and he still holds to the aboriginal belief that he and his people have been deprived of their former homes by pale face usurpation. When questioned as to the impending removal of himself and followers to the great Northwest, he merely remarked that it would have been more reasonable in Washington to have first consulted the Nez Perce in the selection of a future home. Chief Joseph is a man of solid sense, but the rapid spread of the white race over the hereditary hunting grounds of the red man evidently confuses him, and he is unable to keep up with the march of events. The fate of poor Lo is a sad one, but like Napoleon at Marengo, when informed of the death of Desaix de Veygaux, we have not time to weep for him.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 15, 1885.

In accordance with the provisions of the last Indian appropriation bill, Commissioner Atkins has ordered the removal of Joseph=s band of Nez Perce Indians from the Territory. Of the 282 Indians composing this band, 112 will be sent to the Colville reservation, Washington Territory, and the remainder to the Lapwai Reservation, Idaho Territory.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 20, 1885.

It was some time since announced that Chief Joseph=s band of Nez Perce, who have for some years been living near the Ponca reservation, would shortly be restored to their former homes at Lapwai, Idaho Territory. The special agent charged with the duty of conducting these people to their destination is Dr. W. H. Faulkner, who has been spending some time with his charge, and proposes to start this morning with all he can gather up in the agency, the number being given at 265 persons. There are a few children belonging to the band at the Chilocco and Carlisle schools, who will remain there for the present, and be sent to their families when they are through with their course. Dr. Faulkner with his band of Nez Perce expects to reach here some time tomorrow, and they will stay over the remainder of the day and Friday forenoon to do what trading they want, and then take the train in the afternoon. Owing to the hostility of the settlers about Lapwai, Chief Joseph and a few of his more prominent warriors will be sent to Spokane, Washington Territory.

These unfortunate people have behaved in an exemplary manner during their stay in the territory, and they leave their temporary resting place with the good wishes of all who came in contact with them. Bon voyage.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 27, 1885.

The promise of the Indian department to Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perce, so long unfulfilled, of returning them to their former home in Idaho has at length been redeemed, and on Friday the rejoicing redskins started off to the number of 268 souls. It is known to the reader that this band of the Nez Perce were gathered up by Gen. Miles at the close of the war with that tribe, about five years ago, and after their removal to Fort Leavenworth and detention there for a time, they were assigned to their recent place of abode, adjoining the Ponca reservation. Being swept up by the military as prisoners of war, the band was composed of parts of families, and when they found themselves banished to a strange land, they became moody and discontented and took no interest in the affairs of life. A warmer climate did not seem to agree with them, for the children born to the tribe in the Indian Territory died in infancy, and some of the adults so completely lost heart that they resorted to suicide. But they grew out of this feeling of despondency after awhile, and, under the teachings of the agency people, applied themselves to work. Chief Joseph, who as the champion of the rights of his people, had shown himself one of the most doughty warriors who have illustrated the annals of the red race when subjugated by superior force, accepted the situation in good faith, and has since exercised a wholesome influence over his followers. The Nez Perce pursued the white man=s path, planted corn, raised cattle, sent their children to school, and behaved in an exemplary manner.

But their hearts still turned to the home of their fathers, and promises have been made to them all along that they should be taken back to Idaho. After long delay and repeated disappointment, the government has at length got ready to move; and two weeks ago, Dr. Faulkner came out, entrusted with the duty of removing these people to Lapwai. They gladly packed up their effects, and on Thursday morning started from their agency, leaving the horses and cattle issued to them by the government to be sold in their interest by Agent Scott. Transportation was furnished for their baggage, and some few women with their young children rode; but most of the tribe tramped through the deep mud, and arrived in town late the same night or early the following morning.

Here they spent the early forenoon, disposing of the few ponies they had brought along, and making necessary purchases. By ten o=clock they were mustered at the depot, where a special train of seven emigrant cars, sent here from McPherson, was in waiting to receive them. Some little trouble was caused by the children from the Chilocco school, who had been sent to town to join in the hegira of their parents, being refused transportation by the special agent. But Dr. Minthorn=s deputy (a Mr. Munson), who had the children in custody, urged upon Dr. Faulkner the moral obligation that rested upon him to take them, informing him of the argument used with the parents that sending their children to school would be regarded by their great father as an evidence of their trust and docility, and would hasten their return to their former homes. The solemn promise was at the same time made that the young folks should accompany their parents on their return to early camping ground. This argument prevailed with the doctor, and he admitted the children to the cars.

The departure of the train was delayed till the arrival of the Winfield express at noon; the last adieux were then said, the whistle screamed, and those battle-tried aborigines started on their return to their former homes. This route will be by the Santa Fe to McPherson, thence to Denver by the Kansas Division, and on to Cheyenne and Ogden. The Utah & Northwestern (narrow gauge), running to Montana, will carry them within a few miles of Lapwai. Only 124 of the band go to this station, the remainder accompany Chief Joseph to Eastern Washington.

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.

Capt. C. M. Scott was in the city Friday with Chiefs Joseph and Yellow Bull, of the Nez Perce Indians. They were here for the purpose of perfecting a lease to R. A. Houghton for 75,000 acres of their land. The lease was for ten years and for a consideration of $2,000 per year. It will make a pasture capable of holding 4,000 head of cattle.