White River Agency, Colorado.
February 3, 1879.
Sir: I have yours January 20, 1879 “A” Colorado, “M” 2413 1878, in reply to mine of December 2, 1878, in regard to furnishing wagons to Indians in exchange for horses, and I agree with you that difficulties might arise. My suggestion arose in wanting the Indians to pay something for wagons, but it is likely such an arrangement would work better after we progress further, for now we are only beginning. I wish therefore you could furnish, say-
$210.00 —.3 2½ -inch light 2-horse wagons, costing in Chicago $70 each
$115.00 — 3 sets double harness, $35 each
$325.00
I write in another letter of this date, that one Indian, Johnson, is anxious for a wagon, that we are breaking a span of horses for him and that I shall loan him a wagon. Douglas, the chief, also needs one, and should have it; also several others. I think I could make great headway if I could supply them.
In this connection I would refer you to my letter, December 16, 1878, being a request for one dozen 1-horse turning and shovel plows; one harrow (Thomas), and 1 dozen gears or plow harness (collar, hames, bridle, and draw chains), which we badly need for our own and Indians use next season costing less than $300. I hope there will be no failure in providing funds for these in this quarter’s remittance; and also provide for the wagons.
These things cannot well be bought elsewhere than in Chicago, and I can order them, or would prefer they be bought by your purchasing agent, if you have one there.
Respectfully,
N. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent.
HON. E.A. HAYT,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.
Department of the Interior
Office of Indian Affairs,
February 3, 1879.
Sir: In reply to your letter of the 6th ultimo, in which you ask authority to buy three span of mules and a ton of grain for seed, you are informed that the honorable Secretary of the Interior has authorized you to buy the same in open market at a cost not to exceed $1,000.
Very respectfully,
E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner.
N.C. MEEKER, Indian Agent, White River Agency, Colorado, via Rawlins, Wyo.
