Department of the Interior
Washington
October 9th, 1850
Sir,
Upon consultation with the President and with his [illegible?], it has been determined to appoint Messrs. McKee, Barbour and Wozencraft Commissioners, under that section of the Act outlined "An act to make appropriations for the conduct and contingent expenses of the Indian Department and for fulfilling treaty stipulations with the various Indian tribes for the year ending 30th of June 1851, which appropriates $25,000 'to enable the President to [illegible?] treaties with the various Indian tribes in the State of California".
The functions and salaries of these gentlemen as resident Indian Agents are suspended with their duties under this Commissions are fulfilled. Messrs. McKee and Barbour will proceed to California and in Conjunction with their associate Mr. Wozencraft make such explorations of the Indian country and such examinations with their condition and habits as customs & [illegible?] may allow. The Commissions will also be instructed to make such treaties and compacts with the Indians as may seen to be just and proper. [It?] also desirable that they should ascertain what are the most suitable divisions of the country, having regard to territory, and the tribes of Indians, for permanent Indian agencies. Full reports upon all these points will be required by this Department, and when those reports are made [illegible?] of [demarcation?] between the several agencies will be made and points selected for the location of [drafts?] of clothing, provisions to, and the resident of the agents.
You will prepare instructions to in conformity with the above.
I am very respectfully
your obt. servant
Alex H. H. Stuart
Secretary
The Commission of Indian Affairs
