Report-1848, April 18

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor School to Wm. Medill, Commissioner of Indian Affairs dated Apr 18, 1848

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[April 18, 1848]

Dear Sir

   In compliance with the instructions of the Indian Department I herewith make my first quarterly report for the current year ending March 31st 1848 of the condition of the Ind. M. L. School under my care.

   The number of Delaware children attending school during this quarter is forty six; twenty six males and twenty females and from other Tribes sixty seven, forty eight males, and nineteen females; making the whole number for this quarter one hundred and thirteen.

   The course of study, the time employed each in school etc. is about the same as stated in my last report to the department. The students all appear to be making as much progress in their studies as could reasonably be expected when we take into account that the first year at least is required for gaining some knowledge of the English language.

   One of the greatest obstacles we have to encounter is the difficulty we find in keeping the children long enough to complete their education or to get a thorough knowledge of the mechanic branches which they undertake to learn: but still we are of opinion that notwithstanding some remain with us but a short time yet they gain some little knowledge of civilized life which they carry home with them and disseminate among their own people. To this we may attribute in great measure the progress made in civilization among the Shawnees and Delawares.

   Each day after the hours of study are over the boys who are not employed in the mechanic shops are engaged on the farm and garden and in cutting wood, feeding and attending stock etc. The females in spinning, weaving, sewing, washing, cooking and all the various duties of housewifery –

   We had the misfortune to have our wagon and smith shops burnt down a few weeks since, together with all the tools and a considerable amount of unfinished work.

   In this misfortune we have sustained a heavy loss not only in the property that was consumed but also by throwing the mechanics out of employment for want of tools and materials. We are now rebuilding and hope in a few weeks to be ready for work again.

   Our steam flouring mill has been, and still continues to be of great benefit to the various Tribes of Indians adjacent to the institution; as we grind for them upon very moderate terms, and also give them the opportunity of paying for flour and meal by their labor they have been enabled to have a supply at all times.

   Our farming operations are conducted about as usual, and our wheat crop looks as promising as is common at this season of the year.

   The health of the Institution during this quarter has been generally good, during the last month however we have had three or four cases of pneumonia, a disease very prevalent among Indians during the winter.

   Accompanying this you will also receive my account of disbursement for this quarter with vouchers

I have the honor to be dear sir
Your obt servant
Thomas Johnson

Hon. W. Medill
com. Ind. Affs.
Apr. 18th 1848

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[Transcribed from microfilm roll number MS980 frames 243-245 in the collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, (National Archives Microfilm Series M234, roll 784) by Roger Berg Jr., June, 1991]