Report-1853, March 31

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor School to Luke Lea, Commissioner of Indian Affairs dated Mar 31, 1853

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F.L. Ind. M.L. School
March 31st 1853

Sir,

   I have the honor to submit to you the accompanying documents as the Report of our School for the Quarter ending March 31st 1853.

   Document no. 1 [M234 roll 787 frame 588-]-is an exhibit of the names of scholars in the Female+ no 2, [M234 roll 786 frames 817-818] of those in the male Department, together with other items of information required by instructions.

   The number of scholars, as you will find by this Exhibit, is sixty in the Female,+ thirty-nine in the male Department; making an aggregate of ninety nine in the Institution.

   This you will perceive is an increase over the numbers reported for previous quarters;+ is to be accounted for, in part at least, by the fact that during the last winter an unusually large number of Shawnees have died+ left their children to be supported and Educated by this Institution. This has filled up our school, especially the Female Department, with orphan children to such an extent that it has been with some difficulty we have been able to accomodate all the applicants.

   Though sickness has been so prevalent+ fatal among the adjacent tribes generally, yet I am happy to state that the last quarter has been one of unusual good health with the scholars, as there has not been a death, or a case of severe among them. For this distinguished blessing, as well as for all others, we desire to be thankful to the Author of all good.

I have the honor to be yours etc.
Thos Johnson Supt.

Hon Luke Lea
Com. Ind. Affairs

P.S. As we have but few vouchers ready+ as it is not convenient for us to close our accounts at this time, we have deferred sending vouchers until next quarter.

T.J.

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[Transcribed from National Archives microfilm series M234, roll 786, frames 814- 815 by Roger Berg Jr., April, 1992]