Report-1847, April 9

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School W. Patton, Superintendent Manual Labor School to Wm. Medill, Commissioner of Indian Affairs dated Apr 9, 1846

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Ind, M. L. School, Ind, Territory
April 9th 1847

Dear Sir

    In compliance with previous instructions, I herewith make my first quarterly report, for the current year, of the condition of the Indian Manual Labor School under my superintendence. The school for this quarter consists of Delaware children 34, males 16, females 18, and of all other Indian children 44 males and 16 females. Total number for the quarter ending the 31st of March, 1847 one hundred and four,

    The course of study, the time employed each day in school etc. are pretty much as heretofore reported to the Department, adopting, however, such improvements, from time to time as the lights of experience seem to indicate as being necessary, The course of manual labor is substantially as heretofore, the girls being engaged, under the direction of an instructress, as is appropriate to their sex,+ the boys in such as is appropriate for them. The entire school, I think has been making good progress during the past quarter, greater, perhaps, than during any previous quarter since I became connected with the institution.

    The general health of the school continued good up to the close of the quarter, unusually good, when we take into account the number of the children together.

    We are now engaged in putting into the ground our spring crops, oats, corn, etc. with a fair prospect of a good harvest. Our shops are doing reasonably well at present; as also our steam flouring+ saw mill.

    Accompanying this you will also receive my account of disbursements for the first quarter of the fiscal year, with vouchers.

I have the honor to be, dear sir,
Your obedient Servant
W. Patton
Supt. Ind. M. L. School

Hon Wm Medill
Com. Ind Affairs

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[Transcribed from National Archives microfilm Series M234, roll 783, frames 1087-1088 by Roger Berg Jr., April, 1992]