Report-1847, August 6

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 Aug 6, 1847

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Ind. M. L. School Ind. Territory
August 6th, 1847

Dear Sir,

    In compliance with previous instructions I herewith make my second quarterly report, for the current year, of the condition of the Indian Manual Labor School under my care. The school for this quarter, consists of 33 Delaware children, 16 males+ 17 females and of all other Indian children, 51 males and 21 females. The total number for the quarter ending June 30th 1847, is one hundred and five.

    The course of study, the time employed each day in school etc. etc.are pretty much the same as found in my last report to the Department. The students have made some progress in their studies during the last quarter, some more and some less, all I think, however, are advancing.

    The health of the school has been unusually good, better, perhaps, than any former period of its history at the same season of the year.

    We have a fair prospect of a bountiful harvest this season, and, consequently, a good supply of breadstuffs. Our shops are doing moderately well at present, and the boys engaged in learning the different trades, are making progress, and I would say in regard to some, good progress in learning. One very great difficulty we have to contend with is, the getting of the boys who commence to learn the trades, to remain in the shops during something like the regular term of apprenticeship. In a number of instances, so soon as they are capable of doing some little work, they are disposed to leave, and, consequently, do but little afterwards. We have, at different periods, adopted various expedients to remedy this evil, but have not as yet entirely succeeded.

    Accompanying this you will also receive my account of disbursements for the second quarter with vouchers.

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

Hon. W. Madill [sic]
Com. Ind. Affairs

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[Transcribed from National Archives microfilm Series M234, roll 783, frames 1090-1091 by Roger Berg Jr., April 1992]