Report-1847, February 16

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School from W. Patton, Superintendent Manual Labor School dated Feb 16, 1847

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Ind. M.L. School
Feb. 16, 1847

Dear Sir,

    In compliance with your instructions, I herewith make my fourth 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 36 Delaware children, 19 males and 17 females, and of other Indian children 76, 55 males and 21 females, total number for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 1846 one hundred and twelve.

    The time devoted to study, in school is six hours each day, and the remaining part of the day they are engaged in manual labor. The girls under the direction of a matron, knit, weave, spin, sew, wash, cook, and attend to such other work as may be necessary, and suitable for their sex. The boys work in the mechanic shops + in the farm under the care and instruction of suitable instructors. The progress they have made during the last quarter, in several respects, I think, is consider­ ably greater, than during the previous quarter. Their progress at best must necessarily be slow, when we take into the account that on coming here they have almost everything to learn, both in regards to letters+ civilized life.

    The general health of the school, during the quarter, has been unusually good, there being scarcely a case worth noticing during the whole period. Our crops have all been gathered in, and our shops and mills are going on in about their usual course of operation. I noticed in my last report, the advantages of our mills to the Indians, and more especially to the Shawnees, and I would remark here, that these advantages are more fully impressed upon my mind just at this period than at any former time. The Indians are now furnishing us our stock of wood for our steam mills, and to witness the industry now shown, and the emulation to see who can get the most in in due time, is really interesting.

    As winter is now passing away, we are making preparations for our spring crops, and hope to [be] ready in due time to put in and raise our usual quantity of breadstuffs.

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

I have the honor to be dear Sir,
Your obt. Servant
W. Patton
Sup Ind M L School

P.S. – I have not been informed whether my report for the 3rd quarter for the current year reached the Department or not. Please inform me. Lest it should not, I have sent by Rev. J.C. Berryman, former supt. at this place, duplicates of said report.

W.P.

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[Transcribed from National Archives microfilm series M234, roll 783, frames 1080- 1081 by Roger Berg Jr., April, 1992]