Report-1847, November 17

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 Nov 17, 1847

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Ind. M. L. School, Nov. 17, 1847

Dear Sir,

    In compliance with the instructions of the Indian Department, I herewith make my third quarterly report for the current year, ending Sept. 30th, of the condition of the Indian Manual Labor School under my care. The school continued only one month of the third quarter and closed a ten month session the last of July. The number of Delaware children may be set down, for the month of July, as reported in my last, 33 Delawares, 16 males+ 17 females; and of all other Indian children, 51 males and 21 females. The total number for the quarter ending July, or rather the month, ending July 31st 1847 is one hundred and five. Triplicate copies of the number of schollars [sic] etc., for the scholastic year, have been made out, and two furnished Maj. Cummins, Agent for Fort Leavenworth Agency, one to be kept by himself, and the other to be sent to the Department at Washington, which I presume you have received, and which shows the aggregate number for the year to be 131 that have received more or less instruction during that period.

    The course of study, the time employed each day in school, etc. etc., are the same as found in my last report to the Department.

    The health of the school has continued unusually good throughout the entire session, for which we would offer up our sincere gratitude to the Bountiful giver of all blessings.

    We have an abundance of wheat, corn, oats, etc. and our shops have done pretty well during the past session. Our mills continue to be of great service to the neighboring Indians, by supplying them with flour, corn meal, etc., and by giving many of those who live immediately around employment in various ways, and, consequently, affording them something for the support of themselves and families. Accompanying this, you will also receive my account of disbursements for the third quarter, with vouchers.

    In as much as I expect to retire from this Institution shortly, I would take this opportunity of recommending to your favorable consideration, the Rev. Thomas Johnson, who is to succeed me in the superintendency of this Establishment.

I have the honor to be, dear Sir,
Your obt. 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 1105-1106 by Roger berg Jr., April, 1992]