Report-1848, December 30

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School by Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor School to Wm. Medill, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City, D. C. dated Dec 30, 1848

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Fort Leavenworth Ind. M. L. School
Dec. 30th 1848

Dear Sir

   In compliance with the instructions of the Indian Department I now make my fourth quarterly report for the current year ending Dec. 31st 1848 of the condition of the Indian Manual Labor School under my care.

   The schools are not yet quite as full this session as they have been at some former periods owing, probably in part to the other schools that have recently been established in the Indian country. The Kickapoos are making preparations to establish a school in their nation and consequently have taken all their children from us. The Delawares have two schools in operation the Wea’s one, the Shawnees two etc. Another cause of the difficulty in keeping the school filled is this, that these Border Tribes are becoming quite an agricultural people, and as soon as their children are large enough they want their services on their farms, especially such as have been taught work at the manual labor schools. Notwithstanding we find some difficulty in collecting and keeping together as many children as we are prepared to accommodate. Still, what we have appear to be contented and are making as much progress in their studies as could be expected. They are kept in the school rooms at their studies (as heretofore) six hours a day; the remainder of the time the boys are employed in cutting wood, feeding and attending the stock etc. in winter, and in summer in working in the garden and cornfields; those however who are employed in the mechanic shops are not required to do any other kind of work. The girls are employed in their work hours in spinning, sewing, knitting, washing, cooking, etc.

   The number of Delaware children in school this quarter is thirty, fifteen males and fifteen females from other tribes fifty, forty one males and nine females, total number for the quarter eighty.

   In consequence of having but little rain in the country for the last twelve or fifteen months the farm has not yielded quite as plentiful crops as formerly; the steam mill is now idle and has done but little for three or four months for want of water – we have at present great difficulty in getting water for our stock.

   There has been no material change in any of the other departments since my last report.

   We all continue to enjoy excellent health, for which and all other mercies so bountifully bestowed upon us we desire to feel truly thankful to the giver of all good.

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

I have the honor to be, dear sir
Your obt Servt
Ths. Johnson
Supt. F.L. Ind M.L.S.

Hon William Medill
Comr Indian Affs
Washington City
D.C.

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[Transcribed from microfilm roll number MS980 frames 275-276 in the collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, (National Archives Microfilm Series M234, roll 784) by Roger Berg Jr., June, 1991]