Report-1848, October 6

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor School to Wm. Medill, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City dated Oct 6, 1848

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[Oct. 6, 1848]

Sir

     In compliance with instructions of the department I respectfully submit the following report of the condition of the school under my charge for the quarter ending Sept. 30th 1848.

   The number of Delawares [sic] children for this quarter is thirty one. Fifteen males + sixteen females. Of other tribes fifty four. Thirty one male + twenty three females. Total number in this quarter eighty five_ They have been engaged as usual in the school a part of the time and the other part at work but as we had our summer vacation in the month of August + the most of them were absent for four weeks, they have not made as great proficiency as in some other quarters. Though they have now returned + we are expecting a more regular+ perhaps a fuller school through the winter__

   We have raised tolerably good crops, But as we have had no rains here of much duration for two years, our excellent springs are failing very fast. Our meadows and pastures have suffered greatly+ we have been compelled to haul water to keep our steam mill running for two months past.

   The health of the Institution has been better than common for this season of the year —

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

I have the honor to be
dear sir your obt servt
Thos Johnson Supt
F.L. Ind M.L. School

Hon. W. Medill
Comr Ind affs.
Washington City
Oct 6th 1848

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[Transcribed from microfilm roll number MS980 frames 262-263 in the collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, (National Archives Microfilm Series M234, roll 784) by Roger Berg Jr., June, 1991]