Report-1855, September 30

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor School to R.C. Miller, Indian Agent dated Sep 30, 1855

Shawnee M.L. School
Sept. 30th 1855

Sir,

   The time has arrived, when, in compliance with the Regulations of the Indian Department, it becomes my duty to make an annual report of the condition of this school.

   You will see by referring to the accompanying list of names, that during the past year commencing Oct, 1st 1854 + ending Sept. 30th 1855 there has been received into+ taught in this school:

   (87) eighty seven Shawnee children

   (22) twenty two Ottowa children

   (10) ten Wyandott children

   (2) Spanish boys rescued from the Cheyenne tribe of Indians by Gen, Whitfield +

   (1) one small Sioux boy; making, in all, (122) one hundred and twenty two.

   The scholars were remarkably regular in their attendance at school until February, when we had an unusual amount of sickness, which caused some of the scholars to leave, + we lost four by death; two Shawnees and two Ottowas. But we still had a very respectable school up to the close of the session.

   The scholars have been classed according to the progress they have made in their studies, from the alphabet, to spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, Eng. Grammar, geography, composition, declamation. The boys have also, while out of school been employed at work on the farm+ managing the stock: the girls while not in school have been taught to knit, sew, wash, cook, manage the dairy etc. and we think they have improved as fast as could be reasonably expected.

   The Shawnees have manifested a stronger disposition to improve since their late treaty, than at any prior period. They say that as they have arranged to live among the white people, they must qualify themselves to act their part accordingly+ I have no doubt the wise pro­ visions made by the Government, in this late treaty, for their improvement, will have a salutary influence.

Respectfully submitted
Thos Johnson Supt.

Maj. R.C. Miller
Indian Agent.

[Transcribed from National Archives microfilm series M234, roll 788, frames 597- 598, by Roger Berg Jr., March, 1992; also Reports of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1855, 1856, pp. 415, 416.]