SCOPE AND CONTENTS
The collection includes correspondence, drafts of treaties, vouchers,
and related items revealing many aspects of Bassett's career as an agent to the
Ojibwe Indians of Minnesota. Significant topics include treaties, the removal
of the bands to White Earth, Indian-White relationships, criticism of Bassett's
predecessor Edwin Clark, and annuity payments. There is no material relating to
Basset's lumbering or other careers. Although the collection materials are
arranged chronologically, they are described by topic below.
George Bonga. Sixteen letters (November
1865-December 1872) written by Bonga, a Black-Indian guide and interpreter. The
letters contain information regarding Indian lands and buildings near Lake
Winnibigoshish; complaints against Edwin Clark and other agents; Ojibwe chief
Hole-in-the-Day; the inability of Indians to conform to White society
(September 25, 1866); payment of annuities; elections (October 13, 24, and 27,
1866); and Bonga's attempts to acquire a trading license. In general, the
letters reveal many insights into Indian-White relations as seen by a mixed
blood individual.
Hole-in-the-Day. Ten letters and documents
related to the Ojibwe chief Hole-in-the-Day (undated and January 1867-November
1868). The letters detail Hole-in-the-Day's complaints against agent Clark;
offer his support to Bassett upon his appointment; include 1868 depositions
(June 27 and July 27) related to his murder by other Indians; and contain
claims by him for properties lost in the U.S.-Dakota War (March 9, 1868). There
are also letters (July 19 and 29, August 30, October 22, 1868) from Governor
William R. Marshall and others describing the military actions against those
suspected in Hole-in-the-Day's murder. Of particular interest is a draft of a
report by Bassett (November 10, 1868) describing the effects on the Ojibwe of
Hole-in-the-Day's death and efforts to punish the killers.
Henry B. Whipple. Includes one letter
(November 17, 1866) from Whipple to Bassett containing information on Whipple's
efforts to secure Bassett's appointment as Indian agent and three letters
(January 21, 1867) related to the arrival of Hole-in-the-Day and other Indian
chiefs in Washington including a letter of introduction for Bassett. Another
letter related to the visit (January 8, 1867) is from Lewis Bogy, Commissioner
of Indian Affairs.
Agency Physicians. Reports from Dr. Albion
Barnard (September 24, 30, November 26, 1866) and from Grenville M. Weeks
(undated and 1867) contains details on Indian health, particularly regarding
such diseases as syphilis, rheumatism, cardiac problems, and consumption, as
well as regarding poor diet and the need for a hospital.
Ojibwe Chiefs. Correspondence from
Mad-wage-nor[?] of the Red Lake Band (September 26, 1866) requests tobacco,
other goods, and mail service. Receipts from chiefs of the Pillager and Lake
Winnibigoshish bands (April 4, 16, May 22, 1867) document fund transfers. There
are also accounts (September 1867) with Little Shell, chief of the Chippewa
Band, and Charles Bottineau.
Treaty Materials: Includes drafts (2
versions, undated) prepared by Bassett of the treaty with the Mississippi and
Mille Lacs Bands that ceded to the United States all rights, title, and
interest in all non-reservation lands in Minnesota. The treaty was signed by
Hole-in-the-Day and witnessed by George Bonga. There is also a published treaty
(May 5, 1866) between the United States and the Bois Forte Chippewa Band and a
House of Representatives document (February 9, 1865) containing estimates for
appropriations for the Chippewa Tribe of Minnesota.
Other Materials. The collection also
includes lists of annuities (April 1866); estimates of funds needed for annuity
payments (August 20, 1866); requests (August 10, 1868) for fur trader licenses
for George Fairbanks; vouchers for goods delivered to the agency by private
individuals, including John S. Pillsbury (September 30, 1868; January 5,
January 7, and December 1, 1869); and a voucher (December 30, 1868) issued to
Helen Crooks, a teacher of domestic science to Indian girls.
A letter (October 10, 1868) from J. S. Gilman, chief of commissary and
subsistence, Headquarters of Department (?) of Dakota, who was in charge of
furnishing rations for the removal of the Ojibwe to White Earth, contains
information on the amount per person (twenty dollars), lists food to be sent,
and notes the urgency to complete the removal before winter.
Bassett Personal Items. A letter from G.
W. Carpenter of Patten, Maine to Bassett (January 7, 1859), asks for employment
in Bassett's mill. Carpenter may have been related to Bassett's wife, Aurilia
Carpenter. Other items include a letter with the letterhead "Presidential
Campaign of 1860, Republican Executive Congressional Committee, Washington,
D.C.," stating the purpose of the organization and soliciting support; an
incomplete letter, which seems to be from a Civil War soldier, 1862; a letter
from Cyrus Aldrich, Washington, D.C., February 3, 1862, mentioning the Civil
War and Bassett's problems with the General Land Office; and a letter from
Bassett's brother John of Long Prairie, Minnesota (September 12, 1866) stating
reasons why he will not be able to attend the political convention and
describing bad weather and crops.
Bassett Report Drafts. One report relates
the removal of the Mississippi Band of Chippewa; a petition from citizens
supporting the removal with reports of Indian depredations, approval of the
move by the 732 Ojibwe, and a description of the new location (October 29,
1867). A report made to Charles E. Mix answers charges against Bassett,
centered primarily on reports of an Indian agent engaging in private trading
and a drunken interpreter, (December 13, 1867).
The effect of the death of Hole-in-the-Day on the Ojibwe; the removal
of half of the Mississippi Band to Oak Point and White Earth, and the
establishment of a blacksmith shop and sawmill there; crops and corn mill
construction at Red Lake; and the conditions of the Pembina Band due to
grasshopper plagues and the disappearance of the buffalo are discussed in a
third report ( November 10, 1868).
A final report submitted to C. C. Carpenter, Second Comptroller of the
U.S. Treasury, repeats Bassett's request for recompense of funds due him has
Indian agent, describing the private funds he used to pay for goods and the
Agency, March 1876.