.MTUyNw.MTE3MzI

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is also enclosed, which will furnish all the information in my possession so far as relates to reservations in favor of the Passamaquoddy Indians.

[agents to take care of Indians &c]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts have wisely considered the Indians under Guardianship and have not permitted them to dispose, under any circumstances whatever of their lands nor of their timber, or the grass on their meadows without the approbation of an agent particularly appointed for that purpose.

The interest of the State, as well as that of the Indians renders it peculiarly necessary that we should adopt a similar system: agents not having been appointed for this particular purpose, the Government agents for taking care of the timber on the public lands have been instructed to attend to the preservation of the timber on the Indian lands also this was rendered the more necessary, as the Passamaquoddy Indians had disposed of more than two thousand dollars worth of their lumber to be taken from their lands by foreigners. Had there not been this objection, it may well be doubted whether their immediate wants required the aid of so large a sum.

The Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature to whom was committed the subject of the separation of Maine, considered the Indians as State paupers. A sum was accordingly given to Maine in addition to the lands reserved for their use as an indemnification for supporting them. It is therefore necessary that the property reserved for their use, should receive the particular attention of this government.

Council.