Letter to President Grant from the Colville Tribe (page 1)

Colville Washington Territory 5th March 1874 His Excellence U.S. Grant President of the U.S. Mr. President I heard some news, which though not official from Y.E, yet give me some great uneasiness. Y.E gave us John A. Simms for our Agent and I thank you for such an Agent. I am sorry to hear reported that Y.E intends to remove him and give us in his place soldiers, whom I dont like to have. These are the soldiers I ask from Y.E ploughs, flour-mill, reaping machines, spades. These will be my soldiers and my guardians. I asked already for a saw-mill, and I got it though it is not yet put up. I asked for a school; I have it; my children are already in it. I know to whom Y.E may give soldiers and ammunitions; for me, give me only the farming implements, I asked for. Give soldiers to the Indians, who are on the war path. I am a peaceful Indian, and I have already Mr. Simms for Agent, I need no soldiers. This is what I Antoine have to write to ?. There is between us some busy body that want put us in trouble. One important item I have to ask yet and this is our reservation. If Y.E grant it to us we will be forever thankfull. This is what myself and my people have to write. Last summer I have seen Gen. Shank and Gen. Milroy, who sent by Y.E came to visit us. Seeing us they got attached to, and well pleased with us, and I greatly wish to see them Page 2 again, I feel lonesom after them. This is the last favor I ask fromY.E.. These good men will do us great deal of good. About their visit to us I refer Y.E. to these same gentlemen. This is what I would tell Your Excellence by mouth. his mark Antoine Head Chief; his mark Kolosaskat Chief; his mark Paul Chief; his mark Edward; his mark Mark Chief; his mark Louis; his mark Michel; his mark John; his mark Nicolas; his mark Ambroas; his mark Augustin; his mark Pier; his mark David