importance of the proposed council and how much the peace of our eastern frontier depends on the prompt action of the commissioners on the part of the United States. I would willingly make any personal sacrifice to accomplish the objects proposed, and to avert the evil consequences which must inevitably follow another postponement, but I do not feel justified, however great the necessity, in assuming powers upon so doubtful authority. To remove all uncertainty upon the subject I communicated with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by telegraph asking for explicit instructions. I have learned that my dispatch was forwarded by the operator at Yreka on the 6th instant, and trust that the Commissioner may yet reply.

I remain, with high respect, your obedient servant,

J. W. PERIT HUNTINGTON,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

[Inclosure.] DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, July 24, 1862.

WILLIAM H. RECTOR, Esq.,

Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Salem, Oreg.:

SIR: I herewith send you a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Interior, from which you will learn that you, in connection with Calvin H. Hale, superintendent Indian affairs, Olympia, Wash. Ter., and Charles Hutchins, U. S. Indian agent for the Nez Perce Indians, of the same address, have been appointed to negotiate a treaty with those Indians.

* * * * *

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. P. DOLE,

Commissioner.

[Sub-inclosure.]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

July 19, 1862.

WILLIAM P. DOLE, Edq.,

Commissioner of Indian Affairs:

SIR: Under the act of Congress appropriating $40,000 to negotiate a treaty with the Nez Perce Indians, in Washington Territory, William H. Rector, superintendent of Indian affairs in Oregon, Calvin H. Hale, superintendent of Indian affairs in Washington Territory, and Charles Hutchins, agent for the Nez Perces, will be appointed commissioners to negotiate the treaty. The commissioners will be authorized to employ the services of Robert Newell, who resides on the Nez Perce Reservation, &c.

* * * * *

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CALEB B. SMITH,

Secretary.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC, Numbers 103.
San Francisco, Cal., April 22, 1863.

* * * * *

3. Fort Mojave, N. Mex., will be included in the District of Southern California.

By order of Brigadier-General Wright:

RICHD. C. DRUM,
Assistant Adjutant-General.