Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean: Vol. 1, Pt. 2

INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
either. The first are said by some to amount to two hundred, while the latter may perhaps be
set down at seventy-five. The next tribe proceeding northward are the Skagits, who live on the
main around the mouth of the Skagit river, and own the central parts of Whidby's island, their
principal ground being the neighborhood of Penn's cove. They have lately diminished in numbers and lost much of their influence since the death, a year or two since, of their chief, S'neetlum, or, as he was commonly called, Snakelum. The tribe has been long at enmity with the
Clallams, who have attempted to encroach upon their lands. The Skagits raise a considerable
quantity of potatoes, and have, besides, a natural resource in their kamas, which grows abundantly on the prairies of Whidby's island. Both of these are now being greatlv injured by the
cattle and hogs of the settlers. The kamas, it is worth mentioning, improves very much by cultivation, and it is said to attain the size of a hen's egg in land that has been ploughed. Swine
are exceedingly fond of it. The Skagits are about three hundred all told; and there are other
bands upon the headwaters of their river, amounting probably to as many more.
Below the Skagits again, occupying land on the main upon the northern end of Whidby's island,
Perry's island, and the Canoe passage, are three more tribes, the Squinamish, Swodamish, and
Sinaahmish, probably two hundred and fifty or three hundred altogether; and lastly the Samish,
on the small river of that name and the southern part of Bellingham bay, estimated at one hundred and fifty. With these, according to the best information procurable during a rapid journey
of inspection, the Nisqually nation terminates, the next tribe to the north speaking a dialect of
the Clallams.
It is probable that that of the Samish is a by-word between the two.
The Lummi, living on a river emptying into the northern part of Bellingham bay andon the
peninsula, are variously estimated at firom four to five hundred. Their chief is Sahhopkan; in
general habits they resemble the Clallams.
Above the Lummi, on the main fork of the river which is said to rise inr and carry off the water
from Mount Baker, is still another considerable tribe called the Nooksahk. They seem to be
allied with the Lummi and the Skagit, and, according to Indian account, they speak a mixed
language. They are supposed to be about equal in numbers to the Lummi.
The Shimiahmoo inhabit the coast towards Frazier's river; nothing seems to be known of
them whatever. They are probably the most northern tribe on the American side of the line,
the Kowailchew lying principally, if not altogether, in British territory.
Concerning the tribes north of the Sinahomish, nothing but estimates founded on the opinions of
the few settlers in that district could be gathered, the opportunity afforded by a hasty voyage
through the Sound being, of course, very limited. Steps have been taken to correct them. The
general result, it is believed, will warrant the estimates furnished.
Accompanyingithe recapitulation of the tribes in the western district will be found the estimate
of Captain Wilkes in 1841, and one calculated by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1844, which
was politely filrnished by Dr. Wm. F. Tolmie, at Fort Nisqually. The latter exhibits what,
according to the best information, is the decrease since that period in the tribes then known, but
no adequate data then existed on which to base a reliable comparison. For the purpose of procuring certain returns hereafter, a form is herewith enclosed, and it is recommended that the
agents be obliged annually to make out as fully as practicable.
Some variations from the plan suggested for the management of the eastern district will necessarily suggest themselves in respect to the western, though it is believed they are not material;
but owing to the great number of small bands into which most of the Indian population is broken
up, the labor of treating with and disposing of the latter will be much the greatest. It is therefore recommended that a separate commission be appointed for that district.
In order to bring the whole subject fully before the government, estimates have been prepared,
based upon the best opinions and information attainable, of the expenses of negotiating treaties
with the tribes of each district; of the annual payments they may be expected to involve; of the
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