Evening [pp. 32]

32 Evenin6~ [July
is unquestionably a restraint upon the In- have an interest in the work of their hands,
dians, and necessary to the proper main- and to feel that the persons now placed
tenance of the Indian Department. At the over them to direct their labors are friends,
present juncture, I consider their presence not enemies. They are as well clothed as
of vital importance, for some of the citizens, the inconsiderable sum appropriated for that
exasperated at the idea of being compelled purpose will admit, and they receive better
to leave the valley, would, I am satisfied, and more food than they have ever been
(could it be done with impunity,) gladly accustomed to. Above all, they appear to
seek revenge in the destruction of crops and be cheerful and contented, and have less
property, and exult in the scene of starva- mortality among them than at this season
tion and misery that would ensue. of the past year."
"The General will then observe that The strength of the detachment menthere exists at present the same disposi- tioned in the above report, although re-intion toward Indians on the part of the set- forced more than once, never exceeded at
tlers, that has heretofore been reported." any time twenty-five men.
In regard to the Indians on the Reser- After Lieutenant Dillon's departure, it
vation and the management of that remained in the valley in charge of a serinstitution, I am glad to report an astonish- geant until April i86i, when it was oring improvement. The number of Indians dered to occupy a point called in those
now making it their home is about five or days the Forks of Eel River, where the
six hundred, and increasing. These South Folk joins the main Eel River,
Indians are more rapidly gaining confidence where it remained until ordered East,
than one familiar with their former ill- sometime afterward, to take part in the
treatment would have supposed possible, war between the States, and Round Valley
and they learn with wonderful facility to was for a time abandoned by the military
perform the ordinary work upon the farm. authorities of the United States.
They seem to be satisfied that they now A. C. Tassin.
EVENING.
Still is the pool, the evening still
Above, the silent sky is spread;
The sunlight fades behind the hill;
Beneath, the grass is sere and dead.
Shadows are resting in the stream,
And sombre pines are gathered there,
And o'er the forest is the gleam
Of ghostly summits dim in air.
Among the darkling rifts of trees,
A trailing vine with leaves of blood,
~Vreathes its light tendrils on the breeze,
Splashing its color on the flood.
C. Melville Upton.