L. S. Dyer, Esq., Commissary in charge Grand Ronde:—
Sir,—Col. Thompson, surveyor, has been employed by me to assist you in making the allotment of lands on Grand Ronde.
Herewith find the only instructions furnished this office, which, together with the copies of treaties in your office, it is hoped may be sufficient guide in making the allotment.
As arranged during my late visit, all matters of dispute about priority of rights, etc., must be settled by a Board, consisting of Commissary L. S. Dyer, Col. D. P. Thompson and W. P. Eaton, or any other you may designate; if Mr. Eaton is unable to act; and, on request of the Indians, you will add to said Board three Indians, who are not interested parties in any matter under consideration by your Board.
Great patience may be required in settling the differences that will arise, and I trust that you will, at all times, bear in mind that you are laboring for a race who are docile and reasonable when they are made fully to understand the wherefore, etc., of any proposition.
I regret that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs has not furnished this office with more specific instructions in the premises.
This order to make allotment is in anticipation of orders from the commissioner, which, I have no doubt, will be forwarded at an early day. At all events, the necessity of immediate action is obvious.
July 20th, Wm. R. Dunbar was instructed to enroll all the Indians of Grand Ronde Agency, including those of Nestucker and Tillamook.
Mr. Dunbar reported the enrolment complete, a copy of which you will find in your office.
It is possible that some changes have occurred in the arrangement of families, of which you will take note, and correct the same in making statement of allotment.