Indians in the United States in 1822

The following is from the report of Rev. Jedediah Morse, special United States Indian commissioner, June 6, 1822, shows all the Indian tribes within the limits of the United States at that time, Including a few tribes not in the United States, but bordering on the northern and southern boundaries related to or intermingling with them, the number of each tribe and the places of their residence. The report gives the names of about 230 tribes, tentative of course with the total population of 471,417.

In fulfillment of the foregoing commission, I left New Haven on the 10th of May 1820, with my youngest son, Mr. Richard C. Morse, for my companion, and travelled to the northwest, as far as Green Bay, in the N. W. Territory; a distance, the way we travelled, of 1500 miles. We passed in Steamboats to New York and Albany; thence to Utica in the stage; to Montezuma, ninety-six miles, on the new Canal; thence to Buffalo by stage; thence across Lake Erie to Detroit, and thence to Mackinaw, in the Steam-Boat Walk-in- the-water; thence to L’Arbre Croche, thirty-six miles, in birch canoes; thence to Green Bay, in the U. S. Cutter Dallas, Capt. Knapp; and returned home to New Haven on nearly the same route, where we arrived on the 30th of August, after an absence of nearly four months. To the Great Preserver of men, we would devoutly render the tribute of praise due to Him, for his goodness manifested in our preservation and prosperity.

In New York, we remained four days, making preparations for the journey; in Albany two days, for the same purpose; in Canandaigua one day, where I had an interview with J. Parrish, Esq. Indian agent. A council of the Six Nations had been appointed the 1st of June, which I was expected to attend. As, however, the Steamboat for Detroit was to depart the 31st May, and the omission to take that opportunity, would delay us a fortnight, deranging all my plans for the west, 1 left a hasty speech with the Agent, and Rev. Mr. Hyde, to be communicated to the Council,* and embarked in the Steamboat. Read more…


Collection:
Morse, Rev. Jedidiah. A Report to the Secretary of War of the United States on Indian Affairs, Printed by S. Converse, 1822.

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