The Federal Crackdown on Alcohol Sales to Indigenous Tribes

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT IND. AFFAIRS, Olympia, W. T., June 25, 1862. Information has been received at this office of the frequent and growing violation of the various provisions of the Act of Congress regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes. The undersigned is unwilling to believe that such violations arise from wilfulness on the part of the numerous traders now operating in sections of the Territory hitherto and yet occupied by Indians, and in some instances upon the very land reserved to the Indians by Treaty stipulation. He rather believes that of the recent great influx of population, very many are ignorant that such laws are in force. Notice is therefore hereby given that selling, disposing of, barter or give away liquors to Indians, in this Territory, or introducing or attempting to introduce the same into the Indian country, is a grave offence, punishable by fine and imprisonment, by the laws of the United States. Within any Indian Reservation, the sale of any article of traffic or merchandise, without first having obtained a license from the Indian Department, is also an offence of a high order; and that all such Liquors and Goods are, by the law, subject to be seized and forfeited. Agents have been instructed by this office to renewed vigilance in securing the faithful and vigorous execution of the laws. In the event of their inability to stay the sale, manufacture, or introduction of ardent spirits, malt or intoxicating liquors, or the unlicensed trade upon or within any Reserve, they are enjoined speedily to call upon the U. S. Troops within their reach to assist them in carrying out said instructions. CALVIN H. HALE, Supt. Ind. Affairs W. T.