The Early Days:
A Sourcebook of Southwestern Region History — Book 1
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CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence is quoted precisely as written in the
original including misspelled words.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, N.M. September 23, 1900
Robert J. Ewing,
Glorieta, N.M.
Dear Sir:
I called at your home Friday afternoon thinking possibly I might
locate you so as to take you to Emerson's ranch with me on Saturday,
your family told me that they thought you would not be in that evening,
so I left some work with them relative to completing the work on "Indian
Creek trail", about two miles on the Santa Fe end, which was commenced
by Rangers Dockwailler, Kerley and McClure in August.
We are required to make a report of all trail work done on the
Reserve, September 30, for the past quarter, and as I desire to make a
good showing in this line of Ranger work I want you, in addition to your
regular patrol duties, to find time this week to complete this trail to
the top of the mountain leading to Santa Fe, I think there is about two
miles of it, not a great deal of work to be done however and I think
that you can do it in two days: an ax and a pick is all that you will
need.
I leave for the eastern side of the reservation on Monday to visit
Rangers over on that side of the reserve.
Very respectfully,
R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, N.M. October 4, 1900
S. O. Fletcher,
Forest Ranger,
Cardovia. N.M.
Dear Sir:
Having returned from the eastern side of the Pecos Reserve. I am in
my office this morning, October 4, and find your report for the month of
September on my table, and it is in many respects incomplete, in that
you have not followed instructions printed on the left hand margin, for
your guidance in making out same, of your monthly report blank, I
therefore request that you make out a new report leaving out all
allusions to weather, snow, rain and etc. except as a reason for not
working, then you will tell at what hour the storm began, how long it
lasted, its severity and etc., so that you may get pay for that day. And
you will follow the instructions literally, "describe the patrol you
made, the distance travelled, and the time consumed; state the length of
the trail cut or blazed, the time consumed. and where cut."
I am also in receipt of your letter relative to the probability of
your being driven out at an early date by snow storms, and will state
that I am just from Taos county a number of miles north of where you
are, was on many of the highest elevations inside the Reserve, found the
weather fine with no indications of snow at an early date, the fact is
that the settlers think that we will not have snow before the last of
the month, however if the conditions are, as you state, in your district
you may come in, south, and take charge of district No. 9 establishing
our headquarters at some point where you can get board in the district
if possible if not as near the line of the district as is possible, must
be on the reserve however, until the fifteenth of the month or the first
of November, at which time there will doubtless be a reduction in the
force and another change in the location of rangers.
Very respectfully,
R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of the Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
January 3rd, 1901
Mr. Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
Cleveland. N.M.
Dear Sir:
The phraseology of your report for the month of December is very
unsatisfactory, to say nothing of your repeated references to trespass
in the grazing of Goats on the reserve, not one of which has been made
the subject of special report to this office. From the reading of your
report for December the Department will doubtless conclude that your
district is being over-run with Goats and that you are unable to keep
them off, and that therefore, the order of the Hon. Secretary of
Interior, excluding Goats from the Pecos River
Forest Reserve, New Mexico, is not being enforced by the forest
officers in charge of this reserve. Such is not the case, and from my
personal knowledge of existing conditions, in your district, I know that
they are only grazed upon that portion of territory which, by reason of
the uncertainty of the exact location of the boundary line, is in
dispute, settlers claiming that it is in one place and forest officials,
in another, the exact location of which, I am informed by Surveyor
General, Mr. Vance, no one knows, for the reason that it was never run
and therefore, it was never marked. You doubtless remember that I
personally directed you to, as nearly as possible, have these Mexican
herders conform to what you thought was the line from the general
formations and specific knowledge as to the location of the east line at
the North East corner of Township 19 N., Range 14 E., up to and
including which township, survey of the east line of the reserve, has
been made, and line marked. you know from your own personal knowledge,
that we have, so far, been unable to procure an indictment against a
single one of these, presumably so, trespassers, and your repeated
presence before the Federal Grand Jury, at Las Vegas and elsewhere, has
been for naught. Order of survey is upon the table of Hon. Surveyor
General of the Territory, and I am informed by him that this work will
be done next summer and in case I can not get a special allowance for
the running of this East Line, between Mora Grant and the Reserve, from
North Corner of T. 19 N., R. 14 E., to the North East Corner of the
reserve, sooner then next summer, why then we must wait and do the best
we can, conforming to, as best we can, what we believe to be the
line: But, meanwhile, your Monthly Report must not be filled up with
references and allusions to trespass, found to exist by you every
time you leave your camp for a patrol of your reserve or the District
over which you have mediate charge, unless you want to support such
allegation by a sworn affidavit, that you know, beyond all question,
that each case refered to in your report, or more properly, in your
special report to this office, which is the only correct way to report
these cases, that the grazing, so reported. is on the reserve in
which event I will have the District Attorney for the territory of New
Mexico, send you a Summons to appear before the Federal Grand Jury, and
report each case so reported to this office by you.
What I said in reference to goats is equally true of timber cut from
this disputed territory, and your reference to the case of tresspass by
one Florencis Bernal, December 4th, 11th, and 15th, in your report, can
not in my judgment, be established as a trespass until survey is had.
You understand, I presume, that the cutting of timber by Florencis
Bernal, would be a trespass whether on or off the reserve,
if the cutting was done upon the public domain, but you know that it is
not a case of which the Government has jurisdiction unless, in this
case, it was done upon the Pecos River Forest Reserve, for the reason
that Mora Grant joins the reserve on the east, and the Mexican
tie-cutters, as I understand, pay the owners of this grant a royalty for
all ties cut thereon.
One other criticism: December 14th you report, - "Left Cleveland P.O.
at 9:30 A.M." Cleveland Post office is a long distance from your
district and 9:30 A.M. is very late in the morning to be starting for a
day's work to be commenced after you shall have ridden half the distance
required in an ordinary day's patrol.
I have written you at considerable length and called your attention
to some things that I hope will not appear in subsequent reports and
hinted at other things that I hope will have the desired effect, you
doubtless remember that I called your attention to a dereliction in your
last monthly report of services for the month of November. All I have
said is with the kindliest motive and for your good.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, N.M. Jan, 4, 1901
Dear Sir:
It occurs to me that some of my rangers experience much difficulty
in making out their monthly reports, and in having them conform to
printed instructions on the left hand margin for guidance.
I give below a formula which will save the use of lots of superfluous
words if followed, and at the same time cover the requirements, and describe
the work done in any average day:
"Left camp at 8:45 a.m.; North to John Smith's ranch; East to Range
II; South over Macho Trail; West through Township 18, Range 13, to camp;
Camp 4:15, Horseback 18 miles; Time 8:00 hours."
The average day's work of a Forest Ranger is given in the above formula
and at the same time the patrol is described, the distance traveled, and
the time consumed, all mentioned in concise language; of course when you
do other work. such as posting fire notices, driving off sheep, or
goats, or building trail, facts should be stated, in addition to
ordinary patrol work done.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
January 5, 1901
Mr. Charles T. McGlone,
Cleveland, New Mexico
Friend McGlone:
Allow me to thank you most kindly for the Pictures which I received this
morning and they were very good indeed, and I shall send one of them to
my Mother back in Kentucky, so she may know somewhat of the character of
the work in which I am engaged.
We all had a very lovely time Christmas and so much regretted that I
could not so arrange as to have each one of my ranger boys to take
Christmas dinner with me at my own home, but after canvassing the
matter, concluded that most of the boys were too far away to ask them to
come and in as much as I could not have all of them, invited none of
them. But I hope you all had a good dinner and realized that after a
fashion, it was Christmas. Again thanking you for the Pictures and with
best wishes for the season to both yourself and Mr. Osenton.
I am,
Most respectfully,
R. C. McClure
P.S. Mr. Hanna is down on the Gila reserve and has left me in charge
of the office and I am very busy getting the reports in and forwarding
them to Washington, I send you and Osenton a bunch of Grazing
Applications and wish you would see to it that all parties who now have
either Cattle or Horses running at large on the reserve and who grazed
last year, send in at the very earliest date, their applications for
this year covering the cattle now on reserve and any stock, permitted to
graze, that they expect to want to pasture at any time during the season
of 1901. All permits granted under the applications taken by you last
summer, expired on the 31 day of December, 1900.
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, New Mexico
January 5, 1901
To Whome It May Concern.
Sir:
I take very great pleasure in recommending to you Mr. T. S. Salyer, of
Louisa, Kentucky, for appointment as Deputy United States Marshal, in
the Eastern District of Kentucky, which position he now holds under
Marshal James. I am personally acquainted with Mr. Salyer and know him
to be a most acceptable man for this position, a young man, a Republican
and courageous. I trust that upon taking charge of the new district you
may see your way clear to retain Mr. Salyer in the service.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Acting Superintendent Forestry
Territories of Arizona and New Mexico
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
January 5, 1901
Rangers Osenton and McGlone,
Cleveland, N.M.
Srs.: I send you herewith, 20 Applications For Grazing Priveleges, to be
used by you in your respective districts. This work was delayed last
year until the grazing season for persons not living upon the reserve
was practically over. This year we want to do better and get all this
work done early in the year and I desire to impress upon you the
importance of getting each head of stock as we were very much criticised
last year for the failure to secure the number that were reported to
have grazed the year before. Confine these people to certain Townships
in making out their applications, you are directed not to number the
applications: that will be done in this office. In case I have not sent
enough applications, and I presume I have not, more will be sent upon
application.
Respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office Forest Supervisor,
Santa Fe, N.M. Jan. 4, 1901
Mr. Clive Hastings,
Forest Ranger,
East Las Vegas, N.M.
Dear Sir:
I note that in your Monthly Report for December you mention that on a
certain day you inspected timber cutting by Harvey. Mr. Harvey's
application has not been acted upon by the Superintendent. "Permit for
Free Use of Timber", has not been sent him. — see blank form
herewith inclosed, act of June 4, 1897.
Superintendent Hanna refused to grant the application upon
recommendation made by me and statement of facts that the timber was not
for use upon his homestead but for building trail through reserve to
homestead, and therefore, for only semi-domestic purposes. I recommended
that the timber be given him for this purpose but the Superintendent,
Mr. Hanna, was not clear as to his
right to grant the cutting of timber applied for and referred the
matter to the Hon. Commissioner together with my letter of
recommendation in the case, and, himself recommended that the timber be
given Mr. Harvey. I think the Hon. Commissioner will grant the
application but until he does so Mr. Harvey has no authority to cut
timber and it will be a part of our official duty to see that he does
not.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, N. M. Jan, 5, 1901
Hon. I. B. Hanna
Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, N.M.
Dear Sir:
I hand you herewith application of Jesus Maria Vigil, a citizen and
resident of the territory of New Mexico, for the free use of timber to
be cut from the Pecos River Reserve, New Mexico, in Township 21, N.,
Range 14, E. unsurveyed, near the Eastern line of the reserve and in
Canyon of the Rio Agua Hegra, and North West of the town of Cleveland
about six miles.
I have made investigation of the facts contained in this application
and find as follows: Mr. Vigil is a bona fide resident of the territory
of New Mexico, owning a homestead on the Mora Grant just east of the
line of the reserve at the point from which he desires to take the
timber for his own use upon his own homestead in improving same by
fencing overall. The timber he desires to cut is worth $12.50. I
recommend that this application be granted, applicant's Post Office
address is Cleveland, New Mexico.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, N.M. Jan. 5, 1901
Hon. I. B. Hanna
Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, N.M.
Dear Sir:
I hand you herewith application of Placido Ortago, whose residence is
Glorieta, N.M. a citizen of the territory, whose desire is to cut from
the Pecos River Forest Reserve one hundred house logs, fifty of them to
be twenty-four feet long and the other fifty sixteen feet long and
valued at Fifty Dollars ($50.00) in its present standing condition in
the woods.
I have made the proper investigations of the facts as stated in
petitioner application and find as follows: He is a bona fide resident
of the territory of New Mexico, owning a homestead in section 23, T. 16
N., R. 11 E., just South of the South line of the reserve. He has no
timber of his own out of which house logs can be made and I therefore
recommend that petitioner's application be granted.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, N.M. Jan. 8, 1901
Hon. I. B. Hanna
Superintendent of Forestry
Santa Fe, N.M.
Dear Sir:
Referring to your letter of December 7th, in which you request that I
report to your office the earliest date on which cattle and horses may
be allowed in the Pecos River Forest Reserve, New Mexico, you are most
respectfully advised as follows: cattle and horses graze upon this
reserve the year round, i.e., the cattle and horses owned by the
ranchmen living within the reserve graze their stock throughout the
entire year, and if the winter is anything like mild, they do not have
to feed at all and in view of this fact I do not think it would be
equity to discriminate against ranchmen living on the outside who may
desire to graze their stock in the reserve, so I would most respectfully
recommend that the grazing season begin January 1st, 1901 and terminate
December 31st, 1901.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, N.M. Jan. 8, 1901
Hon. I. B. Hanna
Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, N.M.
Dear Sir:
I beg leave to submit this my Monthly Report for December 1900: The
forest is in good condition, is for the most part covered with snow on
the mountain tops, mesas and plateaus, while in canyons the streams are
frozen over; larger streams such as the Pecos, Mora, and Santa Fe are
open. Cattle owned by ranchmen living in the territory near the reserve
have removed their stock to the lowlands for the balance of the winter
leaving upon the reserve for the most part, only the stock belonging to
the ranchmen living inside the reservation on homesteads taken up before
the creation of the reserve. On the South hill sides where there is no
snow, the grazing is good and cattle are in fine condition. Grazing
applications have been placed in the hands of forest rangers for the
grazing season of 1901 and their attention called to the requirements of
Department letter "P" J.D.L., dated December 3rd, 1900 relative to
grazing cattle and horses, and applications will be all in by the middle
of February.
Rangers have been vigilant in the performance of their duties and on
the alert to discover trespasses, which at this season of the year would
as a rule be the cutting of timber or the taking of timber for fire
wood, the killing of game and Etc., but not a single trespass has been
discovered. It would seem from the reading of the Monthly Report of
Ranger McGlone that this is a contradiction and that his district was
being overrun with goats as he speaks of goats almost every other day,
such is not the case and from my personal knowledge, had by reason of a
recent visit to his district. I know that there are a few bands of goats
owned by Mexican ranchmen ranging in number from 25 to 200 which are
grazed upon that portion of the territory in dispute as to boundary
line, the settlers claiming that it is in one place and ranger McGlone
in another, and no one knowing exactly where it is, for the reason that
the East line of the reserve from the North East corner of Township 19
N., Range 14, E., to the North East corner of the reserve was never run,
but was, I am told by Surveyor General Mr. Vance, triangulated, and
therefore there is no marked line and not withstanding the fact that Mr.
McGlone has repeatedly been before the Federal Court at Las Vegas and
reported some cases in the cutting of timber and grazing of goats that
are over what will be the line when a survey is had, yet we have never
been able to make a case or to procure an indictment against one of
these, presumably so, trespassers. This irregularity was taken up with
the Department last summer, and the matter referred to General Vance of
this territory, and an order of survey is now pending and will be made
next summer; meanwhile, I have directed ranger McGlone to have all
parties interested conform as nearly as possible to what he believes
to be the line. Timber has in my judgment only been cut by one
party, viz, a Mexican named Bernal, and against whom civil proceedings
have been instituted in the United States Court at Las Vegas, but, I
doubt very much if a conviction can be had without the running of the
line heretofore mentioned. If I can secure the running of this line by a
competent survey for Twenty Five Dollars ($25.00) and I think I can, may
I do so, and pay for it myself, and tax it as cost in my Monthly
Account?
Public timber sale, applied for by J.W. Harrison of Glorieta, New
Mexico, was properly advertised in the New Mexican Review, the
last day upon which the bids would be received, being December 28th,
1900, and prior to that time, petitioner, J. W. Harrison, deposited with
the Receiver of the Local Land Office at Santa Fe, Mr. Hobart, his bid
at the minimum advertised price, viz., $1.00 for green timber and 50
cts, for dead timber, together with the required $300.00 deposit, and
Mr. Harrison now awaits notice from the Department as to whether or not
his bid has been accepted. All of which is most respectfully
submitted.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Willis, New Mexico, Dec. 3, 1900
William Sparks of Willis, San Meguel Co., New Mexico, being duly
sworn upon his oath says that one A. M. McClure, who is employed by the
Government of the United States as a Forest Ranger and resided at the
Willis Post Office on the Pecos Forest Reserve, that the said A. M.
McClure did in the month of Sept. 1900, on or about the 19th, write an
article for the Newspapers for the Atcheson Topeka & Santa Fe R.R.
for which he received compensation for the same from said R.R. and drew
pay from the Government at the same time. That on Oct. 27, 1900, said
McClure went to Glorieta, New Mexico for the purpose of meeting his
wife, for which he drew pay from the Government; that on Nov. 5, the
said McClure left the reserve and spend the day in Pecos, New Mexico;
Nov. 10, said A. H. McClure went hunting with one Thomas M. Bartlett;
Nov. 13, said A. M. McClure went to H. D. Winsors with his wife and
child visiting; on Nov. 15, A. H. McClure went with George A. Viles
hunting; on Nov. 19, he, A. H. McClure went hunting; Nov. 20, he, A. M.
McClure worked on a stable for his horse and also on the 21st. On Nov.
22 left the house at 11 A.M. o'clock and returned at 1:30 P.M.; on Nov.
23 worked at stable making Box; Nov. 24 the said McClure worked all day
in the afiants Blacksmith Shop making Butcher knife; Nov. 26, A. M.
McClure went with Supervisor and returned at 2:30 P.M.; Nov. 27, A. M.
McClure worked in afiants Blacksmith Shop on Butcher Knife and helped
his wife work. Nov. 28 the said A. M. McClure went to Christena Rivera
for Oats; Nov. 29 staid in house all day; Nov. 30 went to Santa Fe and
returned Dec. 1, at 6 P.M.
(Signed) William Sparks
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3rd of December. A.D.,
1900.
Henry Rivera
Notary Public
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Prescott, Arizona January 7, 1901
| Hon. Commissioner | : | Through Hon. I. B. Hanna |
| General Land Office | : | Forest Superintendent, |
| Washington, D. C. | : | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
Sir:
Referring to the within application of the Penn Gold Mining Company
for the purchase of Fourteen Hundred (1400) cords of wood, Fourteen
Thousand (14,000) feet of stulls timbers (board measure), and Thirty-Six
Thousand (36,000) feet of Lagging, board measure.
You are respectfully advised that the Penn Gold Mining Company is a
corporation of citizens of the United States organized under the laws of
the Territory of Arizona and located at Walker, Arizona, within the
limits of the Prescott Forest Reserve.
After a personal examination, I find that where it is desired to cut
said timber is in the locality of Walker on what is known as Lynx Creek,
about fifteen miles South-east of the City of Prescott, Arizona, and
within the Prescott Forest Reserve upon six mining claims located by the
Penn Gold Mining Company and known as the "Ora Grande", the "Last
Chance", "1901", "Sunnyside", "Mountain Chief", and "Grand View", on
which assessment work is now being done for the year 1901, location of
said mining claims having been made since Jany. 1st, 1901, except the
"Ora Grande". Said claims do not lie contiguous to the Penn Gold Mining
Company's mill site, or to the group of claims now being worked by said
Company but from one to three miles distant. The country is rough and
mountainous and valuable only for its mineral and timber.
I would estimate that there are from three to seven Matured Pine
Trees per acre growing upon the above claims, that would average from 24
to 36 inches in diameter that could be removed without prejudice to the
interests of the reserve and that the removal of said trees would tend
to promote the life and growth of the younger timber. I find a good
growth of young trees and herbage on the above claims that would be
sufficient to retain the snows and moisture and if the mature trees were
removed young trees would at once spring up and grow which would be of
far greater benefit to the interests of the Reserve than the mature
trees are. Beside many of the mature trees show that they are dieing
from the dead limbs and drooping branches. I would estimate that there
are from one to three dead standing trees per acre on the above claims
and quite a considerable amount of dead down timber, all of which should
be removed. I find that the fair valuation for said timber is 25¢
per cord for wood and $1.00 per Thousand Feet board measure for stulls
and lagging.
The petition of the Penn Gold Mining Company asserts that they are in
urgent need of timber. This I know to be true. On November 28th, at the
request of the Penn Gold Mining Company I visited the locality where
they desire to cut timber and was unable to locate any ground unlocated
where a sufficient amount of timber could be cut without injury to the
interest of the Reserve, and under date of November 29th, so
reported.
The said Company was obliged therefore to wait until after January
1st, until some of these claims had lapsed and locate them in order that
they might secure a sufficient amount of the timber for their pressing
needs.
I also learned when I visited Walker on the 4th, inst. for the
purpose of inspecting the timber herein applied for, that in the recent
sinking of one of the mine shafts of the present workings of the group
of claims of the Penn Gold Mining Company that they encountered a
character of ground that requires timbering, that they may safely
proceed with this work. This was entirely unforeseen by the said
Company. The character of ground prior thereto having been of a granite
formation. This explanation is made that you may understand the delay of
said Company in filing their application. Praying that the Hon.
Secretary of the Interior exercise his discretion and permit the removal
of said timber in advance of notice of publication and sale, or so much
thereof as may be necessary for the immediate use of said company and I
would therefore recommend that advance cutting be permitted in this
case.
Respectfully,
Forest Supervisor
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Figure 2. The first Ranger meeting, in 1903, at Willow Creek on the Gila
Forest Reserve. This photo was presented to the Forest Service by R.C.
McClure.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
January 11, 1901
Hon. C. M. Foraker,
Albuquerque, N.M.
My dear Sir:
One "Dr. Wm. Sparks," of Willis, New Mexico, a ranchman living inside
the boundary line, of the Pecos River Reserve, of which I have charge,
because of a personal grievance against one of my ranger boys, has
reported him to the Department at Washington, which of course
necessitates explanation. The trouble came up over a board bill which
the young man claimed was excessive and for more than the agreed price,
but I recommended that he pay it and he did, rather than have any
trouble, though claimed that it was unjust. When the matter was settled
the Doctor reported him and threw out a kind of "drag-net" report, in
which he reflected upon the work of the entire force of rangers, under
my jurisdiction.
Sparks has always been an enemy of forest reserves, is ignorant, and
is a blatant free-silver-Democrat, and divides all Government officials
into two classes, openly bad and secretly bad, and stands ready at all
times to make trouble for any man against whom he has any personal
grudge, by reporting him, and it is time the authorities at
Washington knew something of the "manner of man" he is.
I have written you at the insistance of one of my rangers who
happened to be a witness before the United States Court at Las Vegas,
some weeks ago, and heard you express yourself in reference to this man,
Sparks, and in very forcible language, and from what he says. I conclude
that you know him. Allow me to thank you in advance for the entire
ranger force on the Pecos River Reserve, for any statement that you may
make in this matter, that will enable the Department to determine as to
just what credence should be given to a report coming from Sparks and
made against a man who has incurred his displeasure.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
anuary 11, 1901
Hon. Geo. P. Money,
Assistant U. S. Att'ny,
Las Vegas. N.M.
Sir:
I am in receipt of your letter of 7th, inst. through ranger. C. T.
McGlone, relative to the trespass Vs. Bernall for the alleged cutting of
timber on the Pecos Reserve, and referring to your desired information
to the probable time of the survey of the East line of the reserve from
the North East corner of T. 19 N., R. 14 E., to the north east corner of
the reserve, will say that on the 8th day of January 1 asked the
Department to allow me to expend $40.00 or a less Amt. in securing the
survey of this line by a competent man, and tax the same as expense in
my monthly account, and at the same time called their attention to the
fact that an order of survey was already pending in the Surveyor
General's office but that I had been informed by Mr. Vance that for lack
of funds, this survey would not be made before next summer. I think that
the Department will direct me to cause it to be run at an early date.
Should like to bring some of these offenders to justice, and am fearful
that we cannot make a case until after the survey.
Shall be glad to co-operate with you at any and all times in these
matters and will be glad to furnish you with any information I may
possess, by reason of my connection with this reserve, as the Supervisor
of same, as will all of my rangers. One other matter: I am just in
receipt of a letter from Mr. Foreaker, United States Marshal for the
Territory, copy of which I herewith inclose and will be obliged if you
will make a statement, over your official signature, relative to "what
manner of man" "Dr." Wm. Sparks is. Certainly you must know him by this
time, as you have possibly had dealings with him in your official
relation this Territory.
He has sent in a kind of "drag-net" report to Washington, reflecting
upon the entire ranger force on the reserve, all because of a personal
grievance against one of my men that grew out of an excessive board bill
against him by Sparks, which I caused to be paid, just or unjust, for
the reason that we wanted no trouble with any ranchman. The board bill
paid, he then undertakes to "do the ranger," by sending a complaint to
the Hon. Commissioner, which is false in almost every statement
made.
The Commissioner has called for a report on the case, which I desire
to make. Thanking you in advance for any information that you may be
able to furnish as to the reputation of Sparks, for truth and veracity,
and as a disterber and all-round informer, both for myself and the
entire ranger force.
I am, Most respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Acting Superintendent
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Albuquerque, N.M.
January 12, 1901
R. C. McClure, Forest Supt.
Santa Fe, N. M.
Dear Sir:
Answering yours of 11th inst. relative to one Dr. Sparks on the
Pecos: I would advise that I have known him for some time through Court
matters, but do not like to state positive what I know of him as most of
my knowledge is Hearsay, but I might state that he has appeared at Court
a number of times as complaining witness and after investigation his
statements have proved to be groundless and emanated from a spirit of
revenge.
I would refer you to Geo. P. Money at Las Vegas for personal
information he would no doubt give.
I do not doubt but that his complaint, in this instance is prompted
by revenge, as ones have been before.
Yours truly,
/s/ C. M. Foraker
United Stated Marshal.
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Santa Fe, N.M.
February 6, 1901
Ebbert Osenton and Chas. T. McGlone
Forest Rangers
Cleveland, N.M.
Messrs:
I call your attention to the fact that both of you continue to sign
the oath in the rendering of your Monthly Account on Form No. 4-152,
each month. This is not necessary and while it does not prevent the
auditing of the same, as needed, it is, in a way. a reflection upon me,
as long in the service as each of you have been. It is redundancy,
surplusage, and shows that you do not know what ought to go in and what
ought not to go in. And I prefer that, in the future, you leave this
oath unsigned.
This is for use by Government Officials, Rangers, Supervisors and
Superintendents, who may have incurred extra expenses for which
they are required to furnish a receipt, and need not be used when
such expense has not been incurred.
Please leave the oath unsigned and Contract yourself by simply
signing the receipt, in blank, at the bottom.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
February 27, 1901
Mr dear Judge:
Have been away for several days and out on my reserve and fear I am a
little late with my letter to the President, but all the same, I send
it, though the outlook now is that you will be appointed before it
reaches you I do hope you may, Judge, for certainly it should be given
to the man who has made fights for the party in our end of the state,
the man who has carried the closely contested districts, in State and
National campaigns. I certainly think that the President will allow
Senator Deboe to name the man, and if he does I feel sure that you are
safe.
Am having troubles of my own out here: We have a nuisance on the
Pecos River Reserve, named Wm. Sparks, who is a common "informer" of all
forest officials and each week sends in some slanderous report against
me or some of my rangers, charging inattention, neglect, drunkenness,
absence from reserve, and other alike false reports, and has written a
letter which I managed to get possession of, stating that he meant to
get my scalp before he quits. I have impeached him most successfully,
and some of the best men in the Territory and shown him to be a common
slanderer and a disterber of communities, being notified, on one
occasion, to remove at once, and he left that particular locality
between two days.
Please do not leave Washington without going to the Land Office and
saying a good word for me. Tell them that if given the opportunity, that
I can establish a character that should satisfy a clergyman, and can
show that in New Mexico, I have the respect and confidence of the best
men here, Sec. Wallace; Treasurer, Vaughn; Governor N. A. Otero;
District Attorney Childers; and last, the ablest lawyer in the
Territory, T. B. Catron, late Delegate from the Territory. On my honor,
I have been a faithful and conscientious official, and my deportment has
been most commendable. Please call and ask what is all this "rot" that
an irresponsible and malicious slanderer, one Wm. Sparks, is sending in
against Supervisor McClure, which Sparks, who stands impeached by a
number of the very best men here, viz, M. M, Mathers, Special Agent,
General Land Office; Mr. I. B. Hanna. Superintendent, all the Forest
Rangers, and Dist. Atty. Money, son of Senator Money?
I am afraid of Acting Commissioner Richardson, not of Mr. Herman, and
if he can be given to understand that some one is looking after my
interests, I will be able to down this consumate scoundrel, and blatant
Free Silver Bryan Democrat, whose fabrications against Mr. D. C. Kerley
and myself are as purely work of his evil imaginations as were the
Travels of Gulliver. Write me what you find out. Allow me to thank you
most kindly for all the favors I have asked of you, during your six
years in Congress and to venture the hope that when I shall again hear
from you that you will have reaped the reward of the faithful, and will
be Judge Samuel J. Pugh, with U. S. before it.
Your sincere friend,
/s/ R. C. McClure
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
February 28, 1901
Hon. W. V. Childers, U.S. Dist. Atty.,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dear Sir:
I most respectfully request that you have Mr. R. J. Ewing, Forest
Ranger, Glorieta, New Mexico, and Plutarco Armijo, Rowe, New Mexico,
summoned before the next United States Grand Jury, at Santa Fe, Santa Fe
County, New Mexico, to give testimony in the case of Trespass committed
upon the Pecos River Forest Reserve, New Mexico, by one William Dalton,
in the willful and malicious cutting of railroad ties therefrom, with
intent to cheat and defraud the Government, and selling the same to the
firm of Cross, Blackwel Co. whose place of business is Las Vegas, New
Mexico. All this has been reported to this office by the said forest
official, as haveing been done within the last eighteen months. The man
reported lives at Pecos Town, New Mexico.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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Rociado, New Mexico
February 28, 1901
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have seen and read list of charges prefered against Forest
Supervisor R. C. McClure, and would most respectfully state as follows:
In so far as this slanderous document relates to myself and Mr. McClure
getting drunk, going to the home of a "widow-woman," Mrs. C. A. Viles,
turning our horses into her oats field and "spending the day", the
charge is maliciously false. Mr. McClure did not visit my headquarters
at Mrs. C. A. Viles at all during the month of August, was in my
district, but not at Mrs. Viles. He did visit my district in July, on
the 25, and 26, days of the month and from my field book I see we made a
patrol, over trails that took up past the "oats field", mentioned in
charges, and I infer that this is the date desired to be fixed, as the
day when he would have us comit all those heinous offenses. On this day
our patrol was as follows: "left Mrs. Viles ranch went south and up
Winsor Creek, over trails in Townships 18 and 19, Range 12, noting the
effect of cattle and horse grazing on this portion of the reserve; took
dinner at Henry Winsor's ranch about noon, and after dinner, patroled
south and then east and back by the Valley Ranch up to Township 19, and
thence to Viles ranch in the evening." It was on this day that in
passing the Valley Ranch, we stopped and let down the bars and took our
horses inside the field, the upper side of which, Mrs. Viles had in
oats, and the grass was good on the inside where the cattle could not
get to it, and we turned our horses on this grass and not on the oats: I
used a Larriett, and fatened my horse and Supervisor McClure having no
Larriett, put his horse down on the grass beside mine, hanging his
bridle upon the horn of his saddle, but loose, and the horse wandered up
into the edge of the oats and when he did so we caught our horses and
proceded on our patrol, and back to Mrs. Viles ranch. This oat field
belonged to my landlady and was remote from her boarding house on the
river and at her request, I exercised a kind of supervision over the
place, looking after same to see that the cattle grazed on the reserve,
did not brake through the fence, or if they should do so, report the
fact to Mrs. Viles and no complaint was ever made by her about our
grazing in that field, that I know anything about. Grazing for my horse
was included in my bill each month, as it was also in the Supervisor's
bill, as I understood, each time he came. We had no grain to feed that
morning and our horses were tired and hungry, as we got no feed for them
at Winsor's where we stopped for dinner.
We were not drunk nor were we drinking, did not see or taste any
intoxicant that day on the reserve with Mr. McClure, or on any other
day. Mr. McClure never brought anything to drink then or at any other
time, to my headquarters and I never saw him take a drink on the
reserve. The nearest saloon that I know anything about to this place is
at Pecos Town, about 20 miles distant. We stopped at Winsor's ranch for
dinner and Mr. Winsor had a number of nice boarders, and we ate at the
table with them, and met them and visited with them at the noon hour,
one of whome was a Mrs. Mead, the wife of a prominent railroad official
of El Paso, P. O. Box No. 708, and if we were drunk or drinking I think
she, as well as the Winsors would have know it. H. D. Winsor gets his
mail at Willis, New Mexico.
It is further stated in this report, that we went to the home of Mrs.
Viles, tried to force our way into her bedroom, and that she was alone,
except her two children, one a boy 17 years of age and the other a girl,
12 years of age, but she stood them off with pistol and they left. This
is a most henious and malicious lie, and the work of some low, desining,
irresponsible, who brooks no obstacle, and scruples at nothing, and who
has fallen so low in the scale of human excellence as to make him, or
it, unfit to associate with decent people and if the Territory of New
Mexico has, as it should have, a law covering "Criminal Libel" McClure
and myself would see that, at least for a time, this treducer, this
maligner of the character of respectable people was withdrawn, and the
venom that comes from under his unhallowed tongue, allowed to vent
itself behind prison walls.
Mr. McClure and myself did not get "drunk", did not go to the "bed
room," of Mrs. Viles that night or any other night, and Mrs. Viles did
not say that we did as shown by Mrs. Viles herself, and by her daughter,
Emma, aged 13 and by her son, Harry, aged 21, and by Jo Belonger, a
hired man on the ranch, who was there that night, and it was never
expected to be followed up with any semblance of a showing and was, in
my judgement, done for the purpose of annoying, harrassing, and putting
us to the expense, and work of answering the slanderous charge which is
so serious in its nature, that the Department must of necessity, take
cognisance of the allegations. Supervisor McClure and myself slept
together that night, and we, or either of us, did not leave the room
during the night. Mrs. Viles was not alone with a small girl and a boy
of 17 years of age as this slander would have you believe, but as will
be shown, was amply protected, even if her house had been full of
letcherous deamons.
I continued to board with Mrs. Viles until my head-quarters was
changed, from the Pecos River District to the Rociada District over on
the eastern side of the reserve, September 8th, and Mr. McClure
continued to stop at my headquarters when visiting this district, until
I was changed. Mrs. Viles is a lady in every sense of the term, so far
as I know, and I know that Supervisor. McClure, always treated her as
such, and no intimation or insinuation of anything to the contrary, was
ever heard of until these charges were sent us from the Department with
a request to answer them.
This same slander, states that Supervisor, McClure, has not been on
the reserve in three months, and his letter is dated February 4,
1901; I personally know this to be false, as I was, myself, with Mr.
McClure on December 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 19, 1900, and in addition
thereto, I know that he went from my camp to the head-quarters of other
rangers on the reserve in this same month, visiting ranger Osenton,
ranger McGlone, and ranger Hastings.
I have known Mr. McClure, intimately, for most one year, meeting him
soon after he took charge of the Pecos Reserve, and know him to be a
sober, conscientious public official, maintaining the respect and
confidence of the forest rangers and all people living on the reserve.
except possibly, the Sparkses.
Sworn and subscribed to before
me this ____ day of Mar. 1901.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 1, 1901
Mr. E. Osenton,
Forest Ranger,
Cleveland, New Mexico
Dear Sir:
I hand you herewith, Acceptance of the proposition of settlement for
trespass, case of Callestano Bustes, for cutting of certain timber from
Sec. 35, T. 19 N., R. 14 E., Pecos River Forest Reserve, New Mexico, by
the Hon. Commissioner of the General Land Office, and will go in person,
and assist this Mexican in the forwarding of the money by registered
letter, to the Receiver of the Local Land Office, Hon. E. T. Hobart,
with a request that a receipt for same be immediately sent Mr. Bustes,
therefor, and you will notify this office of your doings in the case,
and the date of the sending of the money.
Mr. Bustes will then stand relieved of any liability for prosecution
in this matter and you will admonish him to be more careful, another
time when he cuts timber adjacent to the reserve limits, not to get over
on the reservation side.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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Willis, January 18" 1901
L. E. Osenton
Cleavland, N Mex
Dear Sir
yesterday Mail Brought a letter from Nate at Rociada stating that you
told him that R C McClure Told you that I had reported you and that Mc
Clure had sent you a Coppey of the Charges for you to answer now I will
just say this that if R C Mc Clure mades that statement to you er any
bodey else you can tell them that Mc Clure is a low down White
Livered Liar. I did report A H Mc Clure to Mr Hanna this was refored
to R C Mc Clure and from R C Mc to A H Mc Clure this or those Charges
was maid out in Duplicate and sworne to as soon as I fond out what was
done I sent the other one to Washington and it is baring Fruit your Naim
was Not mentioned at tall as to burning out I got my information in the
Denver News and in my letter to Hanna I asked him if he had heord that
two of His Rangers was burnt out we also are firing in to R C Mc Clure
and he is in a Hole and I dont see how he is going to get out and am
sorry to say that in the Investigation it will draw you all in and if
your Daley Reports for which you draw your mony from the Government is
not coret I dont know what the consiquencs will be Indirectly I
an to blain for the muss Mc Clure Directly is to Blain for it
Tuesday last Mail Brought me a letter from Hon. Binger Herman in the
letter was a Coppey of his instruction to I B. Hanna to be given to his
Supervisors and from them to his Rangers and I will say Just this that
if you got the instructions not one of you have performed one single
dutey required in this leter. he asks me to Furnish him with a list of
Witmesses which I have done and the whole mater will be investigated by
the Corts to give you an inkling in the Month if Oct 1900 R C Mc Clure
drew from the Goverment $240.00 as there was onely 30 days all told you
will see that it cost the Gov $8.00 per day or saley aloud $5.00 per day
$1.50 for Horse and $1.50 for Board and it will be shone that 18 days
was spent in Santa Fe.
perhaps he is a little Jelis of you and you Fanely for in the Row
with A H McClure I told him that all that I had seen come from Ky was
low down durtey basterdes Except Willhoit and in his answer back he said
he was glad that Ky had one good Famely at least for 1-1/2 Months A H Mc
Clure was not on the Reserve at all and R C Mc Clure new it but he
oproved his acount and A H got his money for the Month of Nov his acont
was maid out Nov 27 and was Forward from this Office and he spend 28 -
29 30 and Dec 1" in Santa Fe and R C Aprooved his acont but he has not
got his pay for it yet I am sorrey that I have got you all in to trouble
but it is to late to Recall it now I am not after any of you Except A H
& R C McClure and I am almost sure that I will get their Skelps but
it will draw you all in Fanely is well.
answer yours truly
(Signed) Dr. Wm Sparks
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 1, 1901
Mr. D. C. Kerley
Forest Ranger,
Rociada, N.M. |
and |
E. Osenton,
Forest Ranger,
Cleaveland, N.M. |
Gentlemen Messrs:
I hand you herewith copy of a letter sent to the office of the
Superintendent of Forestry from Willis, New Mexico and dated February
22nd and signed Wm. Sparks, making charges of complicity between certain
sheep and goat men and forest officials fixing the trespass on the
Territory immediately under your charge, in which he describes by legal
subdivisions by innuendo, the exact location of the several trespasses
he evidently means to report.
You will call upon the persons mentioned and ascertain the facts and
acquaint them with the fact that they have been reported for grazing
sheep and goats on the reserve, which is in violation of Rules and
Regulations and in the event you shall find on visiting any of these
ranches either sheep or goats off their homesteads and on reserve lands
adjacent thereto you will promptly eject such sheep and goats and make a
minute of the time, place, and witnesses to such trespass, and will
immediately report the facts to this office, you are further directed to
notify them that they must at all times confine their grazing to their
own homestead claims and the grazing of five head of sheep or goats is
in the eyes of the law as much a trespass as though it were five
thousand.
You will make such report in reference to the letter herewith
transmitted and signed Wm. Sparks, as may in your judgement be
consistent with the statements herein contained.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 1, 1901
Mr. R. J. Ewing.
Forest Ranger,
Glorieta, New Mexico
My dear Ewing.
I am today informed that one, Christina Rivero grazes the few goats
and sheep that he keeps at his ranch, Patented Homestead,
indiscriminately up and down the river and that they are frequently seen
by the traveling public grazing on the reserve, also that goats are
frequently seen up Indian Creek at or near the old corral near there.
This, as I understand, is not on the reserve, but it is very close to
the line and you are directed to proceed at once and make a thorough
patrol of this part of your district, and personally see Mr. Rivero and
tell him that he must confine the grazing of the sheep and goats
at all times to his own lands and that in the eyes of the law he is as
guilty of trespass in the grazing of five as he would be in the grazing
of five thousand.
Say to him that he cannot afford for twice the value of his little
herd to have any trouble with the Government and that as a matter of
precaution you have been sent to notify him and that in case of a future
report I shall be compelled to take the matter up with the Courts, and
this I trust he will not force me to do. You will report your doings in
each of these cases immediately to this office.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 1, 1901
Post Master General,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
I hand you herewith enclosed copy of letter addressed from Willis,
New Mexico. and dated January 18th, and signed Dr. Wm. Sparks, in which
you will find this term "low down white livered liar", referring to
myself, and further along in the letter the term "dirty bastards",
referring to all people whom he had seen from Kentucky, except Willhoit,
who was my predecessor in office.
I hand you also Postal Card, addressed from Rociada, New Mexico and
dated January 5th, 1900, evidently intended to be 1901, and signed by C.
N. Sparks, in which you will find this term, "Dave and I have been
hunting seame squirrels have not met with much success as they
are hard to find, big like those that we got last March the 22nd at
Walkers".
I personally know these people and am now making, as I remember, the
first complaint ever filed against a Federal office holder. This man
Sparks, as I personally know him, is a traducer of the characters of
good men and recently stands impeached in the office of the Commissioner
of the General Land Office, Washington, D.C., by such men as W.W.
Mathers, Special Agent to the General Land Office, Santa Fe, New Mexico,
C.M. Foraker, U.S. Marshall of the Territory of New Mexico and brother
of Senator Foraker of Ohio, Anthony Dockweiler, an honest German, and
one of Sparks' nearest neighbors, and the force of forest rangers in
charge of the Pecos River Forest Reserve, and is notoriously a
disturbing element in the neighborhood in which he lives. This man who
writes this enclosed letter is unfortunately Post Master at Willis, New
Mexico, is a blatant Bryan Free Silver Democrat and a calamity howler
throughout the entire Presidential Campaign last fall, notifying forest
officials that in the event of the election of Mr. Bryan they might look
for other jobs as Democrats were opposed to Forest Reserves.
As I understand obscene matter is excluded from the United States
Mails and it comes in bad taste at least for Post Master Sparks and his
son C. N. Sparks, whose character like his own is unsavory, to be plying
the mails with such slanderous and obscene communications as are
herewith enclosed, going even to the extent of using a Postal Card to
slander one of his neighbors, to wit: Mr. Walker. By seame squirrels, C.
N. Sparks, son of the Post Master Wm. Sparks, uses a western term
meaning body lice.
Very respectfully,
/s/R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
February 27th, 1901
To the Honorable Commissioner of the General Land Office,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
I have seen a list of the charges preferred against Supervisor R.C.
McClure and Forest Ranger Kerley.
During the summer of 1900 I boarded with Henry Winsor, brother of
Mrs. C. A. Viles, who keeps a summer resort on the Pecos River Forest
Reserve and lives within one mile of the home of Mrs. C. A. Viles, his
sister. These families exchange visits almost daily during the summer. I
was a boarder at this home on the day and date mentioned in the said
charges and continued to board there until the last of January 1901. Was
familiar with Mrs. Viles and the members of her family. I never heard
her or any of the Winsor family mention anything detrimental to the
character of either of these forest officials. I saw Mr. Kerley and Mr.
McClure the day that they stopped at Mrs. Viles the last week in July
and about noon on that day. They both were duly sober. They were out
riding over the reserve in Mr. Kerley's district and after taking dinner
at Mr. Winsor's rode down the Pecos River. Mr. Kerley kept company with
Miss Mable Sparks, the daughter of Dr. William Sparks, during the summer
and was a frequent visitor at this man's home on Sundays. Mr. McClure
has the respect of all the ranchmen on the Pecos River outside of the
Sparks family.
My home was in New York. I am out here for my health and I have no
interest in this case whatever.
Respectfully,
/s/ Geo. W. Thomas
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 3, 1901
Hon. Com. G. L. O.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have seen Department letter "A", J.W.W., dated February 15, 1901,
containing list of charges against ranger, D. C. Kerley, in one of which
allegations, I stand jointly charged, Viz, "They went to a widow-woman,
Mrs. C.A. Viles, field got drunk and turned their horses in her oat
field and spent the day. At night they went to her house and tried to
force their way into her bed room. She was alone except her two
children, one a girl of twelve and a boy of seventeen, but she stood
them off with a pistol, and they left." A more malicious fabrication,
with less semblance of truth, was never published. I find from my record
of services performed that I was not at the home of Mrs. Viles, at all
in the month of Augst. I was there, however, on July 25 and 26, the
later of which dates is, I presume, the date that this slander would
fix, as it was on this date that we went by the "oat-field",
mentioned.
Mrs. C. A. Viles then lived on Pecos river, in R. 19 N., R. 12 E.,
and kept boarde[r]s and this being central, ranger, Kerley, had his
headquarters at her ranch, and frequently when visiting him in official
capacity, I stopped with him over night, most always stopped there or at
Wm. Sparks', Sparks living seven miles below in T. 18, same range. On
this day, July 26, 1900, I quote you my report of work performed which
is on file in your office in Weekly report for the week ending Saturday,
July 28, 1900: "Went with ranger Kerley south and up Winsor canyon, over
trails in Towns 18 & 19, R. 14, (which should be R. 12.) noting the
effect of cattle and horse grazing on this part of the reserve; went
back to Viles ranch in the evening."
First I desire to deny the charge of drunkeness, for Mr. Kerley, as
well as for myself, by stating that I never took a drink on the Pecos
River Reserve with Mr. Kerley or with any other ranger, on that day or
any other day, and never took whisky, or any other intoxicant, on the
reserve for my own use, then or at any other time. This. Mr. Kerley will
show in his own affidavit.
The oat-field mentioned belonged to Mrs. Viles and was on a different
ranch from that of her homestead where she lived, and in a different
part of the reserve, to which she claimed she had a Tax-title, and was
cultivating from five to ten acres in oats in the center of a large
inclosure, the outer edges of which was not in cultivation and upon
which the grass was good, and passing this ranch, along in the
afternoon, Mr. Kerley suggested we let our horses graze a while and we
put them in the field on the grass, and not in the oats. Mr. Kerley had
a rope and tied his horse and I let my horse loose as I had no rope, and
he wandered up into the edge of the oats, but did no damage as we
immediately caught them, and continued over the range to the north, Mr.
Kerley had, as he told me, a kind of supervision of the oatfield, as
Mrs. Viles, his landlady had requested him to look after the field when
out on this portion of his reserve and to see that no cattle broke
through the fence.
Wherein these charges state: "At night they went to her house and
tried to force their way into her bed room. She was alone except her two
children, one a girl of twelve and a boy of seventeen, but she stood
them off with a pistol, and they left," it is malicious and false and is
sent to your office by a man who would not, in my judgment, scruple to
blister his soul with purjury in any court in the land, and makes the
statement with full knowledge of the fact that in the Territory of New
Mexico, there is no law upon the Statute Books covering "Criminal
Libel."
Mr. Kerley and myself slept together that night and nether of us left
the room during the night, and we never on this night or any other
night, went to the bed room of Mrs. Viles, i.e., I never, and if Mr.
Kerley did, I do not know it.
So far as I know, Mrs. Viles is a perfect lady, and during the summer
she had a number of nice boarde[r]s, from various parts of the Country.
On the night referred to Mrs. Viles was not alone. Her son, Harry Viles,
aged 21, her daughter. Emma Viles, aged 13, and a hired man, named Jo
Belonger, past middle life, were all there, in addition to myself and
Mr. Kerley. One mile below Mrs. Viles ranch, lives H. D. Winsor, the
brother of Mrs. Viles, and about half a mile below her ranch, was her
oldest son, Albert Viles, who was at the time employed by Mr. Moore a
tourist, who stopped on Pecos Reserve, most of the summer and fall, and
lived in tents, and for whome, Viles cooked.
Mr. Kerley is one of the best rangers on my force and would not in my
judgment, be guilty of a dishonorable act. He can always be depended
upon to execute the orders of his superior officers, to the letter, and
he rides his district, and is faithful to the interests of the
Government, no matter what kind of weather
If well authenticated information as to the vigilance of rangers,
Pecos River Forest Reserve, or as to their moral character, is wanted,
it can be had from reputable citizens, living within the limits of the
reserve, who know them far better and more intimately than this slander,
who sends to your office a report, that, in so far as it relates to the
charge against Mr. Kerley and myself, is as purely a work of the
imagination as Gulliver's Travels. I make this statement, under oath,
that it may be filed by Mr. Kerley. in answer to the charges prefered
against him, and hope that the fact that he has been charged with so
grave an offense as that of attempt at rape. will not affect his good
standing with the Department. provided he can satisfactorily answer, and
establish his innosence as to the other charge. which he assures me he
is well able to do.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, by
R. C. McClure, this the 4, day of March,
1901.
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
For New Mexico
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
For New Mexio
East Las Vegas, N.M. Feb. 23, 1901
Commissioner of the General Land Office,
Washington. D.C.
Sir:
I have been informed as to the charges preferred by Dr. William
Sparks of Willis, N.M. against certain rangers of the Pecos Forest
Reserve, reflecting upon them as officers and gentlemen, and while I
know nothing personally about the facts charged, I did know that I have
met Rangers Kerley, McGlone, Ewing, Osenton and McCabe, and Forest
Supervisor McClure, officially and personally, and am able to state,
that as far as my observation goes they are gentlemen and diligent
officers. Mr. Sparks preferred a charge against one S.L. Barker for
perjury in making homestead entry, int he court here, and although the
grand jury investigated the same twice, the charge was ignored. A
complaint was made against Mr. Sparks himself for a violation of the
land laws, but the same has been kept from trial in some way unknown to
me; I think it was for maintaining a fence, or an injunction to restrain
him from doing so.
Respectfully.
/s/ George P. Money
Asst. U.S. Attorney New Mexico
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 10, 1901
D. C. Kerley,
Forest Ranger,
Rociada, N.M.
My dear Kerley:
I am this day in receipt of your amended affidavit, in that, this
one, is now witnessed, which makes it good, and the same is on the
Superintendents Desk and it will go forward to-morrow. The Inspector is
here yet and will not leave before about Wednesday for your side of the
reserve. I will come with him if I can get through my work here in time,
though I am doubtful if I can. The timber cutting at Mr. Harrison's
place is progressing and I may have to go there and scale timber on
Tuesday or Wednesday of the week. Mr. McCrum is a nice man and only
wants the facts. Show him every thing in connection with the alledged
Goat and Sheep grazing on your district, and all about the Mestus Goats,
as it is alleged or intimated by Sparks that you are keeping the Miss
Mestus, and in consideration of this illicit relation, that you allow
them to graze Goats on reserve. He, Spark, also tells Mr. McCrum that
you got drunk and about the time you were recovering, and in a stupor
toled him of this illicit relation that he says existed between you and
Mrs. Mestus and her Daughter, on the night referred to in this report.
This you will want to clear up, of course, and will want to satisfy the
inspector as to your innosence.
Very respectfully,
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
March 18, 1901
Mr. R. J. Ewing,
Forest Ranger
Glorieta, New Mexico
Sir:
In my rush today to get ready for my trip to the Gila River Reserve,
I find that I sent you only a part of a letter, the balance of which I
find on my table tonight. What I wanted to tell you is this, that your
Ranger District will not be changed until I get back from the Gila, and
you will, assisted by ranger, Ramsdel, continue to patrol the same
district, including the same territory of which you have had charge
since ranger McClure resigned, until I return. You are further notified
that I am this day in receipt of Department letter, "P", J.B.S., dated
March 8th, 1901, to the effect that I am not to keep on duty with the
purchaser of any timber. constantly, during the cutting and removal of
timber, a ranger, and you will not need to mention in your Monthly
Report of services performed, which report must in all instances be a
statement of the facts. that you spent any considerable time at, or in
connection with, the cutting and removal of this timber, and as before
directed, you will not need to go there only an hour or two each week.
just to see that brush is being properly piled and to see that the
cutting is confined to the proper territory. Mr. Ramsdel is in no way to
have anything to do with this work, and his duties are to assist you in
the patrol duties, and you will divide the work up between you in a way
that seems proper after he, Ramsdel, has learned the trails in the
district and the lines of the reserve, which you are directed to show
him and assist him in getting a general idea of the topography of the
South Western portion of the reserve. Be sure and keep a close watch on
the sheep and goats in Township 18 N., Range 12 E., at the point where
it was reported by Wm. Sparks, goats were being promiscuously grazed on
the reserve. Make frequent visits to this part of your district, and see
to it that no timber is cut from the reserve in T.17 N,, R.13 E. I will
not again visit your district until in April, and after my return from
the Gila Reserve.
Very respectfully,
R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 19, 1901
Mr. R. J. Ewing.
Forest Ranger.
Glorieta, N. M.
Sir:
In the matter of the Unlawful cutting of Rail Road Ties by one
William Dalton, recently reported by you to the United States Grand
Jury, you were given the case for use before the Jury and it has not
been returned and was incomplete if it had been in that it did not fix
the date of the cutting specific enough. you will again report the
trespass, and fix the date of cutting at about the month of _______ in
the year ______, and transmit the same to this office by the time I
return from the Gila Reserve so that I may send same to the Department
with a statement of the fact that the same has been reported to the
Federal Grand Jury. In the matter of the Bartlett illegal inclosure, we
will take charge of the place if we so desire, giving Bartlett a
reasonable time to remove his fence and house.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 15, 1901
Mr. D. C. Kerley,
Forest Ranger
Rociada, N.M.
My dear Kerley:
It affords me great satisfaction to be able to transmit herewith,
letter from the Hon. Commissioner of the General Land Office or rather a
copy of same, exhonorating both of us from the slanderous charges
preferred against us by Wm. Sparks of Willis New Mexico. The original,
which is addressed to Superintendent Hanna, is retained in this office
and he is directed to notify us, which he does by sending you, through
me, a copy of the Hon. Commissioner's letter.
I think best that we do not say any thing and allow the slanderer to
think, if he so desires, that the charges are still pending, for it is
only a question of time when he will prefer other like slanderous and
libelous charges, if he thinks, that by so doing, he can annoy or put us
to expense or trouble, Allow me to congratulate you upon the outcome as
the charges were of a more serious nature. if possible, as to yourself
than to me.
Allow me to kindly admonish you that having been under fire it is the
part of wisdom to stand at all times ready to meet and to successfully
refute any and all charges as to morals or fidelity in discharge of
official duties and all you have to do is to continue as in the past to
ride and know your district and enforce the rules and regulations as to
all matters. Do not allow yourself to frequent saloons or other places
where rangers ought not to go, or to which the going of a ranger might
be subject for unfavorable criticism, or in the hands of an unscrupulous
person, such as Wm. Sparks, would be used as a pretext for the filing
charges.
I am back from my trip to the Gila River Reserve, New Mexico, and
have made my report. Do not know when I will come to see you but soon as
I can cross the range.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 16, 1901
Mr. B. P. Humem,
Rociada, N.M.
Sir:
Referring to your letter of April 12, 1901, I am directed to say that
it is the purpose of this office to recommend you for the next vacancy
that occurs either on the Pecos River Forest Reserve or any other
reserve in the two Territories, for that matter, but we are unable to do
any thing until some one resigns or quits or is removed. Mr. Hanna has
already sent your name in twice and by the mearest inadvertence you were
not appointed but instead another person whose claims were equally
meritorious was in each case put on instead of you. This office can not
appoint but instead can only recommend and then the Hon. Commissioner
and the Hon. Secretary takes the matter up and fills the vacancies and
not always do we get the man recommended. I tell you what I think in
case a man shall resign on the Pecos River Reserve you will get the
place. This is only my opinion however and you can take it for what it
is worth in the matter of any contemplated trades or future
arrangements.
I am, Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 16, 1901
Mr. Feli Roibal and
Mr. Lewis River,
Rowe, N.M.
Messrs:
You are hereby notified that in company with Forest Ranger, R. J.
Ewing, I visited the Squatter's claims which have been maintained from
year to year by each of you in Township 17 North, Range 13 East, Pecos
River Forest Reserve, New Mexico, and upon subsequent examination of the
records of the Local Land Office, Santa Fe, New Mexico, I find that you
did not prior to the creation of said forest reserve make entry or
filing upon said lands and that in consequence you are a trespasser if
you shall go upon the reserve and undertake to exercise right of
ownership or occupy said premises which I find inclosed. I therefore
notify you that you must not again go upon said forest reserve and
occupy said premises or exercise right of ownership or cultivate said
inclosed lands. In case you shall undertake so to do I shall proceed
against you for trespass, which I hope you will not force me to do, but
will conform to law, thereby avoiding unnecessary trouble.
I am, Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
Pecos River Reserve, NM
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 22, 1901
R. J. Ewing. Esqr.
Forest Ranger
Glorieta, N.M.
Sir:
In the matter of "Quarterly Report of Trails, Roads, Bridges
constructed by you during the quarter ending March 31, 1901, this office
in receipt of Two reports from you which do not correspond and I return
them for correction. In the first place you make one of then to read
for the quarter ending April 1, 1901. The quarter ended March 31,
1901, you must be careful in making out your reports to get them correct
and keep a copy of all reports sent in so you will know exactly what you
have done in each particular matter that comes up, and not get them
mixed as you seem to have done in this case. You mention the
construction of 1/2 mile of Fire Brake. This class of work is only done
upon the order of a Supervisor as a rule but perhaps you have found a
place where this class of work should be done immediately and if so
there ought possibly be considerable work of this character done and if
so found when I come out to examine the 1/2 mile already built I will
bring one or two of the other rangers from the other side of the range
and we will do considerable work of this kind along the line north of
the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Rail Road where the danger is great
from fire. I expect to bring three of the rangers over to help in the
building of a permanent ranger's headquarters on Santa Fe river just as
soon as the weather clears up a little and the sap gets up so we can
peal the Quaking Asp out of which I think we will build the Cabin as it
will be more easily constructed out of this class of timber than out of
pine. Will be out soon as Mr. Hanna returns.
Respectfully.
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
April 22, 1901
| Hon. Com. General Land Office, |
Through Hon. I. B. Hanna, |
| Washington. D. C. |
Supervisor of Forestry,
Santa Fe, N. M. |
Sir:
On the 28th day of January 1901, Ranger Ewing reported upon the
proper blank form No. 4-495, unlawful inclosure by Lewis Rivera and
Felix Roybal who, up to the beginning of the winter season, were living
upon and occupying lands under fence and situated inside the boundary of
the Pecos River Forest Reserve, New Mexico, described as follows: Felix
Roybal, -North 1/2 of the North-east 1/4 of Section 27, Township 17,
North, Range 13, East,
Lewis Rivera, -South 1/2 of the South-west 1/4 of Section 23,
Township 17, North, Range 13, East.
These parties were not living upon the reserve at the time Mr. Ewing
reported them as trespassers and so I took the matter up with them and
notified them that there was nothing of record in the Local Land Office
at Santa Fe to show that they had any rights there and that they were
notified that in case they re-entered the reserve and attempted to
establish themselves upon these lands that I would consider them
trespassers and would proceed against them as such and that I hoped that
they would not force me to take any such steps.
I now find that on the 21st day of March, and while I was away on my
trip to the Gila Reserve they, Felix Roybal and Lewis Rivera, came to
the Local Land Office at Santa Fe and were allowed to make filing on
these lands which filings I have just examined. "Felix Roibal Homestead
Entry No. 6246, March 21, 1901," "Lewis Rivera, Homestead Entry No.
6247, March 21, 1901." This too in the face of the President's
Proclamation dated January 11, 1892, which reads as follows: "exception
from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which may have
been, prior to the date hereof, embraced in any legal entry or covered
by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States Land
Office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant to
law," and further: "Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not
to enter or make settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this
proclamation."
The Receiver claims to have orders from the Department authorizing
such filing, and it would seem useless for me to proceed further with
this trespass if the filing above referred to is regular. The lands in
question are surveyed lands so that these parties are not protected by
this ruling of the Department, I await your orders in this matter.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
May 2nd, 1901
Hon. Commissioner
General Land Office
Washington. D. C. |
Through |
Hon. I. B. Hanna
Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, New Mexico |
Sir:
I desire permission to purchase One Scribner's Scale Rule for the
measurment of the timber sold to John W. Harrison of Glorieta, New
Mexico, under order of the Department of the Interior dated January 28,
1901, same to cost $2.00.
I desire permission to purchase one "U. S." Branding Hammer for use
in marking outer lines of reserve at conspicuous points and to use in
any case of emergency where it might become necessary to seize timber
unlawfully cut upon reserve. This latter request I make at the special
instance of Inspector, I. A. Macrum.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Superintendent
Santa Fe, New Mexico
May 23, 1901
Mr. D. C. Kerley.
Forest Ranger,
Rociada, New Mexico
Sir:
Referring to communication signed "Hume and Kerley" reporting an
attempt on the part of some Incendiary to send the Renger's Headquarters
up in smoke, I would most respectfully recommend that in a quiet way you
ascertain all the facts incident thereto and above all, if any threats
have ever been made on the part of the persons hinted at in your
communication, recently or remote, and find out how soon the Mexican
Girl appeared on the scene after the four persons named had passed and
about how long it had been after the last person had left the house and
locked it, did this fire occur. Who, if any one, met these persons,
beside Hume. How long had the sisters been on the Rociada side of the
mountain. Measure the tracts or compare the imprints made with those of
suspected parties. Get some one in the vicinity related with the parties
suspected to go and tell them about the fire and get what they say in
reply. Was Mestus at home himself or where was he and children. What day
of the week was it. Did the party suspected know the whereabouts of Hume
and Kerley. How soon did each of you, Hume and Kerley return after the
fire. Report any other facts connected therewith that you think would
throw light upon the occurrence or that would in any wise tend to
connect any person with the fire, and you will make a full and complete
report of same and call people suspected by their right names, knowing,
as you must that it will be in strictes confidence, unless a case can be
made against them, and in this event we will send them to the
Penitentiary where all insendiaries ought to be.
Very respectfully,
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
May 20, 1901
Hon. I. B. Hanna
Superintendent of Forestry,
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sir:
On my recent visit to the Pecos River Reserve I learned to my
surprise when I reached Glorieta, the Post Office address of Forest
Ranger, Frank Ramsdell, that when he came there on the first day of May
to get his check for the month of March and have it cashed, he at once
proceeded to fill himself up with Mexican Booze and got drunk and
disgraced himself by getting down in the public highway and going to
sleep so that passers by had to get down and pull him out of the road.
Upon receipt of this information I at once proceeded to visit Ranger
Ramsdell's district to look him up and know if he had returned to his
district and if he was doing ranger work. To my gratification I found
him at his post and proceeded to interview him as to his conduct on the
first day of the month and he acknowledged to being drunk at Glorieta
and said that it was unintentional and that if it could be excused this
time it would not happen again. In this promise, however, I have little
confidence as I now learn that Ramsdell is an habitual drinker and that
he subsequently, to-wit, on Sunday May the 12, went to Pecos Town, which
is just west of his ranger district, and on Monday in that town was
again drunk. In addition to this very objectional feature of Mr.
Ramsdell's case I desire to state that he is not an able-bodied man and
is physically incapable of enduring the hardships of a life in the woods
and the duties attendant upon the position of a Forest Ranger.
In support of my convictions as to his physical inability I have only
to call your attention to the fact that with each month's Salary
Account, Mr. Ramsdell has furnished a Doctor's certificate showing that
he had been in the Hospital under the care of a Physician and unable to
work. I regret exceedingly to be forced to make this report as Mr.
Ramsdell is exceedingly poor and among strangers, having come to the
Territory for his health, but in justice to myself and the other rangers
I feel that I must do so, as we are charged with the proper care and
patrol of the reserve and with the limited number of men now in charge
of so large a territory every man must be able-bodied and physically
able to perform his proportionate part of the work, and this Ramsdell is
unable to do.
Very respectfully,
R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
May 28, 1901
Mr. Clive Hastings,
Forest Ranger
East Las Vegas. N.M.
Sir:
I am this day in receipt of Department letter "R" J.T.M., to the
effect that your salary for February 11 and 23 and April 1 and 17 is
suspended pending receipt of report as to how it is that you report
"hard storm, did not go out" on February 11 and 23 and April 1 and 17.
It is stated by the Department that you are the only ranger on the Pecos
Reserve, reporting storms on said days.
It is further stated by the Department that it is not understood why
I approved your report for February 23, when I was at Las Vegas that day
myself with ranger Osenton, and must have known if it stormed too hard
to perform service, which condition does not seem to have existed, as
Ranger Osenton reports on said day - "Proceeded from Las Vegas to
reserve in afternoon" and your report, ("I" referring to the Supervisor)
shows you left Las Vegas for reserve.
I am directed to look into this matter and report, and to this end
shall expect a full explination as to these dates from you to accompany
my report and let your answer be forth coming.
Very respectfully.
/s/ R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Willcox, Arizona, April 9, 1903
| Public Timber Sale | : | Case No. 79. |
| E. B. Moore | : |
| Chiricahua Forest Reserve | : |
| Arizona | : |
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
Referring to Department letter "R", R.H.C., dated April 3, 1903,
relative to application of E. B. Moore for sale of timber, and directing
more complete report thereon, you are advised that Mr. Moore intends to
cut only cordwood, and while he petitions to cut timber "fit only for
cordwood", which evidently means both dead and practically dead timber,
this office recommends that he be allowed to cut only dead timber; and
the dead standing and dead down timber of Sec. 11, T. 20 S., R. 30 E.,
is estimated at 50 cords.
This section contains no timber suitable for lumber, and as it is
only live oak, very small, knotty and crooked, it is considered of
little value for mining purposes, by miners who have tested it.
It is believed that $.25 per cord is a fair and equitable price for
the dead timber recommended to be cut, as it is small, rough and,
brushy, and the forest will be less susceptible to fire, after its
removal.
The necessity for cutting this timber is, to supply the needs for
firewood in the town of Bisbee, Arizona, and Mr. Moore informs me that
he can not purchase it outside of the reserve.
If this sale is authorized, I recommend that notice thereof be
published in the "Arizona Range News" of Willcox, Arizona.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Chiricahua Forest Reserve
Willcox, Arizona, May 9, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
Having made thorough investigation and study of the needs of this
reserve, and in consideration of the fact that it is situated in the
center of the several mining districts of South eastern Arizona, and is
also surrounded by valleys of agricultural significance and worth, and
because of the reserve being heavily timbered and well watered and
containing evident surface indications of valuable mineral lands which
induces many people to come to the reserve during the summer months, and
creates also great demand for timber from the reserve, both by sale and
free use which means much work for the forest officer, together with the
recording of all mining claims on the reserve, guarding against fires
during the dry months of summer and the regular patrol duty necessary to
a new reserve, I believe it for the best interests of the reserve, for
me to ask that a forest guard be commissioned immediately and detailed
for service on this reserve.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Chiricahua Forest Reserve,
Willcox, Arizona
Received this day of the Honorable Commissioner of the General Land
Office, the following specified articles to be returned upon my leaving
the Government service, or amount of value of same is to be deducted
from my final account.
| 1 compass | $14.00 |
| 1 surveyors chain | 6.00 |
| 1 compass tripod | 1.30 |
| 1 Jacob-staff | .85 |
| 1 timber scribe | 1.00 |
| Total | $25.85 |
Witness my hand this 9th day of May, 1903.
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
(Note: Ranger McGlone's addition might be questioned.)
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Chiricahua Forest Reserve
Willcox, Arizona
May 11, 1903
Mr. E. B. Morre,
Bisbee, Arizona
Dear Sir:
Acting in accordance with instructions contained in Department letter
"R", J.B.S., dated May 8, 1903, I am authorized to inform you that
publication of the notice of sale of the 500 cords of wood applied for
by you, has been ordered upon the conditions that you deposit with the
Receiver of Public Moneys at the U.S. Land Office at Tucson, Arizona,
$25.00 to cover costs of the publication of such notice, and that when I
am notified by Receiver that the deposit has been made, to have notice
thereof published in six consecutive issued of the Arizona Range News,
of Willcox, Arizona.
I will have the Editor mail you a marked copy of the paper containing
the notice which specifies conditions and date of which bids will be
received, and your bid must be made accordingly.
The notice calls for 500 cords of wood to be obtained from the dead
standing and dead down timber on Sec. 11, T. 20 S., R. 30 E., within the
Chiricahua Forest Reserve.
It is believed by the Department that $.25 per cord is not sufficient
price for standing, green oak timber, consequently to expedite the
matter and to assure the sale, believing that amount of dead timber on
the section referred to and that you would have less work in clearing up
the brush and refuse, I recommended cutting the dead timber.
Make this deposit immediately, and the matter shall receive prompt
attention.
Very respectfully.
/s/ Charles T. McGlone,
Forest Ranger.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Chiricahua Forest Reserve,
Willcox, Arizona
May 23, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
This application made by J. N. Henley for the San Simon Cattle
Company, to graze 3,000 head of cattle within this reserve, calls for
the entire amount of stock owned by that company in the vicinity of the
reserve.
Their cattle graze only upon slopes of the reserve facing the San
Simon valley, these slopes are narrow and rough and stock that is
permitted to graze in both valley and reserve do not often frequent the
reserve.
I have spent a great deal of time in acquainting myself with this
portion of reserve, and am positive that permit for 1000 head of stock
will be ample amount for all stock grazed by this company on the
reserve.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Chiricahua Forest Reserve
Willcox, Arizona
May 24, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
The applicant Lawrence O'Keefe petitions to graze 500 head of cattle
and 60 head of horses within this reserve, and it is believed by this
office that the amount prayed to be grazed, is greater than the actual
amount of stock owned by the petitioner; first, because he admitted to
me that all his stock did not exceed 300 head, and asked at the same
time if he could apply to graze an amount of stock equal to the number
recommended for that entire district, and prevent thereby other people's
stock from watering in that portion of reserve.
Those who are best acquainted with his stock, say that it will not
exceed in all 200 head.
Therefore I recommend that permit be granted him to graze 200 head of
cattle and 30 head of horses.
Respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
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Chiricahua Forest Reserve
Willcox, Arizona, June 2, 1903
The Honorable Commissioner
of The General Land Office
Sir:
I have the honor to request for my official use and for the official
use of the subordinates under me (1 or 2) for the ensuing six months,
the following items of stationery and blank forms. The quantity called
for is not excessive, and will be actually required for the period
named.
The last requisition for supplies submitted was December 3, 1902.
Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger
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Item or
Form No. | Quantity |
Description of Articles |
Quantity on Hand |
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| 4-671 | 4 | Field Note Books | None |
| 4-152 | 6 | Salary account (blanks) | 2 |
| 6-1140 | 6 | Monthly report (blanks) | 3 |
| 4-530 d | 3 | Requisition (blanks) for supplies | None |
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Chiricahua Forest Reserve
Willcox, Arizona
June _, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Since the beginning of cutting operations in public timber sale Case
68, it has been necessary for me to give constant attention to such
operations; consequently I have been here looking after matters and
during hours off active duty, I have built and furnished a two-room
house to be used for headquarters of the forest officers of this
reserve, it is sufficiently large for their shelter and should be
maintained, kept equipped and furnished with supplies at their command
especially during the dry months of summer.
The house is situated in T. 17 S., R. 30 E., near the sawmill, at top
of the mountain and center of reserve, and on the wagon road being built
by B. B. Riggs, across the reserve.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Ranger.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Chiricahua Forest Reserve
Willcox, Arizona, July 8, 1903
Mr. Neil Erickson,
Forest Ranger,
Willcox, Arizona.
Dear Sir:
Having been appointed by the Honorable Secretary of the Interior as
forest ranger, and directed by the Honorable Commissioner of the General
Land Office, to report to this office to be assigned to duty on this
reserve, and as the officer in charge I am authorized to assign you to
such duty and you are advised that the order takes effect on this date,
you will direct all of your official correspondence to this office and
may at any time call for information relative to your duties in
administering to the needs this reserve.
It will be necessary for you to submit monthly service reports as
indicated in your Forest Reserve Manual, page 56; such report must be
submitted promptly at the close of each month, must be complete in every
detail and be made a matter of record in this office.
The regulations governing the equipping of rangers for field service,
and found on page 90 of the Manual, requiring rangers to provide
themselves with a pocket compass, camp outfit, axe, shove, and pick or
mattock, will be made mandatory and you will report to this office when
you are thus equipped.
your principal duty will be regular patrol service which consists of
riding through reserve to protect it from fire and trespass, posting
fire-warnings and notices of reserve boundary line at all such points as
lines thereof may be approximately determined; you will also be expected
to look after the needs and cases of free use of timber to be cut from
reserve lands and in view of this fact you are admonished to study
carefully the rules pertaining to the "free use of timber and stone"
found on pages 12 and 13 of the Manual; however you may be called upon
at any time to assist in looking after timber sales and to attend to any
matters appertaining this reserve.
You will not be assigned to any particular district for the
performance of such duties, as is customary in the large reserves but
will maintain patrol throughout the entire reserve at present, or until
such time as another ranger can be appointed and assigned to duty within
a district or portion of the reserve.
The Department urges the thorough organization of field service
during the present year to prevent forest fires that have been so
destructive to the forest cover for the last few years, especially in
this dry arid region of the South West, and to this end you are enjoined
to be vigilant use every means to prevent further destruction of the
forest timber by this known enemy of the forest.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Ranger in Charge.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, July 7, 1903
Mr. Neil Erickson, Forest Ranger
Willcox, Arizona.
Sir:
It becomes necessary for me to leave my headquarters before your
return, and as you will be expected to look after cutting and logging
operations in timber sale 68 until my return, leave you a brief outline
of the work demanding your attention during that time.
You will mark all timber to be cut in advance of the cutting, and
will be governed by your own judgment as to the timber that should be
cut, bearing in mind that the forest must not anywhere be depleted and
that you will mark no living timber less than twelve inches in diameter
three feet from the ground; all dead sound material must be cut.
You will require the brush piled in small compact piles in the open
that it may be burned without injury to the forest cover, see that all
timber is utilize down to a diameter of three inches, that all waste
lumber within this diameter is cut into firewood.
The wood heretofore cut in this case has all been measured, except
that cut from the timber which you and I marked for cutting; and you may
go over the cutting and brand it with the U. S. stamp, branding several
sticks in each pile.
When this work is attended to properly and you have the time you may
post fire warning along the wagon road to the center of Soldier Flat
just across Turkey Creek which is the east line of the reserve.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone,
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, August 4, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have the honor to submit the following report as to the plan of
work for the Chiricahua Forest Reserve for the month of August,
1903.
This reserve being situated in the extreme southern part of Arizona
where the dry season is very long and hot, and in mountains that rise up
abruptly out of the plains to an altitude of 9000 feet, and covered with
a dense forest of Douglas spruce, Arizona and Bull pine, where fires
have wrought great injury in the past, and are likely to occur at any
time, therefore it is believed that to properly patrol and protect the
reserve from this recognized enemy of natures forests, until the close
of the present dry season, that it will require the constant attention
of two forest officers for such purposes; this being the only evident
danger on this reserve for the month mentioned.
Having no "free use" cases of timber cutting under way, the regular
work will be principally looking after cutting and logging operations in
Timber sale 68; however Sale No. 79 may require further attention during
the latter part of the month.
Special work for the month will consist of gathering reports and
making record of mining claims within the reserve.
The miscellaneous work will be posting fire warnings and reserve
boundary line markers and possibly, surveying of boundary lines in the
above entitled cases of timber sales.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone,
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona
August ___, 1903.
Mr. Eddie M. Riggs
Forest Ranger
Paradise, Arizona.
Dear Sir:
As per instructions of Department telegram of date August 20, 1903, I
am authorized to assign you to duty as forest ranger on the Chiricahua
Forest Reserve, with salary at $60.00 per month, and as you have
executed and filed with me the oath of office, the order thereof takes
effect upon this day and date.
Official stationery necessary in making reports of any and all duties
performed, will be furnished you from this office and you will at all
times be subservient to the orders of this office and direct all your
official Correspondence thereto, and may at any time call for any
information relative to the duties of your office.
You will submit monthly service reports which will be condensed and
prepared from field notes recorded daily in your field note book and in
accordance with instructions found on page 56, of your Forest Reserve
Manual; such reports must be made promptly at the close of each month
and should contain complete description of the work performed each
day.
Rangers will be required to equip themselves with pocket compass camp
outfit, axe, shovel, and pick or mattock as indicated on page 90 of the
Manual and you will report to this office when you have thus provided
yourself. You should study thoroughly the rules providing for, and
governing the "free use of timber", found on pages 12 and 13 of your
Manual, as the mining and agricultural interests along the border of our
reserve are quite extensive and demand considerable timber from lands of
the reserve, and all these cases should receive prompt attention of the
forest officers.
During the remainder of the present month you will not be assigned to
any particular district for the performance of your duties as a great
deal of promiscuous work demands our attention at present and the recent
rains have given us relief in looking after, and guarding against forest
fires.
You will devote your entire time to reserve work, except Sundays
which you will not be required to render service, unless something
special arises and when reserve interests would he injured by postponing
the work until the following day.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone,
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, September 7, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I am in receipt of a letter from R.K.Wade, Head Ranger for the Gila
River Forest Reserve, Cooney, New Mexico, stating that there will be a
reunion or convention of forest officers at his camp during the latter
part of September, and inviting me to attend the meeting; stating also
that is is believed that the Honorable Gifford Pinchot, Forester of the
United States Department of Agriculture, will be present, and that
questions of importance relative to the protection and preservation of
nature's forests will be discussed.
I believe that through the united, harmonious effort of the field
force of the forestry service, the ends sought in the creation of the
forest reserves by our national Government can be accomplished, and that
I will be greatly benefited in administering properly to the needs of
the reserve entrusted to my care, by attending the meeting referred to.
provided that the conditions of this reserve at that time permit it.
I ask therefore, that a leave of absence for ten days be granted me
from duty on this reserve, that I may attend the convention in case the
Department deems it to be beneficial and prudent.
I infer from the letter that at present the date of the, meeting has
not been fixed, but that it will be during the last days of the month;
if this request is granted I am sure that a leave of absence from the
21, to 30, days inclusive, will be sufficient time to attend the meeting
and return to duty on this reserve.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona September 30, 1903
Hon. R. C. McClure
Forest Supervisor,
Silver City, N.M.
My dear Mr. McClure:
In response to your cordial invitation by letter of the 21, instant,
inviting me to attend the foresters reunion to he held on the Gila River
Forest Reserve October 10, 11 and 12, 1903, I am pleased to advise you
that by virtue of Department letter, I have been granted a leave of
absence for that purpose and will arrive in Silver City, New Mexico, on
October the 6th, enroute to the reunion.
Hope to arrive in time to go with you to the reserve, but in case it
would be necessary for me to come earlier, wire me to that effect as I
will be in Willcox a few days ahead of time, preparing my quarterly
reports on "free use" timber cases and could come at an earlier date in
case you have made arrangements to leave before that time.
Assistant Supervisor Mr. R. K. Wade wrote me in regard to the reunion
some time ago, whereupon I asked for a leave of absence in case the
conditions on my reserve permitted me to be away, and providing the
Department believed it consistent, and a means of assistance to me in
administering to the needs of my reserve in the future.
I concluded then not to write you until I heard from the Department;
the letter reached me with favorable results a few days ago, hence I
shall be with you to share my part of the expense and pleasure and
anticipate significant results in the knowledge of practical forestry
which we must possess to maintain the confidence of our national
Government in our ability to assist nature in the care and protection of
her forests.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Willcox, Arizona
September 30, 1903
Mr. R. K. Wade,
Ass't Supervisor
Cooney, New Mexico.
My dear sir:
In reply to your letter of the 14, instant, relative to the foresters
reunion to be held on reserve on October 11, 1903, it affords me
pleasure to inform you that the Department has granted me a leave of
absence for that purpose, and the conditions on my reserve permit me to
be away, consequently I will be with you; I expect to reach Silver City
on October 6, and can stay with you until the round of pleasure is
complete: my note book will be a large one and on my return here I
expect it to contain the many valuable experiences of my old comrades in
the forestry service.
Here's a tip to its success, and two for the future welfare of its
promoters, and my sincerest thanks for your kind invitation extended to
me. Hoping to see you soon.
I am ever your friend.
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, October 30, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
On September 4, 1903, upon application submitted, I issued a permit
for the "free use" of timber to Mr. T. B. Stark, residence Bonita
Canyon, Arizona, P.O. address Willcox, Arizona, to cut 1000 fencing
posts from lands of the Chiricahua Forest Reserve, posts to be used for
fencing the lands of a school section held by Mr. Stark under lease from
the territory of Arizona; however, I issued the permit upon agreement
with Mr. Stark that the cutting would not begin until your office had
acted upon the permit, as I doubted the right of a person to take timber
from reserve lands under permit for the "free use" of timber and use it
for the above-named purpose.
Before making my report to your office in regard to the case, and
while attending the convention of forest officers on the Gila River
Forest Reserve, New Mexico, I was informed by Supervisor R. C. McClure
who had had experience in the matter, that timber could not be had for
such purpose under "free use" permit; consequently upon my return here,
I cancelled the permit October 21, 1903.
I immediately notified Mr. Stark of my action in the case, whereupon
he informed me that inasmuch as he was needing some posts for improving
his homestead-claim, and as the block is already surveyed, he would
shortly submit an application to cut a less number of posts for that
purpose; if, upon investigation, it proves to be meritorious I will
issue him another permit for timber from the same block to be used for
fencing on his homestead-claim instead of the school section.
The first permit being void at present I will not transmit it to your
office unless hereafter advised to do so, but will retain a copy of it,
also the application submitted, in case they should need to be
forwarded.
I enclose map of the block as surveyed for cutting, also estimate and
description sheets.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, November 4.
Hon. R. C. McClure,
Forest Supervisor,
Silver City. N.M.
I have before me your letter of October 28, 1903, requesting a copy
of my address to the convention on Willow Creek on the subject,
"Difficulties Attending Administration of New Reserves", and with
reference to same you are advised that I have not even an outline of the
address, am sorry such is the case nevertheless it is true, as I was so
busy prior to trip to the convention; therefore I shall endeavor to give
you a rough outline of it as to the best of my recollection at present,
to wit:
(1) Prejudiced opinions of residents and persons living along border
of reserve, in regard to object of our National Government in the
creation and administration of the forest reserves.
(2) Lack of knowledge of officers in charge, with reference to
existing conditions on the newly created reserves, to clearly state the
matter as it exists to the Department officers, to whom is entrusted the
protection and preservation of forest reserves.
(3) Necessities of the protection of nature's forests:
(a) To maintain the steps already taken toward natural irrigation,
the forests must be protected to insure sufficient water; depletion of
the forest cover, causes water to sink so far beneath surface of the
land that it is useless to build dams to conserve it for irrigation.
(b) To insure sufficient amount of timber to meet present and future
needs; affecting thereby the interests of every citizen of the nation as
well as the residents of the vicinity of the reserve.
(c) Reading of President's address to members of the National
Irrigation Convention, relative to the protection of forests to promote
irrigation.
(4) Urging the united effort of field force of the forestry service,
in fulfilling the duty entrusted to our care by the national
Government.
(5) To treat friends and enemies alike, shows the good will of the
Government in the creation of forest reserves for its people.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, November 9, 1903
Dr. W. R. Weeks,
713 Texas Street,
El Paso, Texas
Dear Sir:
Your letter of October 22, 1903, addressed to me at Paradise,
Arizona, relative to grazing goats on lands of the Chiricahua Forest
Reserve, is before me, and with reference to same you are advised that
the Honorable Secretary of the Interior, upon the recommendation of this
office has decided that sheep and goats will not be permitted to graze
therein during the present.
The lesson of six years experience has taught us that sheep and goats
are very injurious to the seedling growth of the forest, especially so
in these arid lands of the south west, where the protection of nature's
forests is so essential in the course of natural irrigation: however
they are permitted to be grazed upon lands of some of the forest
reserves during the rainy period of each year if a permit is obtained
for such grazing before the herd enters the reserve, which customarily
is granted free of charge.
There being no sheep and goats owned by residents of the vicinity of
the reserve, at the time of making report and recommendation on grazing
for the present year, consequently I recommended against grazing them
therein.
If it becomes evident to this office that an industry so important as
that of sheep or goat raising would be fostered by permitting them to be
grazed on the reserve, we would be glad to render it assistance in the
way of recommendation in its favor.
Would be pleased to hear from you again relative to the matter.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, November 13, 1903
Mr. E. M. Riggs
Forest Ranger
Paradise, Arizona
Dear Sir:
I am directed by the instructions of Department letter "R", initials
J.T.M., dated October 31, 1903, to furlough the rangers now employed on
the Chiricahua Forest Reserve, to take effect on and after November 15,
1903: and, acting in accordance with above-mentioned instructions you
are hereby notified that on the said date or as soon thereafter as you
may receive this notice, your services as forest ranger will be
dispensed with and you will turn over to this office all official
supplies in the way of stationery, badges, and etc. that you may have in
your possession at present.
I regret very much that my rangers must thus be furloughed, however
necessity compels it at present, but it is to be hoped that Congress
will increase the appropriation for forest reserves, to sufficient
amount hereafter to meet the salary expense of the ranger force during
the entire year.
You have the thanks of this office for the faithful and diligent
manner in which you have attended to the duties of forest ranger on this
reserve, and you carry with you the best wishes of
Your friend.
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Willcox, Arizona, December 11, 1903
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
In consideration of the fact that the interests of this reserve
demand my time and constant attention I located my headquarters on the
reserve at the unavoidable distance of 45 miles from Willcox, Arizona,
my present post-office address and because of the great distance I could
not go regularly for my mail, consequently it has been carried most of
the time by ranchmen and freighters who have manifested pleasure, care
and diligence in bringing it at every opportunity, still I have
experienced many inconveniences and matters of importance have often
been delayed because my mail could not reach me in due time, and,
inasmuch as that a progressive mining camp has opened up along east line
of the reserve during the present year and the town of Paradise has been
built at the terminus of the right of way of road across reserve,
granted to B. B. Riggs, and shown on map as Galeyville and only four and
a-half miles from sawmill, has tri-weekly mail and daily stage from
Rodeo, New Mexico, and as operations in the mining district referred to
covers east side of the reserve from Paradise to the north end, and
frequently required my attention, I recommend that my headquarters be
moved from sawmill to Paradise and that my address be changed from
Willcox, to Paradise, Arizona.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Paradise, Arizona, February 17, 1904
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office.
Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
I transmit herewith letter of Mr. Theodore Hampe of Rucker, Arizona,
addressed to me, and also a joint petition of the citizens of that
vicinity requesting an investigation relative to protection of the
timber upon the public lands to the south-west of this reserve in the
Little Chiricahua mountains.
Petitioners state that the timber is being wantonly destroyed by
wood cutters for the purpose of speculation, that the cutting leaves the
lands very susceptible to fire and is the source of irreparable injury to the
cattle industry of that neighborhood, as it destroys protection of the water
supply, and ask that the Department take the matter in hand.
With reference to the cutting you are advised that I have been on
portions of the lands referred to, and find statement of the petitioners
to be true, and have given Special Agent Wilson all the information that
I could ascertain relative thereto, and as the lands involved are wholly
outside of this reserve, I submit all papers in the matter to your
office for instructions in the case, and desire to say that this office
will give prompt attention to any duty required of us.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor
Paradise, Arizona, February 22, 1904.
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
You are most respectfully advised that on the 21st instant while in
the post office at Paradise, I heard a conversation between C. C. Dewey
and "Shorty" Cobalt to the effect that on the day previous Cobalt had
killed a deer whereupon I entered into the conversation stating that at
this season of the year it is in violation of territorial laws to kill a
deer and that as a forest official it is my duty to assist in the
enforcement of the laws of the Territory in relation to the protection
of the fish and game within the forest reserve.
They stated again that they had killed a deer the day before, that
they were going to bring it into their camp for meat, but would never
let me see the hide nor meat, that they would kill deer at every
opportunity in the future, conceal the meat and that I could do nothing
toward prosecuting them in such cases.
I have no commission as game-warden consequently I made no further
investigation of the matter, but feel that we should make an effort to
bring such violators of law to justice, therefore I state the matter as
it occurred, for your information, asking what steps should be taken to
insure adequate protection for the game on this reserve.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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F. P. Blevins, being duly sworn, deposes and says:
1. That he is a citizen of the United States and a resident of
Cochise County, Arizona.
2. That he petitions to excavate and build a tank or reservoir in the
Chiricahua Forest Reserve, Arizona, to conserve the water from a small
spring, and to build also, water-troughs nearby and connect them with
the tank by means of a pipe, for the purpose of watering stock that
graze in that immediate range.
3. That the land affected thereby will not exceed 1 acre, and is
located in approximately, Sec. 2, T. 20 S., R. 30 E.
4. That in the event this application is granted, he, in good faith,
intends to use the right-of-way for the purpose stated.
5. (a) That the tank or reservoir will not exceed 8x10 feet in size;
location, Price Canyon, extreme southern part of reserve, that the
troughs and the pipe connecting them with the tank, will not exceed the
distance or length of 150 feet from the spring and tank; and the
direction therefrom will be to south-west.
(b) That there are no private lands within the limits of the area
applied for.
(c) That the entire length and area thereof are within limits of the
Chiricahua Forest Reserve, and no public lands will be traversed
thereby.
6. That the source of the water supply is a small spring within the
area applied for.
7. That the water is to be used as stated, on the area applied for
and not to be conducted to other lands.
8. That there are no other water rights on the stream from which the
water is to be taken.
WHEREFORE affiant further deposes and says, that the right-of-way is
located in good faith, for the purpose above-mentioned and not to
enterfere with the proper occupation of the reserve by the
Government:
AND, that no timber whatever will be removed from the forest reserve
out side of the right-of-way, and that no timber within the right-of-way
will be removed except only such as is necessary to enable the proper
construction and the use and enjoyment of the privilege for which his
application is made:
And, That he has read the foregoing affidavit, certificate and
stipulation and knows the contents thereof, and the same are true to the
best of his knowledge and belief.
Subscribed and sworn to before me
this _____ day of __________, A. D. 1904
My commission expires _________________________ 1904.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Washington, D. C.
Office of Forest Supervisor
Paradise, Arizona, May 1, 1904
Hon. Commissioner,
General Land Office,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
I have to submit herewith the resignation of Forest Ranger E. M.
Riggs, to take effect on and after May 1, 1904.
With reference to this resignation you are advised that Mr. Riggs
leaves the service in good standing with this office, but states that he
is forced to do so because the salary paid is inadequate to meet the
expenses incurred in performing the duties of such office. The season is
very dry here and grass is not sufficient to keep a saddle-horse while
on patrol service; hay costs us $50.00 per ton, grain $2.75 per hundred
pounds, and because of extremely high freight rates, camp supplies are
very expensive. While on duty through southern part of the reserve, on
the 28th instant, ranger Riggs' horse being greatly fatigued because he
could not get sufficient feed, gave up and Mr. Riggs was compelled to
walk all one day and night without rations to reach his headquarters at
the sawmill.
I regret very much to see him leave the service at this particular
time as he served me so faithfully and efficiently through last season
and also during the short period of service since re-instatement, that I
had hoped to have the assistance of his services in the future
administration of affairs on this reserve; however the resignation is
tendered of his own volition, and I most respectfully recommend that it
be accepted.
In consideration of present conditions on this reserve and if the
services of an experienced ranger can be conveniently spared from some
other reserve, I most respectfully ask that a ranger of the second class
be transferred from such reserve and that he be detailed for service on
this reserve at the earliest possible date.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, May __, 1904.
Mr. Neil Erickson,
Forest Ranger,
Sawmill, Arizona.
Dear Sir:-
In consideration of the fact that you are the only ranger detailed
for service on this reserve at present, and with view to maintaining
thorough patrol over the entire reserve so far as is possible with the
present limited force, you will therefore establish your headquarters at
Riggs' sawmill and patrol the reserve to the best of your ability.
You should make a tour of the reserve at your earliest convenience
and ascertain the special work demanding attention and see if new cases
are essential in any part of the reserve.
All "fire warnings" signed by Binger Hermann, Commissioner, should be
replaced by new ones signed by the present Commissioner, W.A.
Richards.
You will be required to write this office each week as to conditions
of affairs found in making your patrol, and as to your future work also,
in case this office needs your service for any special work your
attention will be requested by letter.
Very respectfully.
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, January 27, 1905.
Mr. L. N. Jesunosky,
Section Director,
Phoenix, Arizona.
Dear Sir:
I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, relative to
establishing a station in this vicinity, for the measurement of rainfall
and snowfall, and with reference to same you are advised that I will be
pleased to act as Voluntary observer of rain and snowfall, as I believe
the information gained thereby is of vast importance in the study of
climatic conditions in Arizona, therefore you may send me rain gage,
measuring sticks and the necessary blanks for reports of same.
Our altitude here is about 6,000 feet and the mountain rises to an
elevation of 10,000 feet, and is covered with snow at present.
Very respectfully.
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, January 30, 1905.
Mr. Sydney R. De Long,
Receiver, U.S. Land Office,
Tucson, Arizona.
Dear Sir:-
I am in receipt of an application by E.B. Moore, of Bisbee, Arizona,
for a public timber sale and according to recent regulations he is
required to deposit with you $50.00 and notice of your receipt for same
must be handed me before I can forward the application and reports
thereon to the Department.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone,
Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, January 30, 1905.
Mr. A. Guitard,
Pearce, Arizona.
Dear Sir:-
I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, relative to
permit for some wood from this reserve and with reference to same you
are advised that, wood can be had from the reserve under permit for the
"free use" of timber only for home use, improving a homestead or
developing a mining claim actually belonging to the applicant and not
for use in any place of business, in the use of an enterprise nor for
speculation neither directly nor indirectly, but if you want the wood
for use in your home, you may write me again and I will send you
application blank for "free use" timber.
Very respectfully
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, January 31, 1905.
Hon. Chief Forester,
Bureau of Forestry,
Department of Agriculture,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
I most respectfully submit the following report on the application of
D. R. McDonald and M. R. Hitchins of Paradise, Arizona, for permit to
construct and maintain a wagon road from their mining claims and camp
near Cochise's Head at the source of Indian Creek in a south-easterly
direction to mouth of Indian Creek at East White Tail Canyon, in the
Chiricahua Forest Reserve, Arizona, and intersecting with the proposed
county road extending down East White Tail Canyon to east line of
reserve.
Questions 2 to 5 inclusive, relative to report on applications for
such permits as required by the form provided in the Forest Reserve
Manual, are answered in the forest description and estimate sheets
attached to the respective maps of each division (all of which are
inclosed herewith), excepting notes (e) and (f) of question No. 5
relative to amount and value of timber to be cut on right-of-way, and
with reference to these, no timber will be cut for construction and only
brush will be cut from pass-way.
The necessity for the right-of-way and road is to reach their mining
camp with supplies to be used in developing their mining claims and for
the purpose of shipping ore from the said claims.
The proposed enterprise is not likely to injure the reserve in any
way nor to increase trespass therein as no valuable timber will be made
accessible thereby, but will be a benefit to the reserve as it will be
used a great deal by the forest officers while on patrol duty in this
mining district and reserve.
No settlements will be benefitted by the construction of the road as
there are no settlements in that vicinity except a few mining camps near
south terminus of the proposed road.
There are no evident signs that the proposed enterprise will increase
the danger of trespass as it extends from the right-of-way of the county
road through a brushy canyon into a rough mountainous part of the
reserve and can not be used as a public thorough-fare.
No work has been done on the proposed right-of-way, but the
applicants state that they desire to begin the construction as early as
the permit can be obtained.
Inasmuch as that the applicants are laboring hard to develop their
mining claims located prior to the creation of this reserve, are
reliable, law-abiding citizens, believing them honest in purpose as
pertains their application and that the road when complete, will not in
any way be of injury to reserve interests, but instead will be of use to
the forest officers in guarding the reserve and protecting it from fire,
I most respectfully recommend that the application (herewith enclosed)
be approved.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, February 2, 1905
Hon. Chief Forester,
Bureau of Forestry,
Dept. of Agriculture,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:
With reference to reports of permits issued under paragraph 23 of the
Circular of May 22, 1903, providing for driving loose stock across the
forest reserves, you are most respectfully advised that during the month
of January 1905, upon receipt of regular application by E. A. Rose of
Paradise, Arizona, for such privilege, I issued him permit to cross this
reserve with 2,000 goats, from Paradise on east side to Shaw's ranch on
west side along wagon road extending across reserve via the sawmill and
known as the Riggs' wagon road, the time allowed for the passage was
from the 15th to 18th days inclusive, of said month, and as ranger
Erickson was on duty at the time of crossing, I accompanied the herd in
person on the 15th and 16th days and ranger Erickson went to their camp
on the evening of the 18th and found that they had crossed the reserve
in the period of time covered by their permit.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, February 12, 1905.
Mr. S. R. Kaufman, Esq.,
Marquette, Michigan.
Dear Sir:_
I regret very much that I was compelled to be away from Paradise
during your visit here, and that I did not see you, however I was called
upon a few days since by your Mr. Knowles, relative to the purchase of
saw timber in the Chiricahua Forest Reserve, who outlined to me the
purpose of your company with reference to the timber mentioned, for
mining purposes in this district and at his instance I take pleasure in
writing you in regard to the matter and will say that we have
approximately 100,000,000 feet (board measure) of mature timber in this
reserve that we can dispose of without injury to the reserve; and, while
the chief object in the creation of the National Forest Reserves is to
improve and extend the forest, still we must recognize the fact that
often the local industries and development of natural resources are
dependent upon the reserves for their timber supply, consequently sales
for the mature timber have been provided for in the regulations
governing the reserves, but such sales are only granted for the period
of one year each, and applications therefor are taken out for a certain,
designated area containing the amount of timber desired, or that can be
cut, removed by the said applicant within one year from date of award of
the sale, but, in case the full amount of timber involved in the sale
can not be removed within one year from such date, an extension of time
is granted for its removal.
If a company or individual should be operating on a reserve under
contract of a timber sale and in compliance with forestry regulations,
supplying the local demands, while no option is given on any other
timber than that involved in the sale under consideration and there is
no law prohibiting the granting of a sale to another in the same
locality, still it is never done without due consideration of the future
interest and needs of the party to whom the prior sale has been granted
in view of protecting their roads and improvements from use by parties
who might take advantage of their melioration for competitive
purposes.
Upon the approval of an application for timber sale, notice thereof
is published in a local paper for thirty days, bids are then made under
seal for the timber involved and the sale is granted to the highest
bidder.
Hope to receive your application for whatever amount of timber you
will need for the next year, and we can promise you prompt attention and
action on our part in handling your application and sale.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone,
Forest Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, February 19, 1905.
Hon. Forester,
Bureau of Forestry,
Washington. D. C.
Sir:_
I was called upon today by Mr. James M. Knowles, recent applicant for
public timber sale in this reserve, who states that his company has only
enough cordwood or fuel to last until the first of the coming month, and
that in case his application for the sale is approved he desires to
establish a camp for the choppers and to begin cutting at the earliest
possible date in order that they may have fuel sufficient to keep their
mines and machinery in operation, and states further that he will make
payment in full for the amount of timber involved in the sale if it is
necessary to do so before beginning operations.
He requests me to ask instructions by telegram with reference to the
matter, and says that if he can not begin the cutting by the first of
Marchthat he will have to close down the machinery or purchase coal.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Office of Forest Supervisor,
Paradise, Arizona, February 13, 1905
Editor, Douglas Dispatch,
Douglas, Arizona.
Sir:_
I hand you herewith copy of the act of the National Congress
providing for the transfer of the forest reserves from the Department of
the Interior to the Department of Agriculture, also, letter of the
Honorable, the Secretary of Agriculture, directing the said transfer and
I desire to say that the forest supervisor in charge of each reserve in
the United States, is requested by the Forester in charge of the Bureau
of Forestry at Washington, D. C. to forward the Secretary's letter to
newspapers and prominent citizens of the vicinity of his reserve, for
their information, as the Bureau desires to make the rules and
regulations governing the reserves, compatible to the interests of the
public concerned.
It is not necessary for me to refer to the practicability of the
changes made by the transfer, as the letter explains quite clearly the
"modus operandi"; however, I will say that it systematizes the science
and theory of the Bureau with the experience of the forestry force in
the field, which means much for the promotion of our service and for the
interests of the public as well.
Very respectfully,
/s/ Charles T. McGlone
Forest Supervisor.
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