Portland Oregon July 19th 1870 Col. Samuel Ross Supt. of Indian Affairs W.T.   Sir:    On the last day of June 1870 I had Conversation with you in regard to taking Charge of the Yakama Indian Agency   Stating to you that I had a Suit in the Circuit Court there in Session in this City involving quite a number of large amount thousand Dollars, of money   and that I was detained here as a witness in an other Case, So it made it about impossible for me to go immediately to, and take charge of, Said Reservation. You determined to go and make a Visit there, and make Such temporary arran- gements as in your wisdom you Should See best, and on returning here, you would immediately Call and See me, and Consumate the arrang- ement for me to take Charge of Said  
        Reserve. After waiting until I Supposed it was time for you to return here, I made inquiry in relation to you, and to my astonishment, I found you had returned to Portland, and  left, without fullfilling the engagement made with me above alluded to. Now Sir, I am puzzled to understand your words Spoken, and your Subsequent actions, and make words and actions harmonize. I am slow to believe evil, and deception of a man, until the evidence will justify Such belief   What explanation have you to make   ?  Have you ordered Lieut. J.M. Smith to turn over the Agency to me, and if So, when Can I have Charge and  resume my duties according to the Commissioners instructions in his letter dated Washington April 22d 1870 and an other Communication from him, about the 23d of June ordering me    to Proceed to take Charge immediately.    I ask again have  
        you So ordered Smith.  I wait for an  answer to the above inquiries. Expecting you will treat me as a Subordinate, yet kindly and gentlemanly I remain Sir  Yours truly    James H Wilbur  U.S. Ind Agent W.T.  
        Copy of a Letter Sent to Col. S. Ross  Supt. Ind Affairs   Olympia    W.T.