Sept. 18th 1869 Mr. J.H. Wilbur  late Indian Agent   Simcoe W.T. (Through Liutenant J.M. Smith U.S.A. Indian Agent) Sir:  I have received by this evenings mail, a letter with accompanying papers, signed by You as U.S. Indian Agent, and dated September 13, 1869.  You are informed that Your duties as Agent terminated immediately upon the arrival at the Yakama Reservation of Lieut. J.M. Smith U.S. Army, Your Successor.  If You Could have Continued Yourself in Office one day, under any pretence whatever, You Could under similar pretence have Continued Yourself in Office, a week   a month   A Year.  The fact is that You ceased to be Agent the instant Lieut. Smith arrived. To make the case as clear and strong as possible, let us suppose that Lieut. Smith died the day after his arrival. In such  a case, it would have been the duty of the Employes to have selected a committe, or one of their own  
        number, to take charge of the property and of the Reservation and inform the proper authorities of the facts. You could not in such a case fall back, and  Act as Agent again, for Your official life had already expired.  I regret to observe this lack of promptness in obeying the orders of the Government.  Please make up Your Returns and papers to include the day on which Lieut. Smith came to the Reservation.  Lieut. Smith will undoubtedly extend to You any Courtesy, and afford all resonable facilities to enable You to carry out my direc- tions.  In turning over the Property to Lieut. Smith it is necessary that You have from him receipts and that You furnish him with Invoices. A receipt at the bottom of the return for the property reported on hand is not sufficient  I am Sir Very Respectfully   Your Obedient Servant    Sam V Ross  Bot. Col. U.S.A. Superintendent  
        Col. S. Ross    Sept 18th 1869.  amp; my Reply Oct 18th 1869