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had been issued with the same restrictions. I therefore conclude that there is no authority on the part of the government to prevent such Indian^[[s]] from selling the timber on their lands^[[,]] unless it is in exercise of the authority of the government^[[,]] as the protector of those and all other Indians^[[,]] to see that they are not defrauded of their rights. If the Indian cuts and sells his timber the Department will not interfere, unless it is a clear case of incapacity on his part to manage his own affairs and that he is being defrauded in such sale.

The Timber ^[[which]] you say is likely to be lost on account of the encroachments of the river can be cut under the direction of the agent^[[,]] if it is necessary to do so to save it, and the money should belong to the Indians after paying for the labor of cutting. If the agent applies for instructions he will receive the same.

Very respectfully yours, 

[[signed]] N M Teller [[/signed]]
Secretary.

Miss A. C. Fletcher,
1412 I St.,
Washington, D. C. 

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