This is another letter from Governor Sheakley written three months later. It follows up on the property questions addressed in the previous letter. But this one is addressed to the manager of the mining company instead of the Alaskan Natives. How does the attitude and policy expressed by the government change in this letter?
May 17th, 1897
Mr. N.S. Trowbridge,
Superintendent Bald Eagle Mining Company, Sundum Alaska
Dear Sir,
My letter of Feb. 23rd. to the Indians...was intended to define the property rights of the Indian in Alaska, but I neglected to say that the Indian's right to the land in Alaska exist only to the extent of that which they occupy for dwelling, agricultural, or other purpose, and such land must be defined by some mark or line or boundary.
... Our government does not deal with the Indians of Alaska in their tribal capacity, but as individuals only, and there is no Indian title to the land in this territory except that which is held by the individual Indian....
The Indian has no title or claim to any unoccupied lands in Alaska, and such lands can be taken per mining or other purposes by citizens of the U.S. under the law. It is the intention of the Governor to protect the Indian in all his rights, but he can not, nor must not, stand in the way of the development of the country, as no one is more benefited by such development than the Indian himself.
I know that the mining men in Alaska know and will do what is right. Hoping that you may be successful in your enterprise.
I am very respectfully yours,
James Sheakley