Department of the Interior Office of Indian Affairs Washington, D.C. May 14th, 1875 Erwin C. Watkins, Esqr. U.S. Indian Inspector, Rockford, Michigan. Sir: This office is in receipt of your letter dated the 1st instant, accepting the appointment of U.S Indian Inspector, vice J.D. Bevier, suspended; and, enclosing your Oath of Office. Herewith I transmit your commission, dated the 31st March, last, together with a printed copy of the Act of Congress, approved February 14th, 1874, providing for the appointment of Indian Inspectors. The provisions of the 6th section of the act referred to, are sufficiently explicit to acquaint you, in a general way, with the powers and duties of your office; which, however, may be supplemented by the following remarks: The office to which you are appointed, was created for the purpose of promoting greater efficiency in the efforts now being made by the Government, to bring all Indians in the United States under the power and influence of civilization.
from Erwin Watkins-Simeon Whiteley papers [box 01], 1863-1920. Transcribed by Becca2 on 01/22/2021
Charles S. Stobie 
Fanny Butcher 
Graham Taylor 
Mark J. Satter 
