to the Wichita Contracts, that the Seminoles, who are subsisted at a sum
less than seven cents per ration, under contract given after publication
for proposals, are near Fort Arbuckle, and the Wichitas, who are subsisted
under private contract at over thirteen cents per ration, are near Fort
Washita and within the Chickasaw Nation (much of course to the annoyance
of the Chickasaws). Now I ask a reference to the Comparative Contracts to
feed the two tribes on file in your office, with the Contract for corn and
beef given at the two posts mentioned to supply the Soldiers, on file in
the War Office, to convince you that the Witchitas are fed at an
exhorbitant cost to the Government.
I also herewith enclose a letter from Mr. Dennis Trammel, who was the
Contractor to feed the Seminoles; stating that he was willing, and had so
stated it to the Supt, to feed the Wichitas for seven cents pr ration. For
Mr Trammel's veracity I can avouch and full endorsement can be given of it
from others, if required; as can be done for my own character and standing
in this community.--
I intend to follow up this matter to a conclusion, and in so declairing
must state that I do it without motive of personal malice and simply as an
impartial Citizen and a supporter of the administration--impelled to the
duty in view of the universal acclaim throughout the Country for economy
in Govt. expenses on account of the depleted state of the Treasury,
Otherwise I might have left the unpleasant affair to the proper officers
of the Government to find out and determine as they might see proper,
Let me ask;--Is it true that the Supt. has received the Two hundred
thousand dollars due the Creeks under the treaty of 1851, without an order
from that tribe to the government to send out the money and upon the
Supt's own responsibility?--An early reply will greatly oblige me, Very
Respectfully Your obt. Svt.
A. G. MAYERS.
_Copy_
GREENWOOD ARKANSAS April 18th 1859.
DEAR SIR: I have understood that you was willing to feed the Wichataw
Indians at the same price that you received from the Government for
feeding the Seminole Indians.
Please state if I am correct in so understanding your propositions Very
respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
A. G. MAYERS
Mr Dennis Trammell, at Greenwood Arks.
_Copy_
BACKBARN Aprial 19. 1859.
DEAR SIR: I recd your note of the 18 instant and state that you are
correct, I have stated that I was willing to feed them at the same price 7
cents. I am Yours, &c.
DENNIS TRAMMELL
Genl, A. G. Myers Esq.
_Copy_
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS
11th May 1859.
SIR: In reply to your letter of the 21st Ultimo I have the honor to state
that a portion of the funds appropriated by Congress towards defraying the
expenses of Colonizing the Wichita and other Indians in the western part
of the Choctaw and Chickasaw country, including their temporary
subsistence, has all along been in the hands of Superintendent Rector, to
meet any necessary current expenses connected with said measure.
In regard to the contract made with Mr. C. B. Johnson by Superintendent
Rector, for feeding the Witchitas, it was but a temporary measure to meet
an emergency, and was fully approved by the late Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, under subsequent instructions Supt. Rector, will it is expected,
at an early day, make a different arrangement, for furnishing said Indians
with such subsistence as must necessarily be supplied to them by
advertising for proposals therefor, or by causing it to be purchased and
issued to them direct by an agent of the Government, as may be best and
most economical.
The money due the Creeks under the Treaty of 1856, to which you refer, was
placed in Superintendent Rectors hands to be paid to them, in compliance
with the formal and urgent demand of the Council of the tribe. Very
respectfully Your Obt Servant
Signed. CHAS. E. MIX, Commissioner ad interim.
A. G. Mayers Esq., Fort Smith Arks.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
March 14, 1860.
SIR: Robert J. Cowart, Esq. of Georgia, has been appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, Agent of the
Cherokee Indians in place of George Butler, Esq. whose commission has
expired.
He has been directed to report himself to you at Fort Smith for
instructions, when you will assign him to duty. His compensation will be
at the rate of $1500 per annum, and the time of its commencement will be
fixed upon when he arrives in this City, which he has been directed to
take in his route to Fort Smith. The sufficiency of his bond will also be
made the subject of examination at this Office upon his arrival.
A letter has been written to M{r} Butler notifying him of the appointment,
and directing him to make up and forward his accounts immediately, and to
turn over to Mr. Cowart all moneys, papers, and other property in his
hands upon application. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
A. B. GREENWOOD, Commissioner.
Elias Rector, Esq., Superintendent, &c., Present.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS,
April 21, 1860.
SIR: From information that has been received at this Office in regard to
certain persons, who are residing within the limits of the Cherokee
nation, it is found necessary to call your attention to the propriety of
seeing that the provisions of the Intercourse law are observed with
respect to them. By reference to the law, you will find that no person can
reside within the limits of the country of any Indian nation or tribe
without permission, and such must be obtained under certain prescribed
rules; and even after permission is given, if the party is found abusing
the privilege by acting in violation of any of the provisions of law, or
is found unfit to reside in the country whether from example, from the
want of moral character, from his interference with the institutions of
the tribe, from seditious language and teachings, or from any cause
tending to disturb the peace and quiet of the tribe, or tending to
alienate their attachment to the Government of the United States, the
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and Indian Agents have authority to
remove him; and the President is authorized to direct the Military force
to be employed in such removal.
The necessity for such power, and for greater facility in carrying the
same into execution, was so apparent, that at the first session of the
35th Congress it was found advisable to legislate further in the matter;
and the 3rd Section of the Indian appropriation bill was accordingly
passed, which is, "That the Commissioner of Indian Affairs be, and he is
hereby, authorized and required, with the approval of the Secretary of the
Interior, to remove from any tribal reservation any person found therein
without authority of law, or whose presence within the limits of the
reservation may, in his judgment, be detrimental to the peace and welfare
of the Indians, and to employ for the purpose such force as may be
necessary to enable the agent to effect the removal of such person or
persons."
As I remarked before, I am induced to believe that the Cherokees have just
cause of complaint from the presence of some such persons within their
limits,--and it is my desire that you call the attention of the newly
appointed Agent particularly to the subject. He should look not only to
those cases which are there originally without authority of law, but also
to those who, with ostensibly worthy purposes, have received permission,
and falsified their pretensions. This is a delicate trust, and should be
executed with great caution and discretion, and you cannot enjoin upon the
agent too much care and circumspection for although I shall examine
carefully the grounds of his charges, yet I must be guided in a great
measure by his opinion, and am determined that the law shall be enforced.
You will therefore, so soon as Mr. Cowart shall report to you for duty,
communicate to him the contents of this letter, and require him to
investigate, as quietly as possible, the cases of all white persons found
within the limits of his agency, and report to me, through you, such as
are there without the authority of law, and such as may be unworthy longer
to remain although they may have originally had permission to enter the
country. Very respectfully, Your Obt, Sevt.
A. B. GREENWOOD, Commissioner.
Elias Rector, Esq.; Fort Smith, Arkansas.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS,
June 4th 1860.
SIR: The attention of this office has been called to an article which
appeared in the Fort Smith Times (which is herewith enclosed) in which it
will be seen that a secret organization has been formed in the Cherokee
Nation, which is rapidly increasing. The existence of such an
organization, the objects of which cannot be misunderstood, has caused in
my mind the greatest apprehension as to the future peace and quiet of that
country; and, if permitted to mature its plans, will be productive of the
worst results. The article alluded to points to the Jones' as being the
leaders in this movement, and who have been permitted for a long time to
enjoy the privileges of that Nation. It is believed that the ultimate
object of this organization is to interfere with the institutions of that
people, and that its influences will extend to other tribes upon the
Western border of Arkansas.
This scheme must be broken up: for if it is permitted to ripen, that
country will, sooner or later, be drenched in blood. You are aware that
there is a large slave property in the Cherokee country, and if any steps
are taken by which such property will be rendered unsafe, internal war
will be the inevitable result, in which the people of the bordering state
will be involved. The relations which the Editor of the Times bears to the
Cherokees enables him to procure reliable information from that section
which is not accessible to all and hence the greater credit is due to his
published statements in relation to the affairs of that people. This
office is also in possession of private advices from that country, which
fully corroborates the statements in the article referred to. This
organization and its purposes are no longer left to mere conjecture. In
view of these facts I have to direct that in addition to the instructions
contained in a letter from this office, of the 21st of April last, the
contents of which you were instructed to communicate to Agent Cowart, you
will direct him immediately on his arrival at his Agency to cautiously,
institute inquiry as to the existence of this secret organization, its
objects and purposes; who are the counsellors and advisers of this
movement, and proceed at once to break it up; and, if in his investigation
he should be satisfied that any white persons residing in the Nation are
in any way connected with this organization he will notify such person or
persons forthwith to leave the Nation. You will inform Agent Cowart that
the Secretary of War will be requested to place such force at his disposal
as may be necessary to enforce any order he may deem it his duty to make.
You will direct him also to spare neither time or trouble in carrying out
these instructions, and that he report direct to this office, advising you
in the meantime of his action.
A copy of this letter has been sent direct to Agent Cowart. Yours
Respectfully,
A. B. GREENWOOD, Commissioner.
Elias Rector, Esq., Supt: Ind. Affairs:
Fort Smith, Arkansas
TROUBLE BREWING AMONG THE CHEROKEES WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The Fort Smith (Ark.) _Times_ says: We noticed a week or two ago that
there was a secret organization going on in the Cherokee Nation, and that
it was among the full-blood Indians alone. We are informed by good
authority that the organization is growing and extending daily, and that
no half or mixed blood Indian is taken into this secret organization. The
strictest secrecy is observed, and it is death, by the order, to divulge
the object of the Society. They hold meetings in the thickets, and in
every secret place, to initiate members. We are told that the mixed-bloods
are becoming alarmed, and every attempt to find out the object of this
secret cabal has thus far proved abortive. The Joneses are said to be the
leaders in the work, and what these things are tending to, no one can
predict. We fear that something horrible is to be enacted on the frontier,
and that this secret work will not stop among the Cherokees, but will
extend to other tribes on this frontier. The Government should examine
into this matter, before it becomes too formidable.
CHEROKEE AGENCY. Near Tahleguah C. N.
HON. ELIAS RECTOR, Supt. Ind. Affairs
Fort Smith, Ark.
Sir: Yours of the 15th Inst, is before me, contents closely noted.
In reply I have to state, that I am in receipt of the Instructions of
which you write, from the Indian Ag{t}
And I now hasten to Lay before you the result of my investigations, thus
far in this nation,
Soon after I entered the nation before I had proceeded say half days
travel, I was met with complaints against certain persons (white men) who
it was said had been enterfearing with the Institution of Slavery--to
which I invariably replied to the complainants, bring me the charges--or
the witnesses--by whome I can substantiate them, and my duty, will be as
pleasent, as promptly fulfilled--_none came_,
In Tahlequah in time of Circuit Court, I made a short speach to the
Citizens, in which I told them, that if they, or any of them, knew any
thing on the subject--to report forthwith to me,--_and none have reported_
and while I have heard much said on the subject--I have not as yet been
able to get any thing that would do for proof--that would be reliable. And
while I make the above statement I do not entertain a doubt, of the truth
of the charges--And being satisfied of the truth of those charges--I shall
use evry effort to establish them,
As regards those Secret Societies, I firmly believe, that they are gotten
up with a view to aid in coveying those abolition plans of operation, to a
successful termination Allow me to say--that I shall continue to travel in
and through the Nation (unless differently instructed) until I establish
those charges if it can possible be done,
Mean while, I shall be pleased to recive Instructions and advice from you
on the subject, and will keep you advised of my movements, I am Sir with
much respect, your obt Servt,
ROBT. J. COWART, U. S. Cherokee Agent
_Private_
The Second Chief is about to call the Council together to take into
consideration the conduct of those white men who are interfearing with the
institutions of Slavery--and to devise means by which those Secret
Societies may be put down, and when the Council meets, I think we can
remidy all those evials--
I find there are many white men in the nation without permits--and one or
two English men, these I shall order to leave the nation Instanter,
R. J. COWART
TAHLEQUAH C. N. July 9th 1860
DEAR MAJ RECTOR, When I reached home I found that Hon. A. B. Greenwood had
been here, stayed two days, and a half & left. I am told that he expressed
a verry strong desire to see me but had not time to remain here or go to
Fort Smith.
He has brought his family home to Ark. to remain as he writes me--
I wish now verry much to see you and Col. Pulliam, of which I have written
him, I would go forthwith to see Greenwood but suppose from what he wroat
me that he had left, or will have done so before I could get there. I am
with much respect, your friend
R. J. COWART
Tahlequah C. N.
Hon. Elias Rector Fort Smith, Ark
CHEROKEE AGENCY. TAHLEQUAH C. N. August 15th 1860
HON. ELIAS RECTOR, Sup{t} Ind Affairs Fort Smith, Arks.
Dear Sir: Tomorrow morning I set out, to the Neutral Lands--and am
advised to take a few men with me which I propos doing,
It may be truely said, that, this Nation is in the midest of a crises.
I shall be compelled to call for Military aid--which I expect to do
forthwith--
Immediatly upon my return from the Neutral Lands--I expect to go to Fort
Smith--
Please Remember me kindly to my friend Col Pulliam--
I am very kindly your obt Servt.
R. J. COWART
Tahlequah C. N.
OFFICE U. S. NEOSHO AGENCY, QUAPAW NATION
Augt 24th 1860
SIR: By refference to my letter of July 11th you will find that I
according to your instructions, gave all the intruders upon the Osage
reservation notice to leave forthwith, or that they would be removed by
Military force. That notice was dated May 22nd 1860, & the intruders are
still there, and I have most respectfully now to suggest, that in view of
the situation of the Neutral land of the Cherokees and the reserve of the
Osages, they, laying adjoining each other, and the great number of
squatters therein, I would advise that at least two companies of U. S.
Dragoons or Cavalry be called for, both to act together in the removal of
the intruders from the Osage and Neutral lands--
I learn that Major Cowart expects to be at your office in a few days, in
order to make a Requisition upon the Commanding Officer of Fort Caleb for
Troops to remove the intruders from the Neutral land, and enclosed you
will find one from me, which if approved by you, please forward by the
same express, in order that the Troops may march together, as their
destination is about the same--
I would also say that in my opinion, that in order that the removal should
avail anything that all their improvements should be destroyed by the
Troops as they progress--
Your instructions are requested in all this matter. Very Respectfully Your
Obt Svt
ANDREW J. DORN, U. S. Neosho Agnt
Major Elias Rector, Supt Indian Affairs
Fort Smith Arkansas.
N.B. Please forward the enclosed letter directed to Capt W. L. Cabell U.
S. A. and much oblige yours truly
A.J.D.
EVANSVILLE, ARKS Sept 6th/60
FRIEND, THAD ... I wish you woold come up in this part of the country. I
am going to start to Campmeeting next Saturday at Cane Hill there was a
big Camp meeting a going on when I came here in the nation it was about
five miles west of this place. I did not go as I was busy fixing up to
work tho if I dont have any bad luck I think I will have a good time at
Cane Hill
I think business will be pretty good here from the prospects I think I
will spend a couple months at Tahlequah this fall. I want to attend the
next council there which will begin in Oct. ... etc.
Remain your Friend
JNO. C. DICKENSON
Mark,, T,, Tatum, Greenwood, Arks
TAHLEQUAH CHEROKEE NATION, September 8th, 1860.
HON. ELIAS RECTOR, Supt. Indian Affairs, Fort Smith, Arks.
Dear Sir, Enclosed please find Copy of letter from the Secretary of War,
to Hon. A. B. Greenwood--
Unofficial
WAR DEPARTMENT June 14th 1860,
DEAR SIR--In answer to your note of the 11th Inst in regard to trouble
among the Cherokees, I have to inform you that orders have been given to
the Commander of Fort-Cobb, as suggested, Yours &c,
Signed JOHN B. FLOYD.
HON. A. B. GREENWOOD, Commr.--It seems from the above that orders have
been given the Commander at Fort Cobb to furnish me Troops to remove
intruders from this Nation. I have not heard any thing from Washington
since I left Fort Smith.
I would be glad to have the Troops as early as convenient, as I feel that
I can do but little more without them.
I this day sent a Notice to John, B. Jones to leave the Nation by the 25th
Inst.--which I trust he will do. I am writing to the Department today and
giving the facts in refference to this Nation--I have asked for contingent
funds, as the requirements of the Department, are, that money appropriated
for one purpose, should not be used for another.
Please give me the benefit of any information, you have or may get on the
subject of Troops. I am as ever your friend And obedient Servt.
R. J. COWART
Tahlequah C, N,
TAHLEQUAH CHEROKEE NATION, Oct 29th 1860
COL. PULLIAM,
My Dear friend, Will you be so kind as to forward the enclosed Dispatch to
Hon A. B. Greenwood Washington D. C. Please Consult Capt. Sturgeons, you
may, find it necessary, to change it, if so, please make any alteration,
you and the Capt may, think best.
I expect to visit Fort Smith in a few days--when I hope to settle up my
accounts, and spend some time with you--I [illegible] say pleasantly.
I Learned from Capt ----, your Recent affliction. Please allow me to
tender to you and Especially to Mrs. Pulliam my heart felt Simpathy.
Write me by the barer all the News, I send written to Maj. Rector for two
hundred Dollars, please see that the matter is arranged. I am very kindly
yours,
R. J. COWART
Tahlequah C. N.
Col R. P. Pulliam, Fort Smith Ark.
FORT SMITH A.R.K. Oct 31st 1860.
HON. A. B. GREENWOOD Com. Ind. Affairs, Washington D. C.
Intruders Removed from Neutral land--much desire to confer with you and
[illegible] in person with Capt Sturgeons who commanded Troops.
R. J. COWART, U. S. Cherokee Agent
SIR: I have received reliable information that Forts Washita, Arbuckle,
and Cobb, all in the Choctaw & Chickasaw Nations, and recently abandoned
by Federal troops, are now in possession of Texas State troops, and that
Texas is now urging at Montgomery, that the Wichita Indians and bands
affiliated with them, occupying the district of Country between the 98 and
100 degrees west longitude & between Red River & Canadian leased by the
United States from the Choctaws & Chickasaws, for the purpose of Locating
said Indians are within the Jurisdiction of this, the Southern
Superintendency, and by an examination of the treaty of 1855 made between
the U. S. and the Choctaws & Chickasaws, you cannot fail to see the
impropriety of the Indians occupying said district being attached to the
Jurisdiction of Texas. unless she also extends her Jurisdiction over the
Choctaws and Chickasaws.--Texas has tried on several occasions heretofore
to have those Indians in the Leased district placed under her
jurisdiction, but the Indians regard her as their ancient, and present
enemy, and will never consent to such arrangement,
I have thought it my duty to call your attention to the subject that you
may, if you think it expedient, lay it before your Honorable body for such
action as it may think proper in the premises. Very Respectfully Your obt
Servt
ELIAS RECTOR, Supt. Ind. Affairs.
Hon. David Walker, President Arks. State Convention.
CHEROKEE AGENCY, May the 15th 1861
To the Superintendent of Indian Affairs
Fort Smith Arks.
SIR: I have the honor of making the following report have this day taken
into my possession as Agent for the Cherokee Indians, the following
property as left by late Agent R. J. Corvort (gone) Dwelling house Kitchen
and other out houses one office, houses all in bad repair one farm
belonging to the Agency, in bad repair one table three desks and papers
all in very bad condition one box containing old papers almost destroyed
by rats one letter press and Books one Rule one Inkstand and letter Stamp
one chair one Iron Safe. I also have in my possession 14 Bounty Land
Warrants received by me from you at office of Superintendency left by R.
J. Corvort late Agent and receipted for by me to Superintendant the Book
on Treaties as reported to of been, left by R. J. Corvort in office not
found by me. Yours Respectfully
JOHN CRAWFORD, U. S. Agent for Cherokees
Elias Rector, Superintendant Indian Affairs.
WICHITA AGENCY L. D., June 30-1861
SIR, Enclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit my quarterly return,
for the second quarter of the current year, and with it my operations as a
Federal Officer will cease.
The seizure of the mules, wagon etc. by Gen{l} Burrow, rendered it
necessary in my judgment, to issue at once to the Indians all the public
property, moneys and effects in my hands, intended for their use and
benefit by the original U. S. Government; believing as I do, that the
moneys and other means which I have held in trust for them, would be as
liable to seizure as the mules and wagon were, and result in a loss: the
losses sustained by them on the Arkansas River and at Fort Smith by fire
of very many of their goods, cause them to be in much need of the goods
which I have issued, more particularly as there appears to be no
arrangements by which they may expect supplies during the present year.
The sudden withdrawal of the troops spread alarm and disquiet through the
different settlements or encampments, many of them fled from the L. D.
with a hope elsewhere to find security and protection, the remainder would
have followed, but for the issue of goods which I made them, and
assurances that they would not be molested.
With these remarks submitted, I have the honor to be, sir, Very
Respectfully Your Ob't Srv't,
M. LEEPER, Ind. Agt.
Major Elias Rector, Supt. Ind. Affairs
Fort Smith, Arks.