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APPENDIX A—FORT SMITH PAPERS
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Tahlequah, January 9th 1857.
Sir:—Some time since I received a letter from you calling for information in reference to the white intruders who were settling upon the Cherokee Neutral Land. I have been creditably (credibly) informed that there are several white families living upon the Neutral Land, some of them are making improvements, others are in the employment of Cherokee Citizens, living on the Neutral Land, from the best information that I can get, most of the intruders are good citizens of the U-States. I have notified them to leave, with the understanding that if they do not leave by spring, they will be removed by the Military. My reason for not removing them at an earlier date is, the weather is so cold and disagreeable that it would be improper to turn women and children out of doors, therefore I will not remove them til the winter breaks it maybe that the Military will have to be employed in their removal: yet I shall make the effort to remove them peacefully and without the military if possible. Very Respectfully, Your ob’t, Svt.
(Signed). Geo. Butler, Cherokee Agent.
Doct. C. W. Dean, Sup’t. of Ind. Affs.
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Fort Smith, Arkansas, February 19th, 1859.
Sir: I deem it my duty as an independant citizen to apprize you, as the head of the Indian Bureau, of a recent transaction of the Superintendent of Indian Affairs at this place, and demand of you the proper action the facts may impose.
A contract has been given to an intimate friend and relation of the Superintendent, to feed the Witchita and other Indians inhabiting the country between the 98th and 100th degrees, West Longitude, at a sum pr ration, of one third, perhaps one half, more than other persons would have fed these Indians for; which persons were denied the privilege of contending for the contract, as no puplic notice inviting proposals was made, and the contract was given privately.
I assert this postively, as to the notice for proposals, and enclose you a letter of Capt. J. H. Strain, confirmatory of the fact, that he was willing to feed the Witchitas, for a sum far less than the records of your Office must show the government has been pledged to pay another. The character of this gentleman, who has been for years Sutler at Fort Arbuckle, if unknown to you, can be avouched by the U. S. Senators from this State.
The Seminoles are now fed under a contract given in the usual regular mode of publishing invitations for proposals and awarding the contract to the lowest bidder, at the sum of about seven cents pr ration. The Witchitas are encamped only forty or fifty miles from the Seminoles and near the Texas and Chickasaw lines, where corn and beef are much cheaper and more abundant. In proof of this I refer you to late contracts for these articles given at Fort Washita and Fort Arbuckle—the first being near the Witchitas, and the other near the Seminoles. Captain Strain says he would have fed the Witchitas for ten cents per ration, and if proposals had been invited, the Contract would have been taken for a less sum.
There are some seven hundred Indians now fed, and thirteen cents pr ration is the sum stated as allowed—I believe it is more, but the Indian Office contains the proof of the exact sum. If the Contract had been given at nine cents pr ration, it would have been a saving of twenty eight dollars pr day, over the price said to be now paid, which would amount to eight hundred and forty dollars pr month, and ten thousand and eighty dollars a year. This is surprisingly large, for a small Indian contract, and at a time too when the duty of government Officers to retrench expenses is so imperiously demanded.
I am opposed to such favoriteism under any circumstances, and particularly so, when the recipient can lay no claim to Democratic support.
I am credibly informed that the number of the Indians fed under this contract, is rapidly increasing, and that efforts are all the time made to induce the Texas Reserve Indians to claim relationship with the Wichitas, and come into their camp and draw rations. One of the employees under this Contract makes this statement, and says quite a number have already been induced so to come. If the number is swelled to two thousand, as conjectured here, the large price now paid will roll up the sum thus disbursed to the Superintendents favorite so much that other notice will be taken of it, unless you find it in your power to interfere.
I am tired of such conduct and such unfairness towards the government, and now make the charge distinctly and demand of you that it be stopped.
Of course I have no desire to withhold my name, and can refer you to Senators Sebastian and Johnson for an endorsement of my character.
Please acknowledge receipt of this. I am most respectfully, Your Obt. Servant,
A. G. Mayers.
Hon. J. W. Denver, Comr. Ind. Affairs,
Washington City, D. C.
P.S. I may add that I am not, nor have I ever been interested in these sort of Contracts, and have no desire to be interested in this one.
A.G.M.
Fort Smith 16th Feby. /59.
Dear Sir: I am in receipt of yours of the 15th inst. You were correct in understanding me to say, that I was willing to feed the Witchita Indians, near Fort Arbuckle, at ten cents per ration.
Was the contract to be let to the lowest bidder, it would go below what I said I was willing to take it at. Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servant
J. H. Strain.
Gen. A. G. Mayers, Ft. Smith, Ark.
Department of the Interior. Office Indian Affairs,
May 12th 1859.
Sir, For your information and such action as you may deem necessary, I transmit a copy of a letter, and its enclosures, addressed to this Office by A. G. Mayers on the 21st ultimo, and of my reply of the 11th instant. Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servant,
Charles E. Mix, Commissioner, ad interim.
E. Rector Esq, Superintendent &c.,
Fort Smith, Arkansas.
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Fort Smith, Arkansas April 21st 1859
Chas. E. Mix, Esq, Acting Comr. of Indian Affairs
Washington City D. C.
Sir:—Allow me to ask of you the favor to inform, officially whether the funds provided by the Government for the subsistence of the Wichita Indians has been turned over to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs at this place or any other disbursing offices of the department, to carry out the Contract made by the Supt. with C. B. Johnson for subsisting those Indians after the facts reported by me in regard to the matter, in a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of date the 19th Feby 59—.
It has been stated to me that such monies have been so turned over to the Superintendent, and statement has been contracted, I therefore wish to know of you the truth of the matter, and am assured such information will be readily afforded me.
I may add, to strengthen the report of facts formerly made by me in regard 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Mr 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 Agt
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, Supt 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—
