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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 Genl 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.
ESTIMATE OF FUNDS REQUIRED IN THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS ARKANSAS SUPURENTENDENCY.
| For Salary of Superintendent. for ½ year of 1861. which includes 3 & 4th qrs. at $2.000—per Anum | $1000.00 | |
| Pay of Clerk ½ year 3 & 4th qrs. at $1.500— | 750.00 | |
| ""Interpreter " " " 400— | 200.00 | |
| "" Traveling expences. Contingences of office &c. | 500.00 | |
| $2.450.00 | ||
| "Office rent for ½ year | 200.00 | |
| $2.650 00 |
ESTIMATE OF FUNDS NECESSARY FOR DISBURSMENT TO SEMINOLE INDIANS UP TO
30TH DECEMBER 1861 AS PROVIDED FOR BY TREATY OF 7TH AUGUST 1856
| To provide for the Support of Schools for ten years the sum of $3000—per Annun. from 7th August, 1856 to 30th December 1861 | $16.000.00 | |
| For agricultural assistance. from 30th December 1859 to 30th December 1861. at $2000—per Annm | 4.000 00 | |
| For the Support of Smiths & Smith Shops from 30th December 1859. to 30th Decr. 1861. at $2.200 per Annum | 4.400.00 | |
| Interest on $500.000—invested at 5 per Centum from 30th Decr 1860 to 30th Decr 1861 | 25.000.00 | |
| $49.400 00 | ||
| Pay of Agent for year 1861 | 1.500.00 | |
| " " Interpreter for year 1861 | 400.00 | |
| Contingent expenses of Office | 300.00 | |
| Provisions for Indians attending payments of annuities & visiting Agency on business | 300 00 | |
| $2.500 00 |
Amount invested by Old U S government for Seminoles as per treaty 7th August 1856 at 5 per centum. $500.000—This amount has never been invested in State bonds but held by the Government.
ESTIMATE OF FUNDS NECESSARY FOR DISBURSMENT TO CREEK INDIANS FROM 30TH JUNE TO 31ST DECEMBER 1861.
AND BALANCES DUE THEM BY THE OLD U. S. GOVERNMENT. UP TO 30TH JUNE 1861.
| Permanent provisions for | Blacksmiths | for ½ year 1861 | 1.680.00 | |
| " " " | Iron & Steel | """ | 540.00 | |
| " " " | Wheelwrights | """ | 300.00 | |
| " " " | Wagon Makers | """ | 300.00 | |
| " " " | Agricultural assistance for ½ year | 1.000.00 | ||
| Interest on $200.000—at 5 per Centum. for purposes of Education. from 30th June 1860 to 30th June 1861. | 10.000.00 | |||
| Interest on same from 30th June to 30th December " | 5 000.00 | |||
| Unexpended balances Interest due on same. up to 30th June 1860 which has never been paid | 15.000 00 | |||
| $33.820 00 | ||||
| Pay of Agent for 3 & 4 qrs 1861 | 750.00 | |||
| " " Interpreter 3 & 4 qrs 1861 | 200.00 | |||
| Contingent Expences 3 & 4 qrs 1861 | 150.00 | |||
| Provisions for Indians at payment of Annuities | 150.00 | |||
| $35.070.00 |
AMOUNT OF MONEY DUE CREEK INDIANS ANNUALLY UNDER TREATY 7TH AUGUST 1856
| Permanent Annuity | $24 500.00 | ||
| Permanent provisions for | Blacksmiths | 3.360 00 | |
| " " " | Iron & Steel | 540.00 | |
| " " " | Wheelwrights | 600 00 | |
| " " " | Wagonmakers | 600 00 | |
| Assistance in Agriculture | 2.000.00 | ||
| Interest on $200.00. at 5 per centum for purposes of Education | 10.000.00 | ||
| $41.600.00 |
| Amounts due Creek Indians for amounts invested by Treaty 7th August 1856. | ||
| For purposes of Education | $200 000 | |
| Creek Orphan fund | 200 741 | |
| $400.741 |
CREEK ORPHAN FUND INVESTED AS FOLLOWS
| In | Bonds | of | State | of | Kentucky | at | 5pr | Cent, | $1.000 00 | |
| " | " | " | " | " | Missouri | " | 5½ | " | 28.000 00 | |
| " | " | " | " | " | " | " | 6 | " | 28.000.00 | |
| " | " | " | " | " | Tennessee | " | 5 | " | 20.000.00 | |
| " | " | " | " | " | Virginia | " | 6 | " | 73 800 00 | |
| United States | " | 6 | " | 49 941 00 | ||||||
| $200.741.00 |
North Fork of Canadian River, 5th July 1861
Sir: On receipt of this you will please effect a continuance, on behalf of the Confederate States of America, with Mr. Charles B. Johnson of Fort Smith, of the contract existing up to 30th June last between the United States of America and himself, for feeding the Wichitas, Caddoes, and other kindred and other bands of Indians now settled in the country leased from the Choctaws and Chickasaws.
If no more favorable terms can be effected, you are authorized to adopt those of the former contract, with its conditions and stipulations in all respects.
You will provide that the contract shall end, at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, on the 31st day of December 1861, and not sooner; and that it shall be at his option to continue it for such further term as he may please, upon the same terms in all respects.
You will provide that the contract shall relate to, and take effect as of the first day of July 1861: and you will receive bond, in form used by the United States, but to the Confederate States, with sufficient sureties, and in such sum as you may consider sufficient to ensure faithful performance. I have the honor to be, Sir
Albert Pike, Commissioner of the Conf.
States to Indian Tribes West of Arkansas.
Elias Rector Esq, Superintendent Ind. Affairs,
Arkansas Superintendency.
Agreement made and entered into, this 14th day of August 1861, at the Wichita Agency, between Albert Pike, Commissioner of the Confederate States of America to the Indians west of Arkansas, of the one part, and Charles B. Johnson of the County of Sebastian and State of Arkansas, of the other part.
This agreement witnesseth, that the said Albert Pike, Commissioner as aforesaid, for and on behalf of the Confederate States of America and the said Charles B. Johnson, his heirs executors and administrators, have covenanted and agreed, and by these presents do covenant mutually and agree to and with each other as follows to wit:
That the said Charles B. Johnson, his heirs, executors and administrators, shall and will supply and issue or cause to be issued and supplied at such times and places in the Leased District west of the 98th degree of west longitude as the Wichita Agent may direct, daily rations to the several Tribes and Bands of Comanches, Wichitas and other Indians that now are or may hereafter during the continuance of the present contract be settled in the said Leased District, for and during the term of one full year, commencing with the sixteenth day of August instant, at the price of sixteen cents for each complete ration issued as aforesaid: which rations shall be issued, one for each individual in all of said Tribes and Bands and shall consist of one pound of fresh beef or fresh pork, and three quarters of a quart of corn or corn meal or one pound of flour to every ration, with four quarts of salt, three pounds of coffee, six pounds of sugar, two quarts of vinegar, one and a half pounds of tallow and three pounds of soap to every hundred rations.
Payment shall be made quarterly for the rations furnished under this contract, but in the event of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs being without funds for such purposes, the payment to be made as soon thereafter as funds are provided for such purposes.
This contract may be terminated in whole or in any part at any time by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, upon equitable terms and conditions whenever it shall be deemed expedient to do so upon giving thirty days’ notice of such intention.
Witness our hands and seals the day and year first above written. Signed and Sealed in triplicate
Albert Pike, Commissioner of the Confederate States
Signed and Sealed in our presence.
Wm Quesenbury Charles. B. Johnson.
W Warren Johnson
North Fork of the Canadian River, 5th July 1861
Sir: I have sent a Special Messenger to the Wichita and other Indians on the Reserve in the Country leased from the Choctaws and Chickasaws, requesting Black Beaver, and other Captains and Chiefs to meet me at the Seminole Agency on the 22nd instant, in order to hear a talk from me and enter into a Treaty. If they should not do so, I shall go from the Seminole Agency to the Reserve for that purpose.
As it was through your instrumentality these Bands were settled on the Reserve, and the promises made them were made through you, and as you are favorably known to them for these reasons, and as the Head of the Superintendency of Indian Affairs in which they are included, your presence and coöperation with me, in negotiating with them, will, I am very sure, be of great service.
I therefore request, that, if your health and other duties permit, you will be present with me at the Seminole Agency on the 22nd, and accompany me, if necessary, to the Reserve.
I shall leave this place about the 9th, and at furtherst by the 10th, and go round by Forts Washita and Arbuckle. I shall be gratified if you can so time your movements as to overtake me on the way.
I wish also to suggest that the presence of the Agent, Mr. Leeper, will be indispensable, and to desire you to direct him to accompany you, that he may as soon as possible repair to his Agency. I have the honor to be With deep regards your obt Svt
Albert Pike, Commissioner of the Confederate
States to Indian Tribes west of Arkansas.
Elias Rector, Esq, Superintendent Ind. Aff. Arkansas Superintendency.
Confederate
THE UNITED STATES,
| TO Elias Rector | DR. | ||
| Date. | Dolls. | Cts. | |
| 1861 August 24 | For Services rendered assisting Comr. Pike in making treaties with Seminole, Wichita And Commanche Indians under orders so to do, by Comr. Pike, from 10th July to 24th August 1861 inclusive 45 days at $5.00 pr day | 225 | 00 |
| For hire of Bugg. horses & driver for same length of time at $5— per day | 225 | 00 | |
| For hire of wagon team & driver for same service & same time, to Transport tent Baggage provisions &c. at $5 per day | 225 | 00 | |
| Forrage for 4 horses for same length of time and for same service 50 cents per day each horse | 90 | 00 | |
| $765 | 00 | ||
| Paid ferrage Crossing streams | 8 | 00 | |
| $773 | 00 |
Received at 185 , of ELIAS RECTOR,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southern Superintendency,
Dollars in full of this account
$
(Triplicate.)
I CERTIFY, on honor, that the above account is correct and just,
and that I have actually, this day of 185 ,
paid the amount thereof. Sup’t Indian Affairs.
Wichita Agency L. D. Sept. 15th 1861
Sir; A considerable amount of intermittent fever has made its appearance at this place, supposed to be occasioned by an unusual degree of dampness produced by the most luxuriant growth of vegetation I ever knew, and the recent heavy rains which have been almost incessant for many days past, it gives us just cause of alarm as we are entirely out of medicines of almost every kind and placed at so remote a distance from the settlements, that none can be procured short of a visit to Fort Smith; I had a slight attack of fever myself and luckily for me, Dr. Shirley discovered a small portion of Quinine which I partly consumed, and which had escaped the vigilant search of the so called Texas Troops at the time they took from him his medicines and medical books, and transferred them to parts unknown. These causes in addition to some information in reference to Indians which I will impart, I hope will be considered an ample apology for incuring the expenses of an Express, I have employed a man at $3.00 per day, he bears his own expense, and runs the risk of meeting with wild Indians and land Sharks by the way.
The renowned Indian warrior and Chief Buffalo Hump has made his appearance with fifteen or sixteen followers, the remainder of the Indians and the principal part of his own party, he says are encamped on the Canadian and head waters of the Washita, he called on me the second day after his arrival, and told me that he was now old and desirous of abandoning the war path, and spending his latter days in quietness and peace with all men, but said the winter would soon be at hand, and that he would require a much better house than any he saw at the Comanche Camp, that he thought if he had a house, such as the Agency building, that he would be warm in cold weather, and that he would be content to live in it, and pursue the walks of white men, I replied to him that I knew he was a great man and had an immense amount of influence with the wild tribes, and that the Confederate States had also heard of him, and that if he thought proper to bring in his people and settle down in good faith on the Reserve, quit stealing and depredating upon the country, that they would give him all that had been promised, and that he might calculate, that if houses were built for him, that they would not be as good as those at the Comanche Camp, that several of those houses were more extensive and expensive, than would be deemed necessary in future, that he might only look for small cabins, and perhaps only receive assistance in their erection, that it was the object of the Confederate States to learn the Indians to work and support themselves, not to work for them and support them; that upon those terms if he were disposed to settle I would be glad to receive him, if not, it mattered but little, that he was at liberty to pursue just such course as suited him best. The next day he called again his tone and bearing was altogether changed, professed to be satisfied and said at the falling of the leaves, the time appointed for settlement and consumating the Treaty with Capt. Pike, he would be here with his people. He gave it as his opinion that the others who had a conference with Capt. Pike would not come in or settle; but I learn from Py-oh who went out with those Chiefs and returned with Buffalo Hump that their respective bands are divided in sentiment, that about half of each band will come in and settle, and that the others will probably remain on the prairies, they have large bands of stolen horses and mules, and he thinks they are afraid to bring them in, lest they should be taken away from them.
Jim Ned and the other Delawares with the exception of one family left the Reserve without any cause, he returned from his first encampment and attempted to persuade Jim Pock Marked to leave with his people, by telling him that he would be assailed by the Texans before long, and if not by them, most certainly by the northern Troops, and that he had better leave at once, and save the lives of his women and children. Jim Ned is a most unmitigated scoundrel, and I have no doubt that most if not all the disquiet heretofore produced among the Reserve Indians might be traced to him, and I think it very fortunate that he has abandoned the Reserve, by doing so, he has forfeited his right of citizenship upon it, and the protection which the Confederate States had guaranteed to him.
I learn from an Indian Mexican and a half breed Delaware Indian who have recently returned from Santa Fe, that all the northern Indians who visit that part of the country are amply armed and equiped by the Federalists, and sent in every direction over the plains as spy Companies, that propositions of the like character, had been made to the Southern Indians, but not accepted, they are now regarded as enemies, and have retracted farther South, not being permitted to inhabit the country or travel as far north as heretofore; Py-oh remarked that they were herded in by Texas and Mr. Lincoln’s government like a band of horses or cattle.
Please forward by my Expressman, blank forms of every description, and ask Mr. Johnson to forward blank forms for provision checks; you will also oblige me by making an application for the Indian mules taken by Burrow, and by aiding the bearer to procure the public wagon and my harness which were loaned to Algernon Cabell.
You are aware that I cannot close my returns without funds for the purpose, when shall I look for them? Very Respectfully Your obt. Srvt.
M. Leeper, Ind. Agent
Elias Rector Esqr., Supt. Ind. Affairs
Fort Smith Arks.
Creek Agency, Sept 30th 1861
Sir: I have the honor to hand you herewith the Bond License, and Invoices of John Barnwell of the Creek Nation
Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant
W. H. Garrett, C. S. Agent for Creeks
Maj Elias Rector, Superintendent C. A.
Fort Smith, Ar
Tahlequah C. N. October the 10th 1861
Maj Elias Rector, Superintendant of Indian Affairs,
Fort Smith, Ark.
Dear Sir: I have the honor of transmitting through your office to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Richmond a requisition for the Annuities School and Orphan funds due the Cherokee Indian on Stock invested up to July 1861. I send two copies. If it is not necessary to send but on[e] you can arrange that in regard to the leave of Asence that I wished you to grant me I will not ask for owing to the Governor declaring my seat vacant in the Legislator and ordering an election though I am under many obligations to you for your willingness to grant me leave the Treaty will be ratified today. Every thing going on well the Texas Troops passed through on Wednesday the Creek excitement turned out to be nothing I shall be anxious to hear from you at any time on all subjects I have the honor Sir to be your most obedient Servnt
John Crawford Agent Cherokees, C. S. A.
Hon. E. Rector, Superintendant Indian Affairs
Tahlequah, C. N. October 10th, 1861
David Hubbard Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Richmond, Va.
Dear Sir: I have the honor to make out and transmit to you a requisition for the Annuities due the Cherokee Indians for the year 1860 and 1861
For the installments of interest on the permanent General fund as estimated for July 1860 and January and July 1861 forty three Thousand and three hundred and Seventy two dollars and thirty six Cents $43 372 36
For the installments of interest on the permanent Orphan fund as estimated and uninvested for July 1860 and January and July 1861 four thousand and five hundred dollars $4.500
For the installment of interest on the permanent School fund as estimated for July 1860 and January and July 1861 Seventeen thousand Seven hundred and Seventy two dollars $17.772.
Total Amount due the Cherokees on Stock invested Sixty five Thousand Six hundred and forty four dollars and thirty Six Cents $65.644.36
| One half years pay of Agent | 750 00 | |
| Contingent expenses, ½ year | 75 00 | |
| pay of interpreter ½ year | 200.00 | |
| $66.669.36 |
Sir the Statement as made out is correct to the best of my judgment I have been acting as Agent for the Cherokee Indians Since the 22nd day of April 1861 Came by request of Hon R. W. Johnson of Arkansas. received a letter from the Hon David Hubbard Commissioner of Indian Affairs dated 12 June 1861 requesting me to try and get along as Agent of the Cherokees the best that I Could which I have done to the best advantage and evry thing here is working well for the South I have not received any moneys from the Lincoln government Since I have been acting as Agent for the Cherokee Indians Your most obedient Servt
John Crawford,
Agent for the Cherokee Indians West of Arkansas, C. S. A.
David Hubbard, Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Richmond, Va
Wichita Agency L. D. Oct. 21st 1861
Sir: Five weeks ago I despatched a messenger to Fort Smith with a report to you, and for medicines for the Agency and Indians; since which time I have heard nothing either from the report or messenger, sufficient time has elapsed for the man to have made two trips. In the report of that date I apprised you of the sickness which had and still prevails here to a considerable extent, and that we are destitute of medicines: Dr. Shirley’s supplies having been forcibly taken from him by persons from Texas, claiming to act as a military posse from that State. You are aware that we are entirely cut off from mail facilities, and from an opportunity of procuring medicines of any description short of Fort Smith, the want of which has been excessively annoying, and perhaps the occasion of several deaths; this report will be handed you by a second messenger, whom I hope you will furnish with a supply of Quinine, Calomel and blue mass if nothing more.
On friday last a man was shot at by an Indian in company with six others within a mile of the late Fort Cobb; on the next day two Indians arrived as messengers on the part of the Kiowas and all the Southern bands of Comanches, who are said to be encamped on the North Canadian within four days ride of this place; they say that their intention is to be here at the falling of the leaves, to conclude a treaty with Capt. Pike. The Kiowas inform us that they received the white beads and tobacco from Capt. Pike, and that they desire to be on terms of friendship with us, that it is the wish of the whole band, with the exception of one bad man and fifteen or twenty followers, whom they cannot control, and that they desire us to kill them, that if it is not done, they will surely commit serious depredations, and that they believe they are now in this vicinity.
The Indians at present on the Canadian are supposed to number Seven or eight thousand, and if they should come here as is anticipated, they will require a large amount of provision, I would therefore respectfully suggest the propriety of your notifying the Contractor of the fact, that he may not be taken on Surprise: you will also perceive the necessity of Capt. Pike or some other duly authorized person, to be here at the appointed time to consummate treaties with them; they say that no further depredations will be committed on Texas, provided the twenty men above described are killed.
It is impossible for me to keep you advised of the affairs of this reserve without some kind of mail facilities, therefore, I hope you will unhesitatingly employ some one to carry the mail once in two weeks at least, until such time as the Government shall have made permanent arrangements, it is not more strange than true, that I have not since my arrival here on the Sixth of August, received a solitary news paper or any other item of news, except such as can be gathered from an occasional stragling teamster, and that is the most reliable information that I have in reference to the battle at Springfield, the particulars of which I know very little.
When Capt. Pike left here it was his intention to have the place garrisoned in the shortest time practicable, he left authority with Jno. Jones to enlist thirty Indians to act as a protection to the Agency, and as a spy company in its vicinity, Jno. Jones could only enlist Seventeen, all Comanches, those and the few employees on the reserve are the only protection we have, and I would not give a fig for the security the Indians would afford me in a case of actual danger, they might be useful however in giving information of the approach of an enemy: I shall feel obliged if you will inform me of the time the troops may be expected, if the day is far distant, I shall deem it my indispensable duty to select some place of security and safety for my family, if it is the intention or wish of the Confederate Government to leave this place ungarrisoned, I am willing to risk the consequences myself, but I am unwilling to detain my family, where they are in danger of being destroyed by savages: it is also apparent that no Agent can exercise the control necessary to fill the expectations of the Government, without the means placed within his reach of doing so; without troops the most flagrant violations of the Intercourse Laws might be practiced every day with impugnity; and without funds to meet the expenses incident to the Agency, the employees cannot be retained a great while. Those Indians who expect to treat with Capt. Pike expect also supplies of blankets and clothing, and white men to instruct them in the erection of houses for the winter.
Please advise me by the return of my messenger, when troops may be expected, at what time the Commissioner will be here, and funds to enable me to forward my accounts. The Estimates submitted in August, in addition to the more liberal allowances of Capt. Pike in his recent treaty with the Indians, I hope will be all that is required on my part at present.
One of the Articles in Capt. Pike’s late treaty, appears to be an offense to the people of Texas, and I think it very doubtful whether any assistance could be derived from that quarter, if we were threatened with the most iminent danger: with these remarks submitted, I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
M. Leeper, Indian Agent
Elias Rector Esq, Supt. Ind. Affairs
Fort Smith Arks
Fort Smith Arkansas, Nov. 7th 1861
Major Elias Rector, Superintendent of Indian affairs
Sir: As you intemated to me a few days since you ware going to Richmond, and would do me a favor if it Laid in your Power
I ask you for the appointment of Forage Master at Fort Smith and The Authority of Selling off all condemd Goverment Property belonging to the confederate Stats at Fort Smith vanburen and Fayetteville, you can Sir do me this favour, I am also a good judge of Stock capable of receiving and receipting for any property belonging to the quarter masters department, Such as horses mules oxen and Waggens
I want this appointment for The Sole purpose of keeping yenkee Edwards, from dying with a very common Disease in the Garrison cald the Big head I am Sir with much Respect your Obt, Servent
Thos. McCarron
P.S. if you do me this favour I will discharge the duties with Honour to you, and credit to Myself
T.M.C.
Richmond 21″ November 1861.
Sir: The Commissioner of Indian Affairs has caused to be transmitted to New Orleans the sum of twenty five thousand dollars, to be used in purchasing the articles that are to be supplied to the Comanches and other Reserve Indians. As soon as you arrive here the money will be placed at your disposal.
As soon as possible after receipt of this letter, you will please send a proper person to the Wichita Agency, and let the Comanches who it is said are encamped, waiting for the leaves to fall, that they may come in and settle, that I have been delayed, by circumstances that I could not control, so as not to be able to meet them as soon as I intended; but that you will bring or send up their goods, and I will meet them during the winter. It is important that this should be told them at once. It would be better, if Col. Pulliam can go there himself, that he should do so. I do not know who else would answer.
Orders go by the messenger who takes this, from the Acting Commissioner to Agent Leeper, directing him to use all the government laborers in putting up houses for the Comanches who are coming in, and not to use them for any other purpose. If it is possible to send up additional laborers, it had better be done. I am very respectfully yours
Albert Pike,
Commissioner of the Confederate States to the Indian tribes West of Arkansas
Major Elias Rector, Superintendent of Ind. Affairs.
Fort Smith, Nov. 22d 1861.
Dr Major. I send you the enclosed document from the Acting Comr. Ind Affairs. recd here today. As I cannot respond to it for you as you are there on the ground—I send it to you for you to make such reply as you think proper, in the premises.
We have just recd authentic information from the armies above, the federals have left Springfield and are making their way towards St. Louis. for what cause is not certainly known but it is thought that their army have become demoralized by the displacing of Fremont and the appointment of Hunter to the Command. Genl Price broke up his encampment at Pineville at day light on Saturday last. and at last accounts was at Sarcoxie. making his way towards the Mo. River it is thought he is pursuing Hunter. you will see by an examination of the map that he will cut of a considerable distance by that route. Coming into the road Hunter will have to travel at Bolivar. or Warsaw. On the same day, (Saturday last) Genl McColloch took four hundred picked men from each of his Mounted Regiments making 2000 men with ten days provisions and started in the direction of Prices army. his destination however is not known. it is supposed however that he & Price are going to throw their Cavalry forward to attack & cut off, or hold until their Infantry can be brought up., Hunters army. Whether these conjectures are true or not time will tell. Cooper is on the march after Opothleyohola. who it is said has taken Maj Emorys trail through Kansas towards Leavenworth,
Small Pox still raging Mrs Nowland lost a negro to day. I saw your boy Henry to day he says your family are all well.
My kind regards to Pike. Also to Mr Scott. Your friend &c
R. P. Pulliam
The above war news is reliable. and you can give the information to the papers if you wish.
P
I write this in Suttons Store, he says the above contains all the news we have. all of which is confirmed by Messengers and private letters. Consequently he will not write as he promised until something further turns up
P
Tishomingo C. N., Nov. 26, 1861
Gen. A. G. Mayers
Sir: Having appointed as a Delegate from this Nation to the Southern Congress, am at a loss when the Congress does meet. I have all along understood from newspaper accounts that it was to be on the 22d of February but some seems to think it is sooner. Will you please inform me at your earliest convenience at what time the S. Congress does meet. Your attention to the above is respectfully requested I am yours very Respectfully
James Gamble
P.S. Please continue to send me the Parallel. I will make it all right with you when on my way to Va.
J.G.
Office Supt. Ind. Affairs Fort Smith, Decr. 1861
Mr. Jesse Chisholm
Dear Sir: I have just returned from Richmond where I have been to see the President on Indian business. I wish you to go out immediately and see the bands of Comanches that are encamped above Fort Cobb and tell them that it is the wish of their great father at Richmond that they come in at once and settle on the reserve, that so soon as they do so they will be furnished with Beef—Flour, Salt, Sugar & Coffee. And that the great father says that all the goods & things that Commissioner Pike promised them will be furnished and given to them. That the Arkansas River has now too little water in it for Steam Boats to come up from the big Cities to bring goods, but as soon as the big water comes in the River and Boats come up their great father will send up to them many large wagons filled with nice goods that I want them to send four or five of their Chiefs and head men to Genl. Pikes head quarters, near Fort Gibson where he and myself will meet them and talk with them and give them a great many presents and satisfy them that the government will do all that Commissioner Pike promised them. I wish Buffalo Hump and his band now on the reserve to be told this, and for him and four or five of his principal men to come also. I will direct the Contractor at the Wichita Agency to furnish them with Rations to bring them over and I will furnish them with Rations to return home, tell them to bring, in all about twenty pack horses to carry back their presents. I want them to meet us at Genl Pikes Camp or head quarters near Fort Gibson, on the first of February if possible I have written a letter to T Caraway inviting him to come with some three or four of his men and I wish you to urge him to come, Commissioner Pike is now in Richmond with their great father making arrangements to get their goods and to do much for them he would have been up to see them at the falling of the leaves but he has been very sick and could not travel he is now well and will be here soon and will go from here to his head quarters.
[Elias Rector]
Confederate States of America, War Department,
Office of Indian Affairs, Richmond, Dec 2d, 1861.
Major Elias Rector, Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
Sir: I am instructed by the Secretary of War to say that three requisitions have been drawn by him on the Secretary of the Treasury in your favor, as Superintendent of Indian Affairs &c.,—One for nine thousand, six hundred and fifty dollars, dated Dec. 4th 1861, one for two thousand, one hundred and four dollars and fifty cents, dated December 5th 1861, and the other for thirty thousand dollars, dated December 6th 1861.
With the money received by you upon the first named requisition, you will pay Charles B. Johnson, the amount of his account against the Confederate States for Beef furnished certain Bands of Reserve Indians, from July 1st to August 16th under a verbal contract made by him with Albert Pike, Commissioner, &c., and also pay the mounted escort of Creeks and Seminoles, engaged by General Pike to accompany him to the Comanche Country, &c. In regard to this escort General Pike, in a letter to the War Department, of the 14th October, says that he had muster rolls regularly made out, and gave pay accounts to the officers, and slips showing the amount due each of the men.
With the money received by you upon the second named requisition you will pay Charles B. Johnson the balance due him by the old United States Government prior to the 30th June, 1861, and which General Pike, at the time of making the verbal contract hereinbefore mentioned, agreed to pay or have paid him.
And with the money received by you upon the third named requisition, you will pay such expenses of the Superintendency and different Agencies, as may be necessary, proper and legitimate. The balance of this money can be applied to the purchase of suitable clothing, if it can be bought at fair prices, for the Reserve Indians, which Commissioner Pike, in the Treaty of the 12th August, 1861, agreed should be speedily furnished them.
You will forward a statement as to the disbursement of these several sums of money with the proper voucher, &c. Very respectfully,
S. S. Scott, Act’g Commr. of Indian Affairs.
Treasury Department, C. S. A., Second Auditor’s Office
Richmond, Va, Dec 7th—1861.
Sir: The Treasurer of the Confederate States will remit to you the sum of Thirty two thousand one hundred & four 50/100 dollars —— ——, being the amount of Requisition No. 1889 & 1890 issued in your favor on the 6th Inst—, with which you are charged on the Books of this Office, on account of the following Appropriation, to wit:
“To meet the Incidental Expenses of the Public service within the Indian Tribes,” as per Act May 21, 1861, No. 232.
| Requisition No. 1889. ——— ——— | $2,104.50 | |
| Req. ——"1890, Same as above —— | 30.000.50 | |
| $32.104.50 |
The Treasurer will advise you when the same will be remitted for which you will please forward a Receipt to this Office, specifying therein the date, number and amount of said Requisition. I am, very respectfully, Your Ob’t Serv’t
Auditor.
To Elias Rector, Esq, Supt. Ind. Affairs, Present
Wichita Agency L. D., Decr. 12th 1861.
Sir: In all my official relations I have endeavored to be governed strictly by the instructions of my superior officers, and in reference to the alledged real or imaginary impropriety of my course towards Buffalo Hump in your letter of the 12th Oct. last, I must plead my instructions in mitigation which I followed strictly, not being in possession of any, except the verbal instructions of Commissioner Hubbard, which was in effect to exercise my best judgment in the management of the affairs of the Reserve, but in all things to be governed by strict rules of economy. In my report to you of the 12th Augst. I solicited written instructions, a copy of the Intercourse Laws and of the Contract for furnishing supplies for the Indians, but as yet, have not received even a reply to my communication. There is no Indian with whose character and habits I am more familiar than with Buffalo Humps; he is a fugitive from the Texas Agency of which I was placed in charge; the late Superintendent of that State worried with him for three years before he could induce him to settle, he would come in and make promises to do so, and the Superintendent would load him with presents, he would return to the prairies depredate upon the country until his blankets were worn out, then return with a plausible excuse for not coming in with his people, receive other presents return again to the prairies and repeat the same thing over again until the Superintendents patience became exhausted, and informed Buffalo Hump that he would not submit to any further trifling on the subject, that he had nothing more for him, but as he had come in peace, he might return in peace, but that afterwards he would pursue and hunt him down with the troops; Buffalo Hump then changed his tone, begged to be permitted to have a certain length of time allowed him to bring in his people without renumeration or presents, at that time it was granted, and at the appointed time he brought in his people and settled on the Reserve, where he remained until a feud took place between him and the Chief of the band located previously, which caused him to abandon the Reserve and pursue his former predatory habits. I induced him to come in this time, in addition to the other wild chiefs, who met Commissioner Pike in Augst. last, and entered into an informal treaty with them, it was the result of a years negotiation, which was carried on by means of messengers from this Reserve; it was attempted years ago by Judge Rollins, one of the ablest Indian Agents perhaps the U. S. ever had, who spent eighteen months in attempting to accomplish the object; Agent Stemm lost his life in efforts of the kind; Major Neighbors a very ingenious and competent Agent exerted his influence for six or seven years to no purpose:—Dr. Hill, a most popular Indian Agent and influential man, labored four years without effect, and Capt. Ross’ influence was equally ineffectual, yet I am informed in your letter of the 12th Oct. that both yourself and Commissioner Pike regret much that I did not hold out all the inducements which were in my power, and use all the forces and means at my command to provide him with such houses as were contemplated and provided by Commissioner Pike for the comfort of those Indians. In this matter I appear to be peculiarly unfortunate. You are fully aware that I have not received any means for the erection of houses or for any other purpose, and that the few employees who were induced to engage in the work with a hope of renumeration hereafter were all sick, which fact I made known in my report of the 15th Septr. last, therefore it will be perceived that I had no means in my power to build houses or any thing else, nor would I have employed them in building houses for Buffalo Hump in advance of his settlement, if I had possessed ever so much in the absence of positive instructions to that effect. The course I pursued with him induced him to come in with his people a week in advance of the time promised and settle, he has given me no further trouble, tells me he intends to remain here for life, that he does not wish houses built until such times as he can select a suitable place on the Reserve for his future home, and has employed as spies for me two of his sons who are with the wild tribes watching their movements and those of the northern troops, to give immediate notice in case of an advanced demonstration upon this part of the country.
During a period of more than twenty years public service, I have received two rebukes only from my superior officers on account of my official conduct, yours in reference to Buffalo Hump and from the late Superintendent in Texas for failing to insert at the close of one of my official letters “your obt. Srvt.”
I infer from your letter of the 30th of Octr. that you conclude, I am disposed to interfere with your appointment of Commissary, I can assure you that such was not nor never has been my intention to disturb or meddle in the slightest degree with the appointment of Commissary or any other which it may be your pleasure to make; sending Sturm as messenger was a matter of necessity not of choice, I apprised you by him that I was not only sick myself, but that my family and almost every one on the Reserve were sick and without medicine, Sturm although sick, was the only person I could obtain as messenger who was willing to make the trip alone, and with the confident hope that by sending him I would obtain medicines which would afford my family relief; I was induced to do so with an understanding that he was to receive pay not only as Commissary during the time of his absence, but three dollars per day also for his services as messenger and I procured the assistance gratuitously of Mr Bickel one of the interpreters to act as Commissary during his absence, whose name appears on the prevision checks for that quarter merely to prevent confusion of the accounts, but my most sanguine hopes were disappointed for the messenger returned without medicines, and my son has not recovered yet. Whilst upon this subject allow me most respectfully to direct your attention to the fact, and through you the Department, that the office of Commissary is a sinecure, and expense which is utterly useless to the Government and an injury to the public Service, the duty of Commissary simply being an impartial weigher and witness to the delivery of supplies agreably to the terms of the Contract; I, hold it to be the duty of the Agent where issues are made at the Agency to be present, and represent the interest of the Indians, and the Interpreters who are required to be present to witness the issues, such has been the case heretofore, no Commissary has ever been employed at other Agencies, except where issues were made at remote places or where it was impracticable for the Agent to be present; the Commissary is employed perhaps half a day once a week, the remainder of the time is spent in utter idleness, and in gossiping with the employees and Indians on the Reserve.
I received a recent visit from the Chiefs who met Comr. Pike in Augst. last, after preparing to hold a Council or talk with them, their first demand was whiskey, they said they could not talk without having whiskey first, after a length of time however, I convinced them that I had no whiskey, and that whiskey was not allowed on the Reserve, they then informed me that they had approached this place at the appointed time “the falling of the leaves” and ascertained that the Commissioner was not here nor the presents agreably to promise, that now they were here long after the time and still there are no presents or Commissioner, I explained to them that the Comr. had delegated to me his authority for the time being, and that he was now purchasing goods to issue in accordance with his promise as soon as they would comply with their part of the agreement and settle with their people on the Reserve, that they would have the privilege of settling on any part of the Leased District that suited them best, and that I would issue provisions to them until such time as the goods would arrive, they informed me that they had been lied to a good deal, and that they wanted some greater and further evidence now of the sincerity of the Government, that as the goods were not here, which were intended for them, that they would take a few that the trader had, and be satisfied with those, until such time as the others would be forthcoming, and probably settle at the time the grass rises in the Spring, I told them that the traders goods did not belong to me or to the Government, and that I was consequently unauthorized to issue them, they then instantly rose up and told me they were going, I called back a Kioway Chief and told him as it was his first visit, that I would make him a present of some blankets, paint and tobacco, that I was glad to see him, that the Government desired to be on friendly terms with him and his people, and that if he thought proper to come here with his people and settle, that he could do so on the same terms as the others, he informed me that that was the object of his visit, that he would return and consult on the subject and at no distant day would make me another visit, and apprise me of the result of their deliberations; in the mean time the others returned in a better humor, and I told them that upon my own responsibility, I would make them a few little presents, of blankets, paints, &c. which appeared to satisfy them, and when they finally left, declared their friendly intentions, and said they would ultimately settle here in compliance with the treaty.
In compliance with your letter of instructions of the 25th of Octr last, I have rendered H. L. Rodgers all the assistance in my power in the way of his building operations. Very Respectfully. Your obt. Servt.
M. Leeper, Ind. Agt. C. S. A.
Elias Rector Esq., Supt. Indian Affairs.
Fort Smith, Arks.
Fort Smith, Ark., Dec. 27th, 1861.
Sir: Owing to the continued excitement in the Creek and Seminole Nations, and the dangers necessarily to be encountered by persons either residing in or travelling through the Indian Country, my return to the Agency has been delayed longer than I expected. Taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case I deemed it best and most prudent to await your return from Richmond and submit a report of the case to you. When I left the Agency early in November there seemed a unity of opinion and general profession of Loyalty to the Southern Confederacy; but since then there has been much disaffection and increase of excitement. The consequence has been that some of the Traders residing among the upper Creeks have left—narrowly escaping with their lives. Others are, as I learn, preparing to leave. Since my departure from the Agency there has been two engagements between the Confederate forces under command of Col. Cooper and the followers of Hopothleyoholo, in both engagements Col. Cooper was victorious. This, however, has only increased the vindictiveness of Hopothleyoholos Party and, consequently, magnified the dangers attendent on travelling through or residing in the Nation. My Agency is, as you are aware, situated two hundred miles west of this place, and wholy unprotected and exposed to depredation, it is very insecure. Parscofer and others as stated in my report to the Department as heading the disaffected party, were leaders, in the recent battles, on side of the enemy. But I am pleased to be able to state that Jumper, Short Bird, Cloud and Holatut Fixico were found with Col. Cooper doing their duty as faithful and Loyal allies. It will, probably, not be a great while before the excitement may subside, rendering travel and residence there more secure. When you deem it necessary and safe for me to return I will be ready. I await your orders on the subject. I am very Respectfully Your obt. Servt.
Sam’l M. Rutherford, C. S. Agent for Seminoles.
Maj. E. Rector, Sup. Ind. Affairs, C. S. A.,
Fort Smith, Ark.
Richmond, Va., 29th December, 1861.
Sir: I send herewith, to your care, by a Special Messenger, packages for the Principal Chiefs of the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, which please forward to each immediately by express.
Also a talk for the Comanches and Caiawas, which, if they are still near Fort Cobb, I wish sent to them by express. There is a letter to Chisholm, and it would perhaps be well to send the talk to him and get him to go up and see them.
Also a letter for Major Dorn and one to his Indians. I want them to come down to Head Quarters and receive what is to be given them. I do not know how you will get his letter to him.
The Treaties are all ratified, with two or three amendments that will cut no great figure. As to the money part, nothing has changed. Congress appropriated $681,000 and over, under the Treaties, including Charley Johnson’s money up to middle of February, of the whole sum, $265,000 and odd is to be paid in specie. I shall get the Treasury notes to-morrow, and the Specie in New Orleans, and shall bring it all to you. The Secretary agreed, indeed proposed, to send it out by me.
Among them, they fixed my compensation at $3,750.
I mean to be at Head Quarters by the 25th of January. I hope the different Tribes will ratify the amendments, so that you can pay them pretty soon after that time.
I think you had better buy all the goods, of Cochran and others, for the Comanches, that you can. I want them to meet me at Head Quarters, and it will be necessary to have some goods for them. Congress would not agree to give them any arms.
I hope when we pay the Indians their money, and I get some white troops in the Country, we shall settle the difficulties there. God knows.
Give my kind regards to Mrs. Rector and the children. Always yours.
Albert Pike.
I send Dr. Duval’s appointment, and Mr. Sandals’, by the Messenger.
Confederate States of America, War Department
Office of Indian Affairs, Richmond, December 30th, 1861.
Major Elias Rector, Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Sir: The first session of the Congress of the Confederate States will be held on the 18th February next; and it is important that the Report, from this Bureau, in regard to Indian Affairs, for the benefit of that Body, should be as full as possible. That this may be so, it is essential that information should be sent here, at least by the 15th of that month, of the true condition of affairs, in each of the several Agencies under your supervision.
You will, therefore, write to all of the Agents, and state to them these facts. Advise them also to give you full reports of all matters connected with their respective charges, and forward them, when received to this office. Very respectfully,
S. S. Scott, Act’g Commr. of Ind. Affairs.
