Part 14
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.
ESTIMATE OF FUNDS REQUIRED IN THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS ARKANSAS SUPURENTENDENCY.
For Salary of Superintendent. for 1/2 year of 1861. which includes 3 & 4th qrs. at $2.000--per Anum $1000.00
Pay of Clerk 1/2 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 1/2 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 1/2 year 1861 1.680.00
" " " Iron & Steel " " " 540.00
" " " Wheelwrights " " " 300.00
" " " Wagon Makers " " " 300.00
" " " Agricultural assistance for 1/2 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 " " " " 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