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1837 - April 3 - William Armstrong to C.A. Harris
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William Armstrong to C.A. Harris Esqr.
Choctaw Agency
April 3rd 1837
C.A. Harris Esqr
Cmmr Ind Affairs
Sir,
A few days since a party of emigrating Cherokees
conducted by Mr. I.C. Young, (446 in number), arrived by water at Fort
Coffee. The boat could go but little higher up the river; and as there
was a good road from Coffee into the Cherokee country, I advised Mr.
Young to land his party opposite that Post, on the Cherokee side,
which he done. I also requested him to leave a correct muster roll of
the party, distinguishing particularly those who had received their
commutation of subsistence for a year, from those who had not, in
order that there could be no mistake about paying, or subsisting those
who had not been paid. Lt. Van Horn the Disbursing Agent for the
Cherokees was up at Gibson. I wrote for him to come down, in the
meantime before his arrival, I received from Mr. Young, the rolls, and
also a small quantity of flour & bacon, which he had left after he
landed the party, which I receipted to him for; and will turn over to
Mr. Van Horn & take his receipt. Mr. Van Horn came down yesterday and
I advised him to pay the emigrants that preferred it, their
commutation of subsistence; and thereby enable them to go to work and
endeavor yet to put in a crop of corn. Mr. Van Horn is now engaged in
paying them off, as they prefer money; after which they will scatter
through the nation amongst their friends and yet be able, I hope, to
plant corn. The payment of the years’ subsistence before the emigrants
reach their new country as is the case with the majority of this
party, is certainly wrong, they will lay it out by the way and arrive
destitute of the means of support. Conductors of parties should remain
in the Indian Country until they and the disbursing agent get together
and set understandingly the roll furnished by Mr. Young, I presume to
be correct, and the party arrived in good order and well satisfied,
but it is generally the case, that those who bring on emigrants, as
soon as they reach their country, wish to leave them without a proper
interview with those who are to receive them here, as there is
considerable emigration from the Cherokees. I have deemed it proper to
make the above remarks.
Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Wm. Armstrong
Act. Supt. Westr Terry
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