Letter from Thomas Dowling to Secretary of War William Wilkins, 1844: Sheet #2

Transcription

Terre Haute, July 30 1844 Hon. W. Wilkins, Sec. of War: Sir: Mr Hamilton, agent of the Miamies, expects to be at Fort Wayne in a few days; and, when he writes me, I will again refrain to the Indian Country, to ascertain the disposition of the Tribe for removal. I have acquainted Mr Crawford with my action heretofore and now [illegible] care to make a suggestion to you in regard to the difficulties in the way of emigration. In the first place, the Traders will be disposed to keep the Indians from remo- val, while the Government pays out the annuities, and never will comment to emigration till that hope is cut off. Secondly, they have large claims against the tribe, individually, and fear that their removal from the State will embarrass their security. Hence, they will, in self defence, use their exertions against the humane efforts of the agent to remove them. With all respect , I would suggest that if Mr Hamilton was authorized to say, in council, that after the pay- ment of the annuity , this year, the next