Notes for Letter from Alexis Coquillard to William Medill?, May 18 1847: Sheet #4

Transcription

paid to him. I would refer to the terms of the contract in relation to the computation of time for which the superintendent is to be paid by the contractors. The contractors understand that his salary is to commence be paid from the "time the collection of the Miamies commences for Emigration, and until they are delivered over to, and mustered by the agent in the west." The first collection of the Miamies commenced about the 1st of October, and they were delivered to Maj Vaughn before the last of November. It is true that from about the 1^st of May last year Maj. Sinclear frequently attended councils, and delivered to the Indians instructions in relation to the emigration - but the contractors looked upon this as part of his duty as agent of government. I have offered in consideration of every thing to pay him for six and a half months which does not seem satisfactory to him - and I would request your views of this matter.

In your letter of March 26, '47 (I believe) to [George Ewing] reference is made to 47 more Indians to be removed if they desire it to the west. Many of them who are Miami and entitled to emigrate, are connected with Pottawatamies, some are wives, some children. These are desirous of emigrating, but will not go without their husband, & fathers, who are Pottawatamies, and who are unwilling to be removed at the expense of government or the contractors. I am willing to take them all together, but suppose it would be right I should be paid for as many as are