Letter packet re: Alexis Coquillard, June 25 1847: Sheet #3

Transcription

to remain by treaty .

The whole difficulty with regard to the return of the Indians from their country in the west, might be obviated by prohibiting certain Peru traders-from going onto the Miami ground altogether. There is no doubt but that Bartlett, Miller and Jas Avaline, who are large claimants, and also possess influence with the Indians, and whose interest it is to get back all they can, that there may be more money to divide in the west, have been instrumental in returning all that have come back. You will see from the enclosed letter from Mr. Driver who I think is free from blame in the matter--what part Mr. Bartlett acted--and if they are allowed to associate with the Indians they will no doubt as they go back & forth each year for their pay, bring a number with them. The return of these last is a principal obstacle in the way of removing the others.

In relation to the offer of 25$ a head for removing the few Pottawatamies, connected with the Miamis, I would only say that I do not consider that amount a sufficient compensation. At the very high rate for all kinds of grain & provision, of which the commissioner & sec of war are freely aware, it cannot be thought sufficient upon a calculation. The Pottawatamies are very anxious to go--and I am willing to remove them at a fair compensation.