1837 - January 25 - Edward Deas to C.A. Harris

Back to ANPA Trail of Tears Research homepage.

Back to ANPA Letters - Indian Removal through Arkansas, 1830-1849 homepage

Lieutenant Edward Deas to C.A. Harris Esquire, Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Fort Gibson Arkansas

25^th January 1837

To C.A. Harris Esquire

Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Sir,
I have the honor to state that the Party of Creek Indians which I accompanied from Alabama as principal Government Agent, arrived at the destination near this post on the 23^rd instant. Nothing of particular interest relating to the emigration has occurred under my observation, since I last had the honour to address the Commissary Gen of Subsistence upon this subject from Little Rock upon the 19^th ultimo. There are many statements in the Newspapers of that town relating to the emigrating Indians a few of which are correct, some exaggerated, & others grossly false. Amongst the latter is the assertion that the Chief Tuckabachee Hadjo and his people were driven from the state of Arkansas by the Militia.

On the contrary he joined my party upon its arrival near his place of encampment without the slightest compulsion and as far as I have observed, the Indians have behaved towards the people of Arkansas in an orderly & friendly manner.
My journal of occurrences upon the route, will explain in detail every thing of interest, which took place in relation to the Party under my charge, & it will be forwarded by me, agreeably to the instructions which I have received upon the subject.

I have the honor to be sir

Very respectfully

Your Obedt Servant

Edw. Deas

Lieut. U.S. Army

Disbursing Agent in the Creek Emigration