1837 - June 6 - Capt. R.D.C. Collins to C.A. Harris

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Capt. R.D.C. Collins to C.A. Harris Esquire, Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Little Rock June 6, 1837

Sir

Herewith I have the honor to enclose a communication just received by me from James S. Conway, the duly authorized agent of Glasgow & Hamilton, contractors for furnishing the Creek Seminole Indians with subsistence I would also respectfully state they the (the contractors) have been, and are still making unnecessary writing to fulfill their contract—and that in my opinion, with the proper funds they would be fully able to do so. They have now on hand a great number of cattle and large quantity of corn and salt nearly all of the supplies have been purchased in Missouri Arkansas and the Indian Country, and are to be paid for in specie. It will therefore be impossible for Glasgow & Hamilton to fulfill their contract without paying large sums for discounts, on such fund as I shall pay them. I am convinced that the ? price asked per ration under all the circumstances would not more than indemnify these.The notes of the Bank of Mississippi, are at 40 per cent discount here. The Louisiana notes are still received by those having payments to make in New Orleans.
At Fort Gibson and throughout the Indian Country generally they are not received at all, or only at a heavy discount.

In a communication from Captain Armstrong he observed as follows in speaking of those tribes who receive their annuity through the chiefs “but in these critical money lines my impression is that nothing will be received but gold or silver. The Indians are complaining of the paper money they have on hand—many of them have sold stock corn & c to the contractors and have received Mississippi money. This I fear will create more dissatisfaction than anything that has happened lately.”I have prevailed upon the contractors to continue furnishing until your instructions shall be received.On boat had (700 lbs Pork, 450 lbs Flour) of the 200,0000 rations purchased at New Orleans had arrived here a part of them (450 lb Flour 159 lb Pork) have been shipped for Fort Gibson, care of Capt. Stephenson upon boat of light draught and will undoubtedly reach destination.

I have the honor to be

very respectfully

yr most obt svt

R.D.C Collins

RESOURCE Capt. R.D.C. Collins to C.A. Harris, June 6 1837, National Archives Record Group 75, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Letters Received, Creek Agency Emigration, Roll 238, C277.