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A Chronicle, 1830-1849
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Removal Through Arkansas Project homepage
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Creek
Chickasaw
Delegation.-A Delegation, consisting of several Chiefs and Warriors of
the Chickasaw nation of Indians, passed up through the Big Prairie, on
Monday last, under the direction of Col. Reynolds, U.S. Agent for that
nation. We saw and conversed, yesterday, with Mr. Ireland, one of the
gentlemen attached to the party, and learn from him, that the object of
the Delegation is to explore and select a country west of Arkansas, for
the future residence of their nation, which is to be guaranteed to them
by the Government, in exchange for the country which they have recently
ceded to the United States east of the Mississippi. The country which
they have in view, and which they will explore first, is that lying
between the Arkansas and Canadian, and west of the tract set apart for
the Creeks.
We are also informed, by the same gentleman, that a
delegation from the Choctaw nation will set out soon, for the purpose
of exploring the country which they own west of our Territory,
preparatory to making arrangements for the general removal of that
nation from the country which they have recently ceded on the east side
of the Mississippi. The route of that Delegation will lie through the
southern part of the Territory, and we presume that most of the
emigration from that nation will ascend Red river. We were in hopes
that an arrangement might have been made with the Choctaws, for the
accommodation of the Chickasaws within the country belonging to them,
which is abundantly large for the accommodation of both nations. But we
understand that a proposition to that effect was made by the
Commissioners on the part of the U.S., at the Treaty ground, and
rejected by the Choctaws. Such an arrangement would no doubt have
tended to mutual advantage and security of both parties, as it is
understood that the most friendly and amicable relations subsist
between the two nations.
Arkansas Gazette, November 3, 1830
Removal of Indians. —The Secretary of War, in a
Report lately communicated by the President to Congress, states that
according to the best estimate that can be made, the number of Indians
who have emigrated to the territory appropriated to them, west of the
state of Missouri, and the Arkansas Territory, is 19 390—of whom
6,000 are
Chocktaws, 3,500 Cherokees, 2,500 Creeks, 3,000 Delaware, 1,500
Shawnees, 800
Kickapoos, and the rest belonging to various smaller tribes. The number
of Indians south of Michigan, who have not emigrated, he estimates to
be 36,460,
viz: Creek 20,000, Cherokees 11,000, Florida Indians 4,000, Miamis
1,000 and
Wyandots, 450. —The territory which the Government proposes to
assign to these tribes, is estimated to contain 100 millions of acres,
of which about 50 millions have been already allotted to 8 tribes of
Indians.
[Boston Daily Adv.
Arkansas Advocate, May 9, 1832
A delegation of the
Seminole Indians of Florida, under the direction of Maj. Fagan, came up
in the steamer Little Rock, on their way to explore the country west of
Arkansas, with the view of selecting a new residence, near the Creeks,
to which nation they belong, for the future homes of their tribe. They
purchased horses at this place, and left, yesterday morning, for the
west, and intend proceeding direct to Fort Gibson.
Arkansas Gazette, November 7, 1832
From the
Report of the Quartermaster General
Arkansas river, Arkansas Territory.
–The examination of this river was made by an officer of the
engineers early in the spring, and the boats, machinery, &c. under
the personal direction of Captain Shreve, commenced the removal of
obstructions to its navigation in the early part of August last. At the
latest advices, not much had been done, however, owing to the
unfavorable state of water; but this winter, while operations will be
suspended on the Ohio, by reason of the ice, it is intended to
concentrate a force on the Arkansas, and to prosecute the work to the
extent of the available means.
Road from Memphis, on the Mississippi, to
William Strong’s House, on the St. Francis river. –An
examination and survey have been made of the country between the two
points above named, with the view to the location of this road; but the
reports and drawings thereon, not having been received, nothing has
been done by this department. As soon as the reports shall be received,
the location and construction of the road will be commenced without
loss of time.
Arkansas Advocate, January 24,
1834
Notice For Proposals to Furnish Indian Rations.
Separate proposals, in writing, and sealed, will be
received by the subscriber, until 12 o’clock M. of Thursday the 30th
of October 1834, for furnishing and delivering of all Rations, more or
less, that shall be required at the following places, from the 10th
day of November, 1834, to the 31st day of March,
1835—each number forming one contract, viz:
No. 1. For all Rations that shall be required at
Wm. Strong’s, on the Memphis Road, near the St. Francis.
No. 2. For all Rations that shall be required at
John Buriss’—at the Ferry—north Bank, and at Rock
Roe, south bank, of White River
No. 3. For all Rations that shall be required at
Mrs. Black’s, Grand Prairie; at James Irwin’s; and at
Newell’s, near Palarm Bayou.
No. 4. For all Rations that shall be required at
Bentley’s, near Cadron creek ferry, west bank.
No. 5. For Rations that shall be required at R.J.
Blount’s, four miles west of Point Remove Creek.
No. 6. For all Rations that shall be required at
Dardanelle ferry, both banks of the Arkansas river, at the aforesaid
ferry.
No. 7. For all Rations that shall be required at
J. Cravens’, near Shoal creek, and at J. Scott’s, near Six
mile creek.
No. 8. For all Rations that shall be required at
Williamson’s, Illinois Bayou, D. Brown’s, Spadre creek, and
at J. Sims’s, near White Oak creek
No. 9. For all rations that shall be required at
Col. Moore’s, Big Mulberry, and at Handcock’s near Frog
Bayou.
ALSO—Proposals
addressed to Lieut. S.W. Moore, Disbursing Agent at the Choctaw Agency,
will be received until 12 o’clock M. of Wednesday, the 5th
day of November, 1834, for furnishing all Rations, more or less, that
shall be required at the following places, from the 20th
November, 1834, to the 31st May, 1835, viz:
No. 10. For all Rations that shall be required at
Grigg’s, 8 miles east of Old Fort Smith
No. 11. For all Rations that shall be required at
McClellan’s, near the Choctaw Agency; at Sans Boin,
Coffee’s Crossings; and at the Crossings of the Canadian, north
bank, near the mouth of the North Fork.
And
ALSO.–Proposals addressed to Lieut. J. Van Horne, Disbursing
Agent for the Creeks, at Fort Gibson, will be received until the 5th
November, 1834, and to furnish until the 31st of May, 1835,
as above named, at the following places, viz:
No. 12. For all Rations that shall be required at
Skin Bayou Cherokee Nation.
No. 13. For all Rations that shall be required at
Mackey’s, Illinois river, Cherokee nation: and
No. 14. For all Rations that shall be required at Fort
Gibson.
The Ration for the Indian
Emigrants, as above-named, must consist of one pound of fresh Beef,
three-fourths of a quart of Corn, and at the rate of four quarts of
Salt to each hundred rations. For the Teamsters which are employed, one
pound of fresh Beef. For the Team Horses and Oxen, eight quarts of Corn
per day, each; and for each Pack-horse, one gallon of Corn per day. The
Corn and Salt must be delivered by the measure of thirty-two quarts,
dry-measure, to the bushel. The quality as well as the weight and
measure of the component parts of the ration, will be inspected
by an agent, on delivery. All risk, and every expense attending the
delivery and distribution of the rations, must be borne by the
contractors.
Bonds, with two responsible
signatures, will be required as security for the faithful fulfillment
of contracts; and payments for all furnishings under said contracts,
will be made at Little Rock.
The privilege of rejecting
bids deemed high is reserved.
No contract or bid can be
transferred, without the consent of the undersigned, or such other
person
or persons, as shall be authorized to open the bids and
make the contracts.
Bidders will be pleased to
write on the envelopes of their communications, the words
“Proposals to furnish Indian Rations,” and to attend on the
last days of receiving bids, for the purpose of closing the contracts.
J. BROWN Capt. U.S.A.
Prin’l Disb’g
Ag’t Ind. Rem’l
Little Rock, A. T.
Oct. 16, 1834
Arkansas Advocate, October 31,
1834
Memphis, Nov. 13. The Creek Indians, whose expected
arrival at this place on the 20th inst., will be much sooner. They are
now expected here every day. We learn that they have been at Pigeon
Roost a day or two; if so, they will be here in one or two days.
Arkansas Gazette, November 25, 1834
Memphis, Nov. 15.--Indian Movement.--We learn that the
Creek Indians, about 5,000 in number, on their passage to their new
home, are now at the Pigeon Roost, and may be expected here in a few
days. The steamer Harry Hill, is now at our wharf ready to take on
board their old men, women and children, and such as are unable to
perform the journey by land.
Arkansas Gazette, November 25, 1834
The Emigrating
Indians.--A private letter to a citizen of this town, from one of the
Agents for the removal of Indians, at Memphis, dated 24th ult., has
been show us, which states, in substance, that the writer had, at that
time, received no information in relation to the movements of the
Indians. Hence we presume the rumors which we have recently published
from the Memphis papers, that the Indians were daily expected there
were premature.
No information has yet been received here by Capt.
Brown, as to the time when the Indians may be expected at Memphis.
We saw a gentleman, last evening, who left Talladega,
in the Creek nation in the early part of last month, who informed us
that he there learnt from two of the Agents, that they found the
Indians much disinclined to removal, and they expressed the opinion
that the number who would emigrate would be much smaller than was
anticipated--probably not more than 2500 or 3000.
Arkansas Gazette, December 2, 1834
We are
informed that a body of emigrating Creek Indians, (numbering about five
thousand) were at the Pigeon Roost, (near Memphis,) on the 15th
instant, on their way to the lands assigned them by the Government,
west of this Territory. The steam-boat Harry Hill was in waiting at
Memphis, to receive the old men, women and children, baggage,
&c.
Arkansas Advocate, December 12,
1834
Emigrating Indians. A letter to Capt. J. Brown,
was received by yesterday's mail, from Capt. John Page, Special Agent
for removal of Indians, dated 29th ult. Capt. P. was then at
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with 525 Creek Indians and near 200 ponies, on his
way to the Indian country west of Arkansas, and is probably at Memphis
by this time. The Indians were to be embarked on a steam-boat at that
place, and landed at Rock Roe, on White river, from whence they will
proceed by land to their destination. Their ponies were to cross the
Mississippi at Memphis.
Arkansas Gazette, January 20, 1835
Emigrating Creek Indians.-The s.b. Harry Hill, arrived
at this place, this morning, having on board near 500 of these sons of
the forest, from Alabama, who will be joined, to-day or to-morrow, by
another party, with upwards of 200 ponies, who came through by land
from Memphis, and arrived at Mrs. Black's, in the Big Prairie, some
days since. The former party are under the charge of Capt. Page, U.S.A.
and the latter under that of Mr.
Beaty. They are expected to leave this vicinity in a day or two, by
land, for their destination west of Arkansas.
Arkansas Gazette, February 24, 1835
The Emigrating Creeks, whose arrival at this place we
noticed in our last, about 500 in number, left this vicinity, on Sunday
last, under the charge of Capt. Page, U.S.A., on their journey, by
land, to their new country on our western frontier.
Arkansas Gazette, March 3, 1835
It is high time, we think, that some other arrangement
be made, to insure a more regular receipt of the mail from Memphis.
There is defalcation and mismanagement somewhere in the present one. If
a body of Indians, (men, women and children), with some 200 ponies, can
pass through the Mississippi swamp in the course of two or three days,
(which has been the case within the last two or three weeks), we can
see no good reason why the mail cannot be carried through with
regularity. But so it is-travelers daily pass through; and yet the
mails cannot, because the swamps are impassable! The fact is, there is
a lack of energy and perseverance on the part of those now engaged in
carrying this mail, otherwise it would be more regular. The late
contractor was discharged, in consequence of failing to perform his
duty-but we do not perceive that his successor has mended the matter.
The mail is just as irregular now as it was before his discharge. A new
change, we imagine, will have to be made, before the public will be
benefited. The route, we know, is a difficult one to perform; but, with
ample compensation, (and no prudent man would undertake it unless well
paid for his labor and risk), every obstacle can be surmounted, if
energy and good management be used.
There have been so many failures of this mail latterly,
that we do not know how many are due. They, however, we believe, amount
to six or eight-enough, we hope, to authorize the Postmaster at Memphis
to freight a steam-boat around with them.
One arrived on Saturday last, but brought nothing later
than we received by that of the Monday previous. None arrived yesterday.
Arkansas Gazette, March 3, 1835
Proposal for Indian Rations
Sealed Proposals will be received by the subscriber,
until Tuesday, the 31st of March next, at 12 o’clock M. for
furnishing and delivering all the Indian rations—more or
less—that shall be required in the Creek country, West, from the
1st day of May 1835, to the 31st day of March, 1836, inclusive.
The number of places for delivering the rations will not
exceed four, none of which will be more than fifty miles from Fort
Gibson.
The Rations for the Indians, consists of one pound of
Fresh Beef, three-fourths of a quart of Corn—and at the rate of
four quarts of Salt to each one hundred rations. The Corn and Salt must
be delivered by the measure of thirty-two quarts, Dry Measure, to the
Bushel. The quality, as well as the weight and measure of the articles
composing the Ration, will be inspected by an Agent, on delivery.
Bidders will state in their proposals, the price for
which they will furnish and deliver the Ration above mentioned. All
risk and every expense attending the delivery and distribution of the
Rations, must be borne by the contractor.
A portion of the meat part of the Ration, may be
commuted for Cows and Calves, as well as for Breeding Hogs, should such
be deemed expedient by the receiving Agent. —Bidders will
therefore state in their proposals, at what prices they will deliver
good merchantable Cows and Calves, and Hogs, under commutations, from
time to time, as shall be desired—the Agent giving to the
Contractor 30 days notice of the number of each required to be
furnished, prior to the period of delivery.
The privilege of rejecting bids deemed high, is reserved.
Bonds, with two responsible signatures, will be
required, as security for the faithful fulfillment of the contract.
No Contract or Bid can be transferred, without the
consent of the undersigned, or such other persons as shall be
authorized to open and declare the bids and make the contract.
Persons making Bids not known to the subscriber, will
accompany them with satisfactory recommendations, as to their capacity
to fulfill the contract. They will be pleased to write on the
envelope of their communications, the words “Proposals to furnish
Indian Rations,” and will attend at Little Rock, A.T. on the last
day of receiving Bids, for the purpose of closing the contract.
J. BROWN, Capt, U.S.A
Principal Dis. Agent, Ind. Rem.
Little Rock, A.T., Feb 20, 1835.
P.S. –Between five and six hundred Creek emigrants
are now on their way for their New Country, West; and it is more than
probable that large accessions to this number will be made before the
period for contracting above named, shall have expired. J. BROWN
Arkansas Advocate, March 6, 1835
1836
Emigrating Creeks.-The s.b. Alpha, with two large
keel-boats in tow, arrived at this place, on Friday evening last-and,
after anchoring in the stream about an hour, without permitting any of
the Indians to land, proceeded up the river, having on board 511
emigrating Creek Indians, on their way to their country west of
Arkansas. The party is under the direction of Mr. Beattie, Agent for
the Contractor, and Lieut. Deas and Dr. Randall, U. States Army.
Arkansas Gazette, January 12, 1836
Proposals for Indian Rations
Proposals, in writing, and sealed, will be received by
the subscriber, until 12 o’clock, (M.) of Monday, the 29th day of
February next, 1836—for furnishing and delivering to emigrant
CREEK INDIANS, in their new country, west, all RATIONS OF
SUBSISTENCE, that shall be required for them—be the same more or
less, from the 1st day of April, 1836, to the 31st day of March, 1837,
inclusive.
The number of places at which rations will be required
to be delivered, in the new country, will not exceed four, and none of
them will be over fifty miles distant from the Creek Agency.
Proposals must state the price of the entire Ration;
which consists of one pound of fresh beef, three-fourths of a quart of
corn, and at the rate of four quarts of salt to each one hundred
Rations. The corn and salt must be delivered at the measure of
thirty-two quarts, Dry Measure to the bushel. The quality as well as
the weight and measure of the articles composing the Ration, will be
inspected by an Agent on delivery. All risk, and every expense
attending the delivery and distribution of the Rations, must be born by
the contractor.
A portion of the meat part of the Ration may be commuted
and delivered in Cows and Calves, provided the receiving agent shall,
at any time, deem such changes in the issues expedient; and provided,
that the terms and conditions on which the changes of deliveries are to
be made are acceptable to the contractor. But, in no case, must such
changes of furnishing increase the cost of the Ration above mentioned.
The privilege of rejecting bids deemed high is reserved.
Bonds, with three responsible signatures, will be
required for the faithful fulfillment of the contract. Persons making
bids will write on the envelope of their communications, the words,
“Proposals to furnish subsistence for the Creek
Indians;” and will attend at this place, on the last day of
receiving bids, for the purchase of closing the contract.
J. Brown, Capt.
U.S. Army, Pr. Dis. Ag’t Ind’n Rem’l
Little Rock, A.T.
Jan 1, 1836
P.S. It is not now known what number of the Creeks will
emigrate this year. But, from the best information received, it is
confidently expected that a large emigration will take place—not
less than five thousand. The greater portion of which will, in all
probability, remove early the coming spring. Over five hundred of
the above tribe are now on the way, and will reach their new country
early in February next, 1836. J.B.
Arkansas Advocate, February 5, 1836
EMIGRATING CREEKS
We are informed by Mr. Willard, one of the conductors
of the Emigrating Creeks, who reached here a day or two since, on
express to Capt. BROWN, that 2300 Creeks had been landed at Rock Roe,
White River, on the 29th ult. on the way to their new country, West.
They are in charge of Messrs. Howell and Beatie, conductors of the firm
of J.W.A. Sanford & Co. accompanied by Lt. Barry and Dr. Aberdy,
U.S. Army. The Emigrants are healthy and subordinate-and appear anxious
to reach their place of destination.
The party is accompanied by Neah Micco, Principal
Chief, and Neah Mathla, the principal hostile Chief, and leader in the
late disturbances in Alabama.
The emigrants were embarked at Montgomery, Ala. On the
15th July, and came by the way of New-Orleans, across Lake
Ponchartrain-a route which has proved more expeditious than the one by
land. They were less than 15 days from Montgomery to White River.
This party is composed almost exclusively of the
hostile Indians.
Arkansas Gazette, August 2, 1836
Emigrating Hostile Creeks.
We learn that 2300 Creeks were landed at Rock Roe on the
29th ult. on their way to their new country. They are in charge of
Messrs. Howell and Beattie, contractors of the firm J.W.A. Sanford
& Co. accompanied by Lt. Barry and Dr. Aberdy, U.S.A.
The party is accompanied by Neah Micco, principal Chief,
and Neah Mathla, the leader in the late hostilities. They came from
Montgomery, Alabama, via New Orleans, across Lake
Ponchartrain—being less than 15 days from Montgomery to White
river.
Arkansas Advocate, August 5, 1836
More Creeks.-We learn, from Capt. BROWN, that a
small party (about 200) of emigrating Creek Indians, consisting chiefly
of old men, women and children, arrived at the Mouth of White river, a
few days since, and will be transported to their new homes, west, in
wagons.
Arkansas Gazette, August 23, 1836
A small
party of emigrating Creeks, chiefly old men, women and children, were
at the Post of Arkansas a few days since, on their way west.
Arkansas
Advocate, August 26, 1836
Meeting of
the Creek Indians. —Extract of a letter to the Editor, dated
“Fort
Gibson, Sept. 16, 1836.
“I was
present a few days since, when Capt. Armstrong, Superintendent of the
Indian Territory, met the two parties of Creeks—the old and the
late emigrants—the one headed by Roly McIntosh, and the other by
Nea-math-la and Nea-mic-co—and am happy to state that I see no
reason to believe that any present difficulty is likely to take place
between them. Each party seemed friendly towards the other; and the
main point, as to whether the new emigrants would submit to the laws of
the McIntosh party, was happily adjusted and agreed to. Of course, this
unites them, and; as the other emigrating parties arrive, I have no
doubt they will submit to the same laws. The great danger to be
apprehended is from the reduced situation of the garrison; and although
no attack is contemplated, yet a momentary excitement might be
produced, and lead to serious consequences, which the presence of a
sufficient body of troops could restrain—whereas the present
force can do no more than retain their position within the garrison. I
regret exceedingly that there is not a sufficient regular force on this
frontier to keep the Indians quiet. The people of Arkansas are entitled
to protection, as the Government is bringing on such large bodies of
Indians, who have imbibed the most bitter feelings, not only against
our government but our citizens on account of the wrongs they have
suffered east of the Mississippi.
“Don’t
understand me as saying that there is no danger on this frontier. No
man can tell, with such a number of Indians and such a diversity of
feeling among them, what a few days might produce.”
Another
letter, of 14th ult. from another gentleman, speaking of the meeting of
the Creeks, says—
“The
Superintendent visited each party alternately, and then called them in
General Council, where he informed them, in a candid and fatherly
manner, that the law had deprived the hostile Indians of any of the
treaty benefits, annuity, &c. He saluted Roly McIntosh as
King, and recommended the emigrants to submit peaceably to the present
government and laws of the Creeks, and promised to request the
President to allow them their annuity, &c. as usual, if they did
so. They were in a destitute condition, and very gladly accepted his
offer. He presented them some axes, &c. for immediate use.
“Gen.
Arbuckle, as well as Capt. Armstrong, is satisfied of their peaceful
intention, and has ordered the volunteers to remain at Towson a month,
unless sooner ordered to Gibson.”
Arkansas
Advocate, October 7, 1836
The Florence, (Ala.)
Gazette of Oct. 6, says-
"A party of emigrating Creek Indians, (2500) passed
through this county, last week, on their way to the far west. They were
under the command of Capt. John Martin, of Montgomery.
Another party of 4000 in number have lately passed on
the other side of the river, journeying west."
Arkansas Gazette, October 18, 1836
THE EMIGRATING CREEKS
Our town and vicinity have been filled and no little
annoyed for the past two weeks by the emigrating Creek Indians.
Eight thousand of them have crossed the Mississippi on their way to
their new home, and five thousand more are around us. In about
two weeks the whole tribe, about 15,000 will be west of the
Mississippi. Lieut. Sprague leaves to day with his party
accompanied by the chief Tuckabatchehadjo, in steamboats to L. Rock,
the Arkansas bottoms being excessively muddy—They are generally
in good health. Most of the chiefs opposed taking water, fearing
sickness, but their greater dread was being thrown overboard when
dead. These wronged and miserable savages, notwithstanding their
late hostilities, excite our generous sympathies. They have been
cheated out of their lands and driven from their homes by the civilized
and Christian whites. Tuckabatchehadjo wept like a child when
Lieut. Sprague told him he had come to make his last talk, and the
morrow was the time appointed for his departure from the home and
burial place of his ancestors. The poor chief wished to delay and
avoid this day. But the cupidity and avarice of our countrymen
are inexorable; and the Creek tribe of Indians are swept away and their
beautiful and rich country is now owned by a people less generous and
noble than the savages just driven away. The officers who
accompany them are humane and kind, and hesitate not in commiserating
their unfortunate wrongs.
Memphis Enquirer, October
25, 1836.
National
Road—Arkansas.
We had the
pleasure a day or two since of enjoying a delightful ride of 16 miles
upon the National Road in Arkansas, and were much gratified with both
the country through which it passes and the road itself. It is a
herculean task , and in many places shows the mastery of man over the
most hideous frowns of physical nature. The road is nearly completed
for 15 miles from the Mississippi river, and when it is worn by a
little travel, will be smooth as the “unruffled bosom of a
lake.” Maj. Bowman is a gentleman well adapted for the energetic
prosecution of this great work, and would have progressed much farther
to its completion, but for the impossibility of acquiring a sufficient
number of laborers. The other contracts beyond, we understand, are also
progressing; and Arkansas ere long may rejoice in having one of the
best roads in the West, if not in the Union; entirely free from any
impediment save the last possible resistance of earth and air.
We were
agreeably surprised at the “country” of Arkansas. An
unbroken plain of rich level land, stretches on either side the road,
we understand for some hundred square miles, and free of inundation.
The price of property bordering the road, enhanced greatly in value
since its construction. We should think the flatness of the country
would deny its being healthy, although we believe it to be as much so
as most parts of the western Districts of our own State. —Memphis
Eng.
Arkansas
Advocate, November 7, 1836
The s.b. John Nelson
arrived on Thursday, with about 900 Creeks, of Tuck-e-batch-e-had-jo's
party, in charge of Lt. J.T. Sprague, U.S. Marine Corps, and Dr. G. W.
Hill, surgeon to the party. The party started westward on Saturday and
Sunday by land. The J.N. returned on Saturday, to bring up about 900 of
same party, who were left at the Post of Arks., and about 400 more of
same party were coming through the Miss. Swamp, with horses, &c.
the whole to rendezvous at Lewisburg, and proceed from thence to their
new homes.
There are from 13,000 to 14,000 now in the state,
leaving about 3,000 in the Creek nation, the warriors of whom have gone
to Florida, to assist in subduing the Seminoles. When that is
accomplished, they will emigrate-which will complete the removal of the
whole Creek nation.
Capt. Bateman's party of 2500, and Lt. Screven's of
3000, passed the cross-roads, 25 miles north of this place, for the
west, on Thursday last.
Lt. Dea's party of 2600, and Col. Campbell's of 2800,
are behind, and will pass up in 10 or 12 days.
The health of the Indians has generally been very
good-no contagious or malignant diseases among them. The rumor that the
small-pox was prevailing, and that men had died of that disease, is
unfounded.
Arkansas Gazette, November 8, 1836
Proposals
for Indian Rations
Proposals,
in writing and sealed, will be received by the subscriber, until 12
o’clock (M.) of Tuesday the 10th day of January next, 1837, for
furnishing and delivering to emigrant CREEK INDIANS in their new
country, west, all RATIONS OF SUBSISTENCE that shall be required for
them, be the same more or less from the 1st day of April, 1837, to the
31st day of March, 1838, inclusive.
The number
of places at which Rations will be required to be delivered in the new
country, as well as the quantity, will be designated by an agent, and
twenty days notice, prior to each delivery, will be given.
Proposals
must state the price of the entire ration, which consists of one pound
of fresh beef, three-fourths of a quart of corn, and at the rate of
four quarts of salt to each one hundred rations. The corn and salt must
be delivered at the rate of thirty-two quarts, dry measure, to the
bushel. The quality, as well as the weight and measure of the articles
composing the Ration, will be inspected by an Agent, on delivery. All
risk, and every expense attending the delivery and distribution of the
Rations, must be borne by the contractor.
A portion
of the meat ration may be commuted and delivered in cows and calves;
provided the receiving Agent shall at any time deem such changes in the
issue expedient; and provided that the terms and conditions on which
the changes of deliveries are to be made, are acceptable to the
contractor. But in no case must such changes of furnishing
increase the coast of the ration about mentioned. The privilege of
rejecting bids deemed high, is reserved.
Bonds with
three responsible signatures, will be required for the faithful
fulfillment of the contract.
Persons
making bids will write on the envelope of their communications, the
words, “Proposals to Furnish Subsistence for the Creek
Indians,” and will attend at this place, on the last day of
receiving bids, for the purpose of closing the contract.
J. BROWN,
Capt.
U.S.A.
Pr’l Dis. Ag’l Indian Rem’l
Little
Rock, Ark’s, Nov. 15, 1836
P.S.—The
number of Creeks to be subsisted will be from sixteen to
eighteen thousand.
Arkansas
Advocate, November 18, 1836
Little Rock, Arkansas,
Nov. 20th, 1836.
To His Excellency, JAMES S. CONWAY, Governor of Arkansas,
SIR-I have the honor to inform you that to-day a
detachment consisting of about three thousand and two hundred emigrant
Creek Indians, under my direction, have arrived within one mile and a
half of this place; and for reasons that will be obvious to your
Excellency, have to request that you will use such means as you may
deem most expedient, to prohibit said Indians from being passed from
the opposite to this bank of the river.
I beg leave to assure your Excellency that had I not
been confined to my room from sickness, I should have done myself the
honor of calling in person.
I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's most ob't
serv't,
B.B.SCREVEN, 1st Lieut. 4th U.S.Infantry, Mil. Agent
Creek Removal.
This is the third party of Indians which have passed our
town within two or three weeks, for the west. About 15,000 of the tribe
are now traversing the State, from east to west-making an almost
continuous line from Rock Roe, to our western boundary. Although they
are by no means hostile or threatening, yet they are, unquestionably, a
great annoyance to the public-and ought always to be sent with a strong
guard.
This party suffered considerable privation for the want
of corn and other supplies-and what they succeeded in procuring, was at
enormous prices. The Indians lost several hundred horses, of an
inferior kind.
Arkansas Gazette, November 22, 1836
It would appear, by the annexed extract from the Texas
Telegraph, that the people of that province are not particularly in
favor of having more Indian neighbors:
"Those tribes are
the same which have been removed to the 'far west' by the government of
the United States. We noticed, in a conspicuous paper, and which has
always advocated the cause of Texas, that in speaking of the Seminole
war, and its consequent disasters, it said it clearly pointed out the
necessity of removing the Indians west of the Mississippi. If the
Indians east of that river are sufficiently formidable to hold the
citizens in dread, in a country, too abundantly furnished with every
means of defence, the citizens of Texas and the western states of
Mexico surely have reason to apprehend hostilities from al the Indian
tribes which have, from time to time, been sent on to their borders,
unless the government of the United States take precautionary measures
for keeping them in check. This they are in duty bound by the treaty to
do, as well as to protect its own citizen on the frontiers, and which,
we consider, the only and primary object of the military movements
under the direction of General Gaines on the eastern borders of this
country."
Arkansas Gazette, November 22, 1836
Emigrating Creeks--the
Steam-boat Daniel Webster, arrived here on Tuesday last, with a small
party of Creek Indians, mostly women and children with wagons. They
have encamped a short distance from this place, awaiting the arrival of
the balance of their party, with horses, to convey them to their new
homes in the west.
Constitutional Journal, November 25, 1836
PROPOSALS FOR INDIAN
RATIONS.
Proposals, in writing and sealed, will be received by
the subscriber, until 12 o'clock (M.) of Tuesday, the 10th day of
January next, 1837, for furnishing and delivering to emigrant Creek
Indians, in their new country, west, all rations of subsistence that
shall be required for them, be the same more or less, from the 1st day
of April, 1837, to the 31st day of March, 1838, inclusive.
The number of places at which Rations will be required
to be delivered in the new country, as well as their quality, will be
designated by an agent, on twenty days' notice, prior to each delivery,
will be given.
Proposals must state the price of the entire ration;
which consists of one pound of fresh beef, three-fourths of a quart of
corn, and at the rate of four quarts of salt to each one hundred
rations. The corn and salt must be delivered at the measure of
thirty-two quarts dry measure, to the bushel. The quality, as well as
the weight and measure, of the articles composing the ration, will be
inspected by an Agent, on delivery. All risk, and every expense
attending the delivery and distribution of the rations, must be borne
by the contractor.
A portion of the meat part of the ration may be
commuted and delivered in cows and calves: provided the receiving Agent
shall, at any time, deem such changes in the issue, expedient; and
provided that the terms and conditions on which the changes of
deliveries are to be made, are acceptable to the contractor. But in no
case must such changes of furnishing increase the cost of the rations
above mentioned.
The privilege of rejecting bids deemed high, is
reserved.
Bonds, with three responsible signatures, will be
required for the faithful fulfillment of the contract.
Persons making bids, will write on the envelope of
their communications, the words, "Proposals to furnish Subsistence for
the Creek Indians; and will attend at this place, on the last day of
receiving bids, for the purpose of closing the contract.
J. BROWN, Capt. U.S.A., Pr'l Dis. Ag't Indian Rem'l.
Little Rock, Ark's, Nov 13, 1836.
P.S.-The number of Creeks to be subsisted will be from
sixteen to eighteen thousand.
The Arkansas Advocate and Constitutional Journal, will
publish the above till the 10th January-and the Missouri Republican,
till the 31st December next, and forward their accounts, with duplicate
receipts, to this office, for settlement.
Arkansas Gazette, November 29, 1836
Arkansas Gazette, November 29, 1836
From the
Editor
Dear
P—.
On my way to
Crawford I have passed large numbers of the emigrating Creeks. They are
scattered along the whole road, camping here and there like gypsies.
The way they and their wagons have torn up the road in caution. Point
Remove which has long been a terror and a nuisance to all travellers,
is twenty-five times as bad as ever it was known to be before. I passed
through it in great tribulation, and with much fear and trembling. It
is a disgrace to Arkansas, and if Uncle Sam won’t fix the road in
that section, why, the State should do it, and the sooner the better.
No man who has not travelled through it, has any idea how bad it is. It
is actually dangerous. But of the Indians. —Government is sending
them on, under the care of contractors, who have no command of them,
and are unable to restrain them or make them go on. They are scattered
all along on the road in little predatory bands, killing hogs and
stealing as they go. They are a perfect nuisance. One company which
number 3200 when it started, now only number 2000. The remainder had
separated into straggling parties, and fallen in the rear. Harsh and
unjust as our Government has been to them, it is still not fair that
they should be permitted to remain in the State all the winter,
committing depredations on the people and their property. I think
Governor Conway should order out a company of volunteers to follow in
their rear and drive them on—make them leave the State and go to
their homes. Tuck-a-batch-I-had-jo has stopped just above Potts’,
and declares he will go no farther. He says he is west of the
Mississippi, and can be compelled to go no further—and when
threatened that force would be used to make him remove, he has
ridiculed the idea. I saw Milly Francis, daughter of the Prophet
Francis, she who saved a white man’s life in the Seminole war, 18
years ago. The readers of the Advocate have probably all heard the
story. The Prophet Francis was hung at St. Marks. Our Government should
have given his daughter a pension. As it is, she is traveling to her
new home on foot.
Ever yours
&c. P.
Arkansas
Advocate, December 16, 1836
Tuck-e-batch-i-had-jo,
with his body of Creeks, 2 or 3000 strong, has stopped above Potts' it
is said, and will go no further, until it suits him. He says he is west
of the Mississippi; and there is no power to compel him to proceed.
Arkansas Gazette, December 20, 1836
Fort Coffee, Nov. 30, 1836
DEAR GOVERNOR-We arrived here to-day, with Capt.
Phillips; company of Mounted Gunmen, all well. The roads were very bad,
and our march slow and unpleasant. To-morrow we leave for Gibson. Capt.
STUART, who is in command of this post, has extended to us his usual
hospitalities. This morning, an express passed this post from Gen.
Arbuckle to Col. Vose, directing Col. Howell to be placed in command of
the regiment of volunteers, and the whole to be marched forthwith to
Gibson. I presume now the unfortunate difficulty between Howell and
Fowler will soon be settled. The gentleman who bears the express,
informed me that the order was to arrest Col. Fowler if he refused to
recognize Howell as the Colonel Commandant of the regiment.
A large number of Creek Indians are now in the vicinity
of this place, just landed from the steam-boat John Nelson, now aground.
We passed the wreck of a keel-boat, belonging to the
Bigelows, which had been blown up or destroyed by some individuals, and
the goods scattered on the banks of the river. They had been ordered
from the boat of B. and an affray was the consequence; one of them got
shot. They then attacked, broke up, and destroyed the boat.
To Gov. CONWAY.
Arkansas Gazette, December 20, 1836
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, December 6th,
1836
SIR-Representations have been made to the Executive of
this State, by respectable citizens, that the party of Creek Indians
now encamped on the opposite shore of the Arkansas river, are daily,
and perhaps hourly, committing depredations on the property of the
citizens, by killing their hogs and cattle, burning their fence-rails,
and stealing their core, vegetables &c. And the further fact is set
forth, that said party of Indians have already been there encamped for
a considerable number of days. These depredations cannot be tolerated.
The length of time which this party has been halted, is evidently
sufficient for every necessary arrangement to have been made, for the
continuation of their march towards their country.
Therefore, I have to inform you, as the principal
government agent in conducting said party, that they must, without
delay, take up the line of march; and that they be not allowed again to
halt within the limits of this State, for an unnecessary length of time.
This communication, and the requisitions here in
contained, are intended for every agent of the government, who now is,
or may be hereafter, engaged in conducting a party of any tribe of
Indians through the State of Arkansas.
This communication will be published in the Arkansas
Gazette, with orders to officers commanding regiments, battalions, and
companies, of the militia of the state, requiring them to see that the
requisitions therein contained are strictly observed.
Officers commanding regiments, battalions, and
companies, of the militia of the State of Arkansas are required to see
that the foregoing requisitions are strictly observed.
I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J.S. CONWAY.
Lieut. EDWARD DEAS,
Government Agent, Removal Creek Indians
Arkansas Gazette, December 20, 1836
ENCAMPMENT OF INDIANS, Opposite Little Rock, Ark, 8th
December, 1836
To his Excellency J.S. CONWAY, Governor of the State of
Arkansas.
GOVERNOR:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication of the 6th inst., upon the subject of the emigrating
Indians, to-day handed to me by Mr. Irving.
From all that I can learn, by inquiry and observation,
I am forced to believe, that the representations which have been made
to you Excellency, charging our Indians with numerous depredations,
such as the killing of hogs an cattle, the burning of fence-rails, and
stealing of corn and vegetables &c., are very much exaggerated, if
not, in some cases, without any just foundation or proof. Since the
party under my charge has been encamped in this neighborhood, their
rations have been regularly issued, and they have, besides, killed an
abundance of game, and were, therefore, by no means in want of
subsistence. Also, the quantity of dead timber was so great in the
surrounding woods, in which the Indians were encamped, as to render the
use of fence-rails for fuel an act of wanton mischief, so unnecessary,
and, if detected, so dangerous to the depredators, as to be scarcely
worthy of credit, without some positive testimony in such case.
Moreover, the fences in the neighborhood will, at this time, be found,
on examination, to be in as good order as when our party arrived at its
present encampment. I mention these particulars, as I am convinced your
Excellency will find that the above charges have been made ba pretext
for the removal of the Indians from this neighborhood, and that the
real cause of discontent has not been hinted at. It is the circumstance
of the rise of the price of certain provisions, in the surrounding
country, caused by the presence of a large number of Indians, which
gives dissatisfaction to a few individuals. This partial evil, however,
is far more than compensated to the community, by the large amount of
money brought into and expended in the country by the emigration of the
Indians, and, also, by the large amount of traffic carried on between
the citizens and the Indians themselves.
The order which your Excellency's communication
contains, requiring the Indians in this neighborhood to take up the
line of march without delay, had become unnecessary, as, previous to
its reception, the authority which governs the movements of the party
under my charge, had determined that the Indians should proceed upon
their journey westward in a day or two. As your Excellency also
directs, that the Indians be not again allowed to halt within the
limits of the State an unnecessary length of time, a few remarks may
not be improper, to show that this has not yet taken place in the case
of the party which I accompany, as agent of the government. Many of the
Indians have been detained between Memphis and this place by sickness,
the miserably wretched state of the roads, and other circumstances,
which rendered it impossible for them to reach this point sooner. Among
their number, were several of the most influential Chiefs of the
nation, and their people composing this party, would not proceed
farther westward in a body, unless forced to do so, unaccompanied by
their leading men.
Had we not encamped here, we must have selected a more
unhealthy and inconvenient situation, liable to the same objections as
these above urged. Had we attempted to remove sooner, the whole
emigrating route would have been covered with straggling Indians,
having no regular means of sustaining transportation and subsistence,
and would consequently have been much more likely to commit
depredations upon the property of citizens of the State than under the
present arrangement-Almost all of our people have, at length, reached
the neighborhood of the main party, and to-morrow we shall endeavor to
break up our present encampment, and set out once more upon the journey
towards the new homes of these unfortunate people.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency's Most ob't
servant,
EDW. DEAS, Lieut. U. S. Army, And Disbursing Agent in
the Creek Emigration.
Arkansas Gazette, December 20, 1836
ENCAMPMENT OF INDIANS, 3 miles N.W. of Little Rock,
Ark's, 11th December, 1836
To his Excellency J.S.CONWAY, Governor
of the State of Arkansas.
GOVERNOR-In my communication of the 8th inst., which I
had the honor to address you from opposite Little Rock, I stated that
almost all of our people had at length reached the neighborhood of the
main party, and that on the following day, we should set out once more
upon our journey. We did so, and reached the present encampment; but
yesterday certain information was received, that one of the principal
Chiefs is still two or three days' journey behind, with a considerable
number of the Indians, from various towns.
As this was not known when I last had the honor to
address you, I now mention it as the interests of emigration require,
for reasons stated in my previous communication, that we should not
proceed until those Indians overtake the main party. I have the honor
to remain
Your Excellency's most ob't serv't,
EDW. DEAS, Lieut, U.S. Army, And Disbursing Agent in
the Creek Emigration.
Arkansas Gazette, December 20, 1836
THE EMIGRATING INDIANS
Complaints have been
made every where in the country against the emigrating Creeks, for
depredations committed on their passage through the State. That these
parties have caused much loss to many individuals, accompanied with
much vexation, there can be no doubt. The injured parties have no
redress that we know of, unless they appeal to Congress through our
Senators and Representatives, or by an appeal to the Secretary of War.
We publish today an excellent letter, from one who has
a pretty correct judgment on the plan of Indian removal, both by the
general government, and by a company in Alabama.
Arkansas Gazette, January 3, 1837
FROM THE WEST
Extract of a letter, from a gentleman in the west, to
his friend in this place:
December 25, 1836.
There is now arriving at Fort Gibson, and on the road
between that place and the Mississippi river, near fourteen thousand
Creek Indians, under course of removal, by the Government of the United
States, to their new country on the Arkansas river. The removal is made
by a company of contractors, who receive a stated sum per head, for
each Indian delivered to the officers of Government appointed to
receive them, at the line of their new country.
Those contractors are bound to subsist them on their
journey, and the removal of the Indians is, to them, a matter of
speculation. It therefore becomes their interest to rush them on,
regardless of either comfort of convenience of the Indians. And, in
fact, those contractors could not reasonably be expected to consult the
comforts of the Indians to such extent, at their own individual
expense. Therefore, the policy of removing them by contract, is a bad
one, as is well known to every one who is at all familiar with Indian
removals.
Those people have necessarily, from the impoverished
condition of many of them, to move slowly; and perhaps more so, than
was anticipated by the contractors previous to their starting;
consequently, they may not be able, without incurring much individual
expense, to extend to the Indians even the indulgence of time that
common humanity requires; and whether they comply with their obligation
in this case or not, I am not prepared to say; but be that as it may,
no portion of American history can furnish a parallel of the misery and
suffering at present endured by the emigrating Creeks. They consist of
all ages, sexes and sizes, and of all the varieties of human intellect
and condition, from the civilized and tenderly nurtured matron and
misses, to the wild savage, and the poorest of the poor.
Thousands of them are entirely destitute of shoes or
covering of any kind for the feet; many of them are almost naked; and
but few of them have any thing more on their persons than light dress,
calculated only for the summer or for very warm climate; and the
weather being warm when they left Alabama, many of them left their
heavier articles of clothing, expecting them to be brought on in
steam-boats, which has as yet been only partially done. In this
destitute condition, they are wading the cold mud, or are hurried on
over the frozen road as the case may be. Many of them have in this way
had their feet frost-bitten; and being unable to travel, fall in the
rear of the main party, and in this way are left on the road to await
the ability or convenience of the contractors to assist them. Many of
them, not being able to endure this unexampled state of human
suffering, die, and it is said, are thrown by the side of the road, and
are covered only with brush, &c., where they remain, until devoured
by the wolves.
How long this state of things will exist, is hard to
conjecture. It is now past the middle of December; and the winter,
though cold, is by no means at its worst stage, and when the extreme of
winter does fall upon these most miserable creatures, in their present
suffering and desperate condition, the destruction of human life will
be most deplorable.
The American people, it is presumed, are as yet
unacquainted with the condition of these people; and it is to be hoped
that when they do become acquainted with the facts, that the
philanthropic portion of the community will not be found wanting in
their efforts to alleviate, as far as practicable, their extreme
suffering.-They are in want of almost every article in common use in a
civilized community, particularly clothing, and any thing of that kind
would be highly acceptable-such as coarse gowns, shirts, coats,
pantaloons, shoes, &c.; which, if given during the winter, might be
the means of saving many lives.
It should be borne in mind, that the Creeks, now on
their way, have voluntarily removed from their homes in Alabama, before
the time at which they could be positively required to move; and that
on promises made to them, some of which have not, and, in all
probability will not be complied with; and after agreeing to remove,
they left their country in such haste, that many of them were not able
to make sale of their property; and those who did effect sales, it is
said, did not receive more than half value for the property sold.
It is thought, by many persons, that the Creeks now on
their way, and arriving in this country, have been recently hostile to
the whites, and that they have been removed by force of arms from the
country east of the Mississippi--but such is not the fact. Apothlahola
and his people, now under course of removal, have been, with but few
exceptions, friendly to the whites, and aided them in the defeat and
subjugation of Nehemathla and his 2,500 followers, who were brought on
to this country early in the fall, and who are at this time hostile in
feeling, not only to the whites, but to Apothlahola's party.
Furthermore, Apothlahola has with him the families of near a thousand
of his warriors, now serving with the army in Florida.
If the removal of the Indians had been made by officers
of the government, whose commissions would rest on a faithful execution
of their duty both to the government and to the Indians, (as was the
case in the removal of the Choctaws some year since,) the case would
have been very different from what it has been in this case. The
condition of the Indians would have been better, and the actual expense
to the government would have been less; much more indulgence as to time
could have been extended to them by the government, than could be given
by private individuals; they would have been more comfortable, and
consequently less liable to sickness and death, and to the terrible
suffering which they at present have to endure.
I will here remark, that, to each separate party of
four or five thousand of these Indians, there is attached, as agent of
the government, an officer of the army, which officers have no doubt
discharged their duty in the matter to the fullest extent of their
power. At any rate, not the least complaint has been heard to have been
made against any one of them; and they are said to stand high in the
estimation of the Indians, and have had considerable turmoil with the
contractors.
It is not my purpose to case any reflection or censure
in any particular quarter, but there is a fault somewhere, and it is to
be hoped that the inquiring community will look to the causes which
have led to this great extreme of human suffering.
Arkansas Gazette, January 3, 1837
It will be recollected by some of our readers, that a
few weeks since information was received here that a party of Creek
Indians, under their chief, Tuck-I-batch-I-had-jo, had made a stand a
few miles west of Potts'-and after remaining there a longer time than
was necessary for them to recruit, were ordered away, on their march,
by Mr. Potts, which they preemptorily refused-saying they were west of
the Mississippi, and it was not in the power of any one to compel them
to go on. They said the threats of the whites might alarm little
boys-but they were men! Intelligence being conveyed to Col.
TREVAULT, commandant of the Pope county militia, of the audacious
language held by this chief, he, by authority of two proclamations
issued by the Governor of this State, on the 22d of Oct. and 6th
Dec.-made a requisition, dated Dec. 26 on the companies of his
regiment, for an armed force-and in two or three days, upwards of 100
mounted men appeared under arms, for a forcible expulsion. But they
were not needed-the Indians getting wind of the movement, decamped in
the night about the first of January, and made a precipitate flight.
This circumstance, (unimportant of itself), has been
noticed by us; merely for the example it affords-and as affording
another proof of the promptness of our militia when called to duty.
Arkansas Gazette, January 17, 1837
By the
following extract of a letter, which we copy from the last Gazette, it
seems that the fears entertained by many, of a collision between the
resident and the emigrant Creeks, on the arrival of the latter, were
groundless. We rejoice to find it so.
Fort Gibson,
10th Dec., 1836
My Dear
Sir—Ye-poth-le-ho-lo has arrived at this place, and there is to
be no war, nor rumors of war. The two chieftains, Ye-poth-le-ho-lo and
Rolla McIntosh, with their principal men, met yesterday—all was
pacific. The pipe of peace was puffed, and a glass of old rye, (perhaps
new corn) kindly drank by all to commemorate their union. The
emigrating people will remain here until all the stragglers have
arrived, (8 or 10 gangs), when they will separate and select for
themselves, each their favorite portions of their new country, and
occupy it without a murmur—unless there be a deficiency in the
supplies promised them by the Government, which I do not anticipate.
Arkansas
Advocate, January 18, 1837
Lt. Sprague informs us that he left
Tuck-I-batch-I-had-jo, and a small party of Indians, (his immediate
suit and family,) at Potts' merely on account of the illness of that
chief. He says that no language of defiance escaped him, to his
knowledge. After that officer left, however, the party was increased by
the accession of the straggling Indians who were behind.
Arkansas Gazette, January 24, 1837
Capt. Page, of the U.S.A. arrived here on Saturday
evening last. He is engaged at present in superintending the removal of
the Creeks, and has now the whole Creek nation, amounting to more than
3000, below Rock Roe, on White river. They will take up their line of
march, through the country, immediately.
Arkansas Gazette, November 21, 1837
Another steam-boat Disaster.-The steamer Monmouth was
recently sunk in the Mississippi, having on board several hundred Creek
Indians, more than 200 of whom were drowned.
Arkansas Gazette, November 21, 1837
The steamer Fox passed up on Friday evening last, with
a number of Creek Indians on board, bound for Fort Gibson.
Arkansas Gazette, November 21, 1837
Creek Emigrants.-The s.b. Itasca arrived here, from
Memphis, on Friday evening last, and passed up, for Fort Gibson, on the
following morning, with about 800 emigrating Creeks, who had been
collected in the old Chickasaw country-all in good health and spirits.
The officers in charge of them are, Capt. Morris, U.S.A. Disbursing
Agent; R.E. Clements, Agent; and Dr. Mays, surgeon.
Arkansas Gazette, November 28, 1837
A late Mobile paper asserts, that not more than 25
Creek Indians were drowned from the steam-boat Monmouth.
Arkansas Gazette, November 28, 1837
THE EMIGRATING INDIANS
The vast and prodigious efforts made by the general
government to rid the interior of our Union of the presence of its
Indian tribes, have made our State for the present, nothing but a
thoroughfare, a theatre, for the march of these tribes to their new
homes in the west.-At this moment we have the Creeks and Chickasaws
passing through the country-and it will be but a short period before
the fierce and over-mastered Seminoles are to be added to the stormy
elements in our vicinity. While the government continues to transplant
these crushed spirits to our border, it must awaken in the bosoms of
our rulers at Washington, a never-ceasing vigilance to defend us from
aggression. From Mr. Poinsett's comprehensive views as a public man, we
have every thing to hope. We shall look to his expose to the
President at the opening of Congress, with a more than common interest.
It is very manifest that the military force must be increased at our
forts. His plan of the public defense, will, in other respects,
doubtless be on a scale equal to the emergency.
Arkansas Gazette, November 28, 1837
AWFUL DESTRUCTION OF HUMAN LIFE!
300 CREEK INDIANS DROWNED!
A slip from the office of the New-Orleans True
American, dated on Friday, communicates the loss of the steam-boat
Monmouth, with six hundred Creek Indians on board, on their way to
Arkansas, THREE HUNDRED of whom perished! The American says:
The Drowned Indians.-Accident after accident seems to
occur in every spot around us, as if to continue the chain of
misfortune which has been running through all our affairs during the
passing year. Link upon link is so constantly adding to its length,
that the presses of the country ought to have a heading line of "awful
calamities" stereotyped for daily use. The steamer Warren brought news
yesterday morning of the loss of the steam-boat Monmouth, and the death
of at least one-half of her infamously crowded passengers. This fatal,
and most appalling, accident arose from a collision between these two
boats; but from the best intelligence we can procure, the blame rests
upon the Monmouth. But setting aside the decision as to which was
right, or which was wrong, the fearful responsibility for this vast
sacrifice of human life, rests on the contractors for emigrating the
Creek Indians. The avaricious disposition to increase the profits on
the speculation, first induced the chartering of rotten, old, and
unseaworthy boats, because they were of a class to be procured cheaply;
and then to make those increased profits still larger, the Indians were
packed upon these crazy vessels in such crowds, that not the slightest
regard seems to have been paid to their safety, comfort, or even
decency. The crammed condition of the decks and cabins, was offensive
to every sense and feeling, and kept the poor creatures in a state
unfit for human beings.
Six hundred were jammed into this boat, the Monmouth,
and three hundred have perished. Why is such a thing as this
permitted?-Can owners and officers of boats, or contractors and agents
for emigration reconcile to their consciences, such a risk to human
life? We know not whether there be any legal ratio placed for carrying
passengers in steam-boats, but this proportion is at least treble what
would be allowed by law on board a ship, though there is not an engine
there to occupy one-third of the space. The only reason we can assign
for conduct such as this, is, that avarice had so blinded all parties
concerned, that mere Indians were not considered passengers, but were
stowed away as cargo, or thought of only as ballast for the boat.
Arkansas Gazette, November 28, 1837
The Creek Removal.-The important task of removing this
great tribe of Indians, has at length been completed, as we learn from
Capt. Page of the U.S.A. This tribe, or nation of people, consists of
21,000 souls, and has been entirely transplanted to a district of
country west of the American Union. The emigration was effected through
a contract with a private company in Alabama, which caused, by the
first parties transplanted, a good deal of dissatisfaction, not only to
the whites, but the Indians themselves, on account of sundry
molestations and depredations on our own citizens; but we understand
that the last great party of 3000, which was under the immediate
inspection of Capt. Page, was removed with the utmost harmony on all
sides, and with infinite honor to the humanity and industry of Capt.
P., as well as the other numerous officers engaged in the same
laborious service.
Arkansas Gazette, January 17, 1838
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