The commissioners and suite arrived this evening at the ground
chosen by the chiefs to hold the treaty; the agent of the Nation
not having arrived, Maj. General Jackson proceeded to Colo.
Geo. Colberts in hopes of hearing from him at that place,
leaving Governor Shelby and some Gentlemen in camp. The
General not hearing from the Agent at Colberts addressed
him a note by a runner, and the next morning arrived at Camp.
Nothing occurred this day, and the Genl. accompan'd by Governor
Shelby returned to Colberts for the night.
Thursday, October 1st
Commissioners arrived after 9:Oclock in the morning and after
waiting until twelve Oclock, and not hearing from the Agent Capt
Carter, A. D. Qr Mr General was dispatched
to bring him, as the Indians began to collect, and no person attending
to have their returns made for Provisions. And George Colbert
having stated that the Agent said he was not coming to the treaty.
The Capt. met the Agent about twenty four miles from the camp
on his way, from whom he learned that no money was in his possession
to pay the annuities due the Nation although he had a draft in
his possession on the Branch Bank at New Orleans for $19850 for
several weeks unnegotiated. The Capt. returned late this evening
giving the foregoing information and added that the Agent would
reach us to breakfast on the ensueing morning.
Friday 2nd
The chiefs and Indians look very distant and gloomy and complain
that their annuities were withheld, and when they expected money,
goods were offered them. 10:Oclock A.M. the Agent arrived when
it was ascertained that no arrangements whatever were made to
distribute the annuities, and even the nation not notified to
meet for that purpose; although the Agent had been particularly
informed of the arrangements made, to have them furnished with
supplies during that event, together with the holding of the treaty.
Measures were immediately adopted by the Commissioners to obtain
funds on the draft in the hands of the agent, and on his bills
for the ballance due the nation, and Mr. Benj. Smith dispatched
to Nashville to have them negotiated under special instructions
to Mr. James Jackson at that place. The chiefs were then
informed of this arrangement and measures taken to have the nation
assembled to meet the arrival of the funds, which seems to have
worked a happy change in the countenances of the natives. Noting
decisive is contemplated by the commissioners until the arrival
of the funds, but their unremitting attention seems given to prepare
the minds of the Chiefs for the ultimate object of their mission;
the United States Interpreter James Colbert has not made
his appearance at the Treaty ground.
Saturday 3d
Nothing occurred this day, but a few chiefs waited on the Commisioners
and in the evening James Colbert the U.S. Interpreter arrived.
Sunday 4th
Noting of importance has occurred this day worthy of note.
Monday 5th
Same remark.
Tuesday 6th
This day much pains taken by the Commissioners to impress upon
the chiefs by individual conversation the object and intention
of their mission; Mr. Alexander (an Express) arriving from
Nashville, bringing the books containing copies of the grants
by North Carolina to Individuals lying within the bounds to be
treated for. Levi Colbert one of the principal chiefs having
asked for a perusal of them, they were given to him, after which
he seemed much satisfied.
Wednesday 7th
The Commissioners much engaged this day in preparing the minds
of the chiefs for the talk to be delivered in Council on the arrival
of the money from Nashville to pay their annuities.
Thursday 8th
The Agent by his Secretary engaged in taking a list of the clans
preparatory to the distribution of the money; and the Commissioners
engaged as on the proceeding day.
Friday 9th
Capt. Easter and Maj. Shelby dispatched to meet
Mr. Ben Smith on his return from Nashville with the funds.
Martin Colbert (the son of Levi) with a white man
by the name of Carter and some other indians called on
the Commisssioners for a plain exposition of the nature of their
mission, also of the several treaties with Great Britain and those
held with their nation by the United States; they appeared much
satisfied with the explanation. The following letter was addressed
to Maj. Wm. B. Lewis by the Commissioners, the object of
which is explained in the body of it --
____________________________________
Sir,
Having been advised that you have knowledge of the quantity of
land covered by the chickasaw claims which lies within the Charted
limits of the states of Kentucky and Tennessee which has been
patented by the State of North Carolina. You will if so, have
the goodness to make us a report of the quantity and also the
amounts of lands within the State of Tennessee, within the aforesaid
bounds that is entered, or has been granted by the State of North
Carolina and what quantity now remains unappropreated. This information
is importaint to us at this time, to enable us to apportion the
annuity, to be tendered to the nation for their relinguishment
of claim to this land.
_____________________________________
Saturday 10th October
Maj. Willaim B. Lewis handed the following answer to the
letter of the Commissioners of yesterdays date.
_________________________________
Gentlemen,
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of yesterday, requesting that I would furnish you with such information
as I may be in possion of, relative to the quantity of land claimed
by the Chickesaw Indians within the chartered limits of the State
of Tennessee & Kentuckey; and also how much of that within
the limits of Tennessee has been patented by the State of North
Carolina. The information which I possess upon this subject will
be cheerfully accorded.
I had determined as early as 1810 to make a map of the State of
Tennessee, and accordingly commenced collecting the necessary
materials for that purpose from the different Surveyors offices.
I found, however, after making some progress in my undertaking,
that neither the North nor South boundry lines of the State had
been run further Westwardly than the Tennessee River. Owing to
this circumstance I was obliged to extend the North boundry line,
myself, from the Tennessee river to the Mississippi in order to
get the precise length of the State, East and West. I found the
distance, on the north boundry of the State of Tennessee from
the river Tennessee to the Mississippi to be, by actual admeasurement,
fifty Six and a quarter miles; and having the meanders of the
Tennessee and the Mississippi rivers, and having connected them
with the North boundry, I found the distance on the South boundry
between those rivers, to be about 112 miles, which will make the
average distance, East and West. 84 miles. The width of the State
North and South, is 105 miles which multiplies by 84 will make
8820 Square miles, equal to 5,644,800 Acres of land, in what is
called the western district of Tennessee and now owned by the
Chickesaw Indians.
The next enquiry is, how much of this land has been patented by
the State of North Carolina. I have at this time in my possession
an Authenticated Copy of all grants issued by the State of North
Carolina for that land which in the aggregate amounts to 1,073,918
Acres. Besides these grants there are perhaps 2 or 300,000 acres
which have been entered in the land offices of North Carolina
and not yet ripened into grants, making in the whole about 1,373,918
acres which have been apportioned and leaving a balance of 4,270,882
acres that are vacant and unappropriated; of this perhaps at least
one third is first rate land; for it is universally admitted that,
that part of the State of Tennessee which is now in the possession
of the Chickasaws, is the finest and most desirable of the whole
State.
It is required also, to know the extent of the Chickasaw Claim
in the Chartered limits of the State of Kentucky. I am not prepared
to answer this enquiry with as much Certainty as the others, but
am of the opinion that the following calculation will be found
not very erroneous. This tract of Country is bounded on the South
by the State of Tennessee and is 56 1/4 miles Et &
West; it is bounded on the North by the river Ohio and is supposed
to be about 30 miles on a right line, making the average length
Et & Wt about 43 miles, which multiplied
by 30 , the width north & South will make 1290 Square miles,
equal to 825,600 Acres. I am entirely unable, of my own knowledge,
to say what disposition has been made of these lands, but have
been informed that the greater part of them have been appropriated.
Gov. Shelby & Genl. Jackson
Commissioners &c.
______________________________
Sunday 11 October
Nothing occurred this day worthy remark.
Monday 12th
Geo. Graham Esq. & Judge Poindexter arrived at the
treaty ground on their way to the City of Washington. Mr. Winchester
returned from the Chickasaw Bluffs and made the following report
relating to the goods sent to the Commissioners for presents -
_______________________________
Gentlemen
In conformity with your directions I proceeded to the Chickasaw
Bluffs and found the goods directed to the Commissioners in the
possession of M. P. Ballio. the seventeen packages, contained
in the first arrival, are in good order and carefully deposited
in a secure building. The goods which came by the last arrival,
to wit, fifteen packages exclusive of powder and lead had been
opened and exposed for the purpose of drying indiscriminately
with the Annuity goods which came in the same boat, and were consequently
generally intermixed.
Enclosed are my remarks upon the condition, qantity and quality
of the damaged portion of these goods. Many of them were precisely
the same description, with the annuity goods and Mr. Malbern
had not as we expected been furnished with the invoices of that
portion destined for Annuities, hence we were not enabled to separate
them with sufficient accuracy to justify repacking. In truth they
were too damp.
I also enclose a receipt of M. P. Ballio Factors Agent
for the good directed to the Commissioners which came by the last
arrival. He informed me that at the time the United States factor
(Mr. Rawlings) was ordered from Fort Pickering that he
had requested him Ballio to continue in charge of all the
public goods at that Post, until regularly relieved, or until
some dispostition might be made of the goods by the proper Authority.
That having received the appointment of Assistant Factor, about
this time, he had agreed to do so. And, that accordingly he had
receipted to Mr. Rawlings for the 17 packages contained
in the first arrival of goods directed to the Commissioners, some
annuity goods &c &c. This information precluded an application
on my part for such an extension of the enclosed receipt as would
embrace the 17 packages of the first arrival.
Mr. Ballio further informed me, that having been ordered
to Prairie du Chien, a situation which he disliked, he had declined
the acceptance of his Commission as assistant Factor. He being
uncertain of receiving any compensation for his present services,
from Government, felt very anxious that some early disposition
might be made of these goods, and himself relieved of a heavy
responsibility.
Treaty ground
12 Octo. 1818
Govr Shelby & Genl Jackson
A General report of the condition, quantity and quality of the
fifteen packages contained in the last arrival of goods, subject
to the control of the Commissioners appointed to treat with the
Chickasaw Indians
No. 12 Saddles of very inferior quality; very much injured; damaged equal to half their value; without injury could not be retailed for more than cost. (see invoice). Bridles of good quality but in similar situation; Rugs also.
No. 13 Saddles See report no. 12.
No. 14 9 pieces Strouds. In tolerable order of good quality; not too high priced.
No. 15 6 pieces Strouds; the same 1 ps green cloth; Color not injured; not too high. 2 ps Scarlet color injured; Stained. 2 ps Swanskin; good order.
No. 16 The contents of this tierce are in good order the colors of the Scarlet and green excepted.
No. 17 Not essentially injured.
No. 18 Remark as No. 14, 15.
No. 19 But little injured.
No. 20 This cloth could not be seperated; but all of this kind in good order; flannel also.
No. 27 Blue cloth; Color good; not rotten; Scarlet faded; Shirting weak, stained; plaids ruined; Sashes, Colors injured; fishing lines, good; fish hooks, rusted very much; thimbles, brass, Cotton balls, doubtful; Box Combs, not injured; All the Sissors very much rusted; and needles ruined; Rings, stained and weak.
No. 28.29 The hats but little injured; and well laid in.
No. 30 Looking glasses; every one injured; not worth the Carriage; deficient four dozen.
No. 31 A little rusted; in tollerable order.
No. 32 Most of the blankets in good order; some of them stained, but well selected.
No. Rifles a good deal rusted; one box deficient.
Perhaps on half the Powder may be fit for use.
________________________________
Monday 12th continued
Benjamin Smith returned from Nashville this morning with
$37,550 to pay the Annuities which was delivered over to the Agent
Colo. Henry Sherburn. The Commissioners were informed by
the Interpreter that the Nation was assembled to hear the talk,
which was accordingly delivered between the hours of eleven &
twelve in the forenoon and of which the following is a copy (Bartley
McGee Interpreter).
Friends and Brothers,
We have been chosen by your father the President of the United States to meet you in council, and brighten the chain of friendship, by shaking hands and greeting you as his children, we come to see that the sums due your nation be equally distributed among the poor and the rich to benefit all and make you happy. Your Agent is prepared to pay you all that is due so soon as you can furnish him with the numbers of each Chiefs clan.
Your Father the President always anxious to keep peace and friendship
between his red and white children and to do justice to all has
charged us again to bring to your view that neck of land lying
in the States of Tennessee and Kentucky which was sold by North
Carolina and Virginia about 35 years ago to pay the debt of the
revolutionary war.
Brothers,
This piece of Land is claimed by your nation but our white [people]
paid for it many years ago: and our father the President has kept
them away from it, that his red children might hunt on it; but
the game is now gone and his white children claim it now from
him.
Brothers,
Next Year your white brethern will have nearly one hundred Steam
Ships running up and down the Mississippi river, and they will
want much wood for their fires that make them go on the water;
and when a Ship gets broke your white brethern wants to be on
the Shore with their own people until it is mended; this helps
to make your white brethern uneasy about their Land.
Friends and Brothers,
Your father the President must do justice to all his children
and to prevent ill will between his red and white people, he has
charged us to speak plain which we intend to do.
The paper which we hand you, shew[s] the land purchashed by your
white brethern; it lies in Tennessee and Kentucky and they have
called on your father the President for it and he cannot keep
it from them any longer.
Brothers,
Your father the President wants to have your lines finally settled,
and he wants to give you much land over the Mississippi for this
Country which is granted to your white brethern, where there is
no claim by any other state or people and where there is plenty
of game and good land.
Your father the President has told us, if you dont want to exchange
land to give you a fair and reasonable price in money for your
claim to this tract of Country which will not interfere with the
Settlement or arrangement of your nation. You will then have more
land left than your nation can cultivate for Six hundred years,
and your father will feel happy in protecting and perpetuating
your nation here.
Friends & Brothers,
Remember we ask only for the lands which lie in the States of
Tennessee & Kentucky, and which is the same that General
Jackson told your chiefs, at the last treaty, would not be
asked for, so long as your white brothers could be kept from it;
but when your father asked for it, your Nation should be ready
to sell their claim for a fair compensation in land or money.
General Jackson also told you, that if you refuse to sell
your claim, that your white brothers would move on this land which
is granted to them, and then your nation would have to apply to
Congree for compensation for if you refuse the good intentions
of your father the President you cannot look to him for redress.
Your father the President does not wish to see this course pursued;
he wants to give you a fair and reasonable price for your claim
and make the Southern boundry of the State of Tennessee the lasting
mark of land and friendship.
Friends and Brothers,
Listen -- your father the President has shewn to you his care
and justice, by choosing to come and give you a fair price for
your claim to this land, and if you refuse to let him have it,
and your white brethern go and settle on their land, which they
are sure to do, you must not blaim him, but your chiefs if they
refuse his friendly and just offer.
Brothers listen -- The lands we ask you for was granted by England
almost two hundred years ago to the State of Virginia and North
Carolina, and was conquered from England in the revolutionary
War, when the Treaty of 1783 was made with England. She acknowledged
the States to be the owners of all their land within their Charter
to the great river Mississippi.
Listen -- These States having Spent all their money in carrying
on the war, opened a land office and sold this land to their children
to pay the debts which they owed when the war was ended; but,
to keep peace with your nation, and give you the benefit of the
game, your white brothers have been kept off their land; but now
the game is destroyed, your father the President is bound to give
it to them and protect them in their possession.
Friends & Brothers,
We have spoke plain and give[n] you the truth, we have yet one
plain truth to tell you. Listen -- As the States of North Carolina
and Virginia owned this land about two hundred years ago, and
before your nation was here, you having no claim to it but what
the General Government chooses to give you by permitting you to
hunt on it, and from the Constitution of the United States which
admits no other Sovereignty within here limits; all Indian claims
is considered merely as hunting privilege, subject to the will
and pleasure of the General Government and which you agreed to
by the 2d 3d & 8th Articles of your own treaty held at Hopewell
in the year 1786.
Listen well -- when you sell your clim to this neck of land to
your father the President, the rest of your large country lies
in the lines chartered by England to the State of Georgia, and
that State sold it to your father the President and Congress,
who holds it fast for their red children to live on and be happy.
Friends & Brothers,
We hear that bad men in your nation threaten your chiefs with
death if they surrender this land to your father the President
of the United States; if this is true we call you all to listen
well -- If the bad men of your nation do any act of violence upon
your chiefs for treating with your father the President, he will
put them to death for it. Your nation has felt much of the bounty
and care of your father the President, and he will not Suffer
such threats and insolent conduct to pass unpunished.
Listen once more -- for we must speak plain and tell you the truth;
if you refuse the friendly offer of your father the President
the land will be taken possession of by your white Brethern who
have patents for it, and your father will look on your conduct
as acts of ill will and ingratitude.
Friends & Brothers,
We have given you our talk, and have nothing more to say untill
we get your answer; take our talk with you and think well, and
let us have your Answer as soon as you can.
Isaac Shelby
Andrew Jackson
Commissioners
It was ascertained this day that a Mr. Malbone was hostile
to the views of the government and had secretly done much injury;
he is a step son of the Agent Colo. Sherburne who not understanding
much of the nature of the business had not counteracted his endeavours,
used to make the Indians disavow the Treaty of Hopewell which
is the only grounds they have of Protection from our government.
Tuesday 13th
Nothing occured this day. Mr. Graham & Judge Poindexter
set out avout 11 Oclock in the morning eastwardly.
Wednesday 14th
Chiefs of the nation still in council at Geo. Colberts
house 3 miles from the treaty ground. No occurrence worthy note.
Thursday 15th
This morning Maj. Colbert and Capt. Sealey called
on the Commissioners for the authority underwhich they came to
treat with the Nation; it was accordingly furnished; this is received
in a favorable light; these chiefs desire the Commissioners not
to be impatient; as it was a business which concerned so many,
it necessarily took much time to gain a knowledge of the wishes
of the Nation; after this interview, they visited the different
departments and gave them a talk explaining the powers of the
commissioners. On this evening about sun set three Indians supposed
to be Creeks were discovered about six miles from the Treaty ground,
and who fled leaving behind their packs, which on examination
is found to contain a Militia regimental coat, different article
of family clothing, bedding and callico homespun &c., with
some article of household furniture. The General dispatched a
party in pursuit of these fellows who are supposed to be making
over the Mississippi River.
Friday 16th
The detachment returned this day having scoured the Country for
twenty miles without being able to discover these fellows; but
some more of their plunder was found which had been pillaged from
some house.
Saturday 17th
The Commissioners has been able to ascertain from the transactions
of this week, that an appeal becomes absolutely necessary to the
avarice of the Chiefs in addition to the address to their fears
delivered on Monday; and, finding the sum authorized entirely
too small, the following plan was adopted and pursued -- The reservations
made by the Treaty of September 1816 to George & Levi Colbert
was proposed to be given in fee simple, on their acceding to the
treaty, and that a conveyance would be taken for the same, for
the benefit of the government if the Excutive chooses to accept
it; but to render the thing perfectly secret to secure the chiefs,
that it should be made to an individual, and placed in my hands
as an escrow until the option of the government was had; the sum
proposed for these reservations in the first instance was $10,000,
but would not be heard; the Confidential Agent was then instructed
to offer Seventeen thousand dollars, which made them listen, but
after a long dicussion the Council was about to break up abruptly,
with a determination to send a deputation to the President remonstrating
against selling or exchanging their land; this being communicated
by the confident and that three chiefs who were decidedly hostile
to the measure might be brought over by a doceur the farther sum
of 3,000 dollars was added with information that if this proposition
was not met, the white people would certainly move on their lands
by thousands and all the evils which their Father the President
was trying to avert would ensue; this had the desired effect and
a deed was accordingly taken in the name of James Jackson
of Nashville, for the reservations and placed in my hands for
the purposes aforesaid. A bond was given for the payment of the
sum of twenty thousand dollars in cash or merchandize at their
option inder the manner of distribution contained in the following
memorandum, all which being prepared was held ready for signing
after the treaty should be signed -
_____________________________
"Be it remembered that the sum of twenty thousand
"dollars, stipulated to be paid for the reservations secured to
"George and Levi Colbert at the treaty made and conducted
"between the United States and the Chickasaw Nation on the
"20th September 1816 is intended and shall be distributed in the
"following manner that is to say, to
"George Colbert ---- $ 8,500
"Levi Colbert ---------- 8,500
"James Colbert ------ 1,666 2/3
"Capt. Sealy ------------ 666 2/3
"Capt. McGilvery ------ 666 2/3
"to be paid in cash or merchandize, if in cash agreeable to being
"executed by the undersigned of this date; if in merchandize the
"whole to be paid in Philadelphia within sixty days after the
"ratification of the Treaty, or if prepared to be delivered in the
"Chickasaw Nation within four months thereafter, unavoidable
"accidents excepted and subject to the deduction of twenty five
"p. cent for carriage. It is understood that the option, as to
"whether they will receive the money or merchandize is to be
"made when the Treaty is signeded and the plan of delivery to be
"designated if the Merchandize should be preferred, and that
"option to be endorsed on the back of this memorandum,
"attested and a copy to be delivered to the undersigned."
(Signed)
"Andrew Jackson"
"Wm. B. Lewis
"October 17th 1818" "
______________________________
The adoption of this course was the only one calculated to secure
the grand object, and obtain secrecy as the lifes of the chiefs
would be jepordized by a disclosure; it places these reservations
at the option of government, & secures then to our citizens
free from the shackles of Indian possession and consequent inutility
and detriment to the couty's in which they are situated; should
the government think proper to advance the amount, by giving an
order on Philadelphia for the merchandize, the land is to be transfered
by Mr James Jackson to the government, to secure which
the deed as before said is placed in my possession by the Commissioners;
should however the Excutive not think proper to make the advance;
arrangements will be made by Mr James Jackson to meet the
delivery of the merchandize through Mr. Kirkman wholesale
merchant in Philadelphia within the period specified by the bond;
the plan above adopted was communicated to Mr. Graham,
as being the last alternative to obtain the object the manner
of which seemed to meet his cordial approbation.
Sunday 18th
The chief met the commissioners in council to answer their talk
delivered on Monday, and after many shrewd enquiries and observations
relating to the negotiation by Levi Colbert, he informed
the Commissioners that their offer of land west of the Mississippi
in exchange for the land in question would not be received, that
they new nothing about that country and as they were not born
there they would have nothing to do with it, and that if they
let their Father the President have this land they wanted what
he had in exchange and that was mony; the Commissioners answered
they would give mony. Colbert then addressed the King and
chiefs severally and lastly their agent asking their opinion publickly
in the hearing of all the surrounding warriors, on obtaining which
he gravely remarked that he gave up to his Father the President
the land he asked for observing that it was the best part of their
country and he hoped their Father by his Commissioners would be
liberal to them in the price. The Commissioners told him they
would be liberal as their Father the President had told them to
be so; $20,000 pr. annum for twelve years was then proposed by
the commissioners, which they sternly refused remarking they loved
money well but they loved their land much better. It was then
proposed to add one year, which was likewise rejected; Genl.
Jackson then observed to make all hearts straight he would
agree to make the annuity fourteen years, and that he hoped the
chiefs and the nation would consider that as a liberal price from
their Father the President. Levi Colbert then remarked
that they would consider of it and adjourned for a few hours.
On again meeting, Colbert enquired if one cent would not
be given, and being informed that the Commissioners had gone to
their limit, he observed the American nation is as strong as iron,
great rich and strong, and one cent was nothing to it and this
would satisfy the nation. Genl. Jackson replied by asking
if one solitary cent would satisfy the nation, and the speaker
replied it would, observing that the American nation was strong
and the younger brother must therefore yield to its elder brother,
on which they shook hands with the commissioners and parted. In
a conversation shortly after with the Interpreter, he said they
shook hands on fifteen years annuity which was not the understanding
of the Commissioners and thus the thing rested until the time
arranged for signing the Treaty.
Monday 19th
The commissioners consider it due to Colo. Sherburn and
the Sub Agent Mr. Cook to enter an expression of their
appreciation for the zeal they manifested last week, in advising
the chiefs & warriors to their true interest, and to remark
that their want of knowledge on the subject heretofore prevented
them from exercising their influence in a proper manner. The services
of Mr. Cook, in obtaining an enumeration of the whole nation
to enable the Agent to approtion the annuities, is highly praiseworthy,
and was a very labourious task through which he waded with great
perserverance and industry. The effect which the payment will
produce on the minds of the poor will be very great.
"The Chiefs" arrived this morning about eleven Oclock,
and the Commissioners attempted to explain how they mistook the
meaning of the speaker about the cent, but they could not
not would not understand it in any other light, than that his
meaning was an additional annuity on which they shook hands and
that they had come prepared to sign the treaty agreed upon. The
Commissioners finding from the stern manner in which they viewed
an attempt to explain away their understanding of the annuity,
deemed it prudent not to jeopardize the grand object for the pittance
of $20,000 to be paid fifteen years hence and accordingly filled
up the blank in the treaty with Fifteen and the instrument was
duly and solemnly executed and attested after being read and explained
in the presence of the numerous concourse of young men.
On this business having be concluded Colo. Sherburn proceeded
to deliver over the mony to the Department chiefs, who aided by
several gentlemen in the commissioners suite distributed to the
heads of families agreeably to the apportionment made out; the
amount seemed to surprise them very much and it is believed that
the annuities heretofore distributed never could have had its
direction through the hands of the poor. The arrangement now made
will I am persuaded make the poor much more happy and comfortable
hereafter.
As explanatory of the sums to be paid, embraced by the treaty,
the following is the distribution to be made in addition to that
embraced in the memorandum of the 17th -- $500 of the sum secured
to James Colbert, he is bound to pay to Maj. James Brown
as his doceur. The sume to John Gordon being the debt due
by General Colbert for fourteen years, secures the General
and his interest with the warriors of the Nation; the sum to Arpusantubby
for his reserve was his price, and the sum to Dacid Smith
to satisfy the nation by not taking it out of their annuity. In
addition to the distribution mention in the memorandum George
Colbert is bound to Pettygrew for $500 and a like sum
to the Yazoo chief and Levi to Meatubby and some
others.
To Teskuamingo the commissioners have directed me to pay the sum of $500, and to Peachlynn a confidential young man $100. The Deed of conveyance alluded to in the minutes of the 17th was this day executed and regularly attested and placed in my possession; and the following endorsement was entered on the back of the memorandum of the 17th inst. It is the election of the within names persons to take the sum as stipulated in merchandize, delivered in Philadelphia.
Teste
Killpatrick Carter
Tuesday 20th
Arrangements are made to set out on and return to Tennessee at
the close of a ball play which the natives are about to give the
Commissioners & suite; and a bill has been drawn and exected
in my presence on Mr. Thomas Kirkman of Philadelphia in
favor of Martin Colbert for Twenty thousand dollars worth
of Merchandize to meet the bond given with sixty days after the
ratification of the Treaty, should the Executive not advance the
amount, on account of the reservations.
The Commissioners set out in the evening leaving the Nation more
happy and contented than it ever was known to be, and Levi
Colbert took occasion to remark "we have made a good
treaty"; observing we are now safe from the claims of our
white brothers and we can live in peace and friendship.
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