Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, October 27, 1838
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Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, October 27, 1838, roll 115, M234, NARA:
“Encampment of Indians (near) Winchester Tenn. 27 Oct. 1838
To C.A. Harris Esq[uire] Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Sir—You have no doubt been informed of the arrangement for the Emigration of that portion of the Cherokees normally known as the Treaty Party and opposed to Emigration under the direction of the Principal Chief.
I left the vicinity of the Cherokee Agency on the 11th instant in charge of this Party, but up to this time our progress has been necessarily slow, in consequence of the obstructions in the roads over which we have passed.
This Party being comparatively small, and taking into due consideration the various circumstances that would affect our progress upon the different routes of emigration, I have come to the conclusion, that, this Party had better pursue the road leading through to Memphis the upper Route thro[ugh] Missouri is no doubt the best for the main body of the Cherokees to pursue, but the circumstance of so many having to go over that road, will probably render supplies very scarce, and at the same time the past season having been dry, the Mississippi Bottoms west of Memphis, will probably not be in a very b ad condition for wagonning on our arrival there[.]
The Party under my charge numbers between 650 and 700 persons and is composed for the most part of highly respectable and intelligent families, and there are but very few who have not made very considerable advances in civilization.
I am instructed by General Scott to place this Party on the same footing as to allowances of Transportation, Subsistence, &c., as those that emigrate under the direction of Mr. [John] Ross. A contract has been made for furnishing those Parties comprising the great body of the Cherokees with subsistence upon the Route at 16 cents p[er] Ration, & with Forage at 40 cents p[er] Ration.
I have thought it best also to furnish the Party by contract, and have accordingly made an agreement with a capable & experienced individual upon much more favourable terms than those just mentioned. A copy of the contract is herewith enclosed, and provisions being high [expensive], the terms appear to me to be very reasonable, and I shall be glad to hear that the arrangement I have made meets the approbation of the Department.
Every thing relative to our movements is at present going on well and the people appear to be satisfied in all aspects. I shall continue to keep you informed of our progress upon the Route of Emigration.
I am Sir, Very Respectf[ully] Yo[ur] Mo[st] Ob[edient] Serv[ant]
Edw[ard] Deas
Lieut. U.S.A. & Disb[ursing] Ag[ent] In[dian] Dep[artment]”
- Roll 115, M234, NARA
- Title
- Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, October 27, 1838
- Name of Writer
- Edward Deas
- Name of Recipient
- C.A. Harris
- Date of Correspondence
- 27 October 1838
- Location Correspondence is Sent From
- Winchester, Tennessee
- Location Correspondence is Sent To
- Washington, D.C.
Part of Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, October 27, 1838
“Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, October 27, 1838”, Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal, accessed October 16, 2024, https://cherokee-bell-route.org/s/Cherokee_Bell-Route/item/109