Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, November 3, 1838
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Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, November 3, 1838, roll 115, M234, NARA
“Encampment of Indians 2 miles west of Pulaski Tenn. 3rd November 1838
To C.A. Harris Esq[uire] Comm[issioner of] Ind[ian] Affairs
Sir, On the 27th ultimo I had the honor to report to you from near Winchester relative to the Emigration of the Party of Cherokees under my charge. Since that time we have pursued the direct road thro Fayetteville & Pulaski leading to Memphis, part of which we found very rough, but our rate of Travelling has averaged between 10 & 12 miles a day.
Nothing of much importance has taken place since I last wrote. Some of the Indians have lost a number of their oxen, from eating poisonous weeds, but the progress of the Party was not interrupted on that account. The people have been generally healthy, and every thing relative to our movements is at present going on well.
In my letter from Winchester I enclosed an agreement I had made for furnishing the Party with Subsistence & Forage upon the Route, but before any supplies were furnished under it, I discovered from information I received from the West that it would be better not to let that contract go into effect.
The Terms therein mentioned would probably be reasonably profitable about half the route, but would not be so, in Arkansas[.] As I had required no Bonds to be given to carry the contract out the whole distance and as the contractor could not safely give them at the prices mentioned, I have determined to annul the contract, and to continue to furnish the Party by purchasing the provisions on the road, which plan I have thus far found to answer very well, by sending an Agent a little in advance for that purpose.
In this way I have been able, by employing a very experienced & efficient purchasing Agent, to procure supplies at the ordinary market price in the country thro[ugh] which we have passed, & I will therefore continue to pursue the same plan, so long as I find that economy may thereby be consulted.
I take it for granted that the Department is well informed of the great difference in the circumstances of this Emigration from those which have precede it, & w[ith] which I have been concerned. I have reference & the increase to the allowances of Transportation, Subsistence, and contingencies made to the Cherokees, no doubt in consideration of their great advancement in civilization, and which is undoubtedly in accordance with the humane & liberal policy exercised towards these people. The expense attending their Removal will therefore be much increased over that of the ordinary Indian Tribes, but whilst the Terms of the Treaty are complied with, in removing them comfortably to the new country, where this Party is concerned, I shall continue to see, so far as it is within my power, that a due regard is paid in conducting its Removal, & economy & despatch.
I am sir, very Respectfully
Your most obed[ient] serv[ant] Edw[ard] Deas Lieut. U.S. Army & Disb[ursing] Ag[ent] Ind[ian] Dep[artment]” - Roll 115, M234, NARA
- Title
- Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, November 3, 1838
- Name of Writer
- Edward Deas
- Name of Recipient
- C.A. Harris
- Date of Correspondence
- 3 November 1838
- Location Correspondence is Sent From
- Pulaski, Tennessee
- Location Correspondence is Sent To
- Washington, D.C.
Part of Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, November 3, 1838
“Edward Deas to C.A. Harris, November 3, 1838”, Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal, accessed October 16, 2024, https://cherokee-bell-route.org/s/Cherokee_Bell-Route/item/110