Edward Deas to Winfield Scott, October 18, 1838 · Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal · Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal

Transcription

Edward Deas to Winfield Scott, October 18, 1838, Roll 115, M234, NARA
"Hamilton Co[unty] Tenn[essee]
Opposite Ross' Landing
Thursday 9 A.M. 18. Oct. 1838
To Major General Winfield Scott, Comman[ding] in the Cherokee Country.
General, Agreeably to your directions, I address myself to you, in relation to matters connected with the progress of the party of Cherokees under my charge.
The day before yesterday, & the prenoon of yesterday, were consumed in ferrying the Tennessee; but on attempting to start the party after crossing, I found many of the people unwilling to proceed in consequence of the absence of the conductor Mr. John Bell. It is astonishing to me, that he should be absent, at the time, of all others, that his presence is most required here; & I have no hope of being able to proceed until he rejoins the party. I therefore write that you may know the cause of our delay at this point, which, although extremely unsatisfactory to myself, I have no means of preventing. Unless Mr. Bell, on his arrival, shall be able to infuse a more reasonable spirit into many of the Emigrants composing this party, I am entirely of the opinion that nothing but force, will be able to make them consult their own interest & proceed quietly upon the Route to the West. I have wagons, & teams, & Agents, lying here at this time, at a heavy expense, in idleness, without the shadow of a good excuse for the delay, at the same time wasting the very best season for Emigration.
Should it become necessary I will…send further intelligence upon this point.
I am requested by Mrs. [Elizabeth] Pack of Will’s Valley, Ala[bama], a Cherokee; to state, that Two of her slaves & some household furniture have been taken by attachment, for the debts of her son Jefferson Pack. She is desirous of sending these slaves to the west, in the care of Mr John Bell Senior, who intends to remain for some time, & then overtake this party on the route. She therefore requests that the proper Agents of the Emigration, should assist her in obtaining possession of her property, now illegally detained for the pretended debts of her son.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Very respectfully, your mo[st] ob[edient] serv[ant]
Edw. Deas Lieut. U.S.A. & Disb[ursing] Agent Ind[ian] Dep[artment]”

Reel 115, M234, NARA.

Title

Edward Deas to Winfield Scott, October 18, 1838

Name of Writer

Edward Deas

Name of Recipient

Winfield Scott

Date of Correspondence

18 October 1838

Location Mentioned

Ross's Landing (Chattanooga)