-0^ •^-^^^ ■^ V' 0'*°' '"^ aP »-L!ir'I.'* ' •t o .0' :^ii«*^ J7< 0* vC 0^ .'•-•'. -^ o V '^' " ' • "' <^ aP .^^"V V ^ ^O^ Ao^ ^■"^- %.^ -^fc ^'Z •'^^- "^^^^ ^^^- -n^-o^ o V o " • ^ (O o V ^0^ /'^S''. '^bv^- ^■^"' ■ ' ''^' ■^^^^ : ,<.^^., > "' .'. s" • ^^--^ ^p s V. "IV^ 25th Congress, T Doc. No. 367. 1 Ho. of Rsos. a' 2d Session. IVar Depf. ' \ - ' j 1 ANNUITY— SENECA INDIANS— 1S37. \ LETTER THE SECRETARY OF WAR, TRANSMITTING */2 Report from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in reply to a res(h liition of the House of Representatives of the 19 th March. JNIay 10, 1S3S, Kead, and laid upon the table. ^ Department of War, May S, 1838. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report and documents from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, in reply to a resohition of the House of Representatives of the lUth of March last, in reference to the- payment of the annuity due the Seneca Indians for IS 37. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. COOPER, t^iciing Secretary of War. Hon. James K. Polk, Speaker of the House of Representatives. War Department, Office Indian Affairs, May 4, 1838« Sir: In obedience to your direction, I have the honor to report on the resolution of tlie House of Representatives of March 19th. Soon after its receipt at this office, copies were sent to the Indian siil>-- agent and the military disbursing agent for such information as they coukl communicate. Their answers are among the copies of correspondetjce herewith transmitted. The money and goods for paying the annuity wene forwarded in .June last. The other inquiries in the resolution are answered in the accompanying papers. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. A. HARRIS, Commissioner. Capt. S. Cooper, Acting Secretary of War, £^ .raised by disinterested per- sons, one to be chosen by each party, and the amoimt of the award de- ducted from tlie amount of the invoice. You will of course have this attended to. A warrant will be issued in your favor for 0102,786, on account of an- "tiuities, being about one-half of the whole amount due; the other half be- ing in goods, for which the Treasury Department will give the following drafts: 1. One on the receiver at Milv/aukee for the Mc- nomonie onnuity - - . - ^13,000 2. One on the same for Six Nations at Green Bay 195 — jgl3,195 [ Doc. Xo. 367. ] 3. One on the receiver at Lima, Ohio, for Wyan- dots - - . . - ^2,950 4. One on same for Munsees, Delawares, and Wyandots - _ . . 500 5. One on receiver at Chicago for Ottawas, Chip- pewas, and Pottawatamies 6. One on the receiver at Fort Wayne for Pot- tawatamies . _ _ _ 7. One on same for Miamies - - - 8. One on bank in Detroit for Ottawas and Chip- pewas ----- 9. One on same for Christian Indians - 10. One on same for Six Nations, New York 11. One on same for Senecas of New York 12. One on same for Oltawas at Maumee 13. One on same for Chippewas - - - If the banks refuse to give specie for the ^21,150 due to the Indians of the Mackinac agency, tlije receiver at Milwaukee has been instructed by the Secretary of the Treasury to take up the draft and supply/- the specie. To the receiver at Detroit similar instructions have been given in respect to the other drafts on banks in that city, as above noted, in the event of a refusal to pay in specie. The drafts Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, being on re- ceivers, will doubtless produce the specie. A second warrant will be issued for ^21,225, on account of treaty stip- ulations ; for this the Treasury will give the following drafts, viz : 36 of ^500 each ----- g 18,000 1 of 255 - - - - - - 255 7 of 200 each - . _ . - 1,400 16 of 100 each ----- 1.600 . S'3,450 16,350 27,035 13,050 40,085 21,150 400 2,056 3,000 1,700 1,400 29,706 ^102,786 521,255 A third warrant will be issued for ^5,000, for which the following drafts will be given, viz : 6 of ^500 each ----- ^3,000 5 of 200 each - - . , - - 1,000 10 of 100 each ----- i,000 ^5,000 Enclosed I transmit ten copies of the Treasury circular, dated the 17th of May, from which you will perceive that these drafts are receivable iu payment for lands and custom-house bonds, if not paid by the banks on which drawn, when certain conditions arc complied with. I presume you can readily obtain upon them such funds as will enable you to meet all the engagements of the Government in a manner satisfactory to its cred- 4 [ Doc. No. 367. ] rtors. The whole arrangement has been so guardedly framed, that I think you cannot possibly be disappointed in procuring the whole amount of specie and other suitable funds required. Very, &c., C. A. HARRIS, Commissioner. Major John Garland, Detroily Michigan. B. — [extract.] War Department, Office Indian Jlffairs, June 23, 1837. Sir : The annuities due to the tribes in New York will be paid this year half in specie and half in goods. Warrants for the former will be sent to Major Garland at Detroit, who, if not able to superintend the payment in person, will designate an officer to perform the duty. Should neitlier he nor his agent be at Buflalo at the time the goods reach there, (1st July,) you will be pleased to receive them, and give your receipt on the invoice, after Mr. Bush shall have endorsed his certificate thereon, and retain them until they can be delivered to IVIajor Garland's order. The goods have been selected in New York with great care, and in qual- ity, eheapness, and adaptation to the wants of the Indians, may be favorably compared with the best furnished by the traders. Mr. Bush, who had some agency in this purchase in New York, will be present at their delivery, principally for the purpose of identifying them. You will make the necessary preliminary arrangements for their delivery, and the payment of the specie to the Indians, in the manner prescribed in the re- TLsed regulations Nos. 3 and 4, five copies of which, and of the laws of 30th June, 1834, are enclosed for your use and information. Enclosed you will find a statement showing in detail the various objects to which ihe remittances to Major Garland for your agency are applicable. The necessity for this payment in goods has resulted from the derange- ment in the finances of the country. The causes of this are doubtless understood by you, and you will make the necessary explanation to the Indians. Whether they will consent to receive these goods must be de- lermtned by themselves. If, after examining them, understanding the nmnner in which they have been selected, and the motives for making tfie payments in this mode, they shall manifest a reluctance to receive iliem, they must not be urged to do so ; but, in that event, they must Trait for the balance of the annuities until it is convenient for the Gov- ernment to pay them in specie. Very, &c. C. A. HARRIS, Commissioner. James Strykeu, Esq., Buffalo, N. Y. C. Washington, September 9, 1837. Sir : In conformity with the instructions received from you, I submit- ted to the chiefs of the New York Indians the proposition from the Gov- rannient to pay the annuities for the present year in goods and specie. f Doc. No. 367. ] 5 I met the principal chiefs for this purpose at two ditlerent points, on the Butialo creek and Cattaraugus reservations, and stated to them the necessity that compelled the Government to the arrangement that had been made. The invoices of the goods were exhibited, and the goods referred to as evidence of the disposition to deal fairly and generously with them in this particular. I also suggested that if the present offer was not accepted, it was impossible to say whether the annuity could be paid in any other way during the suspension of specie payments by the deposite banks, and that if the Indians now refused the goods, they might be obliged to wait several months for their annuity. They heard all I had to say with attention, and gave to it a respectful and deliberate consideration. Their answer, which they had prepared in writing, and sent to me by the interpreter, is enclosed. I found it im- possible to move them from their purpose. They had called for the iS6,000 in specie, and would have nothing else for the whole amount. They would rather delay the payment, to meet the convenience of the Government, than accept the goods in lieu of the specie, which they say they must have, even if it be several months hence. They have fixed upon the 20th October to assemble in council and have the determination of the Government in this matter. The answer, however, can be given at any time ; and as, if specie is to be paid, the payment must probably be deferred beyond the time appointed by the Indians, and no necessity in that case existing for their early assemblage, I shall be happy now, upon due consultation, to have such arrangement made as must be satisfactory to all concerned, under the difficulties which surround this subject. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES STRYKER, To the Commissioner of Indian Affairs Sub-agent N. Y. Indians. Buffalo Reservation, «/M/y 6, 1837. Sir : We have heard the proposition which you have made to the New York Indians, on behalf of the Government, respecting the payment of the annuities. As your duty, you have fairly and strongly stated all the rea- sons which originated this proposition ; the principal one of which is, the derangement in the finances of the country. You propose to pay us one half in goods, and the other half in cash. We have no doubt the goods have been selected with care, and at fair prices, and are of a good quality ; although we do not find among them any blankets for the New York Indians. We have given this proposition due consideration, and we cannot pos- sibly accept of it. The Seneca annuity of ^6,000 has always been paid in cash ; and we have this year, in consequence of the derangement in the currency, and the want of confidence in bank money, and the neces- sity for change among ourselves, distinctly demanded this annuity in specie. We cannot, in justice to ourselves, accept of any other payment; and we are rather willing to defer the payment several months, than take any thing but specie for this annuity ; wc so decided last year. We live in the midst of the whites ; most of us adopt their mode of living; and in 6 [ Doc. No. 367. ] the supply of onr ordinary wants, and in our business transactions, we need some money, and it is much more serviceable to us than prints, handkerchiefs, and other articles of clothing annually sent. With regard to the annuity to the Six Nations of §4,500, we have al- ways received it in goods, articles of clotiiing, implements of husbandry, and according to treaty stipulations. We have blacksmiths and gun- smiths at work among us, and we are supplied by you with hoes, axes, &c., from time to time. You can best say whether §2,800 will pay the present charge upon that annuity for our work, &c. We do not believe that it will, because we resolved in council last year that we would have ^2,000 worth of gunsmith and blacksmith work, and we have besides been obliged to draw for hoes, axes, and other implements, according to our usual practice, throughout the year. We again repeat, and wish you to answer the proposition of the Gov- ernment, that we want to have the annuity of §6,000 paid to the Senecas in specie, and enough of the §4,500 to the Six Nations, in order to meet the bills for work and implements furnished. We give j'-ou notice that we shall hold a general council on the 20th October next, by which time we presume the money matters will be easier, and the Government able to pay us specie. If it is not paid then, we shall then determine what course we will take. We shall then ex- pect our annuities to be settled, and the goods to be given us as we have heretofore had them, only on account of- the §4,500 annuity, and in kind and quantity as we shall select, includmg blankets. You will please communicate this our decision to the Government. Big Kettle, his x mark. Captain Pollard, his x mark. Seneca White, his x mark. James Stevenson, his x mark. White Seneca, his x mark. Thomas Jimeson, his x mark. George Jimeson, his x mark. William Jones, his x mark. Job Pierce, his x mark. Onondagas. Captain Cole, his x mark. Onondaga Petre, his x mark. Schee Smith, his x mark. Witness : Nathaniel T. Strong, Interpreter. Cattaraugus, July 20, 1837. The proposition respecting the payment of the annuity having been made by the agent to the chiefs at Cattaraugus, we unanimously concur in the foregoing statement of the chiefs at Buffalo creek, and in the re- fusal to accept of any but a specie payment of the §6,000 annuity, and agree to the 20th October next as the time for assembling a general council to receive the determination of the Government. Captain Strong, his x mark. Israel Jimeson, his x mark. George Bennett, his x mark. Sanmel Gordon, his x mark. [ Doc. No. 367. ] Joseph Snow, his x mark. George Big Deer, his x mark. C. F. Pierce, Cliarles Greybeon his x mar}v. Nathaniel T. Strona:. Witness present : H. P. Wilcox. Allegany, July 22, 1837. The proposition of the Government having been made by the agent to the chiefs on the Allegany : We unanimously concur in the foregoing statement of the chiefs at the Buffalo, and at the Cattaraugus, and the refusal to accept any but a specie payment of the vS6,000 annuity ; and also agree to the 20th Octo- ber next as a time for assembling a general council. Govr. Blacksnake, his x mark. James Robinson, his x mark. Tunis Halftown, his x mark. William Patterson, his x mark. John Pierce, his x mark. Jacob Blacksnake his x mark. Sky Pierce, his x mark. Long John, his x mark. James Shingo, his x mark. Jacob Jimeson, his x mark. Witness present : Nathaniel T. Strong, Interpreter. To Hon. James Strykek, Agent of the New York Indians. D. Washington, March 30, 1S3S. Sir : My attention having been called by you to a resolution of the 19th March instant, directing the Secretary of War to communicate to the House of Representatives, among other matters, the causes why the annuity of 1837 to the Seneca Indians has not been paid, I beg leave to state, that when I was informed last summer by the disbursing agent at Detroit that funds had been transmitted to him for the payment of the Seneca annuities, and was apprized of the mode in which it was pro- posed to make the payment, I laid the whole matter before the principal chiefs of the nation. It happened about that time that a delegation was expected to proceed to the country west of the Mississippi, and would start before preparation could be made for meeting the disbursina: officer in coimcil. Under all the circumstances, the chiefs thought it advisable to make a communication to me requesting tlie payment to bo deferred until a general council which was to convene soon after the return of the dele- gation. That council, it was believed, would be enabled to assemble in November, but, owing to the bod state of the roads after the return of the delegates, find the imusual preparations antecedent to a meeting so im- mensely important to the interests of the Indians as the contemplated one was expected to be, a sufficient time was given, on consultation with the old and principal chiefs, and the council did not convene until December 21, 8 [ Doc. No. 367. ] The disbursing officer at Detroit was notified of the time, and also advised that other business was expected to occupy the council, and that the re- ception of the annuity is always the last matter attended to at a council. He did not, oi" course, come on immediately. The council continued en- gaged in t!ie treaty negotiation throughout the month of January. I un- derstood that the paymaster, in consequenceof the frontier troubles which then happened, became actively engaged in the performance of military duty at Detroit. The navigation of the lake in the mean time had closed, and the travelling became very bad from Detroit to Bulfalo. Towards the close of the council the cliiefs inquired about the payment of the annuity. I gave the necessary exi)lanations, with wliich they all appeared satisfied. No censure was cast upon the Government or the agents. It was not pretended that the annuity had been jnu'posely withheld ; and indeed most of the chiefs afterwards requested that the whole matter should lie over for the present. They said they could very well wait mjtil the next annuity was ready, when they would receive the whole. I was informed subsequciuly that some individuals to whom the In- dians were indebted made complaints at the delay, and that others who intended to oppose the treaty said they should insist that the annuities were delayed in order to force the treaty through ; than which a more absurd and groundless allegation could not be made. The payment of the amuiity of 1S37 was not discussed, nor a question raised on it during the session of the council, until the treaty was signed. \'erv respcctfuUv, your obedient servant, JAMES STRYKER, Sub-a*„ ."^ -^. « ^^-^^^ ^' ^^ UBRARr BINDING ^S * ^!^\^^!/!vX ° V' "^ ^ ST. AUGUSTINE <^ *7^ ^ ^ ^ .^ ^ *-o... ., ^,^^^LA- . ■0' .■ * o. -^o