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1840 Ann. Rep. Comm'r Off. Indian Aff. Sec'y Interior 228 (1840)

handle is hein.doi/annrepcom0003 and id is 1 raw text is: No. 10. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. WAR DEPARTMENT, Office of Indian Affairs, November 28, 1840. SIR: In my last anoual report, the fact that a treaty had been con. cluded on the 3d of September, 1839, with the Stockbridge and Munsee tribes of Indians, by which they ceded a township of land to the United States, in Wiskonsin Territory, was stated. The 6th article of the treaty provided that, whenever those who are desirous of emigrating shall signify their wish to that effect, the United States will defray the expenses of their removal west of the Mississippi, and furnish them with subsistence for one year after their arrival at their new homes. Althongh no time was fixed for their emigration, nor even looked to with .precision, it was not sup. posed by us that it could occur under twelve months from the date of the treaty, if it should be ratified. Regardless, however, of all expectation on our part, and of all preparation for their transportntion and subsistence; iot aware (or, if they were, indifferent a5o-tif it) wfetler the President and Senate would confirm the treaty, (which did not take place until the 16th of May last;) and knowing only that they had made a contract with the United States, we fisd sixty-nine souls of the Stockbridges, and one hurt- dred and five of the Munsees.and-Deawares, under the chief, Thomas T. Hendrick,'of the former, in the month of November, moving off trom their old residences to the southwest of Missouri, with as little ceremony as if they were changing their camp in the prairie or forest. As they arrived at different points, they took all the public agent by surprise, who had not the slightest intimation of their approach ; and the acquaintance of this office with the movement was of a still later date. The best provision that was practicable, under the circumstances, was made for them. The first knowledge had of this perfectly, Indian step found them far on the move, and there remained no alternative but to' forward and take care of them. They were utterly destitute. On their', arrival on the Missouri river, they settled a few miles from Fort Leaven- worth, among their friends the Delawares, who received them kindly. The spot selected is reported to be judicious, but they have no title or right in the land. Instructions were given to negotiate for the purchase ofa sm'all district for them, provided it should be limited to the money that is payable under the treaty, and that those entitled to it would-consent to its being applied to that purposel; which they have since refused to permit. They are now on subsistence at our expense. The department was in* formed that six more would emigrate last spring; and, although not otil- dally advised of their arrival wes , it is taken for granted they are now there. The Winnebagoes, it will be recollected, were bound, by their treaty of 1837 to remove to that part of the, Neutral Ground conveyed 'to them in, 1832, within eight months after the former was ratified, viz : the 16th of

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