Viewing page 13 of 105

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

and asked to explain the late conduct of his people and to say what determination they could make. After a long talk he concluded by Saying that he would speak out and that he could not go West, nor could he induce his people to go. He desired peace and could not make war, but would not leave his country if we did not molest them they would not make any trouble or he would promptly bring in and surrender any offenders. 

When asked why he had spoken differently at Choko Nikla on Jany. 21st & at Caloosa Hatchee Febry 8th - 10th,he said he feared he and his warriours would have been seized ~ He then went into a long History of former "Grabs". 
I told ^[[them]] that the boundary must be reduced and that I had no authority to make any final arrangements for a peace, but would listen to any reasonable proposition and refer it to the proper authority.
 
The Head Chief then suggested a line from the ^[[mouth of]] Pea River to the South end of [[Istokfrog?]] a lake, in lieu of the former Northern boundary with the other lines as before, if convenient arrangements were made for any permanent trade.
 
They promised to communicate freely and frequently with the Asst. Agent (Lt. Walbridge) at Fort Myers.

They also promised to send off parties to take back to the nation those who have crossed the boundary.

In conclusion I regret to say that I see no hope of inducing these people to go West in a body by any pecuniary temptation.
Yours &c. &c. 
John C. Casey
[[line]]

Tampa Bay,Florida
April 21st. 1850.

Sir.
You will have heard before receiving this letter that the Indians remaining in Florida have posatively refused to emigrate.

I have in my possession a large amount of money on account of fulfilling treaties made with Indians. which I fear will not be needed. 

[[end page]]
[[start page]]

I have also a quantity of Indian goods, which were ordered in expectation of the removal of these Indians, for issue to parties as they came in. I enclose a memorandum of the articles, and their cost as delivered here. They are in the original packages - bales - and I request your instructions in relation to the disposal of them. I hope they will answer the wants of the Department at some of the Western Agencies as they are suitable for Indians, and could not be sold here to advantage, nor in N. Orleans. Please send me early instructions in relation to the funds and the goods.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
John C. Casey
Capt. Specl. Agt.

Col.
O. Brown            }
Com. of Ind. Affairs}
Dept. Interior.     }
[[line]]

Tampa Bay, Fla. 
April 29. 1850.

Dear Walbridge.

The General sends the boat down to hear the latest news and desires that it may return immediately as he proposes to start himself next Sunday May 5.

Please report by the return boat what Indians, if any, have visited you, the news from the council in the Nation, and whether the chiefs accepted the General's invitation to meet them on May 10.

Should the chiefs ask for an interview with me to arrange the new boundary and regulate permanent peace arrangements, say that I will come down and send out broken sticks with my "sign" for them, appointing time and place for them, when, if I have proper authority from Washington and the General. I will settle all questions and if I have not, I will meet them ^[[& tell them]] so, and also who has.

Yours,
John C. Casey
Specl. Agent.

G.K. Walbridge }
Asst. Agt.     }
Ft. Myers, Fla.}