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Indian Territory, and soldiers were sent to them to force them to go. I feel a deep interest in the subject as Frank La Flesche, one of the chiefs who were taken down, is my uncle. My father and I went to Columbus to bid him and his family good bye on their way down and the soldiers were with them there. Uncle Frank says that they never signed any paper, petition or treaty, to be taken down to Indian Territory, although it is said that a petition signed with their names was seen in Washington. The chiefs told us that when the White men were trying to make them sign the paper, they were asked to allow the Ponca Tribe to live with the Omahas. They, White men, told the Chiefs "No, the Omahas are to be taken down too." The chiefs then
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asked to be allowed to live with the Sioux and mingle with them as one people; that the two tribes were formerly enemies ^[[insert]] but [[/insert]] they had now made peace with them and would rather live with them than be sent to Indian Territory. This also was denied them and they were told to get ready to go.
I intended at first to send the statement to some of the Omaha papers to be published, but as Mr Dorsey advised otherwise I send them to you. The statement shows how much they trusted in the justice of the White people, believing that the wrong done them had been done by only a few without authority. I do hope some action will be taken in the matter soon.
       Yours Repectfully,
         Sussette La Flesche