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Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842

Document: WT106

[Letter] 1839 Nov. 15, Washington City, D.C. [to] Ja[me]s R. Love, Waynesville, [North Carolina] / W[illiam] H[olland] T[homas]

author: Thomas, William Holland, 1805-1893
date: November 15, 1839
extent: 2p
summary: This letter, dated November 15, 1839, is from William Holland Thomas to James R. Love. Thomas explains that he continues to wait for a report by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs on claims made against the U.S. by himself on behalf of Eastern Cherokees. Thomas further describes how payment of claims will be complicated by strife among the Cherokees who have emigrated.
repository: Hoskins Special Colections Library, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
collection: MS2058 William Holland Thomas
box: 1
folder: 1
document: wt106
subject headings:

Letters

Cherokee Indians--Claims

Cherokee Indians--Government relations

United States. Office of Indian Affairs

Boudinot, Elias, d. 1839--Assassination

Ridge, John, 1803-1839--Assassination

Ridge, Major, ca. 1771-1839--Assassination

North Carolina

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Washington City DC November 15, 1839

Jas [James] R LoveEsqr [Esquire]
Waynesville,
Dear sir,

your favor of the 27th ultimo was res [received] on the 11th inst [instant], In relation to the claim you make mention of nothing can be done respecting it until after the Commissioner of Indian Affairs completes his report on the business transacted by the Board of Commissioners, which has for some time past been undergoing a minute investigation But from the near approach of Congress it is presumable he will complete it in a short time

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some difficulties having taken place with the Cherokeeswest in consequence of the murder of the Ridgesand Boudenott. The Books and funds to pay them will not be sent as soon as anticipated and in all probability not until those difficulties are settled by the surrender and punishment of the murderers,

In the means time [meantime] it will be necessary for those persons holding claims on the Cherokeesfor which Judgement [deleted: has been] was rendered by the Commissioners to apply to the Department for so much of the percapita [per capita] as may be necessary to satisfy them. To be appropriated to that purpose and deducted from the amount to be sent west. whether that will be considered authorised [authorized] by the treaty will I presume be the only question to decide.

Immediately after the Commissioner completes his report and it recives [receives] the action of the Secretary of War I design leaving for home make my arrangements there and return to this place at such time as my business may require. As I pass through waynesvilleI will call and see you when probably I can be able to inform you more fully concerning Cherokeebusiness in general. I have no acquaintance with Mr. Hardinto whom you refer. I recived [received] a letter from Gov Lumpkinsome time since and think it probable I shall see him here before I leave as Lewis Williamsand other members have already arrived here. Please give my respects to your wife and all enquiring friends. Among those do not forget your father and mother whose kindness is as ascociated [associated] with my earliest recollection

yours & c [et cetera]
[Signed] WHT [William Holland Thomas]