Pushmataha District, January 23. 1852.
Dear Sir: I spoke to you about those free negroes upon the head waters of Boggy, when I last saw you, requesting to have something done with them. I have just learned that the negroes and some Indians are banded together and have built themselves a little Fort. There is no doubt but that they will be a great trouble to us. One of our country judges sent for the light-horse-men to go and seize the negroes, but I have forbid them going, and many of our people wish to go and see them. I have forbid any body to go there with intentions to take them. It will no doubt be hard to break them up. You have probably just returned home, and it may seem tresspassing upon you to write you about those negroes and Indians, but you are our agent and we have the right to look to you for help. It seems to me this affair wants an immediate action on it.
I have simply stated to you how these negroes and Indians are Forted up that you may better know how to deal with them. In purforming your duties if I can in any way render you any assistance I shall always be happy to do so. Very respectfully Your friend
(Signed) George Folsom, Chief Push: Dist:
Col: William Wilson, Choctaw Agent [Endorsement] a true Copy, Francis N Page, Asst. Adjt. Genl.
[15] Buchanan’s Works, vol. x, “the Catron letter,” 106; “the Grier letter,” 106-107.
[16] This was as it appeared to N. G. Taylor, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, as he looked back, in 1867, upon events of the past few years. He was then of the opinion that the very existence of slavery among the southern tribes had most probably saved their country from being coveted by emigrants going westward.
[17] One agency under the Southern Superintendency, the Neosho River Agency, was, however, included in the scheme preliminary to the organization of Kansas and Nebraska. See the following letters found in Thomas S. Drew’s Letter Press Book:
(a) Office Supt. Ind. Affairs Fort Smith, Arks., Dec. 21, 1853.
Sir: Inclosed herewith you will receive letters from Agent Dorn, dated the 1st and 2nd instant; the former in relation to the disposition of the Indians within his agency to meet Commissioners on the subject of selling their lands, or having a Territorial form of Government extend over them by the United States: and the latter nominating John Finch as Blacksmith to the Great and Little Osages. Very respectfully Your obt. servt.