Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-03-01

h shout $50 miles from Fort 0ibs.n; they raise
and vegetables In small quantities. Other rambling
tribes to be foundhey the Padoc Artaus HUT
sitss, Hchas and Couradas their range is-from the
Pawnees Picks TO San Antonio in Texas TO the south
The Carmanches, Arapahoes, Cayouwas. and other
bands, ramblc from the head waters OF the Great Pat
Arkansas Rod river Ia the direction to San Antonio. and
parallel TO that chain oil the rocky mountains running
south.
Question s. Will you state the actual condition Of the
Indians that have removed TO that country!
.fns,oer 7 he condition OF the Ch-rokees and Creeks
who have emigratee is good. My trading house Is
within the Cherokee country and ali that of the
Greeks. Ond know their condition well. They have
good log houses many Of which double; ard fields
according to the means OF the individual know some
who have under fence and culture about 100 acres o
land They raise all the kinds Of grains and vegetables
comnon to that latitude; patches Of cotton and tobacco
and oi up'aud rice, are common among them Spin,
ming wheels aud looms are In use Stocks OF cattle
horses hogs, sheep an goats owned by these peo
pie. They have poultry, 10 witt chickens, turkeys
ducks and geese Their women ride on side saddles and
dress according to their respective means TO do In
the manner and fashion of the whites the remark
will apply TO the dress oil the The furniture OF
their houses comprise chairs, tables, beds, bedseads,
and in some instances bureaus. The table in many
houses IL neatly set and good comfortable dinner,
supper or breakfast is served. Tea and coffee in
general use They supply the garrison. (For Gibson)
their agent and traders with poultry, butter eggs, wild
game and other articles that usually brought 10
ket at our towns In the last year. S30) the Creeks
have raised a surplus of above the OF their
consunp ion, by estimate, of at least so 900 bush
els; and the Chcrokees, this year, supply by contract
the required at Fort Gibson for the public service
The Cherokres already have three sanes in operation
and adopting measures TO put two more in ope-
ration during the year; and il is believed that
they WILL ere long, be able to export salt extensively
The game OF this country furnishes rich source of re-
lief To the emigrants. few weeks hunt, puts il in
their power 10 procure quantity OF meat for their sub
ss,cnce besides skins enough to obtain from the trader
such goods required for their wants. and finally
other resources exist in the country, which even
ually add greatly to the wealth and prosperity Of these
people, so soon as they developed-i the ex-
pioraon OF the rich lead iron and coal mines abound
ing in those regions So convinced the people who
have removed, of these advantages that have heard
many say, that inducemcnt which could be offered
would induce them 10 return east OF the Mississippi
know them TO be satisfied and that many send for their
relations TO and join them, bearing their
Many that idle and worthless their old country
are now industrious and doing we'll The Indians them.
selves have pointed out instances of this to me- and
said, there is man that was nothing; he was a vapa.
bond! now he has house; he has stock of hi. own:
and he works Their children are hume rous and heal
thy The tribes are increasing and the country
luxurious.
Question g. How long since the tribes, and from
what tribes began emgratc from the TO the west
Of tho Mississippi?
.fns,cer. Having the statement of Gen. Clark
before the committee, this head beg to refer TO il
as substantially what have to say in this respect.
Question z. What proportion of the Choctaws have
emigrated.
.4nstcer. The period a, which they commenced emf.
TO them however, from personal examination, know
TO be the best for emigrants of the Mississippi
Respectfully submitted.
A. p. CHoTEAU.
Hon. Mr.. BENTON, ". s. Senate.
February 2l, 1891.