Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-07-07
FRALDS UPON IIfE LNNLiA.S.

1he Arch Magician will in all probability carry the day
y FRAUDS UPON THE LVDL1Ns
We are bound TO lay the following facts before the
Public Some articles have latciy appeared in the
l"Whg, respecting ccr;ain frauds alleged have been
committed in the South the purchase Of Creek Lands
One of these Communications is letter from JUDGE
Shorter attempting clear himself of all share in these
transactions We had not attached To
this subject, until very recently learned friend
yustSr The West, that I'm passing through the Indian
country, lac had been informed OF the frauds
which had been committed by spectators in Indian
Lands and OF the manner in which they had been con-
dnctcd The information given us on Friday
last, by particular friend from the South whose in
elgcncc and integrity have the highest confidence
On Saturday morning received by mail the following
letter from MIR Sanford, the Indian Agent addressed To-
the Secretary OF War though published in the Medge-
vile papers three days after its date.
In this of the case, determined TO applv TO our
friend from the South for additional information He
has accordingly favored with the following Letter
which submit at the public eve We can
entertain no doubt, but that the grosscst frauds
been committed upon the lndans-and We respectable
suggest to the Secretary of War whether it not his
duty to sill the whole matter again. and do Justice
Greeks Mr. John Crowcll, formerly Indian Agent can
give much information upon the subicct-If the Prcsi-
dent will fobear confirm the Contracts with the In
dans, until the putative purchasers will each TO be
bona tde tansacton by bringing up the Indian Propc-
tor before the Agent, OF whom he Is said be the pur
ciaser-and this Investigation should be extended TO
every Contract which has been made for six or nine
months past the fraud may be detected, and the real
creek owner OF the Land may be rghted. At all events
the honor Of tie coantry Gail for tn, most rigid
scrutiny into these transactions
"CoLuMBUs June 22d, 1885.
SiR:--I have the honor to acknowledge the RECENT of
an abstract from the Office of Indian Affairs of such con-
tracts having been passed in my District still to
be approved by the President.
had already caused il 10 be publicly announced that
the object of my this place. was to ascertain
whether these contracts had been obtained from the
persons possessing the right make them although
have now been here more than twenty days engaged in
this enquiry evidence has yet been submitted i'm.
peaching their fairness sustaining the suspicion of
their fraudulent procurement know much has
been said in relation to the prevalence of certain
dishonest and dishonorabe practices; but whether
The assertions which have been made be true or
false, the difficulty of arriving proper proof still
leave the matter in darkness and doubt The difficult
ties TO which aude perple king the in nd
rendering its result Unsatisfactory are those which
originate directly from the babarous and
condition OF the people with whom transactions of pc
cular character have been had; from their sudden ut
ainment of property without acquiring the same time
proper knowledge of its value from only the want
OF just appreciation of their rights from the xist-
encc OF legal impedmens in their prompt vndication
from the influence of anomalous class of extraordi-
nary adventurers whose management and address
enabled them to control the Indian dsptc of efforts
now making to redress their wrongs from the venaty
progacy and worthlessness of the Indians themselves
Fully of the effects of their combined influence
no exertion has been withheld, which could counteract
their tendency; and if they have still triumphed it il
because no adequate expedicn could be devised pre-
vent their
Every defence, that of the most solemn form
and binding obligation has been thrown ound the ripbt
OF The INDIAN and though suspicious have been enter
tuned OF their non-observance, have appealed in vain
for the production of testimony support of the charge
Nevertheless am not prepared pronounce unequvo-
cay that fraud may not have been perpctrated many
instances lie temptation has not been inconsiderabe
and there may be those who seduccd by the immediate
prospect OF punder have not been awed by the
perjury ITSELF from the contamination of their nefarious
purposes If there be SUCH they have shrewcdy cal
cuated upon the circumstances of their conceaimcnt
and by their adroit management have thus far baled
every enquiry, that might lead To the detection of their
infamous conduct, and the condemnation of their ill
gotten booty. In referring to the documents which
have been sent to discover that they relate exclu-
svey to transactions that have in neghborng
district Without the which might be deriv.
ed from this source it may be we'll doubted whether
Their enquiry Will be attended with the discovery of
case requiring enactment rcVsal nevertheless shall
not abandon the pursuit until hear apartment.
have the honor to be, 112XB
Your most obedicnt servant