National Archives, RG 75
Indiana, Letters Received
Blake, Th. H.
Letter to Barbour, January 7, 1828.
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Washington Jany 7th 1828 |
Hon. James Barbour
Secy of War
Sir,
About twenty miles from Crawfordsville in Montgomery County Indiana, there is a body of Indians known by the name of the "Thorn Town Indians" living on their reserved lands embracing ten miles square. They are surrounded by citizens, and a Country much improved and rapidly advancing in agriculture, and owing to the continued dissimilitude of their habits and deportment to those of the Whites, they have from time to time been a great annoyance to them. At the late treaty of Mississinoway it is believed an effort was made to purchase this reserve from them, which proved altogether ineffectual, but at this time they are willing to sell and on reasonable terms. The desirableness of effecting a purchase is very obvious, and I trust not less so to the government at Washington than to the State of Indiana, and an arrangement can be made with them which will not in the least interfere with the benevolent views of the government towards the Aborigines. As these Indians live within the territorial limits of the Congressional district I represent, I consider myself particularly called on by duty as well as being urged by inclination, to request that you will adopt measures to purchase their lands and effect their removal. It is perhaps expediant that these Indians should be treated with, without the intention of the Government being made public through the medium of an appropriation by Congress, as in the latter case persons might not be wanting to tamper with the feelings and practise on the jealous character of the Indians, much to the injury of both parties. Of these and other particulars connected with the object, Genl John Tipton the Indian Agent in that quarter, and who is now in Washington can fully inform you, and in case of a compliance with my wishes, I take the liberty of recommending him to you as the proper person to be authorized to transact this business. He is I presume already known to you as a gentleman of intelligence, and one on whose activity and fidelity you can place the utmost reliance.
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I have the honor to be Sir |
Jan. 8, 1828
Dear Sir
We fully concur in the above and very much hope it may meet your approbation
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With great respect |
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Dft. Ex. 128.
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