1. Letters and Documents box folder Request box 1 1 House Exec. Document 128, 2d Ses. Vol 29, retitled of Indians to Qualla Boundary 1 2 Letters and Documents, 1840 Census Report, 1835-1840 Records the heads of families, number of families, deaths from 1835-1840, place of residence in 1840, 348 individuals included, 82 heads of families. Letter from J. L. Moore, Franklin, N. C., to Mr. William Thomas, January, 1840 Leaving for Charleston in a few days and has some money he would be glad to pay on Thomas's note in Augusta or Charleston, if Thomas would pay the same amount on Moore's note in Philadelphia before he leaves Washington. All Thomas's friends are well as far as Moore knows. Memorandum of Business Transactions, April 21-23, 1840 List of numerous notes paid Thomas during a three-day trip. Amounts range from $1.87 to $223.00. Letter from Nicholas S. Peele, Mount Vernon, Tenn., to William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., June 19, 1840 Access Online Thomas's lawyer in Tennessee reports he has received the $50 sent by Thomas and discusses the claims of young Wolf and Mink. Reviews the conditions of the 1817 removal and A. Jackson's failure to reimburse the indians. Settlement between William Thomas and John Tatham, September 8, 1840 Contains breakdown of financial dealings to that date. 1 3 Letters and Documents, 1841 Letter from J. K. Rogers, Washington City, D. C., to William Thomas, Scotts Creek, Haywood County, N. C., September 23, 1841 Access Online Letter written by J. K. Rogers to William H. Thomas, dated September 23, 1841, concerning the appointment of (Thomas C. Hindman?) to direct the Cherokees in North Carolina westward 1 4 Letters and Documents, 1843 Letter from Hartley Crawfield, War Department, Office of Indian Affairs, to William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., November 14, 1843 Access Online Refers to claims of Abraham (?) against John Brown for $34.50 against Hiram McCrany for $74.50. 1 5 Letters and Documents, 1844 Letter from W. B. Reeves, Treasury Department, Second Auditor's Office, Washington, D. C., to W. H. Thomas, Esq., Attorney, Po. Notified that he is to be paid $214.27 for J. W. King for boarding indians to be paid to Thomas. Letter from General Duff Green, New York, to William Thomas (?), June 25, 1844 Thanks for $200 which came at an opportune time. Will leave next morning if possible. William Peers to go with him. Letter from William Thomas, to Major General Winfield Scott, Commander in Chief, War Department, July 5, 1844 Access Online Refers to Thomas's claim for expenses for helping Colonel William S. Foster capture a Cherokee (Charley) and his band after they had murdered four soldiers. Letter from Felix Aschley, Ropeville, to William Thomas, July 30, 1844 Refers to payment for right of way for turnpike to Joseph Viper, J. Jones, Keenan, Thomas Watson. Note Attached: group of indians request that Thomas handle their claims. Plans to come to Washington after court at Murphy. Letter from War Office, Washington, D. C., August 15, 1844 Report on Cherokee claims, advises that Secretary of War has no jurisdiction. All claims should be turned over to the Second Auditor and Comptroller, ''who are the proper officers appointed by law to decide such claims." Letter from Second Auditor's Office, Treasury Department, W. B. Lewis (?), to William Wilkins, Secretary of War, August 22, 1844 Access Online Has no objection to paying the claims of Thomas "for the value of provisions and clothing furnished poor and destitute Cherokees in 1836 before a disbursing agent was sent out by the government;" however, he sites a case in 1838 when such a claim was paid with approval of Treasurer. Returns Thomas's claim for such action as Secretary of War sees fit. Note on Outside of Letter: William B. Lewis sees no reason why the claim should not be paid. Letter from William Wilkins, Secretary of War (1844-1845) under President Polk, to William H. Thomas, August 26, 1844 Has no funds to pay Thomas's claim but in attached memo points out under Article 8 no cash money is authorized to give Indians. Delay of making claim may have injured Thomas though he is satisfied. Letter from Robert Rose, New Orleans, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., December 3, 1844 Reports he has been in town only a day or two after "a tedious, unfortunate journey" in which he came close to losing his life when his ship, the Steamer Warrior , sank. No lives lost, but he did lose the $300 note "executed to me by you" and warns against anyone cashing it without his permission. Has already been to Mobile to begin an investigation of the claim "in which we are interested there." May be necessary to undergo a great deal more labor and study. As determined that one tract of 2,000 acres of good land near the Mississippi River in Louisiana can be recovered without a great deal of expense. The "8,000" will be made good more easily than supposed. Requests money, apologizes for asking so early. Letter from Memorial of William H. Thomas, to Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress of United States, December 18, 1844 Contains a summary of Thomas's claim for payment of supplies he provided to starving Cherokees in 1835 after crops were destroyed. On Outside of Letter: December 23, 1844--referred to the Commission on Indian Affairs. 1845, February 17--Bill reported to Senate 136; 1846, January 8--Referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs; 1846, March 2--Report adverse; 1846, April 7--Considered and resolved, agreed to Letter from The Cherokee of Qualla Town, to William H. Thomas, December 25, 1844 Power of AttorneyDated June 5, 1846 when it was certified by Josia F. Polk, Acting Auditor, Treasury Department (Copy of the answer on file in the Second Auditor's Office); Power of Attorney from the Cherokee Indians of Qualla Town, for William Thomas, Dated December 25, 1844. Note: When signed, to be sent to Secretary of War to be filed. Letter from John L. Yarroll. Long Savannah, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., December 26, 1844 Asks that Thomas press his claim as a citizen of North Carolina. Sent all the additional proof he promissed, explains why delayed. 1 6 Letters and Documents, 1845 Letter from Cannuskeeska, Qualla Town, N. C., to William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., January 15, 1845 Requests that Thomas handle his claim; reports that some of the indians in his section are getting James Caton to handle their claim but feels they will regret this. Copy of Resolution, January 10, 1845 Passed by Legislature of North Carolina, signed by Speaker of the House of Commons, Edwin Stanley; Speaker of the Senate, Burgess S. Garther; certified to be a live copy by William Hill, Secretary of State. Resolved that Senators and Representatives were to use their influence to obtain a speedy settlement of the indian claim of the indians residing in the state and belonging to the Town of Qualla and Buffalo. A copy to be sent to all state Senators and Representatives in Congress. Certified on January 11, 1845, and By William A. Graham, Governor of North Carolina and affixed with state seal. 1 7 Letters and Documents, 1846 Letter from William H. Thomas, Washington City D. C., to Major General Winfield Scott, Commander in Chief, U. S. Army, March 9, 1846 Reports that the letter Scott wrote him, offering his aid in supplying the Cherokees in 1835 lost from the files of the Senate. Asks for copies or extract of such parts which may be on file with him. To refresh Scott's Memory, Thomas reviews his part in helping Colonel W. S. Foster capture and punish the indian murderes, Charlie, and his band. Letter from Thomas S. Fortune, Frankfort, Kentucky, to William Thomas, Washington D. C., December 21, 1846 Unable to pay $100 at 1% interest he has borrowed. His father to mortgage three of the blacks, but hasn't had time yet to get money would have been better to have borrowed $500 at 25% than the way it worked out. Regrets causing any trouble. 1 8 Letters and Documents, 1847 Letter from Richard Muckle, Public Ledger Office, Philadelphia, to Mr. Preston Starritt, Washington, D. C., July 19, 1847 Not having copies of the article requested, he has received permission to clip the enclosed article from the newspaper's private file. Article gives some background on the Cherokee Board of Commission which is about to expire. Letter from Susan Kelchule, Murphy, N. C., to Cashier of the Bank of the Metropolis, Washington, D. C., July 27, 1847 Certified and witnessed on July 27 by John Simson. Order the bank to pay from his account funds to specified individuals to cover debts. Letter from Benjamin Smith, Washington, D. C., to Richard Smith, Cashier, Bank Metropolis, Washington, D. C., August 30, 1847 Enclosed Susan Kelchule's letter ordering payment to William Thomas. General Eaton objects to the payment, states terms of compromise settlement between William Tate, Kelchule, and Thomas. States reason for Eaton's apportion, and background of law suit from which the case arose. Deed from William H. Thomas, to Dr. Charles M. Hitchock, September 4, 1847 Hitchcock paid $297 78/100 for his interest in several tracts of land in Cherokee County, N. C., total area 1,815½acres sold for $646.52 in September, 1838. Letter from Benjamin Green, Washington D. C., to William H. Thomas, Murphy, Cherokee County, N. C., October 23, 1847 Concerns Green's trip to New York and Prividence, largely personal matters. P.S. advises Thomas to get there before Congress opens. Land transfer between William Thomas and Riley Blanton, November 22, 1847 Thomas deeds to Blanton 2 tracts of land in Haywood County for $620 in notes to be paid for in 6 years in 6 installments Letter from Osakill (his mark), Qualla Town; written by George Mason, to Benjamin C. Green, probably Washington, D. C., December 3, 1847 Order to pay $200 to Samuel P. Sherrill on an account made in his favor by the Cherokee Commissioner, subject to a discount of $61.71 which he owned for board (?) "bill and cost you and William A. Thomas furnish me with before I leave Washington." Letter from William H. Thomas, Station Old Field, to William Calvord, Valley River, December 4, 1847 Enclosed with repayment of $253.10 from Calvord to George W. Hays by Jacob Abernathy. Asks the money to be returned to Abernathy with his thanks. 1 9 Letters and Documents, 1848 Letter from Duff Green, Washington, D. C., to William H. Thomas, Qualla Town, N. C., May, 1848 He passed a resolution directing the committee in Indian Affairs of the House to examine the claim of the main River Cherokees for mistakes. They report advising an appropriation of about $53.33 each to be placed for one or many emigrates. But in the mean time, will be paid over to them annually commencing with the date of the treaty. This gave "about 70% of the whole sum now and enable you to draw annual 6%" of the principle and there was some opposition by some of the Committee, he felt they should accept this. Refers to the process of getting the resolution through the House and Senate. Census of Cherokees remaining in North Carolina Deed to the Cherokee to be used in settlement with them. The claims were allowed by not all fees were paid. Number of power of attorney filed. Contains names and heads of families, number in each family, register of payments, balance due for improvements, under the 9th and 10th articles, Commutation for removal and subsistance under the 8th and 10th articles, number of reservations, among allowed by commission order 13th article, per capita provided by 12th and 15th articles. Letter from W. Medill, War Department Office Indian Affairs, to J. C. Murllany, Office of Indian Affairs, August 26, 1848 Authorizes Mullany to conduct census of Cherokees remaining in North Carolina and gives him basic instructions to proceed. Copy of Deed, October 16, 1848 William Thomas sells to Daniel P. Adams a tract of land in Cherokee County, N. C., district No. 7, Tract No. 14, containing 204 acres for $100 not paid notice or bond dated October 17, 1866. Verifies the copy of October 17, 1866, from Thomas stating he is ready to comply with the transaction. Letter from William Thomas, Raleigh, N. C., to Dr. Charles M. Hitchcock, Savannah, Georgia, November 25, 1848 Concerns the purchase of grants of land for the state, covers the practical manouver in House and Senate over the Speaker, H. R. and notes equal division of parties, his position, further political comments. Reports Tayler got a large majority on his district. 1 10 Letters and Documents, 1849 Letter from Benjamin Green, Washington, D. C., to William Thomas, February 1, 1849 Supreme Court upholds title 7 to 1 in Henderson and Callaway Vs. Tennessee case--covers the reason for losing the case, questioned whether they had sufficiently set forth that this claim was a treaty of the U. S. Letter from Benjamin E. Green, Attorney for Thomas, Washington City, D. C., to A. K. Parris, Second Comptroller of the Treasury, May 3, 1849 Notified that Nathaniel Peak, one of the Cherokees entitled to the benefit of the section of the Ad & Congress July 25, 1848, had made application for payment. William Thomas holds power of attorney for Peak, Protest against paying of the arrears due to any one but William Thomas. Letter from Benjamin Green, Washington, D. C., to William Thomas, May 10, 1849 Has received draft for $1,000 from Raleigh and enclosed letters from Mr. Brown also. The court failed to decide on Green motion for an injunction, and adjourned until Monday next: the difficulty is that the money is in the Treasury over which they have no jurisdiction. Peak's case to await decision of court. If we lose, intends to protest against the money being paid to everyone but you and if it goes against us, to have case referred to Attorney General as to whether you are entitled to rescue the money. Article of Argument between William Thomas and Thomas Rosser, October 28, 1849 Setting forth arrangement by which if Thomas obtained the land granted in Treaty of 1817, he will pay Rosser ½ its value. I.O.U. for 8¼¢, from Nick-O-Jack, to N. Blackburn, August 17, 1849 Attested by G. Mason 1 11 Letters and Documents, 1850 Product of Agriculture, Seventh Census, 1850 Gives value of various crops and livestock. North Carolina: Cherokee, Haywood, Mason (Counties) South Carolina: Anderson and Pickens (Districts) Georgia: Habersham, Rabun, Union (Counties) Tennessee; Blount, Knox, Monroe (Counties) Power of Attorney, March 13, 1850 One Harry Morins, part Cherokee, gives Thomas his power of Attorney. Swears that on May 23, 1835, he lived in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Certified by S. G. Mount, Justice of the Peace, Cherokee County and Drury Week, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions. Letter from B. H. Bixby, Anderson, Tennessee, to William H. Thomas, April 19, 1850 Reports of trip down Little Tennessee, discusses the construction of the railroad between Franklin and Knoxville, Tennessee, by his company. Also, the Blueridge Company in North Carolina. Ask opinion on Blueridge Company mortgage road in South Carolina and railroad construction in both states. Number of establishments for manufacturing and mining, June 1, 1850 For counties in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee giving value. North Carolina: Cherokee, Haywood, Macon (Counties) South Carolina: Anderson, Pickens (Districts) Georgia: Habersham, Rabon, Union (Counties) Tennessee: Blount, Knox, Monroe (Counties) Gives: capital invested in real and personal estate in business value of raw material and fuel, average number of herds, male and female and average minimal cost of labor, value of annual product. Contract from H. S. Potts, Waynesville, June 20, 1850 To make good debts to William Thomas in Excess of 1250, he transfers his interest in a contract made with Allen Fisher in a Negro woman named Carolina and her child, a boy of 5 (Henry), Thomas may either buy out Fisher's interest or sell his interest to Fisher. Witnessed by J. Vickers. Qualla Town, Copy of Power of Attorney given to William Thomas by Cherokees, November 2, 1850 Undersigned--review history of Cherokee's associations with Thomas. Certified statement of Joseph Keenen, Clerk of the County Court of Haywood formerly member of Worth County Legislature, December 2, 1850 Signed by Keenen and witnessed by H. Clingman. Certifies that while working as clerk for William Thomas, he under Thomas directed supplies to the Cherokees with farming implements which totaled over $12,000 and for which the Indians have been unable to pay. 1 12 Letters and Documents, 1851 Letter from Charles Conrad, Secretary of War, to Thomas L. Clingman, House of Representatives, January 9, 1851 Sends with your request and yesterday copies of resolution and letter of his predecessor on report of Committee on Indian Affairs, January 2, 1839. Refers to a report Clingman wanted not on file in his office, most applies to the Development of Interior. Power of Attorney, March 22, 1851 Cherokee Mason Barkley assigns William Thomas his power of attorney to press claim under act of July 29, 1848. Letter from William Thomas, Washington, D. C., to Thomas Cowen, Secretary of the Treasury, April 28, 1851 Asking that the money await the Cherokees be paid, reviews his dealing and part on the claim's case as well as that of attorney Duff Green and his son Benjamin Green. Letter from Charles Ellis, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., July 5, 1851 Refers to letter from Thomas asking about aid for a missionary school at Qualla Town. Refers to the request saying that ample provision has been made for such education west of the Mississippi River and, if what the Cherokees have in North Carolina is not adequate, they can remove their appropriation for civilization of indians not applying to North Carolina indians. William Thomas, Account Bank, August 4-5, 1851 Payment received from Cherokees, usually $6, interest where he had collected during 1849-50, witnessed by George Mason. (Receipts to Indians for Interest.) Letter from A. H. Mitchell, Qualla Town, to William Thomas, August 13, 1851 Say to begin paying the endorser Letter from William Thomas, Franklin, North Carolina, to J. G. Mount, Murphy, North Carolina, September 9, 1851 Anxious to have all land purchased for Cherokees value, includes a list. Letter from William Thomas, Qualla Town, North Carolina, to Henry Smith and Tousend, New York, December 25, 1857 Reports government now engaged in paying off the indians. 1 13 Letters and Documents, 1852 Record of William Thomas, from Account Bank, January 2, 1852 Concerning Cherokee claims funds due on the act of 1851. Totaled $68.50 for several indians. Letter from William Thomas, Qualla Town, to John Stow, February 2, 1852 Reports sending $2,500 with Mr. Welch, specifies how it should be disposed of. Wants to make no purchases at this time. Letter from Alfred Chapman, Office of Indian Affairs, to Luke Lea, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, February 7, 1852 Concerning the request by two Cherokees Ste-ko-ih and 96 of North Carolina who demanded that money paid by them to Johnson K. Rogers be returned. Claim no knowledge of the transaction directly but says he imprisoned on the Indian any money they gave Rogers would have to be of their own free will. Letter from Jessie R. Silver, Franklin, North Carolina, to William Thomas, Qualla Town, North Carolina, February 23, 1852 Concerning the construction of the railroad in North and South Carolina. Reports favorable. Impressed by Ed Brown, Congressman for Greenville and North Carolina. Letter from T. L. Clingman, House Representative, Washington, D. C., to William Thomas, May 23, 1852 Convinced North Carolina Cherokees could not have obtained the percentile distribution which they received under the treaty of 1846. Refers to Rogers and seems to feel that Thomas was behind the charges, also got Mangum and others to refuse to ratify it; even though Thomas made possible the Treaty of 1848. Letter from J. D. Barnes, Civil Engineer, Engineer's Office, G. C. R. R., to William Thomas, October 18, 1852 Contains a report concerning the section of North Carolina through which the proposed section of the Central Railroad would probably pass. Report, Fayetteville, November 15, 1852 Report of John Ecdes (?), Engineer, on the Center Plank Road (Fayetteville) and the Center Plank Road between Cape Fear and Perdee Region (Ecdes, the Engineer for Fayetteville and Central Plank Road Company, who was in charge of the project.) 1 14 Letters and Documents, 1853 Letter from William H. Thomas, Washington, to H. Gourdin, Charleston, South Carolina, March 29, 1853 Concerns construction of railroad over mountains to west, discusses routes. Bill of Sale, June 9, 1853 John R. Allmon of Clarke County, Georgia, sold to Joseph Reevys (?) of Jasper County, Georgia, tract no. 136 in the Fifth District, Cherokee County, North Carolina, for $1,200; follow terms of payment. 1 15 Letters and Documents, 1855 Letter from George W. Murphy, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to T. L. Clingman, House of Representatives, January 3, 1855 Reports the papers which Clingman requested concerning the right of North Carolina Indians to land west of the Mississippi. Cannot be found but recalls that William Thomas once showed him such a paper. On Back: T. J. Clingman to William Thomas--says he can't find said paper and if Thomas has them, would he forward them to Clingman at once. Letter from William H. Thomas, Fort Montgomery, to George William Penny, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, July 17, 1855 Concerns a claim filed by Thomas in 1842 for the heirs of John Wayne with Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Asks about a treaty with western Cherokees for sale of 800,000 acres of lands west. Vagabond Indian living near Washington. Clingman informs him that the subject of removals has been referred to the Secretary of the Interior. Letter from Governor Bragg, Executive Officer, Raleigh, North Carolina, to (?), September 26, 1855 States that with one or two exceptions the Cherokees do not have the rights and privileges of citizenship. 1 16 Letters and Documents, 1856 Proof of payment by certain Cherokees, also copy of a letter from L. H. Smoot to Charles Ellis, September 6, 1856 banking House of Suter Lean and Co., concerns passage of bill for $5,000 with which Cherokees to be paid claims by Secretary of Interior. 1 17 Letters and Documents, 1857 Letter from P. Clayton, 2nd Auditor, to William Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury (1844-1850), under President Z. Taylor, January 9, 1857 An opinion on the Act of Congress, July 29, 1848. Letter from William Thomas, Raleigh., North Carolina, to Thomas Bragg, Governor of North Carolina, February 9, 1857 Asks for a copy of Bragg's letter to the Secretary of the Interior, concerning the indian reservation and of the resolution in favor of the town and reorganization as citizens. Asks concerning Act of 1783 from Bragg to Thomas dated April 2, 1857, also mentions that Bragg has not sent him the copy of the opinion of the Attorney General of the U. S. he had requested. Letter, March 15, 1857 William Thomas needs certain information in the Office of Indian Affairs in Washington, D. C., for a trial in Haywood County, N. C., Swain before J. P. Samuel Grabb, J. P. for District of Columbia, signed by the Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, under Millard Fillmore, former V.P. under President Zackery Tayler. Letter from Thomas Bragg, Governor, North Carolina, to William Thomas, April 2, 1857 Referring to resolution not mentioned in letter of 1826, which is enclosed. Bragg's opinion is that the indians should be allowed to remain. Letter from William Thomas, Washington City, to Hon. Thomas Corwin, Secretary of Treasury, 1850-1853, under President Millard Fillmore, April 12, 1857 Concerns the government's suspension of payments upon power of attorney to the North Carolina Attorney of Cherokees order Act of July 29, 1848. Thomas claims they must have acted on false information from a few "vagabond indians" who are attempting to defraud their creditors. He is writing in defense of creditors. Letter from I. G. R. Mount, Murphy, North Carolina, to William Thomas, Qualla Town, North Carolina, June 17, 1857 Doesn't know if be will present to order (court order) to Jesse Rassre as his son, Lever, was killed by lightening yesterday. Letter from William T. Hodges, Acting Secretary of the Treasury, Treasury Department, to Col. A. M. Mitchell, Spiral Agent for Paying the Indians in N. C., July 17, 1851 Official Instructions List of indian taxes paid in North Carolina for six towns, August 28, 1857 Letter from William Thomas, Washington, D. C. to Suitor Lean and Co., November 2, 1857 Concerning settlement made by Thomas for indians with Smith Howell and Co. Letter from William Thomas, Washington City, to Secretary of Treasury, November 11, 1857 Copies of two acts of Congress passed in favor of the Cherokee claims dated July 29, 1843, and two decisions made by the Secretary of the Treasury's two predecessors. Letter from William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., to P. Clayton, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, November 20, 1857 Requests copies of draft and endorsements of funds paid to Standing Wolf and other Cherokees for whom Thomas Acted as attorney Treasury Warrants 8019-8023, November 21, 1857 dated September 1856, signed Secretary of the Treasury, Howell Cobb Letter from James Taylor, Murphy, North Carolina, to William H. Thomas, November 21, 1857 Suggests Thomas call on S. S. Baxter. Reports he has had no dealings with Col. Williams, wishes Thomas to give Baxter all the information possible on the claims. Letter from T. L. Clingman, House of Representatives, to Howell Cobb, December 2, 1857 Notes $15,000 due to the N. C. Cherokees, though $10,000, which is due representatives of the deceased was being held up, he requests that the rest be paid. It should be sent to Mr. Terrell, agent for the indians. Notes Terrell has security good for $100,000. Census, 1857 List of deceased indians east of the Mississippi who have died since July 22, 1856, and entitled to interest on $53.33; interest computed up to July 29, 1857. Signed by James W. Terrell. 1 18 Letters and Documents, 1858 Letter from I. Cooper, Adj. General, Washington D. C., to William Thomas, February 18, 1858 In reply to letter of the 8th refers to records of Cherokees who helped Thomas in capture Charley's Bank in 1838. Can't be found. If Thomas can furnish record of payments, another search can be made. Letter from Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., February 18, 1858 Letter accompanying enclosed warrants above. More states number of Warrants, and copies of the original drafts. Warrants, February 17, 1858 Two copies of original warrants, #6460 and #6461, payable to James Rosser for Joseph T. Williams, signed by Secretary of Treasury, Howell Cobb. Letter from William Thomas, Washington, D. C., to Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior (1857-1861) under President James Buchanan, March 1, 1858 Submitted with a petition from all members of Congress from North Carolina arguing that the Cherokees be allowed to remain in North Carolina. Letter from William H. Thomas, Washington City, to Jacob Thompson, Secretary of Interior, 1857-1861, March 1, 1858 Argues that the Cherokees should be allowed to remain in North Carolina. Suggests that the evidence is sufficient to insure the indian remains in the state. Letter from James W. Terrell, Indian Agent, Qualla Town, N.C., to Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, April 26, 1858 Notes the $4,000.00 which was sent him for the indian has not arrived. Has received no explanation from Howell's office, fears his mail has been watched. Will send 2 copies to insure their arrival by different means. Letter from James W. Terrell, Qualla Town, to Samuel Casey, Treasury of the United States, April 27, 1858 Acknowledges the receipt of his letter of the 13th with duplicate drafts, Nos. 5060-5061, for $1,000 each. The originals have not come yet; therefore, he will use the duplicate. Letter from A. K. Parris, Comptroller, Treasury Department, 2nd Comptroller's Office, to William M. Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C., July 29, 1858 Opinion on the Act of Congress, July 29, 1858 Letter from Robert Rose, Washington, D. C., to William H. Thomas, November 22, 1858 Will be unable to pay on the note which has fallen due until he wins a suit in Texas. Will be on west coast for the government until March or April. 1 19 Letters and Documents, 1859 Letter from James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C., to James W. Terrell, Qualla Town, North Carolina, January 18, 1859 Acknowledges the receipt of his bond for the agent being sent to settle with the Cherokees. 1 20 Letters and Documents, 1860 Note from S. Enloe, to William Thomas, N.D. Note for $428 loan to Scroop Enloe by William Thomas. Power of Attorney--Group Cherokee Indians to Tomas, April 4, 1860 Letter from A. B. Greenwood, Commissioner, Office of Indian Affairs, to William H. Thomas, President, May 15, 1860 Reply to Thomas requesting for copy of his letter to Secretary of Interior and Gov. Bragg, dated February 11, 1858. Also gives reason for the funds not being received. Receipt to M_ (?) Leghorn for $700 amount of interest made on October, 1848, September 1, 1860 1 21 Letters and Documents, 1861 IOU from John Otter to William H. Thomas, March 4, 1861 $1.62 "for the use of Alfred" (probably a slave). Letter from William Medill, Comptroller for Treasury Department under Pres. Lincoln., to James W. Terrill, Qualla Town, N. C., March 4, 1861 Request how much of the money for the Cherokees has been disbursed and in areas visited by Terrill. Letter from William H. Thomas, Murphy, N. C.,to S. G. R. Mount, March 20, 1861 Instructions on money owed Thomas Letter from James W. Terrell, Qualla Town, to William Medill, 1st Comptroller, Washington, D. C., March 25, 1861 Gives information as to how much of government funds for Cherokees he has paid, location of Cherokees and difficulties encountered in completing payment. Copy of the letter to William Medill, March 25, 1861 The letter as sent, Terrell to Medill, March 25, 1861 Letter from Matt R. Love, Raleigh, N. C., Camp Lee, to His Sister, June 20, 1861 Reports that his health is good, also Robert's and that of companions of Jackson and Haywood Companies. Robert promoted to Lt. Col. from Capt. His place filled by E. G. Johnson. Letter from Robert Love, Manassas, Virginia, to His Sister, December 22, 1861 Reports his health is fine; David Reid died that day at 1 o'clock. Health of Jackson and Haywood Companies good. Reports on Health of friends and their present locations. Describes the countryside. 1 22 Letters and Documents, 1863 Letter from May (?), to Her brother or sister, October 1, 1863 Tells of returning to Brandon after "Yankees left" of refugees and death of her brother. 1 23 Letters and Documents, 1864 Letter from M. D. Brammer, Home, to Sister (Sarah?), January 12, 1864 Concerning the movement of the army, Morgan's corp camped at her place, lines static, expresses sorrow over the death of her father. Letter from James W. Terrell, Carter Depot, Tenn., to Col. William H. Thomas, February 5, 1864 Unable to get a howlitzer and shoes in Raleigh, feels Thomas would have better luck in Asheville. Feelings are better in the East as many are deserting Holden, (N. C. unionists). Discusses the problem, payment of Indian troops, opposition of Gen. Jackson to payment, has Thomas's $100, wants to knew what he should do with it. Letter from W. H. Parker, Charles (?), County District, to Col. William H. Thomas, March 15, 1864 Concerning charges made by Thomas against Parker apparently for misconduct concerning the effects of a dissaster (Sutton). Receipt for $350 received by William H. Thomas from D. D. Davis, March 18, 1864 Letter from K. L. Simons, Capt., A. C. S., Anderson, N. C., to Col. William H. Thomas, Qualla Town, March 28, 1864 Check on Commercial Bank of Columbus was too late. Concerns supplies (food) purchased and families of his troops. Letter from J. R. Love, Lt. Col., C. S. A., Carter's Station, Tenn., to Col. W. H. Thomas (Private), March 28, 1864 Concerns military situation in Western North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Fears that Western North Carolina cannot be held unless Thomas can do so with his troops. Letter from W. H. Parker, P.A.C.S., Mouth of Tucaseege, to Love (?), April 16, 1864 Reports on the procedure and election of officers and organization of Capt. J. C. Berry's company as well as organization of a unit not attacked led by a man called Hicks. Letter from John C. Taylor, Hicky Station, to Col. Wm. H. Thomas, April 19, 1864 Reports he is reorganizing his mounted unit, ask men be sent there by way of Morganton and for the use of three Cherokees to serve as couriers. Letter from William Hicks, to Wm. Thomas, Qualla Town, May 26, 1864 Concerns supplies of flour and bacon which have failed to arrive, asks instructions. Receipt from William H. Thomas to Merlin Kerr (?) and Eppy Everett for $2,436.88, Qualla Town, August 1, 1864 Indenture between James C. Alexander and Wm Thomas for $200 for certain tracts of land on the French Broad River to state of North Carolina, August 22, 1864 Letter from I. G. Silver, Asheville, N. C., to Col. John R. Palmer (Cundg?), Mountain District, N. C., September 6, 1864 Feels he is not obligated to opinion in Golsdboro, North Carolina, before court Martial in the case of William H. Thomas; adds that he has no information which would be helpful to the prosecution. Statement of I. T. Silem (?) formerly of 65th WC Corps, September 16, 1864 States interest service July 14, 1862, resigned June 13, 1864, Reports that son of Col. Salks dismounted men, did joint Thomas's legion, but Thomas said he would not keep them. Letter from W. C. MacDonald, Kington, to Col. Wm. Thomas, October 9, 1864 Concerns replacements, willing to exchange any of his men who want to stay in the mountains. Letter from W. G. (S_pion(?)), Carr River, N. C., to Col. Wm. Thomas, October, 1864 Authorizing Thomas to buy land in Cherokee County, North Carolina Letter from Henry Thomas, Asheville, North Carolina, to Mrs. Thomas, December 28, 1864 Prospect of exchanging fuel for printed cloth not favorable in Asheville, fall of Savannah will make price higher; contains a note from his mother. 1 24 Letters and Documents, 1865 Letter from Carolina B. King, Sevier Co., Tenn, to Dr. John Millsapps, August 25, 1865 Request payment for goods she claimed were taken by troops of Thomas's on January 13, 1864. Included a document listing things taken of value. Witnessed by George Rimel, J. P. Sevier Co., Tenn. Letter from William Thomas, Qualla Town, to Citizens of Sevier Co., Tenn., October 4, 1865 Notes that he will remove the blockade as far as the Mouth of the Alurn (?) Fork, if the people of the county will repair the wagon road, he will open it next week. 1 25 Letters and Documents, 1866 Letter from A. R. Cormack (At Home?), to Col. Wm. H. Thomas, January 15, 1866 Reports that Dr. Pattern, of Knoxville, has moved to Alabama sofa was taken by agents as of abandoned revel property. His eldest child died since last letter. Letter from (?), Bristol, Tenn., to Col. Wm H. Thomas, January 16, 1866 Would have written sooner but for uncertainty about the mail. Reports he is clerking in a store for $65 per month and discusses his prospects. Local people detest the idea of taking orders from Negro troops, suffrage, and Negroes testifying in court. Wade family (Union sympathizers) growing wealthy, bought several houses of late. Apparently turning in neighbors to authorities for violation of the law to get confiscated property. Letter from James Q. Love, Raleigh, N. C., to William H. Thomas, June 6, 1866 Concerns his oath and amnesty, advises that he speed the process as quickly as possible, delay will do no good and it might do much harm. Letter from John H. White Washington City, to W. J. Dutch, Greensboro, N. C. (?), August 11, 1866 Concerns the obtaining a pardon from U. S. Government. Mentions that he has obtained a pardon for Wm. H. Jackson of Jackson Co. Send reply to C. S. Wheeler, 3rd Auditor's Office. Letter from John H. Wheeler, Washington, to Col. Wm. H. Thomas, Qualla Town, N. C., August 13, 1866 Reports that mutual friend, Thomas T. Clingman, has requested that he use his influence to gain a pardon for Thomas. Requests the necessary information and material. Notes Thomas an alternate delegate to Philadelphia Convention. Suggests they meet at this time. Send stall c/o C. L. Wheeler, 3rd Auditor's Office. William H. Thomas mortgage on 690 acres of land in Macon Co., from J. T. Lewis and brother, September 15, 1866 Receipt given by Wm. Thomas to W. Jackary (?) for $107.88 on debt, September 25, 1866 Letter from Secretary of the Treasury, Treasury Department, to R. J. Powell, Special Agent, October 30, 1866 Orders to go to North Carolina and investigate Cherokee Indians who remained there under treaty of 23 May, 1836. Memorial from signed Cherokees of Qualla Town to General Assembly, North Carolina, December 24, 1866 Thanking for all so far and asking for the construction of a "Cherokee Orphan Asylum" near Qualla Town, 100 acres at least with manual labor school, witnessed James W. Terrell and J. B. Sherrill. 1 26 Letters and Documents, 1867 Act which authorized certain Cherokees to remain in North Carolina, signed by R. W. Best, Secretary of State. Raleigh, N. C., January 19, 1867 Certificate attached dated January 21, 1861, signed by R. W. Best, Secretary of State, and Jonathan Worth, Governor and William H. Bagley, private secretary of Governor of North Carolina Receipt of Col. William H. Thomas for $126.25 from Wm Bumgarner, Sheriff of Jackson Co., $26.25 to be settled on his taxes for loans, etc., February 25, 1867 Letter from Edward C. Hasher, I. Asylum (?), to James R. Love, Waynesville, March 30, 1867 Reports the condition of W.H. Thomas has much improved, now able to converse clearly on all subjects. Letter from Elizabeth Dodge, Williamsborg (?), to Her son, residence not given, June 10, 1867 Expresses hope he will be home from military service by June. Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Cherokee County, June 12, 1867 Notes that as Coahula has died without will, Samuel P. Sherrill is empowered to dispose of his estate in payment of his debts. Signed Drury Wells, Clerk of Court. Copy of order to Supreme Court of North Carolina in case of David P. Adams vs. Wm. H. Thomas, June, 1867 Finds for the plaintiff, Adams, and states he is entitled to certain land on Adams's Creek in Haywood County, for which Thomas charged $507 signed B. Freeman, Clerk. Letter from Wm. Thomas, to M. C. Carr, October 12, 1867 Transfer of land title for land known as Parks land in return for services rendered. Attested Eppy Everett. Receipt for $50 from Wm. H. Thomas to John Gibbs, October 14, 1867 Deed to tract of land called Turkey Tract, made to Wm. H. Thomas for $300, attested Eppy Everett, signed M._ (?) Carr., November 1, 1867 Tax receipt by Wm. H. Thomas for Indian taxes, $47.50, undated 1 27 Letters and Documents, 1868 Copy of decree of North Carolina Supreme Court, Signed E. B. Freeman Clerk Case of David P. Adams, vs. Wm. H. Thomas, January, 1868 rules against Thomas. Court orders Thomas to pay Adams $1,271.47 of which $688.40 is the principal of a loan to Thomas. Letter from Cherokee Delegation, Washington, D. C., to "All Cherokees east of the Mississippi River in the U. S.", February 24, 1868 Advises eastern Cherokees to move to the Indian territory Letter from S. S. Ashley, Secretary of the Board of Education, Raleigh, N. C., to James W. Lovel, Commissioner of Jackson Co., Qualla Town N. C., October 30, 1868 Concerns the Indian school. Requests that a census of all Indian children between the ages of 6 and 21 be taken. Letter from Cherokees, Qualla Town, Jackson Co., N. C., to Western Cherokees, Cherokee Nation, November 15, 1868 Access Online Opposes any attempt to cede land and move West. 1 28 Letters and Documents, 1869 Letter from William H. Thomas, Asheville, N. C., to Capt. Swetland, Washington, D. C., January 14, 1869 John E. Poole, U. S. Senator for North Carolina and Cherokees had been furnished with an explanation of the claims which it is desirable to embrace in a proposed treaty with the Cherokees. Letter from John Ross (Chief of Cherokees), to Edward P. Smith, Commissioner of Indian Affairs in Tenn., undated Requesting that the Eastern Cherokees get their proper share of any land sold by the Cherokee Nation in the West of which they have a right. 1 29 Letters and Documents, 1874 Order from the Court of Arbitration, Western District of North Carolina to the U. S. Marshall of said District (Signed Rufus Barringer, Chairman), September 2, 1874 To order Wm. H. Thomas, Jr., to bring all his father's books dealing with Eastern Cherokees from 1831--present to that court. To be used as evidence in a suit of the Eastern Cherokees in a suite against said Thomas and others Memorial from 30 Cherokees representing the Cherokees of N. C., to President of the United States, October 7, 1874 Requesting aid, they are in a state of poverty from the late war as well as due to the misfortune and "mental aberration of their agent Wm. H. Thomas in whom they had trusted and in whose control and management of all their financial affairs and estates for more that 40 years "ask help against those seeking to move them to the West, claim they do not represent the Cherokee people also ask for the establishment of schools. Letter from Thomas M. (Buir?), Cherokee, N. C., to R. B. Glenn, Winston, N. C., March 18, 1895 Superintendent of Indian School Service, Department of the Interior, warns against the efforts of the Waynesville ring to cheat the Indians out of some timber land. They propose giving the Council of sixteen men the power to "sell all they have and make contracts, and nothing but wholesale robberies." Not only will Boyd and E_ (?) profit, but Mr. Smathers, who originated the bill, will profit from the large fee which the Indians have been told they must agree and that this bill could prove ruinous to the indians. Certified as real copy by Jerome A. Comer, Chief of Federal Records Center (October 6, 1955).
