Beschreibung:

Crawford, William H. Autograph Letter Signed (“Wm H. Crawford”), 2 pp recto and verso, 4to, War Department, October 21, 1816, to Governor William Clark [1770-1838], regarding oversight of Indian agents, leaf creased and lightly toned, mild offset from ink. Secretary of War William Crawford writes this letter to Governor of the Missouri Territory (and famed explorer, with Meriwether Lewis, of the Louisiana Territory) William Clark expressing President Madison’s concerns about oversight in the various territories. In part: “Inconveniences having resulted from extending the superintendence of the governors of our territories to Indians residing in other territories, the President has directed me to inform you, that, your superintendence of the Indians must hereafter be confined to the Indian tribes residing within the Missouri Territory. / Governor [Ninian] Edwards [Illinois Territory] has expressed an opinion unfavorable to the integrity & conduct of Mr. Blondeau, & has referred the department to the commissioners with whom he has lately acted for the correctness of that opinion. I will thank you for the communication of your opinion on this delicate subject. / It has been represented to the department that Mr. Forsyth still considers himself Indian agent at Peoria. This is wholly unacceptable. Mr. Graham resides there as agent. Mr. Forsyth can be of no service at Peoria if there was no agent there, as long as he resides at St. Louis. Indian agents must reside among those with whose management they are charged. / Should your opinion be coincident with Governor Edwards’ as to Mr. B_____, Mr Forsyth may take his place, but he must reside in the Indian country.”