Beschreibung:

Title: SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY Four fair copies of letters from John C. Calhoun as Secretary of War, to the Indian Agent for Missouri, Benjamin O’Fallon, and also to Henry Atkinson and William Clark Author: Calhoun, John C. Place: Washington Publisher: Date: 1819-1824 Description: 1 to 3 pages each, in ink in secretarial hands. Copies of letters from Secretary of War John C. Calhoun sent to the Indian Agent for Missouri, Benjamin O’Fallon. On Aug. 18, 1819: “In addition to the instructions which were given to you on the 8th March last, you will consult with Colonel Atkinson, as commander of the military department, on all subjects connected with your duties as Indian agent, and keep him regularly informed of all your proceedings…” On March 18, 1822 to Henry Atkinson, with this copy intended for O’Fallon: “…As such an appointment as that requested by Genl. Ashley for Major Henry is not authorized by law and is of a mere temporary nature, I have deemed it advisable for this Department not to act upon your letter, but to refer it to Major O’Fallon, the Indian agent for the Missouri, to be acted upon by him, in whom great confidence is placed… and, if he should deem it proper, to comply with the wishes of General Ashley, in relation to Major Henry; with the understanding, however, that such compliance, should it be yielded, is to confer on Major Henry no title to any pay or emolument whatever, from the government.” On June, 1, 1824, to both Atkinson and O’Fallon: “The President by virtue of the act…to appoint… commissions to negotiate treaties of trade and friendship with the Indian tribes beyond the Mississippi…has appointed you to the execution of this trust… You will exercise a sound discretion in the prosecution of this undertaking; and accomplish whatever may be deemed by you to be necessary in carrying the views of the government… The sum appropriated, viz $10,000 intended to cover all expenses (excepting those connected with the escort for which provision is made)…” On June 14, 1824, to William Clark “I have received your letter of the 19th Ulto. with its enclosures, from which it appears that commissioners have been appointed by the Gov. of Santa Fee to repair to the Council Bluffs in order to treat with the Pauis (?) Nation of Indians at that place, agreeably to the suggestions of Major O’Fallon, the Agent. Whilst the Executive feels anxious to adopt every measure which it can with propriety, to prevent the depredations on the Spanish Frontier by the Indians residing within our limits, it is the impression that a treaty with the Pauis Indians cannot with propriety be held by the Mexican Commissioners. You will accordingly instruct Major O’Fallon that whatever arrangements may be made with the Indians must be made by him acting in behalf of the U. States and not by the Mexican Commissioners who can be viewed in no other light but as respectable gentlemen without official authority…” Provenance: Descended in the Benjamin O’Fallon family. Lot Amendments Condition: Some aging and wear, last with splitting a folds, a few chips; all generally very good. Item number: 220187