Editing 1:100:331

<u>were</u> [to iron?] <u>them & transport them West, they would be back again as soon as we would!!</u> They have the means of going and returning; Some 30 I understand returned lately; Chief Lafountaine died at Lafayette on his way home--They are much better pleased with their <u>new Country</u> than they expected to be, and if the 150 authorized by Treaty to remain, would sell their reserve (as we hope they will) all would leave the state; but until this is done, the wealthy families such as the above named ones will be passing <u>there</u> and <u>back</u>, particularly so as they have sections of land, the above 4 have all lands not yet sold. These people have diminished at the rate of from 70 to 100 per annum and at the date of Mr. Dowlings contract viz 6<sup>th</sup> May 1844, it was not known whether there were 6 or 900--he took the <u>risk</u>, and it recites, that should the number be greater or less, there is to be no additional allowance or deduction. From May 1844 to Sept. 1846 a great number of these people died, and hence the reduction of their numbers. But I can assure you that the additional expense of taking 50 or 100 more with the Emigration was trifling & no consideration, after we incurred the expense of hiring all the necessary men, Chartering Boast, &c, and making an emigration. But to make a second emigration, incumbered with officers &c would be ruinous ^ <sup>to the interests</sup> of us the sub contractors. But when Mr. Coquillard returns from the West, we hope he will be able to get men and teams and take off in a comfortable and cheap manner, all who can be persuaded to go, and in such a manner as to be satisfactory to the Hon Indian Department That we have fully done our duty under the circumstances of the case. We did not feel bound to make but <u>one emigration</u> yet hope to give satisfaction as above stated.