Editing 1:110:383

House of Rep<sup>s</sup>.<br>
Washington Feby 2<sup>nd</sup> 1847

Hon Secretary of War

Sir

I am requested by Thomas Dowling Esq of Indiana with whom the Government contracted for the removal of the Indians in that state West of the Mississippi, to state to the department that at the time of the sale of the contract by him to Mr. Peebles that Mr. Peebles knew of the existence of the draft for six thousand dollars which had been previously drawn by Mr. Dowling and accepted by the Secretary of War.

Mr. Dowling has heard with astonishment that Mr. Peebles now denies to the War Dept. that he had knowledge of the <u>existence </u> of any such draft and insists upon the payment of that amount by the Government to him as an innocent purchaser without notice.

Should the department desire proof of the fact that Mr. Peebles had notice of the existence of the draft, It can be obtained in a verry short period of time. Will you be kind enough to uniform me whether you have determined to pay the draft of Mr. Dowling or the amt. of it to Mr. Peebles.

Your Obt. Servt.
E.W. McGaughey