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difficulties, real or supposed, which might [embarrass?] an emigration. How far I have succeeded the result of the <u>Council </u>will explain. 

I will add sir that the condition of these Indians is deplorable and that every sincere friend of the tribe will rejoice at the prospect of their speedy removal beyond the reach of the demoralizing influences which surround them. The use of intoxicating drinks is the prolific source of all their misfortunes and notwithstanding the humane regulations which have been thrown around them by the government in regard to that traffic, the cupidity of the white man, who surrounded them on every hand oversteps all the sanitary regulations provided for their happiness. There are many honorable exceptions to this condition, but the rations as such is fearfully degraded in this respect. Every day is adding to the amount and iniquity of the traffic. 

On Friday, the 4<sup>th</sup> October, the Indians met in council at the request of Mr. Hamilton, their Agent, and he introduced the subject of the emigration, and made them a speech in which he enforced the wishes of the government, and urged upon them the necessity of an early removal to the lands provided for them in the country west of the Mississippi. I was then introduced to them, as the person who was to furnish their conveyances and rations on their