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Washington 26th Dec 1844

Sir

Thomas Dowling Esq of Terre Haute, Indiana, sometime during the last summer executed a Bond with security, conditioned for the removal of the Miami Indians, in accordance with a contract executed by him for that purpose On behalf of one of the securities to the Bond, I would respectfully inquire whether if Dowling should transfer his contract to a third person, the Department would require a new Bond from the person to whom the contract was assigned, or whether the Bond executed by Dowling would be alone looked to for indemnity in case of a failure to execute the contract?

I would also enquire whether the securities can by any act of theirs release themselves from liability on their Bond, or have it cancelled? I shall be obliged to you if you will furnish me a copy of the Bond.
Very Resp yr obt Servt

Cabb [?] B. Smith

Hon Mr. Wilkins

Secry of War