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War Department

May 4th 1844

Sir

From a proper regard to the interests of the People of the State of Indiana, and to the earnest request of the senators and representatives in Congress from that state, I feel myself obliged to act with promptness and to avoid all possible delay in the adoption of measures for the removal of the Tribe of Miami Indians to the country West of the Mississippi designated for their residence.

The President, too, is very anxious in this matter to promote the interests and gratify the wishes of the Citizens of Indiana.

In my letter of the 19th of last month, in answer to a communication addressed to the President, I gave to the Delegation from Indiana assurances of my disposition to meet and carry out, as far as practicable during the present season their views in reference to those Indians and their removal--a measure so interested to their constituents.

for this object, measures must be promptly adopted by this Department and their execution immediately entered upon, otherwise, in all probability, the present season would be lost.

It is supposed there are six hundred and fifty In-