181
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1830
relative to the charges brought against him. I did not see him, however, for some time after "Tekatoka" made his appearance; nor, if guilty, of the charges against him, did I intend to advance ·any palliative in his b£half; but upon reading the piece to him, he proceeded to give me the following statement: "In November, 1817, I held the rank of first Lieutenant in the first Regiment United Statrn' Infantry. I had been detailed some time on extra duty to assist the Adjutant General of the Southern Division in the discharge of his duties. -Whilst engaged in this duty, the situation of Sub-Agent of the Cherokern was tendered fo m~. without mine or any friends' solicitation, by General Jack- son. I accepted it, and repaired immediately to the Agency, then on Hiwasse::?. I drew from Mr. William Smith, acting Sub-Agent, either four or five hundred and twenty dollars, (not exactly recol- lected which.) Governor McMinn, of the State of Tennessee, and Superintendent of Indians Affairs in that State, was then at Knox- ville. The principal Agent, Col. Meighs, was absent from the Agency, at Washington City, in conduct of a Delegation adverse to making any treaty with the U. States. I was then at the Agency, without any official instructions other than my letter of appointment. I immediately repaired to Knoxville, and called on Governor McMinn for that purpose. The Governor said that he expected Col. Meigs back soon, and could not give me instructions until he saw him. Transactions pass2d thirteen years since, and not having particularly charged my memory with them, I am unable to give the precise dates; but it affects not any charge alleged. I drew no money from either Gov. McMinn or Col. Meigs. From that time I did retain the ·mon::y I obtained from Mr. Smith, and for which I passed vouch- ers to him, expending it according to law, and for the settlement of which with the Department, "Tekatoka" can see it, by calling at the ,var-Office. I conducted a Delagation to Washington City, favorable to the views of Government, and for the purpose of ·making a treaty which would locate the Cherokees west of the ·Mississippi. The Delegation were equipped in Knoxville, with clothing suitable for a winter journey, and the expenses thereof all settled by Gov. McMinn, inasmuch as I was ordered to Wash- ington City by him, before the accounts were adjusted; nor is it within my recollection that I ever saw the accounts. When I arrived at Washington City, I drew five hundred dollars for each of the chiefs but one, for whom I drew one thousand dollars. I :paid the money to them, took their receipts, and deposited them
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