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William Ward to John Henry Eaton
Choctaw Agency Augt. 19th 1830
Sir
Agreeable to the requst of Majr. Donley I did attempt to collect a general Council near the center of the nation at a place appointed to pay Leflours District Annuity. I had sent one of the Interpreters to notify the southern chiefs and Headmen. but to my supprise I found they refused to assemble at any place in Leflours District but appointed a council at a different place whare both the Inters. attended, Majr. Pitchlynn who will be the Bearer of this letter will give you a detailed account of the Council. At the requst of some of the Colberts & Chicksaws Pitchlynn has agreed to go on to Franklin Ten. to see you and the President of the U. States, who will be able to give you much information relative to the views and parties of the Choctaws which you will find no doubt to correspond with my former communications, Also It is expected that Col Danl. W Wright will be in Nashville about the same time, and I have requested him to call on you. Col Wright has lived on the Boundary line for many years, and his profession calls him to pass through the nation three or four times a year and has been an eye witness to the whole course of the views of the Choctaws, nearly as much as my self, and as I am unable to see you myself on account of Bad helth. I have requested Col. Wright to call on you & Prest. Jackson and inform you of the Best way to get these unfortunate people to consent to remove beyond the Mississippi River.
I say unfortunate people and what in part makes them more so they have bad advisers, who no doubt are trying apposed to the best Interest of the Indians and a rightious policy of the Government and their only true friends. I presume that Majr. Donly has sent on the answer of Leflour and Folsom and a few of their followers, which answer you will readily see goes to implicate the old Interpreters as being the cause of the division of this nation. when in fact it originated with the Indians not being willing to come under Leflour as the only chief of the nation. I have the Honor to be very Respectfully your Mo. Obdt. Servt.
W. Ward Agt. C N
National Archives, Washington, D.C., Record Group 75, M234-169.
Images Source: National Archives, Washington, D.C., Record Group 75, M234-169