[M234, roll 290, frame 299]
On board the Steamer Rodney
Near Princeton Mi, 11 Nov 1838
Sir
I have the honor to enclose herewith muster rolls of the Creek and Appalachicola Indians now on board the Steam Boat Rodney on their way to Arkansas.
We left Pensacola on the 29th ult. and arrived at New Orleans on the 2d inst. At New Orleans we took on board the Rodney the Indians shipped per schooner Octavia and Vespar, and next morning proceeded on our voyage and reached Natchez on the 5th. We remained at Natchez one day in order to procure supplies, and to afford the Indians an opportunity to purchase clothing which they stood very much in need of. To those who had not the means to purchase for themselves I supplied such articles as were absolutely necessary for their comfort on the voyage.
They have suffered very much from sickness. Six have died since we left Chattahoochee and more than twenty are now upon the sick list. The weather has been unusually cold for the season, which has no doubt increased the number of invalids.
The water in the Mississippi River is very low; we lay two days upon a sand bar about twenty five miles above Vicksburg. If the Arkansas River continues as low as it is reported to be at present, I will disembark the Indians at the first convenient point where transportation can be procured and proceed by land to Fort Gibson.
I have employed George R Beard as an assistant at four dollars per day, James A Sessions as interpreter at two 50/100 dollars per day and George H Mitchell to take charge of the Indians on board the schooner Octavia at four dollars per day. I also employed at Pensacola Dr B Hiltridge? as Physician at five dollars per day. Mr. Mitchell was discharged upon arrival at New Orleans. These appointments I trust will meet with your approbation.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Danl Boyd
C. A. Harris
Commr of Indn Affairs
Washington City
D. C.