Clark, William (1770-1838) to Richard Graham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02146.04 Author/Creator: Clark, William (1770-1838) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 September 1824 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Notes that apparent strife between Indians and whites in Arkansas has dissipated. Reports a conversation with Secretary of War John C. Calhoun on the topic of establishing Indian agents, in which Calhoun asserted that he would not make any arrangements that did not follow "strict Construction of the Law." Discusses some personal business. Indicates that Graham's explanations to Calhoun regarding "the payment of the Osage annuities...has bee[n] quite Satisfactory." Reports that orders have been issued "to take the necessary steps in relation the hostile attitude of the Indians high up the Mississippi, during the war which rages in that quarter." Discusses the upcoming election of 1824. Notes that he has made $2,000 available to Graham, to use in his capacity as an Indian agent and that after Calhoun arrives in Washington, D.C., Clark will be going to visit his home in Virginia.
William Clark is best remembered for his co-leadership of the Lewis and Clark expedition into the Louisiana Territory from 1803 to 1806. After his return, Clark was appointed principal Indian agent and brigadier general of the militia for the Louisiana Territory and in 1813 became governor of the Missouri Territory. In 1822, he became Superintendent of Indian Affairs, a position he held until his death in 1838. Major Richard Graham was an Indian agent for the Illinois Territory.
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