Washington, D. C., February 29, 1868.
SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit a letter from John Chupco, chief of the Seminoles, asking information in relation to pensions and bounty money due them and not paid. Inasmuch as many persons in the Creeks and Seminoles served in the Union Army in the same regiment, it would be difficult to determine by the rolls and names, which belonged to the Creeks or Seminoles. I respectfully ask such information may be furnished me as will lead to a speedy examination and payment of the amounts justly due the Creeks and Seminoles for pensions and bounty.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. REYNOLDS
United States Indian Agent
Hon. W. G. Taylor,
Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
Seminole Agency, February 13, 1868.
DEAR SIR: I take this opportunity to write you a few lines to inform you that all are well, except Major Armstrong, who was here when you left. He died on the 12th. We long to hear from you and to hear how you are getting along with your business, We have not forgotten your promise about writing, but fear that you have, as no word has reached us since you left. We would like you to look after our pension interests, as we are informed that the greater portion of our pension money still remains in Washington unclaimed, and if it be not claimed by the 1st of July it will be paid into our national funds, which we think would be great injustice to the individuals deserving it. We ask you also to look after our bounty money. Great inquiry is being made about it by the people, and we are unable to tell them anything; and if you can get any reliable information about it, please to inform us.
The surveyors are now here, or came to see us, and are now running the south line of the Creek Nation preparatory to dividing that country, after which they will survey the Seminole Nation. From what information they could give we think we are all right in our selection, as they think the east line will run even farther than we had anticipated. We understood them to say that from the Eastern Creek line to Jo Ellis’s place was ninety-five miles. They say that our east line will be half way between the mouth of Little River and Ellis’s.
Our respects, &c. We all get along friendly.
Yours truly,
JOHN CHUPCO
Major REYNOLDS, Washington, D. C.