2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
An incredibly rare war dated document , completely transcribed, in which Confederate General and CSA representative to the Indians ALBERT PIKE details transactions by himself and several other Indian Agents acting on behalf of the Choctaw. Albert Pike had worked with the Indians before the War, and during the War actually commanded Indian units in battle. A huge controversy was created when it became known that some of Pike's men had taken scalps during the battle. This document, entitled :"Abstract" comprises A 3pp. 4to. ADS by Pike signed while at Fort McCulloch on April 24, 1862. In the document, Pike lists a number of substantial expenses, paid out on the Indian's behalf, most notably several major purchases of corn and commissions paid to himself and several other agents, in accordance with the stipulations of the TREATY OF 1855. Some of the listings concern transactions in New York and Washington, and obviously occurred before the war, but it is also obvious that the transactions involve ongoing, current accounts. This is to be expected, since the Confederate Government had decided to honor many of the treaties made between the United States and the Indian Nations. In a statement made by Pike acting on behalf of fellow agent and attorney JOHN T. COCHRANE, signed on April 24, 1862 at Fort McCulloch, the fees are stipulated to be valid:"... on all monies UP TO THIS TIME [ meaning April 24, 1862] realized by the Choctaw Nation…", clearly showing that the Confederacy had ongoing treaties with the Indians, and also indicating that the Confederate Government expected to make more payments in the future. It is ironic that one of the agents represented by Pike was Col. D.H. COOPER, who would soon become Pike's most bitter enemy, replacing Pike after telling President Davis that he believed Pike to be "insane". Pike was called insane for having the ridiculous notion that the Indians were being treated unfairly, which led him to offer his resignation in late 1862. War- dated documents relating to the Confederacy's relations with its Indian Allies are virtually nonexistent. The Abstract comes with a complete transcription, and is in very good condition.
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