.MTA0NQ.Njk2NDc
It has been the practice to pay all these Indians more or less, 5 Frank silver pieces, large amounts of these French dollars have been sent to Indian payments. This is wrong & I think the Superintendant at St. Louis should be instructed to see that no Agent ever takes a 5 Frank dollar the Missouri Bank. It works great injustice to those in the trade, and the Supert. should stop it. They should have Dollars, Eagle, half dollars, and American quarters. But no 5 Frank, no Dutch Thales, nor no ten cent pieces. I hope you will not forget to make such an order, without saying that it was spoken of by me. These views are confidential. They are based upon my long & intimate acquaintance with, and knowledge of these Indians and experience will shew that I am not mistaken in them. I pray you will not think me obtrusive, my only object is to see the matter consummated and our rights provided for With great respect Yr. Mo. Obt. Servt (signed) Geo. W. Ewing
Hon W. L. Marcy Secy of War
Hon. Wm. Mcdill Comr. Ind. Affairs