University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Fort Gibson

12^th December 1836

C.A. Harris Esqr.

Commissioner Of Indian Affairs

Washington City

Sir,

I have the honour to report that a portion of detachment No 1 Creek Emigration under my charge arrived at this post on the 7M^th inst. and the balance of the party on the 11^th inst. and were turned over to the authorities of this post, and the agents & c employed by the U States discharged on that day (11 Inst.). The march has been long, laborious, and tedious. The roads and weather have been indescribably bad. The Indians have suffered much, especially the old and infirm and children. Two of the rear parties (say about 5,000 souls) arrived within the last two days. Two parties are still in the rear (say about 6,000). I am fearful they are detained by high water, and so soon as my health will permit (which is now bad) I will go back and make every exertion to get them up. I am extremely anxious they should get up before the winter sets in. So soon as I can make a copy of my journal, I will have sent it to you together with a general report.

Major B. Dubois my asst. military agent has rendered important services to the Indians and to our country and permit me to now recommend him to the favorable consideration of the Department.

I am Sir Very

Respectfully

Your Obt. Servt

M. W. Bateman

1^st Lieut. 6^th Infantry