[M640, roll 4, frames 646-48]

A census of the Florida Indians west, taken on the 19th March 1842, preparatory to the payment of their annuity for 1841.

Fort Gibson
March 21st 1842

Sir

Above, I send you a correct census of the Florida Indians now in Arkansas. The statement that will be forwarded to you, by Govr Butler, will make a full report of the payment of the annuity.

My principal object in writing you now, is to correct an erroneous impression that you have formed from a letter written by me to Mr. Ross, the Cherokee chief.  In which I stated to him that there was about 4 or 500 Seminole Indians intruding upon the Cherokee lands.  I made the statement form a calculation only, which falls short of the actual number by 600, as you will perceive by the table above.  I hasten to correct the first impression, because I have just heard that measures are about to be taken to have them removed into their own country.  Col Mason has written to Genl Taylor upon the subject and as I think that the Genl will act upon consultation with you I deem it my duty to out you in possession of all the information that I can, in reference to their actual numbers, their feelings and disposition to move.  There are settled at Alligators Towns, within the space of 3 or 4 miles, 1097 souls.  The portion of Wild Cat's party on this side of the Arks number 70 - making in all 1167.  The number of warriors in these settlements number about 250 or 300.  They are under the impression that the Cherokees do not desire their removal, and I believe they are determined not to move before the return of Alligator & Holatoochee.  And I do not think that there are troops enough at this Post to --- them into a removal or to enforce it.  There should be troops enough to --- them sufficiently to effect their removal without strife - for if that is once began, you nor myself can tell when or where it will cease.  And you are also aware that although the great mass of Cherokees, Creeks, and other tribes in this vicinity desire to preserve peace with the Govt; still there are a number of restless and reckless spirits in all of these tribes ever ready to take advantage of disturbances to commence the work of devastation.

The amount ($400) that you instructed me to expend for farming implements will well no purchase enough to furnish all the towns upon the most economical scale, as the number at Alligators Town in 1097 instead of 400 a difference of 700 souls, it will require an increased expenditure of at least $300.

In my last letter to you upon this subject I suggested the policy and almost the imperious necessity of subsisting for 3 or 4 months this party after their removal to their country.  I take this opportunity of reiterating my suggestion.  I feel more convinced of the necessity of it than I did when I wrote you last.  They will leave their present settlements reluctantly and only at the point of the bayonet (they will leave their present settlement reluctantly and only at the point) they will become rendered desperate at their coercive removal - They have to suffer much form the want of provisions, and I have no doubt they will commence work of plunder.  They may have no right to subsistence, but I suppose the Govt would much rather expend a few thousand dollars, than to see such a state of things, as must result from their coercive removal without relief.

Respectfully
Your Obt Svt
Geo. W. Clarke

Capt. Wm Armstrong