CAPTAIN NATHANIEL PRYOR CONTRIBUTED BY WALTER B. DOUGLAS REPRINTED FROM THE VOL. XXIV., NO. 2 JANUARY, iQig [Reprinted Irom The American Historicai, Review, Vol. XXIV, No. 2, Jan., 1919] DOCUMENTS Captain Nathaniel Pry or The history of the expedition of Captains Lewis and Clark to the Pacific coast of Oregon in 1804-1806 is the object of an interest which, in the country west of the Mississippi,. has greatly increased in recent years. One reason for this growing interest is that the people of the states which now occupy the land which Lewis and Clark traversed with so much difficulty and danger now look upon them as the be- ginners of the state history. And the monumental work of Dr. Thwaites in making accessible the " Original Journals " of the chiefs and such of the subordinates as could be found unprinted has furnished a source-book which can be used with unquestioning trust. The fame of the captains has been long established; of late years the figures of their men have begun to emerge from the mists of the years and to take shape as the heroes that they were. Some of them have never been entirely lost sight of ; others seem to have completely disappeared from public view on that September day when they disembarked upon the levee at Saint Louis at the end of their famous journey. The people of the East were little concerned, and the people of the West were too much occupied in subduing the wilderness about them to realize what these men had done. Now, however, many students are engaged in searching for information about them, and the publication from time to time of facts discov- ered is gratefully welcomed. It is hoped that the story of each man's life will, in time, be clearly set forth. In the absence of knowledge they will like the adventurers of former days become the subjects of myths, or be " enthroned amid the echoing minstrelsy sung of old times ". Indeed, the myth-making process has already begun. Nathaniel Pryor, a Virginia-Kentuckian and a typical American pioneer, is in the way to be transformed into a personality in every way foreign to the man that he was. It appears from Bancroft's History of California (vol. III., p. 163), that among the company that arrived in California, under the leadership of the Patties, in March, 1828, was a man whose name is given as Nathaniel Pryor or Nathaniel Miguel Pryor. It is said of him that he was then twenty-three years ( 253 ) 2 54 Documents old, and that he had lived for four years in New Mexico. This man was a silversmith and clock-maker, and became known as Miguel el Platero. He married a Mexican woman, raised a family, and died in 1850. Pattie, in his Personal Narrative, makes no mention of Pryor, but in the edition of the book edited by Dr. Thwaites and included in his series of Early Western Travels, there is an editorial note in which it is assumed that the Pryor mentioned by Bancroft was the companion of Lewis and Clark. The rule of law that identity of name indicates identity of per- son is well enough as cautiously applied by courts, subject to dis- proof by an adversary party, but it is by no means a safe rule for an historian. Dr. Thwaites's assumption, in spite of its intrinsic improbability, has been followed by others and bids fair, unless its erroneous char- acter is made to appear, to be generally accepted. Happily, how- ever, for the cause of truth, the incorrectness of the assumption is demonstrable. Miss Stella M. Drumm, the librarian of the Missouri Historical Society, whose knowledge of western history is extensive and ac- curate, has found in the Indian Office at Washington a series of documents which tell the story of Pryor's later life in unmistakable fashion. Certain of these documents are herewith submitted. Walter B. Douglas. I. License to Trade with the Osage Nation.^ To all, to whom these presents shall come, know ye that I have this day Granted permission to Nathaniel Pryor, to trade with the Osage Nation of Indians, as well as to ascend the river Arkansas with one trading boat to the six bull or Verdigree together with all the hands that may appertain thereto. Given under my hand and private seal (there being no public one) at the Post of Arkansas this^29th day of November 1819 — Of the independence the forty fourth, (signed) Robt. Crittenden Sect, and a. G. A. T.^ 1 Nos. I., II., III., IV., and VI. are enclosures in a letter of Agent Vashon to Lewis Cass, secretary of war, April 30, 1832, a letter written " for the purpose of exhibiting the true character of the question respectfully referred for the consideration and decision of the Department ". In the files of the Indian Office all these are contained in a folder marked " 1832 Cherokee West Agency — Geo. Vashon — Claim of N. Pryor ". 2 Meaning, " secretary and acting governor of Arkansas Territory ". Robert Crittenden of Kentucky was secretary of the territory from 1819 to 1829. Captain Nathaniel Pry or 255 A true copy from the original on file in this office Geo. Vashon^ Agt. Chers. west. West'n Cherokee Nation Agents Office April 30th, 1832 II. Affidavit of Prygr. U. S. of America Arkansas Territory, Crawford County This day personally appeared before me, John Nicks, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Nathaniel Pryor of the Osage Nation of Indians, who being of lawful age and duly sworn according to law, deposed and said that some time in the month of February 1820, on the Virdigris River, a branch of the Arkansas or Paune River, at said Pryor's trading house,^* about one and a half miles above the mouth of said Virdigris, this deponent had about one hundred and fifty weight of Beaver fur, and about said time a Cherokee Indian by the name of Dutch and two others, companions of his, took from the possession of this deponent the said one hundred and fifty weight of Beaver fur the property of this deponent and which said Beaver fur has never been restored to him or any part thereof, nor the value or any part thereof. This deponent further stated that about the month of February, 1822, the Cherokee Indians stole from his possession a large bright bay horse, with a star in his forehead, and about fifteen hands high and which said horse he has never been able to recover or reclaim nor the value thereof, or any part thereof, and further this deponent said not. Sworn and subscribed to before me this nth day of September 1824 Nathl. Pryor Jno. Nicks J. Peace I certify the above to be a true copy from file in this office. Geo. Vashon, Agt. Chers. West. West'n Cherokee Nation, Agents Office April 30th, 1832 III. Affidavit of David McKee. United States of America Arkansas Territory Crawford County This day personally appeared before me John Nicks one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, David McKee of said 3 Capt. George Vashon, formerly of the Seventh Infantry, agent to the Chero- kees west of the Mississippi. ^ Pryor is mentioned as living among the Osages, on the Verdigris in i82i,by James, Three Years among the Indians and Mexicans (St. Louis, 1916), p. 108, and the Missionary Herald, XIX. 74. In that year he accompanied Glenn and Fowler in their expedition to the mountains ; Coues, Journal of Jacob Fowler, p. 4, etc. See also note 22, below. 256 Documents County who being of lawful age and duly sworn according to law deposith and saith that in the month of February 1820 a Cherokee Indian by the name of Dutch, with two other Cherokee Indians came to Nath. Pryor's trading house on the Virdigris River, a branch of the Arkansas River, and at that time the said Nathaniel Pryor had in de- posit at said place about one hundred and fifty weight of furs, well secured under lock, and that on the evening of the morning on which said Indians left the trading house, he, the said deponent discovered that the lock which secured the fur, had been forced, and the sa[i]d one hun- dred and fifty weight of fur were stolen, and as this deponent verily believes by the said Cherokee Indians. The deponent further states that fur was selling at that time at two dollars and a half per pound and further this deponent saith not. David X McKee Sworn and subscribed to before me this nth day of September 1824 Jno Nicks Justice Peace I certify the above to be a true copy from file in this office. Geo, Vashon Agt. Chers. West West'n Cherokee Nation Agents Office April 30th, 1832 IV. Statement of E. W. duVal.* The taking of the property is not denied by the Individual charged with it, but he alleges as the cause and justification of the act, or acts, that he met at Mr. Priors Trading house, at the time mentioned, a War party of Osages, under the Chief called Mad Buffaloe, that at that time the Osage and Cherokee Nations were at open War with each other, that he the Dutch (the Individual referred to) commanded and then had with him a War party of Cherokees, that his party was more numerous than that of the Mad Buffaloe and that the latter were com- pletely in his power, that he considered them as his prisoners and was waiting only until they should leave the premises of Mr. Prior to capture and secure them. That during this time he was invited out on one side of Mr. Priors House as he believes at the instance of Mr. Prior by a man named McKee or McGee, where he and his party were detained by amusements until the Mad Buffaloe and his party had time to escape; that he believed d:nd still believes, their escape was con- trived by Mr. Prior; that on discovering they (the Osages) were gone he immediately pursued but could not overtake them ; that for this inter- ference, as he considered it, on the part of Mr. Prior, whereby he was prevented making prisoners of the party and in so far weakening or injuring the enemy and rendering essential service to his own nation, he took the property for which Mr. Prior claims payment. Mr. Prior having admitted to the agent the material facts set forth by the Dutch as to the aid and assistance he gave to the Osages to 4 Not dated, but presumably of the same date as the two affidavits preceding. Major duVal (so he was wont to sign his name) was for some years, from 1822, agent to the western Cherokees. Captain Nathaniel Pry or 257 make their escape, The Committee desire that the case maybe su[b]mitted to the consideration of the Secretary of War, for his decision. They would refer it to him on these grounds. That the Osages and Chero- kees were relatively to each other independent Nations with whom the y. S. were on terms of amity and friendship. That Mr. Prior, a citizen of U. States intermarried with an Osage Woman, carrying on trade and intercourse with that nation and was as it would seem to the committee bound to have preserved a perfect neutrality between the belligerent parties; and that by having aided the Osages in the manner set forth by the Dutch and admitted by himself he ceased to maintain the char- acter of a neutral and thereby subjected his property to seizure by the party injured. I certify that Mr. Prior admitted to me that he did interfere in the manner stated to secure the escape of the Osages from the Cherokees. Signed E. W. duval A true copy from the original on file in this office Geo. Vashon Agt. Chers. West West'n Cherokee Nation Agents Office April 30th, 1832 V. Franklin Wharton to Secretary James Barbour." Crawford Court House, A. Terr. Secy, of War: Feby. 28th, 1826 Sir; Capt. N. Pryor of this Territory has requested me to use means towards obtaining a liquidation of a just claim, which he supj>oses he has against the U. S. Will you allow me to represent its nature and solicit your answer to certain inquiries. Capt. Pryor was the first person who volunteered his services in Lewis and Clark's expedition. He accompanied them through all their excur- sions and was finally sent in command of the party, to take back the Mandan chief and family to their homes. Of the event of this, you are aware. From that time to the period, when he derives his claim, he was engaged in extensive and dangerous business among the Indian Tribes. About eighteen months before the late war, he was licensed by the Gov. of Missouri, as a trader among the Weenibagoes or Puans, on the Eastern Mississippi, Ter. of Missouri, at a place called DeBuque's Mines.® At that place he was transacting a profitable business, had buildings erected as well as a smelting furnace, and was rapidly dis- tributing through the Tribes the comforts and conveniences of civiliza- tion. About six months before the War, he received a letter from Gov. Clarke, requesting him to endeavour to find out Tecumseh or the Prophet. The execution of this duty, a duty performed at the wish of 5 In a folder marked " 1826, Arkansas — Franklin Wharton — Claim of N. Pryor for Depredations". Franklin Wharton (1804-1847) was a son of Lieut.- Col. Franklin Wharton (1767-1818), U. S. M. C, and a younger brother of Col. Clifton Wharton, U. S. A. Dardanelle, which he gives as his address, is on the south bank of the Arkansas, about half-way up from Little Rock to Fort Smith. 6 Now Dubuque, Iowa. 258 Documents the Government — a duty delicate and hazardous in the extreme, ren- dered Capt. P. an object of hostility and enmity with the natives, From receiving the letter of the Gov. the Captain had heard nothing of a war likely to ensue. He was actively and industriously engaged in his occupation. On Christmas day and even after of the year '12 the Winbagoes were trading peaceably with him. On the ist of Jany. 13 about 12 O'clock in the day, eight of the tribe came to his house, with their war accoutrements, and offered violence. They would not let him leave his dwelling. About sun-down of same day, sixty arrived, shoot- ing down the oxen in the yard and killing two of his men. They rushed on him, and was in the act of putting him to death, when by the politic dissimulation of a female in the house, they were averted for the mo- ment from their intention. They then placed him in the house with a sentinel over him, intending to burn him in it. While they were plundering his stores and ravaging his premises, with the greatest diffi- culty, he made his escape. After crossing the Mississippi on the cakes of ice, he was still the object of pursuit to the hostile Indians. They were not so soon to forget his endeavorous for Tecumseh. They robbed him of all they [he] had in the world : they entirely destroyed every article of his property. Capt. P. only claims the original amount of his goods, amounting to 5,216$ 25 cents. He asks not the freight on them: he asks not what they were actually worth to him — he asks nothing for his buildings, his furnaces, his cattle, save two, which were shot down before his face. He, in fact, asks for less than what he conceives to be his just claim. And his reason is; for that which he seeks a remuneration he can positively swear to the amount. He will not add more, as he cannot remember certainly the value. Capt. Pryor is a man of real, solid, innate worth. His genuine modesty conceals the peculiar traits of his character. He was a brave and persevering officer in the attack on New Orleans. He has the most thorough knowledge of the Western country; has been on considerable service to the U. S., and the benefit he has conferred on the Indian Tribes is gratefully acknowledged by them. He has been frequently urged by Gov. Clarke the Supt. of Ind. Aff. and by Gen. Miller, the late Gov. of this Territory'^ to forward this claim. But he has refused. His own exertions have hitherto been his support. Again robbed and plundered by the savages, viz Cherokees he is left in a situation, where the money would be of service to him. His want drives him to that, which hitherto his conscious pride prevented. You will observe, that it was six' months after the declaration of war, this transaction oc- curred. Yet had the traders^>no knowledge of it. The British Indian allies, received it first through their emissaries. It was not known at St. Louis 'til months after it took place. And does not Capt. P's claim derive additional support, from the fact that Gov. Clark was bound to give notice of the war, and at the time, such notice had not been given. The Capt. was trading under the license and protection of the U. S. ; by an act of the U. S. of which he was ignorant, he was deprived of his property and his home. You will also please to remember that, the tribe was allied with the English troops. I am not aware, Sir, that this 7 James Miller (1776-1851), the hero of Lundy's Lane, governor of Arkansas Territory 1819-1825, collector of the port of Salem (under whom Hawthorne served) 1825-1849. Captain Nathaniel Pry or 259 claim falls under your cognizance, of this much, I am certain, that, if you cannot officially interest yourself in it, its details will ensure your warm and generous support. The eloquent advocate of the abstract rights of man, will not lend a cold and feeble support, to what has con- nection, with the more kind and gentle feelings of humanity. If not inconsistent with your duty, would you be pleased to answer these enquiries. Does this demand come within the scope of those, which have hither- to been termed just and equitable by the U. S. ? If it bear no analogy to former claims allowed, is it your opinion, that it is a fair one against the U. S. ? What measures are necessary to place it before the proper authority, and what is that authority? During the spring Gen. Clark has promised to have the necessary depositions taken. . . . A letter will reach me, directed to " Dardanelle ", Crawford Co. A. T. I have the honour to be Yr. obt. Servt. To James Barbour Esq'r Franklin Wharton Sec. of War City of Washington, D. C. VI. Pryor to Major duVal. Fort Smith, Augt. 21, 1826. Maj'r Duval Sir. Please pay Saml. Rutherford^ Two hundred dollars out of the Claim that you have of mine against the Cherokees and this shall be your receipt, etc. I am with great Respect, yours, etc. (signed) Nathl. Pryor. The Original endorsed viz. Order of N. Prior in favor of Sam'l Rutherford $200.00 Left with me by Mr. Rutherford until a claim of Mr. Priors shall Have been decided on by the W. Department: if the claim be admitted Mr. R. wishes me to retain the amt. of this order out of it for him. E. W. D. Nov: 20, 1826 A true copy from the original on file in this office ., JLibrOnp Geo. Vasiion Agt. Cher's West. West'n Cherokee Nation Agents Office April 30th, 1832 8 Samuel M. Rutherford was for many years clerk for Pryor and Richards at Arkansas Post, and while in their employ in 1819 was appointed sheriff for Clark County, Arkansas. From 1823 to 1825 he was county clerk of Phillips County; from 1825 to 1830, sheriff of Pulaski County. In 1832, when the U. S. Land Office was opened in Hempstead County, he was appointed register. He also served as territorial treasurer from 1833 to 1836. Hempstead, Pictorial History of Arkansas (St. Louis, 1890) ; and Shinn, Pioneers and Makers of Arkansas (Little Rock, 1908). 26o Documents VII. Maj. William McClellan to Gen. William Clark.» Little Rock, (A. T.) May 28, 1827 General William Clark Siiperintendant of Indian Affairs Sir I am happy to hear from Capt. Pryor that he is willing to serve, if appointed Sub-Agent to the Osage Indians; no man can render the same services to the United States than Capt. Pryor can with those Indians. He can speak their language, and they have every confidence in his counsul and advice. . . . Respectfully Your Obdt. Servant Wm. McClellan C. A. W. M.io VIII. Lieut. J. F. Hamtramck^^ to Clark. St. Louis, June 18, 1827 Sir: . . . Capt. Pryor possesses every necessary qualification and would accept the office. I therefore have the honor respectfully to suggest the propriety of such a measure and ask your attention to it. very respectfully your oht. Servt J. F. Hamtramck, To Gen'l Wm. Clark U. S. Ind'n Agt. for Osages. Supt. of Ind'n Affairs IX. Clark to Barbour. SUPERINTENDENCY OF Ind'n AfFAIRS. St. Louis, Aug. 4th, 1827 Sir. Since the death of the Sub Agent of the Arkansas Band of Osages, no appointment has been made to fill the vacancy. As the situation of that Band requires a Sub Agent of respectability and influence, I have employed Capt'n Nathaniel Pryor, at the rate of $500 pr ann. and given 9 Nos. VII., VIII., and IX. are in a folder marked " 1827, Osages (sub- agency) — Wm. Clark — Appointment of N. Pryor sub-agent ". Governor George Izard of Arkansas Territory writes to the Secretary of War on June 6, 1827, from Little Rock: "On my way^ f rem New Orleans I became acquainted with Capt. Nath. Prior, a very intelligent man, who accompanied Mess. Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean, and has since that time been much among the Indians, particularly the Osages. I learned from him that he was directed by Gen. Clark the Superintendent at St. Louis to speak to me relative to the advantage of hav- ing a sub-agent appointed to reside with the band of Osages who are designated as Clermo's, and to ask my co-operation in recommending the measure to the Government. ... I am. induced by these motives to join Gen. Clark in proposing the appointment of Capt. Prior to the sub-agency in question." Publications of the Arkansas Historical Association, I. 445. 10 Choctaw agent west of the Mississippi. 11 John Francis Hamtramck the younger (1798-1858), who had resigned from the army as second lieutenant, and later was a colonel in the Mexican War. Captain Nathaniel Pry or 261 him a temporary appointment of Sub Agent. His influence among the Indians generally, in that quarter, his capacity to act and be serviceable, added to his knowledge of the Osage language, would it is believed justify his receiving the appointment and pay of Sub Agent and In- terpreter, which would enable him to perform those duties which Col. Arbuckle,i2 ^nd the Choctaw and Osage Agents have suggested in their letters which I have the honor to enclose. Capt. Pryor served with me, on an expedition to the Pacific ocean in 1803, 4, 5, and 6 in the capacity of 1st Sergeant; after which he served as an officer in the Army, and was disbanded after the last war.^^ When out of Service, he has pur- sued the Indian trade, in which he has been unfortunate, first by the Winnebagoes, who took every article he had and for which he has a claim before Congress, and since by casual occurrences in his com- mercial pursuit on the Arkansas. Capt. Pryor's long and faithful services and his being disabled by a dislocation of his shoulder when in the execution of his duty under my command, produces an interest in his favor and much solicitude for bettering his situation by an office which he is every way capable of filling with credit to himself and usefulness to his government. I have the honor to be With high respect Your most obt. servt. The Hon. Wm. Clark James Barbour, Secy, of War. X, Sam Houston to Secretary Eaton. ^* Wigwam Neosho^" Gen'l Jno. H. Eaton^^ 15th Dec. 1830 Sir, I have the honor to address you on the subject of Capt. N. Pryor's claims to the appointment of Sub Agent to the Osage nation of Indians, which I had the pleasure of mentioning to you, when I was last in the City. You then took down his name, as an applicant, and assured me, tho you " would give no pledge, yet his claim^ should be considered of ". Mr. Carr, who has recently deceased was appointed, and Capt. Pryor passed by. His claims I have taken leave to state to the President, and do most earnestly hope that they may be met by the well deserved patronage of the Government. 12 Mathew Arbuckle, colonel of the Seventh Infantry. 13 Nathaniel Pryor of Kentucky, ensign First Infantry, February 27, 1807; second lieutenant, May 3, 1808; resigned April i, 1810; first lieutenant Forty- fourth Infantry, August 30, 1813 ; captain October i, 1814; honorably discharged June IS, 1815. 14 Nos. X., XL, and XII. are in a folder marked " 1830, Osages (sub-agency) Col. Arbuckle, Sam Houston — Asks appointment for N. Pryor". 15 Houston went to the Cherokee country in 1829. In 1830 he established himself on the west bank of the Neosho, a short distance above its junction with the Arkansas, and nearly opposite Fort Gibson. Here, in a wigwam, arid later in a log cabin, he lived until December, 1832. 16 Secretary of War. 262 Documents It is impossible for me ever to wish, or solicit, any patronage from the Government for myself, or any one connected with me, but when I see a brave, honest, honorable and faithful servant of that country, which I once claimed as my own, in poverty with spirit half broken by neglect, I must be permitted to ask something in his behalf! Could any just man know him as I do, who had power to offer repara- tion for what he has done for his country, what he has suffered, I am sure he would not be allowed to languish in circumstances hardly comfortable. I trust in God, that he will be no longer neglected, by his country. With high respect, I am your mo ob sert Sam Houston. XI. Houston to President Jackson. Wigwam Neosho, To Genl. Jackson: 15 Dec. 1830 Sir, I have the honor to address you upon the subject of one of your old soldiers at the "Battle of Orleans." I allude to Capt. Nathaniel Pryor, who has for several years past resided with the Osages as a sub agent, by appointment of Gov. Clark but without any permanent appointment from the Government. A vacancy has lately occurred by the decease of Mr. Carr, sub agent for the Osages; and I do most earnestly solicit the appointment for him. When you were elected President of the U. States, I assured you that I would not annoy you with recommendations in favor of persons who might wish to obtain office, or patronage from you. But as I regard the claims of Capt. Pryor as peculiar and paramount to those of any man within my knowledge, I can not withhold a just tribute of regard. He was the first man who volunteered to accompany Lewis and Clark on their tour to the Pacific Ocean. He was then in the Army some four or five years, resigned, and at the commencement of the last war entered the Army again, and was a Captain in the 44th Regt., under you, at New Orleans; and a braver man never fought under the wings of your Eagles. He has done more to tame and pacificate the disposi- tions of the Osages to the whites, and surrounding Tribes of Indians than all other men, and has done more in promoting the authority of the U. States and compelling the Osages to comply with demands from Colonel Arbuckle than any person could have supposed. Capt. Pryor is a man of amiable character and disposition — of fine sense strict honor — perfectly temperate, in his habits — and unremitting in his attention to business. The Secretary of War assured me when I was last at Washington, that his "claim should be considered of", yet another was appointed, and he was passed by. He is poor, having been twice robbed by Indians of Furs and merchandise,, some ten years since. For better informa- tion, in relation to Capt. Pryor, I will beg leave to refer you to Gen. Campbell, Col. Benton, and Gov. Floyd of Va, who is his first cousin.^'^ 17 Pryor's mother was a sister of Col. John Floyd (d. 1783) and of Capt. Charles Floyd. The first Governor Floyd of Virginia was a son of the former, Captain Nathaniel Pry or 263 With every wish for your Glory and Happiness, I have the honor to be your most obt servt Sam Houston. [Endorsed:] Refer [r]ed to the Secretary of War A. J. Xn. CoL. Mathew Arbuckle to Eaton. Head Qrs 7th Inf'try Cantonment Gibson^^ 19th Dec'r, 1830. To the Honbl. John H. Eaton, Secretary of War. Sir, Capt. Nathaniel Pryor, who has been acting as sub-agent to the Osage Nation of Indians for several years, was not a little disappointed, and mortified, when Mr. L. Choteau was appointed the agent to that Tribe,^^ in not receiving from the Government the appointment of sub- agent. That office is again vacant, and he is anxious of receiving it. In relation to the pretentions of Capt. Pryor, I believe I am justified in saying that he had done more than all the agents employed in the Indian Department in restoring peace between the Indians on this Frontier particularly in restraining Clermont's Band of the Osages^" from depredating on the neighboring Tribes, as well as on our citizens, which they had been in the Habit of doing for a number of years. Much of this service was rendered by Captain Pryor before he was authorized to act as sub-agent to that Band, and since he has been acting by authority, except in one or two cases, soon after his appoint- ment, the conduct of the Osages under his particular charge has been as good as that of any Indians in this country. Yet if he was now removed from that Band I would not be surprised if they should com- mence their former Habits, and thereby disturb the peace of this Frontier. The high standing of Capt Pryor for Honesty and Worth together with the service he has rendered to the public, and the call (as I judge) there is for his continuance, I hope will insure to him the appointment he desires. I have the honor to be. Sir, With Highest Respect Yr Obt Servt M. Arbuckle, Colo, 7th Inf'try Sergeant Charles Floyd, of the Lewis and Clark expedition, of the latter. N. J. Floyd, Biographical Genealogies of Virginia-Kentucky Floyd Families (Baltimore, 1912), p. 16. 18 Now Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. 19 Paul Ligueste Chouteau (1792-1851), son of Jean Pierre Chouteau of St. Louis, and younger brother of Auguste Pierre Chouteau who was a companion of Pryor on the voyage up the Missouri on the occasion of the unsuccessful attempt to return the Mandan chief to his home in 1807. 20 For Clermont, principal chief among the Osages, see Long, Expedition, IL 237-248, and J. B. Wilkinson in Coues's Pike, pp. 557-558. AM. HIST. REV., VOL. XXIV. — 18. 264 Documents XIII. Paul L. Chouteau to Pryor.^i Osage Agency, 4 Apr. 1831. To Capt. N. Pryor, V. S. Sub Agt. Sir. This will be handed you by Major D. D. McNair, Sub Agent for the Osages, who visits your post by my directions in order to obtain in- formation relative to the present State of existing difficulties between Clermonts Band of Osages and the Cherokees, and to make the neces- sary arrangements for contemplated meeting of those tribes at Can- tonment Gibson on the ist and 5th May next. . . . Your Obt. Servt. Sign'd P. L. Chouteau U. S. Ind'n Agt for Osages XIV. Pryor to Chouteau. Cant, Gibson, 6th Feb'y 1831 Dr. Sir I have been confined by sickness at this post for five or six weeks and am not yet sufficiently recovered to return home, until the weather moderates, which is uncommonly cold. . . . I am Sir respectfully N Pryor Maj'r P L Chouteau Sub Agt for Osages U. S. Agent for Osages XV. Pryor to Chouteau. Union Mission,22 Feb'y 19, 1831. To. P. L. Chouteau U. S. Agt for Osages Dear Sir When I last wrote you I expected to return home before rhis time. . . . This has been prevented by the continuance of my bad health. I am now some what recovered, hope soon to be restored to good health. I am sorry for the delay in sending the accompanying letters to you. ... Yours with respect Sign'd N Pryor U. S. Sub Agent for Osages XVI. [In a tabular statement of " Superintendents, Agents, Sub Agents, and Interpreters" (contained in a folder so marked), we find mention of 21 Nos. XIII., XIV., and XV. are in a folder marked " 183 1, Osage Agency — Wm. Clark, P. L. Chouteau- — Osage and Creek Hostilities ". 22 Union Mission was established in 1821 by the United Foreign Mission So- ciety as its first station among the Osages. It was located on the Neosho River about twenty-five miles above its junction with the Arkansas. Carey and Lea, His- torical Atlas (1822), note, map no. 35. Captain Pryor accompanied in 1820 the missionary who, going in advance to explore, selected this sitt. [Sarah Tuttle], Letters on the Chickasaw and Osage Missions (Boston, 1831), pp. 37, 45. Captain Nathaniel Pry or 265 Nathaniel Pryor, appointed May 7, 1831, stationed at Cantonment Gibson, as sub-agent for the Osages of the Verdigris, and attached to the Osage agency under Chouteau; pay $500.] XVII. [On May 10, 1831, Captain Pryor, as witness, signed a treaty between the Creeks and all bands of the Osage Nation, at Cantonment Gibson.] XVIII. Chouteau to Clark.^^ St. Louis, 30th June, 1831. Sir. A few days since I informed you of the melancholy death of Mr. D. D, McNair,2* late Sub Agent for the Osage Nation. Since which I have been informed of the death of Captain N. Pryor, another Sub Agent for the Osages, which leaves the Nation without a Sub Agent, and as the business of the agency requires a Sub Agent to be appointed as soon as possible, and it being my wish that Captain Thomas Anthony should receive the appointment, having heretofore recommended him to your notice, and that of the Government of the United States. . . . I have the honor to remain Most Respectfully Yr obt St. P. L. Chouteau, U. S. Ind. Agt. for Osages. To Genl. Wm. Clark, Supt. Ind'n Affs. St. Louis, Mo. 23 This document is in a folder marked " 1831, Osages (sub-agency) — Wm. Clark, P. L. Chouteau — Conditions ". 2*D. D. McNair "was killed by lightning, June 2, 1831, while riding across the prairie in the night, not far from his post". Missouri Republican (St. Louis), June 28, 183 1.