[COPY.]

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,

OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS.

17th February 1829

SIR -- The excitement which obtains so often in the Indian Country, and the opposition which is felt to exist against the Government policy, and often the inflamed and jealous feelings of the Indians against the Agents and the Officers of Government, which is fatal in its effects upon the Government policy, are, there is good reason for believing, owing, in great part, to the presence and conduct of those white men who, for various causes, have gone from the States into the Indian Country, and settle there. The evil of their presence is felt to such a degree, as to make it necessary for the Executive to take steps, with a view to correct it.

In regard, first, to the right of these persons to establish their homes in the Indian Country, they have none, apart from the acquiescence of the Indians themselves. But, secondly, as the Guardian of the Indians, the Executive will not permit an evil, so far as can be remedied, to exist among them. These persons being an evil, especially to the Indians, therefore the determination of the Executive to relieve them of it.

You are, by order of the Secretary of War, enjoined, therefore --

First -- To allow no white person to enter and settle on the Indian lands, within your Agency, who shall not, on entering, present to you approved testimonials of his good character, or industry, honesty, and sobriety; nor then, without the consent of the Indians.

Secondly -- If, after permission is given, under such testimonials, the person or person, to whom it is given, shall become lazy, dishonest, intemperate, setting vicious examples before the Indians, in any way exciting them against each other, or inflaming their jealousy and suspicion against the General Government, or any of its acts towards them, or attempting to degrade in their eyes, the Agents of Government, thereby destroying their influence over the Indians by false accusations, or otherwise, you will forthwith order such person or person, out of the Indian Country.

Thirdly -- You will make it your special business to seek after and ascertain who, of all the white persons who are not living among the Indians of your Agency, come within the views of this order; and all who do so, you will order to leave the Indian Country within twenty days.

You will explain fully the object of this order to the Chiefs; and in the event of resistance to your orders, you will call upon them (or the military, if near you) for the necessary force to expel the intruders.

You will report your proceedings under this order, and in each case, setting forth the grounds upon which the unworthy person or persons, are ordered out.

I have the honor to be. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant.

THO. L. M'KINNEY.

To Major E. W. du Val,

INDIAN AGENT,

Little Rock, Arkansas Territory,