| Summary: | In the letter Gayle describes the allegations of the white citizens, including the murder of a circuit court clerk in Russell County. The newly appointed agents are to begin their work by meeting with the Indian chiefs: "In your interview with them, you will probably be able to learn something of their intentions touching the hostilities they are said to be meditating, & of the true causes of their dissatisfaction. While among the Indians and in all your interviews with them, it is important that you observe a conciliating course of conduct, and impress upon them that the authorities of Alabama desire to protect them in all their right, to relieve their wants, as much as possible and redress their grievances. At the same time they should be made to comprehend fully their relations in their present situation with the white people & our laws. They cannot live among us without rendering obedience to the laws, and they must not indulge the expectation that they can commit offences [sic] of any deception, with impunity." While Gayle stresses that the main purpose of the investigation is to discover the Indians' motives for inciting violence, he also urges the men to encourage them to leave soon for "the Country which has been provided for them west of the Mississippi." A transcript of the letter is included.
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