From the book:
CHOCTAW & CHICKASAW NATION
This book describes the obligation the US had in respect to intruders of
the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations.
Written circa 1890.
No. 13, Elizabeth Casey and John Casey. - The latter is a
white man and claims rights by virtue of his marriage to Elizabeth
Fisher, who claims to be the daughter of Anna Hersly, the daughter
of Nancy Terrill, who was a half-blood Choctaw, and lived in Texas
in 1850. They first went to the Choctaw Nation in 1853. Their
petition for descent is supported by the affidavits of George
Washington and Andrew McGee, the former an aged Choctaw ands the
latter an aged negro, formerly a slave - the latter now dead and
the former supposed to be. Their character for truth and veracity
is impeached, and the character of their evidence is such that but
little credit can be given to it. Another witness testifies that
he knew Jim Terrell (alleged to be a brother of Nancy), but never
heard of his having a sister. Casey testifies that the first
knowledge he had of his relationship with Terrell was derived from
McGee and Washington, and that he proceeded to take their deposi-
tions, but that neither he nor his wife went to see Terrell about
the matter.
VERDICT: I do not think the descent of Mrs. Casey from a Choctaw an-
cestor, recognized by the Choctaw people as one of their number,
has been established by the evidence presented beyond a reasonable
doubt, and therefore am of the opinion that the decision of the
Choctaw council should be allowed to stand and the appeal dis-
missed.
This is a letter from the book:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Washington, August 16, 1890.
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the fol
lowing Senate resolution of June 6, 1890, viz:
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Interior be directed to
communicate to the Senate copies of all correspondence, since
December 1, 1884, between the Department and officials, or others
in the Indian Territory, respecting intruders into the Choctaw and
Chickasaw nations, described in the seventh article of the treaty
with the said nations, of date June 22, 1855; and what steps, if
any have been taken to fulfill the obligations of the United States
in respect to such intruders, and what legislation, if any, is
necessary to enable the United States to fulfill its treaty
obligations in respect to such intruders.
In response thereto I transmit herewith copy of a report of
14th instant from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and accom-
panying copies of papers therein referred to.
Very respectfully,
JOHN W. NOBLE,
Secretary.
The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Washington, August 14, 1890.