8 
CHOCTAW INDIANS.—MC’kINNEY’s FARM. 
date liis gentlemanly deportment and kind manner, and anticipate a rapid march in improve¬ 
ment during liis administration of their affairs. 
At Napoleon, we first met Indians calling themselves Choctaws. They said, as well as we 
could understand, that they had been to Little Rock to draw their annuities, and were on their 
return to their homes in Mississippi. If this were true, it would appear that some imposition 
had been practised upon'the government. They had certainly obtained money somewhere, 
which was fast finding its way to the whiskey shops. They were a merry set, decked out in 
ornaments such as the half-civilized admire ; the most popular being a tall beaver hat, with 
wide silver band. Several were in an advanced stage of intoxication. The effect was, not to 
make them quarrelsome, but to excite mirth and good humor. The next morning one pleasant 
looking fellow complained that while he had been asleep in the street, his pockets had been 
picked, and his money stolen. But he added that it served him right; “Indian a fool to get 
drunk.” 
At Fort Smith the Indian trade is of considerable importance. Whiskey unfortunately forms 
a large item, and has the effect of limiting the prosperity of the Choctaws, and of the city, which 
to some extent depends upon them. As the sale of intoxicating drink is prohibited within the 
Indian country, numerous grog shops line the western frontier of Arkansas. It would be a 
blessing to the Choctaws if this trade could be prohibited. 
Among these Indians are well-educated and well-behaved men. Mr. McKinney, whom we 
first met at Fort Smith on his return from Washington, is of this class. He was educated at 
an academy in Kentucky, and now resides at Scullyville. Yesterday, after having taken dinner 
in camp, he asked us to visit him at his house during the evening. Mr. Marcou, Mr. Campbell, 
and myself accepted the invitation. A pleasant walk of a mile, along a road leading through 
a dark forest of oaks, and occasionally opening upon a beautiful field, or Indian farm, brought 
us to our friend’s residence. The out-buildings had to be passed before a view of the house 
could be obtained. It was surrounded by a fence, enclosing a garden, corn-field and orchard. 
It was built of one story, in the usual style, with a wide open court or passage through the 
middle. As we climbed the fence, both dogs and master greeted us.- Entering the house, we 
found the floor carpeted; and the curtains, bed, chairs, and tables showed a respectable degree 
of civilization. Our host introduced us to his wife and children, all of whom were well dressed ; 
and, though possessing dark skins and Indian features, by no means ill-looking. They asked 
us to be seated, offered us fruit, and received us with great civility. The eldest son, a handsome 
boy of ten or twelve, attracted our attention by his pleasing manners. He told us that he 
attended the Choctaw high-school, which is supported at the agency by private subscription. 
His studies are algebra, geography, history, and the usual attendant branches. The younger 
brothers showed themselves quite proficient in the mysteries of the spelling-book. Mr. McKinney 
gave us much interesting information respecting his tribe. He says it is but a few years since 
the people have begun to be satisfied with their country. It has been supposed that water 
would be difficult to obtain, and they are gratified to learn, from our geologist, that wells fifty 
feet in depth will generally afford a supply throughout this region. They are just com¬ 
mencing to appreciate the wealth of the soil which they possess. When first transplanted here, 
chills and fevers attacked them severely. Lately, either from being acclimated, or better pro¬ 
vided with houses, and less exposed to the malaria of the low lands, sickness has not been so 
prevalent. The Choctaw nation is divided into four districts, each with an independent chief. 
The country ceded to them extends from the western border of Arkansas, south of the Canadian 
river, to the boundaries of the State of Texas. For the privilege of residing upon a portion of 
this territory, the Cherokees have paid a handsome sum. This the Choctaws have invested in 
stocks; the interest, $15,000 per annum, being appropriated to the support of free schools and 
academies. The one located at Fort Coffee has been already referred to. At Scullyville is a 
school-house, situated at the edge of a grove whose wide-spreading oaks shade a charming play¬ 
ground. Here congregate boys and girls of various ages, reminding one of a country school in 
