Dowell, an attorney and newspaper editor, was active in state government.
Dowell to Commissioner, 4 April 1856, in United States, Office of Indian Affairs, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880, National Archives Microcopy 234, Roll 609, NADP Document D35.
Jacksonville OregonApril 4th 1856
Sir:
Congress made an appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars in 1853 to pay the Indian Spoiliations during the Rogue River Indian War of 1853, and Ambrose the indian agent and two other gentlemen were appointed commisssion to audit the closing, swore afterwards, yet up to this time not a dollar has been paid the claimants.
I wish to know the reason why these claims have not been paid, and when the claimants may expect to be paid.
Would drafts drawn on the auditor by the claimants be paid like drafts drawn by intentions for services on mail routs?
Yours very respectfullyB.F. Dowell
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