The 1835 Treaty with the Caddo represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Caddo Nation and its relationship with the United States government. Executed on July 1, 1835, at the Agency-house within the Caddo Nation, located in the State of Louisiana, this treaty formalized the cession of a vast expanse of Caddo land to the United States. The agreement was brokered between Jehiel Brooks, acting as Commissioner on behalf of the United States, and the Chiefs, head men, and Warriors representing the Caddo Nation. This document not only outlines the terms of the land transfer but also sheds light on the circumstances leading to the treaty and its subsequent impact on the Caddo people.
The treaty itself is comprised of five primary articles, each addressing specific aspects of the agreement. Furthermore, supplementary articles were added to address pre-existing land claims and recognize the contributions of individuals who had served the Caddo Nation.
Article 1: The Land Cession
The cornerstone of the 1835 Treaty with the Caddo is the cession of land. Article 1 details the precise geographical boundaries of the territory relinquished by the Caddo Nation to the United States. These boundaries were defined as follows:
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Western Boundary: The north-south line demarcating the border between the United States and the Republic of Mexico, situated between the Sabine and Red Rivers. The exact location of this line was to be determined and mutually recognized by both governments.
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Northern and Eastern Boundaries: The Red River, beginning at the point where the aforementioned north-south boundary line intersects the river. This intersection could occur within either the Territory of Arkansas or the State of Louisiana. The boundary then followed the natural course of the Red River downstream to its confluence with the Pascagoula Bayou.
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Southern Boundary: Starting at the junction of the Red River and the Pascagoula Bayou, the boundary followed the Pascagoula Bayou to its convergence with the Bayou Pierre. From there, it continued along the Bayou Pierre to its junction with Bayou Wallace. The boundary then proceeded along Bayou Wallace and through Lake Wallace to the mouth of Cypress Bayou. Finally, it ascended Cypress Bayou to its intersection with the initial north-south boundary line. If the Cypress Bayou’s course was unclear, a westward line would be drawn from a definable point until it met the north-south boundary.
The treaty explicitly stated that the land ceded encompassed all territory within these defined boundaries, regardless of its exact size. This transfer of land marked a significant loss of territory for the Caddo Nation, impacting their traditional way of life and their ability to sustain themselves.
Article 2: Removal and Relocation
Article 2 of the treaty stipulated the complete and permanent removal of the Caddo people from the ceded territory. The Caddo Nation agreed to voluntarily relinquish their possession of the land and to relocate, at their own expense, beyond the boundaries of the United States and its territories. This removal was to be completed within one year from the date of the treaty’s signing. The treaty further prohibited the Caddo from ever returning to live, settle, or establish themselves as a nation, tribe, or community within the ceded lands.
This article highlights the forced nature of the agreement. The Caddo were compelled to abandon their ancestral lands and relocate to an unknown destination, facing the challenges of establishing a new home and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. The stipulation against their return underscores the United States government’s intention to permanently displace the Caddo people.
Article 3: Compensation and Annuities
In exchange for the land cession and the Caddo Nation’s removal, Article 3 outlined the compensation to be provided by the United States. The total sum agreed upon was $80,000, to be disbursed in the following manner:
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$30,000 in goods and horses, to be delivered upon the signing of the treaty. This provision suggests an immediate need for supplies to assist with the relocation process.
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$10,000 in money, to be paid within one year from September 1st following the treaty’s signing.
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$10,000 per annum in money for the subsequent four years, completing the total payment of $80,000.
While the treaty stipulated compensation, the value of the land ceded far exceeded the financial remuneration offered. Furthermore, the delayed payment schedule created uncertainty for the Caddo people, making it difficult for them to plan for their future.
Article 4: Appointment of an Agent
Article 4 addressed the logistical aspect of receiving the annuity payments. The Caddo Nation was granted the authority to appoint an agent or attorney-in-fact residing within the United States. This agent would be responsible for receiving the annuities on behalf of the Caddo Nation from the United States government. The location for these payments was to be mutually agreed upon between the agent and the appropriate government official.
This provision suggests an attempt to streamline the payment process and provide the Caddo Nation with some control over the disbursement of funds. However, it also introduced the potential for exploitation, as the appointed agent could potentially misuse or misappropriate the funds intended for the Caddo people.
Article 5: Ratification and Binding Agreement
Article 5 stated that the treaty would become binding on both parties only after its ratification and confirmation by the President and Senate of the United States. This clause underscores the United States government’s ultimate authority in the agreement. Without ratification, the treaty would have no legal effect.
Supplementary Articles: Grappe and Edwards Land Claims
Recognizing previous commitments and contributions, supplementary articles were added to the 1835 Treaty with the Caddo to address specific land claims.
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Grappe Family Land Reservation: Article 1 of the supplementary articles addressed a land grant made by the Caddo Nation in 1801 to François Grappe and his three sons, Jacques, Dominique, and Belthazar. The Caddo had granted each of them one league of land, following Spanish custom. The supplementary article confirmed that the legal representatives of François Grappe (deceased) and his three sons would retain their right to these four leagues of land. This land was to be located in the southeast corner of the ceded territory, bounded by the Red River and the Pascagoula Bayou, encompassing four square leagues.
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Larkin Edwards Land Reservation: Article 2 of the supplementary articles recognized the service of Larkin Edwards, who had resided within the Caddo Nation for many years and served as their interpreter. Acknowledging his long service and current inability to support himself, the article reserved one section of land for Edwards, his heirs, and assigns. This section of land was to be selected from the ceded territory, excluding areas already allocated by the supplementary articles.
These supplementary articles suggest a degree of acknowledgment of prior commitments and the contributions of individuals who had close ties to the Caddo Nation. However, they also highlight the complexities of land ownership and the potential for competing claims within the ceded territory.
Signatories and Witnesses
The treaty and supplementary articles were signed by Jehiel Brooks, the United States Commissioner, and numerous Chiefs, head men, and Warriors of the Caddo Nation. The signatures of the Caddo representatives were marked with an "x," indicating that they were likely unable to write. The documents were also witnessed by several individuals, including military officers, a physician, and an interpreter.
The presence of military personnel and government officials underscores the power imbalance between the United States and the Caddo Nation during the treaty negotiations.
Conclusion
The 1835 Treaty with the Caddo stands as a stark example of the displacement and dispossession of Native American tribes during the 19th century. While the treaty provided for compensation, it cannot adequately account for the loss of ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and self-determination suffered by the Caddo people. The treaty serves as a reminder of the complex and often unjust relationship between the United States government and Native American nations, and its legacy continues to shape the lives of the Caddo people today. The agreement’s complexities, revealed through its articles and supplementary additions, demonstrate the negotiation environment and the existing relationships with external parties that impacted the final outcome for the Caddo Nation.
