A council held with the chiefs and braves of the Iowa tribe of Indians by T. H. Harvey

A written account of a conversation between Indian Agent Thomas Harvey and the Iowa tribe. In this document, Agent Harvey called for the expulsion of African Americans from Native American reservations. This was thought to be in direct response to Jeffrey Deroin's close relationship with the Iowa tribe, but also served to remove the safe haven of Indian territory for runaway slaves prior to the Civil War. Below is a transcription of half the page referencing Jeffrey Deroin:

Maj Harvey – Men ought not to keep bad company – you have had bad birds among you, I feel it my duty as your father to lead those bad birds away – You know I love my Iowa children and they know I do all for their good – after these people are gone, you will do better and I hope you will not [mummer] at it – your [grt] father the president would be angry if you permitted these people to remain here – this is you country – you are Red Birds – Black Birds have no business among you. I will therefore send the black Birds away. You must not think how this country was reserved for Indians not negroes. I can not permit them to associate with my red children.

White Cloud – I purchase Jeffery one of the negroes alluded to. I think he ought to stay he is [two illegible words].

Major Harvey – If you purchased him you have done enough for him. He is to [smart] to remain with you. He is a bad man.