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�At the first meeting Mr Smith asked the Indians why the Signed for me for Agent in preference to him, they said because I had helped them & treated them best, and after having very hard words with them, he told them he would give them (so the Indians Sed[?]) one [inserted line] or two I forget which they said[/] dollar[s] each if they would put their names on his petition but they refused to do it, & then he Sed if that is not enough I will give you more, but they Still refused, and after he found they would not Sign for him he got up & Sed I do not care whether you Sign for me or not, I can be Agent if I wish. Then the Indians Sed if you can be agent without we Sign for you, why