Returns, specifying the number of Indians, distinguishing men, women, and children, and stating the tribe, will be drawn by the agent or sub-agent on the contractor, and upon these issues will be made. After the business is completed, these returns will be consolidated into an abstract, and certified by the agent or sub-agent, and the military officer, and thereupon payment will be made to the contractor. The abstracts and contracts will be the vouchers for the settlement of the accounts. 9. It is believed that, in most cases, three days' provisions will be found sufficient; viz. one upon the day of arrival, one upon the day of payment, and one upon the day of departure. Should two days, however, be found necessary to complete the payment, four days' provisions may be allowed. 10. Independent of the Indian agent or sub-agent, and of the military officer making the payment at places where it may be convenient, another military officer will be directed to be present, and certify to the payment. 11. Previously to the payments, the agent or sub-agent, and the military officer or officers, will convene the Indians, and ascertain from them in what manner they desire the annuity to be paid: whether to the chiefs of the tribe, to heads of families, or in any other manner. They will take care that the Indians fully comprehend the subject, and act upon their own suggestions; and, after getting their views, the payment will be made in conformity thereto. The decision of the Indians will be certified upon the receipt rolls by the above officers. 12. Payment will, in all cases, be made to the Indians, and to no other person; nor will any debt or claim of any kind be allowed or paid, excepting claims provided for in the 17th section of the act passed the 30th ultimo, and entitled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontier."