number and identity of the negroes denied, and the validity of the whole transaction questioned, etc.; and hence the conclusion, as he had received no order in relation to the negroes, he should not interfere; and directed Lieutenant R. to land them with the Indians. First, however, to conclude the farce, he exacted from each chief separately the promise, _if the President should decide that the negroes should be given up_, that they would deliver them to him. This of course they promised; any explanation or remonstrance urged by me was unavailing." CHAPTER XVI. FURTHER DIFFICULTIES IN THE WORK OF ENSLAVING THE EXILES. General Gaines in person defends those left at New Orleans--He appeals from the judgment--Effect of appeal--Authorities at Washington informed of difficulties--General Jessup retires from the command--General Taylor succeeds him--He refuses to follow policy of General Jessup--Recognizes no prisoners as slaves--Letter from Adjutant General--He promptly refuses to have any thing to do in Watson's slave-dealing transaction--This indignant answer is received without reply by Department--Other persons claim the Exiles detained at New Orleans--Commissioner driven to the necessity of declaring correct law on the subject--Same as that avowed by General Gaines, by General Taylor, and by Hon. J. Q. Adams--Claim of Colonel Humphreys for slaves--Jessup's answer--Reynolds returns from Fort Gibson to New Orleans--Collins reaches the city same day--Inquires as to the situation of the thirty-one Exiles left there--Is referred to Major Clark--Clark's answer--Collins leaves city in disgust--His Letter to Secretary of War charging Reynolds with misconduct--Exiles remaining at New Orleans are delivered to Reynolds--Are sent to Fort Gibson--Join their friends--All are left however without permanent homes or lands--Intention of the Administration to compel them to unite with the Creeks--They refuse--Cherokees tender them lands--They settle upon Cherokee territory. [Sidenote: 1838.] After the emigrating company of Indians and Exiles had left New Orleans, under charge of Lieutenant Reynolds, Gen'l Gaines assumed upon himself the whole responsibility of defending the thirty-one who remained in that city; for as yet there had been no trial upon the merits of the case, although it was pretty evident that the judge was strongly impressed in favor of reënslaving them. The cause was duly brought to a hearing, and, after argument and consideration, the court gave judgment in favor of the claimants.