As a precaution, agent Duvall moved the agency west of Ft. Smith, within the boundary of Crawford County. John Jolly, Walter Webber and their following, for like reasons, moved to Spadra Bluff and Mulberry (county seat for Crawford County) Located far and away from the main population of Arkansas river Cherokee at Dardenelle and the several tributaries of the Arkansas river and just miles from Fort Smith. Duvall’s intervention in the ongoing saga between the Osage and Cherokee concerning the Osage reluctance in turning in the killer of Thomas Grave’s nephew was one of the most peculiar drama’s to date. Contacting the War department, concerning this matter, on May 31^st 1826, Duvall, In a moment of sincerity, explained, to the new secretary of war, James Barbour, that the Osage were using any excuse, to avoid delivering the Killer, of the clan leaders nephew -a must according to both the Cherokee law’ s and the agreement at St. Louis, in 1822. The reasons for their non- execution were considered as invalid in the minds of the Western Cherokee, who waited patiently over the past four years.Three meetings took place, concerning this very emotional issue. The Cherokee leaders, some who traveled over four hundred miles, to attend the hearings, agreed to give the Osage three moons to deliver up the killer:                      

Edward Duval To the Secretary of War Cherokee Agency Crawford County A.T. May 31^st 1826 

Sir, The long expected Council between the Cherokees and the Osages which, in my last, I informed you I was about leaving home to attend, did not lead to the consequences hoped from it.- On reaching the Garrison, the place designated for their meeting the Osages declined going into the council with the Cherokees, pretending that they could do nothing until another agent to them should be appointed.- Mr. Chouteau, the Subagent , was present and offered to aid and represent them in all matters of controversary, but they persisted in declining to do anything whatever in relation to them. Indeed it seems to me quite evident that they mean to do nothing satisfactory if they can avoid it. Con’t The murder of the Cherokee has never been denied. It was attended with all the Characteristics of ferocious and barbarian treachery. A treaty of peace and amity between the two nations had been concluded & signed but a few months previous to it. The Cherokee was met in the woods by the Osages, deluded by a friendly invitation towards their camp, and instead of treating him with kindness and hospitality one of them shot him and the other scalped him.- complaint for this injury was immediately made by the Cherokees, according to the 8^th article of the Treaty of the 9^th of August 1822 between them and the Osages.. ⁴