The letter is from Carl Albert, a member of Congress, in response to Mrs. Mollie Colbert Smith's inquiry about payments to Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians for coal lands sold to the government. Albert informs her that living enrolled members will be paid first, and then shares of deceased members will be divided among heirs. He also mentions that an appropriation bill has been passed for the payment. Mrs. Smith had previously written to Albert requesting information on how to apply for payment as a member of the Chickasaw tribe.