In 1825 President James Monroe approved a bill providing for the survey of the Santa Fe Trail from Missouri to New Mexico and the making of treaties to insure friendly relations with Indians along the route. On August 16, 1825, at Dry Turkey Creek, U.S. Commissioners Reeves, Sibley and Mather met Son-ja-inga and fifteen other head men of the Kansas or Kaw nation in council. Negotiations were conducted through "Old Bill" Williams, a noted guide and trapper. For a consideration of $800 in cash and merchandise, the chiefs promised that the tribe would not molest travelers. Earlier, at Council Grove, a similar treaty was made with the Osage Indians.