1982.001. John Ross Letters Collection, 1829-1865

General condition: Good.

re: Appointed as delegate of the Cherokee people in regard to our grevience before the general government.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: Duty of the Presidental Committee to inform the Cherokee people that it is time for them to accept the terms of the United States government.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: Andrew Jackson is from Georgia and he has had a change of heart concerning the Cherokee people. This letter is to let you know that you can rely on him to help you.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: Received a letter from John Sargent apprising me of your affairs. Mr Sargent advises me of the actions in the state courts and also the US Supreme Court. I would like to see you in regard to the Joseph Vann case on the bills of injunction as they need immediate relief. Please meet me at Judge Daniels as soon as possible.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: believing you to be concerned about the welfare of others, I am asking for relief for my people. The US government has violated many treaties with the Cherokee people and refused to let them into the states of this union as free citizens. It appears to me the only way for my people to get relief is to seek asylum in another land where the government will protect it's people. But before any action is taken I would like an interview with the representative of the soveriegn nation of Mexico who resides in Philadelphia for the purpose of explaining our situation to him.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: Letter of Introduction for John Howard Payne. Payne is a historian and he wishies to learn of your people and their traditions and have copies of documents for historical preservation. You can safely communicate with Mr. Payne and I hope the object of his visit can be occomplished.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: At the last term of the St Clair court, the case of the Whooping Boy and Rabbit were indicted for the murder of a white man. Schewmaker, a representative of the legislature, is anxious to pass a law preventing the Cherokee people from entering the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: Companies of mounted militia have come into Ft Gibson from Ft Towson and the 6 & 7th regimes of the Dragoons are looked for within the month. It is reported that there is a large number volunteers from Tennessee. From what I can learn there are 3,000 troops at Ft Gibson. I do think if there were 2 or 3 smart Cherokees this matter could be settled without the shedding of blood. The contracting agent will have 30 or 40,000 rations ready when they are paid for. Now would it not be proper to appoint a leader for each company and have them receive the rations for their company.

Released on 2006-07-10.

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re: This is for the information of my friend Mr Sanders who does not read English and who no doubt is anxious for my return. It took us longer than expected for Mr Taylor and myself to reach Washington . My engagements here will not permit me to return until the latter part of next week. I trust that Mr Sanders will make himself content until my return.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: I'm enclosing several copies of letters from the War Department and from General Moore relative to the Emigration of the Creeks in the Cherokee County from which may be perceived the views of the government on this subject. The offer now held out and the preamble for Emigration has been spelled out at my wishes in concern for the welfare of your people. Should it become necessary to resort to military force to execute the intentions of the government, conditions will not be as favorable to your people as in the preamble to the Emigration that is spelled out here.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: In respect to the Indian difficulties, I deem it proper to restate in the first place; the general council of this nation have appointed me as a delegate to the delegation for adjustment with the government at Washington City. In the 2nd place relative to the Seminole War, I have not received any communication direct from the Secretary of War on that situation and is one in which I am very interested in and the grave questions which it invokes as to How far will principles of policy and justice influence the U States in negotiating a treaty of peace with the Seminoles under the existing circumstances.

Released on 2006-07-10.

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re: The undersigned delegates of the Cherokee Nation arriving in Washington on business relative to the interest of the whole people.

Released on 2006-07-10.

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re: I regret that Col Shelburne took a different course than we had agreed upon. It could have been an embarressment in my intercourse with the Secretary of War in reference to the contemplated trip to Florida which has caused some trouble and delay in the business. It is due to truth and justice that we should act with a clear and distinct understanding as we interact with the officers of government in reference to the mediation as much is dependent upon our mutual confidence and cooperation to ensure every success in this mission.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: As soon as it was apparent that our mediation of peace with the Seminole Nation and the government was accepted, it became my duty that the deputation be dispatched. This course is necessary with the understanding Col Sherburne had at the separation from the agency which I regret.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: I reached this station (St Augustine, FL) from Black Creek on Garvey's ferry with General Joseph and his staff. Late in the evening my collegues joined me along with Col Sherburne. Late yesterday we paid a formal visit to the chiefs at the fort in which they are imprisoned. The officers in command however would not allow us to give them the talk that you sent to the nation. They would only tell the chiefs we were there as this was orders they said from General Joseph. There is no doubt to this fact as he told me before leaving here that he "Could not permit our talk to go to the Seminoles as it held out expectations that could not be realized." The day I arrived here I wrote a short letter to General Joseph and suggested the expediency of dispatching some of the prisoners to announce to the Seminoles our expected visit and our objective. The general immediately sent for me and told me he intended to send 2 or 3 prisoners to the Seminoles as messengers to the Nation as soon as the steamers are ready.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: St Augustine East Florida. Our purpose is to send a message to the Seminoles by special messengers to bid Chiefs of the Seminoles to come to the Headquarters of the Army.

Released on 2006-07-10.

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re: In regard to the Cherokee deputation sent to Florida under the sanction and authority of your department as mediators for the restoration appease between the Seminoles and the U States. Enclosed is a copy of my talk to the Chiefs and the Headmen and warriors of that tribe.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: I have received another letter from W Fields saying the deputation have had another interview with Col Haj and Oseola with the approbation of General Joseph and that 2 messengers have been dispatched for the purpose of telling the Chiefs of the Seminoles and the Cherokee Mediation to come to the Army Headquarters and they will go with the commander to Ft Mellon whenever the commander in chief takes up his line of march for that post.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

re: I have visited your family often to give my respects and learn of your doings. Your lady has been very respectful and I enjoy listening to her of your interesting account of your visit with Oseola. It is very strange that the delegation was not permitted to give the Talk to the captive Chiefs as that Talk came directly from the Secretary of War.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

W Louis Hilderbrand will start from here on Monday with the Memorial to join the Stage on Tuesday at Madison. The Corps at the Agency are all in action full of suspicion of every person supposed to be opposed to their unrighteous deeds. A committee was appointed yesterday to examine the pamphlets and to prepare our answer as it is found to be in variance with the truth.... I trust the Schermerhorn Compact will not carry them away....Gloomy tidings from the poor Creeks in Arkansas as more than 6000 dead most from starvation from the bad management of the Commiparies and if the Cherokee's fall into their hands they will fair no better.....execution of the Echoeta Treaty.... The Taquohee people do not calculate on moving immediately as they have just built a new meeting house.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

The President having declined any further Propositions from the Cherokee Delegation for setting aside or altering the Treaty and your Memorial to Congress having been rejected by the House of Representatives all hope of accepting your efforts to affect that object must be at an end. The policy you may adopt is of great importance not only to your own people but also to the white people living among them. The law of necessity, or if you please, the hassel of unyeilding will of superior pomer has determined that the remaining portion of the Cherokees remaining in the states must remove to the country provided for them in the west. ...you meet this necessity of which you can no longer contend. Will you bend to the blast to rise with renewed energies when it passes away or by resisting it sink beneath its force? ..But the peace and happiness of thousands may be invoved in your course.

You must be aware that the Cherokees are not preparing to emigrate but are still hoping that you and their other chiefs will obtain a modification of the Treaty and allow them to remain where they are. When the time arrives for them to be removed by force great suffering will arise. In the meantime this can be avoided by preparing your people for the inevitable. You must inform the Cherokees that there is no value in resisting the Government. If in doing so you find an acquiescence on the part of your people, the Government will unquestionablely furnish ample means to remove your people and a liberal compensation in addition if they go without the aid of contractors and agents.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Letter of encouragement from a friend in the Government.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Our hearts respond to your deep toned and solemn appeal. They vibrate with sympathy; they pour prayer for your protection and deliverance in this hour of trial and unparrelled deep adversity. The history of your wrong have been familiar to us since childhood. They often have wrung from our hearts the sympathetic tear. (The entire letter is a letter of encouragement and acknowledement of God and the Savior and he will ultimately overcome evil.)

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Writing a final appeal to the government decision to remove the Cherokee people to the West.....We have considered the points to which you have called our attention and beg leave respectfully to present to you the following brief reply: The people who signed the protest do in no way represent the Cherokee people. We are prepared to do as the Government requests and move our people to the West.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

This is to inform you that this Detachment will be in readiness to receive wagons on Monday night.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Writing in reply to a suggestion that a military guard be sent with each detachment of Cherokee emigrants. It is not necessary to have a military guard. We are of the opinion that sympathy and kind offices will generally be shown by the citizens to the emigrants and the Indians are desirious to exhibit the orderly habits which their acquired civilization has conferred. The parties of about 1,000 each will march without army under Indian conductors and sub-officers -- all of intelligence and discretion, who are ready to promise to punish all disorders among their own people and if they commit outrages on the citizens or depradations on property, instantly to deliver them to the closest civil authorities. I have full confidence in their ability to do as they say.

A copy of this circular will be sent to the commander of each detachment.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

The National Council has taken up your proposition of June 13 and given them due consideration. You state that your wises are to unite the people. As to that matter it is believed by the National Council that the two people are united. Our chiefs have met their brother emigrants and made them welcome in the country. They are therefore made partakers of all the existing laws of the country, enjoy all the benefits and are in every respect the same as ourselves. Since our chefs have made them welcome they have taken them by the hand and expressed great satisfaction with the manner in which they have been received. Therefore there is no need to continue with the question of uniting when they have already been united.

As it respects your wishes that your original laws created beyond the Mississippi, to be brought here and to be brought to life and to have full force in this Nation is believed by the National Council that such admonition is and always be repugnant to the laws of the Cherokee Nation which would thereby create great dissatisfaction among the people.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

#29 The National Committee and Council of the Eastern Cherokees having had under consideration the communication of the Western Cherokees cannot express their regret at the course pursued by the Western brethren as well as the desire entertained by them on a question so important and so indispensible to the permanent welfare of the great Cherokee family and the runion of the two nations.

To the aperation made in that communication that "it is believed by the National Council that the two people have already been united." We are compelled to refuse our assent. That the ancient integrity of the Eastern Nation should be dissolved and their existence anihilated without disception, without condition, without action of any kind is utterly inconcievable. And the rejection by the representatives of our Western brethren of the reasonable proposition to unite the two nations on the basis of the strictest rules of justice and equity, in an act unlooked for and surprising therefore, be it RESOLVED that the declaration of the General Council of the Nation at Aquohee Camps on the 1st of August 1838, in reference to attributes of Sovergnty derived from our Fathers be and are hereby reported and confirmed.

Resolved that the proceedings of the committee and the council be forthwith laid before the people that their sense may be had on the subject.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Letter of introduction for Mr A Williams from Little Rock. I believe him to be a gentleman whose feelings are on the side of the red people of the West. And from his scientific acquirements, good sense and steady habits, he might be useful among the Cherokees.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

We exceedingly regret to hear of the extra ordinary circumstances under which the other members of the committee disputed with you. The object of your mission being altogether to explain to the "old settlers" the specific proceedings of their convention and if possible to endeavor to convince them of the propiety and justice of their acceptance and also to obtain their assent to cooperate with the people now assembled here in the establishment of a new government. No man who loves peace and tranquility and has any regard for the interest and welfare of himself and people can object to act in concert with them for the consumation of so an important question.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

To the President National Committee I transmit herewith a copy of a communication from Brother Brigadier General Arbuckle together with my answer to the same.

I now submit the subject matter for your consideration and action and trust that you will adopt such measures as will ensure order in the country and prevent such occurances to happen again.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

National Convention of the Eastern and Western Cherokees on the 1st day of December 1939 for the purpose of forming a union of the two communities (brought together by the late removal of the Eastern Cherokees) and of adopting measures for the preservation of order and the advancement of the general welfare. Whereas the desired union has been communicated by general Consent; and by conditions of said union "all rights and title to public Cherokee land on the east and west of the Mississippi which may have rested here - tofore in either branch of the Cherokee family are declared henceforward to visit........in the Cherokee Nation consumated by this union. (Continues with new found agreements)

Named delegation to represent the Cherokee Nation before the United States government for the final adjustment of all matters mutually interesting to the United States and the Cherokee Nation. Be it further enacted the above delegation is hereby authorized to apply for compensation to the government of the United States for all sums of money due and as may become due to the Cherokee Nation.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Please obtain as quickly as possible information on the life in peace and war of Spring Frog. Please ask of your brother chiefs as to his age and character and futhermore you include information on your life. I will forward the materials to our mutual friend J R Tyson. You owe it to yourself, your nation and to the world. Do not refuse to act.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Please tell me the character of the school in New Jersey where you left your son. Also on the terms on which new students are received and what is the course of instruction taught and is Cherokee taught there?

I will be pleased to have in detail your views on the best place and plan for instructing Cherokee boys so as to make them a blessing to the Cherokee Nation.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Submission of new claims for compensation that was not submitted previously which must now be considered as fraud.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Ancilles Smith is condemned to be hanged on the suspicion of murder. Petition to John Ross the principal chief to exercise his power to pardon Mr. Smith.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Routine comments on correspondence getting lost and delayed and hearing from someone. Nothing of real importance here.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

With the compliments of the Cherokee Nation to the Honorable J Q Adams, the undersigned on behalf of the Delegation would by leave to congratulate the Aborginal Race on the appointment of the Honorable Member as Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Attended meeting of the Executive Council called by Governor Butler for the purpose of laying some business related to the Nation before them.

The letter to the chiefs of the Creek Nation stating the reasons a delegation was not sent to the Creek Council on the 15th was read and signed by the members of the council.

In answer to the War Department a letter was read and signed expressing the desire to remain neutral in the war between Mexico and Texas.

I had a glance at the "Memorial" from the "old Settlers" to the President of the United States - It amounts to this - they deny ever entering into a union with the Eastern and Western Nations - that the Eastern Cherokees have no rights to this soil but that the Eastern and Western Nations are as distinct and separate as two distinct nations.

The following is a protest of the "Memorial" by the Executive Council addressed to Governor Butler.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

(Answer to a letter from John Ross. Very hard to read) Question seems to be about possessing Negro slaves. James & David Hasdnadge both died and Wiley Hasdnadge claimed they belonged to him.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Appears to be a love letter but so flowery almost seems to be he's writing a love story. (Difficult to read)

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Written from Washington City requesting a meeting with Mr McKenney possibly in Philadelphia or Laurenceville, NJ for the purpose of matters important to my people before turning to the way of the setting sun.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

James Madison, a whiteman, willfully killed and murdered a United States Dragoon sometime last spring in the Cherokee Nation near Capt Boone's Dragoon headquarters.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Captain Ish tick u.k.a. tubby the Chickasaw requested me to write to governor Butler concerning a half breed Cherokee who had purchased a Negro man of a Chickasaw by the name of Och chela tubby. The Negro's name is A M Mile?

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Re: Payment May 29, 1862 John N Stapler for White'd Hawley - Appropriation Warrent for $2. dated November 28, 1851.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

We arrived in the "Queen City" (Cincinnatti) on the 29th exactly one week from when we started including one day and night stay in St Louis. We were fortunate anough to get passage in one of the California mail stages and having one of the contractors with us had a comfortable and pleasant trip.....Father had an operation performed which together with a slight cold threw him into typhoid fever which he has and is still suffering from. I was taken with a slight chill the afternoon after our arrival.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Warrent for the arrest of George W Wells, a half breed Shawnee and Lawrence C Roby a white man who are charged with having stolen money belonging to the Shawnee tribe of Indians residing in Kansas territory. And W Forsythe being accompanied by Matthew King and James Foley, Shawnees acting on behalf of their tribes.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Your communication of this date has been referred to the Secretary of the Interior.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

The failure of the crops in parts of the Nation from the drought and excessive heat of the past summer is a source of regret from the loss sustained and the destitution which exists but it is hoped and believed that individual resources are sufficient to ward off suffering for the necessities of life.

Our rights of person and property are clearly defined in our own laws and in the treaties we have entered into with the United States. Those not specially surrendered are reserved and the General Government is pledged to protect us in their full exercise and enjoyment. It is a cause of deep regret that the subject of slavery has become paramount to all other considerations in opposite sections of the United States and is producing so much harsh recrimination and alienation among those bound together by the glories of an unequalled history and sacred ties of one blood and interest. Slavery has existed among the Cherokees for many years, is recognized by them as legal; and they have no wish or purpose to disturb it or agitate it, others have no excuse for doing so come from whatever quarter they may. It is not an open question among us but a settled one. Agitation in regard to it of any kind can be productive of good to no one.

Delegation to Washington to negotiate a treaty that would embrace all questions and subjects of interest to the Cherokee people....A Memorial was also presented to Congress, praying that the government would either purchase the "Neutral Land" or strike from the Bill to allow Kansas Territory into the Union as a State, all that portion of it's territorial limits that has been by treaty secured to the Cherokee Nation. (Continues on with must detail about property and the need for proper schooling for the Cherokee children.)

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Mr James Benge a Cherokee informs me that yourself and Captain Pita were employed by him, a case before the US District court at Van Buren, where he was charged with shooting at Rich Blackburn a white man with intent to kill.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Call to the attention of the National Legislature to the report and exhibit made by the delegation who were duly authorized and empowered in the making of the arrangements entered into with Major General Scott for the removal of the Eastern Cherokees; and which papers I had the honor to submit several years ago for the information of the National Council. That report will show that a full and final payment had been made with me as the attending agent.

(Continues on with discussions of who was paid what.)

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Our army which embraces the three regents of Indians have been moving about the country and our movements and battles have resulted in success and victories. Our orders to go to the C N were not fully carried into effect owing to the concentration of the rebel army in this states threatening Missouri and Kansas. (Continues with much discussion of the battles fought)

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Acknowledging credentials of the Cherokee Delegation and of an act appropriating $4,000 to cover their expenses and asking for a remittance of the balance.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Acknowledging the receipt of the sum of $2,368.82 allowed the Cherokee Delegation by the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in pursuance of the authority of the National Council of the Cherokees dated July 19, 1863.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Mentions Mary being an invalid and difficult for her to write. Also mentions Abraham Lincoln being elected to a 2nd term the day before. Says the Democrats were defeated because the American Party and the Republican party voted together. Speaks of the Inauguration Day of the ceremony and the weather and the sermon by Bishop Simpson in the hall of the House of Representatives.

The Bill for Consolidating the Indian Tribes and a civil government over them in the Indian Territory which had passed the Senate and failed in the House. The General Indian appropriation for carrying into effect the Indian treaties passed both houses with certain amendments, the nature of which I am not yet informed.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Speak of Mary's being an invalid and being cared for and being difficult for her to write. Then speaks of his staying in Washington after Congress has adjourned to work on a case extremely important to the Cherokee people.

appropriations for fulfilling Indian Treaties. In the first place I will remark that after our Memorials and protests had been laid before Congress; we did not until some days after the adjournment of Congress learned what features of the Indian appropriations were but when we saw the Act we found that it contained precisely the same provisions and amendments as the one paper at the previous session of Congress for the substance and clothing of loyal refugee Indians with the exception of two additional sections one of which provides for placing $250,000 of Choctow Bonds in the Interior Department to be applied by the Secretary for the purpose of subsistence of clothing of such Indians who may have been driven out of their own country by the rebels for their loyalty to the US government in conformity with the provisions of Act of 1862 & 1863. And the other section authorizes the Secretary of War to furnish the so called Indian refugees in the Indian Territory such temporary relief as may be absolutely necessary including clothing and provisions during the residue of the fiscal year 30th June 1865 to be furnished out of any money appropriated for the Commissary and Quartermasters Department. (Tells more about the problems in the Bill.)

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

Informing Mary he will be in Washington a little longer and will hopefully be home soon. Tells of a sermon he heard on the previous morning.

Released on 2006-07-10.

General condition: Good.

U S Consulate at Amsterdam thanking John Ross for his autograph.

Released on 2006-07-10.