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smudge 14 And as he had rendered himself unworthy their attention, they ordered their delegation to Washington for the final adjustment of their difficulties. Mr. Ridge and one or two others of his party were members of this obligation.

When the time arrived for Mr. Schermerhorns council, about three hundred, including men women and children assembled, though but about seventy could be persuaded to act in the business. These men, unauthorized, and in open opposition to all the authorities of the nation, signed that treaty which Mr. Schermerhorn saw fit to impose upon of -lined out the Cherokee people. Many of these treaty men, however were bad characters, insomuch that some respectable Cherokees unclear the delegation they appointed, "The horse thief delegation."

Now Mr. John Ross was spoken of as being at the head of a party, in order to blind the public mind, as it must be known to all that the nation is not a party, nor the principal chief unclear, and kept in that office by the almost unanimous voice of the people, the leader of a party.

The council above mentioned, having concluded their treaty, chose a delegation of fourteen, to take it to Washington City for ratification. Soon after their delegation started, a protest, signed by twelve thousand Cherokees, was sent to Washington, declaring that the treaty was not the act of the nation, but made in direct opposition to the authorities and will of the people. This protest was presented to the senate, and the substance of it confirmed I believe by military officers, in the service of the United States. But all was unavailing. The senate of the United States ratified the treaty with their eyes open, and thus made it the