.MTA1NA.NzA4MDY

My husband was not arrested till the 1st of May 1831, though we had, for weeks, been looking for an armed power for that purpose. On the said morning, eleven armed men rode up to the gate and dismounted. My husband walked to the door to receive them. Seargeant Brooks inquired if he were Dr. Butler, and was answered in the affirmative. He then inquired by what authority he was living there; to which the Dr. replied he considered himself under the protection of the U.S. Government and that he was also labouring as missionary by the approbation of the Cherokees. The Sergeant then ordered him to get ready and go with him to have the matter settled by higher authorities. He then inquired of the Dr. whether he had a horse, adding with a good deal of authority, "Be quick." The Dr. invited the company into the hall where they took seats. A hearty meal was soon in preparation for him, also some provision for his comfort on the way. In the meantime two young ladies of our family took their seats in the hall, wishing to know something more of the intention of those who were about to bear our head away. They, pleasantly, but very plainly told the leader their views of the unjust measures that Geo. was then pursuing. He in turn showed forth his greatness by boasting what Geo. could do, and what she was determined to do. &c. adding there were hostilities in the Nation which should be allayed, if it were done by the point of the bayonet; - as an instance he said a Cherokee had snapped his gun at one of the Geo. guard, and such things should be quelled or Geo. would pour her hundred and fifty thousand soldiers into the Nation. "That would be a brave act", was the reply, for that number of Geo. soldiers to be turned out to subdue one poor Cherokee. When the refreshments which had been prepared were upon the table, an invitation was given to the Sergeant and as many of his company as chose to take seats with the Dr. at the table. They politely refused, saying they had breakfasted. All were soon ready for their departure. Our Cherokee children with out own, stood around weeping; and some of the larger Cherokee scholars ventured to petition the commander that the Dr. might soon be returned. After he had gone, the family was assembled, and the prisoner, by prayer, committed to his covenant keeping God. After they had rode about twelve miles, a compromise was made, that the Dr. might return home, and go to Head Quarters and surrender himself, as suited his convenience. The time specified was the forepart of June, and he returned to the joy, though rather to the surprise of his family. In two or three weeks after this, the Dr. received a letter from the Gov. of Georgia, informing him that if he did not remove his family in ten days, he must suffer the penalty of the law, and be removed by force. Other Missionaries within the chartered limits of Georgia received letters of the same import. On the 8th of June my husband set out for Head Quarters according to promise. Our little daughter being but four days old. When arrived he introduced himself to the Col. of the Guard, who seemed almost in a rage at his presumption in coming fearlessly and surrendering himself. The Col. told him that he might have considered the letter from the Gov. ordering him to remove, as absolving him from his promise. He poured forth the most vilifying epithets on christians and missionaries. For some time the Dr. thought it very doubtful how the case would turn. Appearances were that they intended arresting him and putting him in irons. it might have been to freighten him and bring him to their terms. The Col. said to him, "As you are now here you may as well stay." The fr. replied "Very well Sir, it will be just as you say." Then the Col. endeavered? to draw from him a promise to remove his family. To this the fr. objected and positively told him he should make no such arrangements. The Col. appeared much perplexed to know what to do, but finally told him he might return home. This was considered only a short respite to get a letter hold?, to "break him down." A term they used respecting those Missionaries who still persisted in holding their stations. In this, we did not misjudge; for on the 7th of July when the Dr. and all the members of the school were attending, a religious meeting at a Cherokee neighbors four armed men arrived on foot, having left their horses a few miles distant. They enquired for the Dr. and on being informed where he was, two set out in quest of him, while the other two remained to watch our proceedings at the house. Those who went after him stopped at our meeting house about quarter of a mile from our dwelling, & when he passed it, they sprang out like wild animals in ambush, made him prisoner. The poor children, nearly twenty in number scattered here and there, some skulking into one door & some into another. I rested? myself in the hall & began as if nothing strange had happened, relating to my husband the little occurences that had taken place since he had been out, such as the swarming of bees, my skill in manageing so as to get them into a new hive &c. At length the Sergeant told him they had fourteen miles to go that night, and it was time he was making ready. We gave them an invitation to stay until morning, but they refused. I then remarked that supper should be on the table in a few minutes, if they would wait for it; to this they commented. The Dr. asked permission to ride, but they objected. I then went to the Sergeant requesting liberty for the br to take his horse, as he would be at the expense it would oreasien?; be refused, saying he had orders that none of the prisoners should ride. I then clearly saw their motive was to "Break him down." After supper I hastily tied up a few clothes I likewise brought forward a good supply of