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Cleveland T scribble 25 Fifty 1st

   Mr. John Howard Payne
        New York

for them, This Session. He will probably, find but a few thousand of them in their new country, when he arrives. And I understand the companies detained on the way. are daily expecting him, not having heard that he was obliged to change his plan and go by unclear Whether on his arrival, he will wish to proceed to Washington or whether there will not be time I cannot tell.

   In view of past events what is now taking place does it not seem that all things are combined to the destruction of the Indian Tribes. When I reflect on them my soul is stressed within me. It seems that I cannot give myself rest, or let others rest, what can be made to lift up their voices in favor of making an exertion for their rescue.
    Since my husband's absence, I have had but little time for writing, on the account of sickness in my family, and being obliged to give much of my attention to the concerns of the station. What little I could devote to this, I have employed in starting some particulars, of the manner, in which the Cherokees were taken -- The methods taken to wrest their remaining property from them & their sufferings while in camp etc. This was not to appear before the public, but to stir up the little circles of my friends in N. England. Mr. Butrick began to make minutes of these things to present to the public, but desisted, thinking the account might prove objectionable as he sometimes found a statement, when given by different persons  did not exactly accord in all its parts, and, as he was not an eye witness, felt that he should not be able to prove what he had asserted. But I think he would be able to furnish you with many interesting facts. Should you wish for his address, I think a letter would reach him directed Hedron Post Office Arkansas Cherokees.
    When the Cherokees were first taken, I assisted Mrs. Hicks in writing a letter to her husband, then at Washington, making some statements of the proceedings. Mr.Hicks now returned since 

before it was copied. I read it to him, and he very much regretted that he could not have had it while in Washington, He requested me to transcribe it that he send it to you. As I was about to comply with this request my little infant son was taken sick, and after a few weeks, died. After this Mr. Hicks' time was wholly occupied in arranging his company for the West, and I did not again meet with him. The paper is now by me, in the original.

   Mr. Samuel Gunter died at the Agency last fall. White Path died on his journey and lies buried in Kentucky.
   I would not forget to tender my thanks for the interest you have expressed in the welfare of our dear children. My two little daughters, with whom you had some acquaintance, often speak of you, and now wish to send love. A little one not quite three years old,looks up, and says "I want to write to Mr. Payne too." We have two Cherokee orphan girls in our family, formerly belonging to our school. They say "We wish to be remembered to Mr. Payne for it is pleasant to hear from any one who feels for the distress of our nations, and we wish we were capable of giving him the assistance he needs in his History. 
                                                                                                      With much respect and sincerity yours -- Lucy A. Butler

on side: P.S. I should be glad [page torn]] as soon as torn receive this, and torn Cleaveland E. Ten. Should you defer torn we shall have ? Please Direct the torn Arkansas Cherokees I hope Mr Ross torn before this Yours, L.A.B.