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Correspondence in reference to Cherokee Phoenix.

Messrs. J. T. Schermerhorn U.S. Commissioner, and Ben T. Curry U.S. Agent (now at Mr Williams')

Mineral Spring, Cal, August 22nd, 1835

Gentlemen,

It has been reported to me that the Georgia Guard headed by Col. Bishop, and accompanied by Stand Watie, have forcibly seized and taken away from out of the house or Mr Elijah Hicks at New Echota the printing press & types, various books & papers & other articles all belonging to the Cherokee Nation. It has also been stated that it was currently reported & believed that this extraordinary proceeding has been performed under your direction, in conjunction with that of John Ridge, who, it is said, was in New Echota at the time the seizure was made. In order therefore that the facts in relation to this transaction may be correctly known, I embrace the earliest opportunity to address you on the subject, and respectfully to inquire whether this report be true or not? And if correct, then to be informed by what authority or justification you have been then prompted to seize this rightful property of the nation? What the object in view is, for having it done? And what disposition is intended to be made of the property? It may be proper to add that the General Council of the Nation, which was held at Red Clay in the court of the last Spring adopted a resolution directing me to have this property removed from New Echota, and that in pursuance of which, I had employed a waggon & team to carry it into effect; but the waggoner engaged in this service arrived at New Echota about two hours after this unexpected and very singular seizure was made on the property, as herein stated.

I am, Gentlemen, respectfully, Your obedient servant Jno [John] Ross [Principal] Chief, CN [Cherokee Nation]