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1839. June 24.

gov: M: Stokes US. Agent for the Cherokees writes from Cherokee Agency, Bayon "not clear", to the "not clear": I.R.Pointsett, Secretary officer, at Washington. He se ds three reports: two from the principal chiefs who first removed to the country & one from Mr Ross & a portion of the late emigrants who removed under his direction.-He states that about the 10th to the 19th of June, the Cherokees of all parties held a Council at their new CouncilHouse at Takuttokak. The whole nation was invited: about 6,000 attended: the purpose was to reconcile all difficulties & to unite in forming a government for the whole Cherokee nation,- which purpose was clearly & distinctly expressed in all their letters & messages. By special invitation Gen: Arbuckle & the Agent attended two days: They did all in their power as friends & mediators. They found the parties did not agree, but saw nothing like hostility. On the 15th & 19th the Agent received by express the two reports of which he tends copies marked * 1 & 2. On the 21st he recievd by express the report of the Ross party he asked 3. xxx Gen: Arbuckle & the Agent found major Ridge & his son Jr Ridge; Elias Boundinot & his brother "not clear" at the Council Ground: they left under some apprehension of danger. He states that it was known one they went that most of those who were concerned in the New Echota treaty had joined the old settlers or first Cherokee emigrants, & that those were opposed to "not clear" Ross & his party. The agent exceedingly regrets to add that on the 18th of June John Ridge was killed; on the 19th his father & on 20th Elias Boudinott.: he says the murder of Boudinot was treacherous and cruel: that three men called on him & asked for medicines; that he went with them to