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temporal interests interwoven with that of the Cherokees and on that account determined to prevent the latter from selling their country. These views are doubtless confirmed by missionaries standing out, and chasing rather to suffer almost any thing then leave their possessions. The more we do to strengthen these views of Georgia, the more we do to provoke still greater oppression."
Dec. Six. the foregoing communications to the unknown Com. express my sentiments generally relative to the great missionary question and I will close my remarks on this subject by referring you to the question itself as stated in the Miss. unknown for Nov. 1831, Page 36h. "Whether the State of Georgia has rightful jurisdiction over the Cherokee country or not is the very question at issue. It is the one which the missionaries wish to have divided by the only proper tribunal, the supreme court of the United States. 6 words unknown -lined out The missionaries were competent to read them (laws etc) and form an opinion respecting their meaning. They did form such an opinion and acted upon it. If the supreme count shall divide that it is erroneous, they will quietly submit. The above is doubtless a correct statement and of course, the only reason why our brethren went to the Penitentiary was to test the laws of Georgia. This might indeed be glorious and patriotic, yet it was not suffering for "righteousness' sake" - "has conscience sake" nor "for the sake of preaching the gospel."
Respectfully yours D. S. Butrik