.MTA1NQ.NzA4Njk

1839 June 10. - John Ross, Principal Chief of the Eastern Cherokees, addresses the General Council of the Nation; - both parties of emigrants, old & new, being present. - He says they have been permitted to meet on the border of the great plains of the west, after years of separation; have embraced as countrymen, friends & relations; he proposes to kindle the social fire & take measures for cementing their union as a nation by establishing the basis of a government united to the condition & wants of the whole people, with wholesome laws for the security of property, life & all of the sacred rights. He hopes for harmony & good understanding in an occasion of such importance. He states that on the 8th of Dec. 1836, he & his associate delegates had the satisfaction to meet their Western brethren in Council at Tolluntecshy? & of submitting before these the proceedings of the Cherokee Nation East in General Council at Red Clay on the preceding 28th of Sept: The western council gave the proceedings their unanimous approval & appointed a delegation to be associated with him & others in a joint effort to navigate a Treaty with the United States for the best interests of the whole Cherokee people. The result of this mission has been fully made known. The Eastern Cherokees have never swerved from the sentiments than expressed; but, after the seizure & captivity of the whole Cherokee people, by the military power of the United States' government, re-affirmed by an act of their General Council all their previous acts in relation to their rights & interests; which facts prove clearly the great body of the people they removed, emigrated in their national character with all the attributes which belonged to them, from time immemorial, as a distinct community; - and, although compelled to their removal by the strong arm of power, they have never trespassed upon the rights & priveleges of those who were at the new abode before them, because they know the rights & priveleges of the people are equal: and notwithstanding the last comers constitute a large majority, there is neither any intention nor desire on the part of their representatives to propose any thing butwhat may be strictly equitable and just and satisfactory to the people. He is persuaded that these sentiments will be fully reciprocated. He trusts the subject of this council will be referred to the respective representatives of the eastern & western people. He hopes their joint deliberations may speedily result in the nation's permanent reunion & welfare. - There are great public & private interests yet to be adjusted with the United States government, which can only be secured by a just & amicable course on the part of the nation. The injuries and losses