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supreme law of the land. Messrs. John Ridge and Stand Watie, now deserted the national standard, and turned again to their own party; and I think disgraced themselves exceedingly in the eye of justice, in a letter they wrote to ensure their proceedings.
From the politeness of Mr. Van Buren, Mr. Ross flattered himself with some expectations of relief; and supposed from his address after coming into office, that he would be more favorable than his predecessor. But although his unofficial discourse carried that idea, yet when he spoke clearly and officially, he told Mr. Ross that the treaty had been ratified and must be enforced.
Mr. Ross returned, and called a council of the people, in which they solemnly declared they never would acknowledge the force of that treaty, which they knew to be a mere fraud, and again appointed a delegation to plead for redress. But this was also vain. The nation was again condemned, and again appointed a delegation to represent their care at Washington city. They also sent a memorial with fifteen thousand signatures, protesting against that fraudulent treaty. Mr. Mason was appointed to confer with this delegation, and they thought, seemed to favour their wishes. Their hopes were revived. They were please, and led along with hopes of success, which their country was filling up with armed soldiers. -- Although Mr. Ross wrote home, that if they could affect nothing to prevent the execution of the fraudulent treaty, he would be at the agency on the 23rd of May, in time to sup-
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