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May 26, 1838. The daily words in the United Brethrens Text book, were (Is. 119:9) "I am thine, save me." This day a number of Georgia citizens, near New Echota, took sixteen Cherokees, drove them to the fort, and then requested permission of General Scott to take them out, and whip them. In this, however, they were not gratified. Those sixteen Cherokees were taken by the citizens, probably, to remind General Scott that no farther delay could be made with regard to collecting the Indians. The soldiers at the various posts, now commenced that work which will, doubtless, long eclypse the glory of the United States.
General Scott gave orders that no indecent language should be used towards the Indians; and that in case any of them attempted to escape by flight, no gun should be discharged at them. But these orders, I believe, were obeyed or not, according to the disposition of the under officers and soldiers. In the limits of Georgia these were supposed to be about eight thousand Cherokees. These were taken first, and in general I believe they were taken just as they were found by the soldiers, without permission to stop, either for friends, or property. As the soldiers advanced towards a certain house, two little children, it was said, in a fright, fled to the woods. The mother requested permission to seek them, or wait till they came in, giving positive assurance that she would then follow on and join the company. But all entreaties were vain. She was driven away, and it was not till some
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