.OTg0.NjMwMTk

                                                                                               25
                                                                  Cherokee Agency Cherokee Nation
                                                                         Sept 26 1865

To: John Ross

             Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation

       Sir
                  Enclosed you will please find a copy of a communication, dated Fort Smith Ark

from the Hon D. N. Cooley, Comm. of Ind Affairs to Hon. Elijah Sells, Supt Ind Affrs for the Southern Superintendency.

                 You will also please find a copy of a communication from the Hon. Elijah

Sells, Supt of Ind Affrs, Southern Superintendency to me as U.S. Indian Agent, CN dated Fort Smith Ark Sept 23 1865.

                  In obedience to the orders above referred                 you are hereby

notified that you will not be recognized as Chief of the Cherokee Nation by the Indian Department of the United States government.

                                                                    Respectfully,
                                                                    Your Obt. Servant
                                                                     J. Harlan
                                                                     U.S. Indian Agent, CN