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Mount Zion Jan. 19 1844? John Howard Payne Esq. Dear Sir, Though I have been blamed by some of my missionary brethren for censuring those members of our church, who signed the New Echota treaty, as being guilty of a moral evil, yet unless ignorant of my even? heart, I have not censured the signing of that treaty from any political or party motives, but for the same reason that I would censure any other course of conduct, which seemed directly opposed to the dictates of inspiration. Instead of any personal opposition to the treaty party, many of them were among my most favorite friends. This was the case especially with the family connections? of Messrs. Ridge, and Boudinot. To them I was more especially indebted for ten thousand acts of kindness, than to almost any other families in the nation. And when I heard that the treaty was ratified, and knew in some measure, at least, the feelings of the people, and the consequent danger of Messrs. Ridge and Boudinot, I would not rest without advising them to take some measures to regain the favour of the people. As Mr. Northrop, Mr? Ridge's father, was then on a visit, at the house of Mr Ridge & addressed my letter to him, that he might, as he should judge expedient, read or communicate it to Mr. Ridge. I commenced by saying, that, though I might not be a politician, yet I might be a peace maker; and as a friend I begged the privilege of suggesting a few thoughts to our friends Ridge and Boudinot