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38

    To the venerable Head Chiefs, Members of Committee, & Representatives of Council.

                                  My Friends
                                               Five years have elapsed since I have been called word lined out to preside over the National Committee, and your approbation of my conduct in the discharge of my official duties so manifested by the successive unclear appointments which you have bestowed up -lined out on me. The truth which you have reposed in me has been sacredly maintained and shall ever by preserved. A Traitor, in all nations, is looked upon in the darkest colour, and is more despicable than the meanest reptile that crawls upon the earth in an honorable and honest character is more valuable than the filthy lucre of the whole world: -- therefore I would prefer to live as poor as the worm that inhabits the earth, than to gain the world's wealth and have my reputation as an honest man tarnished by the acceptation of a pecuniary bribery for self aggrandizement. -- It has now become my painful duty to inform you that a gross contempt is offerred sic to my character as well as to that of the General Council. This letter, which I hold in my hand, will speak for itself, but fortunately the author of it, has mistaken our character and sense of honor. 
                                                                                                                      John Ross

24th Oct. 1823