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to writing any proposition for his consideration; -- Mr Ross replied that we had not, and asked Col. Mason, if we were to present a written proposition, whether he would not reply to it also in writing? To this enquiry Coll: Mason did not definitely respond. Mr Ross further observed that we were ready to discuss the matter with him verbally, according to the understanding had with Capt Cooper: in doing so, however, it must be distinctly understood, that, as the Cherokee people having from first to last, protested against and disclaimed the instrument purporting to be a treaty negotiated by Mr Schermerhorn & that they never will recognise its validity; -- and the Treaty of 1819, being the last acknowledged and valid Treaty subsisting between the Cherokee Nation and the United States, therefore we could not permit the repudiated Treaty to be brought in question -- That in reviewing the embarrassments and difficulties which surround the Cherokee people, we could say, that they were not created nor brought about by any of our own acts -- consequently the Cherokee nation is not under any obligation to surrender any portion of its rights -- Yet, in the discussion of this subject, we were not disposed to conform to the strict rules of diplomacy and would converse freely and frankly on it, with the view of endeavoring to ascertain, for the true question which has presented itself for consideration is, what can and in justice ought to be done, for the adjustment of the existing difficulties, and the relief of the Cherokee people? Therefore, for the sake of harmony and good understanding between our nation and the bordering states and to relieve the United States Government of its embarrassments, we were disposed to meet the question and adjust the difficulties, with the most liberal feelings, by making such concessions