.MTA2NA.NzIzMDA

power to meet us on that day, owing to a slight indisposition which confined him to his room; but he had no doubt he would be able to meet us on the morrow (Saturday) at the same hour and place. On the Fourth, we attended at the time and place appointed, and Col: Mason also appeared. After some conversation upon points irrelevant to the question of the proposition submitted by us for Col. Mason's consideration, Mr Ross stated to Col: Mason that were were ready to hear his answer to the proposition which he had taken under consideration. Col: Mason remarked that the proposition was inadmissible -- that the Government could not consent to any Treaty arrangement with us for the Cherokee nation to reserve any portion of its territory lying within the limits of Georgia. Mr Ross then requested Col Mason to submit a proposition of what the Government would be willing to do in the matter? Col: Mason said, that of the Georgia & Alabama portion of the Cherokee Country were offered, the a Treaty may be negotiated on the basis of reserving to the Cherokee Nation the lands lying within the limits of North Carolina & Tennessee. Mr Ross remarked that the delegation would never consent to cede all that lands within the limits of Georgia & Alabama, because the extent of Territory belonging to the Cherokee nation within the limites of North Carolina & Tennessee was too small & too mountainous to afford a comfortable residence for the entire population of the nation -- but we would again meet on Monday the 6th of November, and in the meantime reflect upon the subject, and determine whether we could offer any other proposition on our part.