.MTA1NA.NzA4MDY

From Newberry Transcribe
Revision as of 15:40, 11 October 2020 by imported>Becca
Jump to navigation Jump to search

My husband was not arrested till the 1st of May 1831, though we had, for weeks, been looking for an armed power for that purpose. On the said morning, eleven armed men rode up to the gate and dismounted. My husband walked to the door to receive them. Seargeant Brooks inquired if he were Dr. Butler, and was answered in the affirmative. He then inquired by what authority he was living there; to which the Dr. replied he considered himself under the protection of the U.S. Government and that he was also labouring as missionary by the approbation of the Cherokees. The Sergeant then ordered him to get ready and go with him to have the matter settled by higher authorities. He then inquired of the Dr. whether he had a horse, adding with a good deal of authority, "Be quick." The Dr. invited the company into the hall where they took seats. A hearty meal was soon in preparation for him, also some provision for his comfort on the way. In the meantime two young ladies of our family took their seats in the hall, wishing toknow something more of the intention of those who were about to bear our head away. They, pleasantly, but very plainly told the leader their views of the unjust measures that Geo. was then pursuing. He in turn showed forth his greatness by boasting what Geo. could do, and what she was determined to do. &c. adding there were hostilities in the Nation which should be allayed, if it were done by the point of the bayonet; - as an instance he said a Cherokee had snapped his gun at one of the Geo. guard, and such things should be quelled or Geo. would pour her hundred and fifty thousand soldiers into the Nation. "That would be a brave act", was the reply, for that number of Geo. soldiers to be turned out to subdue one poor Cherokee. When the refreshments which had been prepared were upon the table, an invitation was given to the Sergeant and as many of his company as chose to take seats with the Dr. at the table. They politely refused, saying they had breakfasted. All were soon ready for their departure. Our Cherokee children with out own, stood around weeping; and some of the larger Cherokee scholars ventured to petition the commander that the Dr. might soon be returned. After he had gone, the family was assembled, and the prisoner, by prayer, committed to his covenant keeping God. After they had rode about twelve miles, a compromise was made, that the Dr. might return home, and go to Head Quarters and surrender himself, as suited his convenience. The time specified was the forepart of June, and he returned to the joy, though rather to the surprise of his family.