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Four Mile Branch Monroe County Tennessee Dec 14th 1836

 Dear Sir   I recd your favor by Mr. Ross, and hoped, long ago, to have complied, as far as I was able, with your requests; but the vexations persecutions, waged against the Cherokees, have grown to such a pitch that no individual, in the country, however obscure, can escape suspicion, if he manifest the least degree of friendship for the poor Indians. And although the station I occupy is so humble and so retired in the mountains; the eye of despotic jealousy has descryed our retreat, and our labors have been interrupted by the interference of Military power which has come to enforce the stipulations of the late fraudulent treaty. Having no wish to contend with them; I retired before the storm, at their? first approach, and moved to Tennessee till the excitement should subside. After the Cherokees, in their Gen'. Council, had made a public and decided declaration of their sentiments, I thought there could be no more cause for suspicion, and commenced moving back into the Nation, when I recd an order from Genl. Wool, mobilizing my return. Thus, I have had the trouble to move my large family, three times, over the mountains, a distance of 60 or 70 miles over the worst road and the most mountainous part of the Cherokee Nation. Thus you will perceive Sir, that the delay in furnishing the information you wish, has not been the results of negligence.     We have, at length, fixed on a temporary residence; and as soon as we can get our things arranged and a few indispensible articles for family use procured I will send you some rough drafts of the rudiments of the Cherokee Language.   In the mean time, I beg you to accept this explanation, as on?