.MTA1OA.NzEzMjM

following is the letter which was handed by unclear John Ridge.

Cherokee Agency 31 July 1835

Mr. John Ross

Dear Sir, Your? letter of the 30th inst. was received last night, the contents of which have been duly considered by all our friends attending the Cherokee Agency and they have cordially responded to your invitation and have selected the Gentlemen to be prepared to attend the intended conference. Your motives unclear have no disposition to depreciate or misconstrue. We have no feelings of a private or personal character which can interfere or prevent the restoration of brotherly confidence and harmony among ourselves. We approve of your suggestion that the most influential + prominent men "might hold a special meeting to confer on points in relation to the affairs of our much afflicted nation." We therefore cordially accept of your invitation to hold such a conference at a time + place you shall appoint. We agree with you also that the conference should be composed of men selected for wisdom + moral worth. And after meeting, if it should become necessary, we could form a Sub- committee to effect all the salutary purposes for which the Conference is intended, the great + lasting good of our afflicted nation. We only add, in conclusion, that we have all along desired the best of friendship from yourself and others, having in view the ultimate salvation of our oppressed people.

Living as you do, on our route we have taken the liberty of bringing the letter ourselves, with others of our mutual friends + take you by the hand. We are Sir respectfully your friends Major Ridge John Ridge