.MTA1Ng.NzEwNDk

the earth; -- an honorable and honest character is more valuable than the filthy lucre of the whole world: -- therefore I would prefer to live as poor as the worm that inhabits the earth, rather than to gain the world's wealth and have my reputation as an honest man tarnished by the acceptation of a pecuniary bribe for self-aggrandizement. It has now become my painful duty to inform you that a gross contempt is offered to my character as well as to that of the General Council. This letter which I hold in my hand, will speak for itself; but, fortunately, the author of it has mistaken my character and sense of honor."

The letter was handed by Mr Ross to a McCoy, the Clerk of the National Committee, and read by him aloud, being interpreted into Cherokee sentence by sentence by Mr Richard Taylor, a member of the National Committee. It was dated Oct 21: 1823. It sounded John Ross on the practicability of decoying the Cherokee into a sale of their country. It assured him, if he would do his best to bring about that object, he and any friends he would name, should be adequately provided for in advance by the United States' Commissioners