.MTA1Nw.NzEyNjU
The foregoing letter was given to Judge Underwood, who presented it personally the same evening to the Secretary of War and brought a verbal answer expressing a wish that the Deputation would call at the war office on the morning following at ten o' clock. They did so. Gov: Cass was on his feet & extremely busy: but he stated that he was about calling on the President; to whom he would communicate on the affairs of the Cherokees, and, if the deputation could conveniently wait, he would presently bring them the result of the interview. At the same time he intimated a desire for a written stipulation on their part that they would abide by the award of the Senate, as is detailed in the memorial dated March 3, in one of the following pages. He suggested this, not wishing to enforce it against their will, but as a regret; if they thought it expedient, they might make up their minds in his absence: he thought it would facilitate the final settlement and left them to confer. During his absence the following was drafted & presented to them on his return. To the Hon: Lewis Cass Sec. of War
War Department Feb. 28th 1835
Sir, Having submitted a proposition for a final adjustment of our difficulties with the government of the United States, and understanding that the President decrees it too extravagant, we must beg that the subject be referred to the Senate for its sense on the question. The President having often told us that he was disposed to treat us with liberal justice, & that he would go as far as the Senate would allow him, in regard to money matters, - we therefore trust that he will adopt this course. Being extremely desirous that thus unhappy controversy may be speedily adjusted & deeply sensible of our dependent condition, and confiding in the liberal justice of the United States Government, we are prepared, on our part, to bide the award of the American Senate upon our proposition, and to recommend the same for the final determination of our nation. We have the honor to be, Sir, very respectfully Your ob: hble: servants: M. Ross R. Taylor (?) Sam Sunter WM Rosers