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Gen: Nat: Smith . Red Clay Cherokee Nation, June 18th, 1835. Sir, I have just received your letter of the 16th unclear is not to be wondered at that the Cherokee should have declined unclear in the number of their families to you, when your appointment and the authority by which it has been conferred, had not been previously made known to them; and especially ad they are entirely ignorant of the real objects of the Hon: Secr of War, in directing the census of only a pactional? part of their nation to be taken. - I must confess that I am no less in the dark myself, not having received any information as to the necessity which has dictated this course. The relation which this nation sustains towards the United States is of a general character, and if it should be desirable on the part of the President, for any important and useful purpose, to ascertain the precise population of the whole Cherokee Nation East of the Mississippi and due notice given to the proper authorities thereof, measures would be immediately taken to have the subject fully explained and calculated for the general information of the people and faithful persons appointed on the part of the nation, to accompany you, or any other gentleman who may be appointed by the President for that purpose. And I need not assure you that every facility in my power for the accomplishment of the object, upon fair and correct principles, would be cheerfully afforded. There is not good reason for departing from the long established regulations of the government in its intercourse with the Cherokees: and I do protest against the general unclear which has been pursued and in now observed by Ben: F Currey unclear in relation to the affairs of this nation. It seems to be founded upon partiality and injustice - its tendencies demoralizing and effects Dishonorable. Should it be persisted in and tolerated by the Heads of Department, I cannot give it my countenance. I am, Sir Very Respectfully Yours: ob: unclear John Ross unclear of the Cherokee Nation