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Sirs, My Friends, I am about to tell you a few things respecting our situation and respecting our lands. From time unknown we have been a free and independent people; and also, from the same time, we have had good rights to our lands. It is strikeout not known by whom this land was given us, nor do we know of our having taken it from other people for nothing; nor have we ever disposed of our title to it; nor have we ever given it to any people. The little now remaining of our land is still our own property. Our ancestors were the owners of these lands, and left them to us. When the Europeans first appeared in our Country, they were a friendly people. And they asked of the Indians to sell their lands. The Cherokees did comply with their request and let them have some place to settle on. The Europeans assured them they were not disposed to take the lands which were theirs, for nothing; but "should you ever be willing to cut