.MTA1Mg.NzA1MDQ
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
No. 1 Red Clay Cherokee Nation July 4th 1837 Note: this is a duplicate page John H Payne Esq.
Sir, I am authorized to inform you that Mr. Andrew Sanders whose Cherokee name is Snake, who is a Cherokee of good character, is willing to be considered your informant with regard to the traditions which Mr. Butrick has sent you. And among those already forwarded to you, he would have you insert the three following viz. 1st There existed from eternity, three beings, above, who were always one in mind, and in all their works. They created all things, are allways present with all their works, know all things, and direct when & how all are to die. - 2nd The most Sacred Name of God is yi ho wa, a name which no common person was ever allowed to speak, nor any one only on certain occasions. The hymn called yowa, is sung to yi ho wa --. 3rd The world was created with the fruit ripe, at the commencement of the first autumnal New Moon, which is therefore called the great moon, and begins the year as far as respects all the feasts of New Moon. But with the first new moon in the Spring the fruits begin to come forward, therefore that moon begins the year with regard to the feast of first fruits. Mr Sanders has interpreted for Mr. Butrick so that through him all these traditions have been communicated. And he fully believed they have not been received from whitemen for the following reasons. viz. 1st. The Antiquarians who relate them are men of integrity, and universally declare that they were handed down from their fathers. 2ed. The persons familiar with the above & other traditions & antiquities, are generally such as have been from their childhood, most entirely secluded from the whites, having no direct communication with them. 3rd. The most aged of the Cherokees and almost the only persons acquainted with the above traditions, excepting a few who have learned from them. 4th. The ancient Cherokees have generally held the white people & their religion in such contempt that there is no reason to suppose they would learn of them. I am authorised also to say that Thomas Smith, whose Indian name is Shield eater and Noo,cho, we are willing to be considered your informants as respects