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In left margin 1839. Nov: 4: continued.

country by military parties) should lead to serious difficulties, the blame should be with Mr Ross and his people." To the Principal Chief it is of small moment what "reports" are borne to the General or any other person. The Prinicipal Chief is not answerable for the slanderous fabrications of designing Cherokees or vicious White Men; the truth he fears not, but counts its strictest scrutiny at all times and under all circumstances; but he does regret the importance which has been repeatedly attached to mere rumour and the most improbable statements, and that reports, without proof, have been deemed sufficient to warrant serious charges against respectable individuals, to cause the community to be taxed with corrupt falsehood, and the application of harsh and violent terms to the nation as well as its citizens. Though this is a subject perhaps properly the General's own, yet it becomes a grievance to the Cherokees, when the General violently assigns to the authorities and people of that country a position unfair, unnatural, and unjust in point of fact and the universally prevailing sentiment, the Principal Chief is again impelled to protest against any further interference on the part of the General in their local political affairs and to request that they may be permitted to rest in peace and quiet undisturbed & unannoyed by the military, in searching the country for persons whom they have no