.MTA1Ng.NzEwMjk

In left margin 1839 Nov: 4: continued.

citizens of the United States and the Cherokee Indians." The Principal Chief observes, if, then, that instrument was actually made with the "Cherokee Nation", could it have been intended that this "peace and friendship" should be confined on the one part to a small number not comprising the one hundredth portion of the "Cherokee Indians" or the half of that; -- and that this small portion should be elevated and cherished through the military, to hold and enjoy all the friendship, protection, favor, rights & interests, natural and conventional, belonging or appertaining to their race? These people, he continues, have no desire, direct or remote, to be at enmity with your government or people, --are ready, on proper occasions, to testify their sense of honor and their love of peace; but they do not consider it their duty at this threatened exercise of military authority, to prostrate the nation and surrender their rights, their interests, and the lives of their citizens; nor do they believe that the government of Washington, if properly informed, would demand such a sacrifice. -- The General, as an officer of the United States, is responsible for his official conduct & measures, and however much he seems inclined to force the Principal Chief, on