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of the honor and the liberties of this great republic? If not, then they ought not to exist within your bosom. By the God of Nature they have been made free, and that spirit of freedom which is implanted in their hearts can never be enslaved. But, as a nation, they are weak & powerless, they cannot resist the decree of this government, consequently, they are at your mercy; and in pleading for the protection of their just rights, they can but rest their hopes on the good faith & magnanimity of the United States. The proposition herein submitted simply asks that the Cherokee People may be effectually protected on that basis, by which alone they can be preserved & elevated in a moral, religious & political point of view, to an equal standing with the White Man on their own Native Soil. With that intensity of interest which is peculiarly involved in the decision of a question of so vast a magnitude, the Delegation will await the final determination of the President on their proposition; and, in conclusion, permit them to urge upon your kindness an early decision. In the meantime, They have the honor to be Sir Yr ch hble servts John Ross R. Taylor Wm Rogers Danl McCoy Saml Gunter