CHEROKEES:
It is nearly a year since I first arrived in this country. I then informed
you of the objects of my coming among you. I told you that a treaty had
been made with your people, and that your country was to be given up to
the United States by the 25th May, 1838, a (little more than a year from
this time,) when you would all be compelled to remove to the West. I also
told you, if you would submit to the terms of the treaty I would protect
you in your persons and property, at the same time I would furnish
provisions and clothing to the poor and destitute of the Nation. You would
not listen, but turned a deaf ear to my advice. You prefered the counsel
of those who were opposed to the treaty. They told you, what was not true,
that your people had made no treaty with the United States, and that you
would be able to retain you lands, and would not be obliged to remove to
the West, the place designated for your new homes. Be no longer deceived
by such advice! It is not only untrue, but if listened to, may lead to
your utter ruin. The President, as well as Congress, have decreed that you
should remove from this country. The people of Georgia, of North Carolina,
of Tennessee and of Alabama, have decreed it. Your fate is decided; and if
you do not voluntarily get ready and go by the time fixed in the treaty,
you will then be forced from this country by the soldiers of the United
States.
Under such circumstances what will be your condition? Deplorable in the
extreme! Instead of the benefits now presented to you by the treaty, of
receiving pay for the improvements of your lands, your houses, your
cornfields and your ferries, and for all the property unjustly taken from
you by the white people, and at the same time, blankets, clothing and
provisions for the poor, you will be driven from the country, and without
a cent to support you on your arrival at your new homes. You will in vain
flee to your mountains for protection. Like the Creeks, you will be hunted
up and dragged from your lurking places and hurried to the West. I would
ask, are you prepared for such scenes? I trust not. Yet such will be your
fate if you persist in your present determination.
Cherokees: I have not come among you to oppress you, but to protect you
and to see that justice is done you, as guarantied by the treaty. Be
advised, and turn a deaf ear to those who would induce you to believe that
no treaty has been made with you, and that you will not be obliged to
leave your country. They cannot be friends, but the worst of enemies.
Their advice, if followed, will lead to your certain destruction. The
President has said that a treaty has been made with you, and must be
executed agreeably to its terms. The President never changes.
Therefore, take my advice: It is the advice of a friend, who would tell
you the truth, and who feels deeply interested in your welfare, and who
will do every thing in his power to relieve, protect and secure to you the
benefits of the treaty. And why not abandon a country no longer yours? Do
you not see the white people daily coming into it, driving you from your
homes and possessing your houses, your cornfields and your ferries?
Hitherto I have been able to some degree, to protect you from their
intrusions; in a short time it will no longer be in my power. If, however,
I could protect you, you could not live with them. Your habits, your
manners and your customs are unlike, and unsuited to theirs. They have no
feelings, no sympathies in common with yourselves. Leave then this
country, which after the 25th May 1838, can afford you no protection! and
remove to the country designated for your new homes, which is secured to
you and your children forever; and where you may live under your own laws,
and the customs of your fathers, without intrusion or molestation from the
white man. It is a country much better than the one you now occupy; where
you can grow more corn, and where game is more abundant. Think seriously
of what I say to you! Remember that you have but one summer more to plant
corn in this country. Make the best use of this time, and dispose of your
property to the best advantage. Go and settle with the Commissioners, and
with the emigrating Agent, Gen. Smith, receive the money due for your
improvements, your houses your cornfields and ferries, and for the
property which has been unjustly taken from you by the whitemen, and at
the appointed time be prepared to remove. In the mean time, if you will
apply to me or my Agents, I will cause rations, blankets and clothing to
be furnished to the poor and destitute of your people.
/s/ John E. Wool
Brg. Genl.
Comdg.
Source:
Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA), Nashville, Tennessee, State Library
Cherokee Collection, Box 3, folder 9, document: ch078
