Today in Chickamauga History - February 8
1802, February 8: From Thomas Jefferson to the House of Representatives - Commissioners were accordingly appointed to treat with the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws & Creeks. as these nations are known to be very jealous on the subject of their lands, the Commissioners were instructed, as will be seen by the inclosed extract, to enlarge, restrain, or even to suppress propositions, as appearances should indicate to be expedient. their first meeting was with the Cherokees. the extract from the speech of our Commissioners, and the answers of the Cherokee chiefs, will shew the caution of the former, and the temper of the latter: and that though our overtures to them were moderate, and respectful of their rights, their determination was to yield no accomodation.
(2) “Extract from the speech of the Commissioners of the US. to the chiefs of the Cherokees assembled at South West point Sep. 4th. 1801,” an extensive extract of the record of a council held on 4–5 Sep., in which the commissioners, on behalf of “your father, the President,” ask the Cherokees’ permission for the development of roads to connect the Natchez settlements, Nashville, and South Carolina, and for “houses of entertainment” and ferries along the roads, for which the Cherokees will be paid rent; the commissioners stating also that the Indians’ “white brethren” want to purchase land, but the issue will not be pressed if the Cherokees do not wish to sell; Doublehead, answering for the Cherokees, replying that they do not want to sell any land and do not want the roads developed; the Cherokees also expressing dissatisfaction over encroachments by settlements on their land (Tr in same, in a clerk’s hand except the title, which is in TJ’s hand; FC in DLC, in a clerk’s hand except title in TJ’s hand, endorsed by TJ: “Cherokee conference”). Enclosures endorsed by a House clerk as “Confidential” and as referred to the committee on 9 Feb. Message and enclosures printed in ASP, Indian Affairs, 1: 656–7. Enclosed in TJ to Nathaniel Macon, 8 Feb. - https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-36-02-0345
1793, February 8: Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to William Blount, Governor of Territory of United States South of Ohio River – Knox relays to Governor Blount, President Washington's desire to invite John Watts, Little Turtle, and as many of the real chiefs of Cherokees to pay a visit to Philadelphia where they would be abundantly supplied for themselves and their nation. President Washington believes such a journey would help remove causes of hostility. Knox discusses expenses of presents and asks Blount to keep the number of attendees and costs down. Asks that Blount accompany the entourage. Reminds Blount to regularly muster the militia. As for the meeting date, Knox proposes 17 April 1793 in order to roughly coincide with peace talks with the Western Indians [Sandusky Conference]. - Notable Person/Group: Little Turtle, John Watts, Cherokee Nation - https://wardepartmentpapers.org/s/home/item/78956
1887, February 8: The Dawes Act passed by Congress.