Today in Chickamauga History - June
1839, June 21: The Cherokee Registry” Emigration from Georgia – Letter Written to the Chiefs of the Western Cherokees (Chickamauga) – Sir: We deem it our duty to address you on this occasion, for the purpose of communicating the result of this general council. You are aware that the objects for which it was convened were to effect a union of the eastern and Western Cherokees (Chickamauga) and to take measures for remodeling their government and laws so as to meet the exigencies of both branches of the Cherokee family, and to provide equally for the tranquility and permanent welfare of the whole people. But we regret to say that the reasonable propositions submitted to the consideration of the representatives of our western brethren have not been received by them in a manner compatible with the wishes of the whole people. They require the unconditional submission of the whole body of the people, alto have lately arrived, to laws and regulations, in the making of which they have had no voice. The attempt of a small minority to enforce tiller will over a great majority contrary to their wishes appears to us to be a course so repugnant to reason and propriety, that it cannot fail to disturb the peace of the community, and to (operate injuriously to the best interests of the nation. We are not without hopes, however, that everything will yet he amicably settled. The sense of the people who form a branch of this general council, has been expressed on the subject. They deem it essential lo the welfare of the nation that the desired union should be formed, and equal and wholesome laws established, by which the general prosperity and happiness of the country may be promoted; and to carry their wishes into effect, they have called a national convention of the eastern and western Cherokees, to meet at Illinois Camp Ground, on Monday. July 1, 1839. Under these circumstances, we feel it due to the interests of the late emigrants, as well as to all concerned, to request, through your official authority, that no disbursements of moneys due to those whom we represent, nor any other business of a public character affecting their rights be made or transacted by the agent of the Government with any other Cherokee authority than the undersigned, until a reunion of the people shall he effected.
We have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully your friends and brothers,
John Ross, Principal Chief,
Richard Taylor, President National Com
.
George W. Gunter, George Hicks, Thomas Foreman, Hair Conrad, George Hicks, William Proctor, James Hawkins, James D. Wofford, George Still, Old Field, Nah-hoolah, Chu-noo-lu-hus-kee, Culsallehee.
Governor M. Stokes, United States Agent.
- https://cherokeeregistry.com/the-emigration-from-georgia-trail-of-tears/