CHEROKEE PHOENIX
Wednesday, November 12, 1828
Volume 1 No. 37
Page 2 Col. 3a

 Mr. BOUDINOTT: I notice in the September number of the Holston Messenger, the following editorial statement. "that paper,[the Cherokee Phoenix,] we learn, is mostly under the influence of a northern missionary: who manages it in subserviency to the costly establishments in the Cherokee Nation.  I suppose I am the only person who can possibly be intended by the "northern missionary", who "manages" your paper.  Your won denial of such an assertion might be sufficient, but I have thought it might not be improper for me also, being thus implicated, simply to oppose my own assertion, united with yours, to that of an Editor, who certainly cannot know.  I am well aware that the circumstance of the Editor of the Cherokee Phoenix being associated with me as my assistant in translating and in the study of the Cherokee language, and still more the circumstance of my rendering to him occasional assistance, might excite jealousy; and I have therefore been particularly careful to have an answer always ready to any insinuation; which may be made.  You will bear witness to the truth of the following statement.- I have never, in any single instance, given or intimated my  opinion to the editor of the Phoenix, in regard to the insertion or rejection of any communication in that paper.  I have never suggested a single remark of the Editor of the Phoenix, in regard to any topic connected with missionary establishments, or sectarian interests or differences of opinion.  I have never written or dictated one sentence, which has appeared under the editorial head, except the few sentences in No. 35, published during the late sickness of the Editor, and, I believe a single note of one sentence, entirely unconnected with religious or political controversy, inserted with his approbation.  There is, perhaps, no occasion for me to add anything, except to disclaim the least degree of influence in regard to the religious or political character of the Cherokee Phoenix, and to request the Editor of the Holston Messenger to insert this communication.
     SAML. A. WORCESTER.
 New-Echota, Nov. 6, 1828

 The above statements are strictly correct, and as the Editor of the Messenger seems to be disposed to listen to both sides of the question, we hope he will, in justice to us, insert our unequivocal denial of the implication contained in his paper.  The charge is a serious one, for it is intended to effect the veracity of the Editor of the Phoenix, and the General Council, under whose patronage it has been undertaking.  We regret, that the Rev. Mr. Stringfield should give his influence in circulating the assertion above quoted.  It is a mere fabrication, intended we fear, to effect the circulation of our paper.  He should have considered that a charge is easier made than proved.
 It may be proper to state to our readers the circumstances which have produced the implication in question.  In the 14th No. of our paper, we inserted a communication of the Rev. Nicholas D. Scales, formerly Methodist Missionary in this nation.  As we considered him in error, we took the liberty of adding a few remarks to his communication.  This conduct of ours was highly disapproved by the Rev. Gentleman, in a letter addressed to us.  Explanation was made by us in the 17th No., of one  paper which paper, which we request our readers to peruse.  Soon after we received a long communication from the Gentleman, which we thought exhibited too much of sectarian spirit, and having no desire to engage in any controversy, we rejected it, and returned it to the author.  This communication was afterwards sent to the Rev. Mr. Stringfield Editor, of the Holston Messenger, a Methodist Magazine printed in Knoxville, Tennessee, and published by him with the remark, "that paper, [the Cherokee Phoenix] we learn is mostly under the influence of a Northern Missionary, who manages it in subservience to the costly establishments in the Cherokee Nation."  Who communicated this assertion to the Editor of the Messenger, we are not solicitous to know, all we have to do is to declare it untrue, and challenge the author to prove his declaration.

 It has already been stated to the public that the Phoenix was under Cherokee influence.  It has never been, nor was it ever intended to be, under the influence of any Missionary or White man.  We are extremely sorry that the charge has originated from a quarter not anticipated by us.
       Ed. Cher. Phoe.

This transcription from the Cherokee Phoenix is presented as part of the historical record, and includes historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place including terminology that may not be deemed appropriate today. While an effort has been made to verify the transcription against the original text, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Researchers are urged to match the transcription against the original article to authenticate exact quotes. Issues of the Cherokee Phoenix are available on microfilm. Please check your local library for availability or to inquire about interlibrary loan of a microfilm copy.

Send comments or questions to: George Frizzell
Special Collections . Hunter Library . Western Carolina University . Cullowhee, NC 28723 . 828-227-7474