Cherokee Phoenix

NEW ECHOTA

Published August, 27, 1828

Page 2 Column 1a

NEW ECHOTA:

Wednesday, August 27, 1828

We are credibly informed that Col. Hugh Montgomery, United States' Agent has received orders from the War Department to visit every section of this Nation, and enroll emigrants for the western country, in company with James Rogers and Thomas Maw. These are two of the (Ark.) Cherokee Chiefs who lately violated the delegated powers conferred upon them in exchanging their country for another comparatively of no value. This conduct of their's is so dissatisfactory to their poor brethren, that it has produced no common degree of sensation. We are told that their lives are in danger, and poles are erected on which to exhibit their heads. To avoid the punishment which awaits them, and which seems to have been apprehended by them, they have been travelling in this Nation, and are now to undertake a very unpopular, and we would add, serious task of influencing the people of this country to emigrate. We hope, however, for the sake of peace, nothing will be attempted which may go to implicate us as a people.

We would request our readers to bear in mind that Col. Thos. L. McKenney, special Agent of the General Government, sometime since, silenced a Cherokee, who was employed by the Creek Nation as Secretary, on the ground of interference.- Whence arises this inconsistency? Why are these inter-meddling Cherokees thrust in amongst us ' paid by the United States, when they are unwelcome, and possess no right in this country? Why not 'break' these 'interfering Agents' 'on the spot,' as did the special agent in the Creek Nation? Can such inconsistency proceed from benevolent motives, and true love for the Indians? Is it not more to gratify the State of Georgia, than to procure our benefit that this emigration is recommended and the present efforts to effect it are now pursued? Such efforts may ruin us, by disorganizing the Nation, and the state of Georgia may reap benefits on our ashes, but upon whom will the blame rest?

The Agent will commence his journey with his two Cherokee companions about the first of September. We understand that he considers his present appointment the most unpleasant of any in his life. By virtue of his office he is bound to obey the orders of the War department, and we sincerely hope he will be treated with respect during the execution of the business entrusted to him.