Cherokee Phoenix

NEW ECHOTA

Published April, 22, 1829

Page 3 Column 1a-1b

NEW ECHOTA

Wednesday, April 22, 1829

A Cherokee correspondent, whose communication in this day inserted, informs us, that a few days ago in Hickory Log District, a young man by the name of (6 Cherokee letters) Tau-ne-qua-li-ski, was so severely burnt while in a state of intoxication, that he survived but three days, and then died a victim to the worst of all evils, INTEMPERANCE. Here is another voice to those who indulge themselves in the use of ardent spirits, and to those who ardently desire to encourage, by personal exertions, the cause of temperance in this nation.- Our correspondent observes, very justly, too, that 'Whiskey is a great evil, and is the immediate cause of all our murders and accidents. What can be done to stop its progress? Our own citizens have distilleries, and those who will drink have the opportunity of gratifying their desire at their doors. Would it not better our condition in the respect, if this one means of procuring whiskey was taken away? I do not think whiskey would be as plenty as it is now, if it could be obtained only among the whites. There are three things which go very much against our prosperity, and which produce evil forebodings-viz: Intemperance, our difficulties with the state of Georgia, and the present system of emigration.'

We have full reason to believe that many individuals of this nation deplore the present state of things, and would gladly contribute a little, by their example, to the cause of temperance. We give it as our opinion therefore, that the establishment of such a society as recommended by Philanthropist is highly practicable, and ought to be attempted. We beg our readers, our christian readers in particular to consider, whether it is not high time for them to bestir themselves. The best interests of the citizens of this nation are at stake. What is to prevent our children from becoming sots, if we are indifferent on this all important subject, yea, lay the snare with our own hands.

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We recorded in our last a very worthy act of a neighbor of ours; that of dispensing with whiskey at his log-rolling. We did not know then that any other person had done the same though we were confident that the example would be followed by some., We have since understood from a correspondent, that Mr. George Hicks also did the same commendable act. This is right--the Hydra must be subdued by degrees-he must lose one head after another. Let others do what these two individuals have done, and very soon one useless and mischievous custom will be abolished.

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We have received a letter, signed by three citizens of Hickory Log District, which assures us that emigration by enrolment has but few advocates, if any. We have had, thus far, official accounts of the feelings of the people in regard to this subject, from Oougillogy, in the District of Coosewaytee, from Turkey Town, in the District of Chattooga; from Highwassee Town-house, in the District of Aquohee, and from Hickory Log. Meetings have been held in other places, the results of which have been the same as those above.- though we have not been favoured (sic) with official accounts.

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Emigrating Creeks.- The number of Creek Indians who have already emigrated beyond the Mississippi is about 1400; the number remaining behind, about 15,000. The principal village at which the emigrants are located, is one on the Verdigris River, at the head of steam navigation and but four miles from Cantonment Gibson. Col. Arbuckle is stationed with about 300 U. States troops. Distance from the mouth of the Arkansaw (sic), according to the windings of the river, 600 miles, by land 300.

Among the Creeks, there is evidently a greater disposition to emigrate than among the Cherokees and it is possible that the whole tribe will at length consent to remove. One important advantage which they will gain by the measure, and perhaps the only one, is an escape from the vexation occasioned by bad neighbors. But by going too far into the wilderness where their roving disposition will have freer scene, and hunting be pursued instead of agriculture, it is almost inevitable that their progress towards civilization will be greatly retarded.

If Georgia and Co. could be willing to let them remain where they are without molestation, it would be the happiest condition on the whole, which they can ever expect to enjoy. So far as the scattered Indians of New England ' New York are concerned there is good sense in what is said by the advocates of removal; because an Indian population intermixed with whites, or so small as to amount to the same thing, is sure to become extinct. But where they are collected in a large body, as in the case of the Creeks and Cherokees, and provided with a sufficient extent of territory, it matters not by whom they are surrounded, if only they can be let alone, and their internal policy not be disturbed as has lately been done by the Georgians.---Jour. of Com.