Cherokee Phoenix

GENL. COUNCIL

Published November, 4, 1829

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GENL. COUNCIL.

COMMITTEE

Monday Oct. 1829

The Committee met at 9 o'clock.

The Resolution on the subject of improvements was taken up. After various amendments, and considerable discussion, it was passed.

The resolution submitted by the Council making death the penalty for disposing or selling in treaty lands belonging to the Cherokee Nation, without authority from the General Council was taken up. The Committee proposed a substitute, to which the Council agreed.

Tuesday Oct. 27.

On motion of Joseph Vann, a resolution was adopted, extending further indulgence to those citizens of the nation who are indebted to the Treasury for monies borrowed.

John Martin, Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation, made report on the state of the funds.

A letter was addressed to the Treasurer, informing him that the claim of William H. Standefer and Ephraim Hixon, against the Cherokee Nation for goods lost was rejected by the Committee and Council.

Wednesday Oct. 28

James C. Martin presented a memorial, praying that a warrant be issued, directed to the marshal of the nation, to bring the body of James Pettit on the charge of bigamy and mistreatment of Elizabeth Pettit his Cherokee wife. A warrant was therefore issued, ' James Pettit was arraigned before the Committee and Council in Committee of the whole. After examining various papers, pro and Con. the Committee and Council fined said James Pettit, $500, and declared his plantation forfeited agreeable to law, for the benefit of Elizabeth Pettit.

Friday Oct. 30

A resolution was passed, respecting the law of 25th October, 1824 on the subject of letting out the Federal road to the lowest bidder to be kept in repair; and authorizing the Treasurer to let out the said road on the first of December, in eight shares.

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COUNCIL.

The Council met agreeable to adjournment.

George Hicks, Chisholm and Co. petitioned for a grant to establish a ferry at the junction of the Oostannahlee and Conasauga rivers, or at a suitable point above on the Oostannahlee. The petition was granted.

A bill from the Committee, extending further privilege to the citizens indebted to the nation, for monies borrowed, was received, read and passed.

Wednesday Oct 28

On motion of Mr. Parris of Hickory Log District, a Bill on slander was taken up for consideration, which, after some discussion, was laid on the table.

James Pettit, a white man, being taken by the Marshal of the nation, was brought for trial on a charge of bigamy and mistreatment of his wife Elizabeth Pettit, a Cherokee- and the Committee having come down, the Legislative Council in Committee of the whole, proceeded to investigate the case, and consumed the whole of the forenoon- at 12 o'clock the Council adjourned. The Council in Committee of the whole convened at 2 o'clock. Many documents against and in favor of the prisoner were read and interpreted, and at a late hour, it was decided that Mrs. Pettit had a sufficient provocation to leave Mr. Pettit's house; and that James Pettit be compelled to pay Elizabeth Pettit $500, and give up his place or plantation to her and child.