Cherokee Phoenix and Indians' Advocate
Wednesday, February 10, 1830
Vol. II, no. 43
Page 2, col.4c-5b

 Since writing the above, we have been told by a gentleman who passed this place as an express to the agent, from the principal chief, that a Cherokee has, at last, been killed by the intruders, and three more taken bound into Georgia!  We are not prepared this week to give the public any particulars respecting this unpleasant affair.  The general facts are, however, these, the particulars of which will be given in our next.  A company of Cherokees, among whom were some of our most respectable citizens, constrained by the repeated aggressions and insults of a number of intruders, who had settled  themselves far in the country, & likewise by the frequent losses sustained by many of our citizens in cattle and horses from their own countrymen, who are leagued in wickedness with our civilized brothers, started the other day, under the authority of the Principal Chief to correct, at least part of the evil.  They were out two days, in which time they arrested four Cherokee horse-thieves.  These received exemplary punishment.  They found also 17 families of intruders, living, we believe, in Cherokee houses.  These they ordered out and after safely taking out their beddings, chairs, &c. the houses were set on fire.  In no instance was the least violence used on the part of the Cherokees.  When the company returned home, five of them tarried on the way, who, we are sorry to say, had become intoxicated.  In this situation,they were found by a company of intruders, twenty five in number.- One was killed, & three taken into Georgia.
 Thus a circumstance, which we have for a long time dreaded, and which has been brought about by the neglect of the executive to remove the great nuisance to the Cherokees; has happened.  We are nevertheless, glad, that the injury received is on the side of this nation.  It has been the desire of our enemies that the Cherokees may be urged to some desperate act--thus far this desire has never been realized, and we hope, notwithstanding the great injury now sustained, their wanted forbearance will be continued.  If our word will have any weight with our countrymen in this very trying time, we would say: forbear, forbear--revenge not, but leave vengeance to him "to whom vengeance belongeth."

 P. S. On last Saturday, it was reported, that a large company of Georgians were on their way to arrest Mr. Ross and Major Ridge.  We think it not improbable that an attempt of that kind will be made.  If so, self defence, on the part of the Cherokees, many of whom , we understand, were at Ross's and Ridge's would undoubtedly be justifiable.