Cherokee Phoenix

We stated, in our paper of yesterday, that a Southern paper had intimated a determination on the par

Published October, 16, 1830

Page 4 Column 4c

We stated, in our paper of yesterday, that a Southern paper had intimated a determination on the part of the President to compel the Creeks to emigrate as a nation, by starving them into acquiescence. We copy the following paragraph on this subject from the Columbus Enquirer of the 3d instant:

'Much feeling and excitement are spreading through the Creek nation, especially that portion of it prepared and in daily waiting to remove to Arkansas, in consequence of a communication received by Col. Crowell, from the President, thro' the Secretary of War, dated at Franklin, in Tennessee, at which place the President was a few weeks since. We have learned from some intelligent Indians, to whom the purport of this communication from the Secretary of War has been made known, by the Agent, that the President directs emigration at the expense of the Government to be stopped; withdraws his protection from the Indians; and will not expend one dollar to assist them in emigrating, unless the whole Nation consent to go. The President further says, that though this determination on his part may operate harshly upon those Indians who have planted no corn, and who have no means of support if they remain another year, still he has formed the positive resolution to hold no further intercourse with them, except they apprise him of their wishes to sell out their lands, and remove in a body west of the Mississippi.

This is the substance of the communication of the President, received by the Agent a day or two since at the Creek Agency, near this place. The above statement of facts in relation to the Creek Nation may be relied on as substantially correct.'

It thus appears that those Creeks who, with a view to prevent, by a ready acquiescence in the wishes of the President, any compulsory measures, have made their arrangements to remove this season beyond the Mississippi; and have, in consequence, foreborne those efforts which they would otherwise have made to raise the means of subsistence, are to be left either to starve, or to rely on the precarious bounty of individuals for food:-- the Government which has seduced them into error coldly withdrawing its hand, and leaving them the victims of their credulity. Will reason, justice, common humanity sanction such a procedure? It cannot be presumed even for a moment; and if not, will the people of the United States sanction what is rejected by reason, justice, and common humanity? We hope history will answer for the people in the negative.