Cherokee Phoenix

NEW ECHOTA

Published September, 17, 1828

Page 3 Column 1a

NEW ECHOTA:

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 1828

We understand that on last Friday, a murder was committed not far from Crutchfield's mill, by one O-lah [in Cherokee] who in a fit of intoxication thrust a butcher knife into the temple of another, Ah-ne-yvng-le, [in Cherokee]. The murderer has not yet been arrested. Here again is another instance of the dreadful effects of ardent spirits. How long shall we foster this evil? Is it not time, high time to bestir ourselves, and make a vigorous exertion to put a stop to the progress of intemperance?- We are happy to state that the repeated instances of murder occasioned by ardent spirits, have had a good effect on individuals. We hope the effect will become general, and that Whiskey will be considered as the most deadly poison, and be entirely discarded.

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The following extract of a letter from an intelligent Gentleman residing among the Cherokees of the Arkansas, addressed to a friend of this place, will be read with interest.

Ere this I presume you have seen the new compact entered into by the Cherokee Delegation from this nation. From the documents we have received it appears that the Delegation labored faithfully to accomplish the business for which they were sent to Washington, and when they found that was impracticable, they were pursuaded [sic] to accede to the proposals made by the Sec. of War to enter into a new compact. Very general dissatisfaction prevails among the people. At first their feelings were excited to a very high degree against the Delegation, who were threatened with the full weight of the nation's indignation. By many, their lives were threatened as soon as they should return. At this time, the excitement has nearly subsided, and I think that no other punishment will be inflicted upon the Delegation than depriving them of their offices and influence. Nearly all the people are still dissatisfied with the treaty, and think the delegation exercise a most unwarranted stretch of power in making it. What will be the ultimate effect of the new treaty upon the general interests of the Nation it is impossible to foresee. When, however, the disastrous influence and confusion arising from breaking up from their homes and moving shall have subsided, and they shall be settled in their new homes, I do hope the provisions of the new compact will be favorable. This will certainly be the case, if the Nation exercise prudence and wisdom in the regulation of their internal affairs, and in regulating their intercourse with whites. By the new compact, whites can approach them only on one side and all the navigable waters will lie in an Indian country. These circumstances I do hope will greatly restrain, if not entirely prevent the introduction of ardent spirits into the country, as well as put a stop to many unpleasant collissions [sic] with whites. I hope however, that no other Indians will be induced to try the same experiment.