Cherokee Phoenix

LETTER FROM ARKANSAS

Published October, 29, 1828

Page 2 Column 3b-4b

LETTER FROM ARKANSAS

The following is a translation of a letter from one of our brethren in Arkansas, the original of which we also publish. We suppose that such translation may be of some interest to our English readers, not simply for the information which they contain, but as affording occasional specimens of the manner of communication between those who are only beginning to be versed in this new species of literature, and ignorant of all other.

In August and the beginning of September I write.

I will relate to you what is done here on the Arkansas river. Last fall certain Chiefs were appointed to visit the city of Washington. Three days after Christmas they set out. They were sent for the purpose of settling a claim for land due to the nation.- This object was not accomplished.- They exchanged away the country which we already possessed. Consequently there is great disturbance.- The people were exceedingly exasperated. When the delegation returned they came very scattering.* Then a council was held. Two did not attend,-John Rogers and Geo. Morris. Two only were present.- Thos. Graves and Geo. Guess. I did not however see any difficulty arise in the council. Several tribes of us were present- Shawnees, Mohawks, Delawares, Creeks-so many different tribes met with us. (It was all very peaceful. We are soon to have another council at which I understand they [the delegation] are to be tried for not following their instructions-for what they have done in regard to the land, whereas they were directed to go and see respecting a debt. They were instructed if any other proposal should be made, not to accede to it. On this account their conduct gave offence. It has been very near creating mischief.+ But what is not to be will not be. At present the people are beginning to look out for themselves building spots.

Now I have done giving you an account of this one subject.

Now I will relate to you what things have taken place at the West. Last Fall a party of men, thirty five in number, set out on a hunting expedition. When they had gone far, three of their number returned. On their way they were taken prisoners, and detained five days. They were, however, set at liberty, and returned. The company who went farther had proceeded some distance when they saw Pawnees. The Pawnees were many.-Now they rushed upon them, and surrounded them. Then a battle commenced. Three were lost-Tee-le-tah-ta-gee of the A-nee-sah-haw-nee Clan, another called the Squirrel, the other the Horse. This is a true account. Many of the other party were lost, for they had no guns, but only bows and arrows.

Secondly. Another company of seven persons set out for the Pawnee towns. There they arrived at a populous village. They were discovered, there they were attacked, and three of their number were lost. Four only returned, belonging to one town, called Piney-town. Of those that were lost, one was of the Long Savannah Clan, viz. Oo-lah-stoo-hah; another of the Deaf Clan, Tung-ne-no-lee, of the family of Wau hatch-ee; the other of the Wolf Clan, James, a half Creek. This happened in the month of June.

Thirdly. The Council has now just adjourned. Many were together.- There was a great variety of people, and a great variety of business. It was with difficulty that affairs were settled. Now they have completed their business. The land which has become ours is not far off, and is good land.

Fourthly. We hear that there will be war. I believe it will prove true; for we have suffered much injury during the past winter.

At the West there is much war.- There is no prospect of peace. What you hear of bloodshed is true.

I wrote in the first instance of the former council-now I have written respecting the second.

My friends I relate to you something of importance. We learn here that there is likely to be disturbance in the Spanish territory. We believe it is true. People from the United States are much engaged in forming settlements within the Spanish dominions. We understand also that they cross over to the North side of our line. A great variety of people of different nations are now crossing over.

Here in our country the Cherokees have disposed of their land. But the land is good. There is no fault to be found with it. But our elder brethren++ are the cause of it-for they are at work with us. Exert yourselves, members of Council. I wish it might again belong to us Cherokees on the Arkansas River. I hear that such a thing is possible. My friends, I relate this to you.

The Creeks are about crossing into the Choctaw country to settle. The river is the boundary between us.- They do not like the Fork, they say. When they have settled, then they will go to Washington to tell that they like their land.

This is addressed to you all;- John Miller, John Watts, John McIntosh, Cul-sa-tee-hee, Hair Conrad, Bushyhead, Thos. Field.

Now my friends, Farewell. Be thankful that all is well here in Arkansas. This is all. Send me in turn some information, that I may hear what is done among you.

I THE GLASS write this. I am well.

______

* Two of them are yet in this country. Ed.

+ That is, we suppose, the murder of the delegation. Ed.

++ The people of the United States. Ed.