Cherokee Phoenix

How to treat with the Indians.-- The following is from the instruction of the Secretary of War, to t

Published March, 17, 1830

Page 1 Column 5b

How to treat with the Indians.-- The following is from the instruction of the Secretary of War, to the secret agents appointed to persuade the Southern Indians to remove beyond the Mississippi. We are often told that the Indians are anxious to remove, but are prevented by their chiefs. Can any one after reading these instruction, think the Secretary of War believes so? If he does, why is he so fearful of a `general council?' The chiefs, however, may be bribed-and then the way to the West will be open to the Indians. So if Great Britain could have bribed Washington, and Jefferson, and Adams, and others of our `influential men' she might have contrived to keep this country in subjection a little longer. But our `influential men' were above such paltry considerations-and we hope those of the Southern Indians will be.-- Conn., Obs.

'Nothing is more certain than that if the chiefs, and influential men could be brought into the measure, the rest would implicitly follow. It becomes therefore, a matter of necessity, if the General Government would benefit these people, that it move upon them in line of their own prejudices; and, by the adoption of any proper means, break the power that is warring against their best interests. The question is how can this be done? Not, it is believed, for the reasons suggested by the means of a general council. There they would be awakened to all the intimidations which those who are opposed to their exchange of country might throw out; and the consequence would be--that it has been--a firm refusal to acquiesce. The best resort is believed to be that which is embraced in appeals to the chiefs and influential men-not together, but apart at their own houses; and by a proper exposition of their real condition, rouse them to think upon that; whilst offers to them of extensive reservations in fee simple, and other rewards, would, it is hoped, result in obtaining their acquiescence. This had, their people, as a body, it is believed, would gladly go.'