North Carolina
Message of the Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1853)
We have received the annual message of John ROSS, the principal Chief of the Cherokee Nations to the National Council. It is a concise, well written paper. He says that the year which has elapsed has been one of manifold blessings; the seasons have been propitious to the tillers of the soil, and the footsteps of pestilence and famine have been far removed from their borders. He alludes in appropriate terms to the demise of Richard TAYLOR, Assistant Principal Chief; to the murder of Andrew ADAIR and his on Geo. W. ADAIR, and gives a history of the circumstances connected with it; and then urges further legislation for the suppressions of mobs and unlawful assemblages. He says, that the late delegation to Washington failed in their mission to sell to the Government the "Neutral Land," so called; and he protests against a claim set up by Thos. L. CLINGMAN, on behalf of the Cherokees who remain in North Carolina, to a certain interest in the proceeds of said land, in case it should be repurchased by the United States. This failure lea aves the finances of the Nation in an embarrassed condition. He proposes the establishment of a permanent agent at Washington; speaks of the Temperance reformation as having progressed to gratifying extent; and says that education is meeting with increased favor among the people. The boundary indicated for the proposed territory of Nebraska, would, if established, enroach on the lands of the Cherokees; and to this invasion of their rights, guaranteed by the United States government, the message recommends that a solemn protest be entered.
Extracted from People's Press, (Salem) N.C., Vol. III., No. 41. November 26, 1853
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