R. Taylor et al. to John Ross, October 1, 1838 · Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal · Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal

Transcription

“Cherokee Agency October 1st 1838

Mr. John Ross Principal Chief &c.

Dear Sir
We the undersigned Conductors and assistants in Cherokee Emigration regret that it becomes our painful duty to apprise you of the course pursued by the Bell party of this place—and also to request of your suitable means of prevention—They have been & still are sending Emissaries into our camps for the purpose of retarding the Emigration and if possible to produce division in our ranks—They tell the people that if they will go with them they will give them land—that they will get all of their money here and that they will get the sixty five Dollars per capita— that if they go with you [Chief Ross/ National Party detachments] that you have no land to give them—that they will only get one half of their money here & that they will loose the whole of their sixty five Dollars, which is to result to your entire benefit & that you will make a large fortune at their expence with many other unfounded, willful and malicious representations well-calculated to produce dissatisfaction & perhaps division among our people who are enrolled in a great state of forwardness for Emigration—unless some speedy & efficient measure should be adopted we fear the result—we therefore call upon you to prescribe the remedy, if in your power, if not, we call upon Gen’l Scott through you to furnish some suitable remedy to prevent the wicked & mischievous interference on part of the Bell party to produce discord & division in our camps—we submit the above to your consideration & determination
Yours with due respect
R. Taylor
[11 other signatures]”

John Ross Papers, Gilcrease Museum

Title

R. Taylor et al. to John Ross, October 1, 1838

Name of Writer

R. Taylor

Name of Recipient

John Ross

Date of Correspondence

1 October 1838

Location Correspondence is Sent From

Cherokee Agency