J.A. Bell to the Secretary of War, June 11, 1844 · Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal · Retracing the Bell Route: An Archive of Cherokee Removal

Transcription

J.A. Bell to the Secretary of War, June 11, 1844
Transcribed by Haidan Parajuli

“Washington City D.C. 11th June 1844
Sir,
You will recollect that the undersigned[,] a delegation appointed by their suffering people[,] laid before you a history of their grievances and begged an early decision immediately after their arrival in Washington City. Nothing but the desperate condition of ourselves and our people and the impossibility of their remaining in their present situation could have induced us to trouble this government with our presence. On our arrival you did us the honor to assure us that there should be no unnecessary delays in considering and deciding the important issues which we were instructed by our people to present to your government. The importance of the controversy, and the obligations which the United States owe to afford relief, and not any disposition to procrastinate has caused our detention in the city to the present time; and owing to the heavy pressure of business before Congress and in your own Department, it has been found impossible to obtain a settlement of the per capita and other dues of our people so as to pay ourselves out of our own money.
We consequently find ourselves still pleading before your government for the rights of our people without money or the means of returning to the borders of our country where we hold intercourse with our families.

You are aware that we are debarred of any participation in the Cherokee annuities and cannot therefore look to the party who swallow up all the proceeds of the Nation for any return of our expenses. We have therefore to ask that you will duly consider our situation and ask Congress for such an appropriation as will cover the necessary expenses incurred about our visit.
Enclosed we send you an estimate which does not fully cover the expenses but with which we will be satisfied.

We remain very respectfully, your ob[edient] serv[ants], and true friends to your government
J.A. Bell
E[zekiel] Starr
Bluford West”

J.A. Bell to William Wilkins, June 11, 1844, House Records—Indian Affairs, 28th Congress, RG 233, National Archives.

Title

J.A. Bell to the Secretary of War, June 11, 1844

Name of Writer

J.A. Bell

Name of Recipient

William Wilkins

Location Correspondence is Sent From

Washington City

Location Correspondence is Sent To

Washington City