1821, January 18

The following data is extracted from Proposals Made by certain Cherokee Indians, for the Cession of their Lands to the United States.

DIVISION OF THE SOUTH,

Head quarters, Nashville, January 18, 1821.

SIR: On yesterday, a deputation of Cherokees from the Creek. Path Town, consisting of George Fields, Wolfe, and Turtle Fields, handed me the letters marked A, B, and C, herewith enclosed. The paper marked D contains the explanation and talk delivered to me by their confidential agent, Turtle Fields, and subscribed to by the others, which is also enclosed.
On my return from the Creek frontier, last summer, and passing through the lower part of the Cherokee country, I found great dissatisfaction prevailed, arising from the jealousy of Hicks and others, which, I think, I communicated to you.
When I set out to hold a treaty with the Choctaws, I heard that the Path Killer had sent to me a deputation. They passed my house, and finding me not at home, followed me to the Choctaw Nation. That deputation consisted of part of the present, viz: George Fields and Wolfe. They remained with me during the negotiation with the Choctaws; said they had a talk for me when it was concluded; and appeared very desirous that the Choctaws should obtain a country adjoining their Cherokee brothers on the Arkansas, that they might aid each other in the day of danger. They did not, however, hint their business till I reached Russelville, Alabama, on my return, and on the morning when we were to part. They then informed me of their instructions to consult me whether their Father, the President of the United States, would, upon the terms mentioned in their talk, marked D, and herewith enclosed, give to them the reservation asked for--informing me, also, that they had no confidence in Hicks, &c.; that their people had not been heard in council, and, for three years, had not received any part of the annuities; that they were fearful that Hicks and others would, at some future day, cheat them out of their land: all of which they wished to make known to their Father, the President of the United States, and get him to secure them permanently in the lands they now ask for. I then told them that I could make no communication to their Father the President, until the chiefs of their town would, in writing, address me on that subject; when that was done, I would freely make it known, through you, to him, and I had no doubt but it would be granted.
I do believe it to be a reasonable request, and ought to be granted. It is a small demand, compared to what their population entitles them, out of the whole country reserved to the Cherokee Nation. The only good land on the reserve asked for, is on Thompson and Brown's Creeks. The distance from the one to the other is about one and a half miles, and from Brown's to Short creek is about one and a half. The whole reservation does not contain more than six thousand acres of good land; the balance is rock and mountain, of the most rugged kind.

I do believe, in a political point of view, as well as justice to these people, their prayer ought to be noticed. It is inviting Congress to take up the subject, and exercise its power, under the Hopewell treaty, of regulating all the Indian concerns as it pleases. This is a precedent much wanted; that the absurdity in politics may cease, of an independent sovereign nation holding treaties with people living within its territorial limits, acknowledging its sovereignty and laws, and who, although not citizens, cannot be viewed as aliens, but as the real subjects of the United States. If Congress, by law, will, on the terms proposed, take up the subject, and give them the grant asked for, it will give to Georgia and Alabama all the Cherokee lands not settled upon by those who will petition Congress, at the next session, for the right of citizenship. In short, I believe, in a very short time, these people will offer this part of reserved land to the United States, for lands on the Arkansas; and as part of their nation is now there, good policy will dictate the propriety of sending all there, who do not wish to remain where they now are, as citizens of the United States. This belief is bottomed on my mere opinion, and to be taken as such. These people wishing to go to the Arkansas, could not, un less they abandoned their improvements, without compensation. They now fear the injustice of the upper part of the nation, and desire to become independent of them, and be in such a situation that they can remain where they now are, forever, or, if they choose, offer theirs for other land, in a country more beneficial to themselves.
If the real object of the Government is to send all over the Mississippi that are not disposed to be citizens, to consolidate our Southern population, now is the proper time for Congress to take up the subject, allow the grant, and establish a happy precedent. that will hereafter establish the rule of legislating for, rather than treating with, the Indians within our territorial limits. This will secure to the nation of Indians more justice, and great saving to our nation. I have only to add, that I do hope their prayer may be granted, and the precedent established, of Congress legislating for them.

I am, Sir, with great respect,
Your most obedient servant,

ANDREW JACKSON

The Hon. J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War.

Source: Proposals Made by certain Cherokee Indians, for the Cession of their Lands to the United States

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