Today in Chickamauga History - April 25
1793, April 25: Additional Hostilities Against the United States, Etc. - Blount has received additional evidence of the intentions of the Creeks to commit hostilities against the United States. McKee and Watts are to attend a council in which McKee is to represent the interests of the U.S. The mounted infantry ordered to provide relief to the Mero Distrct has not demonstrated the readiness that would have been expected. – Notable persons/group: the Glass a Cherokee Chief, Watts - https://wardepartmentpapers.org/s/home/item/44573
1828, April 25: ARKANSAS TERRITORIAL PAPERS VOL XX – Page 656 – 657 -
MEMORANDUM FROM EDWARD W. DuVAL - [NA:OIA, Lets. Recd. (Cherokees W.) :ADS]
[April 25, 1828]
MEMORANDUM:
I think it would be well, in the first Article, to define the Western boundary of the Territory, the removal of that being the basis of the proposed new arrangement, and let the grant of Territory to the Cherokees follow in the second.-In defining the western boundary of the Territory it would be well, I think, to say-that it sh 4 commence on Red River at the point where the Eastern Choctaw-line strikes s 4 River & run due North, with s4 line, to the River Arkansa; thence in a
direct line (which w4 be due north) to the South West Corner of Missouri. Omit the words in the parenthesis.-
In describing the New grant to the Cherokees it would only be requisite, as to their lower, or Eastern line, to say "that it commenced where the line last mentioned left the Arkansa River, and run with it to the South-West Corner of Missouri & thence with the western boundary line of Missouri [blank] leagues, til it crossed the Waters of Grand River": "thence (for their northern boundary) due west, or to the North of west if necessary, in a direct line, to a point from which
a due South line to strike the Main Branch of the Arkansa River & running down & with said River to the place of beginning would give them seven millions of Acres."-This is merely the substance:-the proper phraseology is a matter for you: It is all important that the boundary lines should be so plainly described as that he that runs might read & understand.-! have said, as you will perceive, with respect to their northern boundary line---"thence due west, or to the North of West, if necessary &c".-The reason for that is, that there is some cause for apprehending that a due West line from the place where the western boundary of Missouri Crosses the waters of Grand River would strike the main Branch of the Arkansa at a point (from which running down & with it to the place of beginning) too low down to give seven millions of Acres.-You may see, by the Map, that the Arkansa River from what is called the Salt Creek, makes a prodigious bend to the North: it's general course for upwards an hundred miles above is almost due North.-If a due west line from the western boundary of Missouri to a certain point & thence South to the Arkansa will give the Number of acres required, it would be preferred: if it will not, the words "to the North of West, if necessary" secures the matter from difficulty.-
There should be a clause stipulating & fixing the time within which the grant should be surveyed & the lines marked. It is indispensable. -A proviso, somewhere in the treaty, to re-imburse our Missionary friends at Dwight should, certainly, be inserted: or it might be made a Separate article.-
Also a reservation of the lands & improvements on it appertaining to the Agency, to be disposed of under the direction of the Agent, or some other person, or persons, to raise a fund for the purpose of erecting a Saw & Grist Mill for the Cherokees. These conveniences they would need very much, as they would be deprived of those at Dwight. 1 will send a precise guide for this, after consulting the map & ascertaining the courses necessary to be named.
Friday morng 25th April, 1828.
E: W: DUVAL
[Endorsed] 25. Ap' 1828. E.W. Du Val's Memorandum relative to the treaty proposed to be made with the Cherokee deputation, of Arkansas-