Today in Chickamauga History - March 16
1819, March 16: ARKANSAS TERRITORIAL PAPERS VOL XIX – Page 55 – 56 -
REUBEN LEWIS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[NA:WD,SW Lets. Recd., L 161:ALSJ
CHEROKEE AGENCY March 16 th 1819
SIR Your letter of the 18 th November 17 came to hand only yesterday, your letter of the 9th September 18 has not been received. I shall wate your further instructions on the subjects it contain ed. The President in his talk to Talantuskey and the other Cherokee Chiefs when they were last in Washington, says that Governr Clark will be instructed to Treat with the Quaspaws for there lands west of the Cherokee settlements, and when obtained they shall be layed off for them.
The Quaspaws claimed no lands laying between the Arkansas and White River, consequently any land procured from them, and to be layed off for the Cherokees, must be on the south side of the former River.
Since the purchase from the Quaspaws, White persons are travling the Country selecting places for settlements, thereby exciting considerable uneasiness in the minds of the Cherokees. more especially those who reside on the south side of the Arkansas, they would have removed to the north of that River ere this had it not been for the impression they have taken up from the Presidents talk above mentioned. Could I be instructed to say something decisive on that subject I should be much pleased. The Country ceaded to the Cherokees by the Treaty of High Wassee does not in my opinion exceed eighty miles square, you no doubt know the quantity of land the
Cherokees hold east of the Mississippi, and should a total exchance of Country take place with that Nation, you could form some idea of the quantity that would be still required to fill that demand. Ta,lan,tus,key died on his return from St Louis about the first of November last, the Nation has not appointed another in his place, but there is but little doubt that his half Brother .Maj• John Jolley will be the Man, and in my opinion the Nation will loose nothing by the exchange. Some dificulty has arisen between the Cherokees and Osages about Horses, and Peltrys, but with Cap' Bradfords assistance, I believe the business will be adjusted without bloodshed. This part of the Nation have been for many years without there part of the anuity, and
although the Treaty of high Wassee ensures to them there due propotion, yet we here nothing of it. The census has not been taken as contemplated. 19
With high consideration Your Most ob' Hbl1 Ser'
R. LEWIS Cherokee Agt at Arkansas
THE HONB1 THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[Addressed] The Honb1 The Secretary of War Washington City
[Endorsed] Cherokee Agency 16 march 1819. R. Lewis Esq, In relation to Indian Affairs-The exchange of Indian Lands-T. B, A June 1819.