Today in Chickamauga History - October 5
1832, October 5: THE LAWS of TEXAS 1822-1897 – Page 94 –
To the Ayuntamiento of Nacogdoches:
The people of Texas, met in General Convention, with anxiety make known, that they view with regret and concern, the present unfortunate situation of the North American Tribes of Indians residing in Texas, and much deplore the transactions which have occasioned it; and in as much, as a portion of our affairs, in relation to government, are in the same condition, it will be convenient for us, and perhaps not an improper duty, to inquire into and apply for a redress of the Indian grievances. It is known that the Cherokees claim by way of grant, a tract of country situated about 30 miles to the N. W. of Nacogdoches; which claim they have been told, is worth about as much as the paper it is written on. — The Shawnees also, as well as others, have settled in the country, and have been promised possessions. The promise is still protracted. When the Indian, inclined as he is to believe a promise made, eventually must be fulfilled, becomes frequently the dupe of craftiness and oppression, he naturally becomes discontented, unfriendly and hostile; and in the present instance might be made troublesome to us. The Indians’ repeated request to obtain their rights, are unattended to, because an accredited agent of the Government has been illegally suspended by a military officer, who in continuance of his system of deception and conciliation, and with a mew to enlist their aid, declared to the Cherokees, (at the time we began to evince a disposition of throwng from our necks, the insupportable weight of Military oppression)—"The Americans grasping for land, intend making the attempt of driving all my countrymen from this State, and an extirpation of you all will soon follow.” But the conflict at an end, some of our fellow-citizens explaining to them the true causes which impelled us to arms; and they seeing a large -lumber of our native Mexican fellow-citizens had taken up arms in our ( 494 ) Proceedings of the Convention of Texas. 21 behalf, they seemingly became convinced that we fought for justice to ourselves, and with respect to the rights of every Indian. But unfortunately just at this time, and while they were being told the Government would put them in possession of their lands, one or two of our fellow-citizens, without authority, run off, and included in a survey, part of the Cherokee claim or grant; consequently creating, by such an act, a disposition on the part of those Indians, to credit any gross misrepresentation made to them; and to give to former apprehensions the guise of truth, and they are now losing past confidence in all individual protestations or advice;—like the wrecked bark, which having crossed a wide expanse of ocean, is in sight of her destined port, but without the friendly sails that propelled her, and without any visible aid, or probable chance of assistance! Under these circumstances, we most respectfully solicit your Honorable Body, to investigate the affairs, and learn the wishes of the North American Tribes of Indians, in relation to their lands, so that they may become assured of our friendship, by active steps taken in their behalf, and to the end, that they may not be intruded upon unlawfully or unjustly. And lastly, we beg the Ayuntamiento, of Nacogdoches, will make known to the Indians that the disposition of the people of Texas is, to assist them in obtaining good titles to, and possession of land, and not to deprive them of that which they already claim. (Signed) C. W. TAYLOR, Chairman.
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5872/m1/502/
1839, October 5: Andrew JACKSON letter to John A. BELL and Stand WATIE:
“Gentlemen:
My health will not allow me to visit Nashville today as I expected when you left me. You will find enclosed the papers left with me & a letter to the president of the United States in as strong language in your behalf & that of your friends as the facts and the outrageous & tyrananical conduct of John Ross & his self created council would authorize, & I trust the president will not hesitate to employ all of his rightful power to protect you and your party from the tyranny & murderous scemes of John Ross.
I hope peace and friendship among your whole people may be restored by peaceful & just means. Should this not be the happy result then, when oppression comes and murder ensues, resistance becomes a duty and let the arm of freemen lay the tyrants low and give justice & freedom to your people-but before this stand against oppression is taken, you must appeal & resort to all peacefull means to obtain justice & if the murderers of the two Ridges & Boudenot are not surrender [ed] & punished and security for the future guaranteed, then & not until then will the great and good Spirit smile upon your exertions by force to obtain justice by freeing yourselves & people from oppression.
I remain respectfully yours
Andrew Jackson”