Letter of Chief John Ross

“Philadelphia, Pa., 708 Washington Place,
April 2, 1863.
“Sir:
     In addressing you on the present occasion, I have the honor to state, I have been advised that a special session of the national council of the Cherokee Nation was convened at Cow-Skin Prairie in February last, and the following bills were passed:

“1st. Abrogating the ‘treaty with the Confederate states,’ and calling a general convention of the people to approve the act.

“2nd. The appointment of a delegation, with suitable powers and instructions to represent the Cherokee Nation before the United States Government, consisting of John Ross, principal chief, Lieut. Col. Lewis Downing, Captain James McDaniel, and Rev. Evan Jones.

“3rd. Authorizing a general Indian council to be called at such time and place as the principal chief may designate.

“4th. Deposing all officers of the nation disloyal to the government.

“5th. Approving purchase of supplies made by the treasurer, and directing their distribution.

“6th. An act providing for the abolition of slavery in the Cherokee Nation. That the Cherokee refugees and warriors are very desirous of being removed into their own country, without further delay, where they can effectively cooperate with the federal troops in protecting their people, and repelling any invasion of the enemy, etc. I deem it to be my duty, therefore, respectfully, to urge the propriety and necessity of the Government reestablishing a military post within the Cherokee country, and to occupy it with ample force, as the base of operations for successfully prosecuting the war in that department, embracing the Indian Territory and the adjacent states.

     “I have no information respecting the delegation since I saw a notice of their arrival at Fort Scott on the 12th ultimo, and I cannot account for their delay on the road. Should they come direct to Washington, you will oblige me by advising me of their arrival in the city.

     “Please to remind Mr. Mix of the request authorized by you to make out my subsistence account for the second quarter ending 31st of March, and to remit me a check for the money as soon as practicable, as I shall need it before I go down to Washington.

     “I have also to report the names of those who are still residing in the east, and are entitled to subsistence money, to wit : John W. Stapler, and family; Dr. Robert D. Ross and family; Willie Ross, son of Wm. P. Ross, and Nellie Potts, who composed a part of Wm. P. Ross’s family, and were left at school when he returned with the other members of his family to the West.

     “Checks for these recipients may also be remitted to my care for them.

“I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“John Ross, Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation.”

Source: Benedict, John D. Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma, including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa. 3 v. illus., ports., facsims. 28 cm. Chicago, S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922.

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