Cherokee Phoenix and Indians' Advocate
Wednesday, March 18, 1829
Vol. II, no. 1
Page 2, col. 2b

     Col McKenney, in his letter to the Secretary of War, repeats  what has been frequently said, that the Chiefs of the Southern Indians prevent the emigration of their people by threats.  The Cherokees are no doubt included, and the opinion derived from Col. Montgomery's letters to the War Department.  Our readers will recollect a correspondence which we published sometime since between Col. Montgomery and Mr. John Ross, in which the former expressed his belief, that threats were employed by the Chiefs to retard emigration.  The latter stated that he was ignorant of any threats, and requested the Agent if he knew of any to particularize them.  This was not complied with, nor can it be with truth, for to our most certain knowledge, the chiefs, as
such, and as a body, are innocent of the accusation as far as threats are concerned.  The Agent was no doubt impressed by some of his emigrating party, and being too credulous, was induced to believe a statement which we do not think can be proved.  We hope the General Government will not be included to make the Nation accountable for the acts of individual persons.  If any threats have been made (we do not however believe there have been any) by any of the citizens of this nation, it has been done upon individual responsibility.

     What Col. McKenney means, in his letter to the Secretary of War, by the expression, "by threats and otherwise," may be learnt by recurring to the letter of Col Montgomery of 26th September,  in which these words occur; " and finding that every possible means had been used both in their paper and verbally, by the chiefs" &e.  Now hear the remedy -- "The presence of an armed force!"  We are then soon to be awed into silence by implements of warfare.  Here is a grand way, "to secure the freedom of will."  Col. McKenney and all who are concerned in the emigrating scheme, are respectfully informed, that the will of the people of this nation is free, and the chiefs do not need to be instructed on this subject by soldiers.

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Special Collections . Hunter Library . Western Carolina University . Cullowhee, NC 28723 . 828-227-7474