Cherokee Phoenix
and Indians' Advocate
Wednesday March 25, 1829
Vol. II no. 2
Page 2, col. 2a
We consider it a very tyrannical act indeed to force the white inhabitants
of this nation from their families and possessions, merely for expressing their
opinion on the question of emigration-the crime of Mr. Stidman is not other.
If Col. Montgomery has received the order inserted below,does it follow that
he is to proceed against these white men without even a shadow of investigation?
Upon the present case he proceeds merely on information given by an emigrant.
We had been taught to believe that it was not crime to express one's opinion
in this land of liberty. Many of our white citizens, among whom is Mr.
Stidman, are lawfully married-what then becomes of the divine injunction, "what
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
CHEROKEE AGENCY.
February 24th 1829
THOMAS STIDMAN,
Sir: Having received information by Drury Jones and others of your opposition
to the views of the Government in relation to the Emigrating of the Cherokees
to the west; I have thought best to enclose you an extract from a late order
which I have received from the War Department. Your attention to
it may save the Government and yourself some future trouble
Respectfully your obedt. servant.
H. MONTGOMERY.
"Extract. If there are any white persons, Indian Countrymen, as they are called, in the Nation, who are known to you as opposing the Government policy, in any way, you will order them out of it."
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