Draft copy of letter from Chief John Ross in Lawrenceville, New Jersey to President Abraham Lincoln confirming representations made in an interview; regarding loyalty of Cherokee expressed after invasion of Indian Expedition relieved the pressure which had forced signing of treaty with the Confederacy. (Moulton) Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. Folder 1158

Lawrenceville New Jersey September 16th 1862 President Lincoln Sir. During the interview which I had the honor to have with your Excellency, the 12th Instant, you requested that the objects of my visit should be communicated in writing. I therefore beg leave, very respectfully to represent, 1st That the relations which the Cherokee Nation sustains towards the United States, have been defined by treaties entered into between the parties from time to time, and extending through a long series of years. 2nd Those treaties were treaties of Friendship and alliance. The Cherokee Nation as the weaker party placing itself under the protection of the United States and no other sovereign whatever and the United States solemnly promising that protection. 3rd The Cherokee Nation maintained in good faith her relations towards the United States up to a late period and subsequent to the occurrence of the war existing between the government and Southern states of the Union and the withdrawal of all protection whatever by the government. 4 That in consequence of the want of that protection civil and military, and of the overwhelming pressure brought to bear upon them the Cherokees were forced for the preservation of their country and their existence to negotiate a treaty with the “Confederate States” 5 That no other alternative was left them surrounded by the power & influences that they were and that they had no opportunity fairly to express their views and assume their true position until the advance into their county of the Indian Expedition during the last Summer. 6 That as soon as the Indian Expedition marched into the county the great mass of the Cherokee people rallied spontaneously around the Authorities of the United States and a loyal majority of their Warriors are now engaged in fighting under their flag. A movement not less in accordance with the sentiments of the Cherokee people than with the Proclamation issued by Col. W.F. Cloud Commdg U.S. Forces and the views expressed by W.G. Coffin esq. U.S. Superintendent of Indian Affairs & Copies of which are herewith submitted. For the correctness of the forgoing statement I most respectfully refer your Excellency to the Treaties between U. States and the Cherokee nation: To the Proclamation & letter just mentioned: to my published correspondence with Genl. McCulloch C.S.A. and Albert Pike esq. commissioner appointed by President Davis to the Indian Nations South of Kansas, and others and to reports from U.S. officers connected with the Indian Expedition which are supposed to be on file in the Department of War. The advance of the Indian Expedition gave the Cherokee people an opportunity to manifest their views by taking far as possible a prompt and decided stand in favor of their relations with the U. States Government. The withdrawal of that Expedition and the reabandonment of that people and country to the forces of the confederate States leaves them in a position fraught with distress, danger and ruin. What the Cherokee people now desire is ample military protection for life and property: a recognition by the Government of the obligations of existing Treaties and a willingness and determination to carry out the policy indicated by your Excellency of enforcing the laws and extending to those who are loyal all the protection in your power. For the satisfaction and encouragement of my own people and of the Indian Nations who live near them, I beg leave very respectfully to suggest that you will issue a Proclamation to them, if deemed proper, in accordance with the views which you entertain on this subject and which will enable me to make assurances in behalf of the Government in which they can confide. Hoping that your official engagements may admit an early reply to this communication I have the honor to be Sir with sentiments of high regard your obt. Servant. John Ross Princ. Chief Cherokee Nation

[Transcribed by Danielle Culp., 2014-08-29]

During the interview which I had the honor to have with your Excellency, the 12 Instant, you requested that the objects of my visit should be communicated in writing. I therefore beg leave, very respectfully to represent,