Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-08-18
had concluded his business with the

In conversation shortly afterwards
with General Gaines on this subject,
one of the Commissioners frankly stat
ed to him that we had no reliance on
aid being afforded us from any other
quarter. He stated in confirmation OF
his former assurance to US tina, he had
the power through the Agent for In
dian Affairs to assemble the Chiefs
and Indian countrymen at any time and
place he thought proper, and that our
wishes in that particular should be at
tended to. From this twofold assu-
rance we felt confident no obstacle
would be interposed, a list Of witnesses
we were DESTROYS Of examining was
made out and handed to Gen. Gaines.
Interrogatories corresponding were
made out, which consumed two or
three days in the preparation and ar.
rangement. From an examination OF
The correspondence herewith submit
ted, you will perceive that an objection
was interposed as coming from the
Chiefs to the transaction of any bust
ness with the Georgia Commissioners,
unless in full Council and the insulting
and indecorous language in which
they were INDUCED in communicating
that objection to US. You will also be
informed that the Objection was sus-
tanned. Our feelings will not permit
us to comment on this transaction in a
becoming manner, because it would ne
cessarily involve the integrity of cha
racter which all should sustain hold
ing high offices under, and possessing
the confidence Of the General Govern
ment. When it suited Gen. Gaines
purposes and convenience, we were de-
MED participation in the council
for reasons stated. When it comport-
ed with the views Of the Chiefs to ena-
BILE them to evade truth, we were invit-
ed to the council. When white men
attended for examination, who it was
believed had honesty enough TO swear
the truth, and through fear for their
safety evadet it: the exercise OF the
power which could coerce their atten-
dance was denied.
You will not need the spirit of inspi-
ration to enable you to understand and
properly appreciate, as we believe, the
motives which influenced such conduct,
when you are informed that General
Gaines declared in our presence and
hearing, that the statements OF Ho-
poethle-yoholo made in council were
true, and that it was impossible to re-
sist the conviction; that he: General
Gaines, would believe his statements a
gainst the congregated world. During
this conversation, we stated TO General
Gaines that if Ho-poethle-yoholo's
statement was understood by US, it was
generally untrue, and if he, General
Gaines, would permit us to examine
the Chiefs separately, under any and
every restriction he might impose, We
pledged ourselves to prove to his sa-
tisfaction that Ho-poethle-yoholo had
lied. Gen. Gaines replied it was i'm
possible, and said that he never knew
an Indian to tell lie in council. The
Commissioner then asked him ii ne
had not the same confidence in the
friendly Indians; to which Gen. Gaines
assented. We assured him that if Ho-
Roethle-yoholo's statement was sub
mitted to them they would give it the
lie, and that their statements would be
confirmed by the Commissioners on the
part Of the United States and every
person attached TO the mission. To
which Gen. Gaines replied, he would
submit our proposition to the council
the next day.
From such unqualified declarations,
Ito say the least of them very insult
ing to the character and dignity of the
State, with the testimony of the United
States Commissioners, the testimony
Of many other respectable witnesses
confirming their statements in relation
to one Of the charges, (his opposition
to the Treaty. staring him in the face,
we are COIlSlTdluCu W oCiiSNC ouu W
declare to the world our opinion, that
this case has been pre-judged, and we
are the more confirmed in this view OF
the subject, when we take in connection
the views of the Special Agent couch
ed in his letter to Col. Crowell, late
ly published in the Patriot, and which
letter from subsequent letter seems
to have been approved of by General
Gaines before publication.
The suspension of the Agent with
the accompanying explanation SO far
from having the effect to "elicit unbi,
assed testimony" produced the oppo,
site result. 1t was very general be-
lief entertained by both white and red
men, that his removal from Office was
certain. When therefore the fact was
publicly announced at Broken Arrow
that he was suspended temporarily, and
that too from mere courtesy to the Co.
vernon of Georgia, the effect produced
was obvious and extensive. The con
.o,,IJ ,,ot ba ,,ae, cf,6 1,ic rein-