Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-08-19


States, my bond for the 10000, with any securi-
~ that might be required, to be paid on condition
the government should be unwilling to ra,ify the
treaty Tor more than fourteen annuities. Col But
Ter did wait on Governor Shelby with my PROPOSE
uon, and received Tor answer, that the additional
| annuity was the only objection to the treaty; and
after lew minutes reflection, agreed to accept my
proposition. he bond was accordingly executed,
deposited in the hands of their Secretary and the
treaty signed by both of the commissioners was
induced TO propose and enter into this arrangement
as well OH the account of the State of Tennessee.
which was deeply interested in the success Of this
negotiation with the Chickasaws for their lands
as on my own account, and many of my personal
friends, who, as well as myself, were largely inte-
rested in lands situated in that section of the
| State, and held under North Carolina grants is.
| sued, most OF them, 80 years before the treaty
| was made.
Governor Shelby. when he reflected on the par,
| ne mad acted at the treaty, became convinced no
doubt that his conduct had been hdsty if not rash
lms may be inferred from the circumstance of his
directing Col Butler TO destroy the bond he had
taken Tor she payment OF the last annuity, before
he reached Nashville on his return
As General Jackson's official duties prevented
his accompanying the Governor, ON their return
nome, farther than Florence, they parted at that
place, IN perfect friendship, and the Governor cali.
cd al the Hermitage, OH his way to Kentucky
and left his portrait taken by Mr. Earle, for the
General, which occupies the most conspicuous
place IN his drawing-room No one, will venture
10 assert, has ever heard Gen. Jackson since that
perlou' speak oil Uov. Shelby in any other than
terms OF kindness and friendship.
think, sir, every thing considered, that Gov.
Shelby had but little ground to complain of Cen
Jacksons temper. will not deny but that the
General was, for the moment, pretty much exci,-
ed as well the Governor; but still he would mo,
permit his feelings for an instant, to divert his
mind from the treaty. The objects to b. attained
ny IL were OF too great importance TO the nation TO
ennessee, and to Kentucky, to be abandoned, as
ne .nought, Tor the mere pittance of 10000 dolls
besides, what would the nation have gained, if the
treaty had been broken of in consequence of the
commissioners refusing to give the additional an
nuity! The expences of holding the treaty amount
Ell to nearly 10000 dolls. which would have been
oIed' loss 10 tue government 1t no treaty had been
maue. however, better counses prevailed; the
treaty was made, and tract of country acquired
the'rDy, That has given to Kentucky four new
counties, 10 ennessee fourteen entire counties be-
side several large fractions of other countless and
70 'i'' ni'ion, IT will in few years more give
strong, tense and cn,crprizing population on the
banks OF the upper Mississippi, capable at a mo-
inents warnii g OF contributing largely 20 the de-
fence and protection of the lower country, when
ever ITS rights shall be assailed by either foreign
or domestic foe.
The General evinced no disposition to 60 beyond
the sum agreed on as the uliimatum TO be piyen
ne mad frequently been engaged in making Indian
treaties, and in what instance has he given double
'-iNSi' 10 VIC country acquired was worth. lhe
General was always disposed to give what he
thought lair price for lands purchased Of the
INDIANS, dealing justly with them without mani
testing any disposition to lose sight of the interest
OF mis- country.
do moi wish, sir, 10 be understood as CASTING
any imputauons upon the veracity of Governor
Sheiby with regard TO the remarks attributed In
MN by MIR. Todd. have no doubt but that the
old gentleman stated what were then his impress
sons; but maintain that he had forgotten the cir
cums'anceS >connected with the purchase of the
reservation, or totally misconceived the nature of
the propositions submitted TO the Colberts Cen
5acksons object was TO purchase the land, and if
the government should think the price too high, or
| refuse to take it, he was willing to take upon him
sell the responsibility of finding individuals who
would take it at the stipulated price; because ON
this arrangement he believed the ultimate success
OF the treaty rested. l again aver, that have no
knowledge OF any other arrangement having been
proposed, or contemplated, with regard to these
reservations, than the one entered into and record
ed in the confidential Journal This averment |
teel confident will be sustained by the testimony of
Coi. Robert Butler, who was present if 1 am not
mistaken, when the conversation alluded TO- took
place between the commissioners With regard TO
the unfortunate difference between the commits
sioners, at the conclusion of the treaty about tbe
additional annuity, the circumstances detailed A.
hove must be recollected by every person present.
to wit: Colonel Butler, General Richard Call. Ma.
jor William Eastin, Captain David Smith. VI aior
Benjamin Smith, Major Winchester, Mr.. Kerr.
| and many others.
Respectfully,
w. b. LEWIS.