Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-09-09

not discovered tie slightest disposition to vlo-
lence They are civilized and we'll informed
men-they wear our drcss-speak our language
correctly-and in their manners indicate all the
midness aud much of the culture and courtesy
of our own best circles. They assure me tnat
their people at home have abandoned the HABITS
of savage life and subsst BY agriculture and the
other usual and peaceful pursuits OF civilized So
cieties. They profess. and believe with ehtlre
sincerity. to be willing to make the questions ol
their rights under their treaties, Questions OF pure
law. for the decision of our own courts; anu DIS
perceive by the reported debate In congress
that measure of this sort has been ANTICIPATED
and that one of your enlightened Senators IN
that body expressed strong and without do4oi
sincere conviction that the decision OF the judi
ciary would, if it should ever be asked, be in ia
yor of the iaht of the State to legisate over the
the Cherokee nation, | cannot but indulge the
hone that in proposing to bring this question be-
fore the Supreme Court, shall have advised a
measure rather pleasing than otherwise, to the
State of Georgia.
Be that as it may, cannot reconcile it to my
own sense of proprety to have any agency IN
this affair without apprising your EXcellency,
frankly and respectfully, of what is intended
desire to have it distinctly understood, on eve
nv hand, that neither these people nor their coun-
sci aim at any more in this movement, than an
open, pcaceable and respectful appeal to the OPT
Mon of our own courts, the courts of the Union.
Your Excellency will not understand me as
asking or expecting that you will take the trou-
bic to answer this letter. My object is single
and sincere; it's simply to avoid all appearance
of concealment, and all misrepresentation of sur
prise on the part of the State Of Georgia, by adj
vising your Excellency, fairly and openly, of the
measure in contemplation, and by assuring you
that there is no other purpose in view than qul.
ct, peaceable and respectful reference Of the
questions Of law aud right in dispute between
/ the State of Georgia and the Cherokee People ia
the highest Court Of our nation, the Supreme
Court Of the United States.
Your Excelency will permit me to assure you
farther, that in the future measures which ma,
GROW out of this controversy, so far as they shall
be under nv direction, care will be taken to give
as little trouble as possible TO the constituted au
thorities of the State of Georgia, and that the
discussion will be conducted with all the respect
for the State and its laws which consist with the
proper assertion of what consider the rights o
this unfortunate people.
The decision may be expedited by making 6
case by consent, if that course should suit the
views of the State of Georgia. 1t is not asked,
however, but suggested merely for your conside
ration, with an assurance that if it should NEE
your appreciation, the Cherokees will cheelfully
concur ln,the measure.
The motives which have led me to trouble you
with this communication. make it equally pro
per. think, that | should submit copy of it to
the President of the United States and | shall
place another copy IN the hands of the Cherokee
delegation. in order that they may distinctly see
and remember the conduct with is expected from
their people, and what, alone, they have a right
TO expect from me.
| have the honor to remain, Sir, most respect.
| fully, your obedient servant,
VIM. WRIT.