Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-10-20
AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.

The Cherokee PhGniX of September
llth, contains the proceedings Of Il meet
ing Agnohee District, Cherokee Nation,
viz: resolutions of thanks to civilian
PENN" and to those senators, Represcn-
tatives, Editors, mcmorialsts and other
citizens, who have taken an interest in
their behalf, f,-appended to which is the
following ADDRESS:
To the citizens Of the United States.
Friends and Brethren The occasion
Of our present address, is one which ai-
fccts, not only the well being, but the
very existence of our country.
A course Of policy, has of late been
pursued, with relation to US, which we
consider to be at variance with the most
solemn treaties, and which has filled our
minds with painful anxiety.
Oppression is at this moment in vigor-
Gus operation, under the appellation of
Laws of Georgia. These overbearing
and cruel cdicts, are evidently dcsi gned :,
to eXterminate Us from the earth. Un-
der the sable banners OF these pretended
laws, are already marshalled, for the
purposes ofrapine and plundcr, a host of
the most abandoned characters, who
drive off our property, break the repose
of our families, imprison our persons, and
threaten our lives. But these laws grant
us no hearing: they afford us no address.
We consider these doings to, hagrant
violations of those identical treaties, by
virtue of which Millions ofacrcs of land, q,
once ours, are now vested in the United
States; as the price of protection against
these very evils.
We have asked your Executive, for
the stipulated protection; but it is not
granted. We have pctitioned Congress;
but without success. We have assumed
the attitude of abject suppliants, in solic-
iting that, for which we have paid, in full
tale; but we have met nothing but morti-
flying repuises. We are grievcd. We are
oppressed. What are we to do? where
shall we look for succour? The arm of
your President, heretofore potent, to en-
force justice, has lost its wonted energy;
he canAot help us.
The State of Georgia, in the vehc-
mence of thirst for sovereignty, has over
leapcd her bounds. She tramples on
our dearest rights, and lrowns to silence
the intcrrogatories ofJustice.
People of America, where shall we
look' Republicans, we appeal to you.
Christians we appeal to- you. We need
the eXertion of your strong arm; we need
the utterance ofyour commanding voice:
we need the aid Of your prevailing
prayers.
In times past, your compositions yearn-
cd over our moral dcsolations, and the
misery which was spreading amongst us,
through the failure fgamc, our ancient
resource. The cry of our wretchedness
reached your hearts; you supplied us
with implements of husbandry, and do
mcstic industry; which enabled us to
provide food and clothing for ourselves.
You sent us instruction in letters and the
true religion, which has chased away
much of our mental and moral darkness.
Your wise President Jefferson, took
much pains to instruct us in the science
of civilized government; and recommend
ed the government of the United States,
and of the Several States, as models for
our imitation. He urged US also to in
dustry and the acquisition of property.
His letter was read in our towns; and we
received it as the council Of a friend.
We commenced farming. We COM
menced improving our government.
And by gradual advances, we have at
tanned our present station. But our ven
cradle father, Jefferson never intimated
that, whenever VIC should arrive at a GER.
tain point, in the science of government,
and the knowledge Of the civilized arts
then our rights would be forfeited; our
treaties become obsolete; the protection
guaranteed by them, withdrawn; our pro-.
perty confiscatcd to lawless banditti, and
our nccks placed under the foot of Gcor-
gia.
The improvements we have made, we
Il great degree TO the measures
and carried on, under the fos-
terng care of your enlightened Prcsi-'
dents, and associations Of pious individu-
ais among your citizens.
If your bcnevolencc respond to our
silent petitions, when we possessed no 9TH
er advocate, than our wretchedncss, and
no other advocate, than the generous c.
motions of your own breasts, feel assured
that our appeal will not be disavowcd,
when we ask for justice at your hands.
Much industry has been employed, to.
our condition. Our faults
and our misfortuncs and our defects, have
been magnilied; and unfoundcd odium
has been cast upon our name, as if the
our charncter and the do !