Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1838-08-09
REMOVAL OF THE CHEROKEES.
Extroct Qfa letter to the Editor of the 10
tngdOn Statesman

REMOVAL OF THE CHEROKEES. |
Ertract 9fd letter to the Editor oftAe 10
ingdOn Statesman.
When wrote to you on the 9th July, az
then stated tho troops had not commenced
collecting the Intians. They commenced
OH the l2,h, aud have been collecting ever
since. This, you will remember, was the
place Of rendezvous Tor the North Carolina
volunteers.-Hcre We see them daily, and
have u fair opportunity of learning the facts
with regard to the movements Of the army.
There are six slations, Or, rs they are here
termed, forts, the furthest but little more
than days ride from this place. Al these
stations are regiment Of North Carolina,
two or three companies OF Tennessee volun-
,eers. and about 600 regular soldiers, all
under the command of Gen. Eustis. Far
less difficulty is experienced in collecting
| the Indians than was anticipated. IL WINS
only when the soldiers actually CONNIE need
driving them of from their more than usual
iy promising corn fields and bean patches
that they could be brought 10 believe that
such really would be the case.
The scene which presents itself in the
camps, and through the Cherokee country
generally, is affective in the extreme
| that the troops havo been rigorous, for, 10
their praise be il said, in every instance, So
|
pUsoihle tenderness, but in the camps there is
much sickness. Many of the little children,
when their parents were taken from them,
hid themselves m the bushes and weeds,
where they remained, in some instances, for
| several days, and were ut last plcked up ul.
must starved to death, SO weak that they
wore unable 10 walk do not believe this
to have been the fault of the troops among
them, as we'll as among the citizens of this
country generally, there is a deep sympathy
for tho unfortunate Indians, go much so that
il is not uncommon for them to be seen weep
ing as they drive an afflicted and oppressed
family TO the camps.
Il will give you one case, which happened
near here few days since. An old man
and his family were called on by company
of armed men 10 march TO the fort. He
started, then paused, and look ed wis,fuly al
the soldiers, and made one request; and
what do you think il was? Why, simply
that he might he permitted to pray with hi.
wife and children in The cabin once more be.
fore they lett forever. The request wa:
granted. They kneeled down, and, witt
that fervor peculiar to an oppressed soul
they poured forth their sorrows before God
who hears the cry and vindiuates the caus,
of injured and bleeding innocence. Wher
they arose from thair knees balhed in Tears
they kindly shook hands with all the soldiers
aifeciiepately embraced each other, turned
their oacks on all they held dear on earth, {,
see il no more forever. They wept-the sol
diers wept-and who indeed, could have don,
+, Otherwise?
Whether or not the treaty under which
this removal take place be q just one. j. o.
not for me to say; but il, as majority through
: this country suppose, it was made with mi
! nority OF that nation. however others ma,
, think or feel, there is nothing l should fea
SO much as their prayers and their tears
these, 10 me, would be more terrific than III,
deadly twang OF their bowstring, the fright
!, ening yell OF their warwho,p, the popping O
their muskets, the keen crack of their rifles
, or tho roar OF their cannon. The Justice o
God cannot. will not, sleep forever. II, or
the contrary, the treaty was fair, honora
bic one, made with majority of the ma. ion
the removal is right.
have no idea, sir, that you ever beheld
ifyou ever fanCied such scene as the coun
try presents in their villages and settlements
For the most part, not human being is (,
be seen. The young corn, beans, pumpki,
vines, &c. growing timely, seem TO promise
rich reward but there will be none TO pro
tect or gather it in. The deserted cabins
the half starved bowling dogs, the lowing
cattle, the Growing fowls, are still here, e
tell the mistortunes of the poor Indian. Thu
troops will have, j. is thought, much troubI,
in gathering the property. What they hat
taken, they brought into camp, and sold
some at auction, TO the highest bidder, ant
some the Indians were allowed 10 sell them
selves. The hest Of their horses are resery
ed, to be used in their removal.