The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-02-06
COL. PITCHLYNN,s ADDRESS !.

vered to President Pierce upon presenting the Appeal
Of the Choctaw delegation for settlement with the
government.
SIR: As the representatives Of powerful, but
weak and dependent, people, we come to-day to the
bite House. to approach him who occupies the position
ch the great Washington himself first feda position
eh the red man looks up to as the most exalted in the
rd, but where he may always and ask for Justice
the hands of his political g Great Father
Our fathers before took Washington by the hand and
dged their friendship TO the United States and declared
IT it should last as long as the sun brought forth
and cheered the hearts of men That pledge
never been broken by the Choctaws In all
Fir relations with the United States they have ever
light peace, goodwill, and friendship and their trea-
stpuations with the government have always been
thfully observed. In war they have perilled their
es and shed their blood in support and defence of
United States In peace they have quietly and submits
rely yielded to their policy and wishes, though often
Pat sacrifices both of interest and feeling No people
gave stronger proofs OF durable friendship than
which has characterized the conduct of the Choc
ws towards the United States To your people we have
I'm good men and true. We have done them no injury
.hatever.
before you suppliants not for mercul con-
sions or even favors but for right and Justice Once
possessions embraced the valuable and fertile territory
w included in the States Of Mississippi Alabama and
Rusana, and over which our sway was updisu,sa and
reme There the bones o, for many gene
ons reposc and there the Choctaws hoped remain 10
Itch over them and 10 be perpetuaed flee and indie
ndent nation But another and stronger race came aud
ept away into distant aud wilderness land where
had long to struggle against the depressing effects OF
and painful reflections upon the hard and nnyeIding
cy which deprived Of former land and cherished
Rmes
At the time Of FIRST treaty with the United States in
Sc when the Choctaws placed themselves under their
oiecton they owned and possessed about fifty millions
acres OF land east OF the Mississippi river which
duaiy and by piece-meal wrested from ms, until in
~, we were required to ccde the last foot of it to
| government For all this magnificent domain the
nndispu'ed heritage of fathers which has
millions upon millions into the treasury Of the United
pes we receivedgthe most meagrc and nconsdernble
sHeration. The government required our lands and
were compelled to submit, and yield them up II fixed
own price, and no alternative LEFT but 10 agree
Nnat Y had determined should accept. Ii has been
0ned and otherwise benefited TO an incalcuable ex-
i've impoverished Frustrated, and exiIed. Had our
aha most important treaty-that OF ls3o--been car
ont IN spirit Of iberality and justice we should not
disposed TO complain. Could now obtain our Just
equitable rights under ii, we would be satisfied
Fe nE important matters involved in its provisions vet
naming unsettled. We wish TO adjust them and all
esuons at issue between people and the United
w so that there may no onrrr be any ground for dis
or controversy. The into 10 and welfare of OR peo-
VqaiTe that this should be done They know that they
just claims Tor large amounts against the government
W were sent here year ago by our nation to en-
WI 70 effect final adjustment Of all unsettled bu-
ana 70 do whatever might be necessary TO simplify
more satisfactorily define relations with the gov