The Van Buren press., 1859-08-03

ffers r. NJ. T. Hunter, Henry A. Wise,
ohm Minor Bolts, VIM. L. Goggin and
ohm Letcher
~ We insert the following communi-
ktion and editorial of the 18th of June
st, from the Cipilian, published at Gal
eston Texas, for the information of our
|herokee friends 1t appears that correct
Feling is manifesting itself with the people
Texas towards the claims of the Texas
herokees -
"The communication in to-day's paper,
n relation to the Cherokee claim comes
rom a gentleman of high character as a
lawyer and a jurist, and who is in possess
ion of the views the Indians, and who
probably speaks by authority. Having
given another account of the matter, some
lime since, We deem it but matter of JUS
ice to give place to this communications
deserving any further expression of our own
10 future OCCASION
EDITOR OF THE CIVILIAN:
An article appeared in your paper, some
lme since. which was calculated to create
ome Misrepresentation as to the nature OF
his claim The Cherokees (of the BowIes
(ribe) are now a small and feeble remnant
Pf people residing in Arkansas, where they
look shelter after their expulsion from Tex
IS. They are In straitened circumstances,
and they contemplate making an appeal to
fhe Legislature of Texas, for some compen-
sation or indemnity for the loss of property
taken from them at the time of their expul-
sion. They will rely on the magnanimity
nnd benevolence of that body for favorable
hearing of their claims, believing their case
possesses inherent justice, merit and equity.
a large number of valuable cattle, hcgs
hnd other property were taken from these
Indians At the time of their removal, and
their improvements were abandoned, which
tell into the possession of the Texans.
The Indians assert, as they always have,
hat they were not complicated by entertain
ing any treasonatJe offers made to them by
The Mexicans as alleged in 1889. They were
willing to withdraw from Texas, when ne
gotlating with the Commissioners of Presi-
tent Lamar, but desired some compensation
Tor their improvements. When the terms
of compensation could not be agreed upon,
Ehelr Chief (Bowles) commenced withdraw
Ping his whole tribe from Texas peaceably,
Pntending to remove them beyond Red Riv-
Ter. While so engaged he and his men were
attacked, and they say they felt compelled il
tight in self-defence, and to protect their wo-
men and children who were along with
them, from slaughter in the heat Of action.
Bowles and his head men always assert
fed their fidelity to Texas. In the Texas
Revolution of 1S35-'36, it is credibly re-
ported that Bowles offered to go with three
hundred OF his warriors under Gen. Houston
In the campaign, against Santa Anna, then
marching on the country. Gen H. declin-
Jed this offer OF aid, but requested the Chero-
KEGS to remain neutral during the conflict,
which they accordingly did. Their claim
TO their lands was guaranteed to them, by
the Act OF the CONSULTATION, in considera-
tion OF their neutrality. They remained in
quiet and peaceable possession of their ter
ritOry until their forcible removal in 1899
ghe Cherokees assert that they were inno-
cent OF any depredations on the Texas from
tier, but that those committed were done by
the wild prairie Indians, and not by any Of
their band.
They will ask respectful hearing of the
equities OF their claim before the Legislature
or Commissioner appointed for that pur-
pose, or that the District Court may be op-
ened to them, and that they may be permit
ted to present exculpatory evidence as to
their conduct and the alleged causes of their
expulsion, and that they may introduce
proof as to the amount and value of their
property, cattle, hogs, DC, taken from them
at that time, as an equitable basis for some
KIND OF compensation or indemnity for the
appropriation oftheir property to the public
use. EnIru,,v