Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-07-04
Message of the Principal Chief of the
 ChoctaW Nation.
'nt,emen of the General Council

Gentlemen of fhe Gencrdl Councn
 of the Chocta,o Ngfon:
 Owing to present troubles deemed it my duty to call YOU together to consult and deliberate npon the policy that Is best for to secure safety and welfare.
 You are aware that in my last mcssageto 10 your honorable body, stated that five States had se- ceded fror, the union of the United States in fact, at the time that document was delivered to you seven States had withdrawn and declared them selves free ,nd independent governments The cause of their withdrawal YOU remember was the difference of opinion existing between the Northern and Southern States in regard to African slavery. These seven States soon after united and confederated themselves together into separate and indenendent government by the adoption of constitution as basis of their existence. The government thus formed appointed commissioners to proceed to Washington city and confer with the authorities in regard to an amicable adjustment of all past differences, and every effort was made hy them to establish peaceful relations and recogni- ton of the independence of their government-~ They were not allowed m official interview, and all their efforts were spurned with contempt.
 President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling upon the respective remaining States to furnish many thousand of their militia to crush out and Dnt down what he termed rebellion and treason arainst the government of which he had control. The effect of this proclamation was to drive from the Union four other States who have united them selves formally with the Confederate States they themselves used every effort in their power to bring about q reaction and re construction of the go yernment. You will recollect that stated in niy last message that it was not 0nr intention to change our relation with the government of the United States as long as it was government "anf con- ceded' and protected us in our rights" It now annears that that government no longer exists. and has failed to concede to and protect Us in those rights. We were formally under certain well de- fned treaty stip,ilations with the old government of the United States, and that government we hold has. bv its own acts violated and broken those st'rntations and further, that the government with which we entered into treaty with does not exist. and we arc left to protect ourselves in the best way we can. Thev have refused to pay us our money guaranteed and appropriated to us by act of Con orese, and other dues to large amount held in trust hv them for OUT benefit, and have abandoned the military forts placed in country for our pre- tecton. Thern is now q strong probability that orr country will he invaded by the North, and it behooves us to place ourselves soon as possible in an attitude of self-defence. If our rights are violated we must uce every effort in our power to nreserve them Our geographical position is such that we are the natural allies of the Southern States Our interest, occupation and our instr tutions are identical; whatever materially ahects them also affects and it is our highest interest ,o nrocorro .m;rable and peacPabie relations With tbam We would be unworthy of the name of s-oeman and n,triots if we were to abandon those noh,a St,tes who are now herocally struggling for ;ns.;.o and sef.nreservation. when we know at the .ono time that the principles contended for by lhor, embrace all our rights and liberties Let us ..rd hv them as our only hone; they will stand by ne and cordially join us in defending our rights Jnform. .ton h.s heen received from the govern ment of the Confederate States to the effect that that government guarantee to us our landed inter est and all of our monetary relations with the old co vernment of the United States, and make com. nlete assumption of all obligations under treaty st;nulations in the event that unite our dest n;.s with their government. l would, therefore. recommend that YOU pass resolution to the effect that commissioners be appointed by the executive to confer with the proper authorities of the Confe derate States, in conformity with tho information received sbove and negotiate new treaty of ali- ance and amity with that government and make whatever arrangements that may be necessary Tor the interest of the country. :,
 I would further recommend that YOU elve the executive authority to select national eomfn,.'ee to consult and deliberate upon the most eApe'ieh' ,oe. sures to pursue and devise ways anu meahs TOT the safety of the country.
 T would recommend that von frame law provid no for the organization of the malita of the Choc taw Nation.
 I would recommend that you pass resolution lacking to the formation of q league of confedera ton with the Chickasaws, Creeks, Seminoes and Cherokees. for mutual protection and defence.
 would recommend that you pass resolution authorizing the chief to appoint delegates to st,