Arkansas true Democrat., 1862-09-24

pressed by the people of the South, of division among the Cherokees, was instantly quieted; the desertion. however, ofa considerable portion of this regiment 10 the hostile Greeks, shook the fifth of a great many in the stability, fathiulness and sin certy of those who but short time before had been so loud in their professions of loyalty. The ingenious explanation of the executive, that these deserters did not understand the question, but be- lieved they were only taking sides between two rival parties in the Creek Nation, went far, after the return of such heserers, to regain the confi- dence they had lost with Confederate military au- thorites.
 The question was thoroughly explainel, both ny the executive and Col. Cooper and such explana- tion was received with the most unequivocal ex- pressons of satisiaction-they pledged their faith anew, and it was hoped no other mistakes of the character would occur
 The brilliant victories gained by southern arms in the early period of the war; proved disastrous to southern interests; it induced supineness oF southern energy, and disdain ot our powerful enemy; and not until we heard the tramp Ot mighty invading armies, in nearly every State of the Con- federacy, and saw our cities and stronghods falling before the conquering armaments Of the North, did he Southern people awake to the sense ot their lethargy and danger-not until then did this young giant put forth his strength to break through the tolls that beset him.
 The day was dark and lowering, an eXutant en- emy had planted his standard i'll every Southern State, and had taken possession of many oI the largest and most important Southern cities. The confidence of the Northern government that the rebellion already crushed, and that a singes
 finishing stroke was but needed to end the war 0Y the complete subjugaton oi the South, was lnborn- ded, the. stoutest hearts felt desponding, though not despairing. In this dark hour of adYersty, many proved false to their pledges and their coun- try; they preferred the life of slaves to the death of freemen; It is with shame that we confess a large. number of our people among such an gnoble class
 On the lst of July the only protecting force in the Northern part of this Nation, the s Cdero- kee regiment, and battalion under Col. ClarksOn.
 it could not be expected that the small force wou.a long hold in check the Northern army, composed of four regiments and a battalion, with artillery and our hostile Indian force, which had already
 invaded the country. It ,oaS, however, earnestly expected by some, and deyoutly Wished by all true men, that the regiment of Cherokees raised by the authorities of the nation, which numbered over 100 men, and was within supporting distance, would come to the rescue when called 0n and as, sist and impede the advance of the hostile arr W
 into the heart of the Nation, until remlorceJ onfs could arrive Instead, however, of renderj', ,r tbat assistance, which would have saved many valuable lives, and millions of dollars worth C.i pro3erty. this regiment, with few hOnOrabi e @exceptions immediately commenced to rob, plrnder and mur- der Southern citizens and soldiers; they went oyer ill body to the enemy; thuss for a second time trampng their pledges and their treaty beneath their feet.
 The late executive was offered an asylum iu the lines Ot the Northern army, he accepted it. IS we have good reason to believe, taking with him the, archives of the government and the funds then in the treasury, consisting of a large amount ill Con tederate money and specie.
 Though robbed by enemies, plundered by traitors and the faithess "c0nstituted authorities" the | loyal CherOkees have still rich and betutiful country left to them-a legacy of untold value for their posterity. The right of self government, as declared by the convention of the people, did not depart the country in the persons of their aithes rulers; but they have asserted such inherent rights and with singular unanimity have re- e-establishel their government; they have delegated to you tbc important rights vested in them, and they conf dently expect much good from your deliberations. 1 The tide of victory has changed, great battles
 fought within the last two months have altered the
 whole face of the contest we are no longer pushed 1 to the wall by confident enemy, but have driven him from his chosen positions, while the world stands dazzed with the sp(Gndor ot Southern vic ! tories.
 1 The insolont and implacable foe that but lately i ravaged this Nation has retired in hlste leaving
 their miserable dupes, and double dyed traitors to
 shift for themselves. What shall be done with
 them? Shall they be suffered to return again, and
 renew their professions of loyalty only to be broken when occasion should offer? This and other grave
 questions the people expect you to solve,
 May he who has promised protection to the right,
 and whose strong arrl has upheld us in the darkest
 hour-gude and direct you, and preserve Us IS u people. STAND WAITE, August 25th, l662.S