Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 5 [Oct. 24, 1861-Dec. 12, 1862].

To John Ross1Jump to section

John Ross Executive Mansion,
Principal Chief of the Washington,
Cherokee Nation Sept. 25, 1862.

Sir: Your letter of the 16th. Inst. was received two days ago. In the multitude of cares claiming my constant attention I have been unable to examine and determine the exact treaty relations between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. Neither have I been able to investigate and determine the exact state of facts claimed by you as constituting a failure of treaty obligation on our part, excusing the Cherokee Nation for making a treaty with a portion of the people of the United States in open rebellion against the government thereof. This letter therefore, must not be understood to decide anything upon these questions. I shall, however, cause a careful investigation of them to be made. Meanwhile the Cherokee people remaining practically loyal to the federal Union will receive all the protection which can be given them consistently with the duty of the government to the whole country.2Jump to section I sincerely hope the Cherokee country may not again be over-run by the enemy; and I shall do all I consistently can to prevent it. Your Obt. Servt. A. LINCOLN.

Annotation

[1]   ALS-F, ISLA; ADfS, DLC-RTL. See Lincoln to Smith, September 11, supra. John Ross' letter to Lincoln, September 16, 1862, reads in part as follows:

``During the interview which I had the honor to have with your Excellency the 12th instant, you requested that the objects of my visit should be communicated in writing. I therefore beg leave very respectfully to represent---

``1st That the relations which the Cherokee Nation sustained towards the United States, have been defined by Treaties . . . extending through a long series of years.

``2nd Those Treaties were Treaties of Friendship and Alliance---The Cherokee Nation . . . placing itself under the protection of the United States . . . and the United States solemnly promising that Protection.

``3rd . . . in consequence of the want of that protection . . . The Cherokees were forced for the preservation of their country and their existence to negotiate a Treaty with the `Confederate States.'

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``. . . . The advance of the Indian Expedition gave the Cherokee People an opportunity to manifest their views by taking . . . a prompt and decided stand in favor of their relations with the U States Government. The withdrawal of that expedition and the reabandonment of that people and country to the forces of the Confederate States leaves them in position fraught with distress, danger and ruin. What the Cherokee People now desire is ample military protection . . . and a recognition by the Government of the obligations of existing Treaties. . . .

``For the satisfaction and encouragement of my own People and of the Indian Nations who live near them, I beg leave very respectfully to suggest that you will issue a Proclamation to them, if deemed proper, in accordance with the views which you entertain on this subject and which will enable me to make assurances in behalf of the Government in which they can confide. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).

[2]   ``No more than this can safely be promised, even to the loyal white people of Missouri, or other border states'' has been deleted at this point in Lincoln's draft.

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