WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
472
those east, as that was supposed to be in proportion to their numbers. I might have distrusted the fact of the pledges given, had I not heard them with my own ears. I can hardly be charged with egotism by connecting myself with facts, as it certainly was not a very conspicuous situation which I held, no11 were the services rendered very important; but they afforded me an opportunity of estimating these pledges, and the circumstances under which they were given, to the Cherokee Indians. In 1817 a delegation of two, I think, came from Arkansas to the Cherokee agency, where I then was, a subaltern detailed from the army in the capacity of assistant agent to Colonel Meigs. These Indians came in his absence, and Governor McMinn, ex- officio superintendent of Indian affairs, held a council. The Cherokee authorities east of the Mississippi refused positively to send any delegation to this Government, relying on the pledges given to them of their rightful possession of the country lying east of the Mississippi; and contending that the Government had no right to the territory on which they resided. They claimed that the treaty of Hopewell had guaranteed to them the perpetual possession of it, not as aboriginal inhabitants, but as having acquired it by grant and treaty. A delegation was sent on, formed of Indians east of the Mississippi associated with those west, constituting a delegation from the west, for the purpose of making a treaty with this Government. Though the Indians in the east had never been to the west of the Mississippi, they were detailed from the Cherokee nation, in opposition to the counsel and the action of their chiefs. A chief was appointed for the time being that had never been recognized by their people, thus constraining those east of the Mississippi to yield to the dictation of the superintendent, acting in obedience to the will, as he supposed, if not the express direction, of the Government of the United States. The delegates came to Washington City. Its leader, a man who had been a distinguished warrior of the eastern Cherokees under General Jackson, became indisposed, and in Rogersville, Tennessee, deceased. There was then no other leader but the senior chief from the western Cherokee nation. They presented themselves in Washington City under the auspices of the superintendent; and I was directed by the President of the United States, or by the Secretary of War, to attend at the Executive mansion upon a certain day-in 1818- 1 think, in March. Upon the Indians presenting themselves to the President of the United States, he made a few remarks to them; told them he was
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