THE CHEROKEE REMOVAL DEBTS OF CHIEF JOHN ROSS REMAIN UNPAID

Sale 2492 - Lot 87

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Estimate: $ 3,500 - $ 5,000

THE CHEROKEE REMOVAL DEBTS OF CHIEF JOHN ROSS REMAIN UNPAID BECAUSE OF POLITICS STAND WATIE. Autograph Letter Signed, to Commissioner of Indian Affairs T. Hartly Crawford, conveying to him and endorsing the requests of Cherokee James Starr to investigate the claim that the U.S. Government owes [John] Ross $100 and to pay various debts incurred by Ross. 2 pages, 4to, with integral blank; complete separations at folds repaired verso with tissue, some loss from seal tear to few words of text at middle right, faint scattered soiling. Washington, 15 April 1840

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". . . James Starr, one of the Cherokee Indians, . . . wishes me to inform you that 'When Capt. Page was in this County, he informed me that there were yet in the hands of the Gov't $100.00 of . . . [Mrs?] Ross's funds, which she refused . . . at the old agency. There are yet many persons to whom Mr. Ross is indebted for services rendered him in the removal of the detachment conducted by his agents. . . . Could you make arrangements with the Gov't by which those claims could be secured . . . . I am confident he does not intend to pay them . . . . I believe the reason why he thus far refused to pay them . . . is intirely owing to a difference in politicks.' . . .

"The contract with Mr. Ross for the Cherokee Removal was so liberal in its provisions that his ability to satisfy all the persons whom he employed cannot be questioned. I must therefore request an answer for my friends . . . the claimants."

From the Collection of William Wheeler III.