_Editor's Note: In the early 1800s, white
settlers
moved into Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Some of this American Indian land was taken after wars. Some was taken by United States government treaties that promised to pay and move the Native Americans. In theory Native Americans would be given enough money, land, food and tools if they agreed to move west. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson, forced the the tribes to move. A group of Cherokee leaders signed a
treaty
in 1835. Soldiers rounded up members of the tribe and marched them west. Conditions were terrible. About 4,000 Cherokee died. The march would later be known as the "Trail of Tears." This letter led to the treaty._
"I Respect Your People"
To the Cherokee Tribe of Indians east of the Mississippi River.
MY FRIENDS: I have known your people in peace and war. I knew your fathers. I respect your people. But now I am the president and must follow the
Constitution
and laws of the United States. Listen to me and I will explain the problems you now face.
White people are all around you. You have different customs, but now you must follow the same laws as the people of Georgia and Alabama. Most of your people are uneducated, and this could lead to trouble with their white neighbors. Your young men are starting to form bad habits. They are often drunk and will get in trouble. There is no more game to hunt, so you must depend on farming and other jobs. You have little property. Your lives are getting worse and soon you will disappear, as other tribes have.
I warned your leaders 18 years ago to move west of the Mississippi River. If you had done so, you would now have farms and comfortable homes. You would have your own customs and laws separate from white people.
"You Cannot Stay Where You Are"
I am a true friend and I tell you that you cannot stay where you are. You must move west and join other Native Americans. The sooner you do this, the sooner your lives will improve.
Some of your brothers have come to Washington, D.C. They hope to make a good treaty that will please everyone. They have come up with a plan.
The U.S. Senate and your leaders agreed on how much money you will get. The treaty will protect your private rights. It will help your poorer people. It will set you up to be happy and rich. The United States has given you good farming land with good weather.
I will soon choose men to meet with your leaders. They will explain this treaty to you:
1. The new country west of the Mississippi is safe and will prevent white people from
trespassing
.
2. You will be paid for what you own in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee.
3. The United States will pay the cost of moving your people. This includes food and shelter for a year, and $150 given to each person.
4. You will have a supply of rifles, blankets and kettles.
5. Your people will be given $400,000 to be used in the future.
6. Your people will get schools, farming tools and animals. There will be help from Christians who will live with you.
7. When you have been wronged, money will be paid to you.
8. There will be money for your people who have been disabled helping the United States.
"$500 To Every Man, Woman And Child"
Equally divided among your 10,000 people east of the Mississippi, the $5 million being granted to you would give $500 to every man, woman and child in your nation. It is enough to establish yourselves comfortably. There are also 13 million acres given to the western Cherokees and yourselves by other treaties. Your whole country will contain not less than 13.8 million acres.
May the Great Spirit help you to choose. The future of your people depends upon you. Look at your lives and then think about following the advice I give you.
Which of the following are two main ideas from the letter?
A
The Cherokee want to move west for new opportunities, but Andrew Jackson keeps stopping them.
B
Andrew Jackson gives the Cherokee helpful advice; therefore the Cherokee honor and respect him.
C
Andrew Jackson is telling the Cherokee they must move west, and he makes many promises to help them if they do.
D
The Cherokee are in conflict with white settlers, but Andrew Jackson is their trusted friend and wants to help them.
C
Andrew Jackson is telling the Cherokee they must move west, and he makes many promises to help them if they do.
D
The Cherokee are in conflict with white settlers, but Andrew Jackson is their trusted friend and wants to help them.