From the Cherokee Nation: Proclamation of Chief John Ross – Object #2

The Cherokee Indians: Four Thousand Indians in Council Speech by the Principal Chief Alliance with the Confederate States

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<p>On the heels of Chief Ross’s neutrality proclamation, Richmond, VA’s Daily Dispatch provides a detailed report of the Cherokee Nation special council meeting in which 4,000 attendees reconsider their allegiance.</p>

The Daily Dispatch of Richmond, VA chronicles a Cherokee Nation special council meeting in September 1861

Questions:

According to the text, what concern did the Confederacy and Cherokee Nation share?

In what ways would the Cherokee Nation benefit from an alliance with the Confederacy rather than the Union?

About two months passed between the time of Chief Ross’s neutrality proclamation and the Cherokee Confederate alliance. What circumstances may have changed to make Ross change his position so quickly?

Citations

The Daily Dispatch. (Richmond [Va.]), 13 Sept. 1861. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Library of Congress.