“Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833-1916: William F. Cloud to Cherokee Nation”
Correspondence between William F. Cloud and the Cherokee Nation
Excerpts
From William F. Cloud to Cherokee Nation, August 3, 1862
A. Copy.
Park Hill Ind Territory Aug’3d/1862
To the Members of the Cherokee Nation.
The personal safety of your Principal Chief and the safety of the Archives of your Nation require that I move him, and them within our lines, where they will be safe from the strife of war.
The United States Government is able to protect its friends, and punish its Enemies, all Cherokees and members of the other Nations and Tribes are invited and expected to assist in maintaining their original nationalities as guarantied them by their Treaties with the U States Government. All marauding and guerilla parties are hereby ordered to immediately desist from their depredations. All personal and real property left behind by the Chief of the Nation or other parties must remain unmolested under the penalties of the severest punishment.
All those who are now or have been in arms against the Government of the United States will be freely forgiven if they at once forsake their disloyal practices and purposes, and immediately use their utmost endeavors to assist in restoring peace & harmony
Signed W. F. Cloud
Colo. 2d Kan. Vol. U S. A
Commanding 1st Brigade
Ind. Expedition
Questions:
What claims does Cloud make about the whereabouts of Chief John Ross?
According to the text, what will happen to members of the Cherokee Nation of they surrender to Union forces?
How do you imagine members of the Cherokee Nation would have reacted to news that their Chief had been given safety behind Union lines?