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Treaty ground
Novr. [November] 8th 1826
Indian Treaty
Gen [General] Hummingbird
Got from Indian
I am informed that much dissatisfaction exists in relation to the manner, in which the treaty was announced to the Nation, It is said, the notice to attend the treaty, commencd. [commenced] at those of low grade asscending [ascending], to the chiefs, the new chiefs and their friends, view this, as a species of neglect, and degradation, I [deleted text: am ] [added text: was ] assured, heretofore [deleted text: and ] [deleted text: assure ] and since breakfast to day that no prospect of success can exist, short of a full recognition of the new chiefs.
Indeed this assurance seems rational, when it is considered, that these chiefs were made by a Majority of the nation, in proportion, as three or four to [deleted text: five ] [added text: one ], and this power increasing, It is said the old chiefs dare not take up this mission, It is believed their feelings are chagrined and resentful, at being ousted by the half blood, that a reasonable hope is entertained, that their friendship & influence may be brought into action, in promotion of the views of Government, so that they, again be great men in the west, The views of [unclear text: fall ] are not positively known, those of [unclear text: Mosulahtubbee ] it is believed are correspondent with the wishes of the Commrs. [Commissioners] If these representations be true (of which I have no question) It would seem that a ready and generous recognition of the new chiefs, pursueing [pursuing] a proper course with the old ones might have a good tendency.


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It is said, that [unclear text: Folsom ] and [unclear text: La Fluor ], in any event, will both remain in this country -- that they have been searching out reserves and that they are mercenary . It is thot [thought] that the Commrs. [Commissioners] at a proper time, and in a cautious manner, have private interviews with the new and old chiefs, and whereever [wherever] it is possible -- [unclear text: beshure [be sure] ] to confer without an interpreter, for says my informant, they all hate a witness, Folsom remarked in my presence yesterday, that several chiefs of other nations had been slain for selling land, -- at this Treaty if anything was done, it must be done by the voice of the warriors, then there could be no complaint, to this end the talks of the Commrs. [Commissioners] must be fully explained to the warriors by clans, or to each clan, and this said he, is the wish of the Government, I asked the major what, in his opinion was the best course for the Commrs. [Commissioners] to pursue, to a successful treaty, He replied, let them leave nothing untried to explain and enforce, the permanency and safety of the guarantee, and let them in the strongest terms, of which the case is susceptible, set forth the nature and items wherein the natives are protected by the Government, And if they will do nothing the withdrawal of this protection, leaving them, precisely where they were at the close of the revolution. The evils resulting from this state of things. -- and that the Indians can never rest here


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If the main question should fail, he thinks it would be well, to attempt removing them by smaller numbers.
It is furthermore believed by this [unclear text: gent. [gentleman] ] that reservations will do much, but thinks the Commrs. [Commissioners] had better be somewhat -- hard handed about them, for says he that which comes too easy we prize the less, place some difficulty around that which is intended to be done, this suits an Indian best, Genl [General] Hummingbird is a man of much goodness and might on the question pending, he will go with the strongest party, no matter what course, For reasons which this man has given me, together with his faithful conduct as a public servant for more than 30 years. I think he may be relied on, as being perfectly friendly to the minds of Government, so far also, as he may be concerned, he wishes Justice done to the Indians. On reflection I view it, perhaps as improper to [unclear text: hint ] the major reasons, without giving them. He says then, that the Chactows will have to leave this country, nothing can stay them here, He wishes this great question [unclear text: setted [settled] ] in his life time He believes it is, in his power, to do more for his family, (as to reservations) than any man can for him, In 2 or 3 days we shall hear from him, perhaps sooner


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In presenting this note, I have no intention of obstructing, any opinions whatever, -- If I could afford any aid, I would, -- please accept this as my appology [apology]

With perfect consideration
I remain your Obnt [Obedient] &c [et cetera]
[Signed] Jno [John] D Terrell



Genls [Generals] -- Clarke Hinds & Coffee