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Head Quarters Etowah 
October 9th 1832. 
Governor Lumpkin 
Sir; 
Yours under date  
24th Ult. [Ultimo]  I have received. The answer given to the secretary of war, to the kind, and liberal protections submitted to the Cherokees is, as you say, high toned & insolent and is viewed by some of the principle [principal]  men of the nation, as uncalled for, & untimed [untimely], if not unauthorized. Mr. Ross was, as I understand instructed by the Council, to say to the president that the nation had no land to sell.  
From information I have received since my return, I am of the opinion, that there is not one intelligent man in the Charter of Georgia, that is not anxious to treat; and some of the most influential have been riding over the nation, exerting their influence to produce a corresponding disposition on the part of the Indians generally. how far they have succeeded I cannot say, but I hope much from the deliberation of the present Council. Judge Underwood & Genl [General]  Hardin has gone out; the Indians have great confidence in these gentlemen, particular the former, and I have 
 
 
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no doubt but they will give them their opinions candidly, and advise them to accede to the propositions submitted by the president, or suggest others, if they object to those already submitted.  
I deem it important that you should be in possession of the earliest authentic information from the council, I have therefore requested Coln [Colonel]  Williamson to attend it as soon as it adjourns he will come to Milledgeville and give you all the particulars. should the Council determin [determine]  not to meet commissioners of the U. [United]  States to adjust this perplexing business, I will have the honor of answering your enquiries in a subsequent communication.  
I have done all in my power to prevent the evils of which Majr [Major]  Curry complains but am not sufficiently acquainted with the laws on this subject to suggest any alteration.  
I have not the slightest apprehension that we shall meet with any opposition from the Indians, in any event, Mr. [unclear text: Chester ] s opinion to the contrary notwithstanding. should such a thing be agitated I think the better informed would immediately suppress it, or give such information as would enable us to prevent the contemplated mischief. we have frequently received information of the hostile disposition of 
 
 
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the Indians, and that they intended to set the laws of the state at defence [defense], but after much labour [labor], and expence [expense], we have found no ground for such reports. In no instance have we found the least disposition on the part of the Indians, to resist the state authorities.  
If you determin [determine]  to grant lands in the gold region as soon as they are drawn, it will be necessary to review the laws on trespass, and if the penalties are not sufficient they should be made so, and the drawer should be compeled [compelled]  to register his name in this office, and the number, or numbers he intends operating upon before he begins his labour [labor], to enable us to determine who are trespassing, and who are not.  
My account of the disbursements for the third quarter shall be made out pursuant to your directions.  
 
I have the honor to be most respectfully your Excellencys Obdt Servt. [Obedient Servant]  
[Signed] Jno [John]  Coffee.  
To His Excellency Wilson Lumpkin. Milledgeville. 
 
 
 
 
 
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To His Excellency Wilson Lumpkin Milledgeville. Georgia.  
 
Jno [John]  Coffee 
 
9 Oct [October]  1832  
 
Ansd [Answered]   
Oct. [October]  18th 1832.