USA > Georgia > Floyd County > Rome > A history of Rome and Floyd County, State of Georgia, United States of America; including numerous incidents of more than local interest, 1540-1922, Volume I > Part 28
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"Major Ridge rushed forward from a clump of underbrush and explained that he had been out hunting wild tur- keys when the pantomine was re-
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ANECDOTES AND REMINISCENCES
hearsed before his eyes. He knew the two men to be worthless scoundrels, and was glad to do Col. Blair and the state the service of dispatching one of them. John Ridge, the Major's son, Stand Watie, John's cousin, and Sally Ridge, the Major's pretty young daughter, came running up, and with a courtly bow, Col. Blair presented his handsome gold watch to the little girl. John and Stand Watie got the stolen horses together for Col. Blair; Tom Phillips was tied securely and put on one of them, and Col. Blair went back to the Pendleton district of South Carolina. The dead Indian was buried 150 yards below the spring, without even a tear from Miss Sally to damped the sod.
"This act gained for Major Ridge an honorable name among the pale- faces, who ever after looked to him to redress wrongs committed by mem- bers of his clan; and when he fought so bravely at the Battle of the Horse- shoe, Ala., several years later, under Gen. Jackson, all felt that his laurels were lightly worn."
TROUBLES OF THE CHIEFS .- That life was not a bed of Cherokee roses for the Ridges and their kins- man, Elias Boudinot, is evident from the following letters :
*Washington City, Mar. 13, 1835.
To Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War,
Washington, D. C.
Sir: I read this letter this morn- ing, advising me of the progress of intrusion upon my plantation and ferry within the chartered limits of Alabama. The damage done to me will be considerable if this is suffered to proceed. Deplorable will be the fate of the Indians if lawless men, without the authorities of the States, are suf- fered to throw free people out of their houses while they are preparing to leave the land of their forefathers. This is not a solitary case, but these aggravating cases are transpiring al- most every day. The Government should give instructions to its agents upon this subject without delay.
I am, sir, respectfully your friend, JOHN RIDGE.
*Report of Secretary of War on Cherokee Treaty (1835), p. 357.
** Ibid. Undoubtedly the present Childersburg, Talladega County, on the Coosa River, 125 miles below Rome.
*** A man named Garrett is supposed to have molested Major Ridge's ferry at Rome.
(Enclosure.)
** Childersville, Ala., Dec. 23, 1835. Mr. John Ridge,
(Washington, D. C.)
Dear Friend: It has been some weeks since I wrote to you. I have been expecting to receive a letter from you, but have not received any yet. I now write to give you the times here. We are all well. I have commenced clearing up my ground for a crop. I shall start my ploughs in a few days. Jno. W. Garrot *** is here on the other side of the river; has got large dou- ble houses built, and has taken those old houses that Pathkiller used to live in, and made kitchens of them. He has moved part of the fencing there and says he intends to hold all the pos- sessions, and that he will take the ferry as soon as you return. I for- bid him to build there, before wit- nesses. He threatens to shoot any man that would interrupt him. He says he can raise a militia force any time to protect himself. Major B. F. Currey was here shortly after Garrot first came, and ordered him off. Gar- rot now says they had a private con- versation, and Currey had told him that he should not be interrupted, and
DR. GAMALIEL W. HOLMES, who estab- lished a reputation as a family physician after the Civil War.
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A HISTORY OF ROME AND FLOYD COUNTY
that they (Currey and himself) had made a compromise of the business. I hope you will be able while you are there to make arrangements from Gov- ernment to have him put off from this place. If you can not do that, it will injure you more than one thousand dollars. If he was away from here I could get $2,500 for the place at any time, but it will not sell for half that amount under the present circum- stances.
I have bad news to tell you about the money business here. My share this winter is but little. The small- pox turned the people away in the fore part of the winter, and now and for some time back the people are afraid to travel on account of the highway robbers. The travellers are getting killed and robbed in all parts of the country. Between Mr. West's and Spanish John's old place there have been found a man and two horses killed. On the mountain between here and Mr. Bell's a man has been robbed of a horse. Down at Mill creek, on this road, a man was robbed of $192. On the mountain near Cox's, a man was killed and robbed of his horse and money. In Chattooga Valley there were two men shot, but neither of them killed. Near Montgomery, a few days ago, a man was killed and rob- bed of several hundred dollars.
I heard from Mrs. Ridge a few days ago. They were all well. Today I shall send Mrs. Ridge $45 of cash. I must conclude by saying to you that I still remain,
Your sincere friend, WM. CHILDERS.
*Headquarters, Army Cherokee Na- tion, Valley Town, N. C., Aug. 12, 1836.
Brig. Gen. Dunlap, ** Of the Brigade of
Tennessee Volunteers.
Sir : Captain Vernon, stationed at New Echota, informs me that John Ridge has complained to him that some white man is about to take forcible possession of his ferry on Coosa River. You will without delay inquire into the case, and if you should find the com- plaint to be just, you will, until fur- ther orders, protect Ridge in his rights and property. This order will apply to all cases of similar character in the Cherokee country.
You are further directed that in case you should find any troops with- in the limits of the Cherokee nation, whether in Georgia, Alabama, Tennes- see or North Carolina, not belonging
to the East Tennessee brigade, to no- tify them that they are exclusively subject to my authority, and unless they report to me without delay, and become subject to my orders, will either leave the nation or be disband- ed. In your proceedings, you will be governed by your instructions of the 4th instant.
I am, very respectfully, your obe- dient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Brigadier General Commanding.
In September, 1836, Gov. Lumpkin wrote as follows of the Ridge ferry seizure at Rome to Gen. John E. Wool :***
"I herewith enclose you sundry pa- pers placed in my hands by Mr. Gar- rett, on the subject of Ridge's ferry. From these papers it would seem that Garrett is willing to yield his claims to the civil authority, and yet to obey and respect any military orders to him directed by you.
"Garrett alleges that he will cease to run his ferry boat provided Ridge will keep up the ferry and not disap- point travelers, but further states that Ridge is like the dog in the manger- that he will neither run his own boat nor suffer him to run one. The pa- pers, however, will place you in pos- session of the facts and relieve you from further trouble in the case.
"With great respect, your obedient servant,
"WILSON LUMPKIN."
*
New Echota, June 15, 1836.
Hon. Elbert Herring, Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Sir: By the last mail I addressed a letter to Mr. Schermerhorn, to your care, which you have probably perused. What I there stated in regard to the state of feeling among the Cherokees has only been confirmed to my satis- faction. Indeed, I will venture to say there has never been a time for the last five years when appearances were so favorable as at present. I know of no hostility to the treaty. I hear now, on the contrary, the Cherokees in this region will receive it with cheer- fulness. They say the matter is now settled and they are glad of it. I speak of the mass of the Cherokees.
*Secretary of War's Report on Cherokee Treaty (1835), p. 640. ** W. C. Dunlap.
*** Removal of the Cherokee Indians from Georgia, (Lumpkin), Vol. II, p. 43.
**** Report of Secretary of War on Cherokee Treaty (1835), ps. 600-1.
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ANECDOTES AND REMINISCENCES
There is a portion who, no doubt, feel far otherwise; but they are those whose ambition has been disappointed. Without their interference there will be no excitement. I trust they will not endeavor to excite the people.
The white inhabitants of this coun- try are in a state of great alarm, founded upon some unfounded appre- hensions. I believe it is owing a great deal to what is transpiring in the Creek nation. Our people are not even aware of the state of feeling among the whites, much less are they think- ing of making war. I trust, sir, that no exaggerated rumors, which, no doubt, will go out of this country, will induce the Government to believe the Cherokees are in a hostile attitude. They are not, nor do I believe, even with Ross's influence, will a portion of them ever assume such an attitude.
Our people are greatly suffering for food. It is very important that the necessary appropriations should be made soon for their relief. If I had authority to do so, I would begin to supply them in this neighborhood.
In my letters to Mr. Schermerhorn I have referred to the speculations that are going on upon the Indians by whites and half breeds. Strong meas- ures are necessary to prevent it. The president ought to have the right of deciding what are the just debts of the Indians, for the protection of that class. If not, they will go to the west deprived of every cent of their prop- erty, and the money will go into the hands of the whites and such Indians as have opposed the very treaty by which they are now trying to amass wealth. I say again, strong measures are necessary.
I trust the President will think it best to send Mr. Schermerhorn again. I think he is a suitable person be- cause he is a terror to speculators, and understands the situation of these peo- ple and their affairs.
With sentiments of high esteem, I remain yours,
ELIAS BOUDINOT.
*New Echota, Ga., June 16, 1836. Hon. Elbert Herring,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Sir: I addressed a letter to you yes- terday, giving you a favorable account of the state of feeling among the Cherokees. I have since then received the enclosed letter, which would seem to contradict what I have stated. I
wish to be understood as speaking of the Cherokees in this region, and from which I have direct information. There are neighborhoods where I have every reason to presume there is hostility towards us as a treaty party, and there are individuals who would willingly take our lives if they could. I have no idea that the danger is as great as is apprehended by the writers of the two letters enclosed.
I came through the neighborhood . where hostility is said to exist, and the frolic or dance spoken of was held before I came along. saw Thos. Taylor there, and he told me that he found the people better satisfied than he expected.
I yet think there may be some mis- take about Welch being waylaid. Fos- ter, one of our delegation, was here the other day, and he told me every- thing was going right for the treaty. But as I have before stated, inflam- matory statements from the other side may change the state of feeling. I shall not be excited, and shall take the matter coolly and deliberately, and shall endeavor to keep you apprized of what is happening. I shall repeat again what I have said, that matters have never appeared so favorable within the compass of my observations within the last five years, as at pres- ent, and if Ross would only keep away, the nation would almost be unanimous for the treaty.
To give you an instance how these poor people are deluded and misled, it is said that one of Ross's delegation on his return reported that the Cherokee countries here and in Arkansas have been sold, and that the Cherokees will have to go to a far country, infested by man-eaters. The people protested going there, but are willing to go to Arkansas.
I should have addressed these let- ters to Mr. Schermerhorn, if I thought he was still there. Please give my respects to him, and let him see these letters.
Very respectfully, ELIAS BOUDINOT.
(Two Enclosures.)
Coal Mountain, June 8, 1836. Mr. Elias Boudinot,
Sir: There was an Indian frolic or dance on Saturday night last, and there was some white men went to the same. They have reported that the Indians said that they had no malice towards the white people, but
*Report of Secretary of War on Cherokee Treaty (1835), ps. 602-3-4.
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A HISTORY OF ROME AND FLOYD COUNTY
that they intended killing Ridge and yourself. I have written you that you might be on your guard, which no doubt you are. The citizens of this county had a meeting yesterday; they are resolved to punish all offenses, if any. I would recommend for your safety for you and family to leave the country until the excitement is over a little. Please to accept for yourself and family my best wishes.
Truly yours,
GEORGE KELLOG.
Chattahoochee, June 8, 1836.
My dear Boudinot: I have just re- ceived a letter from Welch, informing me that his house has been waylaid by the Indians, who are seeking an opportunity to kill him. Our friend Tom Taylor is scattering the fire- brands. All my friends are well pleased that our treaty has been rati- fied and are ready to pledge their lives in defense of the treaty party. We have thousands of friends amongst the Georgians, ready to do the same.
If you are at all apprehensive of danger, let me advise you to collect all your friends and form an encamp- ment at Ridge's; arm but act on the defensive; make any contracts neces- sary to your support. The treaty must meet them. I have just written to Schermerhorn, informing him of Tay- lor's conduet. Write to me often. I am much concerned for your safety.
Sincerely your friend,
WILLIAM RODGERS .* *
ROSS DRIVEN FROM HOME. -In April, 1835, it would appear, Ross returned from Washington to his home at "Head of Coosa," Rome. On Mar. 14, the Ridge party had signed with the Government the preliminar- ies of the New Echota treaty, giving the Indians $5,000,000 for Cherokee Georgia. In order to reach Washing- ton in those days it was necessary to travel by stage or horse to Charles- ton, and there take the steamer north or go the entire way on horseback. He had come in on his trusty charger, tired and hopeful of a kiss from his wife and children. Instead, he found his family gone-thrown out with a few scant things they could carry with them, and making for Tennessee over the dusty road.
The following statement was signed by eight leading Cherokees, ** including Ross, and it was undoubtedly written or dictated by Ross himself. Although the ejectment seems to have taken
place in April, complaint was not made to Washington until June 21, 1836, more than a year later. Here is the summary of grievances, including the tale of the ejectment; it states that Ross's father, Daniel Ross, was buried at Rome, whereas members of the family in Oklahoma have always thought the parent and certain others were buried at Lookout Mountain, Tenn.
"The Cherokees were then left to the merey of an interested agent. This agent, under the act of 1834, was the notorious Wm. N. Bishop, the captain of the Georgia Guard, aid to the Gov- ernor, clerk of court, postmaster, etc., and his mode of trying Indian rights is here submitted:
" 'Murray County, Ga., Jan. 20, 1835.
"'Mr. John Martin:
"'Sir-The legal representative of lots of land No. 95, 25th district, 2nd section, No. 86, 25th district, 2nd sec- tion, No. 93, 25th district, 2nd section, No. 89, 25th district, 2nd section, No. 57, 25th district, 2nd section, has called on me, as State's agent, to give possession of the above described lots of land, and informs me that you are the occupant upon them. Under the laws of the State of Georgia, passed in 1833 and 1834, it is made my duty to comply with his request, therefore, prepare yourself to give entire pos- session of said premises on or before the 20th day of February next; fail not under the penalty of the law.
"'WM. N. BISHOP, " 'State's Agent.'
"Mr. Martin, *** a Cherokee, was a man of wealth, had an extensive farm, large fields of wheat growing; and was turned out of house and home, and compelled, in the month of Feb- ruary, to seek a new residence within the limits of Tennessee.
*Usually spelled Regers.
** Jehn Ress, Jehn Martin, James Brown, Joseph Vann, John Benge, Lewis Ress, Elijah Hicks and Richard Fields. Authority: Cher- okee Indians, Congressional Documents (1835-6), Doc. No. 286. ps. 5-6-7. After Ross was dispossessed, he went to live in Bradley County, Tenn., where he and John Howard Payne were arrested a few months later.
*** Martin had been a judge of one of the Cherokee districts ( Ameah). On Aug. 10, 1835, he was arrested by Lieut. Jno. L. Heeper, commander of Ce. F, 4th Inf., U. S. A., at Ft. Cass, Calhoun, Tenn., and confined at the home of Lewis Ross at that place. whence he seon made his escape. A spirited tilt then teek place between Heoper and Major Currey. Mar- tin was charged with having threatened the life of John Ridge for negotiating with- the Government.
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ANECDOTES AND REMINISCENCES
"Mr. Richard Taylor was also at Washington, and in his absence his family was threatened with expulsion, and compelled to give $200 for leave to remain at home for a few months only.
"This is the 'real humanity' the Cherokees were shown by the real or pretended authorities of Georgia, dis- avowing any selfish or sinister motives towards them.
"Mr. Jos. Vann, also a native Chero- kee, was a man of great wealth; had about 800 acres of land in cultivation ; had made extensive improvements, consisting, in part, of a brick house, costing about $10,000, mills, kitchens, negro houses, and other buildings. He had fine gardens, and extensive apple and peach orchards. His business was so extensive he was compelled to em- ploy an overseer and other agents. In the fall of 1833 he was called from home, but before leaving made a con- ditional contract with a Mr. Howell, a white man, to oversee for him in the year 1834, to commence on the first of January of that year. He returned about the 28th or 29th of December, 1833, and learning that Georgia had prohibited any Cherokee from hiring a white man, told Mr. Howell he did not want his services.
"Yet Mr. Bishop, the State's agent, represented to the authorities of Geor- gia that Mr. Vann had violated the laws of that State by hiring a white man, had forfeited his right of oc- cupancy, and that a grant ought to issue for his lands.
"There were conflicting claims un- der Georgia laws for his possessions. A Mr. Riley* pretended a claim, and took possession of the upper part of the dwelling house, armed for battle. Mr. Bishop, the State's agent, and his party came to take possession, and be- tween them and Riley a fight com- menced, and from 20 to 50 guns were fired in the house. While this was going on, Mr. Vann gathered his trem- bling wife and children into a room for safety. Riley could not be dis- lodged from his position upstairs, even after being wounded, and Bishop's par- ty finally set fire to the house. Riley surrendered and the fire was extin- g'uished.
Mr. Vann and his family were then
*Spencer Riley, of Cass County, formerly of Bibb. The fight took place Mar. 2, 1835; au- thority : Georgia Journal, Milledgeville, Apr. 7, 1835.
** Tallapoosa River, with Andrew Jackson and Major Ridge.
*** Reference to the Ridges, Boudinot and others of the Treaty party.
driven out, unprepared, in the dead of winter, and snow on the ground, through which they were compelled to wade and to take shelter within the limits of Tennessee, in an open log cabin, upon a dirt floor, and Bishop put his brother, Absalom Bishop, in posession of Mr. Vann's house. This Mr. Vann is the same who, when a boy, volunteered as a private soldier in the Cherokee regiment in the serv- ice of the United States, in the Creek war, periled his life in crossing the river at the Battle of the Horse Shoe .* What has been his reward?
"Hundreds of other cases might be added. In fact, nearly all the Chero- kees in Georgia who had improve- ments of any value, except the favor- ites of the United States agent, *** under one pretext or another have been driven from their homes. Amid the process of expulsion, the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, the United States commissioner, visited the legislatures of Tennessee and Alabama, and im- portuned those bodies to pass laws prohibiting the Cherokees who might be turned out of their possessions from within the Georgia limits, taking up a residence in the limits of those states.
WADE SAMUEL COTHRAN, leading spirit in the First Presbyterian church, who removed from Rome to Anniston.
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"The same summary process was used toward Mr. John Ross, the prin- cipal chief of the Cherokee Nation. He was at Washington City, on the busi- ness of his nation. When he returned, he traveled until about 10 o'clock at night to reach his family; rode up to the gate; saw a servant believed to be his own; dismounted, ordered his horse taken; went in, and to his utter as- tonishment found himself a stranger in his own home, his family having been some days before driven out to seek a new home.
"A thought then flitted across his mind-that he could not, under all the circumstances of the situation, recon- cile it to himself to tarry all night under the roof of his own house as a stranger, the new host of that house being the tenant of that mercenary band of Georgia speculators at whose instance his helpless family had been turned out and made homeless.
"Upon reflecting, however, that 'man is born unto trouble,' Mr. Ross at once concluded to take up his lodgings there for the night, and to console himself under the conviction of having met his afflictions and trials in a man- ner consistent with every principle of moral obligation towards himself and family, his country and his God.
"On the next morning he arose early, and went out into the yard, and saw some straggling herds of his cattle and sheep browsing about the place-his crop of corn undisposed of. In cast- ing a look up into the widespread branches of a majestic oak, standing within the enclosure of the garden, and which overshadows the spot where lie the remains of his dear babe and most beloved and affectionate father, he there saw, perched upon its boughs, that flock of beautiful pea-fowls, once the matron's care and delight, but now left to destruction and never more to be seen.
"He ordered his horse, paid his bill, and departed in search of his family. After traveling amid heavy rains he had the happiness of overtaking them on the road, bound for some place of refuge within the limits of Tennessee. Thus have his houses, farm, public ferries, and other property been wrest- ed from him."
JOHN RIDGE IN NEW YORK .- Martin Grahame, of Briarlea, Sas- katchewan, Canada, who for some years lived on the East Rome place owned by J. Paul Cooper, sent the fol- lowing in 1921 to Linton A. Dean
from the diary of his father, W. R. Grahame:
"New York, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1832 .- Was also with Testes Dwight to the City Hotel and was introduced to and had conversation with two Indian chiefs, the first and only I have seen- Mr. John Ridge and another chief whose name I do not remember. They were well-dressed men in surtouts, (wide-skirted coats reaching below the knees .- Webster's New Standard Dic- tionary), spoke good English and be- haved themselves like gentlemen. Ridge is the son of an orator, the greatest, Mr. Dwight said, among the Cherokees, a chief of the Deer Tribe. The other Indian was of the Wolf Tribe, of the Cherokee Nation, both of them. They had beautiful, small hands and feet, especially Ridge, who is married to a New England lady. They have come to New York to raise the sympathy of the public in behalf of their country- men who have deputized them with that design, for the purpose of getting them allowed to remain in their lands guaranteed them in Georgia, Tennes- see and North Carolina in their treaty with the United States.
"The Cherokees consist of 16,000 to 20,000 people, the women more numer- ous than the men. The Sequoyan al- phabet, according to Ridge, can be learned in three days by a quick schol- ar, and in six days by a slow one. They have left off the chase largely of late and devote themselves to agri- culture. Mr. Ridge said superstition kept the Indian from gaining more information. He stated that legend had it that God first made the Indian and then the white man. The Indian was offered the choice of a book or a bow and arrow, and while he hesitated, the white man stole the book; thus the bow and arrow was left to the Indian, and he has made good use of them ever ยท since. Mr. Ridge's father's home is a two-story one, 52 by 28 feet, and there are many others of handsome design which show the wealth and civilization of the owners.
"Tonight at a public meeting in Clinton Hall, Mr. Ridge mentioned that the chiefs of the Cherokees had voluntarily resigned their ancient pow- ers and modeled their state into a Re- public on the general plan of the Unit- ed States, with frequent elections (uni- versal suffrage there is also, but he did not mention that).
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