Desires and dreams are roots that run deep, and neither race nor culture alters those ideas. Consequently, we, the Cherokee Nation, mirror the longings of the American people. Seeking self-government, Americans fought the Revolutionary War, yet in victory they continue to treat us as a conquered people. Promises of self-government without armed conflict were made in vain. Therefore, we the Cherokee residing in the state of Georgia should support the treaty party led by John Ridge and agree to the removal of ourselves and our communities to the lands west of the Mississippi River in Indian Territory.The Cherokee Nation has exhausted all avenues of integration with the Americans without prevail. As requested, we conformed to the Anglo-Americans by developing an alphabet and a written language. We felt this would foster communications between the Anglo-Americans and our Nation. Against our ancestral beliefs, we converted to Christianity and permitted missionaries to educate our children. We molded our society to resemble that of the Anglo-Americans in every way possible. Farming has replaced our mens tasks of hunting and gathering, and our women no longer manage the farm. Instead, they tend to the home. These social changes, however, have not stopped the United States from confiscating our lands because we refused to totally forfeit our cultural beliefs. Our government has not been spared in all this reform. It also has transposed to simulate the Americans government. No longer are the laws of the land left up to our honor; now we must abide by a written constitution. A bicameral legislature and a judicial branch are presently our keepers. In light of this so-called betterment, American temperaments have not metamorphosed and our people continue to suffer.Due to treaties being dishonored, such as the Treaty of Hopewell, the United States and our Cherokee Nation continue to resort to warfare. The Americans have proven ...
