*Introduction to the Document*

This letter of protest was submitted to the US Congress by a

Cherokee delegation led by Chief Ross. It outlines the history
of agreements between the US and Cherokee in objection to
activities of Georgia against the Cherokee Nation and people.
Significant evidence of oppression and mistreatment are
offered as evidence of Georgia's overstepping its legitimate
authority. The delegation also protests the Treaty of New
Echota.
An excerpt from “Memorial and Protest of the Cherokee
Nation,” written by John Ross and sent to the U.S.
Congress on June 21, 1836.
[…]

Little did they anticipate, that when taught to think and feel as the
American citizen, and to have with him a common interest, they were to
be despoiled (robbed) by guardian, to become strangers and wanderers
in the land of their fathers, forced to return to the savage life, and to
seek a new home in the wilds of the far west, and that without their
consent. An instrument (tool) purporting (claiming) to be a treaty with
the Cherokee people, has recently been made public by the President
of the United States, that will have such an operation, if carried into
effect. This instrument, the delegation aver (assert) before the
civilized world, and in the presence of Almighty God, is fraudulent,
false upon its face, made by unauthorized individuals, without the
sanction, and against the wishes of the great body of the Cherokee
people. Upwards of 15,000 of those people have protested against it,
solemnly declaring they will never acquiesce (accept). […]

If it is said that the Cherokees have lost their national character and
political existence, as a nation or tribe, by State legislation, then the
President and Senate can make no treaty with them; but if they have
not, then no treaty can be made for them, binding, without and against
their will. Such as the fact, in reference to the instrument entered at
New Echota, in December. If treaties are to be thus made and
enforced, deceptive to the Indians and to the world, purporting to be a
contract, when, in truth, wanting the assent
(consent/acknowledgement) of one of the pretended parties, what
security would there be for any nation or tribe to retain confidence in
the United States? If interest or policy require that the Cherokees be
removed, without their consent, from their lands, surely the President
and Senate have no constitutional power to accomplish that object.
 HIPPO: John Ross to the U.S. Congress on June
21, 1836

Historical Context Answer the questions to the left before

What kind of document is this? reading the document.
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When was this document written?
Was this document written before, during, or
after the Trail of Tears?

Intended Audiences Answer the questions to the left before

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audience?

Point of View Read the questions to the left then read the
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topic of this essay?
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Purpose Read the questions to the left then read the

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audience?
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audience to do?
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Outside Information Read the questions to the left then read the
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when you read this document?
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opposition of Native Americans to the Indian
Removal Act of 1830?