Cherokee (Eastern Band) Papers, 1752-1907

The Eastern Band of Cherokees were those who, under the leadership of John Ross, did not subscribe to the treaty of New Echota (1835) and had to be removed by force to the Western lands.

However, there had been emigration to the West as early as 1810 by groups who wished to leave Georgia and the term "Western Cherokees" was applied to this group as well as to later emigrants. The papers in the Gilcrease files labeled "Eastern Band" generally apply to any Cherokees who were living in the East instead of the West before emigration.

One document, dated 1752, is a bill to "The Publick of South Carolina" by Thomas Nightingale for the pasturage of Indian horses. Other papers in the 1750's are about supplying Indians with entertainment and food. In 1795 the Governor issued an order to William Blount for clothes for two Indians, and in 1797 a bill to the U. S. Government from Anthony Foster for goods delivered to Cherokees " . . . in consequence of two Indians being killed ..." is included.

Also contained in the collection is an 1872 document concern­ ing the choice of John Ross as attorney for the Eastern Cherokees and a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Council, October, 1876. There is a handwritten list of names called "Roll A" of certain Eastern Cherokees. Included as well is Elijah Hicks' marriage license, dated June, 1829.