Finding Aid: John Ross Papers
Institution: Thomas Gilcrease Library and Archive
Language of Material: English
Description: 11 feet
Period covered: 1797 - 1897
Collection summary derived from "Guidebook to Manuscripts", 1969: John Ross (1790-1866) chief of the First Indian Republic, was principal chief of the Cherokees during the time of the Removal, establishment of the Cherokee Nation, and until his death. During the Civil War he split with the Cherokees who favored the Southern cause and ruled in exile after 1863 from Philadelphia.
The collection contains correspondence, proclamation as chief of the Cherokee Tribe, legal papers, records, accounts, lists of names, and rations allocated during removal from Tennessee to Indian Territory, official and other papers of the Cherokee Council, petitions and protests to Congress, and papers relating to the East and West Cherokee controversy and the Civil War.
Interesting items: A number of papers relate to the various detachments, or groups, of Cherokees being removed from their homes in the East. One such paper is the Muster Roll of Captain John Benge's Detachment of Emigrating Cherokees. Another document records expenditures of one detachment, the costs for which the U.S. Government promised reimbursement.
Background: Staff, interns, and volunteers of the Thomas Gilcrease Library and Archive have contributed to the organization and maintenance of the files since the collection passed to the City of Tulsa in the 1950s. The Gilcrease Foundation acquired these materials before 1964 and is housed in the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR). The library currently receives most materials through community donation, board members, artists and the acquisition of manuscript collections.
Extent: 11 feet
Restrictions: Please, contact the Rights and Reproduction Department for information on publishing or reproducing materials included in these records. Permission will be granted by the Gilcrease Museum as the owner of the physical materials, and does not imply permission from the copyright holder. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all necessary permissions from the copyright holder.
http://gilcrease.utulsa.edu/Visit/During-Your-Visit/Policies/Reproduction-Policy
Availability: This collection is open for use by appointment only at the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR). Contact the Library at 918-631-6441 or renee-harvey@utulsa.edu in advance to inquire if materials exist pertaining to your research interests.
| Arrangement | Title | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Untitled (3696.147) | |||
| Letter from Secretary of War William H. Crawford to Return J. Meigs |
Letter from William H. Crawford, Secretary of War, to Return J. Meigs, Cherokee Indian Agent. This letter also contains instructions to President Andrew Jackson regarding removal of intruders upon Indian lands. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto. Folder 7 |
March 2, 1816 | |
| Affidavit of Rufus M. McWilliams |
Piece of paper attached, with wax, to 4026.932-.1. One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto. Folder 762. |
April 30, 1841 | |
| John Ross, Folded 1333A | Undated, Unsigned Text of Act of National Council |
Undated, unsigned text of Act of National Council authorizing Principal Chief to lease Cherokee Outlet (lease signed July 5, 1883). One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
1797 - 1897 |
| John Ross, Folder 1 | Letter from P. Butler to William Blount |
Letter from P. Butler to William Blount regarding Mr. Allison's effort to sell Tennessee land mortgaged to Butler. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
March 9, 1797 |
| John Ross, Folder 2A | Treaty Between Cherokees and Creeks |
Treaty at Fort Jackson establishing a boundary between the Cherokee and Creeks, witnessed by Andrew Jackson, Benjamin Hawkins, and Return J. Meigs. Folder 2. 4826.3a-b is a photocopy of a transcript of the original treaty. |
August 9, 1814 |
| John Ross, Folder 3 | Letter from Return J. Meigs to Captain Charles Hicks |
Letter from Return J. Meigs, Cherokee Agent, to Captain Charles Hicks. Seeking return of narrative relative to the boundary line and any additional info Hicks has acquired. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on two pages. Folder 3 |
December 19, 1815 |
| John Ross, Folder 4 | Instructions from Na-no-he-ta-hee to John Lowry, John Walker, Major Ridge, Richard Taylor, Che-u-cun-se-nee, and John Ross |
Instructions by Na-no-he-ta-hee [Path Killer], Chief in Knoxville, for delegation of John Lowry, John Walker, Major Ridge, Richard Taylor, Che-u-cun-se-nee, and John Ross. They are to go to Washington to meet with the President to discuss the boundary line between the Cherokee Nation and the Creeks, their prior decision on a tract in South Carolina, damage and plundering of Cherokee property during the war with Creeks, and insubordination of militia officers and men. He also points out the existence of beds of iron ore on Cherokee land (Moulton). Two sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink on five pages. |
January 10-11, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 5 | Photostat Copy of Delegation of John Lowry, John Walker, Major Ridge, Richard Taylor, Che-u-cun-se-nee, and Chief John Ross |
Photostat copy of Instructions by Na-no-he-ta-hee (Path Killer), Principal Chief in Knoxville for delegation of John Lowry, John Walker, Major Ridge, Richard Taylor, Che-u-cun-se-nee, and Chief John Ross. Sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink on eight pages. |
January 10-11, 1816 |
| Letter from John Lowry to President James Madison |
Letter from John Lowry to President James Madison. Lowry asked for equal treatment with white soldiers and their families for war services. (Two Photostats of document are in folder 5b) One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
February 19, 1816 | |
| John Ross, Folder 6 | Record of Conversation between John Lowry and President James Madison |
Record of conversation between John Lowry and President James Madison. The latter mentioned war losses, iron works, and smith shops, and willingness to cede a piece of South Carolina land. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. |
February 22, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 7 | Letter from Secretary of War William H. Crawford to Return J. Meigs |
Letter from William H. Crawford, Secretary of War, to Return J. Meigs, Cherokee Indian Agent. This letter also contains instructions to President Andrew Jackson regarding removal of intruders upon Indian lands. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto. |
March 2, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 8 | Letter from Cherokee Delegation to George Graham |
Letter from Cherokee Delegation to George Graham, War Department. Regarding Cherokee-Creek boundary. (Moulton). Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
March 4, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 9 | Letter from Cherokee Delegation to William H. Crawford |
Letter from Cherokee Delegation to Secretary of War William H. Crawford concerning balance of national annuities. (Moulton) One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
March 22, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 10A | Letter from the Cherokee Delegation to George Graham |
Letter from the Cherokee Delegation, in Washington City (John Lowry, John Walker, Ridge, Rich Taylor) to George Graham, War Department, concerning three tracts of land reserved under the Treaty of Tellico. One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
March 22, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 10B | Copy of Letter from Cherokee Delegation to George Graham |
Copy of letter from the Cherokee Delegation, in Washington City (John Lowry, John Walker, Ridge, Rich Taylor) to George Graham, War Department, concerning three tracts of land reserved under the Treaty of Tellico. Photocopy on one sheet of paper of 4026.25a. |
March 22, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 11 | Letter from the Cherokee Delegation to William Crawford |
Letter from the Cherokee Delegation, Washington City (John Lowry, John Walker, Ridge, Rich Taylor, John Ross) to William H. Crawford, Secretary of War, concerning reserved land tracts. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on two pages (Moulton). |
March 23, 1816 |
| John Ross, Folder 11A | Copy of Remarks of Andrew Jackson |
Copy of remarks of President Andrew Jackson who with Joseph McMinn and David Meriwether negotiated the Cherokee Treaty of July 8, 1817. Sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink. There is a string attached to the document. |
1797 - 1897 |
| John Ross, Folder 12 | Cherokee-Creek Treaty |
Certified Copy of the Cherokee-Creek Treaty regarding boundary. Top left corner folded. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. Folder 12 |
December 11, 1821 |
| John Ross, Folder 12A | Note From Return J. Meigs to John Ross |
Note from Cherokee Indian Agent Return J. Meigs to Chief John Ross concerning slaves. One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
1797 - 1897 |
| John Ross, Folder 13 | Letter from Duncan Campbell, James Meriwether, Thomas Radcock, and James Blair to Cherokee Chiefs, Headmen, and Warriors |
Letter from Duncan Campbell and James Meriwether (United States Commissioners) and Thomas Radcock and James Blair (Georgia Commissioners) to Cherokee Chiefs, Headmen, and Warriors regarding failure of Cherokees to meet on January 15, 1823. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. |
January 20, 1823 |
| John Ross, Folder 14 | Letter from John Ross to Gales and Seaton |
Letter from John Ross, George Lowrey, Major Ridge, and Elijah Hicks, Cherokee Delegation, Washington City, to Gales and Seaton (National Intelligencer). Concerning dispossessing Indians of their lands. (Moulton) Sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink. |
April 20, 1824 |
| John Ross, Folder 16 | Letter from Thomas L. McKenney to Charles Hicks |
Letter from Thomas L. McKenney, Comm. of Indian Affairs, to Charles Hicks. Regarding medal for Sequoyah, care of David Brown, and President's message to Congress. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
March 29, 1825 |
| John Ross, Folder 17 | Letter from Charles Vann to Charles R. Hicks |
Letter from Charles Vann to Charles R. Hicks regarding census report on Hightower District. (Document is in poor condition) Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. |
April 4, 1825 |
| John Ross, Folder 18 | Letter from Spencer Jarnagin to John Ross |
Letter from Spencer Jarnagin. to Chief John Ross concerning Peggy Shorry claim. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on two pages. Folder 18 |
November 17, 1825 |
| John Ross, Folder 18A | Letter from James Barbour to Creek Nation |
Article between James Barbour, Secretary of War, and the Creek Nation declaring the Creek Treaty of Indian Springs null and void (in fragment of letter discussing the same). Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on two pages. |
1797 - 1897 |
| John Ross, Folder 19 | John Ross's Master Mason certificate |
Certificate of Chief John Ross's initiation as a Master Mason by the Olive Branch Lodge in Jasper, Tennessee. Embossed seal on ribbon. One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto. 4026.33b is a photocopy. |
April 5, 1827 |
| John Ross, Folder 20 | Bond of Tilman Ross |
Bond of Tilman Ross for $50, payable to the Cherokee Nation. Sureties of Alexander McCoy and Iona Wadley. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
May 21, 1827 |
| John Ross, Folder 21 | Journal of Committee by John Drew |
Journal recorded claims admitted. Sheets of paper bound with string. 21 pages handwritten in ink. Front and back covers handwritten text in ink. |
October 1827 |
| John Ross, Folder 22 | Certificate of John Ross's Appointment as Postmaster of Head of Coosa, Chattooga District |
Certificate of Chief John Ross's appointment as Postmaster of Head of Coosa, Chattooga District. (Cherokee Nation and Georgia). Two sheets of paper with text in ink on the rectos. |
June 23, 1828 |
| John Ross, Folder 24 | Letter from Colonel Lindsay to John J. Posey |
Letter from Colonel Lindsay to John J. Posey regarding Cherokee's sale of cattle. One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
July 1, 1828 |
| John Ross, Folder 25 | Certified Copy of Act Concerning Border between New Jersey and New York |
Certified Copy of Act concerning the border between New Jersey and New York. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
November 21, 1828 |
| John Ross, Folder 26 | Copy of Letter from Cherokee Delegation to President Andrew Jackson |
Copy of letter from Cherokee Delegation in Washington City; Chief John Ross, Edward Gunter, Rich Taylor, and William S. Coodey; to President Andrew Jackson suggesting the appointment of Colonel Thomas C. Hindman as replacement for Colonel Hugh Montgomery, Cherokee Agent. (Moulton). One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. Two fragments from additional paper with handwritten text in ink on recto of first fragment. |
March 6, 1829 |
| John Ross, Folder 27 | Copy of letter from Chief John Ross, Edward Gunter, Rich Taylor, and William S. Coodey to President Andrew Jackson |
Copy of letter from Chief John Ross, Edward Gunter, Rich Taylor, and William S. Coodey in Washington City to President Andrew Jackson concerning Agent Colonel Hugh Montgomery. (Moulton) Sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink. Folder 27 |
April 6, 1829 |
| John Ross, Folder 28 | Appointment of Light Horse Company and Instructions by President Walter Webber and Vice President Aaron Price |
Appointment of the Light Horse Company and instructions by President Walter Webber and Vice President Aaron Price. (OS). Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
June 9, 1829 |
| John Ross, Folder 29 | Copy of letter From Chief John Ross to President Andrew Jackson |
Copy of letter from Chief John Ross, Head of Coosa (possibly location at the Head of the Coosa River), to President Andrew Jackson transmitting documents relating to the Montgomery case. (Moulton). Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
June 24, 1829 |
| John Ross, Folder 30 | Copy of letter from Chief John Ross to General John Coffee |
Copy of letter from Chief John Ross to General John Coffee regarding a meeting at the Cherokee Agency. Arranged but not kept by General Coffee. (Moulton). Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. |
December 13, 1829 |
| John Ross, Folder 32 | Printed Texted of House Bill 425. Payment to Anthony Foreman from James Cunningham |
Printed text of House Bill 425. Calling for payment to Anthony Foreman, Cherokee, for slaves illegaly taken by James Cunningham. One sheet of paper with typed text in ink on recto. |
April 16, 1820 |
| John Ross, Folder 33 | Letter from William Wirt to Georgia Governor George R. Gilmer |
Letter from William Wirt to Georgia Governor George R. Gilmer concerning legal representation of Cherokees. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. |
June 4, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 34 | Letter from William Wirt to Chief John Ross |
Letter from William Wirt to Chief John Ross regarding legal questions. (Resembles Moulton Vol. I, pp. 109-190). Two folded sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink on seven pages. Both sheets of paper are the same dimensions. |
June 4, 1830 |
| Letter from Jeremiah Evarts to William Wirt |
Letter from Jeremiah Evarts to William Wirt giving Mr. Webster's views on legal questions. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. Folder 34 |
June 12, 1830 | |
| John Ross, Folder 36 | Resolution of Cherokee Nation Council Concerning the Documents Used in Cherokee Controversy |
Resolution from the Cherokee Nation Council concerning certain documents used in Cherokee controversy signed by John Ridge, Lewis Ross, and William S. Coodey. Approved by Chief John Ross. Two folded sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink on seven pages. |
July 17, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 37 | Resolution of Cherokee General Council to Chief John Ross |
Resolution of Cherokee General Council instructing Chief John Ross to institute legal proceedings against Georgia, and authorizing him to engage and pay counsel. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. Folder 37 |
July 18, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 38 | Letter from Jeremiah Evarts to Chief John Ross |
Letter from Jeremiah Evarts, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, to Chief John Ross offering suggestions regarding Cherokee problems. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. Folder 38 |
July 20, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 39 | Letter from William H. Underwood to Chief John Ross |
Letter from William H. Underwood, Esquire to Chief John Ross seeking information and describing public feelings in Georgia. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on three pages. |
July 27, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 40 | Copy of letter from Secretary of War J. H. Eaton to Colonel Ward |
Copy of letter from Secretary of War J. H. Eaton to Colonel Ward transmitting a copy of his July 29th letter to Colonel Montgomery, Cherokee Agent, setting forth the President's views on Indian removal. Five folded sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink on 19 pages. |
August 2, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 41 | Letter from William Wirt to Chief John Ross |
Letter from William Wirt to Chief John Ross regarding the Cherokee Case. (Resembles Moulton Vol. I, p. 196). Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. |
August 9, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 42 | Unsigned copy of letter from Chief John Ross to Thomas W. Harris Esquire |
Unsigned copy of letter from Chief John Ross to Thomas W. Harris, Esquire regarding release of Alex McCoy. One sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on recto and verso. |
August 27, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 43 | Draft copy of letter from Chief John Ross to William H. Underwood, Esquire |
Draft copy of letter from Chief John Ross to William H. Underwood, Esquire regarding legal proceedings. (Moulton). Sheets of paper with handwritten text in ink. |
September 3, 1830 |
| John Ross, Folder 44 | Letter from William Wirt to William H. Underwood, Esquire |
Letter from William Wirt to William H. Underwood, Esquire concerning case in Georgia. Single folded sheet of paper with handwritten text in ink on four pages. Folder 44 |
September 10, 1830 |