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OF THE BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY. XLIII 
The Cherokee appear more prominently and for a longer 
period in the treaties, state papers, and judicial decisions of 
the United States than any other body of Indians. For two 
hundred years, in wars, in councils, and in courts, they have 
been engaged in struggles involving their existence, and they 
are one of the few Indian peoples that have passed through 
such ordeals into present prosperity. Their history shows that 
when the improperly directed power of the white race did not 
absolutely prohibit their advance in civilization some such ad- 
vance was always attained, and it was always resumed after 
interruption when possible. During thirty years after the 
treaty of 1791 they made such manifest strides towards civ- 
ilization, both in herding and in husbandry, that at the end of 
that time their agent reported Government assistance to be 
no longer necessary or desirable, the people being perfectly 
competent to take care of themselves, and in 1827 they estab- 
lished a government, republican in form and satisfactory in 
its operation until paralyzed in 1830 by the hostile action of 
Georgia. Their forced removal in 1838 to the west of the 
Mississippi for a time diminished their numbers, impaired their 
confidence, and menaced their prosperity; yet five years later 
their energy and determination had exhibited renewed im- 
provements, which continued until the war of the rebellion 
brought to them more desolation than to any other community. 
They were raided and sacked alternately by the forces of the 
United States and by those of the Confederacy and were di- 
vided among themselves into fighting factions. Their country 
became a waste, and in the few years of the war their numbers 
were reduced by at least one-third; yet to-day they are more 
prosperous than ever before and have probably a greater popu- 
lation than at any time since they have been known in history, 
The essay commences with the first treaty, in 1785, con- 
cluded between the Cherokee and the United States, and after 
reciting the more important provisions it presents the historical 
data connected with its negotiation and the events leading 
thereto, followed by its results. This plan is pursued with 
regard to all treaties and the circumstances connected there- 
