278 CHEROKEE NATION OF INDIANS. 
TREATY NEGOTIATIONS RESUMED, 
Rival delegations headed by Ross and Ridge-—But little else was done 
and practically nothing was accomplished until the following winter. 
Barly in February, 1835, two rival delegations, each claiming to repre- 
sent the Cherokee Nation, arrived in Washington. One was headed 
by John Ross, who had long been the principal chief and who was the 
most intelligent and influential man in the nation. The rival delega- 
tion was led by John Ridge, who had been a subchief and a man of 
some considerable influence among his people. The Ross delegation 
had been consistently and bitterly opposed to any negotiations having 
in view the surrender of their territory and a removal west of the 
Mississippi. Ridge and his delegation, though formerly of the same 
mind with Ross, had begun to perceive the futility of further opposi- 
tion to the demands of the State and national authorities. Feeling 
the certainty that the approaching crisis in Cherokee affairs could have 
but one result, and perceiving an opportunity to enhance his own im- 
portance and to secure the discomfiture of his hitherto more powerful 
rival, Ridge caused it to be intimated to the United States authorities 
that he and his delegation were prepared to treat with them upon the 
basis previously laid down by President Jackson of a cession of their 
territory and a removal west. 
tey. J. I. Sechermerhorn was therefore appointed,’ and instructions 
were prepared authorizing him to meet Ridge and his party and to ascer- 
tain on what terms an amicable and satisfactory arrangement could be 
made. After the instructions had been delivered to Mr. Schermerhorn, 
but before he had commenced the negotiation, Ross and his party re- 
quested to be allowed to make a proposal to be submitted to the Presi- 
dent for his approval. He was assured that his proposal would be 
considered, and in the mean time Mr. Schermerhorn was requested to 
suspend his operations. So much time, however, elapsed before any- 
thing more was heard from Ross and his party that the negotiations with 
the Ridge party were proceeded with. They terminated in a general 
understanding respecting the basis of an arrangement, leaving, how- 
ever, many of the details to be filled up. The total amount of the 
various stipulations provided for, as a full consideration for the cession 
of their lands, was $3,250,000, besides the sum of $150,000 for depreda- 
tion claims. In addition, a tract of 800,000 acres of land west of the 
Mississippi was to be added to the territory already promised them, 
amounting in the aggregate, including the western outlet, to about 
13,500,000 acres.* 
uel Gunter, and William Rogers. The Ridge delegation consisted of John Ridge, 
William A. Davis, Elias Boudinot, A. Smith, 8. W. Beli, and J. West. 
2February 11, 1835, 
’Memorandum delivered by Secretary of War to Senator King, of Georgia, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1835. 
