324 CHEROKEE NATION OF INDIANS. 
they might have an opportunity of applying to that body for relief, 
The Cherokees it was well known were anxious to dispose of the land, 
and the Secretary declared his intention of recommending the passage 
of a law with their consent, providing for the survey and sale of the 
“neutral lands,” after the manner of disposing of the public lands, the 
proceeds to be applied to the benefit of the Cherokees. The outbreak 
of the great rebellion so soon thereafter, however, precluded the con- 
summation of this proposed legislation. 
JOHN ROSS OPPOSES SURVEY AND ALLOTMENT OF CHEROKEE DOMAIN, 
During the winter of 1859~60, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
believing that a survey and subdivision of the Cherokee national do- 
main, and its allotment in severalty among the members of the tribe, 
would produce an effect favorable to their progress in the cultivation 
of the soil, submitted the suggestion for the consideration of their law- 
fully constituted authorities. John Ross, as principal chief of the nation, 
in replying to this suggestion,' declined on behalf of the nation to give it 
favorable consideration, (1) because it conflicted with the general 
policy of the Government through which the Cherokees were removed 
from their homes east of the Mississippi River; (2) because it was in- 
consistent with existing treaties between the United States and the 
Cherokee Nation ; (3) because it could not be done without a change in 
the constitution of the nation; and, finally, that it would not be ben- 
eficial to the Cherokee people. 
POLITICAL EXCITEMENT IN 1860. 
The year 1860 was characterized by great excitement and local dis- 
turbances. Many affrays occurred and numerous murders were perpe- 
trated. The excitement and bitterness of feeling involved in the issues 
at stake between the great political parties of the country in the pend- 
ing Presidential election extended to and pervaded the entire popula- 
tion of the civilized tribes of Indian Territory. 
They were many of them slaveholders, especially the half-breeds and 
mixed bloods. They therefore vehemently resented the introduction 
and dissemination of any doctrines at variance with the dogma of the 
divine origin of slavery or that should set up any denial of the moral 
and legal right of the owner to the continued possession of his slave 
property. The missionaries and many of the school teachers among 
the Cherokees were persons of strong anti-slavery convictions, and the 
former especially were zealous in their dissemination of doctrines fatal 
alike to the peace and endurance of a slave community. In Septem- 
ber John B. Jones, a Baptist missionary, who had devoted much of his 
life to Christian work among the Indians, was notified by the agent to 
leave the country within three weeks, because of the publication of an 
article from his pen in a Northern paper, wherein he stated that he 

1 January 1, 1860. 
