Warning
The following article contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the article is provided unedited for its historical content and context.
[Fayetteville, Ark.] The Arkansian, January 13, 1860
Messrs. Editors:–Since my last letter to you I have seen, in the columns of your paper, that Geo. Butler Esq., Cherokee Agent, has advertised a “notice” to all squatters and interlopers who have thrust themselves upon Cherokee soil, that they must “vacate” by the 1st of April next—ominous day—or be therefrom ejected by the U. S. Military.
This is a good but late step. It ought long ago to have been taken, and the Military now be employed in removing those lawless, speculating land-lovers. Too much importance cannot be put upon this innovation, invasion, of Cherokee and Slave rights. Not satisfied with acquiring Kansas, these freedom-shrieking land-stealers are bent on gaining the lands of the Cherokees, Creeks and Choctaws, where slavery has long been peacefully established. The longer these land-invaders are suffered to remain the more claim will they set up to the ownership of the land, the more will they cry out that Government should buy the land they have invaded for the benefit of these Abolition, meddling, land-speculating, “third party” squatters. These may obey the injunction of Butler’s “notice;” these may leave before, and after the 1st of April next; but I don’t believe they will. They may stay away after their forcible ejection by the U. S. Military; I don’t believe that either. They have got a taste of Cherokee land, have got their teeth in for a good bite, and they will, therefore, be loath to let go. They know full-well that the Indian Territory west of Arkansas is far superior to Kansas, and they hanker after it, as well as for the niggers within. They will not quit their hold quietly, and consequently something else must be done besides advertising notices of Military coercion, should they not leave the land they have lawlessly seized.
It becomes the welfare of the Cherokees, as well as the citizens of the border counties of this State, to enquire what is this something else? What will stem and throw back this wave of Abolition immigration now threatening Cherokee territory; which has already settled upon Cherokee lands not only within the limits of the “Neutral Land,” but deep down within the Cherokee country proper?
The Cherokee soil must be preserved, unless broken in its integrity; the door then must not be opened to immigration rashly and NEVER to Northern immigration. It should be eternally shut out. The faith of Treaties ought to remain inviolate, but what if Northern immigration cannot be checked? what if the faith of Treaties cannot be maintained? what if the integrity of Cherokee soil cannot be preserved? What if the Cherokees cannot continue to occupy their present political status? These are grave questions. They require serious, studying reflection and grave answers.
I can think of but one remedy. That, the interests of Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, and the slave state of Arkansas demand shall be put in virtual force ere the land be over-run by hordes from the North. This is the remedy. This Territory must be preserved to slavery. Any step is legitimate and right that will secure this end. This territory belongs to the South; and if a dissolution of the Union should occur this territory will be claimed by the South, and, in all probability, become the last great battle field where shall be fought the last fight against Slavery—for I believe, in the nature of things, that Slavery is to be ultimate victor in all its contests.
In order, therefore, to preserve this territory to slavery and to its present owners, the Cherokees, Creeks, and Choctaws should have their lands surveyed, and a sufficient portion set off to each family of each tribe; the residue of each tribe to be held as the domain of each, to be by them and to slave-holding immigrants, men from the South with whom each tribe has long been friendly, commercial and social interaction. This is the only way whereby the Cherokees, Creeks, and Choctaws can maintain possession of their respective territories.—They cannot remain much longer as they now are. Their land is too well known and too tempting. Their own safety demands a change above indicated. If they do not soon take some such step, with the aid of Government, their lands will be inundated with a flood of Black Republican immigration, and the names, rights and privileges of Cherokees, Creeks, and Choctaws be swallowed up for ever. Rather than such should be the event, I will exhort the South to rush in and take possession of this land ere it be too late to snatch it from the jaws of Abolition.
These fears of Northern immigration into the Indian Territory west of Arkansas may be, by some, regarded as idle and unworthy of thought. To all such I have only to say: Look at Kansas. Ten years ago it was an unheard of wilderness more wild than the wildest part of the territory west of us, and less known. How long did it take Northern immigrants to possess Kansas? How long will it take it to occupy Cherokee lands? Ten years hence will not witness less great wonders and ravages than ten years since. A word to the wise etc.”
Your friend,
Be Ready.
Beattie’s Prairie,
Jan. 8th, 1860.