Phenix Gazette

We copied from the National Journal on Monday an extract of a communication from Governor Troup to the Legislature of Georgia on the subject of Ridge and Vann the Cherokee Indians who are acting as Secretaries to the Creek delegation. The following letter from these Indians to the Editor of the National Journal will explain and justify their conduct.

Brown's Hotel 28th Nov. 1825

To the Editor of the National Journal.

Sir: Your paper of this morning contains a notice of Gov. Troup's recent Message to the Legislature of Georgia enclosing a letter of Col. Montgomery, U. S. Agent for the Cherokee Nation, purporting to say that "Ridge and Vann, Cherokee Chiefs, have been denounced, and their seats in the National Council vacated, or their unauthorized interference in Creek affairs."

As this may make a wrong impression on the minds of some ignorant of Indian affairs, we take this method, by way of explanation, to state that we are not denounced, and that we are authorized by the Creek Nation to act as Secretaries to their Delegation, now in this city. The consent of our Nation was not necessary for us to receive; as we are citizens of a free and republican people, we had a right to accept of an appointment under the Creek Nation.

That our seats in the National Committee were vacated, we do not deny. and this act of our Government only reflects credit on their prudence, and disposition never to give Georgia the least cause of complaint to the General Government. The members of the National Committee are chosen for two years, and attend two regular sessions of the Council, one of which we had served, and a part of the last, which we left in session, to attend the present mission.

We will state that. in the year 1819. Colonel Lowry and Colonel Gideon Morgan, jr.-both of Tennessee--were employed by the Cherokees to attend them at this place: and now the McIntosh party, who are on their way hither, have under their employ a white man by the name of Denney, as their secretary.

Of our characters and standing, we refer those who wish to know them, to gentlemen who are best acquainted with us in this city.

We are, sir, your most obedient servants,

JOHN RIDGE.

DAVID VANN.