the rations
furnished, which were of flour and other provisions to which they were
unaccustomed and which they did not know how to prepare properly.
Hundreds of others died soon after their arrival in Indian territory,
from sickness and exposure on the journey. Altogether it is asserted,
probably with reason, that over 4. nun Cherokee died as the direct
result of the removal.
On their arrival in Indian Territory the emigrants at once set about
building houses and planting crop-, the government having agreed
under the treaty to furnish them with rations for one year after arrival.
They were welcomed by their kindred, the •'Arkansas Cherokee"
hereafter to be known for distinction as the "Old Settlers" — who
held the country under previous treaties in 1828 and Is:'.::. These,
however, being already regularly organized under a government and
chiefs of their own.two weeks of
debate without having been able to bring about harmonious action.
Major Ridge was waylaid and shot close to the Arkansas line, his son
was taken from bed and cut to pieces with hatchets, while Boudinot
was treacherously killed at his home at Park Hill. Indian territory,
all three being killed upon the same day. June 22, 1839.
The agent's report to the Secretary of War, two days later, says of
the affair:
The murder of Boudinot was treacherous and cruel. He was assisting some
workmen in building a new house. Three men called upon him and asked for
medicine. He went off with them in the direction of Wooster's, the missionary,
who keeps medicine, about three hundred yards from Boudinot's. When they got
about half way two of the men seized Boudinot and the other stabbed him,