in derision; but it was accepted by this loyal league, and
has almost superseded the designation which its members first assumed. The Pin
organization originated among the members of the Baptist congregation at Peavine,
Going-snake district, in the Cherokee nation. In a short time the society counted
nearly three thousand members, and had commenced proselytizing the Creeks,
when the rebellion, against which it was arming, preventing its further extension,
the | mi n- ('reeks having been driven into Kansas by the rebels of the Golden Circle.
Dining the war the Pins rendered services hi the Union cause in many bloody
encounters, as has been acknowledged by our generals. It was distinctly an anti-
slavery organization. The slave-holding Cherokees, who constituted the wealthy
and more intelligent class, naturally allied themselves with the South, while loyal
Cherokees became more and moreopposed to slavery. .This was shown very clearly
when the loyalists lirst met in convention, in February, 1863. They not only abol-
ished slavery unconditionally and forever, before any slave state made a movement
toward emancipation, but made any attempts at enslaving a grave misdemeanor.
The scent signs of the Pins were a peculiar way of touching the hat as a salutation,
particularly when they were too far apart for recognition in other ways. They had
a peculiar mode of taking hold of the lapel of the coat, first drawing it away from
the body, and then giving it a motion as though wrapping it around the heart.
During the war a portion of them were forced into the rebellion, but quickly rebelled
against General Cooper, who was placed over them, and when they fought against
that general,