the unexpired term,
continuing in office by successive reelections until the close of 1891, a
period of about twelve years, the longest term yet filled by an incum-
bent. As principal chief he signed the contract under which the school
work was inaugurated in 1881. For several years thereafter his
duties, particularly in connection with the suit against the western
Cherokee, required his presence much of the time at ATashington,
while at home his time was almost as constantly occupied in attending
to the wants of a dependent people. Although he was entitled under
the constitution of the band to a salary of five hundred dollars per year,
no part of this salary was ever paid, because of the limited resources of
his people, and only partial reimbursement was made to him, shortly
before his death, for expenses incurred inofficial visits to Washington.
With frequent opportunities to enrich himself at the expense of his
people, he maintained his honor and died a poor man.
In person Chief Smith was a splendid specimen of physical man-
hood, being six feet four inches in height and built in proportion,
erect in figure, with flowing black hair curling down over his shoulders.
a deep musical voice, and a kindly spirit and natural dignity that
never failed to impress the stranger. His widow — a white woman —
and several children survive him. 2
■See act in full, Report of Indian Commissioner, vol. I, pp. 680-681, 1891.
• From author's personal acquaintance; see also Zeigler and Grosscup, Heart of the Alleghanies,
pp. 38-39, Issb; iVgent .1. L. Holmes, in Repiort of Indian Commissioner, p. 160, 1S85; Commissioner
T. .1. Morgan, Report of Indian