Lt.Col. J.R. Kannady, commanding officer at Ft. Smith AR, to Cherokee Chief John Ross requesting to know the intentions of the Cherokee Nation in the impending conflict between the Northern and Southern States.
HDQRS., Fort Smith, May 15, 1861.
Hon. JOHN ROSS, Principal Chief Cherokee Nation:
SIR: Information has reached this post to the effect that Senator Lane, of Kansas, is now in that State raising troops to operate on the western borders of Missouri and Arkansas. As it is of the utmost importance that those entrusted with the defense of the western frontier of this State should understand the position of the Indian tribes through whose territory the enemy is likely to pass, I feel it to be my duty, as commanding officer at this post, and in that capacity representing the State of Arkansas and the Southern Confederacy, of which she is a member, respectfully to ask if it is your intention to adhere to the United States Government during the pending conflict or if you mean to support the Government of the Southern Confederacy; and also whether in your opinion the Cherokee people will resist or will aid the Southern troops in resisting any such attempt to invade the soil of Arkansas, or if, on the other hand, you think there is any probability of their aiding the United States forces in executing their hostile design?
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. R. KANNADY,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Fort Smith.