The 1798 Treaty of Tellico (with the Cherokee) stands as a significant, yet complex, chapter in the relationship between the United States government and the Cherokee Nation. Signed on October 2, 1798, within the Cherokee territory near the Tellico Blockhouse, this treaty aimed to address unresolved issues stemming from earlier agreements, particularly the 1791 Treaty of Holston and the 1794 Treaty of Philadelphia. These prior treaties, intended to establish peace and delineate boundaries, had faced implementation challenges and misunderstandings, leading to encroachments by American settlers onto Cherokee lands.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Unease
To fully understand the significance of the 1798 Treaty of Tellico (with the Cherokee), it’s crucial to examine the events leading up to it. The 1791 Treaty of Holston, negotiated after years of conflict, sought to define the boundaries between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. However, due to various factors, including unclear language and delayed surveying, the treaty’s provisions were not effectively enforced.
The subsequent 1794 Treaty of Philadelphia attempted to rectify these issues. It stipulated that the boundaries outlined in the Treaty of Holston would be accurately surveyed and marked, with the Cherokee Nation receiving ninety days’ notice before the commencement of the surveying process. Despite this effort, further delays ensued, and the boundaries were not properly demarcated until late 1797.
This prolonged uncertainty created opportunities for American settlers to move onto Cherokee lands, violating the spirit and intent of the treaties. While the U.S. government eventually removed these settlers, the situation highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and enforceable agreement. The 1798 Treaty of Tellico (with the Cherokee) was conceived as a means to address these lingering problems, clarify existing treaty obligations, and secure further land concessions from the Cherokee Nation.
Negotiation and Representation
Recognizing the need for a renewed effort to establish a stable relationship with the Cherokee, President John Adams appointed George Walton of Georgia and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Butler, commander of U.S. troops in Tennessee, as commissioners to represent the United States. These commissioners were tasked with negotiating a treaty that would not only resolve existing disputes but also promote the interests and security of the United States.
On the Cherokee side, the treaty was negotiated by a delegation of chiefs and warriors representing the Cherokee Nation. The names of these individuals, recorded in the treaty document, provide a glimpse into the leadership structure and the individuals responsible for making decisions on behalf of their people. Some of the notable Cherokee signatories included Nenetuah (Bloody Fellow), Ostaiah, Jaunne (John), and Kunnateelah (Rising Fawn).
Key Provisions of the Treaty
The 1798 Treaty of Tellico (with the Cherokee) comprised several key articles, each addressing specific aspects of the relationship between the United States and the Cherokee Nation:
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Article 1: Reaffirmed the perpetual peace and friendship between the United States and the Cherokee people, emphasizing the desire for continued harmonious relations.
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Article 2: Acknowledged the full and operating force of existing treaties, including the Treaties of Holston and Philadelphia, along with their established interpretations and customary practices.
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Article 3: Stipulated that the existing treaty-defined boundaries of the Cherokee Nation would remain unchanged, except as specifically altered by the new treaty.
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Article 4: This was perhaps the most significant article, as it involved the Cherokee Nation relinquishing and ceding a substantial tract of land to the United States. The ceded lands were defined by a complex series of points and lines, described in detail within the treaty. These boundaries encompassed areas along the Tennessee River, Chill-howie Mountain, and other geographic features. The relinquishment was framed as being "in acknowledgement for the protection of the United States, and for the considerations hereinafter expressed and contained."
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Article 5: To prevent future disputes regarding the newly defined boundaries, the treaty called for the appointment of two commissioners, one by the United States and one by the Cherokee Nation, to oversee the surveying and marking of the boundary line. The commissioners were tasked with creating three maps or charts of the boundary, to be deposited with the U.S. War Office, the executive of Tennessee, and the Cherokee Nation, respectively.
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Article 6: In exchange for the land cession, the United States agreed to provide the Cherokee Nation with goods, wares, and merchandise valued at five thousand dollars upon signing the treaty. Additionally, the United States committed to providing annual goods valued at one thousand dollars, supplementing existing annuity provisions. The U.S. also guaranteed the remaining Cherokee territory, as outlined in previous treaties.
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Article 7: The Cherokee Nation agreed to allow the Kentucky Road, a vital transportation route between the Cumberland Mountain and the Cumberland River, to remain open and free for the use of U.S. citizens. In return, the United States allowed Cherokee hunters to continue hunting on the ceded lands until settlement made it unsuitable.
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Article 8: The treaty stipulated that the Cherokee Nation would receive advance notice of the annual stipend distribution, and the United States would provide adequate provisions to support those attending the distribution.
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Article 9: Addressed the issue of stolen horses, a common source of conflict. The treaty established a system for compensation, with a fixed value of sixty dollars per horse. The method of compensation depended on whether the horse was stolen by a white citizen or an Indian. The article also included a provision for forgiving past grievances, thefts, and plunderings, dating back to the beginning of the treaty negotiations.
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Article 10: The Cherokee Nation agreed to provide a sufficient piece of land for the use of the U.S. agent residing among them.
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Final Clause: The treaty was explicitly stated to be an addition to existing treaties between the United States and the Cherokee Nation and was to be implemented in good faith upon ratification by the President of the United States and the Senate.
Significance and Legacy
The 1798 Treaty of Tellico (with the Cherokee) had a profound impact on the Cherokee Nation. The land cession significantly reduced the territory under Cherokee control, further straining their resources and traditional way of life. While the treaty aimed to resolve existing disputes and promote peace, it ultimately contributed to the ongoing erosion of Cherokee sovereignty and landholdings.
The treaty also highlights the inherent power imbalance in negotiations between the United States and Native American tribes during this period. While the treaty ostensibly sought mutual benefit, the United States held a dominant position, leveraging its military and economic strength to secure land concessions and advance its own interests.
The legacy of the 1798 Treaty of Tellico (with the Cherokee) remains a complex and controversial topic. It serves as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by the Cherokee Nation and the enduring challenges of reconciling the promises of treaties with the realities of westward expansion and government policy. The treaty is a crucial document for understanding the history of the Cherokee people, the evolution of U.S. Indian policy, and the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and self-determination.
Witnesses and Signatories
The treaty document includes a list of witnesses and signatories, providing valuable insight into the individuals involved in the negotiation and ratification process. The presence of U.S. government officials, military officers, interpreters, and prominent members of the Cherokee Nation underscores the diverse perspectives and interests at play during the treaty negotiations. The signatures, often marked with an "x" for those who were unable to write, serve as a tangible reminder of the human element in this significant historical event.
