The 1805 Tellico Treaty (Cherokee), formally agreed upon on October 25, 1805, at Tellico, represents a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in the history of relations between the United States government and the Cherokee Nation. This agreement, forged in the context of relentless westward expansion by American settlers, resulted in a further cession of Cherokee lands to the United States, impacting the geographical boundaries and sovereignty of the Cherokee people. This document is a window into the complex negotiations, underlying pressures, and long-lasting consequences that defined this period of American history.
The treaty was negotiated by Return J. Meigs and Daniel Smith, acting as commissioners representing the United States government. Their mandate was to arrange "certain interesting matters" with the Cherokee, a diplomatic euphemism that thinly veiled the desire for further land acquisition. On the other side of the table sat a delegation of Cherokee chiefs and head men, individuals entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the interests of their nation amidst the encroaching tide of American expansion. Their signatures, often marked with an "X" due to illiteracy in English, stand as a poignant testament to the power imbalance inherent in these negotiations.
Recognizing Prior Agreements
The treaty opens by explicitly acknowledging the validity of previous treaties between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. Article 1 states: "All former treaties, which provide for the maintenance of peace and preventing of crimes, are on this occasion recognized and continued in force." This provision ostensibly aimed to provide a sense of continuity and legal grounding for the new agreement, reassuring the Cherokee that the existing framework of peace and justice would remain in place. However, the history of treaty relations between the US and Native American tribes is fraught with instances where these prior agreements were selectively enforced or outright ignored when they became inconvenient for the expanding nation.
The Land Cession: Defining a New Boundary
The core of the 1805 Tellico Treaty (Cherokee) lies in Article 2, which details the cession of a substantial tract of Cherokee land to the United States. The language of the article is precise, defining the new boundary line with geographical markers that, while specific at the time, are now historical points of reference:
"The Cherokees quit claim and cede to the United States, all the land which they have heretofore claimed, lying to the north of the following boundary line: beginning at the mouth of Duck river, running thence up the main stream of the same to the junction of the fork, at the head of which fort Nash stood, with the main south fork; thence a direct course to a point on the Tennessee river bank opposite the mouth of Hiwassa river."
The boundary description continues, carefully navigating rivers, settlements, and landmarks. Several key features are mentioned, each holding historical significance:
- Duck River: A major waterway in present-day Tennessee, serving as the starting point of the new boundary.
- Fort Nash: A historical military outpost, indicating the presence of American military influence in the region.
- Hiwassee River: Another significant river, marking a key point in defining the boundary’s eastward progression.
- Field’s Settlement: An exception was carved out for this settlement. Indicating the impact individual settlers could have on the negotiations.
- Tennessee River: The Tennessee River is a central geographic feature, with the boundary running along its course, leaving islands to the Cherokee.
- Clinch River: The Clinch River forms another crucial part of the boundary, connecting to previous agreements and further defining the Cherokee territory.
- South West Point: A strategic military location, playing a role in defining a specific reserved tract of land.
- Cumberland Road: This road represents the growing infrastructure and transportation network being developed by the United States.
- Talootiskee’s Residence: Another specific location used as a reference point, highlighting the personal impact of the treaty on individual Cherokee citizens.
The article further addresses the potential relocation of garrisons at South West Point and Tellico, recognizing that the land cession might render these locations less strategically advantageous. Three square miles are reserved on the north bank of the Tennessee River, opposite the mouth of the Hiwassee, for the future disposal of the United States, suggesting a forward-thinking approach to military and logistical planning.
Compensation and Considerations
Article 3 outlines the compensation offered to the Cherokee Nation in exchange for the land cession. The United States agreed to pay three thousand dollars in merchandise immediately, followed by eleven thousand dollars within ninety days of the treaty’s ratification. Furthermore, an annual annuity of three thousand dollars was established, commencing on the day of the treaty’s signing.
Notably, the treaty included a provision allowing the Cherokee to receive a portion of the eleven thousand dollars in "useful articles of, and machines for, agriculture and manufactures." This clause suggests an attempt to encourage the Cherokee to adopt American farming practices and manufacturing techniques, reflecting the broader assimilationist policies prevalent at the time. The 1805 Tellico Treaty (Cherokee) highlights a desire from the US government to transform the Cherokee way of life.
Roads and Access
Article 4 addresses the issue of transportation and access through Cherokee territory. It grants citizens of the United States the "free and unmolested use and enjoyment" of two additional roads, supplementing the existing road network. These roads were intended to facilitate trade, communication, and westward migration:
- One road was to connect Stone’s River with the Georgia Road, improving travel towards the southern frontier of the Cherokee territory.
- The other road was to run from the vicinity of Franklin, crossing the Tennessee River near Muscle Shoals, and continuing towards the settlements on the Tombigbee River.
The article stipulates that these roads would be surveyed and marked by representatives from both sides, ensuring that the routes were the "nearest and best ways." This collaboration suggests a level of cooperation, but the underlying purpose was to further integrate Cherokee territory into the expanding American infrastructure.
Ratification and Enforcement
Article 5 establishes the treaty’s effective date, stating that it would become "obligatory on the contracting parties" upon ratification by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate. This provision underscores the importance of the US government’s formal approval in legitimizing the agreement.
Signatories and Witnesses
The treaty concludes with the signatures of the US commissioners and the Cherokee chiefs and head men. The presence of "X" marks alongside many of the Cherokee names highlights the language barrier and potential disparities in understanding the full implications of the agreement. The list of witnesses, including government officials, military officers, and interpreters, provides further insight into the social and political context surrounding the treaty negotiations.
Legacy and Impact
The 1805 Tellico Treaty (Cherokee), like many treaties negotiated between the United States and Native American tribes, is a complex and controversial historical document. While it ostensibly aimed to establish peaceful relations and provide compensation for land cessions, it ultimately contributed to the erosion of Cherokee sovereignty and the displacement of the Cherokee people. This treaty is part of a broader pattern of land acquisition, broken promises, and cultural disruption that characterized the relationship between the United States and Native American nations throughout the 19th century. Its legacy continues to resonate today, informing discussions about indigenous rights, historical injustices, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination. The lasting impact of the 1805 Tellico Treaty (Cherokee) on the Cherokee Nation cannot be overstated.
