09/03/2026
This Week in History
[This transcription is presented verbatim and includes historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place including terminology that may not be deemed appropriate today. No disrespect is ever intended by modern-day staff of the Chief Vann House Historic Site.]
Bradley Co., Ten., Sept. 4, 1838
“Dear br. Schultz,
I reached my home on last Tuesday, being Aug. 28th, where I found my family & Brn. Smith, etc., in reasonable health. I myself had at that time not quite recovered from a severe attack of dysentery which came over me on the road. One evening before, I reached Ashe C.H., & while there I was indeed very sick. But I found that comfort was to be found in the Lord, among strangers as well as at home. Next morning I was still very weak, though able to proceed till I reached home. At Ashe C.H. I found many sick with the fever. Out of one family as many as 6 persons had died, & also at many other places it is very sickly.
During my absence the Council appointed me to remove 1,000 of my people, & I am now making preparations to do so, having accepted the appointment.
While my memory lasts, I shall never forget the kind Christian friends that I met with at Salem. No kind people calling themselves Christians among whom I have ever been have given me such proofs of their sincerity as the good people of Salem.
Please say to my daughters that their parents, brothers, & all relatives are well, & that I hope they will do all in their power to improve while they remain with their friends who are trying to teach them & care for them in every way faithfully. Great preparations are making for the removal, & the people are some healthier than formerly, though there is still some sickness among them. Since the return of Mr. Ross’s daughter, she has been married to one John Meigs, with whom br. Clauder is acquainted.
Probably about the 25th or 30th of this month I expect to leave my native country forever to seek a home in the far West. Though this is not my home any more, I still feel sorrowful to think of leaving the land where I as well as my forefathers, was born & raised. While on my way from Salem, having my eyes fixed on the blue sky in the West & thinking of living as a stranger in my own native land, I had a feeling which often recurs to me, wishing that I was afar off on my way to a new home. It appears as a long & tedious road, which we shall have to go. Many obstacles & difficulties seem to await us, but we are taught that through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of heaven.
I cannot name all the friends to whom I would request you to present my love; they have all a place in my heart. For yourself also accept the dearest love from your fr. & br.
George Hicks”
[Cherokee Mission Diary, kept by Br. Johann Renatus Schmidt.]
Sept. 5 and 6. We rode to the Cherokee Agency 13 miles from here where at present over 8,000 Indians are in camps and are to begin their journey to the West as soon as possible. Mr. Ross, whom we were visiting and before whom we laid our travel plan, received us with much friendship. He approved of the plan and promised to give us letters of recommendation to the Principal Chiefs in Arkansaw.”
