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576 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS
News of the definitive ratification served only to increase the discontent
among the Indians. A confidential agent of the Secretary of War re
ported, September 25, 1837, that upon investigation he found that the
whole Cherokee Nation was irreconcilable to the treaty and determined
that it should not bind them.
"Public sentiment throughout the United States, especially among
the opponents of the administration, became deeply stirred with sym
pathy for the Indians. Within the halls of Congress, Webster, Clay and
Calhoun were vigorous in their condemnation of the New Echota treaty.*
President Van Buren was so influenced by this torrent of remonstrance
and criticism as to suggest to the Governors of Georgia, Alabama, Ten
nessee and North Carolina, on May 23, 1838, that an extension of not
more than two years be allowed in which the Cherokees might move
away. Mr. Gilmer, who had again become Governor of Georgia, replied,
on May 28, that he could give the plan no sanction whatever. He fea.red
that the suggestion was the beginning of another attack upon the sov
ereignty of the State, and declared his determination to take charge of
the removal in person, if the Federal Government should fail in its
duty.f There was, however, to be no further contest. General Scott
had already arrived in the Cherokee country to direct the removal. He
issued a proclamation, May 10, 1838, that every Cherokee man, woman
and child must be on their way West within a month. On May 18, John
Ross made a last ineffectual offer to arrange a substitute treaty. The
emigration was at once pushed forward, and, on December 4, the last
party of the Cherokees took their westward march.''
But the story of how the Cherokees were finally removed under the
lash is reserved for a subsequent chapter. Coincident with the final
deportation of the Cherokees, there began on the western borders of
Georgia a series of bloodly encounters with the Creeks. Numbers of
these Indians still resided in Alabama; and, entering into a league with
the Seminoles, they began to harass the exposed frontier of the state.
Murders, depredations, and crimes of every sort were almost daily com
mitted along the Chattahoochee. All the border settlements were panic
stricken with alarm. Hundreds flocked to Columbus for protection.
Others fled to towns further inland, including Milledgeville, Macon and
Augusta. Not a few of these en route to secure places of shelter were
murdered. But throughout the entire Creek Indian war Columbus was
the storm center of operations due to its importance as a frontier town
and to its exposed position on the edge of the wilderness. It soon began
to bristle with bayonets and to swarm with gay and brilliant uniforms.
General Winfield Scott established headquarters in Columbus. He
was at this time in command of the American Army and, with the single
exception of General Jackson, was the foremost soldier of his day. The
people of Columbus also became familiar at this time with the tall mili
tary figure of General Jessup, who remained in active command in Geor
gia for some time after his superior officer left. Governor Schley, tak
ing the field in person, also made his headquarters in Columbus. Volun-
*Benton's "Thirty Years' View," Vol. I, p. 625; Eoyee's "The Gherokee
Nation,'' p. 282.
t Gilmer's "Georgians," pp. 240 and 538.