But
having determined to emigrate west of the Mississippi River
this fall, I have thought proper in bidding you farewell, to
make a few remark as of my views and the feelings that actuate
me on the subject of our removal....
We
were hedged in by two evils, and we chose that which we thought
least. Yet we could not recognize the right that the state of
Mississippi had assumed to legislate for us.... admitting that
they understood the people, could they remove that mountain
of prejudice that has ever obstructed the streams of justice,
and prevented their salutary influence from reaching my devoted
countrymen? We as Choctaws rather chose to suffer and be free,
than live under the degrading influence of laws, where our voice
could not be heard in their formation....
Taking
an example from the American government, and knowing the happiness
which its citizens enjoy, under the influence of mild republican
institutions, it is the intention of our countrymen to form
a government assimilated to that of our white brethren in the
United States, as nearly as their condition will permit....
Friends,
my attachment to my native land is strong--that cord is now
broken; and we must go forth as wanderers in a strange land!...
Here
is the land of our progenitors, and here are their bones; they
left them as a sacred deposit, and we have been compelled to
venerate its trust; it is dear to us yet we cannot stay....