Digital History>eXplorations>Indian Removal>The Human Meaning of Indian Removal>General Scott

General Winfield Scott

Chiefs, head-men and warriors! Will you then, by resistance, compel us to resort to arms? God forbid! Or will you, by flight, seek to hid yourselves in mountains and forests, and thus oblige us to hunt you down? Remember that, in pursuit, it may be impossible to avoid conflicts. The blood of the white man or the blood of the red man may be spilt, and, if spilt, however accidentally, it may be impossible for the discreet and humane among you, or among us, to prevent a general war and carnage. Think of this, my Cherokee brethren! I am an old warrior, and have been present at many a scene of slaughter, but spare me, I beseech you, the horror of witnessing the destruction of the Cherokees.

Read Gen. Winfield Scott's Order to U.S. Troops Assigned to the Cherokee Removal, Cherokee Agency, May 17, 1838 here:
http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/gainfo/scottord.htm

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