Cherokee chief (1790–1866) who helped draft the Cherokee Constitution of 1827. During his tenure as chief he opposed displacement of the tribe from its native lands, but this resistance would prove futile in 1838, when President Andrew Jackson ordered the removal of the tribe to present-day Oklahoma in what was to become known as the ‘Trail of Tears.’ In 1839 Ross helped draft a constitution for the entire Cherokee nation and was chosen as its leader, a position he held until his death. Manuscript DS, signed “Jo Ross,” one lightly lined page, 7.5 x 5.75, February 11, 1857. A pay order issued to Miss Charlotte Raymond for $400.00 “for Services and Principal Teacher in the Female Seminary for the Session just closed.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, ink erosion resulting in a hole to one letter of heading and separation along the same letter’s downward stroke (not affecting any other text). The Cherokee Seminaries were among the first educational systems built west of the Mississippi-Indian or non-Indian and, for a period of time during the mid-nineteenth century, the Cherokee population was more literate than the neighboring non-Indian population. A scarce offering from the leader of the Cherokee nation’s most tumultuous years. RRAuction COA.
