About

This blog is a project for Professor Aaron Adam’s English Literature Class at Biola University.

The inspiration of this project stems from the piece “The Cherokee Memorials,” an appeal to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States written on behalf of the Cherokee Nation. This piece, written in November of 1829 begs Congress to intercede on behalf of the Cherokee to ease the mounting pressure to re-locate.

From the very founding of our great nation, the white immigrants have been in opposition to the Native Americans. Not always is it open opposition, but it seems to always be there. In addition to “The Cherokee Memorials,” many essays and short stories have been written in support and in opposition of the Native Americans residing amongst the settlers. Some of these pieces include “The Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mar Rowlandson,” and various other stories of Native American Removal and Resistance written by such authors as Tecumseh, Black Hawk, and Elias Boudinot.

Many of us have played the game “Cowboys and Indians.” When we were young, my friends and I would always fight over who would be the victorious cowboy who always seemed to come out on top. This journal tells the story from a different point of view. This blog traces events in the life of a young Cherokee Brave during the years before, during, and after the atrocity known as “The Trail of Tears.” This journal is a form of historical fiction. While the facts are accurate to the best of my ability, the character of John Ashwin never existed.

This blog is dedicated to the heritage, tradition, and perseverance of the Cherokee Nation.

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16 December, 2009

December 4, 1838

Today we reached the Mississippi river. My spirit is heavy. Already so many have died. My mother passed away on November 23. My youngest brother is sick. Half the Cherokee in our group have fallen sick to one ailment or another. I am one of the strongest amongst us and even I am tired and weary. We cannot cross the river because of the snow and ice so we have no choice but to camp and wait. We are exposed in the elements and can not go to the town because the whites are afraid we would spread small pox. Many die every day. If we stay here much longer, no one will survive to tell our tale... (Sequence of Events) (Illinois General Assembly)
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