"Refusing to submit to peaceful eviction from the Lone Star Republic, the Cherokee warriors stood their ground on July 16, 1839, and guaranteed a bloody day of reckoning for the civilized tribe.

The tide of Texas opinion had shifted ominously against the Cherokees since San Jacinto. The anti-Indian hysteria which swept the beleaguered nation did not distinguish between the allies of the past and the Comanches, Apaches and other hostile bands terrorizing the frontier. When an angry consensus jelled in favor of ridding the Republic of all Indians, not even Sam Houston, outspoken champion of the Cherokees, could stop the coming confrontation.

A resolution passed by the provisional government in November 1835 reflected a high opinion of the East Texas tribe as well as the desire to enlist the Cherokees in the rebellion against Mexico. “We solemnly declare that they are entitled to our commiseration and protection, as the just owners of the soil, as an unfortunate race of people, that we wish to hold as friends and treat with justice.”

As the logical follow-up to this overture, Gen. Sam Houston signed a treaty in February 1836 with his old friend Chief Bowles, the Cherokee patriarch. During his youth and in the dark days after resigning as governor of Tennessee, Houston had spent many happy months with the Cherokees. For the man destined to lead the Texans to victory, the peace pact provided a proud and satisfying moment."

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Editorial: Bloody day of reckoning for Texas Cherokees (The Montgomery County Courier 7/16)