A Glimpse at History

As I said in the previous blog, the Five Great Indain Nations were Southern in their sympathies. The ideals, principals, customs and institutions of the Old South were brought with them on their journey westward and established in their own Indian governments. Because the forts were abandoned by the federal government, which violated treaty once again with these Indian Nations, it was natural for the people of these nations to follow the inclination of their hearts, even though their intention was to remain neutral.

A convention was held by the Indian Nations to determine what course to pursue in the coming war. It was decided that the Five Nations were joined by the Caddo tribe in an alliance with the Confederate States. Soon the Seminole Nation also signed a treaty. The various delegations, Choctaw, Chichasaw, Creek, Seminole all pledged their nations as friend and allies to the Old South. The Indain Governments ratified these treaties at once, and Indian officers were commissioned to raise troops in their respective nations. The Cherokee though just as enthusiastic deliberated longer, but on August 12, 1861 they too pledged their friendship to the Confederate States though their delegation did not formally sign their treaty until October. After this, there was no doubt that the Indain Territory was a possession under the supervision and protection of the Confederate States.

Filed under: Civil War Blogs by Savannah Meade