I have been honored with your note of the 9th inst- [instant] the pictures alluded to, may, if a suitable opportunity offers, be forwarded to me here, or, otherwise, retain them until I come to Philadelphia — When that time will be, I cannot, by the by tell—.

I thank you for the kind expression of your kind feelings for my suffering Nation- and I pray you, to accept my grateful acknowledgements [acknowledgments], for the sympathy, which you, in common with the virtuous portion of your Countrymen, so deeply feel, for the cause of an expiring people, in their last agony— As to the wrongs and distresses inflicted upon your own people, and under [added: which] the [gap] they can [added: may] be [unclear] [added: removed]- for, the people have in the remedy in their own hands, and they will no doubt, sooner or later apply it efficaciously— But, alas! What is the situation of the Cherokees ? Powerless- And unless, the Cries of humanity & honor shall be raised so loud as to be heard, and bring to their rescue the strong arm of justice, they are ruined [added: and annihilated].—

Once despoiled of a Country & home, and striped [stripped] of the attributes of freemen, cheated and robbed of all his Substance— the Cherokee , thus left pennyless [penniless] with his character traduced by the tongue of Slander and the finger of scorn pointed at him, will make his exit to the world of spirits, unpitied and despised by the Authors of his oppression & destruction!! The heart of [added: a virtuous] man, may feel the pangs of these [unclear: regulations ]- but, the tongue cannot express, nor the pen discribe [describe] them —

May health and happiness attend you, is the sincere wish of, Dr. [Dear] Sir, Your with friend & obt Svt. [obedient Servant] (signed)

Jno. [John] Ross

Copy of a letter to Colo. [Colonel] Thomas L. McKenney Febry. [February] 15th 1838