killed at least
one Indian."

General Scott arrived at the Cherokee agency, a small village on the
Hiawassee River in Tennessee, in the early part of May, 1838. He
published and circulated two addresses--one to the troops and the
other to the Indians--but had them circulated together.

Following is the address to the troops:

"HEADQUARTERS, EASTERN DIVISION,

"CHEROKEE AGENCY, _May 17, 1838_.

"Considering the number and temper of the mass to be removed,
together with the extent and fastnesses of the country occupied, it
will readily occur that simple indiscretions, acts of harshness, and
cruelty on the part of our troops may lead, step by step, to delays,
to impatience, and exasperation, and in the end to a general war and
carnage--a result in the case of these particular Indians, utterly
abhorrent to the generous sympathies of the whole American people.
Every possible kindness compatible with the necessity of removal
must therefore be shown by the troops; and if in the ranks a
despicable individual should be found capable of inflicting a wanton
injury or insult on any Cherokee man, woman, or child, it is hereby
made the special duty of the nearest good officer or man instantly
to interpose, and to seize and consign the guilty wretch to the
severest penalty of the laws. The major general is fully persuaded
that this injunction will not be neglected by the brave men under
his command, who can not be otherwise than jealous of their own
honor and that of their country.

"By early and persevering acts of kindness and humanity, it is
impossible to doubt that the Indians will soon be induced to confide
in the army, and, instead of fleeing to the mountains and forests,
flock to us for food and clothing. If, however, through false
apprehensions, individuals or a party here and there should seek to
hide themselves, they must be pursued and invited to surrender, but
not fired upon, unless they should make a stand to resist. Even in
such cases mild remedies may sometimes better succeed than violence;
and it can not be doubted, if we get possession of the women and
children first, or first capture the men, that in either case the
outstanding members of the same families will readily come in on the
assurance of forgiveness and kind treatment.

"Every captured man, as well as those who surrender themselves,