BOONSBOROUGH, ARK., May 9, 1861. HON. JOHN ROSS: Dear Sir: The momentous issues that now engross the attention of the American people cannot but have elicited your interest and attention as well as ours. The unfortunate resort of an arbitrament of arms seems now to be the only alternative. Our State has of necessity to co-operate with her natural allies, the Southern States. It is now only a question of North and South, and the "hardest must fend off." We expect manfully to bear our part of the privations and sacrifices which the times require of Southern people. This being our attitude in this great contest, it is natural for us to desire, and we think we may say we have a right, to know what position will be taken by those who may greatly conduce to our interests as friends or to our injury as enemies. Not knowing your political status in this present contest as the head of the Cherokee Nation, we request you to inform as by letter, at your earliest convenience, whether you will co-operate with the Northern or Southern section, now so unhappily and hopelessly divided. We earnestly hope to find in you and your people true allies and active friends; but if, unfortunately, you prefer to retain your connection with the Northern Government and give them aid and comfort, we want to know that, as we prefer an open enemy to a doubtful friend. With considerations of high regard, we are, your obedient servants, MARK BEAN, W. B. WELCH, E. W. MACCLURE, JOHN SPENCER, J. A. MCCOLLOCH, J. M. LACY, J. P. CARNAHAN, _And many others_. _Official Records_, first ser., vol. xiii, 493-494; Indian Office, General Files, _Cherokee, 1859-1865_, C515. [176] Indian Office, General Files, _Cherokee, 1859-1865_, C515; _Official Records_, first ser., vol. i, 683-684; vol. xiii, 490-491. [177] Indian Office, General Files, _Cherokee, 1859-1865_, C515; _Official Records_, first ser., vol. i, 683. [178] In a letter to A. B. Greenwood, dated Fort Smith, February 13, 1861, he says: On the 11th Inst. I sent a dispatch to you asking for Troops and yesterday rec'd an answer making enquiries as to the Object for which they are wanted, and asking if the Governor's Commissioner was here & what was his Object.