"Orders No. 25"

Under the treaty of 1835, the President of the United States ordered the Cherokee to leave their settlements and join those already established west of the Mississippi. After the two years allowed for removal had passed without their departure or preparation, the order declared that the emigration must begin at once and that every Cherokee man, woman, and child in those states must be in motion before another full moon had passed. Troops already occupied positions across the country to be abandoned, with more forces approaching so that resistance or escape would be hopeless, while the Cherokee were urged to obey, avoid flight or armed conflict, and report to Ross' Landing or Gunter's Landing, where food, clothing for the destitute, and transportation to their new homes were promised according to the treaty.

Tennessee · United States