(signed in by P. [Peter] S. [Stephen] Du Ponceau)
Wednesday July 27, 1836
Philosophical Hall
104 South Fifth Street, Independence Square, First Floor
Politics, Diplomacy & Law
Occupation: Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
Residence: [Cherokee Nation]
RECORD OF STRANGERS IMAGE
Volume 4
John Ross, October 3, 1790 - August 1, 1866
John Ross was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation during a tumultuous period in their history, including their forced removal via the Trail of Tears. Ross served as president of the Cherokee National Council from 1819 - 1825, and was later elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1828 after helping establish their constitution and sovereignty. Ross was a lifelong opponent of attempts by the United States government to seize the land of and delegitimize the Cherokee Nation. Ultimately, his efforts and appeals to President Andrew Jackson failed, and he was forced under threat of military action in the 1830s to lead his people from their homelands in Georgia to the Oklahoma Territory via what came to be known as the infamous Trail of Tears. Later, in the 1860s, Ross initially advocated for Cherokee neutrality in the American Civil War, though he eventually announced the Nation's alliance with the Confederacy. Ross later rejected this alliance, and emerged as the leader of the pro-Union faction of the Cherokee Nation. Three of his four sons fought for the Union.
Portrait courtesy of Smithsonian Open Access — Source — Source — Source — Source
(signed in by Jn [John] Vaughan)
Friday July 27, 1832
Philosophical Hall
104 South Fifth Street, Independence Square, First Floor
Politics, Diplomacy & Law
Occupation: Diplomat
RECORD OF STRANGERS IMAGE
Volume 3
Baron De Behr
Baron De Behr was a Belgian diplomat. The United States first recognized Belgium's independence in January of 1832, followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations in June of the same year, after Baron De Behr established contact with then-Secretary of State Edward Livingston. This visit to the Athenaeum came the next month, in July of 1832.
