State Historical Society of Iowa

Physician's Report on the "Sick of the Emigrating Cherokees" at Chadata

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Courtesy of DocsTeach,

Description

This document is a physician's report on the health of members of the Cherokee Nation as they were being forcefully removed from Georgia to Indian Territory. The report shows many members were suffering from numerous health problems and that their numbers were reduced.

Transcribed Excerpts from U.S. Supreme Court's Majority Opinion

Source Dependent Questions

  • This report was created while the Cherokee were being forced from Georgia to Indian Territory. Their journey is known as the Trail of Tears. Who created this report?
  • Why do you think the report was created? Who do you think received this report?
  • Compare this source with "Orders No. 25" Report from Gen. Winfield Scott on Removal of the Cherokee from Georgia. Based on this source , were General Scott's orders being followed in regards to this group of Cherokee?
  • In the report, Dr. Edwards says, ". . . in a portion of [the Cherokee] the vaccination was ineffectual, probably from being accidently (sic) scratched out. In these, the operation shall be speedily repeated." How much agency does this phrasing give the Cherokee related to their health?
  • What does this report show were the consequences of removal for the Cherokee? Summarize it in one sentence.

Citation Information

Physician's Monthly Report of Emigrating Cherokees at Chadata in August 1838; 8/1838; Special Files, ca. 1840 - ca. 1904; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. Courtesy of DocsTeach Courtesy of Library of Congress