The Treaty

It is agreed by us, the warriors, chiefs and representatives of the Cherokee Nation that all the lands lying and being on the South side of the Holston and French Broad rivers, as far South as the ridge that divides the water of Little River from the waters of Tennessee may be peaceably inhabited and cultivated, resided on, enjoyed and inhabited by our elder brothers, the white people, from this time forward and always.

And we do agree on our part and in behalf of our Nation, that the white people shall never be by us, or any of our Nation, molested or interrupted, either in their persons or property, in no wise or in any manner or form whatsoever, in consequence of their settling or inhabiting of said territory, tract of land and country aforesaid, or any part of the same whatsoever.

John Sevier, for and on behalf of the white people, and for and in behalf of the State or Government, or the United States, as the case may hereafter be settled and concluded with respect to the jurisdiction and sovereignty over said land, tract, or territory, agrees that there shall be a liberal compensation made to the Cherokees for the land they have herein ceded and granted to the white people, and to the State or states that may hereafter legally possess and enjoy the country aforesaid, in good faith. This bargain and engagement now made and entered into between us, the white people and the Cherokees, may never be broken, disannulled or disavowed in consequence of any claim, right, or sovereignty over the soil hereby mentioned and described as aforesaid.

Done in open treaty, the 10th of June, 1785.