04/25/2026
This Week in History April 24,1833
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This Week in History
[This transcription from the records of the Moravian Mission in Springplace is presented verbatim as part of the historical record, and includes historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place including terminology that may not be deemed appropriate today. No disrespect is ever intended by modern-day staff of the Chief Vann House Historic Site.]
Connesauga, C. N.
Apr. 30, 1833
“Dear Br. Schulz,
Last week I received your kind letter of the 12th of this month, along with our blessed Br. Benzien’s memoir and $100 cash enclosed. We were delighted to receive this and I thank you sincerely for it.
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I also want to share my views with you about another issue – the arbitratorship and valuation of Spring Place, which are not feasible now for the following reasons. Mr. Vann, on whose lots our Spring Place improvements stand and to whom everything within the bounds of his lots is secured by the Georgia laws, recently appealed to the new Indian agent for Murray County to remove the Georgians from Spring Place. They then received strict orders from that agent, William (not the former one), to clear the place within 10 days. This time will run out in a few days, and although Bishop has not yet been making any preparations to remove and refuses to do so, it is the duty of the agent to evict him by force and put Vann in possession. Bishop further appealed to the Court where Vann must defend his rights. Mr. Vann is planning to [page torn: do his best?] to get us poor pilgrims back to Spring Place, which indeed eventually could well happen when the suit is finally decided and everything is quiet again.
On the other hand, if we receive damages for Spring Place from the U.S. Government (which according to this is more likely) then the place would fall into the category of the so-called enrolled emigrated places, and then we would counteract Mr. Vann, who was always a patron of the mission, in his suit. Therefore, I must wait, along with Mr. McNair, with whom I have discussed the valuation.
Mr. Vann is doing this only for us – as well as to get rid of a bad neighbor – and we should certainly be the last ones to oppose the Cherokee complaint through hasty steps. By moving here we have escaped these difficulties, since as a missionary I could not have been a party in law, nor would I have wanted to be one. If Springplace should be regained, we can have the Post Office moved somewhere else and return next year. However, if the Georgian, Bishop, asserts his right, then we could easily and soon have the value of the improvements determined. I will be able to say various other things about Ochgelogy in my next letter since I am planning to go there day after tomorrow, the Lord willing. People say Wm. Hicks has asserted his right as occupant of our houses there after he personally talked with Gov. Lumpkin in Milledgeville.
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Along with sincere greetings to your dear family from Sr. Clauder and me, I remain your faithful friend and brother,
H. G. Clauder"
