Read the transcripts of Treaty of Saint Mary’s and John Johnston Letter to Thomas Rotch Regarding the Treaty of Saint Mary's. 

• Why are the Myaamia told they should sell their land?
• What are they offered in return?

Both of these documents are written from an American perspective. Using what you have learned in this section, write a letter from the perspective of a Myaamia responding to Thomas Rotch, John Johnston, and the American government. In your response consider these questions:

• How do you feel about the terms in the treaty?
• What do you think of John Johnston’s perceptions of the treaty and American Indians?
• What would you propose as an alternative solution to selling the land and moving?

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Websites

Library of Congress, Primary Documents in American History, Indian Removal Act. Accessed 4.10.13

Myaamia Center. Removal Book. Accessed 4.10.13

National Archives. Archives Library Information Center, Indians/Native Americans. Accessed 3.20.13

National Archives. Our Documents: Dawes Act 1887. Accessed 3.20.13

Ohio History Central. Squatters. Accessed 4.10.13

Yale Law School.The Avalon Project, Treaties Between the United States and Native Americans. Accessed 4.10.13

Section 1 Primary Sources and Artifacts

Someone just visited your home and told your family that in one week you will have to leave. You can only bring what you think you can carry in a backpack. You have to go to Oklahoma and you will have to walk most of the way. You will not be allowed to return.

• Use a mapping site to calculate the distance from your home to Miami, Oklahoma. How many miles is it?
• If you and your family walk about 3 miles per hour, how many days will it take to get to Oklahoma? (Remember, there are 24 hours in a day and you will have to stop to sleep and eat.)
• What do you plan to bring? Why?
• How does this make you feel? Why?

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