The Boudinots: From Politicans to Soldiers

The Boudinots: From Politicians to Soldiers!

BY GUNN SCHOLAR COLIN RILEY ’16 Vol. XIV

2016

2015-2016 Gunn Scholar

Colin Riley

The Gunn Scholar Program The Gunn Scholar is a senior who has been selected, based on aptitude, interest, and character, to pursue original research into some aspect of the life and times of Frederick Gunn (1816-1881) and his wife Abigail, who founded the school in 1850.

By selecting The Gunn Scholar, the school community recognizes that this student has demonstrated, over the course of his academic years, those qualities of scholarship and character that the Gunns inscribed into the mission of the school. This program represents the concerted thought and planning of the history department. The Gunn Scholar will receive one credit in History. He will do original research in our archives and elsewhere on some aspect of the Gunn legacy.

This year’s Gunn Scholar, Colin Riley, is researching the legacy of the six children of the Cherokee Indian Elias Boudinot and his wife Harriet Ruggles Gold. Using letters and accounts in The Gunnery’s archives as well as pursuing leads in other archives and online, the scholar will investigate the time the Boudinots spent at The Gunnery and in Washington, Connecticut as well as their service during the Civil War. In the equivalent of one full-time academic course—that is, two short periods and two long periods per week— the Gunn Scholar will: • Learn the techniques of original research and transcription, working closely with the archivist and a member of the history faculty • Prepare an account of his research o As a published, written document o As a public presentation to The Gunnery community o As a public presentation at the Gunn Museum History Bites Lecture series To provide a preliminary scholarly context, the Gunn Scholar will read among other things The Cherokee Cavaliers and The Heathen School, an account of Elias Boudinot’s schooling and marriage.

This yearlong project is divided into three, roughly equal, parts: research—writing— public presentation, each intended to occupy a full term.

Paula Gibson Krimsky Archivist and School Historian

Acknowledgements Many people have helped me in my yearlong quest and I am grateful for their many contributions: Mrs. Paula Krimsky and Mr. Chip Miller, my mentors in this process Mr. Edward Surjan, The Gunnery’s librarian who guided my research efforts.

Mrs. Ann Schillinger at the Cornwall Historical Society who introduced me to the wonder of Elias Boudinot and the Cherokee newspapers Dr. Steven Sodergren, Associate Professor of History at Norwich University, whose Civil War knowledge gave me new ideas and whose suggestion of Between Two Fires, helped me immeasurably Frederica Templeton at the Manchester Historical Society who provided information on Elias Boudinot’s second wife, which helped connect the pieces in the first half of the children’s lives.

Anne Kearney and Sally Woodroofe, Gunnery Archive volunteers who transcribed the wonderful 1853 Debating Society Journal Stephen Bartkus and Sandy Booth at The Gunn Memorial Museum who provided the biggest clue to Cornelius Boudinot’s life in Washington.

Of course, none of my accomplishments would have meaning without the continuous support of my parents who have always believed in me.

Table of Contents

Author’s Page Gunn Scholar Program Acknowledgements Prologue

Page

2

Part One: The Cherokee Boy in Cornwall

Page

4

Part Two: The Boudinot Girls

Pages

8

Part Three: The Boudinot Boys

Pages

11

Part Four: The Nation in the 19th Century

Pages

14

Part Five: Civil War

Pages

17

Part Six: The Future of the Nation and Family

Pages

24

Conclusion

Pages

27

Appendix Illustrations Work Cited

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Prologue: Native Americans are one of the most overlooked groups of people in history.

Other than Thanksgiving and a few famous examples of natives in history, many of their stories are unknown. Of course, they have received more recognition in recent years.

However, people in the United States do not like to talk about Native Americans. It is considered a sore topic. Many like to pretend that our history with the Native Americans does not exist and they were friendly and moved and relocated peacefully whenever white settlers came to their lands. Of course, that is not the case. American history is filled with countless injustices done to Native Americans, not only in the United States, but Central America, and the Caribbean as well. One of the earliest and worst atrocities committed against Native Americans occurred when Christopher Columbus enslaved and mistreated many Natives that he encountered. He forced them to convert to Christianity, and, of course, thought that he was in India. Although it was apparent rather quickly that he was not in India, the name stuck and it has now become the derogatory term used to describe Native Americans. In the time from Columbus’ landing until the establishment of the British Colonies, disease was the biggest killer of Native Americans. Various plagues wiped out an estimated 90% of the native population in North and Central America. Many of the survivors were then forced into slavery or treated as savages. The perception of Native Americans as being inferior is the biggest reason for the treatment. The same ignorance would lead to the massive slave empire in the United States later on in history.

Today, more and more people are becoming interested in Native American culture and history. Now that more information is surfacing concerning the treatment of Native Americans, people want to learn about this culture and this people, as well as the circumstances that led to its decline. Today there are 326 Native American reservations located in the United States. In Eastern Oklahoma, there are seven Native American reservations. However, a total of roughly twenty-five tribes were relocated to Oklahoma by the Federal Government. For one nation in particular, this was the result of a treaty signed by a delegation of its own people to Washington D.C. The Cherokee Nation was the largest Native American tribe in the country. It covered land in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and both of the Carolinas. It was also the most willing to

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adopt European customs. The tribe did come into conflict with whites throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries. The main reason for the conflict, their land. The United States wanted to expand to the south, and the Cherokees were in the middle of that expansion. For this reason, the United States government wanted to make a deal with the Cherokee leadership. In response to the request, the Cherokees sent two delegations to Washington in 1835 to discuss various options. One of these delegations favored opposing the government and fighting to remain on their lands. This was led by a prominent Cherokee citizen named John Ross. The other delegation was in favor of making a deal with the government and moving off of their lands for a financial gain.

This delegation was led by four core members, John and Major Ridge, and their cousins, Stand Watie and Elias Boudinot. Elias, in particular, was experienced in dealing with white politicians. He had been working with and battling with white men for over a decade.

The delegation’s members did not know how important all of them would become in the later years, or what would happen to them and their people as a result of the treaty that would be signed by President Andrew Jackson. Elias’ family was young and he was only thinking of their best interests. His wife, Harriet was still adjusting to life with the Cherokees. Only a few years before, she had been the daughter of a prominent white family in Connecticut, and now she was the wife of a Cherokee, raising six children. Their family, and their marriage was an outrage to many of the people she called friends, all because of the fact that he was a Cherokee man and she was a white woman. It would never have happened if the Cornwall Mission School, that Elias attended never existed. It was a school for “Heathen Youth” to be educated and converted to Christianity. Through this school, Elias met Harriet, and their future, as well as the future of the Cherokee Nation, was set in motion.

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Part One: The Cherokee Boy in Cornwall Elias “Buck Watie” Boudinot’s story began when he arrived in Cornwall, Connecticut in 1818, forty-three years before the American Civil war erupted. He came with his cousin John Ridge. Little did he know it, but Elias Boudinot was going to change this small New England town forever. The Foreign Mission school had been open for a little over a year and was slowly becoming successful in educating “heathen” youth. The school, however, had the personal interest of some high-powered professors at Yale, who saw the benefit of educating these young men. Their generosity is the reason the school opened in the first place. They raised the money to build the school and sometimes invited some of the students to Yale to speak with them. The interest in heathen youth started when students at Yale met a runaway Hawaiian man named Obookiah. He had stowed away on a Chinese trading ship and traveled all the way to New Haven in hopes of finding a better life.

Elias and John were two of only a few Cherokee boys in the school. The majority of the school’s student population was made up of Hawaiian and Chinese boys from the other side of the continent and across the ocean. The overall purpose of the school was to educate the youth and convert them into foreign missionaries who would return to their own lands and preach the word of Jesus Christ to their fellow man. Elias and John soon became two of the school’s best students. John began to write verses of songs.

(FMS pg. 9) Elias successfully calculated when the next lunar eclipse was going to occur.

(FMS pg. 9) They both were in the advanced courses offered to only a few of the boys who were attending the school. Of course, not everyone approved of the boys being in town. Many townspeople disliked the idea of teaching “savages” right in their back yards. It made them uneasy. Elias and John were beginning to feel right at home. The boys, however, were not allowed to socialize with any of the other youth in the area. The school officials did not want them influenced by local children. The boys got along with each other just fine, but they wanted to branch out and were being restricted by those around them. In fact, the boys were not given very much free rein at all. They were only allowed to travel between the school house, and their living accommodations a quarter mile down the road. They could not go to the store, or wander around the town at all.

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It is for this reason the boys became restless. They watched other children go to and from various places around the small town, but could not join them. It frustrated the boys. One day however, Elias met a young woman named Harriet Gold. She was the daughter of Benjamin Gold, who assisted in founding the school. He was also a prominent business man in the community and his extended family held much influence in rural Connecticut. Their romance immediately blossomed. However, the thought of interracial marriage was deeply frowned upon. Even in the Cherokee Nation, which is secluded during this time since Native Americans were at war with the U.S. government, intermarriage was frowned upon. “In Georgia, a legislative committee recorded the widely prevalent anxiety that “constant intermarriages” would lead to “a sort of mongrel population” …unfit for the character of citizens.” (The Heathen School pg. 139) So, not only did many whites fear intermarriage, but the natives did as well. The whites feared it for different reasons. Whites during this time had widespread “horrific fears of native savagery.” (The Heathen School pg. 159) For this reason, native groups, especially the Cherokees, were making large efforts to overcome these stereotypes. They were striving to make “rapid advances…toward civilization.” (The Heathen School pg.

167) By 1824, Elias’ and Harriet’s relationship had evolved into love. Elias returned to the Cherokee Nation in Georgia, but not before he proposed to Harriet. In 1825, Harriet told her family her intentions to marry Elias. She broke up the news by telling individual family members separately. Many of them were very unhappy with the announcement, some even grew violent. Harriet’s brother even threatened to murder Elias. (FMS pg. 12) The townspeople also weighed in on the controversy, many picking sides on whether they believed the couple should be married (FMS pg. 12) The school suffered as a result.

The townspeople and the surrounding area believed the school had promoted the marriage and encouraged the boys to mingle with white women. The school stated “The public may be assured that the teachers and authority, had no concern directly or indirectly promoting this marriage.” (American Eagle Article 5/31/1824) The dispute on whether the marriage should be allowed to happen lasted another two years. Finally, on March 26, 1826, Harriet Gold and Elias Boudinot were married in the Gold’s home. The service was performed by Rev. Francis Case of Goshen, since the minister of Cornwall refused to give the service. (THS pg. 192) By the end of the year

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they were living in the Cherokee Nation in New Echota, Georgia. In 1825, “The Cherokees were widely considered the most civilized tribe in America.” (THS pg. 211) Just like Elias, John had also married a white woman he had met while in Cornwall.

After graduating the mission school and returning home, Elias and John both became very prominent figures in the Cherokee Nation, and the United States despite both having married white women. “Both became closely acquainted with presidents, cabinet secretaries, congressmen, other officials of federal government - sometimes in friendly, but most often in oppositional, contexts.” (THS pg. 237). John and Elias were also involved in plans to create a national “seminary.” (THS pg. 241) By 1827, Elias had created the first Cherokee-English newspaper, The Cherokee Phoenix, and he was serving as chief editor. Over the next eight years, the Boudinot family would continue to grow. Harriet would bear six children in total, three boys and three girls. The oldest were Eleanor and Mary, followed by Cornelius and William.

Frank and Sarah were the youngest children. During this time, Harriet stayed home to raise the children and look after her own failing health. Harriet’s parents occasionally made the trip south to see their grandchildren. Elias’ political career as a minority leader was becoming more and more perilous. He seemed to be in constant conflict with the other, more conservative faction, of leaders, led by John Ross. (Cherokee Cavaliers pg.

4) Elias was one of the leaders of the Cherokee delegation in Washington seeking relocation west of the Mississippi River in exchange for compensation by the U.S. government. John Ross’ majority sought to fight for the Cherokees’ lands in Georgia.

Elias’ main allies were his cousins, John Ridge along with his father Major Ridge, and Elias’ brother Stand Watie. Stand was Elias’ younger brother, who was a fiery member of the delegation. In 1835, the family suffered a loss. Harriet had become very ill, and it was apparent she was not going to live much longer. By August 1836, Harriet succumbed to her disease. (BFS (folder)) Elias was thinking about moving his griefstricken family up north to be closer to Harriet’s family. He then considered only sending his eldest daughters north as to not to disrupt the younger children’s routines.

(BFS(folder)) He married a second wife, Delight Sargent Boudinot in May 1837. She was the daughter of a prominent Vermont family and she too was white. Even though he had help with the children, Elias still considered sending his oldest daughters to live with

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their mother’s family. Meanwhile the relationship between the Cherokees and U.S. government had completely collapsed. The infamous Trail of Tears resulted in more than 15,000 Native Americans moving out west. The Boudinots would settle in Oklahoma along with the rest of their extended family. Elias had moved his children even further away from their mother’s family in Connecticut.

By 1839, the political situation was at a fever pitch. Feuds and bitter feelings had essentially severed the ties between the factions of Cherokee representatives. Then, on June 24th, 1839, the unthinkable happened. Around breakfast time, armed men broke into the homes of John and Major Ridge, stabbing and slashing them to death. At the same time, a separate group of men approached the home of Elias and his family. They broke open the door and were confronted by Elias. They stabbed him multiple times and hacked at him with a hatchet. They killed him with a final blow to the head with the hatchet. (BFS (folder)) The brutality and coordination of the attacks left friends and family shocked and devastated. Stand Watie was the only leader of their faction to escape the massacre. He was out during the attacks and was missed by the would-be assassins. The future of the Western Cherokees now rested solely on him.

Delight worked over the next few months packing up or selling many of the family’s possessions in order to move up north to her native Vermont. The entire family left by October 15th, 1839. (DBL 1839) Elias did get his wish, his family was moved north. The family arrived in Connecticut in December of 1839. Delight left Eleanor and Mary with the Brinsmades, Harriet’s cousins, and she took the rest of the family up north to Manchester, Vermont. The Brinsmades had not objected to Harriet and Elias’ wedding and had been fond of Elias. The girls were left with family they barely knew, after both of their parents were taken from them within three years of one another.

Eleanor was only thirteen and Mary was eleven. They had to adapt to a new environment, but for the Boudinot girls, learning to adapt to the world around them and overcoming obstacles was nothing new.

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Part Two: The Boudinot Girls Eleanor and Mary Boudinot were born in 1827 and in 1828. They were the oldest children of Elias and Harriet Boudinot. The girls had a calm upbringing. They lived peacefully until 1839. Their family members on their mother’s side always marveled how white they were in appearance for being mixed race children. The girls’ grandfather, Benjamin Gold, describes his granddaughters in a letter saying, “Two beautiful and interesting children: would pass in company for full-blooded Yankees. My wife says she thinks they are rather handsomer than any she has seen up north.” (BS (folder)) Mary, who was the younger of the two was said to be especially beautiful. Her father Elias writes that “Mary does have real Indian black eyes. People say she is handsomer than Eleanor. You must not think we brag.” (BS (folder)) Eleanor attended school at Running Waters in Georgia. In 1830, their younger brother William Penn Boudinot was born. In 1835, Cornelius was born. By this time, Eleanor was studying arithmetic, geography, and U.S. history. (BS (folder)) Both Eleanor and Mary developed a love of reading early in their lives that stayed with them. Since the girls were the oldest, they were often entrusted to look after their younger siblings. The final son, Frank was born in 1836.

In 1836, their lives were shattered when Harriet became gravely ill, most likely due to complications from childbirth. The girls were just eight and nine years old. Mary, who was especially close to her mother, took the blow the hardest. On her deathbed, Harriet called Mary into the room. She spoke softly to her daughter, “you told me, Mary, that you wanted to be Christian - you must ask God to give you a new heart – you must pray to him continually. Cannot you pray for your mother? Come dear, go to your room and pray for your ma.” (BS (folder)) The girls lost their mother and were devastated.

Their father was shaken by the loss as well. He planned a move up north. He told his daughters they would be moving back to Connecticut. However, as time passed, it became less likely that the whole family would make the trip. The little ones caused trouble for Elias, and moving them would create even more conflict. (BS (folder)) Elias told Eleanor she would be the only one to travel North. Elias then met Delight, and they were attracted to one another. Delight had been a teacher in New Echota, where the family was living. She was white, just like their mother, and seemed to care for the children. The girls were happy their father found peace in Delight. The family was

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beginning to heal. They move out west with the rest of the Cherokee Nation during 1838.

They found a home in Oklahoma, and the girls begin to adjust to their new lives. That is, until the family was ripped apart once more, this time by violence.

The girls were only twelve and ten when their father was murdered in their home.

In the span of three years, the children lost both parents. Delight decided to leave the Nation for her safety, as well as the safety of the children. In a letter to Daniel Brinsmade, she wrote “Nothing but a remarkable interposition saved them from assassination the same day that my dear husband was murdered.” (Letter CMI #26) They left the farm and house in the hands of trusted friends until a family member was able to return and settle the affairs of the entire Boudinot family. (Letter CMI #26) The girls were left in the charge of Daniel and Mary Gold Brinsmade in Washington. Mary is the girls’ aunt on their mother’s side. By 1845, the daughter Mary had gone north to be with Delight and her brothers.

In 1849, Mary went to Towanda, Pennsylvania with her second cousin, Abigail, and her husband, Frederick Gunn, with their first child. The Gunns were well acquainted with all of the Boudinot children. In a letter to Daniel Brinsmade, Frederick Gunn wrote “You may give my love to Eleanor’s sister just as though we were old acquaintances for I am sure the sister of Eleanor & William & Cornelius ought to know me a little.” (Letter from FWG) She spoke highly of all of her family in Connecticut, but she missed her father’s family in the Cherokee Nation. It was six years since she had seen most of them, and she missed her deceased parents as well. Also in 1849, the youngest of the girls, Sarah died at thirteen-years-old. There is very little record of her life. In a letter Mary states, “Our family is indeed a broken family. Three have already entered that unseen world from whence there is no return, while the remainder are left in different places to mourn their early departure.” (BS (folder)) By 1846, Mary was traveling between Connecticut and Manchester, Vermont regularly. Delight opened up a small private girls’ school in the town. However, it soon failed, for a number of reasons.

One reason was that she was a poor business woman, and “she was so unpleasantly pious that the young children were afraid of her.” (Manchester Historical Society) For a short time, Mary and Eleanor both attended Mount Holyoke, a seminary in Massachusetts. Daniel Brinsmade thought it would help them get away from the grief of

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their family life. Mary only attended the school from 1846 to 1848. By 1848, both girls were back in Connecticut. That was where both of them met the young men whom they would go on to marry. Eleanor met Henry Church, a white clerk who worked for one of the Brinsmades and lived on the Washington Green. Mary also met a white man in Washington, Lyman W. Case. When news of the girls’ engagements reached their brothers, the boys were filled with excitement. William writes to their uncle, Stand Watie about the news. He jokes, “who is the unlucky man I am unable to tell.”

(BS(folder)) The girls both married by the end of 1849. Eleanor had her first child in 1850.

However, her daughter, Mary Boudinot Church, died at only 4 days old. Her second child, Mary Brinsmade Church never married, and died in 1913. However, she died not before she wrote a detailed story of her family and its involvement in the 19th century. In the paper, she wrote about her grandfather’s life, and his impact on the country. In 1856, Eleanor’s third child, Franklin was born, Eleanor became ill after the birth and died thirty-two days later. Franklin died three months after being born. By this point, Mary Boudinot had been dead for three years. She died in 1853, after only four years of marriage. She had no children. Both of their husbands remarried and had children with their second wives. After Eleanor’s death, the only remaining Boudinot family members were the three boys, William, Cornelius, and Frank. They, however, were about to become part of something much bigger than anything any of them could have possibly imagined.

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Part Three: The Boudinot Boys The Boudinot children were evenly split in the number of boys and girls. Eleanor and Mary were the oldest, followed by William and Cornelius with Frank and Sarah bringing the grand total to six. However, unlike the girls, the boys did not take as much of an interest in learning. Their lives in the nation were mostly devoted to exploring the land and learning from the neighbors and other people in their town. William, the oldest, began developing a passion for print-making like his father. Cornelius, the middle boy, was sickly for most of his young life. He was often sent away to other states to receive treatment. He needed to be seen by out-of-state doctors and often stayed with relatives. He was in Alabama when Harriet died. Frank, the youngest brother, was a bit of a misfit. He was smaller than both of his brothers, not only in age, but in stature and build as well.

In 1839, when Elias was murdered, the boys were angry and resentful towards the men who had committed the crime. Their Uncle Stand, who was the only member of the delegation to Washington to survive the attacks, became their new father figure.

Their relationship with their uncle evolved into a close bond after the attack. He had to leave the nation following the attacks for fear of being killed himself. The boys knew of their father’s quarrels with other members of the nation about what was the best option when it came to dealing with the federal government. History often points to as the most likely person to have ordered the attacks as John Ross, the other delegation’s head diplomat. It has been widely researched and investigated that Ross had ordered the assassinations in order to deal with the federal government and become acting chief of the entire Cherokee nation. The boys knew Ross had killed their father and did not trust him. Stand Watie also resented Ross for his actions. In the following years, they came to blows multiple times. The boys moved north with their new mother Delight after their father had been killed. The boys end up in Delight’s home in Vermont. (Letter CMI #26) They were separated from their sisters and were now cut off from their only family. They lived there until the late 1840s, when all three moved to Washington, Connecticut to be reunited with their sisters. By 1850, all of the boys were enrolled in their cousin’s new school, The Gunnery. Cornelius and Frederick Gunn become rather close at this time, developing a mutual respect for one another

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After graduating from The Gunnery, Frank Boudinot moved to New York to pursue a career. He met a girl named Annie and they married. They had a son in 1862 named Frank Jr. Frank became an actor in New York and performed in musicals and plays in the city. (Ancestry) William Penn Boudinot returned to the Cherokee Nation and lived and worked with his uncle Stand Watie until the 1860s. Cornelius was the only one to stay in Washington for a period of time after they completed their education.

Cornelius began working alongside Frederick Gunn. They became close friends and companions. (Log book WDF) In spite of a twenty-year age difference, Cornelius looked on Gunn as a brother figure. Through his relationship with Gunn, Cornelius’ own prominence in Washington began to grow. By all accounts, people did not look at him as a mixed race, Native American, man, but just as another member of the community.

The best example of this prominence is his inclusion into the Washington Debating Fraternity, an organization founded in 1853 and run by local Washington leaders. It was a place to discuss and debate issues that occur not only in the community, but the country as well. The first list of members included Frederick Gunn and Cornelius Boudinot. (Log book WDF) Two of the first debates held by the organization were about two of the most important and controversial topics of the time; slavery and the expansion of land. (Log book WDF) The chairman oversaw the meetings and chose the debate, the editor wrote and recorded the meetings, and the critics were the chief debaters. (Log book WDF) Elections for these positions were held every month or two in order to keep one type of opinion from dominating the discussions. In February of 1853, Cornelius was voted Editor for the entire society. Cornelius argued and debated just like a true politician. Skills that would come in handy later. He had grown up to take his father’s place.

The whole time the Boudinot boys were living up north, Stand Watie and John Ross were battling for supremacy over the Cherokee Nation, both men believed they were the head chief and neither wanted to back down. Ross was the leader of the majority who believed in staying in Georgia because he thought they could work with the government. Stand was the minority leader who agreed to the terms of removal and had moved to Oklahoma. Eventually, the two sides split entirely. These separate nations become known as the Eastern and Western Cherokees. (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 56) The

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split came as a surprise to no one; it had been coming since Andrew Jackson had become President back in the 1820s. It was the split that had begun with Elias’ delegation to Washington back in the 1820s, where he had been one of the members who favored moving west and selling the government their land in Georgia. However, there was another split that had been slowly developing during this time: the split between the northern and southern states in the United States. At about the same time of the Cherokee split, the South began to secede from the Union. Now the boys, Stand, and John Ross would have to choose sides, and choose quickly. The American Civil War was beginning, and it was going to determine a lot more than just the issue of slavery.

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Part Four: The Nation during the 19th Century To fully understand the actions of the Boudinot Family, we must look at the politics of the country as a whole as well as the United States relationship with Native Americans. The political landscape of the early 19th century in the United States was a roller coaster. Andrew Jackson became president in 1829. He had a fearsome reputation as an “Indian fighter,” and was a very prominent supporter of relocation of the various native tribes that were scattered throughout the eastern United States. The largest tribe was the Cherokee Nation. (Cherokee Cavaliers) Jackson had dealt with the Cherokees during the War of 1812 when he was sent to disband the growing attacks against white settlements in Georgia. By 1829, the Cherokee people were making large strides towards presenting themselves as a modern and civilized people. Many began practicing Christianity. They had lived on their lands for generations and did not want to be forced to move across the country in order to satisfy the desires of the white government. The Cherokee nation was situated on some of the most fertile soil in all of Georgia and Alabama. White settlers wanted to take advantage of this soil for their own benefit.

Andrew Jackson also wants to see the natives moved west of the Mississippi.

When he entered office in 1829, Elias and Harriet have been living in Georgia for close to three years. Jackson wanted to see the natives moved, but in as peaceful a manner as possible. He did not want further bloodshed on both sides. He wants the native lands in order to create more plantations and provide more lands for white citizens. However, opinions differed in the Cherokee population on how to deal with the federal government. (BTF pg. 44) Two main factions arose. One favored relocation to the west and striking a deal with the government. The other opposed the federal government and wanted to stay on their lands. The faction in favor of relocation was led by John and Major Ridge, along with Elias and Stand Watie. The other faction was led by John Ross.

John Ross was only 1/8 Cherokee, but was raised in a traditional Native American household. He attended missionary schools just as Elias and John Ridge had done. He was elected to the National Cherokee Council after the Creek War in 1814.

Ross was a strict traditionalist who had been in the national spotlight for many years.

(Cherokee Cavaliers Pg. 57) He despised the fact that other Cherokees would favor removal. Ross represented the majority of the nation’s people in Washington. He would

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be called a lobbyist by today’s standards. Boudinot was part of the delegation that represented the minority. Because of their differing opinions on how to handle the future of Cherokee Nation, the two groups were at constant odds with one another.

When the minority delegation was back in the Cherokee Nation, Ross allegedly ordered their murders. This, of course, has never been fully proven. However, all of the evidence against Ross gives a relatively promising case, especially since the murderers were never apprehended. The Ridges and Elias were all killed on the same day by unknown assailants. Stand Watie was the only one to survive the attacks. However, the split had been finalized in the Treaty of Echota and throughout 1838 and 1839 nearly 15,000 Native Americans were moved west under armed guard. This harrowing trip would later become known as the Trail of Tears. Along the way 4,000 of the 15,000 Native Americans died. The Native Americans did not travel alone. Those who owned them, brought their slaves along to their new homes west of the Mississippi river. This left the Native American population in the east severely depleted. This divide was not only a divide in terms of geography, but of ideology as well. The group who had stayed became known as the Eastern Cherokees. Those who settled in Oklahoma and other territories were known as the Western Cherokees.

Both the East and West disputed over which was the true Cherokee Nation. The West had agreed to the Government’s terms and moved. The Eastern Cherokees had refused to move and remained in their homeland. Both sides claimed to be on the correct side of the argument. Ross was chosen to lead the East, and Watie was chosen to lead the West. Ross declared himself chief of the entire nation, but The United States Congress denounced this claim since the Cherokee Nation was clearly divided on the issue. Since many Native Americans in the west owned slaves themselves, the government identified them as Southern sympathizers. The Cherokee factions were on the brink of their own war, but a larger conflict was brewing. The advent of the Civil War split the nation in two. Both the North and South knew that allying themselves with certain native tribes could tip the scale in their favor. The Confederates began negotiations with the Western Cherokees. (BTF Pg. 48) They agreed to join if the South promised to restore their old lands in Georgia and leave them to prosper. The Eastern Cherokees negotiated with the Union. They wanted to unify all Cherokee people. As a

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condition of unification, they agreed to move west and give the land in Georgia to the Union. The Civil War decided the fates of, not one, but two nations on the battlefield. All of the surviving Boudinots had a part to play in the future of the country.

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Part Five: Civil War The Civil War began on April 12, 1861. It became apparent rather quickly, that both sides needed allies, and needed them quickly. The Confederacy was the first to try and recruit allies from the various Native American tribes. The representatives from the Confederacy wanted to meet with all of the five “civilized tribes.� These tribes were the Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminoles. (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 91) However, John Ross, who believed he spoke for all Cherokees, did not want to meet with Albert Pike, the Confederate representative. Before he arrived, Ross called a mass meeting of Cherokee citizens from both the east and west. During this meeting, Ross declared that the Cherokee people were friendly to both the North and the South. He wanted to remain neutral in the conflict. When Pike met with Ross, he could not change his opinion. Pike left disappointed, and traveled to the other tribes, where he had much more success. All other tribes agreed to join the Confederacy. Soon, the anti-Ross faction was urging Cherokee leadership to join the Confederacy. Finally, John Ross saw that the Cherokee Nation could not stand alone in its neutrality. All other tribes had joined one side and now, he was prepared to do the same. In October of 1861, the Cherokee Nation became a part of the Confederate States of America. All young men who had banded into anti-Ross militias officially enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The newly formed regiments needed a strong leader at their helms. Stand Watie was chosen to become Colonel of the second Cherokee Regiment of Mounted Rifles.

After being appointed commander, Stand Watie demonstrated his leadership ability in defending the western Native American territory in Oklahoma against invasion. The Union attempted to invade the territory twice, both unsuccessfully. Despite holding its own against Union attacks, John Ross decided to negotiate switching sides when he was taken prisoner of war of the Union. In July 1863, the Cherokee Nation officially became allied by the Union. However, many Cherokees did not agree with the arrangement. Just as before, the Cherokee Nation became split: a northern nation, allied itself with John Ross and the Union and the southern nation allied with the Confederates under the command of Stand Watie. Ross soon became a Union officer and took a command position in Philadelphia, where he would remain until the end of the war.

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In 1861, when the nation was still united for the Confederacy, Cornelius Boudinot wrote to his uncle from Virginia. In the letter, he speaks of Watie’s relationship with Ross. He states, “John Ross and you are rivals, he has appointed his nephew Lt. Col, intent on keeping a foothold in the military organization; perhaps my appointment would give dissatisfaction to some, a great many no doubt want and some expect it, but you can’t please all and I hope you will judge as your own feelings dictate.” (E.C. Boudinot to S.W. pg. 110 in Cherokee Cavaliers) The appointment Cornelius referred to was his commission as a Major in Stand’s regiment. However, Cornelius preferred the political lifestyle in comparison to military service. He would later be elected to the Confederate Congress and he would make his contribution to the war effort from Richmond. In 1862, Stand Watie wrote to, at the time, Col. Douglas Cooper about the southern Native American deserters. In the letter, he also alludes to the investigation against his nephew, Charles Webber. In it he writes “Upon the facts that Chunestootie was a member of Capt. John Ross’ Company and accompanied you in your late expedition against Opothleyoholo and that Charles Webber, who it was charged killed him, is the “Nephew of Stand Watie.” (S.W. to Douglas Cooper pg. 112 in Cherokee Cavaliers) The man, Chunestootie, was a deserter who was killed and scalped after he joined the Union during an engagement. Opothleyoholo was a Creek Chief who fought for the Union. His reputation carried much weight during the war. It was for that reason, that so many Cherokees had deserted and joined the Union, because they did not want to fight against such a respected chieftain. (BTF Pg. 48) Later on in 1862, Stand received a letter from Albert Pike, the man who negotiated with the Cherokees to join the Confederates, on why they are losing ground in Native American territory. Pike states, “Unexpectedly, all western Arkansas is abandoned, Fort Smith invites its occupation by the enemy…The Creek and Seminole troops I will keep in their own country, to render similar service. The Choctaw and Chickasaw troops I will have near me to aid or as occasion my offer. I will not abandon your country.” This last line is meant to reassure Watie he was not forgotten. To many Cherokees, it appeared that Pike had given up on their lands since he began reinforcing his position far from the Cherokee southern border. (Pike to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 115-117) While Stand worked in the field, Cornelius worked in Richmond trying to

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secure more support for the Native American forces. They needed more men, as well as ammunition and supplies. In June of 1863, Elias wrote to Stand mentioning his brother William’s efforts to secure the supplies. In it he wrote, “William has sent me a copy of the ordinances adopted by the convention-to make the provision law work the commissioner in place of money should either be furnished with warrants or bonds of the Cherokee Nation, or an arrangement should be made with Genl. Smith to allow him to draw on the army rations and transportation, until such time as other arrangements can be made with the Confederate Govt.” (E.C. Boudinot to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers pg.

130) The arrangement essentially meant that the army of Cherokees could be loaned out to whoever needed it the most, in exchange for supplies.

Cornelius’ and William’s efforts to secure supplies helped their uncle continue his vast military campaign and achieve more victories for the Cherokee Nation. In July of 1863, however, poor weather conditions and an overly complicated plan of attack led to a defeat by the Union. In a letter to his wife, Stand wrote, “The Feds forced and drove our men away from the ford, the second day by a severe cannonade had two pieces the first day and the 2nd had four, I lost but few men.” Cornelius not only worked to help in the war effort, but on the home-front as well. He worked feverishly throughout the war to help aid southern Cherokee refugees, of whom lived along the Red River in Texas.

(Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 143) In a letter to Stand Watie, Cornelius speaks of a so-called victory for General Bragg. “I have news tonight that Bragg has again whipped Rosecrans-tho the report of his having surrendered needs confirmation.” (E.C. Boudinot to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 144) However, this was simply a rumor. Countless such rumors swirled constantly during the war of victories and defeats that had never actually taken place.

As the war stretched into its third year, Confederate unity began to waiver. The Confederate economy was in ruin, and morale was on the brink of shattering. They had tried exporting cotton through their new allies in Mexico with little success. The Confederacy looked ready to crumble. By 1864, cries of mistreatment of Cherokee troops began to arise. The troops no longer fought for the South, but for preservation. “Despite President Davis’ assurances of better treatment of his allied Indians and Watie’s promotion to the rank of brigadier general in the spring of 1864, the Cherokee leader’s

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fervor in the later campaigns of the war was largely motivated by factors other than the preservation of the Confederacy or slavery.” (BTF pg. 52) After his promotion, Stand Watie was placed in command of the Indian Brigade. This force was comprised of the First and Second Cherokee Cavalry, the Creek Squadron, the Osage Battalion, and the Seminole Battalion. (BTF pg. 52) While the two older brothers of the Boudinot siblings had followed their uncle Stand Watie back to the South and joined the Confederacy, the youngest brother, Frank had stayed in New York. He had chosen not to secede from the Union, but, in fact, joined the Army. He had lived in Manhattan for years, but had traveled back and forth to visit with his sisters in Washington before their deaths. He had also gotten married in that time. He married Annie Gimber on September 22, 1860. He had a son, Frank Jr, in 1862. He joined the Union Army in August of the same year. He enlisted as a private and was placed in a unit comprised of white men. He was a member of the New York Mounted Rifles. In 1863, he was promoted to a 1st Lt. During his years of service Frank served under General George McClellan and fought in the northern front of the war (Ancestry – military). Frank never had to fight against his uncle or brothers during the Civil War. Stand Watie’s regiment was stationed much further west. The Union did not want Frank speaking with his family. The Union feared that Frank would possibly assist the Confederate cause if he spoke to his family. For that reason, he was not allowed to write or visit his brothers or uncle during the war.

On April 5, 1864, Frank’s regiment was marching from Fort Monroe when they stumbled upon a Confederate force in Yorktown, Virginia. The Confederate force numbered around 11,000, however, they gave the illusion of being a much larger force.

For that reason, Gen. McClellan did not engage in a full frontal assault. Instead, they laid siege to the city, bombarding it with artillery. This lasted into the month of May. On May 2, 1864, Frank was riding his horse on the battlefield when a Confederate artillery shell exploded near him. He fell off of his horse, which then landed on him, killing him.

He was 28. After his death, Abigail Gunn wrote a letter to Mary Brinsmade informing her of Frank’s death. In it she says that he was in Washington just a few weeks prior visiting the graves of his sisters. And little did he know that he would soon be lying next

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to them. Abigail planned Frank’s funeral, and had him brought back to Connecticut to be buried. (BM1 #12 letter from ABG to MB May 12th 1864) In the first few days of June 1864, Cornelius wrote two letters to his brother, William, from Richmond. In them he discusses Robert E. Lee’s progress as well as Union victories and casualty numbers. In a letter from June 2, he wrote “About four weeks ago, Genl. Lee assure the authorities here that Grant’s immense army was advancing; this has been anticipated long before Longstreet’s corps from East Tenn. and all the detached portions of Lee’s army were speedily concentrated. Richmond was comparatively defenseless, there not being 5000 troops of all arms in and around the city.” (E.C. Boudinot to W.P. Boudinot Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 166) He would go on to say that another Union general had entrenched himself in the city of Petersburg, not far from Richmond. General P.G.T Beaureguard was in command of defending the outskirts of the city. Cornelius writes about the fighting. “I was wakened by it – the firing was terrific and very rapid. I counted looking at my watch 30 guns a minute. Beaureguard had attacked the enemy in his entrenchments.” (E.C. Boudinot to W.P. Boudinot Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 167) The Confederates would push Union forces back from the city. Cornelius then went into detail of the fighting that took place within 50 miles of the capital. The Confederates pushed back the Union and recovered some of the enemy artillery in the process. Lee’s army stood its ground and stopped Union forces. The figures of Union losses were substantial. “All Grant’s reserves were brought into the fight and his loss is estimated by the Yankees themselves from 25 to 3000 killed and wounded – up to the 13 loss of Grant’s army was at least 5500 men, and some of the Northern Newspapers put it at 7000.” However, Grant was only 8 to 10 miles from Richmond. (E.C. Boudinot to W.P. Boudinot Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 169) On June 3, he added a P.S. in which he mentioned their Uncle Stand’s success in the Indian Territory.

“The Enquirer is a strong Watie paper; it has given him several handsome notices – The Examiner published as Editorial matter an article on Indian affairs of mine…if I get a copy of the article I will save it for you” In 1864, Stand Watie achieved his biggest success as a Confederate General. On June 10th , his forces captured the Union Steamboat J.R. Williams. The ship was bound for Fort Gibson. The boat had traveled 70 miles up-river when it was ambushed by

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Watie’s forces. This was not the last of Watie’s victories. In the following months he launched a campaign in Indian territory that stretched nearly 400 miles. (BTF pg. 54) In this time he managed to cause 300 casualties to the Union, captured or destroyed 5,000 tons of hay, captured the largest storage train ever to leave Fort Scott, and seized an estimated $1.5 million worth of supplies from the Union. (BTF pg. 54) In July of 1864, Cornelius wrote to Stand informing him of results from the fighting. “Grant has been badly beaten in every fight – his losses up to the 18th of June according to Northern accounts foots up to 100,000 men…Our cause has never looked brighter and an early peace is universally predicted.” (E.C. Boudinot to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 181) In the winter of 1864 and the early spring of 1865, the war was drawing closer to conclusion. Stand Watie marched to Choctaw territory to rest for both the men and the horses. In the Confederate Congress, Cornelius fought to secure relief supplies for Cherokee refugees just as he had done the entire war, but now, the supply lines were strained, and defense of the capital was the top priority for other senators and congressmen. The young congressman was beginning to lose hope. A price was placed on Stand Watie’s head, and soldiers began deserting in large numbers. (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 193) The collapse of the South had begun. Many knew it was only a matter of time. On May 11, Cornelius wrote a letter to Stand with what must have been just crushing news. “The surrender of Lee and Johnson virtually puts an end to the war on the other side of the river…from all that I learn his army will fall to pieces. The war will close in some shape by the 1st of August, unless the old story of foreign intervention should be verified.” (E.C. Boudinot to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 222) Cornelius is referring to a possible intervention by a foreign power sympathetic to the Confederate cause, who could possibly turn the tide of the war. However, no such aid came. On June 23 of 1865, a cessation of hostilities signed. “General Stand Watie did not lay down his sword until some ten weeks after the treaty at Appomattox and nearly a month after General E. Kirby Smith had surrendered the whole Trans-Mississippi Department. He was, therefore, apparently the last Confederate officer to surrender.” (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 194) However, his war was not yet over. “As principal chief of the Southern Cherokees he must face the task of assembling his scattered and povertystricken people and returning them to their homeland which must be made a safe place

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for them to dwell by the terms of an honorable peace.� (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 194) The war was over, and reconstruction was beginning. For Stand Watie, Cornelius, and William, their battles were yet to be won. They still were fighting for recognition from the United States Government. A new delegation was about to be formed, and the sons of the original delegation were ready to act.

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Part Six: The Future of the Nation and Family As the Civil War came to an end, the defeated Confederate leaders were rounded up and prosecuted under Union law. Since the Boudinots and other Cherokees sided with the Confederate cause, they would be prosecuted with everyone else. However, the Union did not seek prosecution against the Native Americans who fought in the Confederate Army. Even Stand, who was the highest ranking Cherokee in the Confederate Army was not tried of any crimes against the Union. The Cherokees were not viewed as traitors in the conflict; simply as members of a group caught in the middle, which sought refuge with the side they believed would provide them with the best outcome after the war. However, their actions did have consequences. “The United States commissioners declared that the Cherokee and all other tribes that had joined the Confederacy had thereby forfeited their lands and all rights granted to them by former treaties.” (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 230) There would be no return to the original Cherokee Nation in Georgia and Tennessee.

After the war’s end, two Cherokee delegations arrived in Washington. The southern delegation was comprised of Stand Watie, Saladin Watie, Elias Cornelius Boudinot, William P. Adair, J.A. Scales, Richard Fields, and John Rollin Ridge.

(Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 231) Now the southern delegation had one member of the original delegation as well as his son and the sons of the murdered men. Chief John Ross oversaw the other delegation. (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 231) Both were fighting for recognition from the government. The northern delegation which included Ross, was ultimately successful. Cornelius and another member of the southern delegation wrote to Stand Watie to create a government of Southern/Western Cherokee in the Canadian District. (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 232) The Canadian District is a portion of Western Oklahoma in which the Cherokee settlers lived. If they had succeeded, the United States would most likely have been forced to recognize them. However, this was not to be. On July 17, 1866 a treaty was signed that united the Cherokee Nation. This meant the Cherokee population remaining in the east would move west and live on lands designated to them by the government. John Ross died on August 1, 1866 just weeks after seeing his nation once again reunited. He was 75.

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Cornelius Boudinot returned to Arkansas, the new Cherokee Nation, and looked for a place to settle. In June of 1867, he wrote a letter to Stand Watie with an offer. “I wish to purchase what remains of your old mill.” (Cherokee Cavaliers pg. 251) Elias Cornelius Boudinot lived in the Cherokee Nation for the rest of his life. He practiced law and even lobbied Congress for a railroad to travel through the Cherokee Nation.

(Findagrave.com) He married Clara Corinth Minear in 1885. He died September 27, 1890. He was 55. William Penn Boudinot lived in Philadelphia for some time and began a fairly successful newspaper business, just as his father had done so many years before in the Cherokee Nation. He had two wives in his lifetime. The number of his children has not been established. In some records, he produced seven children, in others, as many as eleven. He eventually settled in Oklahoma and died in 1896. He is the only one of the Elias Boudinot’s children who has living descendants including Helen Curry Davis.

Stand Watie retreated from the public eye after the war. He only surfaced when he was needed in Washington to represent the southern Cherokees in the delegation. He had to witness the lands he fought so hard to secure for his own people be sold off to white settlers. He left Washington broken and ashamed. He returned to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and began to rebuild his life. He rebuilt his home, which had been burned to the ground by Union forces. He also set up various business ventures throughout the territory. He and his nephews were prospering in the territory. In 1869, Stand received a letter from Cornelius. In it, he speaks about the issue of growing tobacco in the territory. This topic will become a hotbed issue for the next three years. “I visited my tobacco establishment the other day and found things in a prosperous condition. However…I find I shall not get out of get out of debt so soon as I expected.”

(E.C. Boudinot to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers Pg. 284) In May of 1871, Cornelius once again wrote of tobacco, but for a different reason. “The Supreme Court has decided the tobacco case against me; it is the Death Knell of the Nations; I am totally ruined if you do not run for Council; for God’s sake do not delay to declare yourself candidate from Canadian dist.” (E.C. Boudinot to S.W. Cherokee Cavaliers Pg. 295) The battle and court case that Cornelius was fighting was over taxation of tobacco and other products that were grown within the borders of the Cherokee Nation. The Council Cornelius is

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referring to is the one set up following the treaty of 1866, in which multiple tribe leaders met to settle the government of the territory. The court’s decision ruined Cornelius financially. He needed Stand to become a member of the council to try and appeal the court’s decision. Stand Watie would be dead in September of that same year. He was the final surviving member of the original delegation to Washington. With his death, the fight to reclaim the Cherokee Nation died as well.

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Conclusion: The Boudinot family left its mark on history in a way none of its members could imagine possible. They did not know it at the time, but their actions impacted two of the most important events in American history. Elias and Harriet broke racial barriers with their marriage. Through this relationship, the people of Cornwall Connecticut learned the decency and civilized nature of a person they initially perceived as a savage. Elias showed them that no matter the race, men and women can be united under the god they both worshipped. With this bravery to stand up for the woman he loved, Elias displayed what I believe is the most important aspect of this entire paper. Family is the most valuable possession that we can have in this life. Whether that family is blood or not, you must be willing to risk everything for it. My observations showed me that Elias supported relocation because he knew that arguing with the United States Government would only lead to heartache for his family, who would have to deal with the constant threat of being forcibly removed. The treaty of New Echota erased that threat. He moved his family out to Oklahoma and began their new lives in the New Cherokee Nation.

After Elias’ death, Delight Boudinot took their children to the North east to be closer to family. She left the girls with their cousins and she brought the boys to her home state. The girls adjusted to their lives in the north. They became close with the Brinsmades. Daniel Brinsmade even paid for their education at Mount Holyoke. To him, they were members of his family, it did not matter that they were half Cherokee. Their marriages cemented their place in the community. Their deaths shook many who knew them, and saddened their brothers.

The boys came to Washington as students to become students at their cousin’s new school. William went to the Gunnery and graduated and returned to Oklahoma to work with his uncle, Stand Watie. Cornelius and Frank stayed in Connecticut with their sisters. Frank moved to New York and started his own family. Cornelius stayed in Washington even after his sisters had died. He became a valued member of the community. He learned much from Frederick Gunn. Gunn became a close friend and trusted mentor. Cornelius would remain in Connecticut until the late 1850s, until his

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immediate family would once again need him. He left Connecticut and never returned.

He returned to Oklahoma and lived with Stand Watie.

When the Civil War broke out, Cornelius and William both joined their uncle and the Confederacy. They knew they had to protect not only their family, but the families of all Western and Southern Cherokees. However, Frank did not return to his brothers. He had made a new life in New York. He would fight for the Union, and for his wife and newborn son. That was his family now. When he was killed in 1864, it was Abigail Gunn who had his body returned to Washington to be buried alongside his sisters. Abigail knew Frank should have been buried with his family. Frank was not allowed to speak with his brothers or uncle during the war, which upset them all. Even though they fought for different sides, they were still family. Neither side felt betrayed, both knew why the other was fighting. Without a doubt, Frank’s death must have upset both Cornelius and William. By the end of the war, the Cherokee were no longer fighting for the South, but for each other. They knew that if the South lost, the Union would surely punish the entire Cherokee population, even those not involved in the war. They were fighting for the man beside them, and for their families.

After the war was over, William moved to Philadelphia and began a large family, some of whom have descendants who are alive today. Cornelius stayed in Oklahoma and lived close to his uncle. Both became businessmen, Cornelius opened a successful legal practice. Both Cornelius and Stand Watie would fight in court over various treaties and laws passed in the territory until 1871, when Stand died. After Stand’s death, Cornelius settled down for good, he lived for another twenty years, and got married. He and his wife never had children. William Boudinot was the last child of Elias and Harriet Boudinot to die. He lived out the rest of his days with his children. The legacy his family had left impacts some of the largest events in American. Their actions impacted thousands of men, women, and children. Some of them risked everything for their family. To them, family came before everything. They knew family is why life is worth living. Protecting your family is worth any risk.

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APPENDIX

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Gunn Scholar 2015-2016 proposal I want to be the Gunn scholar because it will provide an opportunity for me to learn about a part of the Gunnery’s history that is virtually unknown to most people and it will give me the ability to share what I have learned with the world. The Gunn scholar is one of the most important positions you can run for while you attend the Gunnery. It allows us to preserve the history and the lore of the school. It provides us with a link to the past. By being able to learn about the amazing people and their struggles gives us valuable insight into why the school ended up the way that it did. I hope to carry on their battles and tell their stories through learning and researching about the school that I love.

I believe I have everything it takes to be Gunn Scholar. A love for the school, and a desire to expose its many secrets and wonders. I also just want to be able to uncover history that has been long forgotten. I was exposed to the Gunn scholar for the first time last year. I went and watched Olivia Judd’s presentation. I have also seen Thomas Burger’s presentation. Both of which moved me and drove me to pursue becoming Gunn scholar as well. I hope to join them in being able to tell another piece of the Gunnery’s large and entangled web of stories and history.

If I am chosen to become Gunn Scholar for next year, my topic will focus on Elias Boudinot (Cherokee). This man’s connection with Mary Brinsmade and her extensive family which would eventually lead to Boudinot’s children living with Frederick Gunn.

Since Boudinot was Native American, I believe his role in the foundation of the Gunnery could give a new perspective on how Mr. Gunn was not only for Blacks’ rights, but the rights of the Native Americans as well.

Fall Midterm Project Reflection: These first few weeks have been difficult in trying to get the project off the ground. I have invested a lot of time into researching and meeting with Mrs. Krimsky and Mr. Miller. However, I feel like I am starting to get behind even now. There are so many questions that I need to answer, and every time I answer one, two more pop up. I am still excited to learn more about Elias’ kids and what happened to them after their parents’ deaths. A few letters from Mr. Gunn shed some light into where the children are in 1843, but there is still so much I need to do going forward.

Fall End-of-Term Project Reflection This first term has been a lot of fun. I have learned so much from the research I have done. However, I feel there is still more to be uncovered. The phone call with Professor Sodergren about the Cherokee troops during the civil war helped immensely in terms of information and resources. Finding Frank’s photo along with developing his story was also very exciting. I finally also heard back from Manchester, VT. The details I received from them concerning Delight will also be extremely helpful. I feel as though

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there are still some loose ends that need to be tied up, but other than that I think I am in good shape going forward. I have a good outline in my head of what I want to talk about.

Now the hard part will be coming up with a solid thesis to tie all the ideas together.

Winter Midterm Project Reflection The first half of the winter was an exciting time. I finished all of my research. The best finds came at the very end. I discovered entry logs from the Washington Debating Fraternity. In which I discovered entries written by Cornelius Boudinot himself. The fraternity debated many topics still disputed today. Once I thoroughly read through them my research was complete. Beginning the actual writing was a daunting task. I felt that it would be overwhelming. However, I have found that breaking up the writing into the individual chapters makes it easy to manage. Since each chapter will only be three to five pages long. Writing the chapters is not a difficult task at all. The only thing I have to work on is making sure I have all of the sources I will be using in that particular chapter in front of me and organized. I am looking forward to the rest of term and finishing the writing.

Winter End-of-Term Project Reflection As the winter comes to a close I am somewhat behind in my writing. I will have to do some catching up over the spring break. It has been a challenging second half of the term. I have been traveling for college visits and it has hindered my ability to work effectively. However, I feel confident going into the final term about my project. It is taking shape and I am becoming excited to see it coming together. It has been a long road, but I can see the end. I will have to work while on vacation, but I do not mind, having free time will give me more time to focus on my writing. The time off will free me up from distractions. The spring is going to be a sprint but I am excited. I am also excited to start the process of finding the next Gunn Scholar. This process has helped me grow and learn in such a short period of time, and I am thankful to be given this opportunity.

Spring Midterm Project Reflection The project is almost complete. Unfortunately, I had to do more work than I would have liked in the beginning of the spring term. I did not get it all done over spring break and I am paying for it now. Make sure to work through your breaks effectively. I was able to get some work done, but it was not nearly enough. I have still managed to finish relatively on time. The project turned out well and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I could not have done this alone, and I cannot thank the adults who helped me enough. Though it was stressful, I am glad I chose to become a Gunn Scholar.

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ILLUSTRATIONS

Letter from Andrew Jackson to Cherokee Nation March 16, 1835

​ Harriet Gold Boudinot

​ Elias Boudinot

​ William Penn Boudinot

​ Cornelius Boudinot

Stand Watie in Confederate Uniform

​ Frank Boudinot

The Original Cherokee Phoenix Newspaper

Building in which Elias began the Phoenix ­ New Echota, Georgia

Cherokee Alphabet

​ Statue in New Echota, Georgia

John Ross

Stand Watie

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Works Cited Article from American Eagle Newspaper issue dated 5/31/1824. (American Eagle) Boudinot Album. Cornwall Historical Society.

Boudinot, William Penn. Google Image 2016.

Boudinot, Cornelius. Family Photo Collection. Gunn Memorial Museum.

Boudinot, Frank. Student Photo Collection. Gunnery Archive.

Brinsmade, Daniel to William Brinsmade. November 18, 1839. Gunnery Archives. Washington, Connecticut. (CM I #26) Chamberlain, Paul H. The Foreign Mission School. Cornwall, CT: Cornwall Historical Society, 1968. (FMS) Demos, John. The Heathen School: A Story of Hope and Betrayal in the Age of the Early Republic. New York: Random House LLC, 2014. (THS) Dale, Edward Everett., and Gaston Litton. Cherokee Cavaliers. Norman, OK: Univ. of OK Pr., 1939 . (Cherokee Cavaliers) Davis, Helen C. "Mary Harriet Boudinot (1828-1853)." Loosahatchiegrass.com. July 10, 2010. www.loosahatchiegrass.com/MaryHarrietBoudinot.html. Gunnery Archives. (Boudinot Story folder) Davis, Helen C. "Eleanor Boudinot (1827-1856)." Loosahatchiegrass.com. July 10, 2010. www.loosahatchiegrass.com/EleanorBoudinot.html Gunnery Archives. (Boudinot Story folder)

"Find A Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records and Online Memorials." Find A Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records and Online Memorials. Accessed March 2016. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr. (findagrave.com) Gunn, Abigail to Mary Brinsmade May 12, 1864. Gunnery Archives. Washington Connecticut (BM I #12) Gunn, Frederick to Daniel Brinsmade. July 15, 1843. Gunnery Archives. Washington, Connecticut. (A2453) Hauptman, Laurence M. Between Two Fires: American Indians in the Civil War. New York: Free Press, 1995.

(BTF) Krimsky, Paula G. Photographs, New Echota, Georgia. 2013.

Log book from Washington Debating Fraternity. Gunn Memorial Museum. 2016. (Logbook WDF) Templeton, Frederica. Information from Manchester Historical Society, email exchange with Frederica Templeton, November 19, 2015 (Manchester Historical Society).

Sodegren, Dr. Steven. Associate Professor of History, Norwich University. Phone Interview. November 9, 2015.

(Sodegren, 11/9/2015)

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