Contains original documents and some copies that describe the Cherokee Indian's political, historical, and cultural quest for identity and independence. There are grants, proclamations, resolutions, etc. Prominent Cherokees represented in the documents include John Ross, Stand Watie, Lewis Downing, Daniel H. Ross, D. W. Bushyhead, and W. C. Rogers. Numerous documents concern Cherokee participation in the Civil War, and relations with the U.S. government shortly after. Government officials include D. N. Cooley, Andrew Johnson, and James Harlan. Includes information regarding Indian land allotments, financing schools, as well as Indian mistreatment and regulations for intermarriage with whites. Some documents in the Cherokee alphabet accompany typed copies of letters.