This is a copy of a lease made for Vann's Ferry in 1827.
This indenture made and entered into this first day of October 1827 between
Hugh Montgomery U. States Agent for the Cherokee Nation and John Martin Treasurer
of said Nation on behalf of the same of the first part and Reuben Thornton
of Green County, Geo of the second part
Witnesseth
That for and in consideration of the sum of Two hundred and thirty-three
dollars to be paid annually for the next eight years, the act whereof is
hereby acknowledged, beginning the first day of January next and purfecting
certain improvements as specified in a Bond bearing even date with these
presents by the said Reuben Thornton.
The said parties of the first part do hereby grant, bargain and lease
by authority vested in them so as to do unto the said Reuben Thornton his
heirs, assigns, the whole of the plantations lying on the west bank of the
Chatahoochy River known by the name of Vann's Old Ferry, including
the Ferry landing on said premises, which plantations extends from the
lower end of the Ferry Plantation to the upper plantation at Gothard Ford
inclusive-- Also the privilege of clearing as much land as the said
Thornton may choose-adjacent to or adjoining any of the plantation
which Plantation, Houses, Ferry Bank and premises the said parties
as aforesaid of the first part bind themselves to put the said Thornton in
peaceable and quiet possession of, on or before the first day of January
next, and to warrant and defend by these presents the said
peaceable and quiet possession of the said lands, Tenements, and Ferry
Bank, unto the said Thornton for the term of 8 years next ensuing the first
of January next, clear from any damage arising from the claim of any
other person or persons whatsoever.
To have and to hold the above described premises to the only proper use,
benefit, and behooves of him the said Reuben Thornton, his heirs and assigns,
tor this time hereby specified and for all the legal purposes of any other,
citizen or member of the Cherokee Nation, without any hinderance or deferment
to the said Thornton's interest or privileges as herein specified. in witness
whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands
and seals - the day and dates first above written.
John Martin NT [Seal]
H. Montgomery [Seal] U. States Agent for the
Cherokees - by his atty John Martin
Signed, Sealed and affixed in
the presence of
James Daniel
Jessee Parris
I do hereby authorize and empower John Martin, Esqr of Coosawatie in the
Cherokee Nation to rent or lease to the highest bidder the Northern Bank
of improvement attached to the Ferry on Chattahoochy River, commonly called
Vann's Ferry, for a reasonable term of time, here ratifying and confirming
whatever he may do using the same as fully as if I were personally present,
and had done or should do the same.
Witness my hand and seal - this 1st day of August 1827.
H. Montgomery [Seal] U. states Agent for the Cherokees
In the presence of John Bell
This copy of the lease was attached to a letter headed Vann's Ferry,
March 4th 1830 from Reuben Thornton to Col. H. Montgomery U. S. Agent Cherokee
Nation and forwarded by Montgomery to The Hon. Thomas F. Foster, House of
Representatives, Washington City. It was postmarked Athens, Ga. Apr 7.