During the Civil War, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief John Ross initially declared neutrality; however, in August 1861, the Cherokee Nation General Assembly voted to support the Confederacy, eventually resulting in Ross' exile from the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Loyal League, also known as the Pin Indians, supported the Union prior to and during the Civil War. The Loyal League wrote to John Ross in 1864, requesting that he represent the Cherokee and Creek Nations to the Secretary of War and request the reinstatement of Colonel William A. Phillips as commander of the Cherokee and Creek forces and cease Major General James G. Blunt's confiscation of Cherokee and Creek cattle.
From the description of Resolutions of Pin League to John Ross document 1864. (Western North Carolina Library Network). WorldCat record id: 50617687
