This is a rich story that sounds like it would make a great movie. "Should we go or should we stay ?" is a decision of choice. The Trail of Tears was as horrid as it was because it took the decision out of the hands of the people most affected by it.
My wife is a Cherokee historian / genealogist, and I have always enjoyed the details of her stories. The history of the Cherokee is fascinating and full of rich history! Thank you for posting this. I sent it to her for a more intelligent response :)
Great read. Cherokee history is certainly interesting.
They have a lot available to read on Cherokee.org too IIRC.