(Dothan's CHIEF EUFAULA mural is right next to the Johnny Mack Brown mural on South St. Andrews. It's painted on the front of my Great-Great Uncle E.C. Cumbie's shop.)

  In the "Acknowledgments" section of the new book, TUSCALOOSA~ 200 Years In The Making, the author thanks an Auburn professor who "explained that Chief Yoholo-Micco's speech in the statehouse, despite my initial skepticism, had all the earmarks of the real thing." I don't see why the author may have had "initial skepticism" seeing as how "CHIEF EUFAWLA" had his speech printed in newspapers all over the country in the winter and spring of 1835(this may have been the reason the same author states on page 31 that the emigrating Creek Indians began coming through Tuscaloosa in 1835. In truth, the first Creek Indians arrived in December of 1834 and as far I can tell none arrived in 1835.) Here is a FULL TRANSCRIPTION of Chief Eufawla's Tuscaloosa speech which was reprinted from the HUNTSVILLE DEMOCRAT on page 2 of the January 24, 1835 NILES’ REGISTER—

MISCELLANEOUS. A correspondent of the “Huntsville Democrat" thus notices certain proceedings of the house of representatives of Alabama: Before the house adjourned we had a scene of more than common interest in the hall of representatives. A large Party of the Creek tribe of Indians are in Tuscaloosa at this time, on their way to Arkansas, under the conduct of Colonel Hunter, the agent, and a principal chief the nation named Eufawla. A motion was made by Mr. Jackson to invite the chief and his warriors within the bar of the house; agreed to unanimously. Mr. Jackson was then instructed to convey the invitation of the house. The chief and his warriors were then conducted in and seated themselves in chairs arranged around the hall below the lower tier of desks. Eufawla then addressed the house from his seat in substance pretty much as follows—he spoke in the Creek language, which was interpreted from time to time as he proceeded by Col. Hunter. The effect upon the house and gallery was solemn and interesting. The tear started in more eyes than one- The chief is an Indian of fine appearance—his aspect grave- his voice low and subdued—his words slow. He proceeded:

“I come brothers to see the great house of Alabama, and the men that make the laws, and tell the in farewell in brotherly kindness before I go to the far west, where my people are now going. I did think at one time that the white man wanted to oppress my people and drive them from their homes by compelling them to obey the laws that they did not understand—but I have now become satisfied that they are not unfriendly towards us, but that they wish us well. In these lands of Alabama, which have been my forefather’s, where their bones lie buried, I see that the Indian ſires are going out—they must soon be extinguished. New fires are lighting in the west—and we will go there. I do now believe that our great father, the president, intends no harm to the red men—but wishes them well. He has promised us homes and hunting ground in the far west, where he tells us the red men shall be protected. We will go. We leave behind our good will to the people of Alabama, who build the great houses, and to the men who make the laws."

“This is all I have to say—l came to say farewell to the wise men who make the laws, and to wish them peace and happiness in the country which my forefathers owned and which I now leave to go to other homes in the west. I leave the graves of my fathers—but the Indian fires are going out—almost clean gone—and new fires are lighted there for us."

“There are two houses of the men who make the laws—I have already bid farewell to the other house—I now bid farewell to you, and wish not only you, but all the people of Alabama, to be happy and prosperous. I leave you in friendship and good will... I have nothing more to say.”

When Eufawla concluded, there was a peal of applause through the house and gallery. The speaker replied in a handsome and appropriate manner to the address of the chief—briefly adverting to the cause of the extension of our jurisdiction and stating the advantages of a removal to the Indian tribes. Aſter which the members rising from their seats, as a token of respect, the chief and his warriors retired. The reply of the speaker was interpreted to the chief by one of the chiefs, a half breed, by name Grayson.

Indeed, sir, it was an affecting scene and forced upon the minds of the spectators a current of recollection that carries something of a pang to the heart of the white man.