During this time there were conflicts between some of the leaders of the Cherokee Nation. A few of them thought that it would be best to obey the United States Government and move to the west for the salvation of the Cherokee Nation. Others like Oates, think they were bribed. "Major Ridge was paid $30,000 and his followers received several thousand dollars each. Ostensibly they were being paid for their improved farmlands, but the amounts were far in excess of contemporary land values" (Oates 305). Thirty thousand dollars back in 1835 was a lot of money. An amount like that would be able to persuade anyone on signing a treaty, even when it meant leaving their home lands. That person was Major Ridge that along with 500 or so of his followers signed the Treaty of New Echola against Chief Ross wishes. This treaty gave the Cherokee lands over to the United States Government for an exchange of five million dollars. However, Major Ridge and his followers only counted for about two percent of the entire Cherokee Nation. Chief Ross did not see this group as an accurate representation of what the Cherokee people wanted. To the Cherokees misfortune, the United States Government did and the treaty was on its way to get sign by president Andrew Jackson in record time. Ross fought against the treaty collecting enough signatures to address Congress. Despite all the protesting and support from many groups made out of people in and out of the United States government, the bill was passed by one vote and president Jackson signed the Removal Act on May 23, 1836. "According to its terms, the Cherokees were allowed two years from that day in which to leave their homeland forever" (Oates305). .
Days before the approaching deadline, some thought that Chief Ross hard work had paid off and the government would let them stay. However by May 10th, construction of the stockades were well on their way.
