The Edwards brothers invade Nacogdoches with only…
December 1826 CE
On December 21, they declare the former Edwards colony to be a new republic, named Fredonia.
Within hours of the announcement, the Fredonians sign a peace treaty with the Cherokee, represented by Chief Richard Fields and John Dunn Hunter.
Fields and Hunter claim to represent an additional twenty-three other tribes and promise to provide four hundred warriors.
In recognition of the agreement, above the Old Stone Fort flies a new flag containing two stripes (one red, one white) representing the two races.
Inscribed on the banner is the motto, "Independence, Liberty, and Justice."
Haden Edwards also sends messengers to Louisiana to request aid from the United States military, which refuses to intervene.
Another emissary sent to invite Stephen F. Austin and his colonists to join the rebellion garners a rebuke.
Edwards's actions disturb many of his colonists because of their loyalty to their adopted country or their fear of his alliance with the Cherokee.
Mexican authorities are also concerned with the Cherokee alliance, and both Peter Ellis Bean, the Mexican Indian agent, and Saucedo, the political chief, begin negotiations with Fields.
They explain to the Cherokee that the tribe had not followed proper procedures to attain a land grant and promised that if they reapply through official channels, the Mexican government will honor their land request.
Such arguments and a planned Mexican military response persuade many Cherokee to repudiate their treaty with Edwards.