Belva A. Lockwood Typed Letter Signed with Lengthy Holographic Postscript Regarding the Cherokee Nation Case  she argued before the Supreme Court. With related papers. Two pages on her imprinted letterhead, 8.5" x 11", Washington, D.C; June 22, 1907. Lockwood outlines the Supreme Court's decision to award the Eastern Cherokees $5 million, made on May 18, 1905, as well as the parameters for who is eligible to make a claim. Lockwood goes on to add in her own hand on one of the letters: "As the Executive of Lucinda Welch you will draw the money that would be coming to her. But if Ausley Welch is her son, the money would go to him except your commission as Executor and mine as Attorney. Neither of you can draw anything upon your own application unless you have Cherokee blood. Your position as Executor does not make you heirs. I send 2 original applications which you can give to some one else if you do not need them. As these blanks have a place for minors in them you do not need a minors blank except for some person who has already applied. I have given you credit for $1 on your jacket. Yours Truly, Belva A. Lockwood".

Also included are three deeds belonging to the Welch family, two related letters regarding land deeds and loans, and a typed letter with identical text to the letter cited above signed in type by Lockwood.

Belva Lockwood was one of the first female lawyers in the United States, and she was the first woman to be allowed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. She ran for president in 1884 with Marietta Stow as her running mate under the banner of the Equal Rights Party, and again in 1888. Part of her legacy includes helping to win a $5 million reimbursement from the United States government for the Cherokee people.

Condition: The two Lockwood letters have flattened folds and light toning throughout. The top third of each letter has completely separated along the fold, along with some minor paper loss; this affects the text to a minimal amount, and does not affect Lockwood's handwritten note or signature. The other documents have uneven toning and folds. There is some minor chipping at the top edges.