Lets use some logic.
Stand Watie left is post in the military in time of war.
He took a safe, non-combatant position in the rebel's capital, even though he could not vote on Indian affairs.
The southrons were greatly impressed by him.
I don't think it was because he protected his kinsmen and tribes so well from the South. Like so many of the Ridge faction, he decided that there was more to be gained by selling out his kinsmen than by resisting the people who wanted their land.
You agree that Buck Watie made money from the treachery of his uncle. We both agree that Stand Watie was not stupid.
I can do simple sums. Can you?
Only Union victory prevented a second Trail of Tears, at best, and most likely mass murder by their Southern "allies". That's my conclusion. The Cherokee probably owe their continued existance to the valor of the Northern Soldier.
Buck Watie may NOT have made any $$$ on the "sale". what i said was IF anyone in the family DID, it would have been Buck, as GEN Stand Watie was "not of age" at that time.
free dixie,sw