Yeah, the 'Natives' were considered by our standards savages, but then so would be the Scot to the English and we could look at the Romans in the same light. What Rome wanted, they took. There were many cases of horrible things that happened to the settlers, but they were considered Invaders. Depends on what side you're on.
It wasn't only Southern folk who fired up the Removal. That as a real party for a lot of soldiers from all over. Those who were granted the lands of the Indians in the lotteries came from all over. Andy Jackson just plain hated Indians. He wanted all of em gone. His main target was the Five "Civilized" Tribes. From what I understand the Cherokee who fought for the South in the CW had 'scalping' knives. Don't know if they used em.

Pam