Do It Yourself Diplomacy: Lovely's Purchase

It was the edge of the United States, closer to Spanish territory
than the nearest military installation of the United States.
William Lovely had been placed as agent to the Cherokees in the
West, tasked with ending the bloody conflict between them and the
Osages. With poor communication with the government back east and
no real authority, he had to make it up as he went. His actions
are apparent to this day.