The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
INDIGENOUS AMERICAN TRIBES / CHOCTAW NATION
I learn with great satisfaction that you have leased to us three
stations of one mile square each on the road from Chickesaws to
Natchez, and one on the Pearl river; and you desire me to send you a
paper under my own hand to show to your warriors that these lands are
not sold but lent. I now accordingly declare that the property in
those lands remains in your nation, that they are lent to us for a
rent of four hundred pounds weight of powder annually, and that your
nation has a right to take them back at their pleasure; and this paper
now signed by my own hand will be evidence of these things to future
generations. We will, according to your desire, settle but one white
family on each section, and take care that they conduct themselves
peaceably and friendly toward you; or being made known to me that they
do otherwise they shall be removed. They will be placed there merely
f6r the accommodation of our paper carriers and travellers.
My children, you have asked whether I did not promise to send you
ploughs to enable you to improve in husbandry? I did promise it and
immediately sent the ploughs; but by a mistake in forwarding them,
they were delayed some time before we knew of it. You must, however,
have received them before this time.
You ask if I did not promise to send your deputation ten rifles for
yourselves and other deserving warriors? I did not promise it. You
said they would be acceptable, but I said nothing in reply. But
although I did not promise, yet to show my good will to you, I will
send you the rifles.
You ask if we will allow commissions to you according to your rank
and medals and commissions to such chiefs as you may appoint to assist
in the government of your country? It has not been a custom with us to
give commissions to our friends among the red men; and it is a new
thing. We will take it into consideration. We wish to do what is
agreeable to you, if we find we can do it with prudence.
We shall be willing to give medals to a certain number of
distinguished chiefs who aid you in the government of your country,
and who manifest dispositions to preserve peace and friendship between
your nation and ours. We wish you, therefore, to recommend such to us.
My children, persevere in your friendship to the United States. We
will never injure you nor permit you to be injured by any white
people, and we trust you will take care that none of our people are
injured by yours. Encourage among you the cultivation of the earth,
raising of cattle, spinning and weaving, and we will assist you in it.
With plenty of food and clothing you will raise many children,
multiply, be strong and happy. May the Great Spirit protect and
prosper you in all your just pursuits. Farewell.
an Address to the Choctaw Nation, 13 March 1805
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