Summary: | In the letter Claiborne discusses recent attacks by Indians on white inhabitants in the territory: "The conduct of your Creek neighbours for some time past has been observed, and merit, in my opinion, exemplary punishment, and had I the power, they should suffer severely for their temerity; and if I don't mistake the Government will find it indispensably necessary, to teach them by force of Arms their entire dependence, and the sooner the better for the interest of this section of the Union." He expresses his respect for "frontier settlers" and his disdain for the Indians they displace: "...I have always had a regard for, in as much as the act of settling evinces a spirit of enterprize [sic], that is commendable and productive of great good to the American community - having the effect of extending our agricultural interest and placing at a greater distance from the more settled & improved parts of our country the Indian tribes - that have & always will be a pest, until confined to some distant & secluded tract of country." Claiborne also mentions that a declaration of war against Great Britain is expected soon. A transcript of the letter is included.
|