The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
Peace being at length concluded with England, we had it also to conclude
with them. They had made war on us without the least provocation or
pretence of injury. They had added greatly to the cost of that war. They
had insulted our feelings by their savage cruelties. They were by our
arms completely subdued and humbled. Under all these circumstances, we
had a right to demand substantial satisfaction and indemnification. We
used that right, however, with real moderation. Their limits with us under
the former government were generally ill defined, questionable, and the
frequent cause of war. Sincerely desirous of living in their peace, of
cultivating it by every act of justice and friendship, and of rendering
them better neighbors by introducing among them some of the most useful
arts, it was necessary to begin by a precise definition of boundary.
Accordingly, at the treaties held with them, our mutual boundaries were
settled; and notwithstanding our just right to concessions adequate to the
circumstances of the case, we required such only as were inconsiderable;
and for even these, in order that we might place them in a state of
perfect conciliation, we paid them a valuable consideration, and granted
them annuities in money which have been regularly paid, and were equal to
the prices for which they have usually sold their lands.
Sensible, as they were, of the wrong they had done, they expected to make
some indemnification, and were, for the most part, satisfied with the mode
and measure of it. In one or two instances, where a dissatisfaction was
observed to remain as to the boundaries agreed on, or doubts entertained
of the authority of those with whom they were agreed, the United States
invited the parties to new treaties, and rectified what appeared to be
susceptible of it. This was particularly the case with the Creeks. They
complained of an inconvenient cession of lands on their part, and by
persons not duly representing their nation. They were therefore desired
to appoint a proper deputation to revise their treaty; and that there
might be no danger of any unfair practices, they were invited to come
to the seat of the General Government, and to treat with that directly.
They accordingly came. A considerable proportion of what had been ceded,
was, on the revision, yielded back to them, and nothing required in
lieu of it; and though they would have been better satisfied to have had
the whole restored, yet they had obtained enough to satisfy them well.
Their nation, too, would have been satisfied, for they were conscious
of their aggression, and of the moderation of the indemnity with which
we had been contented. But at that time came among them an adventurer
of the name of Bowles, who, acting from an impulse with which we are
unacquainted, flattered them with the hope of some foreign interference,
which should undo what had been done, and force us to consider the naked
grant of their peace as a sufficient satisfaction for their having made
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account