Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-03-04
Omcia! 3oanrr.
Preservation and Cioihsation of the Iniinns
DEPARTMENT. OF WAR,

reOTuQTy ., 1870.
SIN The duty assigned me by your letter of
-, enclosing ga bill for the preservation and
civilization of the Indian Tribes within the United
States" is one both delicate and important have
discharged it to the best Of my Judgment, by pre-
pairing. and herewith sending you, the project Of a
bill for your consideration, and report in elucida-
lion of its purposes seek shelter from what other
wise would be painful responsibility, under the
superior wisdom Of those to whose Judgment it is
Committed.
have the honor TO he. your obedient serv ant
JAMES BARBOUR.
Hon. JOHN COOKE,
Chairman of he Com on Indian affairs.
DEPARTMENT. OF WAR,
February Sd, 1926.
The condition of the aborignes of this coun-
Try, and their future destiny, have long engaged
the attention Of the philosopher and statesman, in
spring an interest correspondent TO the high i'm
purtance ofthe subject. The history of the past
Presents but little on which the recollection fingers
with satisfaction. The future is not more cheer
ing, unless resort be speedily had to other councils
than those by which we have heretofore been
governed. From the first discovery of America
10 the present time, one master passion, common
70 all mankind that OF acquiring land, has driven
in ceaseless succession, the white man on the IN
dian. The latter, reluctantly yielding TO force
he could not resist, has retired from the ocean 10
the mountains, and from the mountains to more
inhoSpitable recesses, wasting away by suiferings,
End ny wars, foreign and intestine, till wretched
fragment only survives, OF the numerous hordes
once hhabiting this country, whose portion is to
frood In grief over their past misfortunes or to
f'ok in despair on the approaching catastrophe Of
their impending DOOM
were now an Improbable task TO inquire, on
~hut principle the nations of Europe were justified
in dispossessing the original proprietor of his birth
rfght. They brought with them their own mayins,
which recognized power the only standard OF
sight, and fraud md force as perfectly legitimate in
the acquisition OF territory It has been done, and
time has confirmed the act
In the Contest for dominion, the miIder qualities
Of justice apd clemeney ere disrcgarded But that
contest has long since ceased, especially in the
United States, where, on the one side, are seen
great People, familiar with arts and arms, whose
Energies increased by union, and directed by an
efficient Government; on the other, few ignorant
and divided tribes of barbarians. II is necessary
only for the former to express It's will to receive
or enforce Immediate submission from the latter
The suggestions Of policy or necessity should no
longer stifie the claims Of justice and humanity 1t
IL nsw, therefore, that most solemn question ad-
dresses itself to the American People, and whose
answer Is full of responsibility. Shall we 90 on
Quietly in a course, wi ich, Judging from the past
threatens their extinction, while their past suffer
ings and future prospects, so pathetically appeal
30 Our compassion? The responsibility 10 which
refer is what nation owes to ITSELF to its future
character, in all time to for, next TO the means
ST seif-Iefence and the blessings Of free govern
nrent stands in point Of importance, the character
OF nation. Its Distinguishing charac, eristics
should be, justice and moderation. To spare the
weak is iis brightest ornament 1t is, therefore, a
Source Of the highest qualification, that an orpor-
tiny is now offered the United States to practice
these maxims and give an example Of the triumph
OF liberal principles that sordid selfishness
which has been the fruitful spring of human celia
nifty.
tits the province ofhis'ory to commit to its pages
tl,e Transactions OF nations. PoSerity looks to
this depository with the most intense interest The
fair fame OF their ancestors, precious inher-
tage, is to them equally source of pride, and
motive OF continued good actions But she per-
forms her province with impartiaity. The au-
tlrority she exercises in the absence of Others is
check on bad rule. The tyrant and the oppressor
see, in the character of their prototypes the sen
tence poslerity Is preparing for them. Which side
Of the picture shall we eect9 for the decision is left
20 ourselves Shall her record transmit the present
rice TO future generations, standing by insensi
bic 70 the progress OF the desoalion which threatens
The remnant Of this People; or shall these unriend
ly characters give place 10 generous effort which
shall have been made to save them from destruc-
ton, While celebrating on this solemn question,
would appeal to that high Providence, whose
delight IL Justice and mercy, and take counsel from
the oracles Of his will, revealed to man, in his
terrible deuunciations against the oppressor.
In reviewing the past, justice requires that the
humane attempts of the Federal Government
cuevsl with its origin, should receive an honorable
no1ce. That they have essentially failed the sad
experience of every day but too strongly testifies
III the original plsn conceived in the spirit of be-
nevolence, had not been faed TO encounter that az
yet uDabaied DESIRE to bereave them Of their lands
il would perhaps, have realized much Of the hopes
Of IT'S friends. So long, however, that desire
continues to direct councils every attempt must
che iDcongruity OF the measures we have pursued,
Bnd the cause Of their failure.
Missionaries are cent among them 10 eulighten
their minds, Ivy imbuing them with religious i'm
pressions. Schools have been established by the
aid Of private, as well as public donations, for the
instruction Of their youths. They have been per-
suaded to abandon the chsse--to locate themselves
end become cuitivsiors Of the soil--implements of
iusbandry and domestic animals, have been pre-
eented them, and all these things have been done.
accompanied with professions Of a dsinterested
soiicitude for their happiness. Yielding to these
temptations, some Of them have reclaimed the forest
planted their orchards, and erected houses not only
Tor their abode but for the administration of Justice
and for religious worship. And when they have
DONE you send your Agent to tell them they
must surrender their country To the white man
and re-commit them 10 ssane new desert and sub,
siute as tie means Of their Subsistence the preca
rious chase for the certainty Of cultivation. Tho
love of our native land is implanted in every hn
sTbe whole number Of Indians within the IT
States is estimated, in round numbers, At 800 900
Of which 10000 reside in he States ssd Territo-