Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-04-10

declarations taa from impartial investigation oil iacls
the coa,est with The Seanoles vii! be iOunf 10 nave
originated less ia the ''un'srncss ana fana pf"e'su
in the negotiation at Paynes Landing, than does t''e
charge Of unfaruess ario fraud IN the diseaseu
lion Of On irrpsssioned and disordered intellect Inc
opinion Of Mr. Eaton, to which sou advert, Sand Of
which the Florida delegate ahrms he was subsequently,
very Justly asbamed9 iegS one, qnackery on Tie
construction of treales growing out OF an Indulgence
as TO time in the execution granted by one oil 'he con
tracing pa,,ies to the other and had relation wiat'
soever 10 alleged unfairness raad prac,ieedty ehrr
cannot but feel confident, however, thai or review
of the whole debate. in which you participated so con
spicuousy and to flich aluson is ssade in this com
nunication and less fapassoacd Investigation OF
facts and IRA nsacons IN relation the treaties and war
with the Seminoies, you will either exoueTate me
from any Of the mpuaticns cas in your CT al
ford ire the opportunity, through any tribunal goa may
select of exposag rs can their papabls injustice ana
fz1acy uvow that treaty with the red man (and
apoea N ali who may have been present was ever con
Quoted openly, or with more falrness than was la'
made md concluded at Payres Landing The neGo'ia'
,ions were by day light and in open Council end all the
obligations and spuatOns of the treaty were made 10
Weld olhe Lcne of the Seminole zoSIdedhe would out
consent to what then considered the necessary set
tied and approved policy (without reference to pafes
Of the Government of the United States-"m'gTa-
ting west Of the Mississippi" &c effect this iH:
portant object was tie commission with which
was charged and in lis execution, no influences,
eea used but that of an appeal to The
passing events and signs of the tine 'that the indian
could no longer be protected in his domain by the Gene
raj Government within the limits of a sovereign State
This truth had beea forced upon ah AND lad induced
the policy of an exclusive Indian territory TO the West
where the red men might continue for time longer IN
the enjoy raent Of his habits or be gradually brought
within The pale of civilization. The alternative was
profered the Seminole; he accepted OF migrahon win
Inc condition annexed the treaty. that comnilsson
named al the time, should previously examine and ap
prove of the country TO which tie nation were to mi
grate Beyond this treaty, had no agency IN Inc re-
lnov.i Of the Sennoies
The sympalhies manifested by many for the red men
OF Florida, as being nhumanIy exrd from country
wi,ened by the bones Of their ancestors through success
sive generations, is altogether misplaced ne aos'
pines Of Florida have long since disappeared Inc P
paiochees and MANASSAS have successfully been aoe
10 give way 10 more warke tribes, and these again 70
the Seminoes, wanderers or refugees from Tue C'eth
confederation mrs, Of whom have, as recently as .ne
Creek war of 1872 taken up their location IN Inc
Tarr,orvr In the negotiations Of 1928 at Camp Nloui
trie. the Seminocs opposed in council removing 10
the country which they seem so 'earessy 10 oe-
fend on the ground "of its poverty an" '"caPscny
10 sustain them" On similar pleas nave uey tntce
since pettcncd Congress, which has as oiten been
ertended for relief from starvation; and win sml-
lar petition in my hand, in the year 1871, d!d as COM
missioner approach them with proPosi!lon 10 mi
grale to country better adapted to their habits ana 'ef
y,nis But one opinion seemed then to prevail in rela-
lion to that which they then occupied; and doubts enter
tanned ms to that TO which they were to be removed seem
cd the principal if not the sole, objection To migration
The treaty at payncs Landing, was made in good faith
on the part Of the commissioner Speculation had n" IN
nuence en- provisions, aud its spulaons and obiga
lions were pa paby favorable 10 the Indian, that can
rot refrain from repeating what in council was enforced
npnn the Seminole: "That there uus scarcely 1hc MN
on tie 4antic tat co,tid not similar conditions, mi
crate TO tie far Vest" What were those conditions: lst
Payment by annuity, for he country they were required
10 abandon Cd country the Arkansas superior TO
tbat which they left in Florida Sd Payment for their
personal property and for all the expenses of removal
4th rifle and blanket and suit of clothing to each war
ror and twelve months provisions after their arrival
West Was there any evidence Of 'fraud or unairness
in such favorable provisions. Answer in candor. Mr..
WISE by removing the injustice you have inconside'
acly done to treaty which is free from The "lnceP-
tons as you have been fenress in impullng them
JAMES GADSDEN.