The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-10
COM UNIC CATO Ms.
WAsnIseros, d. G.,
Sept. 3, lS45.
To the Editor Of the Union.

To the Editor Of the Union:
NV attention has just been called to article in
your paper Of the 4th instant calling question some
statements made by me from the pulpit, in relation
to the treatment of government towards the In
dams Both the writer and myself may have fallen
into the same error. l may have wounded those !
delight to honor. He may have wounded a sincere
friend, though a stranger. We both, have no
doubt sincerely love our country, and both might,
under certain circumstances, plunge madly, like the
sow at the mirror, after what we supposed an enc
my. That l left so unguarded the reputation OF
officers of government, regretted painfully before
saw his communication. What he says Of the
forbearance and honorable treatment Of the govern
ment towards them and of their barbarous reachery
and disregard of covenant obligation toward us, Is
strictly true; and what said of our influence as a
nation over them is equally true. Had not our gov
eminent vigantly defended their rights, every tribe,
from this to the Rocky mountains, would have been
upon us with tomahawk and scalping-knife before
this. Had our intercourse with them as people
been as vrtuous and forbearing as the gospel ncui-
Gates, tribes that are now extinct would nave peeh
alive, and thousands that now living In degra-
dation would have been civilized and happy. Our
government in its efforts to protect the Indians IS
| at war with our nation; but, too weak TO defend
them, is compelled to retreat hourly before us.
Considering the treachery and faithlessness OF the
Indians have often been astonshed at the foroear-
ance of our government towards them Their IN
reference to prevent the dreadful wars OF the In.
dians and their vigilance in excluding whiskey and
vicious white men from their lands, has often kin
died my warmest gratitude; and when under that
blessed protection, in their undisturbed homes,
have witnessed the redeeming life-gving power Of
christianity, have rejoiced but when my kindred
have bought their lands and regardless of their good
rushed in upon US, dashing to earth our iairest
hopes, have wept and prayed that my nation might
become a christian nation, and rise to sustain the
righteous laws of our land. Where government has
the power, have known detachment of soldiers
sent eight hundred miles after a man that had SNUG
ged into the country few quarts OF whlskey; but
where the people have the power, have known In
dams murdered repeatedly in cold blood, and the
whskey shop stand year after year, IN violation
Of all law, pouring continual tide Of death
upon the Indians. said expressly, in my discourse,
that it was not the rulers, but the people, that
were to blame; and spoke with tenfold greater
severity to the church, than to any other class
of men. And yet, with open arms and cordial
hearts the church receives me. As messenger
of God, that man takes my tongue from my
head, who takes from me the power to utter what
choose from the pulpit, to king or beggar, respect
ing their accountability to God, whose wisdom
would constantly impore TO teach me what to say,
and where to sayit.
Is "Vindicator' anxious for his country's honor
So am |; and when see my rulers or my people
transgress the precepts Of the Lord, shall tell them
Of it Shy the grace Of God" even though poverty
disgrace, or death be my reward; and if this be an
|
to abuse it, or if it be ''fanaticism," shall proba
bly, never escape its power. When stoop to fatter
or refuse to give "honor to whom honor is due,
] may man despise me, and God, who knows the
weakness of man, forgive. He speaks of Governor
Dodge. Is he jealous Of the name and honor oftha
patriot So am I. The Indians have not in mar
warmer friend, or one whom they more devoutly
(, honor or profoundly love- and the signet of truth
believe to be firmly set upon his lips. And when M
shall say that he knotcs the statement have made II
Q false, will never repeat, but to recall it. Tha
: the act could happen when he had power to pre-
vent it, l consider it impossible. That it nigh
have occurred, and he supposed they were dealing
the fate to warriors, is probable My informant wal
under him, and is a man of veracity.
Men are numerous on the frontiers who boas
with keener zest of making daylight shine through
la 'red- skin" than panther. They hate them witt
fand in the rage of battle, they not dscrmnative
/ Without any design of attacking the character o
T. any man. or class Of men, spoke simply of an nc
n of white men upon the Indians, and its influence
True, or not, have hundreds as black in their ma
1t ture though not as public, which can give whe
v needed. With the exception Of "Vndicators" per
= sonal epithets, which wound, while they neither in
k timda,e nor weaken, make exception but to thi
+ there rise deeper emotions Of gratitude than in mine
t. when that is shown to be true. His challenge i
meet him, using the Intelgencer as nv organ.
t, decline Could join him in candid search affe
l. the truth, and inquiry after what brighter honor
our country could win in their treatment of the In
dams, he showing the right and the wrong, in ar
tcles of such spirit that they could appear side b,
i side, should be more happy to meet him; or if hi
I choose, will, after time for preparation, meet hin
at any place he will appoint in this city, in oral dis
cusson, fearing only that the cause might suffer il
my hands for want Of ability.
Respectfully y, yours, S,,v,,o,-n