Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-11-26
"COL. BENTON'S HISTORY.--ON THE REMOVAL
OF INDIANS FROM GEORGIA."

WASHINGTON, NOV. 10, 1905
aCOL BENTONS HISTORY.-ON THE REMOVAL
OF INDIANS FROM GEORGIA"
TO THE EDITORS OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIdENoER.
GENTLEMEN: proceed to offer comments on Col.
BENToN's /" History on the removal Of Indians from
Georgia." published in your paper of the 22d umo
This history commences thus:
"By an agreement with the State of Georgia in the
year 1902 the United States became bound in consde
ration Of the cesson OF the Western territory const-
tung the States of Alabama and Mississippi, to extin
guish the Indian title within her limits and to remove
the Indians from the State"
In this extract nothing is but the cessioa" and
the g binding" Georgia cedes her land the one
hand and the United States bind themselves uncondi-
aoaay according to this showing, the other, to ex-
tinguish the Indian title within the limits of Georgia
Col Benton, it is true, admits that time limited
for the fument of this obligation, but insists that
reasonable time was naturally understood and that in
cessant and faithful endeavors should be made to comply
with her undertaking. The only inference arising out
of all this is that the United States did not act in good
faith towards Georgia.
Now this view of the agreement falsifes that in
strumen and does great injustice to the United States
Government. There was such unconditional binding
the part of the United States. On the contrary it
was wholly conditional The Indian title to be
tngushed whenever it could be done 'speacea5l" and
upon reasonable terms'*
Col. Bentons version of this history was necessary
however justify him in his condemnation of the United
States for their alleged indifference to the execution of
the agreement with Georgia. and his laudaon of Georgia
for the restlessness and Impotence unfortunately
manifested by State simply because all had been
done by the United States she sought to have it
done, and ohen she wished it done.
The drift of Col Bentons history is to impress the
reader with the belief that the United States had not
only done nothing towards the ulflmen of the compact
with Georgia until the treaty of the Indian Springs
1926 and that of Washington of 1926 but that they had
not sought to do any thing know he does not say
this in so many words but his language leaves to the
reader no other inference He says (referng to the
makers Of the Treaty Of Washington with the Greeks of
1926 j "And thus carried into effect after delay
Of quarter Of century, and after great and just
plants the part of Georgia. the compact between that
State and the United States IN 1902. Again: Georgia
paid last for her great cession of territory, &C.
And again: "It incalcuabe advantage to
Georgia. and sought IN uan under three successive South
ern Presidents, Jefferson Madison, Monroe and
complished under Northern President Mr. Adams &c.
In this way it is that COL Benton would lead the
ders of his history infer that nothing had been done
by these Southern Presidents" Georgia" continues
Col Benton seeing end to this delay became impa-
tient and Justly so the long delay being equivalent to
breach Of the agreement"
The whole of this condemnation Of the Executive of
the General Government less unjust the United
States and to the character of the Administrations spec
fed than il is offensive to the truth of history And this
it shall be my business to prove.
1t is presumed that President Monroe and Mr. Calhoun
competent and honest judges Of this matter
as Col Benton and will be relied upon witnesses
titled to at least as much credit by the public COL
Benton has given in his testimony. have quoted him,
believe, correctly The entire tendency Of the whole of
it condemn and dishonor the administrations of JEFF
ferson, Madison Monroe for having acted in bad faith
towards Georgia touching the execution of the compact
Of 1902 and euogzng Georgia for the state Of excite
into which she threw herself against the Federal
power.
Now hear Mr. Monroe al have full confidence says
that honest and patriot in his message to Congress
1924 that predecessors exerted their best endea
vors to this compact in all its parts of which in
deed the paid and the lands acquired during their
respective terms in fulfment Of its several spulatons
are fill proof have also been animated, since came
| into Office, with the same ZEAL sc.
What says Mr.. Calhoun? Hear him The United
States have been solcitous to fulfil the earliest
period the obligation Of the convention by the extnguish
of the Indian titles within the limits of Georgia.
Such was the solicude Of the Government that but
little regard had to the price The price paid has
exceeded that given in other purchases from the
Indians. No opportunity of extingushng the Indian
title son reasonable terms has been neglected by the
United States"
Now. either Col Benton falsi6es the truth of this mat
ter Mr. Monroe and Mr.. Calhoun do. leave the pub
Lie to Judge between them But will presently ratfy
the truth Of both Mr. Monroe and Mr. Cahouns testi-
mony by facts drawn from the archives Of the Govern
ment Before do this wish to show how embarrass-
| obligation entered into with Georgia in 1902.
AS early 1803 the year after the date Of the CON-
pact, Mr. jefferson that difficulties surrounded the
subject them and with the foresight which charac
erized him, how formidable the obstacles might become
| in the future. Hear him:
"The Indian tribes residing within the limits Of the United
States Georgia. Of course ncluded have for considerable
time been growing and uneasy the continued
dminuon Of tho territory they occupy although effected by
their voluntary sales and the policy has long been gain
nr strength with them for refusing absolutely all further
SALE any conditions nsomuch that at this time il hazards
their friendship and exctes dangerous eaoues and per-
urbaons their minds to make any overture for the pur
/ chase Of the smallest portions Of their land" DC.
Mr. Jefferson doubtless had in view the compact with
Georgia of the year before when he thus wrote He in
tended there be doubt by this message to Con-
gress to say in effect to that State If there shall arise
delay in consummating your wishes in regard to the
ngushment Of the Indian titles within your limits, you
will find the ia this state Of the Indians feelings,
and humane and just citizens you will know how to
it. You will find there and not any ndisposition
in the Executive Of the United States to extngush these
titles whatsoever il be done pedceably and upon
reasonable terms'" pEAcEApLY," meaning the United
States will not consent to boyon the Indians out Of
Soc 4th article Of the agreement