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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
and [sic] virtue which the great Father of nations will approve and prosper. I therefore, feel it to be my duty as Chief l\Iagistrate of this Republic, to tell you, in the plain language of sincerity, that the Cherokees will never be permitted to establish a permanent and independent jurisdiction within the inhabited limits of this Govern- ment; that the political and fee-simple claims, which they set up to our territo-ry now occupied by them, will never be allowed, anrl that they are permitted, at present, to remain where they are, only because this Government is looking forward to the time, when some peacible arrangements can be made for their removal, without the necessity of shedding blood, but that their final removal is con- templated, is certain; and that it will be affected, is equally so. ,vhether it be done by friendly negociation, or by the violence of war, must depend upon the Cherokees themselves. If they remain at home quietly and inoffensively, without murdering our people, stealing their property, or giving succor and protection to our enemies, they will be permitted to remain in the undisturbed enjoy- ment of their present possessions until Congress shall be able to make some final arrangements, satisfactory to both parties for their return to their own tribe beyond the Red River. But if listening to the suggestions of bad men equally the enemies of the red man and the white, they shall persue such a course of conduct as to put in jeopardy the lives and property of our citizens, or to destroy that .sense of security essential to the happiness and prosperity of our frontier, the inevitable consequence will be a prompt and sanguinary war, which can terminate only in their destruction or expulsion. · _f3sncroft Libriiij This language may sound harshly to a people who h:ve been so seldom spoken to in the spirit of frankness and candour. But, however disagreeable it may be to hear the truth, it is always better that it should be known, and it is now spoken from no unkindness to those to whom it is addressed. If the Executive were capable of dissembling, he might use language far more flattering and. pleasing. He could amuse you with pledges which would never be fulfilled, and, with his unauthorized promises secure your confidence and friendship until he should choose to apply coercion in the place of argument. But, in the opinion of this Government,.no crisis can arise, which would justify the employment of hypocrisy and dissimulation; and he is much more your friend, and worthy to be listened to, who, knowing your destiny, tells you what you may expect and be prepared to encounter, than him who would excite expectations which must meet with disappointment, and encourage the indulgence of passions which can only lead to disaster. This language will now be duly appreciated and properly re- sponded to, .and I would advise you to adopt it before the patience of this Government shall have become exhausted by repeated in- juries. A few more wrongs from the Cherokees will loose to them all the advantages which it is now in their power to reap from the present amicable disposition of this Government; and that clemency 38-Library.
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