the slate-and that I was Lhus early favored with an opportunity or obtaining as her adopted son, and her healLhrul schools, a knowledge of the acts of free government and or war, or in other words, a knowledge of the rights and practical duties of self-government, embracing the right and duty of self-defence as a slate or as a nation. Those who clearly understand these kindred rights and duties, will never hesitate- the people of Lhe state of Tennessee have never hesitated, Lo ny lo the frontier for its protection menaced by a gathering foe; they pause nol first to learn that their border brethren are laid in the dusl and ashes. The reports from the neighboring Indians, which I had the honor to communicate lo you, have been hul in part confirmed. The most formidable tribes are doublless disposed to keep up appearances of a pacific disposition towards us, under the present depressed condition of their western friends, by whose agents these Indians have been excited to a spirit of hostilil)', against our white inhabitants on the Texas side of our unmarked boundary line, and wilhin the dispu led territory, until a more favorable change occurs in Lhe affairs of these prelended friends. I am convinced, that no one in this quarter doubts that the United States toops al this place and al Forl Towson, foUowed by the late extraordinary change of affairs in Texas, has saved Lhe whole of this and the adjacent country, (near four hundred miles in extent along the unmarked, and for some distance of the way, imaginary Jine), from an Indian war, fermented by persons, now known to have acted under the authority of president Santa Ana, notwithstanding he was lhc acknowledged head of the government of Mexico, and hence solemnly bound to respect the treaty requiring the United States and Mexico to employ force lo restrain the Indians·from committing acts of hostility on either side of the line. I find Lhal the report, to which lhe capture of the president Santa Ana gave rise, that the independence of Texas would be immediately acknowledged by the Mexican government, is not now as confidently credited as it was when I last addressed you. The Indians may therefore again be required to act against that portion of our inhabitants residing within the disputed territory. In this apprehension I cannot but feel some reproach, thal I should so hastily have denied myself the pleasure of receiving al this place and retaining in the service of the pubfo.:,
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