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TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
Certainly this is a far better course to pursue than the opposite one, of contending for what this Government will never concede, and, which you never can obtain by force; or if ob- tained would only tend to increase your difficulty. For if we were to give you all you ask, if this Government were to acknowl- edge you as free, sovereign and independent power to the fullest extent, your condition would not be the least improved by it. You could not live in peace with our people; you would be sub- ject to perpetual and unavoidable annoyances, and you would have finally to sell out your lands and leave the Country. Sur- rounded as you soon would be by a strong population, and daily harrassed by bad men, ever ready to take advantage of your ignorance and weakness, what security would you have for any of your rights; and what redress of wrong? There would be none, except the honor of this Government. You would be pow- erless to help yourselves and would have to rely upon the mag- nanimity of Congress. Then, why not rely on it now? Why not do it before calamities ensue? Would it not be wise in you to say to the Government of Texas, the red man and the white man cannot dwell together? let us seperate, not in wrath, out in friendship; and, on those sacred principles of generosity and virtue which the great Father of nations will approve and prosper. I therefore feel it to be my duty as Chief Magistrate of this Republic, to tell you, in the plain language of sincerity, that the Cherokee will never be permitted to establish a permanent and independent jurisdiction within the inhabited limits of this Government; that the political and fee-simple claims, which they set up to our territory now occupied by them, will never be al- lowed, and 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 contemplated, is certain; and that it will be affected, is equally so. Whether it be done by friendly nego- ciation or by the violence of war, must depend upon the Chero- kee themselves. If they remain at home quietly and inoffensive- ly, without murdering our people, stealing their property, or giving succor and protection to our enemies, they will be per- mitted to remain in the undisturbed enjoyment of their present possessions until Congress shall be able to make some final ar-
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