3906. INDIANS, Citizenship and.—
We have already had an application from a settlement
of Indians to become citizens of the
United States. It is possible, perhaps probable,
that this idea may be so novel as that it might
shock the Indians, were it even hinted to them.
Of course, you will keep it for your own reflection;
but, convinced of its soundness, I feel
it consistent with pure morality to lead them
towards it, to familiarize them to the idea that
it is for their interest to cede lands at times to
the United States, and for us to procure gratifications
to our citizens, from time to time, by
new acquisitions of land.—
To Benjamin Hawkins. Washington ed. iv, 468.
Ford ed., viii, 215,
(W.
1803)
