6395. PARDONS OF INDIANS.—
As the case of the five Alabamas, under prosecution
for the murder of a white man, may not
admit delay, if a conviction takes place, I have
thought it necessary to recommend to you in
that case to select the leader, or most guilty,
for execution, and to reprieve the others;
* * * letting them return to their friends,
with whom you will of course take just merit
for this clemency. Our wish * * * [is]
merely to make them sensible by the just punishment
of one, that our citizens are not to be
murdered or robbed with impunity.—
To Governor Claiborne. Washington ed. v, 345.
(M.
1808)
