4405. LANDS (Indian), Buying.—
We,
indeed, are always ready to buy land; but we
will never ask but when you wish to sell; and
our laws, in order to protect you against imposition,
have forbidden individuals to purchase
lands from you; and have rendered it
necessary, when you desire to sell, even to a
State, that an agent from the United States
should attend the sale, see that your consent
is freely given, a satisfactory price paid, and
report to us what has been done, for your approbation.
[283]
—
To Brother Handsome Lake. Washington ed. viii, 188.
(1802)
