8410. TERRITORY, Purchases of Indian.—[further continued] .
Another important acquisition
of territory has also been made since
the last session of Congress. The friendly
tribe of Kaskaskia Indians, with which we have
never had a difference, reduced by the wars
and wants of savage life to a few individuals
unable to defend themselves against the neighboring
tribes, has transferred its country to the
United States, reserving only for its members
what is sufficient to maintain them in an agricultural
way. The considerations stipulated are
that we shall extend to them our patronage and
protection, and give them certain annual aids
in money, in implements of agriculture, and
other articles of their choice. This country,
among the most fertile within our limits, extending
along the Mississippi from the mouth
of the Illinois to and up the Ohio, though not
so necessary as a barrier since the acquisition
of the other bank, may yet be well worthy of
being laid open to immediate settlement, as
its inhabitants may descend with rapidity in
support of the lower country should future circumstances
expose that to foreign enterprise.—
Third Annual Message. Washington ed. viii, 25.
Ford ed., viii, 269.
(Oct. 1803)
