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Thomas Jefferson to John Adams
Monticello June 11. 1812.
them which have never been obliterated. before the revolution
they were in the habit of coming often, & in great numbers
to the seat of our government, where I was very much with them.
I knew much the great Outassetè, the warrior and orator
of the Cherokees. he was always the guest of my father, on his
journies to & from Williamsburg. I was in his camp when he
made his great farewell oration to his people the evening before
his departure for England. the moon was in full splendor, and
to her he seemed to address himself in his prayers for his own
safety on the voyage, and that of his people during his absence.
his sounding voice, distinct articulation, animated action, and
the solemn silence of his people at their several fires, filled
me with awe & veneration, altho' I did not understand a word
he uttered. that nation, consisting now of about 2000 warriors,
& the Creeks of about 3000 are far advanced in civilisation.
they have good Cabins, inclosed fields, large herds of cattle
& hogs, spin & weave their own clothes of cotton, have
smiths & other of the most necessary tradesmen, write &
read, are on the increase in numbers, & a branch of the Cherokees
is now instituting a regular representative government. some other
tribes were advancing in the same line. on those who have made
any progress, English seductions will have no effect. but the
backward will yeild, & be thrown further back. these will
relapse into barbarism & misery, lose numbers by war &
want, and we shall be obliged to drive them, with the beasts of
the forest into the Stony mountains. they will be conquered however
in Canada. the possession of that country secures our women &
children for ever from the tomahawk & scalping knife, by removing
those who excite them: and for this possession, orders I presume
are issued by this time; taking for granted that the doors of
Congress will reopen with a Declaration of war. that this may
end in indemnity for the past, security for the future, &
compleat emancipation from Anglomany, Gallomany, and all the manias
of demoralized Europe, and that you may live in health & happiness
to see all this, is the sincere prayer of Yours affectionately
Th. Jefferson
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