Beschreibung:

Title: Civilization of the Indians. Letter from the Secretary of War... transmitting a report of General Clark, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, in relation to the Preservation and Civilization of the Indians Author: Clark, General [William] Place: Washington Publisher: Gales & Seaton Date: 1826 Description: 7 pp. (8vo) disbound. First Edition. House Document No. 124, 19th Congress, 1st Session. Scarce report by famed explorer William Clark in which he offers his thoughts on the assimilation of the Native American population: "The events of the last two or three wars, from Gen. Wayne's campaign, in 1794, to the end of the operations against of the Southern tribes in 1818, have entirely changed our position with regard to the Indians. Before those events, the tribes nearest our settlements were a formidable and terrible enemy; since then their power has been broken, their warlike spirit subdued, and themselves sunk into objects of pity and commiseration. While strong and hostile, it has been our obvious policy to weaken them; now, that they are weak and harmless, and most of their lands fallen into our hands, justice and humanity requires us to cherish and befriend them. To teach them to live in houses, to raise grain and stock, to plant orchards, to set up land marks, to divide their possessions, establish laws for their government, to get the rudiments of common learning, such as reading, writing, and cyphering, are the first steps toward improving their condition." A sentiment one would imagine was not terribly popular from the Native American perspective. Lot Amendments Condition: Light wear; evidence of prior bindings at left edge; very good. Item number: 273675