Jefferson had a long fascination with Indians. Tom Jewett writes in his essay "Jefferson's attitude toward the Indian population of the United States always seemed as profoundly paradoxical as his attitude toward slavery." Jefferson spent many years studying the Indians although most of his works were lost or destroyed. He grew up with Indians around him,"during his boyhood in Albemarle County and his college days in Williamsburg. He had heard his father's tales of journeys into the wilderness and his interactions with the Indians."(Jewett) His house was also "a popular way station for the friendly Cherokees whose embassies were bound for Williamsburg." (Jewett)
Although Jefferson found the Indians fascinating and studied them from a more observational view, which according to Jewett was uncommon of his time, he still forced them to leave their land when he came into office.
In his letter to the Choctaw people in 1803 his words seem kind and understanding, he claims to be "friends" to them and not to be taking what is not their, but to buy the land from them. In truth he is still forcing or in a sense convincing them to leave, because Jefferson's people are multiplying and need more room. In Jefferson's first paragraph this is clearly stated "We have long heard of your nation as a numerous, peaceable, and friendly people; but this is the first visit we have had from its great men at the seat of our government. I welcome you here; am glad to take you by the hand, and to assure you, for your nation, that we are their friends. Born in the same land, we ought to live as brothers, doing to each other all the good we can, and not listening to wicked men, who may endeavor to make us enemies. By living in peace, we can help and prosper one another; by waging war, we can kill and destroy many on both sides; but those who survive will not be the happier for that. Then, brothers, let it forever be peace and good neighborhood between us. Our seventeen States compose a great and growing nation. Their children are as the leaves of the trees, which the winds are spreading over the forest. But we are just also. We take from no nation what belongs to it. Our growing numbers make us always willing to buy lands from our red brethren, when they are willing to sell. But be assured we never mean to disturb them in their possessions. On the contrary, the lines established between us by mutual consent, shall be sacredly preserved, and will protect your lands from all encroachments by our own people or any others. We will give you a copy of the law, made by our great Council, for punishing our people, who may encroach on your lands, or injure you otherwise. Carry it with you to your homes, and preserve it, as the shield which we spread over you, to protect your land, your property and persons. "( Jefferson)
Jewett too agrees to this in his essay stating "as soon as Louisiana was purchased, during his first term, he embarks on a cold-blooded policy toward Native Americans.......In secret messages to his cabinet and Congress, Jefferson outlined a plan for removal of all Native Americans east of the Mississippi to make sure that this land would never fall to the French or the British. Jefferson was even less sentimental and more direct during his second inaugural address in 1805. Even the area west of the Mississippi would no longer be available to the Indian. "
Jefferson's reason as stated in the above quote for removing the indians was not just too create more room for his expanding people, but to also keep the French and British from taking over. Jefferson was smart to make the Indians think he was being kind to them which he did through stating things like "
I am glad, brothers, you are willing to go and visit some other parts of our country. Carriages shall be ready to convey you, and you shall be taken care of on your journey; and when you shall have returned here and rested yourselves to your own mind, you shall be sent home by land. We had provided for your coming by land, and were sorry for the mistake which carried you to Savannah instead of Augusta, and exposed you to the risks of a voyage by sea. Had any accident happened to you, though we could not help it, it would have been a cause of great mourning to us. But we thank the Great Spirit who took care of you on the ocean, and brought you safe and in good health to the seat of our great Council; and we hope His care will accompany and protect you, on your journey and return home; and that He will preserve and prosper your nation in all its just pursuits." in his letter to the Choctaw people.
Jefferson seemed to have a deep interest in the Indians and understood their misfortunes. Jefferson also had to fufill his political duties and that was doing what was best for his nation. In doing what was best for his nation Jefferson was to accumulate land for his people and to do that was through the removal of all Indians. He seemed constantly conflicted with imperialism and being kind to the Indians. The Indians were manipulated into leaving, making them think it was more there choice then force, was fairly smart on Jefferson's part. Although the act of making the Indians leave the land that was originally theirs is sad to hear about.
Refrences
Jewett, By Tom. "Thomas Jefferson's Views Concerning Native Americans." Archiving Early America: Primary Source Material from 18th Century America. 2002. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2002_summer_fall/tj_views.htm.
Jefferson, Thomas. "Avalon Project - Jefferson's Indian Addresses." Letter to Choctaw Nation. 1803. Avalon Project - Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy. The Avalon Project. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. <http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/jeffind3.asp>.
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