18th CONGRESS, 2d SESSION.

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Report from the Navy Department.

[Senate.

cause, those who are obnoxious to them. The tribunal, vernment of courts martial; to prepare the cases and too, which is called to pass upon accusations, is left without witnesses for trial; to attend, when practicable, and ala certain guide, to the exercise of an arbitrary discretion, ways to examine, and report to the Department, on the and to the formation of decisions, governed rather by records, and guard against unlawful proceedings and extraneous causes, such as the character and standing of convictions. Many benefits would thereby be secured; the parties, than a just estimate of the charges and the there would be more certainty in our trials; the charges evidence. Guilt ceases to be the only, vet certain, would be legal; the causes being properly prepared, ground of punishment. The weight of the sentence, there would be less delay; the rules for the proceed. whether of condemnation or acquittal, is proportionably ings being settled, there would be less error; records be diminished. Thus, in every way, does this want of pre- uniform and accurate; economy be promoted, by shortcision and certainty in the law, tend to the multiplica-ening the terms of the courts, and avoiding the employtion of Courts Martial, the destruction of discipline, and ment of temporary Judge Advocates; and justice be of the correspondent efficiency and economy. This more surely administered. The same officer, if equal law is equally unguarded as to the punishment, leaving to the station, could perform the duties both for the every thing to the discretion of the Court, not only as to Army and the Navy, and would produce results in beth, its extent, but also as to its nature: "At the discretion o which they only can estimate who have reflected seria Court Martial," and "death or such other punishment ously on the high importance of a steady, uniform, conas a Court Martial shall adjudge," are its common phrase-sistent and economical administration of criminal law, ology. And where the crime is not specified in the in military and naval establishments, and the incalculameagre list which is given, the punishment is to be bly painful consequences which arise from erroneous de"according to the laws and customs in such cases at cisions. sea." It is, indeed, limited by no rule as to kind, and, in most cases, by no extent short of death. It should not remain in this condition. It should be military, and proportioned to the offence. We need not dwell upon the consequences to the accused, the public, and the Court, from this cause. The law ought to be altered. The punishment should be ascertained in a proper scale, from private reprimands, through all the grades of public reprimands, suspension from duty, suspension without pay, suspension from rank and pay, dismis-1. That the court be at least so far freed from the obsion, and death. But it is not enough that crimes and punishments be properly defined and limited. To the improved law, must be added an improved administration of it.

The recommendation, then, as to this law, has three objects: 1st, To define offences. 2d. To fix and apportion punishments. 3d, To provide safe rules for the trials, and a competent officer to aid in the administration of the criminal code. It is, perhaps, proper to remark, that, in recommending the appointment of one Judge Advocate for the Navy and the Army, the Secretary of War concurs.

Two other amendments ought to be made in the law.

ligation of secrecy, as relates to the officer who constituted it, and who has to approve its sentence. A con. cealment from him, of every thing but what appears upon the record, often compels a decision in ignorance of facts most important to a right judgment upon the case, and naturally leaves the members of the court free from the responsibility which ought to attach to them, and which is the best security for correct decision.

No change is necessary in the organization of our Courts. They are composed of the proper persons, and of the proper numbers, but they require aid in discharge of their duties, which they do not now possess. Although, on questions of sound and honorable feeling, 2. Power should be given to the court to enforce the they are safe, yet their education and habits are not attendance of witnesses, necessary either for the accuthose best adapted to all the judicial functions. Regu-sation or defence, and to take the depositions of those larity, correct application of legal principles, even some technicality, is essential to correctness in their proceedings. They, more than ordinary judges, require well defined rules and systems of practice, and they have none such to which they can appeal.

A very small portion of the English system, based upon their statutes, can apply to Courts acting under ours. It sometimes happens that, relying upon British precedents, they are misled; at others, fearing to trust them, they wander into error. And when situated as they thus are, we recollect the vital influence which their decisions have upon the fortunes, lives, and fame of so many gallant men, it is impossible not to feel that they ought to have, in their legal advisers, the Judge Advocates, men of learning, talent, and discretion Such it is always the object of the Department to procure for them, but such cannot always be obtained; and when they are, it is at great expense. They are drawn from other and profitable pursuits, and devote a temporary attention only to the subject. Hence, although much safer aids than less informed and weaker men, they are apt to differ from each other, and the consequence has been, that our Courts Martial proceed by no settled rules; forin irregular records; often err for want of light; make decisions utterly destructive of character and of the public interests; and form precedents which serve only to bewilder and perplex those who come after them.

Required, then, to give an "opinion" on a remedy for these evils, the Department would recommend, as one means, the appointment of a responsible officer, a Judge Advocate, whose duty it should be to form, under the direction of the Department, a proper system for the go

who could not attend; a power always essential to the safe administration of justice.

There is still another "alteration" which, in my "opinion," ought to be made, and which is even more important than those already mentioned, to promote discicipline, efficiency, and economy, and to prevent the recurrence of courts martial in the service: the establishment of an academy, or providing, in some effectual mode, for the instruction of the young officers. These are taken from the poor, who have not the means of a good education, as well as the rich, who have. They enter, from the nature of the duties, at so early an age, that they cannot be accomplished, nor even moderately accurate scholars. They are constantly employed on ship board, or in our navy yards, where much advancement in learning cannot be expected. Their pay will afford them a support, but no means of literary improvement. The consequence necessarily is, and such is well known to be the fact, that very many advance in age and rise in grade much less cultivated and informed than their own reputation and that of the country require. For this evil there is but one remedy, and that is to be found in the wisdom and beneficence of the Government, from which they receive their offices, and to whose honor and interest they are devoted. It is the formation of a school which shall combine literary with professional instruction, a competent portion of common learning with a profound knowledge of every thing connected with military science, seamanship, and navigation-the theory, with the practice of their profession The considerations which urge respect for this recommendation, are connected with every thing which the nation has to hope from its naval establishment. They may be

glanced at, but cannot be suitably discussed, in this report. The situation of our country, the nature of its territory and its coasts, the extent of its commerce, the character of its institutions, and its political connexions, all point unerringly to that establishment, as the security for its peace and its honor. It no longer remains a debatable question, whether we shall look to the navy as one of the means by which our interests are to be most cheaply and most securely protected. It has been settled by a course of events which have carried the nation forward to a point where, on this subject, it has scarcely the liberty to choose. It has interests to protect, and duties to discharge, which it cannot, if it would, disregard. The problem now to be solved by it is, in what rode our naval means may be commanded most surely, and with the least possible burthen, combining most efficiency with the smallest expense.

The answer is believed to be plain. By giving to our officers the greatest amount of science and skill by fiting all to command the vessels we may choose to build, and the seamen we may be enabled to enlist. By these means, and these only, may we, in times of quiet, keep in employment as small a number of vessels as our commerce may absolutely require; and yet, at the moment of trouble, swell it to the full extent which our protection may demand, and the number of our seamen will permit; the latter being the only limit which can be placed to our nava! power. It is not, however, in this circumstance alone, that well-instructed officers will induce economy: the better instructed and more intelligent an officer is, the more skilfully and precisely, and, of course, the more economically, will he perform the duties assigned him. Ignorance is always, skill never, prodigal. There is no business, profession, or occupation, in the circle of society, to which this principle applies with more energy, than to our naval establishment. Discipline and efficiency, also, necessarily result from the same cause.

Educated in such a school as it becomes the Govern

ment to establish, moral principles are secure, good habits formed, subordination learned, honorable feelings encouraged and confirmed, skill acquired, science and discipline necessarily combined.

The illustration of these truths is before us in another branch of our national defence, to which the favor of the Government has been extended; and the suggestion will be pardoned, that no sound argument can be urged in its favor, which does not receive additional force from the situation in which the Navy is placed, and the interests and hopes which are connected with it.

Our future national conflicts are to rest principally on it, come when they may. It also is the bearer of our honor and our fame, to every foreign shore. The Ameri. can naval officer is, in fact, the representative of his country in every port to which he goes, and, by him, is that country in a greater or less degree estimated. With a well-regulated national pride, this consideration alone should ensure him ample means of instruction and improvement.

[Senate.

of the propriety and necessity of augmenting the num ber of our sloops of war, as a means of increasing the efficiency and economy of the service, and to adil, that the experience of the past year has amply confirmed the reasons there presented.

There are other alterations, which are not suggested,
as they are supposed to be within the power of the De
partment. Some have been made within the last year,
and others will hereafter receive attention. Among the
former, are the General Order which was issued respect-
ing the arrest and trial of officers, and a regulation by
which any person, before he can receive an appointment
as surgeon's mate, or, being a mate, be promoted to the
rank of surgeon, must pass, successfully, a rigid exami-
nation before a board of competent surgeons, both as
to his moral character and his professional attainments,
especially in all that relates to the duties of his particu
lar office. The operation of these rules need not be
explained: they have thus far been found most salutary.
The preceding remarks contain the "opinion" called
for by the resolution, so far as respects the Navy.
In relation to the Marine Corps, I have the honor to
submit various papers, marked i and 2, which contain
the views presented by the Commandant of the Corps,
in reference to its numbers and organization. They
furnish satisfactory evidence that an augmentation of it
is required, and justice seems to demand that its organi
zation, as to grade and number of officers, should corres-
pond with its size. The same principles are applicable
to it as have been urged in reference to the Navy, and
which apply to all military establishments. As arrange-
ment will be made with the War Department, by which
the officers of this Corps will hereafter be taken from
the graduates at West Point.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, &c.
SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD.

To the House of Representatives of the United States: Being deeply impressed with the opinion, that the removal of the Indian tribes from the lands which they now occupy within the limits of the several states and territories, to the country lying westward and northward thereof, within our acknowledged boundaries, is of very high importance to our Union, and may be accomplished, on conditions, and in a manner, to promote the inte rest and happiness of those tribes, the attention of the Government has been long drawn, with great solicitude, to the object. For the removal of the tribes within the limits of the state of Georgia, the motive has been peculiarly strong, arising from the compact with that state, A school, to be useful to the Navy, must combine the- whereby the United States are bound to extinguish the ory with practice. It must, therefore, be located where Indian title to the lands within it, whenever it may be the attention may be directed to the construction, equip-done peaceably and on reasonable conditions. In the ment, armament, and sailing, of vessels. Governor's fulfilment of this compact, I have thought that the United Island, in the harbor of New York, seems to be well fit-States should act with a generous spirit, that they should ted for all these objects. The buildings and improve- omit nothing which should comport with a liberal conments already upon it, with slight alterations and re- struction of the instrument, and likewise be in accordpairs, would probably be sufficient for present accom-ance with the just rights of those tribes. From the view modation; and, if the public interests would permit its which I have taken of the subject, I am satisfied, that, transfer for a time from the War to the Navy Depart- in the discharge of these important duties, in regard to ment, and an appropriation were made of $10,000, for both the parties alluded to, the United States will have the support of instructors, the school might be put into to encounter no conflicting interests with either: on the operation with very little delay, and its permanent loca- contrary, that the removal of the tribes from the territotion be hereafter determined. ry which they now inhabit, to that which was designated in the message at the commencement of the session, which would accomplish the object for Georgia, under a

I beg leave to refer to a report from this Department, dated 1st day of January, 1824, expressing an opinion

18th CONGRESS, 2d SESSION.

Location and Improvement of Indians.

well digested plan for their government and civilization, which should be agreeable to themselves, would not on ly shield them from impending ruin, but promote their welfare and happiness. Experience has clearly demonstrated, that, in their present state, it is impossible to incorporate them in such masses, in any form whatever, into our system. It has also demonstrated, with equal certainty, that, without a timely anticipation of, and provision against, the dangers to which they are exposed, under causes which it will be difficult, if not impossible, to control, their degradation and extermination will be inevitable.

The great object to be accomplished is, the removal of those tribes to the territory designated, on conditions which shall be satisfactory to themselves, and honorable to the United States. This can be done only by conveying to each tribe a good title to an adequate portion of land, to which it may consent to remove, and by providing for it there, a system of internal government, which shall protect their property from invasion, and, by the regular progress of improvement and civilization prevent that degeneracy which has generally marked the transition from the one to the other state.

I transmit, herewith, a report from the Secretary of War, which presents the best estimate which can be formed, from the documents in that Department, of the number of Indians within our States and Territories, and of the amount of lands held by the several tribes within each; of the state of the country lying Northward and Westward thereof, within our acknowledged boundaries; of the parts to which the Indian title has already been extinguished; and of the conditions on which other parts, in an amount, which may be adequate to the object contemplated, may be obtained. By this report, it appears that the Indian title has already been extinguished to extensive tracts in that quarter, and that other portions may be acquired, to the extent desired, on very moderate conditions. Satisfied I also am, that the removal proposed is not only practicable, but that the advantages attending it to the Indians may be made so apparent to them, that all the tribes, even those most opposed, may be induced to accede to it at no very distant day.

[H. of R.

to the Pacific. It may fairly be presumed that, through
the agency of such a government, the condition of all
the tribes inhabiting that vast region may be essentially
improved; that permanent peace may be preserved
with them, and our commerce be much extended.
With a view to this important object, I recommend it
to Congress to adopt, by solemn declaration, certain fun-
damental principles, in accord with those above suggest-
ed, as the basis of such arrangements as may be entered
into with the several tribes, to the strict observance of
which, the faith of the nation shall be pledged. I re-
commend it also to Congress to provide by law for the
appointment of a suitable number of commissioners, who
shall, under the direction of the President, be authoriz-
ed to visit and explain to the several tribes the objects
of the Government, and to make with them, according
to their instructions, such arrangements as shall be best
calculated to carry those objects into effect.

A negotiation is now depending with the Creek na-
tion, for the cession of lands held by it, within the limits
of Georgia, and with a reasonable prospect of success.
It is presumed, however, that the result will not be
known during the present session of Congress. To give
effect to this negotiation, and to the negotiations which
it is proposed to hold with all the other tribes within
the limits of the several states and territories, on the
principles and for the purposes stated, it is recommend-
ed that an adequate appropriation be now made by Con-
gress.
JAMES MONROE.

Washington, 27th January, 1825.

Department of War, 24th Jan. 1825. In obedience to your instructions, directing a statement of the names of the Indian tribes now remaining within the limits of the different states and territories, the number of each tribe, and the quantity of land claimed by each; also, an estimate of the amount of appropriation necessary to commence the work of moving the Indians beyond the Mississippi, to be laid before you, I here with enclose a report from Col. M'Kenney, to whom is assigned the charge of the office of Indian Affairs, which contains all of the information required, except the estimate of the sum that will be necessary to be ap propriated to commence the removal.

In forming the estimate required, it will be necessary to take a summary view of the number and position of the several tribes to be removed, and to form a plan in detail for their removal.

It appears, by the report enclosed, that there are, in the several states and territories, not including the por tion of Michigan territory West of Lake Michigan, and North of the state of Illinois, about 97,000 Indians, and that they occupy about 77,000,000 of acres of land.

The digest of such a Government, with the consent of the Indians, which should be endowed with sufficient power to meet all the objects contemplated; to connect the several tribes together in a bond of amity, and preserve order in each; to prevent intrusions on their property; to teach them, by regular instructions, the arts of civilized life, and make them a civilized people, is an object of very high importance. It is the powerful consideration which we have to offer to these tribes, as an inducement to relinquish the lands on which they now reside, and to remove to those which are designated. It is not doubted that this arrangement will present The arrangement for the removal, it is presumed, is considerations of sufficient force to surmount all their not intended to comprehend the small remnants of tribes prejudices in favor of the soil of their nativity, however in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, strong they may be. Their elders have sufficient intel- Virginia, and South Carolina, amounting to 3,023. To ligence to discern the certain progress of events in the these also may be added the remnants of tribes remainpresent train, and sufficient virtue, by yielding to mo- ing in Louisiana, amounting to 1,313, as they are each of mentary sacrifices, to protect their families and posterity them so few in number that, it is believed, very little exfrom inevitable destruction. They will also perceive, pense or difficulty will be found in their removal, makthat they may thus attain an elevation to which, as coming together 4,336, which, subtracted from the 97,000, munities, they could not otherwise aspire.

To the United States, the proposed arrangement offers many important advantages, in addition to those which have been already enumerated. By the establishment of such a government over these tribes, with their consent, we become in reality their benefactors. The relation of conflicting interests, which has heretofore existed between them and our frontier settlements, will cease. There will be no more wars between them and the United States. Adopting such a government, their movement will be in harmony with us, and its good effect be felt throughout the whole extent of our territory, VOL. I.-8

the entire number in the states and territories, will leave 92,664 to be removed. Of these, there are residing in the northern parts of the states of Indiana, Illinois, in the peninsula of Michigan, and New York, including the Ot tawas in Ohio, about 13,150; which, I would respectfully suggest, might be removed, with advantage to the country West of Lake Michigan, and North of the state of Illinois. The climate and the nature of the country are much more favorable to their habits, than that West of the Mississippi; to which may be added, that the Indians in New York have already commenced a settlement at Green Bay, and exhibit some disposition to

18th CONGRESS, (

2d

Location and Improvement of Indians.

make it a permanent one; and that the Indians referred to in Indiana, Illinois, in the peninsula of Michigan, and Ohio, will find in the country designated, kindred tribes, with whom they may be readily associated. These considerations, with the greater facility with which they could be collected in that portion of the country, compared with that of collecting them west of the Mississippi, form a strong inducement to give it the preference. Should the proposition be adopted, the Indians in question might be gradually collected, as it became necessary, from time to time, to extinguish the Indian title in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, without incurring any additional expense, other than what is usually incidental to such extinguishment. Deducting, then, the Indians residing in the Northwestern parts of Indiana, Illinois, in Michigan, and New York, with the Ottawas in Ohio, amounting to 13,150, from 92,664, will leave but 79,514. It is proper to add, that a late treaty with the Quapaws stipulates, and provides, for their removal, and that they may also be deducted from the number, for whose removal provision ought to be made. They are estimated at 700, which, deducted from 79,514, will leave 78,814 to be removed west of the state of Missouri and territory of Arkansas, should the views of the Department be adopted.

Of these, there are estimated to reside in the states of North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, 53,625, consisting of Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, and Chickasaws; and claiming about 33,573,176 acres, including the claim of the Cherokees, in North Carolina; 3,082 in Ohio, and in the Southern and middle parts of Indiana and Illinois, consisting of Wyandotts, Shawnees, Senecas, Delawares, Kaskaskias, and Miami, and Eel rivers; 5,000 in Florida, consisting of Seminoles and remnants of other tribes; and the remainder in Missouri and Arkansas, consisting of Delawares, Kickapoos, Shawnees, Weas, loways, Piankeshaws, Cherokees, Quapaws, and Osages.

The next subject of consideration will be, to acquire a sufficient tract of country West of the state of Missouri and territory of Arkansas, in order to establish permanent settlements, in that quarter, of the tribes which are proposed to be removed. The country between the Red River and the Arkansas, has already been allotted to the Choctaws, under the treaty of the 18th October, 1820. The country north of the river Arkansas, and immediately west of the state of Missouri, is held almost entirely by the Osages and the Kanzas. The principal settle. ment of the former being on the Osage river, not far West of the Western boundary of Missouri; and of the latter, on the Missouri river, near Cow Island. There is a band of the Osages situated on the Verdigris, a branch of the Arkansas. Governor Clark has been already in structed to take measures to remove them from the Verdigris, to join the other bands on the Osage river. To carry this object into effect, and to extinguish the title of the Osages upon the Arkansas, and in the state of Missouri; and also to extinguish the title of the Kanzas to whatever tract of country may be necessary to effect the views of the Government, will be the first object of expenditure; and would require an appropriation, it is believed, of not less than 30,000 dollars. After this is effected, the next will be, to allot a portion of the country to each of the tribes, and to commence the work of removal. The former would be effected, by vesting in the President discretionary power to make the location; and the latter, by commencing with the removal of the Cherokees, Piankeshaws, Weas, Shawnees, Kickapoos, and Delawares, who now occupy different tracts of country, lying in the Northwestern portion of the Arkansas territory, and the Southwestern portion of the state of Missouri. It is believed that the Cherokees, to whom has been allotted a country lying between the Arkansas and White rivers, will very readily agree to removing their Eastern boundary further West,on the consideration,

[H. of R.

that, for the lands thereby ceded, they may have assigned to them an equal quantity further West, as they have evinced a strong disposition to prevent the settlement of the whites to the West of them. It is probable, that this arrangement could be effected by an appropriation of a few thousand dollars, say five thousand, for the expense of holding the treaty. Nor is it believed that there will be any difficulty in inducing the Piankeshaws, Weas, Shawnees, Kickapoos, and Delawares, to occupy a position, that may be assigned to them West of the state of Missouri; or that the operation will be attended with any great expense. The kindred tribes, in the states of Ohio and Indiana, including the Wyandotts, the Senecas, and the Miamies and Eel rivers, in those states; and the Kaskaskias, in Illinois, it is believed, might be induced, without much difficulty, to join them, after those now residing in Missouri are fixed in their new position, West of that state. Of the sum that will be necessary for this purpose, it is difficult to form an esti mate. These tribes amount to 3,082. The expense of extinguishing their title to the lands occupied by them, will probably be high, in comparison with the price which has been usually given for lands in that quarter, as they, particularly the Indians in Ohio, have made some advances in civilization, and considerable improvements on their lands. The better course would be, to remove them gradually, commencing with those tribes which are most disposed to leave their present settle ments, and, if this arrangement should be adopted, an appropriation of 20,000 dollars would be sufficient to commence with.

It may, however, be proper to remark, that these tribes, together with those in New York, have indicated a disposition to join the Cherokees on the Arkansas, and that a deputation of the former, with a deputation from those Cherokees, are now on their way to the seat of Government, in order to make some arrangements to carry the proposed union into effect. Should it be ac complished, it would vary the arrangement which has been suggested in relation to them, but will not, probably, materially vary the expense.

It only remains now to consider the removal of the Indians in Florida, and the four southern tribes residing in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

It is believed that immediate measures need not be taken with regard to the Indians in Florida. By the Treaty of the 18th September, 1823, they ceded the whole of the Northern portion of Florida, with the exception of a few small reservations, and have had allotted to them the southern part of the peninsula; and it is probable that no inconvenience will he felt for many years, either by the inhabitants of Florida, or the Indians, under the present arrangement.

Of the four southern tribes, two of them, the Cherokees and Choctaws, have already allotted to them a tract of country west of the Mississippi. That which has been allotted to the latter, is believed to be sufficiently ample for the whole nation, should they emigrate, and if an arrangement, which is believed not to be impracticable, could be made between them and the Chickasaws, who are their neighbors, and of similar habits and dispo sitions, it would be sufficient for the accommodation of both. A sufficient country should be reserved to the west of the Cherokees on the Arkansas, as a means of exchange with those who remain on the east. To the Creeks might be allotted a country between the Arkansas and Canadian river, which limits the northern boundary of the Choctaw possessions in that quarter. There is now pending with the Creeks a negotiation, under the appropriation of the last session, with a prospect, that a portion of that nation which resides within the limits of Georgia, may be induced, with the consent of the na tion, to cede the country which they occupy for a pertion of the one which it is proposed to allot for the

18th CONGRESS, 24 SESSION

Location and Improvement of Indians.

[H. of R.

Creek nation on the west of the Mississippi. Should the them, there would be among all the tribes a disposition treaty prove successful, its stipulations will provide for to accord with the views of the government. There are the means of carrying it into effect, which will render now in most of the tribes, well educated, sober, and reany additional provision at present, unnecessary. It will flecting individuals, who are afflicted at the present conbe proper to open new communications with the Chero- dition of the Indians, and despondent at their future kees, Choctaws, and Chickasaws, for the purpose of ex- prospects. Under the operation of existing causes, they plaining to them the views of the Government, and in- behold the certain degradation, misery, and even the ducing them to remove beyond the Mississippi, on the final annihilation of their race, and no doubt would gladprinciples and conditions which may be proposed to the ly embrace any arrangement which would promise to other tribes. It is known, that there are many individu-elevate them in the scale of civilization, and arrest the als of each of the tribes, who are desirous of settling west destruction which now awaits them. It is conceived of the Mississippi, and should it be thought advisable, that one of the most cheap, certain, and desirable modes there can be no doubt, that if, by an adequate appropri- of effecting the object in view, would be, for Congress ation, the means were afforded the Government of bear- to establish fixed principles, such as have been suggesting their expense, they would emigrate. Should it be ed as the basis of the proposed arrangement, and to authought, that the encouragement of such emigration is thorize the President to convene, at some suitable point, desirable, the sum of 40,000 dollars, at least, would be all of the well informed, intelligent, and influential indirequired to be appropriated for this object, to be appli- viduals of the tribes to be affected by it, in order to exed under the discretion of the President of the United plain to them the views of the government, and to States. The several sums which have been recommend. pledge the faith of the nation to the arrangements that ed to be appropriated, if the proposed arrangements might be adopted. Should such principles be establishshould be adopted, amount to 95,000 dollars. The ap-ed by Congress, and the President be vested with suitpropriation may be made either general or specific, as able authority to convene the individuals as proposed, may be considered most advisable. and suitable provision be made to meet the expense, great confidence is felt, that a basis of a system might be laid, which, in a few years, would entirely effect the object in view, to the mutual benefit of the government and the Indians, and which, in its operations, would effectually arrest the calamitous course of events to which they must be subject without a radical change in the present system. Should it be thought advisable to call such a convention, as one of the means of effecting the object in view, an additional appropriation of 30,000 dollars will be required; making in the whole, 125,000 dollars to be appropriated.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

J. C. CALHOUN.

To the PRESIDENT of the United States.

DEPARTMENT of War,

Office of Indian Affairs, Jan. 10, 1825. SIR: I have the honor, herewith, to submit, in compliance with your directions, a table containing a statement of the names of the Indian tribes now remaining within the limits of the different states and territories; the number of each tribe: and the quantity of land claimed by each.

I cannot, however conclude, without remarking, that no arrangement ought to be made which does not regard the interest of the Indians, as well as our own, and that to protect the interest of the former, decisive measures ought to be adopted to prevent the hostility, which must almost necessarily take place if left to themselves, among tribes hastily brought together, of discordant character; and many of which are actuated by feelings far from friendly towards each other. But the preservation of peace between them will not alone be sufficient to render their condition as eligible in their new situation, as it is in their present. Almost all of the tribes proposed to be effected by the arrangement, are more or less advanced in the arts of civilized life, and there is scarcely one of them, which have not the esta blishment of schools in the nation, affording at once the means of moral, religious, and intellectual improvement. These schools have been established for the most part by religious societies, with the countenance and aid of the Government, and on every principle of humanity the continuance of similar advantages of education ought to be extended to them in their new residence. There is another point which appears to be indispensable to be guarded, in order to render the condition of this race less afflicting. One of the greatest evils to which they are subject, is that incessant pressure of our population, which forces them from seat to seat, without allowing time for that moral and intellectual improvement, for which they appear to be naturally eminently susceptible. To guard against this evil, so fatal to the race, there ought to be the strongest and the most solemn assurance, that the country given them should be theirs, as a permanent home for themselves and their posterity, without being disturbed by the encroachments of our citizens. To such assurance, if there should be added a There are now remaining within the limits of the difsystem by which the government, without destroying ferent states and territories, as is shewn by the table, their independence, would gradually unite the several sixty-four tribes and remnants of tribes of Indians, whose tribes under a simple, but enlightened system of govern-" names" and "numbers" are given; who number, in ment and laws, formed on the principles of our own, and the aggragate, 129,266 souls; and who claim 77,402,318 to which, as their own people would partake in it, they acres of land. would, under the influence of the contemplated imIt will be seen by adverting to the table, that the Inprovement, at no distant day, become prepared, the ar- dians residing north of the state of Illinois, east of the rangements which have been proposed would prove to Mississippi, and west of the Lakes, are comprehended the Indians and their posterity a permanent blessing. It in the estimate of the number in Michigan Territory; is believed that, if they could be assured that peace and although, in estimating the quantity of land held by Infriendship would be maintained among the several dians in that territory, the portion, only, so held in the tribes: that the advantages of education which they now peninsula of Michigan, is estimated. It was found_imenjoy would be extended to them; that they should possible, from any documents in possession of this office, have a permanent and solemn guarantee for their pos to distinguish the number of Chippewas and Ottawas sessions, and receive the countenance and aid of the go-residing in the peninsula of Michigan from those residvernment for the gradual extension of its privileges to ing on the west side of Lake Michigan. It is, however

There is no land assigned, as will be seen on reference to the table, to the Indians in Louisiana; yet, it is believed, the Caddoes have a claim, but to what extent is not known. numbers are not known,) to a tract in the northwest So, also, have the Cherokees, (whose corner of the state of North Carolina; which, it is believed, does not exceed 200,000 acres. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and perhaps in Maryland, a few Indians is owned by them, if any, there are no means of ascer are remaining, but how many, or what quantity of land taining.