1From Thomas Jefferson to Cherokee Nation, 4 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad to see you at the seat of Government, to take you by the hand, and to assure you in person of the friendship of the U.S. towards all their red Children, & of their desires to extend, to them all, their protection & good Offices. the journey you have come is a long one, & the object expressed in our conference of the other day is important. I have listened to it with attention & given...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Cherokee Nation, 10 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My friends & children, chiefs of the Cherokee nation Having now finished our business, & finished it I hope to mutual satisfaction, I cannot take leave of you without expressing the satisfaction I have recieved from your visit. I see, with my own eyes, that the endeavors we have been making to encourage and lead you on in the way of improving your situation have not been unsuccesful. it has...
3From John Adams to Cherokee Nation, 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I some time since appointed and commissioned three of my beloved men, viz. Alfred Moore, George Walton, and John Steele, to negotiate with you, for the attainment of certain objects by treaty, which I considered indispensable to the preservation of the happiness and welfare of my white and red children, and which, without injury to either, promised to perpetuate between them a lasting harmony....
4From George Washington to the Cherokee Nation, 29 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
Many years have passed since the White people first came to America. In that long space of time many good men have considered how the condition of the Indian natives of the country might be improved; and many attempts have been made to effect it. But, as we see at this day, all these attempts have been nearly fruitless. I also have thought much on this subject, and anxiously wished that the...
5Enclosure: Carondelet’s Speech to the Cherokee Nation, 24 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
To the chiefs, warriors and others of the Cherokee nation. Brothers. I have seen with much satisfaction the chiefs Respiracion, Chickamoga Charles, and the Bloody-fellow warrior of your nation: I have heard their words, which I will preserve in my heart. The losses and misfortunes of your nation have afflicted me, and I desire sincerely to relieve them. I transmit to the great king of the...