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
