Indian Policy on the Southwestern Frontier

Secretary of Knox writes the Governor of Southwest Territory, William Blount. States that it is a "most mortifying circumstance" that recent events on the frontier (white settlers attacking Indian settlements) damage the humane disposition of President Washington towards the American Indians. Hopes that the recent visit of the Cherokee Indians to his office in Philadelphia will "tranquilize them, and inspire them with confidence in our future transactions." Then proceeds to state, "If the Indians are guilty, we have not been innocent at all times." Knox then covers this statement with, "I do not mean this as a justification of them in the least degree, but, as a reason why we should endeavor to take new ground, and labor again to accomplish the objects of peace. Finally, Knox informs the Governor that President Washington and the Congress do not think it proper to authorize on direct offensive operations.