Detailed Instructions for the Execution of the Plan for Civilizing the Cherokee

Item

Type

Letterbook Copy

Title

Detailed Instructions for the Execution of the Plan for Civilizing the Cherokee

Description

Attaches speech, approved by the president, to the Cherokees. Laments that recent attempts to civilize the Indians have failed; states that the key is to "wean them from hunting and trapping," and started on agriculture & animal husbandry. Says this is the basis of the president's talk. Asks that Dinsmoor be ready to report a need for tools & instructors for civilized activities like these, or, for instance, spinning & weaving. Asks that Dinsmoor familiarize himself with the Cherokee language, to better instruct and persuade them. Encloses a copy of "An Act to Regulate Trade and Intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve the peace on the frontier," along with instructions to explain and enforce it among the Cherokee. Asks for frequent reports and expense accounts for the articles needed to instruct and mollify the Indians. Advises Dinsmoor that he may assign the interpreters previously hired by the U.S. as he sees fit.

year created

1796

month created

08

day created

29

author

sent from location

War Office

in collection

in image

note

No tif image.

DEII Candidacy: instructions give a detailed look at the federal view of the Indian tribes at this time, and how to "civilize" them (especially one of those already reputed to be more civilized than many others).

notable person/group

Silas Dinsmoor
James McHenry
Cherokees
President
general council
tribes
Cherokee women
Congress
officer
Governor of Tennessee
settlers
traders
Coody
Hicks
Cary
interpreters
Creek Nation
Mr. McKee

notable location

War Office
Cherokee towns
Oostinahli
Tennessee
Tellico Block house
Ohio River
Creek Nation

notable item/thing

talk
civilizing system
market
skins
experiment
weaving
stock
agriculture
act
theft
license
oath
annual stipend
salary

document number

1796082900002

page start

12

Transcribe this document

Document instances

In image In source Location in source
[view document] (157 pages) IDD03 (157 pages) Collection: John Adams Papers R: 384

Document names

Type Name Location Notes
Author James McHenry War Office [n/a]
Recipient Colonel Silas Dinsmoor [unknown] [n/a]