As independent powers, we negotiated with them by treaties; as proprietors, we purchased of them all the lands which we could prevail upon them to sell; as brethren of the human race, rude and ignorant, we endeavored to bring them to the knowledge of religion and letters.
He describes the multifaceted approach of the U.S. towards Native Americans, including treaties and land purchases.
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More from John Quincy Adams
If it be true that the noblest treaty of peace ever mentioned in history is that by which the Carthagenians were bound to abolish the practice of sacrificing their own children because it was stipulated in favor of human nature, I can not…
Complaints equally groundless have been made by the commanders of the Spanish royal forces in those seas; but the most effective protection to our commerce has been the flag and the firmness of our own commanding officers.
I now transmit to the House a report from the Secretary of State, with the correspondence and information requested by the resolution.
These papers were prepared at the close of the last session of Congress, at too late a period to be then acted upon.
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