Our Indians are
evidently in that state of nature which has passed the association of a
single family; and not yet submitted to the authority of positive laws,
or of any acknowledged magistrate. Every man, with them, is perfectly
free to follow his own inclinations. But if, in doing this, he violates
the rights of another, if the case be slight, he is punished by the
disesteem of his society, or, as we say, by public opinion; if serious,
he is tomahawked as a dangerous enemy. Their leaders conduct them by
the influence of their character only; and they follow, or not, as they
please, him of whose character for wisdom or war they have the highest
opinion. Hence the origin of the parties among them adhering to
different leaders, and governed by their advice, not by their
command. The Cherokees, the only tribe I know to be contemplating the
establishment of regular laws, magistrates, and government, propose
a government of representatives, elected from every town. But of all
things, they least think of subjecting themselves to the will of one
man. This, the only instance of actual fact within our knowledge, will
be then a beginning by republican, and not by patriarchal or monarchical
government, as speculative writers have generally conjectured.
We have to join in mutual congratulations on the appointment of our
friend Correa, to be Minister or Envoy of Portugal, here. This, I hope,
will give him to us, for life.
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