Andrew Jackson to John Pitchlynn, August 5, 1830
Excerpt of a letter from Andrew Jackson to John Pitchlynn about attempting to persuade American Indian groups to move from their homes westward.
Excerpts
” I beg of you to say to them, that their interest happiness peace & prosperity depends upon their removal beyond the jurisdiction of the laws of the State of Mississippi. These things have been [often times] explained to them fully and I forbear to repeat them; but request that you make known to them that Congress to enable them to remove & comfortably to arrange themselves at their new homes has made liberal appropriations. It was a measure I had much at heart & sought to effect, because I was satisfied that the Indians could not possibly live under the laws of the States. If now they shall refuse to accept the liberal terms offered, they only must be liable for whatever evils & difficulties may arise. I feel conscious of having done my duty to my red children and if any failure of my good intention arises, it will be attributable to their want of duty to themselves, not to me.”
Questions:
What purpose did Jackson have with this letter?
How is this letter different from the letter to the Chickasaw?
How did Andrew Jackson’s social status and position influence what he wrote in this letter?