Under all these circumstances, we
had a right to demand substantial satisfaction and indemnification. We
used that right, however, with real moderation. Their limits with us
under the former government were generally ill defined, questionable,
and the frequent cause of war. Sincerely desirous of living in their
peace, of cultivating it by every act of justice and friendship, and of
rendering them better neighbors by introducing among them some of the
most useful arts, it was necessary to begin by a precise definition
of boundary. Accordingly, at the treaties held with them, our mutual
boundaries were settled; and notwithstanding our just right to
concessions adequate to the circumstances of the case, we required such
only as were inconsiderable; and for even these, in order that we might
place them in a state of perfect conciliation, we paid them a valuable
consideration, and granted them annuities in money which have been
regularly paid, and were equal to the prices for which they have usually
sold their lands.
Sensible, as they were, of the wrong they had done, they expected to
make some indemnification, and were, for the most part, satisfied
with the mode and measure of it. In one or two instances, where a
dissatisfaction was observed to remain as to the boundaries agreed on,
or doubts entertained of the authority of those with whom they were
agreed, the United States invited the parties to new treaties, and
rectified what appeared to be susceptible of it.
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