Source: The passage below is from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis on June 20, 1803. The letter gives detailed instructions on how Lewis and Clark should treat Native Americans.
To Captain Meriwether Lewis,
In all your interactions with the natives, treat them in the most friendly and peaceful manner.
Assure them that the purpose of your journey is innocent, that the U.S. wishes to be neighborly,
friendly, and useful to them. Tell them we wish to trade peacefully with them, and find out
what articles would be most desirable for both of us to trade.
If a few of their chiefs wish to visit us, arrange such a visit for them. If any of them wish to
have some of their young people schooled by us and taught things that might be useful to them,
we will receive, instruct and take care of them….Carry with you some smallpox medicine and
explain to them how to use it and encourage them to use it, especially in the winter.
Thomas Jefferson
Pr. U.S. of America
Questions:
1. How did Jefferson want Lewis and Clark to treat the Native Americans they meet?
Diary Entries of William Clark
Source: All the men on the journey kept diaries about their experiences. Below are two entries from William Clark’s diary. The first describes the ritual of the “Buffalo Dance” among the Mandan Indians.
The second entry describes setting up camp near The Dalles Indians in present day Oregon.
January 5, 1805
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The old men arrange themselves in a circle... the young men have their wives back of the
circle... the Girl then takes the Old man (who very often can scarcely walk) and leads him to a
Convenient place for the business... We sent a man to this Buffalo Dance last night, and they
gave him 4 girls.
November 21, 1805
An old woman & wife to a Chief came and made a Camp near ours. She brought with her 6
young women I believe for the purpose of gratifying the passions of the men of our party.
Questions:
1. According to Clark, what happens at the Buffalo Dance?
2. According to these diary entries, what is one way that Lewis and Clark’s men interacted with the
Native American tribes they met?
Diary Entries on Sacagawea - William Clark
Source: Many people have heard the name of Sacagawea, the Native American woman who (with her
husband and newborn baby) accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey and served as a translator.
Below are Clark’s diary entries about Sacagawea.
May 11, 1806
The tribe surrounded us in the lodge. When the chief arrived, we gave him a small medal and
spoke to the Indians through Sacagawea. We informed them who we were, where we were came
from, and our friendly intentions towards them, which pleased them very much.
August 17, 1806
We said goodbye to our interpreters (Shabono and his wife, Sacagawea), who accompanied us
on our route to the Pacific Ocean.
I offered to take his little son, a beautiful, promising child who is 19 months old. They agreed
and said that in one year the boy would be sufficiently old to leave his mother and he would
then take him to me. I agreed to raise the child as my own, in such a manner as I thought
proper.
Questions:
1. Based on these two passages, how would you describe the relationship between Sacagawea’s family
and Lewis and Clark?
Image Sources
(1) http://images.nypl.org/?id=54426&t=w. Public Domain.
(2) The Declaration of Independence. Public Domain.
(3) . Public Domain.
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Chapter 4
Manifest Destiny and the
Slavery Question
4.1 Trail of Tears
As Americans settled new land in the southeast, politicians discussed what to do with the Indian tribes they encountered. Some advocated civilizing them—converting them to Christianity and a European-American way of life. Others, including President Andrew Jackson, favored forcible removal of the Indians to lands in the west. Removal won out.
Some tribes signed treaties to leave, others fought and were defeated. The Cherokee tribe, however, was removed by an illegitimate treaty. In 1833 several Cherokee, who did not represent the tribe as a whole, signed the Treaty of New Echota, agreeing to vacate the land. Other members of the tribe signed a petition protesting that that they had not authorized the men to negotiate—but Congress ignored their requests.
By 1838 only 2, 000 Cherokee had left and 16, 000 remained. The U.S. government sent in 7, 000 troops to force the Cherokee to walk to their new territory in Oklahoma. During this march, which became known
as the Trail of Tears, 4, 000 Cherokee died of cold, starvation, and disease.
Letter - Elias Boudinot
Source: The following letter was written in 1837 by Elias Boudinot, a Cherokee who supported the Treaty of New Echota. The letter is to John Ross, the leader of the opposition. For many years, Boudinot opposed Georgia’s attempt to take Cherokee land. But by 1833, he decided that it would be best to sign a treaty supporting removal.
Look at our people! They are wretched! Look, my dear sir, around you, and see the progress
that vice and immorality have already made! See the misery!
If the darker picture which I have described here is a true one, can we see a brighter possibility
ahead? In another country, and under other circumstances, there is a better prospect. Removal, then, is the only remedy, the only practical remedy. Our people may finally rise from their very ashes, to become prosperous and happy, and a credit to our race. I would say to my countrymen,
fly from your life here that is destroying our nation.
What is your (John Ross) plan of relief? It is dark and gloomy beyond description. You want
the Cherokee to live according the laws of Georgia, no matter how unfair they are? Instead of
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fix the evil, you would tie our people down in the chains of slavery. The final destiny of our
race, under such circumstances is too revolting to think of. Take my word, it is the sure end of
our race if you succeed in preventing the removal of your people. There will come a time when
there will be few of us left as reminders of this brave and noble race. May God protect us from
such a destiny.
Questions:
1. Close Reading: What was life like for the Cherokee in Georgia, according to Boudinot?
2. Close Reading: What does Boudinot hope will happen if the Cherokees move west?
3. Close Reading: Why does Boudinot think John Ross is wrong about opposing the Treaty of New
Echota?
State of the Union speech – Andrew Jackson
Source: Andrew Jackson, State of the Union speech. December 6, 1830.
It gives me great pleasure to announce to Congress that the Government’s benevolent policy
of Indian removal has almost been achieved.
We have wept over the fate of the natives of this country, as one by one many tribes have
disappeared from the earth. However, we must accept this the way we accept when an older
generation dies and makes room for the younger.... We would not want to see this continent
restored to the condition in which our forefathers found it. What good man would prefer a
country covered with forests and occupied by a few thousand savages to our great Republic,
studded with cities, towns, and prosperous farms, decorated with art and industry, occupied
by more than 12, 000, 000 happy people, and filled with all the blessings of liberty, civilization,
and religion?
The United States will pay to send the natives to a land where they may live longer and possibly
survive as a people. No doubt it will be painful to leave the graves of their fathers; but how is
this different from what our ancestors did and what our children are doing now?
Can it be cruel when this Government offers to purchase the Indian’s land, give him new and
extensive territory, pay the expense of his removal, and support him for the first year in his
new home? How many thousands of our own people would gladly embrace the opportunity of
moving West under such conditions!
The policy of the Government towards the red man is not only liberal, but generous. The
Indian is unwilling to follow the laws of the States and mingle with the population. To save
him from utter annihilation, the Government kindly offers him a new home, and proposes to
pay the whole expense of his removal and settlement.
Questions:
1. Close Reading: Why would he say, “We have wept over the fate of the natives of this country,” if he supports Indian Removal?
2. Close Reading: Why does Jackson think the United States was better in 1830 than in 1609?
3. Close Reading: Why does Jackson think his policy is kind and generous? Do you agree?
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4.2 Nat Turner’s Rebellion
In 1831, a Virginia slave named Nat Turner assembled an “army” of slaves and led a rebellion that killed 55 white men, women, and children. Turner was tried, convicted, and hanged. Read the documents below
and try to determine what kind of person Nat Turner was—a hero or a lunatic?
Confessions of Nat Turner – Thomas R. Gray
Source: These confessions were narrated to lawyer Thomas R. Gray in prison where Nat Turner was
held after his capture on October 30, 1831. His confessions were published on November 5, 1831 for his trial. (Figure 4.1).
The Confessions of Nat Turner: The Leader of the Late Insurrections in Southampton, Va. As Fully and Voluntarily Made to Thomas R. Gray, in the Prison Where He Was Confined, Nov. 5, 1831, For His Trial.
[To the Public]
Thomas R. Gray: Public curiosity has tried to understand Nat Turner’s motives behind his
diabolical actions.... Everything connected with the rebellion was wrapped in mystery, until
Nat Turner the leader of the violent and savage band, was captured.... I was determined to end
public curiosity and write down Nat Turner’s statements, and publish them, with little or no
change, from his own words.
Nathaniel Turner:
As I child, I knew I surely would be a prophet, as the Lord had showed me visions of things
that had happened before my birth. My father and mother said I was intended for some great
purpose. I was a child of uncommon intelligence and I knew I was never meant to be a slave.
To a mind like mine, restless, curious and observant of every thing that was happening, religion
became the subject that occupied all of my thoughts.
Thomas R. Gray: Nat Turner is a complete fanatic. The calm way he spoke of his late
actions, the expression of his fiend-like face when excited by enthusiasm, still bearing the stains
of the blood of helpless innocence about him. I looked on him and my blood curdled in my
veins.
Vocabulary
diabolical evil, like the devil
prophet a person God chose to protect and lead people
fanatic intense dedication to an idea
fiend monster, demon, devil
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? When and where was it published? What kind of publication is it?
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Figure 4.1: Cover Page of the
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2. Close Reading: Describe Nat Turner according to himself.
3. Close Reading: Describe Nat Turner according to Gray’s introduction and conclusion notes.
4. Corroboration: Is there a contradiction between Turner and Gray’s description? How and why?
5. Sourcing: Is this a trustworthy source? Does this account of Turner’s character seem believable?
Explain.
“The Southampton Tragedy” – The Richmond Enquirer
Source: Editor. “The Southampton Tragedy.” The Richmond Enquirer. Virginia, 27 September 1831.
I am led to believe, from all that I can learn, that Nat Turner has been planning his mischief and disruption for quite some time. After pretending to be inspired to rebel by God, he made his announcement of rebellion to the Blacks. He has used every means in his power, to gain control over the minds of the slaves. A dreamer of dreams and a would-be Prophet, he used all the arts familiar to such pretenders, to trick, confuse and overwhelm the slave’s minds.
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? When and where was it published? What kind of publication is it?
2. Sourcing: Who is the author of his article speaking to? How do you know this? How does his
audience affect what he says and how he says it?
3. Contextualization/Close Reading: According to the author of this article, what kind of person is Nat Turner? Think about when this article was written: How might its publication date affect
how the author represents Turner? Refer to your timeline if necessary.
4. Sourcing: Is this a trustworthy source? Explain.
An Address to the Slaves of the United States – Garnet
Source: Speech delivered by Henry Highland Garnet at the National Negro Convention of 1843 held in Buffalo, New York. The convention drew 70 delegates including leaders like Frederick Douglass.
You had far better all die— die immediately, than live slaves, and throw your misery upon your children.
However much you and all of us may desire it, there is not much hope of freedom without the shedding of blood. If you must bleed, let it all come at once–rather die freemen, than live to be slaves.
The patriotic Nathaniel Turner was driven to desperation by the wrong and injustice of slavery. By force, his name has been recorded on the list of dishonor, but future generations will remember him among the noble and brave.
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? When? How long after the Turner rebellion was this docu-
ment written?
2. Sourcing: Who is the author of this document speaking to? How does his audience affect what he says and how he says it?
3. Close Reading: According to the author of this speech, what kind of person is Nat Turner? What proof does he provide to illustrate that Turner is this type of person?
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4. Contextualization: Why does this author think of Nat Turner in this way? Think about when this article was written: How does the author’s historical context shape how he thinks of and represents
Turner?
5. Sourcing: Is this interpretation of Turner trustworthy? Why or why not?
4.3 Texas Independence
Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821 and adopted a Constitution in 1824. Through the
1820s and 1830s, Americans moved into the Mexican territory promising to uphold the Mexican Constitu-
tion. In 1833 General Santa Anna took control of the Mexican government and imposed a new constitution.
A war followed, with General Santa Anna’s supporters fighting against the supporters of the old constitution and the Texan immigrants from the United States. In 1836, the American Texans went a step
farther and declared independence from Mexico. The Texans won the war and became an independent
nation, which was soon admitted into the U.S.A. as the 28th state. Read the documents below and try to determine why Texans declared their independence from Mexico.
Letter – E.W. Ripley
Source: The letter below is written by an American to the Mexican government in 1823, asking for
permission to settle in Mexico.
Dear Sir,
A number of men of good character wish to move onto Mexican territory, south of the Colorado.
Their object is to form a farming colony. This piece of land is now inhabited by Indians and
such a colony would check their attacks. These men promise to learn your language and follow
your laws. They will defend your territory. These Americans would move immediately with
their families if they can obtain a grant to settle the land. I think they would be of great service
to yourself individually and to the nation of Mexico. I have the honor to be
Your most obedient servant,
E.W.Ripley
New Orleans, August 1823
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? Were they Mexican or American? When did they write it?
2. Close Reading: Does this document present a positive or negative view of the American settlers in Texas? Provide a quote to support your claim.
3. Sourcing: Do you trust the perspective of this document? Why or not?
Letter – Rafael Manchola
Source: The letter below was written by Rafael Antonio Manchola, a Tejano (Mexican living in Texas).
He wrote this letter about the Anglo-Americans in 1826 to a military commander.
We cannot trust the Anglo-American colonists because they are continually demonstrating that
they refuse to follow our laws, unless it is convenient for them. We will have many problems if
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we do not stop their disrespectful behavior by stationing soldiers and a Mexican judge in each
settlement. They have been using their own colonists as judges and practicing their own laws,
forgetting that they swore to obey the laws of Mexico.
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? Were they Mexican or American? When did they write it?
2. Close Reading: Does this document present a positive or negative view of the American settlers in Texas? Provide a quote to support your claim.
3. Sourcing: Do you trust the perspective of this document? Why or not?
Texas Declaration of Independence
Source: The Texas Declaration of Independence, issued March 2,1836. The image shown below is a printed version published shortly after the handwritten version was signed. (Figure 4.2).
Figure 4.2: Printed broadside version of the Texas Declaration of Independence
When a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberty and property of the people... it
is the right of the people to abolish such government, and create another one that will secure
their future welfare and happiness.
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General Santa Anna, has overturned the constitution of his country, and now offers us the cruel
option either to abandon our homes, or submit to the most intolerable of all tyranny.
The Mexican government has failed to establish any public system of education…
It denies us the right of worshipping the Almighty as we want to…
It has demanded that we give up our arms, which are essential to our defense…
It has invaded our country both by sea and by land, with intent to lay waste our territory, and
drive us from our homes…
It has encouraged the merciless Indians to massacre the inhabitants of our defenseless frontiers….
We, therefore, do hereby resolve and declare, that our political connection with the Mexican
nation has forever ended, and that the people of Texas do now constitute a free, Sovereign, and
independent republic…
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? Were they Mexican or American? When did they write it?
2. Close Reading: Does this document present a positive or negative view of the American settlers in Texas? Provide a quote to support your claim.
3. Sourcing: Do you trust the perspective of this document? Why or not?
Alamo Defenders’ Burial Speech - Juan Seguin
Source: Colonel Juan Seguin’s Alamo Defenders’ Burial Speech, April 4, 1837. Seguin was a Mexican who supported the Texas Revolution and fought with the American settlers against General Santa Anna. The speech below was given at the burial of the men who died at the Alamo.
Original Spanish:
Compañeros de armas: Estos restos que hemos tenido el honor de conducir en nuestros hombros
son los de los valientes héroes que murieron en el Alamo. Sí mis amigos, ellos prefirieron morir
mil veces a servir el yugo del tirano. Que ejemplo tan briIlante, digno de anotarse en las
páginas de la historia. El genio de la libertad parece estar viendo en su elevado trono de donde
con semblante halagueño nos señala diciendo: “Ahí tenéis a vuestros hermanos, Travis, Bowie,
Crockett y otros varios a quienes su valor coloca en el número de mis héroes.—Yo os pido a que
poniendo por testigo a los venerables restos de nuestros dignos compañeros digamos al mundo
entero. Texas será libre, independiente o pereceremos con gloria en los combates.
English Translation:
“Companions in Arms!! These remains which we have the honor of carrying on our shoulders
are those of the brave heroes who died in the Alamo. Yes, my friends, they preferred to die
a thousand times rather than submit themselves to the tyrant’s yoke. Yes, soldiers and fellow
citizens, these are the worthy beings who, by the twists of fate, delivered their bodies to the
ferocity of their enemies. I invite you to declare to the entire world, “Texas shall be free and
independent or we shall perish in glorious combat.”
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? Were they Mexican or American? When did they write it?
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2. Close Reading: Does this document present a positive or negative view of the American settlers in Texas? Provide a quote to support your claim.
3. Sourcing: Do you trust the perspective of this document? Why or not?
The War In Texas - Benjamin Lundy
Source: Benjamin Lundy became active in the antislavery movement in the 1820s. He organized abolitionist societies, lectured extensively, and contributed to many abolitionist publications. He wrote this pamphlet called The War in Texas in 1836. Lundy argued that the Texas revolution was a slaveholders’ plot to take Texas from Mexico and to add slave territory to the United States. (Figure 4.3).
Figure 4.3
We have been asked to believe that the inhabitants of Texas have been fighting to maintain
the sacred principles of Liberty, and the natural, inalienable Rights of Man:—whereas, their
motives have been exactly the opposite. The immediate cause and main goal of this war—led
by the slaveholders of this country, (with land speculators and slave traders)—has been to grab
the large and valuable territory of Texas from the Mexican Republic, in order to re-establish
the SYSTEM OF SLAVERY; to open a vast and profitable SLAVEMARKET; and, ultimately,
to annex it to the United States.
Questions:
1. Sourcing: Who wrote this document? Were they Mexican or American? When did they write it?
2. Close Reading: Does this document present a positive or negative view of the American settlers in Texas? Provide a quote to support your claim.
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