have corrected. In
their hypothesis of the origin of government, they suppose it to have
commenced in the patriarchal or monarchical form. 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. Nor will it at all interfere with
his botanical rambles or journeys. The government of Portugal is so
peaceable and inoffensive, that it has never any altercations with its
friends. If their minister abroad writes them once a quarter that all is
well, they desire no more. I learn (though not from Correa himself) that
he thinks of paying us a visit as soon as he is through his course
of lectures. Not to lose this happiness again by my absence, I have
informed him I shall set out for Poplar Forest the 20th instant, and
be back the first week of July. I wish you and he could concert
your movements so as to meet here, and that you would make this your
headquarters. It is a good central point from which to visit your
connections; and you know our practice of placing our guests at their
ease, by showing them we are so ourselves, and that we follow our
necessary vocations, instead of