any other,
the extent of that discovery was the subject of unceasing contest.
Bloody conflicts arose between them, which gave importance and security
to the neighboring nations. Fierce and warlike in their character, they
might be formidable enemies, or effective friends. Instead of rousing
their resentments, by asserting claims to their lands, or to dominion
over their persons, their alliance was sought by flattering
professions, and purchased by rich presents. The English, the French,
and the Spaniards, were equally competitors for their friendship and
their aid. Not well acquainted with the exact meaning of words, nor
supposing it to be material whether they were called the subjects, or
the children of their father in Europe; lavish in professions of duty
and affection, in return for the rich presents they received; so long
as their actual independence was untouched, and their right to self
government acknowledged, they were willing to profess dependence on the
Power which furnished supplies of which they were in absolute need, and
restrained dangerous intruders from entering their country: and this
was probably the sense in which the term was understood by them.

Certain it is, that our history furnishes no example, from the first
settlement of our country, of any attempt, on the part of the crown, to
interfere with the internal affairs of the Indians, farther than to
keep out the agents of foreign Powers, who, as traders or otherwise,
might seduce them into foreign alliances. The King purchased their
lands when they were willing to sell, at a price they were willing to
take; but never coerced a surrender of them. He also purchased their
alliance and dependence by subsidies; but never intruded into the
interior of their affairs, or interfered with their self government, so
far as respected themselves only.

The general views of Great Britain, with regard to the Indians, were
detailed by Mr. Stuart, superintendent of Indian affairs, in a speech
delivered at Mobile, in presence of several persons of distinction,
soon after the peace of 1763. Towards the conclusion he says, "lastly,
I inform you that it is the King's order to all his Governors and
subjects to treat the Indians with justice and humanity, and to forbear
all encroachments on the territories allotted to them; accordingly, all
individuals are prohibited from purchasing any of your lands; but, as
you know that, as your white brethren cannot feed you when y