Stand Watie

It has been a long time since I had the opportunity of writing to you, and I gladly avail myself of the present opportunity. I am not sure if this letter is going to be at your hands but I will write you a few words now that I have the chance. I want to you to know that I am among the living Greets my children from me. Tell Marco that he has to be strong. Tell him that I will be back to play again and explore the mountains as I promised the day I left to war. Tell my little princess when I come…

Henry Knox, Secretary of War, believed that by developing an Indian policy accepted by the Indians, would achieved the goal of the States. He figured that by “civilizing” the Natives he could bring them a sense of “Enlightenment.” Knox wanted the Natives to stop hunting and be “normal” farmers. Also, he wanted them to read and write in the English language, wear European style clothes, and most of all become Christians. He felt that by doing all of this he could make them better people and they…