Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to William Henry Harrison
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07156 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 31 December 1808 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Asks Harrison, then governor of the Indiana Territory, to help pass laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to Indians, in hopes that it will remove a "great obstacle to their acquiring industrious habits." Also notes that the general government policy towards the Indians was "to endeavor to render them friends, and, in time, perhaps, useful members of the nation."
Washington, Dec. 31, 1808
Sir,
The general government of the U.S. has considered it their duty & interest to extend their care and patronage over the Indian tribes within their limits and to endeavor to render them friends, and, in time, perhaps, useful members of the nation. Perceiving the injurious effects produced by their inordinate use of spiritous liquors they passed laws authorizing measures against the vending of [illegible] each liquors among them. their introduction by traders was accordingly prohibited, and for some time was attended with the least affects. I am informed, however, that latterly the Indians have got into the practice of purchasing such liquors themselves, in the neighboring settlements of whites and of carrying them into their towns & that, in this way, our regulations, so salutary to them, are now defeated. I must, therefore, request your Excellency to submit this matter to the consideration of your Legislature. I persuade myself that, in addition to the moral inducements which will readily occur, they will find it not indifferent to their own interests to [illegible] us their aid in removing, for their neighbors, this great obstacle to their acquiring industrious habits, and attaching themselves to the regular and useful prospects of life for this purpose it is much desired that they should pass effectual laws to restrain their citizens from vending & distributing spirituous liquors to the Indians - I pray your Excellency to accept the assurances of my greatest respect.
Th: Jefferson
Hble Governor Harrison
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.