The Cherokee
Phoenix and Indian's Advocate
Wednesday September 30, 1829
Vol. II, no. 26
Page 2, col. 5a
This day we commence publishing a series of Essays, signed William Penn,
on the claims of our red brethren to justice and good faith from our government.
The subject is important, and we hope the constituted agents for the transaction
of business with the Indians, or in relation to them, will conduct their agency
on honorable principles. Should any rule of proceeding be agreed on, which
we should be ashamed to offer to Great Britain as dishonorable, a reproach must
attach to the office by whom or by whose authority such a proposition may be
made. Let the rule of holy writ, which all agree is a good one, "As you
would that men should do to you, do you even so to them," govern all our intercourse
with these tribes, and our nation will be respected for its equal justice.
But if a scheme of mere speculation and cupidity be our course, our policy and
our example may be urged against us by another nation, with whom we may hereafter
be treating, and the blush of shame for our conduct may confound us. But
what is of infinitely more consequence than all this, is, that He who judgeth
among the nations, and who abhors the oppressor, will be offended; and in his
providence he may say to us, "The measure that ye met to other shall be measured
to you again."
Christian Watchman