Recently read a a book about Lewis and Clark.
A good part of it dealt with the Jefferson administration’s dealings with the Indians, as that was a big part of what the L&C expedition was about.
It quoted a good bit of Jefferson’s communications with officials involved in dealings with the Indians, not so much L&C themselves as those involved with negotiating treaties and such.
It became sadly clear that Jefferson and his people were not even pretending to themselves that they were trying to deal fairly and honestly with the Indians. Treaties were negotiated in bad faith from the start, never even intended to be kept. Just give them something to keep them quiet for a few years.
This was in stark contrast with internal communications from the Washington and Adams adminstrations. George and John may have had an ineffective Indian policy, but they weren’t openly conspiring to cheat and deceive the Indians. They were honestly trying to come to a fair resolution of differences.
Put a big crimp in my previous admiration for Tom Jefferson.
What was the book, if you don’t mind my asking?
I’d like to give it a look as well. Thanks.
This has a nice ring to it!