McClure, David, 1748-1820 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05664 Author/Creator: McClure, David, 1748-1820 Place Written: East Windsor, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 October 1792 Pagination: 8 p. ; 32.8 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Responds to a previous letter from Knox (GLC02437.10255) and thanks him for ordering copies of his "Sermons on the Moral law." States that Knox has suggested the only plan for teaching the Native Americans "civilization": "an incorporation of white men & women with them by intermarriages." Says that if twenty or thirty virtuous young men could be found to take part in Knox's plan, he is convinced "they would tame & civilize the Indians and render them valuable Members of Society." Discusses two main obstacles that will hinder the plan: the hostile disposition of the Indians and the "supposed dishonor of such a Union." Writes that the plan would be most successful along the frontiers, and suggests that in addition to the proposed idea for intermarriage, young Indian boys should be raised among white families in order to learn "husbandry and the mechanical arts." Goes on to discuss "plans for the civilization of the Indians" in great detail, expressing his wish that government will peaceably "tame & civilize so dreadful a foe ... "
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