the valuable skin and fur trade which our territory supplies, be diverted to the ports of the United States, instead of Canada, it would not only give a handsome emolument to our merchants, and increase our revenue by the additional consumption of imported goods, but it would also confirm the dependence of the Indians upon us. The principal objection made by the traders to whom I have recommended the carrying of their furs and peltry to the ports of the United States, is, that there are none of our merchants who make the importation of Indian goods, or purchase of furs and peltry their business, and of course they are not always certain of making sale of their coinmodities, or of obtaining in return goods suitable for their purpose; both of which, they are sure of when they go to the British merchants, who are exclusively employed in this kind of traffic.
Sec. of War to Harrison
Sir: It is the ardent wish of the President of the United States, as well from a principle of humanity, as from duty and sound policy, that all prudent means in our power should be unremittingly pursued for carrying into effect the benevolent views of congress relative to the Indian nations within the jurisdiction of the United States. The provisions made by congress, under the heads of intercourse with the Indian nations, and for establishing trading houses among them etc. have for their object, not only the cultivation and establishment of harmony and friendship between the United States and the different nations of Indians, but the introduction of civilization, by encouraging and gradually introducing the arts of husbandry and domestic manufactures among them. The President is more induced to continue to raise all the means in his power for effecting the foregoing object from the happy effects already produced in several of the Indian nations, by the zeal and industry of the agents among them.
With a view of giving every assistance in the power of the executive, to the measures contemplated, relating to the Indians generally, the President has considered it necessary to make the following regulations:
