Andrew Jackson, First Annual Message to Congress (1829)

One of the many controversial issues of the early nineteenth century was the

removal of the numerous indian tribes from there native land. Andrew jackson, "A

former frontiersman and Indian fighter," was a major catalyst in the removal of the

Native Americans. Perhaps in response to the controversy surrounding Jackson's

actions concerning the removal of the Indian, and obviously to justify his and the

United States' conduct towards the Native American people, jackson delivered a

message to congress. The message is displayed in the message and papers of

the presidents in a book titled " Andrew Jackson, First Annual Message to Congress"

(1829) The message simply stresses the choice to continue to remove the indians

from their natural endowment.

One of Jackson's justifications is that america's intentions have always been to

help the natives. He says, " professing a desire to civilize and settle them, we have

at the same time lost no opportunity to purchase their lands and thrust them farther

into the wilderness." He is declaring that America's attempt to rob the natives of their

land happened inevitably. This is a description of manifest destiny. Jackson States

that the fate of the indians losing their land surly awaits them if they remain within the

limits of the state and does not admit of a doubt. Humanity and national honor

demand that every effort should be made to avert so great a calamity. With this

Jackson was basically warning the natives about not cooperating with America's

manifest destiny. the indians should just cooperate peacefully or be subject to

(America's) laws.

The despora of the native americans, a major issue of the early nineteenth

century, is one that still touches the hearts of many, even today. Any literature

developed during the time era referring to the removal of the indians some of which

were illustrated Caucasian perspectives, one that is