1825, he proposed a plan to remove the tribes scattered through the several States, to a tract of country west of the Mississippi, and to unite them in one nation, with some plan for their government and civilization.  This proposition meeting with a decided opposition on the part of many of the Indians, was modified during Mr. Adams’s administration.  It finally resulted in a plan of removing west of the Mississippi such individuals among the various tribes as would consent to go under the inducements held out; and allowing the remainder to continue in their old abode, occupying each a small tract of land.  This policy has since been pursued by the General Government, and has resulted in the removal of most of the aborigines beyond the western shores of the Mississippi.

These removals, however, have been attended with no little difficulty, and at times have led to collisions which have assumed a serious aspect.  An instance of this description occurred during the first year Mr. Adams occupied the presidential chair.  In 1802, a compact was formed between the General Government and the State of Georgia, in which it was agreed, that in consequence of the relinquishment, on the part of Georgia, of all her claim to the land set off in the then new Mississippi Territory, the General Government, at its own expense, should obtain a relinquishment, from the Creek Indians, of all their lands within the State of Georgia, “whenever it could be peaceably done upon reasonable terms.”

In compliance with this agreement, the United States had extinguished the Indian title to about fifteen millions of acres of land.  At the close of Mr. Monroe’s administration, over nine millions of acres were still retained by the Indians.  The State authorities of Georgia became very anxious to obtain possession of this also.  At the solicitation of Gov.  Troup, President Madison sent two Commissioners to make a treaty with the Creeks, for the purchase of their lands, and the removal of the Indians beyond the Mississippi.  But the Creeks, having begun to appreciate and enjoy the comforts of civilization, and the advantages of the arts and sciences, which had been introduced into their midst, refused to treat on the subject, and passed a law in the General Council of their nation, forbidding, on pain of death, the sale of any of their lands.  After the close of the council, a few of the Creeks, influenced by a chief named M’Intosh, met the United States Commissioners, and formed a treaty on their own responsibility, ceding to the General Government all the Creek lands in Georgia and Alabama.  When intelligence of this treaty was circulated among the Indians, they were filled with indignation.  Their General Council met—­resolved not to sanction a treaty obtained in a manner so dishonorable and illegal—­and despatched a party of Indians to the residence of M’Intosh, who immediately shot him and another chief who had signed the treaty with him.