ORGANIZATION OF A NEW INDIAN TERRITORY, EAST OF THE MISSOURI RIVER. ARGUMENTS AND REASONS SUBMITTED TO THE HONORABLE THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 31ST CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES. BY THE INDIAN CHIEF KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOUH, OR GEO. COPWAY.
New York: S.W. Benedict, 1850. 32pp. Disbound. Ink spot on first few leaves, light dusting and minor foxing. Else Very Good.
Copway was born in 1818 in Ontario. "His father was an hereditary chief of the Rice Lake Chippewas, a medicine man, and an excellent hunter." DAB. After his conversion by a Methodist missionary, he spent his life as a missionary in the Old Northwest. Here called "the Chippeway Chief," he presents a sympathetic portrayal of the oppression of American Indians. With America's great migration westward, "groans of the Indian are occasionally heard by the intoxicated and avaricious throng in the way of complaint; he has waited for justice, while those who have wronged him, like the wild horses of his prairie, neigh over his misfortunes." Copway argues for their rights. The deplorable conduct of white men, including introduction of a variety of diseases, is primarily responsible for the degraded condition of American Indians. He urges that the Indians be granted a vast tract of "unsettled land" between Nebraska and Minnesota, on the eastern banks of the Missouri river. Letters and testimonials in support of Copway's plan are included.
FIRST EDITION. Howes C771. Field 367. Sabin 16719. Not in Decker, Eberstadt. Item #20719
Price: $275.00