Primary sourceLetter7 September 1783
To James Duane, 7 September 1783
George Washington · 7 September 1783
A letter from George Washington setting out his views on how the new United States should deal with Native American nations and their lands.
Washington personally wrote this letter outlining his proposed policy toward Native nations after the Revolutionary War.
About this source
What it is
A letter written by George Washington on 7 September 1783 to James Duane, a member of Congress, while Washington was staying at Rocky Hill. It survives in his collected writings.
Why it matters
Washington discusses policy toward Native nations after independence, warning against uncontrolled settlers and speculators seizing land. It shows how the earliest American leaders were already shaping policies that would affect Native peoples for generations.
Look closer
- Why does Washington worry about "land jobbers" and "speculators" rather than about Native nations' rights?
- What does this letter suggest about Washington's priorities for the new nation?
- Whose perspective is missing from this letter?
This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of George Washington on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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