During the infancy of our great country, The United States of America, the US Senate and House of Representatives would need a place to come together in order to advance our quickly growing country and the challenges faced during that expansion. During the third and fourth years of President George Washington's term, the 2nd United States Congress would hold this duty, lead by John Adams and with historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson. Aaron Burr, Robert Morris, John Taylor, James Monroe & others playing a crucial role in the formation of our early affairs. One issue that was certainly new, yet not at all resolved at the time was the interaction between settlers and indigenous Indian Tribes. Which brings us to our next termendous offering with this original two page 1793 Indian Trade act signed off by Thomas Jefferson and agreed upon by the members of the 2nd US Congress.
Titled "to regulate Trade and Intercourse with the Indian Tribes" the Act reads in part: In Part: no person shall be permitted to carry on trade or intercourse with the Indian tribes… as the President of the United States shall authorize to grant licenses for that purpose… And be it further enacted that every person, who shall attempt to trade with the Indian tribes, or shall be found in the Indian country, with such merchandize in his possession, as are usually vended to the Indians, without lawful license, shall forfeit all the merchandize, offered for sale to the Indians, or found in his possession, in the Indian Country, and shall moreover, be liable to a fine exceeding one hundred dollars, and to imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, at the discretion of the court, in which the trial shall be..The act does show protection for the Indians as well.;And be it further enacted, that if any citizen or inhabitant of the United States, or of either of the territorial districts of the United States, shall go to own, settlement, or territory belonging to any nation or tribe of the Indians, and shall there commit murder, robbery, larceny, trespass or crime, against the person or property of any friendly Indian or Indians, which if committed within the jurisdiction of any state, or within the jurisdiction of either of the said districts, such offender shall be subject to the same punishment, as if the offense had been committed within the state or district, to which he or she may belong, against a citizen thereof; The Act also throws out the offer of aid,; And be it further enacted, that in order to promote civilization among the friendly Indian tribes, and to se cure the continuance of their friendship, it shall and may be lawful for the President of the United States, to cause them to be furnished with useful domestic animals, and implements of husbandry, and also to furnish them with goods or money, in such proportions as he shall judge proper.;
With the new challenges faced daily by the youthful country, acts such as this were of utmost importance to help Settlers in their mission to acquire land, and the Governments attempt to do so peacefully. Signed at the conclusion by acting Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson with a bold black ink autograph, along with printed approval by President George Washington. It's worth noting at Act's, let alone ones of internal affairs, are extremely scarce from this time-period and are not only worth of a centerpiece to any collection, but are considered museum quality. Overall in fine condition with surface impressions, multiple horizontal folds, minor tape repair & discoloration. Truly one of the most historic documents we have ever handled!
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