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In the formation of a system for the regulations of Indian Affairs, a preliminary enquiry into the ultimate objects to be attained becomes necessary. The anomalous situation, which in a political view they occupy, compels us to ascertain with precision how far we ought to interfere in their internal affairs, and what duties we have a right to expect from them. The performance of our obligations to them and of theirs to us is the object, for which an Indian Department is organized. The best method of effecting this is the object of a system for the Government of that Department. Without entering into any metaphysico political disquisition upon the natural rights of the Indians, their relative situation with respect to us and the uniform practice of all nations with whom they have been brought into contact since the discovery of this Country, and a continued succession of treaties have ascertained with sufficient precision the mutual obligations, which attack to them and to us --