The Native American

The following letter from one of the most distinguished men in the West, shews how the cause spreads, and how zealous the true American is, in support of our principles. It is addressed to one of the officers of this Association:

St. Louis, July 25, 1837.

Dear Sir, I perceive in the National Intelligencer of the 15th inst., received this morning, that the native American citizens of the city of Washington, on the 11th inst., held a meeting, and formed an Association for the purpose of taking measures to protect our country from future interference, by foreigners, in its affairs. As one of those measures, and unquestionably one of the best—the establishment of a newspaper at the seat of Government, advocating the cause of native Americans, is spoken of as likely to take place.

Though both by name and personally, unknown to you, I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of addressing, as a member of the "Native American Association of the United States," and expressing to you how deeply gratified I am, that the native American sons of our patriot sires are, at length, rousing themselves to a knowledge and resistance of the influence, which foreigners have, heretofore, so largely and injuriously exerted in the governmental affairs of our beloved country. It is time that we, who were born on the soil of free America, and hence have the greatest interest in, and feeling for, her welfare—or ought to have—should insist on being our own governors; and should expel from our midst, a presence, which, under the guise of seeking liberty among freemen, is fast enslaving those whose companionship it proposes to enjoy. Nothing can effect this, but a united, determined, and vigorous action in support of the principles avowed and adopted by the Association, of which you are an officer.

In this action, all true hearted native Americans will unquestionably take a part; and the sooner an opportunity is presented to them, throughout the whole country, of doing so, the better. My most earnest desire is, to contribute all that I can to bring about a result so devoutly to be prayed for. I can best do that here, by endeavoring to extend the circulation of the paper, proposed to be published in Washington; and my principal object in addressing you is, to request that I may be furnished with some copies of the prospectus of that paper-to which, I have no doubt, I can obtain a good many subscribers in this place. Please forward them to me, as soon as possible, and advise me as to the progress of the Association, for the increasing prosperity of which, accept my warmest wishes.

Would it not be well to make an effort to get petitions from all parts of the Union, to Congress at its next session, on the subject of the naturalization laws?

With the most enduring interest, in all that relates to the welfare of my native American brothers, I am truly yours,