Thomas Jefferson : Indian Addresses To the Brothers of the Choctaw Nation December 17, 1803 BROTHERS OF THE CHOCTAW NATION: We h
ave long heard of your nation as a peaceful and friendly people; but this is the first visit we have had from its great men. I welcome you here; am glad to take you by the hand, and to promise you that we are their friends. Born in the same land, we ought to live as brothers, doing to each other all the good we can, and not listening to wicked men, who may try to make us enemies. By living in peace, we can help one another; by starting war, we can kill many on both sides; but those who survive will not be the happier for that. Then, brothers, let it forever be peace and good neighborhood between us. Our seventeen States make up a great and growing nation. Their children are as the leaves of the trees, which the winds are spreading over the forest. But we are just also. We take from no nation what belongs to it. We will give you a copy of the law, made by our great Council, for punishing our people, who try to take your lands, or injure you otherwise. Carry it with you to your homes. Preserve it. It is the shield which we spread over you, to protect your land, your property and persons. What word does Jefferson use throughout the passage to establish a kinship between the white settlers and the Native Americans?
A.) countrymen
B.) neighborhood
C.) council
D.) brother
