Welcome to Call to Decision 

 Subject: American Minute - Aug. 29 - "Beloved Cherokee..." -Gen. George Washington

 American Minute with Bill Federer

 August 29

 "Beloved Cherokees," wrote President Washington on AUGUST 29, 1796,

 "The wise men of the United States meet once a year, to consider what
 will be for the good of their people...

 I have thought that a meeting of your wise men...would be alike
 useful to you...

 I now send my best wishes to the Cherokees and pray the Great Spirit
 to preserve them."

 On May 12, 1779, Washington addressed the Delaware Indian Chiefs at
 the Middle Brook military encampment:

 "Brothers: I am glad you have brought three of the Children of your
 principal Chiefs to be educated with us...

 Congress...will look upon them as their own Children."

 Washington continued:

 "This is a great mark of your confidence and of your desire to
 preserve the friendship between the Two Nations...and to become One
 people with your Brethren of the United States...

 You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above
 all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and
 happier people than you are."

 Washington concluded:

 "Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise
 intention; and to tie the knot of friendship and union so fast, that
 nothing shall ever be able to loose it...

 I pray God He may make your Nation wise and strong."