Important Early Report on the Fur Trade and Indian Affairs

"Report of the Secretary of War, of a System, Providing for the Abolition of the Existing Indian Trade Establishments of the United States, and Providing for the Opening of the Trade with Indians to Individuals…", U.S. Government

In this 14 page report, Calhoun proposes to end the “factory system” which required Indians to trade at government-run trading posts or “factories.” The original intent was to offset the influence of British and French traders, reduce abuse of the Indians and build positive relationships between the Federal government and the tribes. The factories were not trusted by the Indians who preferred to deal with private traders. Calhoun’s report proposed the creation of a government chartered company to manage the fur trade as a monopoly. John Jacob Astor supported the end of the factory system but opposed the government sponsored monopoly. When the factory system was ended in 1824, Astor was successful in defeating the efforts for a government monopoly of the fur trade, and instead used the end of the factory system to create his own private monopoly. Calhoun’s report is especially important in the history of Indian affairs for two other recommendations. Calhoun called for the creation of a “superintendent of Indian affairs” responsible for “general management of Indian affairs.” When Congress did not agree, Calhoun in 1824 administratively established the Bureau of Indian Affairs which continues to this day. Calhoun also recommended that Indians be settled permanently on reservations with defined boundaries. The reservation system was instituted formally in 1851. Octavo, hardbound in modern brown cloth.

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Condition: B+

Text is lightly toned with minor foxing as is typical for the period. Modern cloth covers are fine.