Amherst, the biological warfare against Indian-americans in XVIII century
Lord Jeffrey Amherst was commanding general of British forces in North America during the final battles of the French & Indian war (1754-1763). He won victories against the French to acquire Canada for England and helped make England the world's chief colonizer at the conclusion of the seven years war among the colonial powers
Colonel Henry Bouquet letter to Amherst, suggest in a postscript, the distribution of infected blankets to inocculate the Indians
Amherst to Bouquet letter in which he approves this plan in a postscript and suggests as well as to try every other method that can serve to extirpate this execrable race.
These letters also discuss the use of dogs to hunt the Indians, the so-called "Spaniard's Method," which Amherst approves in principle, but says he cannot implement because there are not enough dogs. In a letter dated 26 July 1763, Bouquet acknowledges Amherst's approval and writes, "all your Directions will be observed."
Bouquet letter to Amherst, dated 23 June 1763. Three weeks before the discussion of blankets to the Indians, stating that Captain Ecuyer at Fort Pitt has reported smallpox in the Fort. This indicates at least that the writers knew the plan could be carried out.
Several other letters from the summer of 1763 show the smallpox idea was not an anomaly. The letters are filled with comments that indicate a genocidal intent, with phrases such as:
"...that Vermine ... have forfeited all claim to the rights of humanity"
"I would rather chuse the liberty to kill any savage...."
"...Measures to be taken as would Bring about the Total Extirpation of those Indian Nations" - Amherst to Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of the Northern Indian Department, 9 July 1763
"...their total extirpation is scarce sufficient attonement...." - Amherst to George Croghan, Deputy Agent for Indian Affairs, 7 August 1763
"...put a most effectual stop to their very being" - Amherst to Johnson, 27 August
"... every tree is become an Indian" - Col Bouquet
"The Turtles Heart a principal Warrior of the Delawares and Mamaltee a Chief came within a small distance of the Fort Mr. McKee went out to them and they made a Speech letting us know that all our posts as Ligonier was destroyed, that great numbers of Indians [were coming and] that out of regard to us, they had prevailed on 6 Nations not to attack us but give us time to go down the Country and they desired we would set of immediately. The Commanding Officer thanked them, let them know that we had everything we wanted, that we could defend it against all the Indians in the Woods, that we had three large Armys marching to Chastise those Indians that had struck us, told them to take care of their Women and Children, but not to tell any other Natives, they said they would go and speak to their Chiefs and come and tell us what they said, they returned and said they would hold fast of the Chain of friendship. Out of our regard to them we gave them two Blankets and an Handkerchief out of the Small Pox Hospital. I hope it will have the desired effect. They then told us that Ligonier had been attacked, but that the Enemy were beat of"
- Journal of William Trent, commander of the local militia of the townspeople of Pittsburgh during Pontiac's seige of the fort, May 24 1763
Source: http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal...lord_jeff.html
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Originally Posted by Ludicus
