“Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the sum of four hundred thousand dollars ... be ... appropriatedto devote money or assets to a specific purpose appropriated which is defined as to devote money or assets to a specific purpose to defrayto provide for the payment of defray which is defined as to provide for the payment of the expenses incurredto become subject to; to bring upon oneself incurred which is defined as to become subject to; to bring upon oneself by the State of California, in the suppression of Indian hostilities therein, in the years 1854, 1855, 1856, 1858, and 1859.”
Source Analysis Questions
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The State of California sought reimbursement from the federal government for its expenses “in the suppression of Indian hostilities.” What does this source tell us about the federal government’s role in the atrocities committed against the Native Americans of California?
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The act says that the money is for “the suppression of Indian hostilities.” What do you think this means? Why might the act be worded this way?
