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Show 16 Wilcomb Washburn, in Indian in America ([1975], p. 85), reminds us that powerful tribes, such as those mentioned above, were still, in fact, able to assert their '• independence: "The period of Indian-white equality did not depend primarily upon white recognition of that equality, however. It was based first of all on the power of the Indian to maintain that equality." In an attempt to control the actions of the states, and to stress the role of the United States in regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, Congress enacted a series of Trade and Intercourse Acts. Pertinent sections of the Acts of July 22, 1790, March 30, 1802, and June 30, 1834, are included here for your information. You will observe that there is some change in language over time, but the general intent seems to remain the same. Trade and Intercourse Act July 22, 1790 SEC. 4. And be it enacted and declared, That no sale of lands made by any Indians, or any nation or tribe of Indians within the United States, shall be valid to any person or persons, or to any state, whether having the right of pre-emption to such lands or not, unless the same shall be made and duly executed at some public treaty, held under the authority of the United States. Trade and Intercourse Act March 30, 1802 SEC. 12. And be it further enacted, That no purchase, grant, lease, or other conveyance of lands, or of any title or claim thereto, from any Indian, or nation, or tribe of Indians, within the bounds of the United States, shall be of any validity, in law or equity, unless the same be made by treaty or convention, entered into pursuant to the Constitution: and it shall be a misdemeanor in any person, not employed under the authority of the United States, to |