Meaning: The quote you provided is from Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, and it reflects his views on the condition of Native American tribes in the western United States during his presidency. Van Buren served as president from 1837 to 1841, a time when the United States was expanding westward and encountering indigenous tribes as part of its territorial expansion.

In this quote, Van Buren expresses a belief that the Native American tribes living in the western territories were experiencing a period of prosperity and advancement. He notes that they have largely transitioned from a hunter-gatherer way of life to engaging in agricultural pursuits, which he sees as a positive sign of progress and potential for their "early civilization."

During Van Buren's presidency, the United States government implemented policies aimed at relocating Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the eastern United States to territories in the West. This forced removal, known as the Indian Removal Act, resulted in the displacement and suffering of many indigenous people, most notably the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations, who were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in what became known as the Trail of Tears.

Van Buren's statement about the "highly prosperous" condition of the tribes in the West should be understood in the context of the government's broader policy of Indian removal and the subsequent establishment of reservations in the western territories. The reality for many Native American tribes during this period was one of forced relocation, loss of traditional lands, and disruption of their ways of life.

While Van Buren's statement may have been intended to portray the government's policies in a positive light, it is important to critically examine the historical context and the actual experiences of Native American tribes during this time. The forced removal and resettlement of indigenous peoples had devastating consequences, including the loss of lives, cultural upheaval, and the erosion of tribal sovereignty.

Furthermore, the transition to agricultural pursuits that Van Buren mentions was often a result of government pressure rather than a voluntary choice by the tribes. The imposition of agricultural lifestyles and the reservation system were part of a broader effort to assimilate Native Americans into Euro-American society and undermine their traditional ways of life.

In the decades following Van Buren's presidency, the plight of Native American tribes continued to be marked by ongoing challenges, including land dispossession, broken treaties, and cultural suppression. It was not until the 20th century that significant efforts were made to address the injustices inflicted upon indigenous peoples and to recognize their sovereignty and rights.

In examining Van Buren's quote, it is crucial to consider the complex and often tragic history of Native American relations with the U.S. government. While Van Buren's words may have reflected a particular perspective of the time, it is essential to recognize the broader historical realities and the continued resilience of Native American communities in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Martin Van Buren's quote about the condition of Native American tribes in the West reflects a perspective that should be critically examined within the context of the broader historical treatment of indigenous peoples in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often troubled history of Native American relations with the U.S. government and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition of tribal sovereignty.