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-Project Gutenberg's Civilization of the Indian Natives, by Halliday Jackson

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-Title: Civilization of the Indian Natives

-       or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn

-       Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania

-

-Author: Halliday Jackson

-

-Release Date: July 7, 2017 [EBook #55063]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CIVILIZATION OF THE INDIAN NATIVES ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Wayne Hammond and the Online

-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

-file was produced from images generously made available

-by The Internet Archive)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-[Transcriber’s Note:

-

-The corrections in the errata on page 120 have been incorporated into

-the original.]

-

-

-

-

-CIVILIZATION

-

-OF THE

-

-INDIAN NATIVES;

-

-OR,

-

-A Brief View

-

-OF THE FRIENDLY CONDUCT

-

-OF

-

-WILLIAM PENN

-

-TOWARDS THEM

-

-IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA;

-

-_The subsequent care of the Society of Friends in endeavouring to

-promote peace and friendship with them by pacific measures_;

-

-AND

-

-_A concise narrative of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of

-Friends, of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts adjacent, since the

-year 1795, in promoting their improvement_

-

-AND GRADUAL CIVILIZATION.

-

-BY HALLIDAY JACKSON.

-

-“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former

-desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of

-many generations.”--_Isaiah_ lxi. 4.

-

-[Illustration]

-

-_PHILADELPHIA_: MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET.

-

-_NEW YORK_; ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET.

-

-1830

-

-

-

-

-ADVERTISEMENT.

-

-

-Our readers have, no doubt, perused with satisfaction the numbers which

-have appeared from time to time in this periodical, respecting the

-Seneca Indians--their habits, superstitions, &c. The facts which these

-articles embraced, were rendered the more interesting, by the late

-difficulties which had been manifested between the United States, and

-several southern and western tribes, upon the subject of their lands,

-and the right by which they held them in possession.

-

-Since the conclusion of these interesting numbers, we have been

-favoured by the writer with a more enlarged and particular narration,

-respecting the situation of the Indians, in the early settlement of

-this country--in which a concise view is presented of the proceedings

-of William Penn, in relation to them at the period of the first

-settlement of Pennsylvania. A very particular description is also given

-of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsylvania,

-New Jersey, &c. touching the means adopted to increase their happiness,

-and improve their moral and physical condition. Many speeches, highly

-characteristic and beautiful, delivered by distinguished chiefs, in

-council, will be found interspersed through the narrative.

-

-Having concluded, in our last number, the works of WILLIAM SHEWEN, we

-think we cannot better occupy, for a few weeks, the pages heretofore

-devoted to that work, than by appropriating them to the interesting

-subject, of which the above is an outline, and which the writer has

-kindly given us permission to publish. It may then be preserved in the

-same manner as the works just completed, and will form a small but

-valuable book for all classes.

-

-

-

-

-PREFACE.

-

-

-Believing that some account of the measures pursued by the Society of

-Friends, towards the Indian natives, may prove an auxiliary in the

-cause of humanity, and probably interest the serious and benevolent

-mind in behalf of the aborigines of our country, whom we consider as

-children of one universal parent, who is no respecter of persons, but

-regards with equal care all nations, whether of a fair complexion or

-a tawny skin; I am, therefore, induced to believe that every thing

-relating to their history may prove interesting to posterity, when they

-shall be told that such a race of men, who may then have passed away,

-once inhabited this populous country. And having acquired considerable

-knowledge of some of the Indian tribes, and of the progress some of

-them have made in the arts of civilized life, I am induced to offer a

-concise view of the friendly intercourse that has subsisted between

-the society of Friends and the aborigines of our country, from the

-time the illustrious William Penn, and some of his cotemporaries first

-landed on the American shores, and exhibited to the world, the singular

-spectacle of establishing a new model of government, amidst a mixture

-of persons of different nations, and different civil and religious

-opinions, surrounded by savage tribes of Indians, without recourse to

-any coercive measures--which has since been the wonder and admiration

-of mankind.

-

-His great treaty, too, with the Indians, was also made without the

-solemnity of an oath, and has been immortalized as the only treaty, so

-made, that has never been broken.

-

-In most of the histories, in which we can trace the character of the

-Indian nations, we find them to abound either with romantic tales, or

-scenes of cruelty and barbarity, calculated to excite prejudice in

-the mind of the reader; but in this will be found the conciliating

-language of peace and mutual friendship, and a disposition on the part

-of the Indians, to exchange the tomahawk and scalping knife, for the

-plough and the hoe, and peacefully betake themselves to the innocent

-employments of the pastoral and agricultural life.

-

-Although the author has spent but a small portion of time in a personal

-residence among this people, in comparison with many others, yet he can

-acknowledge, that the short time devoted to that service embraced some

-of the happiest moments of his early life. For, although deprived of

-the social comforts of society, and far removed from all the near and

-tender connexions of his youthful days, yet from a full conviction of

-the rectitude of the work, and the incalculable good, under the divine

-blessing, that might finally result to that people, the wilderness was

-often made as it were an Eden, and the desert as the garden of the

-Lord. “Joy and gladness was found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice

-of melody.”

-

-During the author’s residence among the natives, as well as on several

-visits since that period, he had a fair opportunity of noticing the

-gradual improvement of the Indians, in some of the arts of civilized

-life, by which he is enabled to furnish, he trusts, well authenticated

-accounts of the benefits which have resulted to that people from the

-benevolent exertions of the society of Friends. And, although these

-exertions may appear to be limited in their operation towards a reform,

-yet when we take into view the numerous tribes of Indians within and

-circumjacent to the United States, there is reason to hope, that the

-instruction already afforded to several tribes, and the advancement

-they have made in some of the most useful arts of civilized life, will

-have a stimulating influence on their more distant brethren.

-

-

-

-

-A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS, &c.

-

-

-The benign spirit of the gospel, operating upon the benevolent mind of

-that eminently distinguished character William Penn, induced him, at

-the very commencement of the settlement of Pennsylvania, to cultivate,

-by the exercise of gentleness, kindness, and the love of peace, a good

-understanding with the natives; and in all his transactions with them,

-by scrupulously adhering to the law of universal righteousness, which

-dispenses justice to all, and infringes on the natural rights of none,

-he pursued the best means of establishing harmony between them and the

-new settlers, and thereby ensured their confidence and friendship.

-

-In a letter which he sent them by his deputy, previous to his arrival

-in America, dated Eighth month, 1681, he called their attention to

-the existence of a supremely good, ALL-WISE BEING, and to his law

-written in the heart, by which men are taught to love, help, and do

-good, one to another; and briefly informed them respecting his grant

-from the king, and assured them that he desired to enjoy it with their

-love and consent, that they might always live together as neighbours

-and friends. Then, in allusion to some of the other settlements on

-this continent, which in too many instances having been marked with

-injustice and oppression, were followed by melancholy and distressing

-circumstances, he proceeded more at length to unfold to the natives

-the motives and principles, by which he was actuated towards them,

-adding: “The people I send are of the same mind, and if in any thing

-any shall offend you, or your people, you shall have a full and speedy

-satisfaction for the same, by an equal number of just men on both

-sides, that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended

-against them.”

-

-In the year 1682, William Penn first arrived in this country, and

-began to purchase land of the Indians, exemplifying the sincerity of

-his previous declarations, by giving them full satisfaction for every

-grant, accompanied with the best advice for promoting their comfort and

-happiness.

-

-Thus began that firm and lasting friendship with the natives, which

-continued during the life of William Penn, and with the religious

-society of which he was a member, for the space of seventy years; that

-is, as long as the society retained sufficient influence, effectually

-to interpose between the natives and the other inhabitants, so as to

-prevent misunderstandings, or to redress such grievances as occurred.

-A friendship which to this day remains unobliterated between the

-society of Friends and the Indians who have knowledge of them, and is

-a standing proof that the gentle and upright conduct inculcated by

-the gospel, as exemplified in the practice of William Penn, is a far

-more effectual means of preserving treaties inviolate, and insuring

-the permanent enjoyment of reciprocal benefits, than the system of

-violence, fraud, and oppression too frequently resorted to, on such

-occasions.

-

-By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives, the

-parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as

-brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs,

-ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which

-was not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.

-

-William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians, during

-his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious nature;

-and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the advice he

-gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard to justice

-so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them: hence, the

-name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do the

-society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with much

-veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be advanced

-as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent behaviour

-of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude, but

-the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have on

-the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in the

-early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an entire

-wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a scanty

-supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the new

-settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining

-food--but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were

-much alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in

-supplying their necessities; not only extending their beneficence to

-those of the society of Friends, but generally to such as were under

-the patronage of William Penn--thereby evincing towards them the

-genuine spirit of hospitality--frequently visiting them in their houses.

-

-In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly

-excluded from the proprietory agency to which the management of

-Indian affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians

-became corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of

-their lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in

-some of the tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of

-Pennsylvania. Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered,

-in consequence of a war which continued for several years. But

-notwithstanding the diminished influence which the society of Friends

-now possessed in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties

-with the Indians, they did not relax their endeavours to improve every

-opportunity of cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and

-promoting a peaceable disposition; for which purpose they formed an

-association among themselves, denominated the “friendly association for

-gaining and preserving peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”

-

-To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to

-the amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the

-governor’s permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such

-a discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating

-demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to have

-a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace; which

-desirable event took place in 1775.

-

-About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the

-United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the

-Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the

-purpose of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly

-Meeting, believed it right to address congress on the occasion,

-thereby showing the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had

-heretofore been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and

-friendship with the original owners of the soil for the settlement

-of existing differences: at the same time, suggesting that if their

-religious instruction and civilization were rightly promoted, it

-might essentially contribute to conciliate the minds of the Indians,

-and restore harmony between the contending parties. Although the

-representation was well received, the measures recommended were not

-then adopted, and the calamities of war still continuing to prevail on

-the western frontiers of the states, the Yearly Meeting held in 1792,

-appointed a large committee to unite with the former, (commonly called

-the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate on the momentous subject,

-and, if practicable, to recommend such measures as would be most likely

-to promote peace and friendship with the Indian tribes, and thereby

-prevent the further effusion of human blood.

-

-In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited

-Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the

-United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be

-held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these

-Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some

-Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they

-represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from

-their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence

-to the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In

-accordance with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace,

-the proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to

-accompany the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion,

-after having obtained the president’s approbation.

-

-These Friends were present at several interviews with the

-commissioners, and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand

-council composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many

-different nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the

-minds of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the

-several subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied

-with the conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of

-peace, the treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in

-having an interview with the Indians in general council. They had,

-however, reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted

-with their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient

-attachment to the society was measurably renewed.

-

-Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the

-representatives of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at

-Canandaigua, in the state of New York, and government approving the

-same, four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable

-address was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in

-the language of the address,) for you the descendants of the first

-inhabitants of this land of America, whom our forefathers found here

-after they had crossed the great waters.”

-

-About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion,

-and these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of

-endeavouring to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to

-be derived from living in peace with one another, and with all men,

-and with the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that

-they might draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still

-retained a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their

-forefathers met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued

-to distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his

-descendants, expressing that if _we_ deceived them they should no more

-place confidence in mankind.

-

-The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable

-adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established

-between these nations and the United States.

-

-During this visit, many of the difficulties and sufferings to which the

-Indians were subjected, were brought into view, and their situation

-appeared loudly to claim the sympathy of those who had grown opulent

-on the former inheritance of these poor declining people. Hence these

-Friends suggested the propriety of the society of Friends, pursuing

-some plan of rendering them more essential service than had hitherto

-been rendered.

-

-Again in 1795, a treaty was held with some of the western tribes of

-Indians, and, although Friends did not send a deputation to attend

-it, they nevertheless, forwarded a suitable address, calculated to

-evince their love of peace, and ardent desire for the restoration of

-harmony between the Indians and the government of the United States.

-This letter was accompanied by suitable presents, directed to the

-care of General Anthony Wayne, who informed Friends that they were

-gratefully received by the Indians, and also, that there now was the

-fairest prospect of a lasting peace and friendly intercourse between

-the citizens of the United States, and the aborigines of America.

-

-Peace accordingly once more took place between the United States

-and the Indians, after many years of war and devastation; but this

-cessation of hostilities was purchased, on behalf of the Indians, by

-the relinquishment of a large tract of their country north-west of the

-river Ohio, and they were also otherwise left in a poor and destitute

-situation.

-

-Previous to this period, several of the Indians’ chiefs had, in a

-pathetic manner, applied to the society of Friends to remember them in

-their distressed situation, and also to instruct them in the modes of

-civilized life.

-

-The following speech, from Gay-us-hu-ta, an ancient chief of the Seneca

-nation, on the borders of Pennsylvania, is worthy of preserving on

-record:

-

-“Brothers, the sons of my beloved brother Onas--When I was young and

-strong, our country was full of game, which the great spirit sent for

-us to live upon. The lands which belonged to us, were extended far

-beyond where we hunted. I, and the people of my nation, always had

-plenty to eat, and always something to give to our friends when they

-entered our cabins, and we rejoiced when they received it from us.

-Hunting was then not tiresome. It was diversion--it was a pleasure.

-

-“Brothers, when your fathers asked land of my nation, we gave it to

-them--Gay-us-hu-ta was always among the first to say, “Give land to our

-brother Onas, for he wants it--and he has always been a friend to Onas

-and his children.”

-

-“Brothers, your fathers saw Gay-us-hu-ta when he was young, when he had

-not even thought of old age or of weakness--but you are too far off to

-see him now--he is grown old, he is very old and feeble, and he wonders

-at his own shadow, it has become so little. He has no children to take

-care of him, and the game is driven away by the white people, so that

-the young men must hunt all day to get game for themselves to eat--they

-have nothing left for Gay-us-hu-ta. And it is not Gay-us-hu-ta only

-that is become old and feeble; there yet remains about thirty men of

-your old friends, who, unable to provide for themselves, or to help one

-another, are become poor, and are hungry and naked.

-

-“Brothers, Gay-us-hu-ta sends you a belt, which he received long ago

-from your fathers, and a writing which he received but as yesterday

-from one of you; by these you will remember him and the old friends of

-your father’s in this nation. Look on this belt and this writing, and

-if you remember the old friends of your fathers, consider their former

-friendship and their present distress, and if the good spirit shall put

-it into your hearts to comfort them in their old age, do not disregard

-his counsel. We are men, and therefore need only tell you, that we

-are old and feeble, and hungry, and naked, and that we have no other

-friends but you, the children of our beloved brother Onas.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Cornplanter, a

-chief of the same nation, to Friends in the year 1791.

-

-“Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the great spirit intends they

-should not continue to live by hunting, and they look round on every

-side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them

-to do. Your fathers dealt honestly with our fathers, and they have

-engaged us to remember it: we wish our children to be taught the same

-principles by which your fathers were guided.

-

-“Brothers, we have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach our

-children what we perceive their situation requires them to know. We

-wish them to be taught to read and write, and such other things as you

-teach your children, especially the love of peace.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Two Friends visited some of the Indians of the Delaware nation near

-Muskinghum, in the year 1793. The following is a speech of one of their

-chiefs named Neet-wot-willimon, on the occasion.

-

-“Brothers, we are glad, and rejoice in our hearts to see our brothers,

-the Quakers, speaking before us--we feel the grace that is in your

-hearts conveyed to us, and we wish to be of the same religion, but

-we are poor, and weak, and not capable of judging for ourselves--we

-hope you will have pity upon us, and instruct us how to gain a more

-comfortable living--and, also, how we may come to obtain everlasting

-happiness: when we think of our poor children, our hearts are affected

-with sorrow--we hope you will send us teachers.”

-

-These circumstances, together with the remembrance of the kindness

-of the natives to the early settlers in this country, continued to

-interest the feelings of the society of Friends in their behalf, and

-from motives of religious obligation, the Yearly Meeting, held in

-Philadelphia in the Ninth month, 1795, appointed a large committee

-for the special purpose of promoting the improvement and gradual

-civilization of the Indian natives, in such a way and manner, as would

-best tend to meliorate their condition; and to render an account

-annually to the Yearly Meeting of their progress therein. This

-committee promoted liberal subscriptions through the society--appointed

-a clerk and treasurer, and held stated meetings to deliberate on such

-measures, as, under the divine blessing, might best promote the real

-welfare of these inhabitants of the wilderness.

-

-In order more fully to learn the disposition of the several tribes of

-Indians bordering on the state of Pennsylvania, it was an early object

-with the committee, to address to them a circular letter, informing

-them of the objects the society had in view for their benefit--and also

-therein communicating much salutary advice and counsel; which letter

-was also accompanied by one from Timothy Pickering, then secretary of

-state, in which he expresses a hearty co-operation with the views and

-plans of the committee, and the necessity of the Indians’ gradually

-declining their former modes of procuring sustenance, and betaking

-themselves to the cultivation of the soil, and raising domestic animals.

-

-In his letter he says--

-

-“Now, Brothers, I have the great pleasure to inform you, that your

-good friends, the Quakers, have formed a wise plan to show your young

-men and boys the most useful practices of the white people. They will

-choose some prudent, good men to instruct them. These good men will

-do this, only from the love they bear to you, their fellow men, and

-children of the Great Spirit whom they desire to please, and who will

-be pleased with the good they do to you.

-

-“The Quakers, and the good men they employ, will ask nothing from

-you, neither land, nor money, nor skins, nor furs, for all the good

-they will render to you. They will request only your consent, and the

-attention of the young men and boys to learn what will be so useful.

-

-“Brothers, if this first attempt succeed, the way will be open in which

-your young people may learn other useful practices of the white people,

-so as to enable them to supply all their own wants; and such as choose

-it, may learn to read and write.

-

-“Having thus explained to you the plan of your friends the Quakers, I

-conclude, with heartily recommending it to your adoption, as better

-calculated to procure lasting and essential benefits to your nation,

-than any plan ever before attempted.

-

-“Wishing it great success, I remain your friend and brother,

-

-  “TIMOTHY PICKERING.

-

-“_Philadelphia, February 15, 1796._”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Timothy Pickering also wrote to the superintendent of the six nations,

-and to the interpreter for the United States, requesting them to

-prepare the minds of the Indians for the intended plan formed by the

-society of Friends, to introduce among them some of the necessary

-arts of civil life. Those letters were explained to various tribes of

-Indians, who generally expressed their approbation of the measures

-proposed.

-

-The Oneidas, however, and those Indians settled on the Oneida

-reservation, comprehending the Stockbridges--and a part of the

-Tuscaroras, near the sources of the Mohawk river, in the state of New

-York, were most solicitous to co-operate with Friends in the intended

-experiment for a reform in the Indian mode of life.

-

-In the spring of the year 1796, three young men, who offered their

-services to spend some time in the instruction of the natives, were

-accompanied by four of the committee into the Oneida country, and

-provided with implements of husbandry, carpenters’ and smiths’ tools,

-and other necessary accommodations. The Indians received them with

-joyful countenances, and gave them a hearty welcome to their villages.

-Their first council was held with the Stockbridges. These Indians

-are not of the six nations. They were said to consist of about sixty

-families, and three hundred individuals; and possessed upwards of

-twenty-three thousand acres of land, which had been given to them

-by the Oneida nation. They had a saw-mill, three carts, three pair

-of good working oxen, and some other things, which they enjoyed in

-common; but, in general, possessed their improvements and other fruits

-of their industry as private property; and little appeared to be

-wanting, but a spirit of industry, frugality, and sobriety, to make

-their situation comfortable. After giving them such advice as their

-situation required, Friends held a general council with the Oneidas,

-about four miles distant from the Stockbridge settlement. Here they

-fully explained the nature of their embassy, and endeavoured to

-impress the Indians with the necessity of a change in their manner of

-life, and the means whereby it might be accomplished, if they became

-industrious, cultivated their land, and raised cattle, sheep, and other

-domestic animals--also, that their women should learn to spin, knit,

-and manufacture their clothing.

-

-The Indians appeared well satisfied with the offer that had been made

-them, and the prospect of the young men staying among them to assist

-them. The women, especially, who had great reason to coincide with

-the views of Friends in this business, appeared to be well satisfied;

-for in proportion to the rude and uncultivated state of these people,

-are the hardships of their women increased; they having most of the

-drudgery to perform; such as hoeing corn, chopping wood, carrying

-burthens, &c. while their men are sporting with their bows and arrows,

-and other similar diversions.

-

-It was supposed the Oneidas at this time possessed about two hundred

-and forty square miles of land. They were, in number, about six

-hundred and twenty. They had a saw-mill, built by government, and a

-considerable number of cattle, horses, and some working oxen. With

-these, and their annuities from the government, they might, with a

-proper application on their part, have become good livers, abounding

-in the necessary comforts of life. But such were their excessive

-indolence, want of economy, and love of strong drink, that instead of

-improving the means in their power to make themselves comfortable, they

-were poor and wretched; and many of them, a great part of the year,

-almost reduced to a state of starvation. The little corn and other

-produce the women raised with their hoes, were frequently bartered

-for strong drink. The evil effects of this practice, Friends were

-particularly concerned to remark, in their councils; and some exertions

-were said to have been used by their chiefs, to prevent strong liquor

-from being sold in their villages.

-

-Friends also had a council with the Brotherton Indians, about nine

-miles from the Stockbridges, composed of fifty-six families, and

-possessed of about nine thousand nine hundred acres of land. They also

-had a saw-mill, and a considerable number of cattle and other animals.

-They also had an interview with a smaller tribe of the Tuscaroras,

-who lived on the Oneida’s land, and furnished them with some goods,

-and implements of husbandry, encouraging them to industry, and sober

-habits, whereby they might partake plentifully of the blessings of

-the Great Spirit. They had further satisfactory interviews with the

-Stockbridge Indians, and in addition to the implements of husbandry

-they had given them, presented them with a set of smiths’ tools. At

-the close of their communications, an old chief replied to them as

-follows:--

-

-“Brothers, I am glad to see you, in my heart, and to hear your good

-words--you use us just like a father--I am old--have lost all my

-family--and cannot live many days--but all this spring, I think the

-Great Spirit will send me some comfort in my trouble--but nobody say

-any thing to me, till now, you are come,--I wish I was young, then I

-would do what you say--I will go and see your young men at Oneida,

-every two or three days, and tell our young men how you do.”

-

-The principal chief of the nation, on behalf of the rest, expressed

-much satisfaction for the kind offers Friends had made them, especially

-for the smiths’ tools; stating that they had suffered much for the want

-of them, having had to go many miles, and sometimes lose many days, to

-get one link of a chain mended.

-

-The committee who accompanied the young men, now having spent near a

-month in the Indian country, and having obtained a house to accommodate

-them, and got satisfactory arrangements made between them and the

-Indians, set out homewards. On their way, about thirty miles westward

-of Oneida, they called to see a small tribe of the Onondaga Indians.

-They were about one hundred and thirty-five in number, and possessed

-about twelve thousand eight hundred acres of good land, but were in

-a poor and miserable condition, spending their time in idleness, and

-much given to intemperance; even pawning the blankets they received

-from government, for liquor, before they got them home. Friends had an

-interview with them, and endeavoured to impress them with the necessity

-of a change in their manner of life, and the advantage that would arise

-from habits of industry and sobriety; letting them know that they were

-willing to help them a little, but that their main object was to get

-them to help themselves.

-

-They also visited a small tribe of the Cayuga Indians, about seventy

-miles westward from Oneida, said to be about sixty in number, in a

-similar situation to the Onondagas. To these the committee promised to

-send some implements of husbandry, which were afterwards furnished them.

-

-The three young men now stationed at Oneida, began to set before the

-natives an example of industry, and to use endeavours to promote in

-them a like disposition; but they, being unaccustomed to labour, and

-naturally averse to habits of industry, continued in their former

-pursuits. Friends then improved a piece of land, without assistance

-from the natives, hoping some of them would be induced to follow their

-example. They also repaired and worked a saw-mill, belonging to the

-Oneidas, and instructed several of the Indians in the knowledge of

-sawing.

-

-In the fall of this year, one of the young men returned home, and

-another who offered his services, went forward to that station.

-

-The ensuing winter, Friends opened a school for the instruction of the

-children, and an Indian, qualified by an education in New England,

-taught the Stockbridge children, and was allowed a salary by Friends

-for several years.

-

-In the year 1797, but little improvement was made by the Oneida

-Indians. Sickness prevailed among them, which Friends did not wholly

-escape. One of the young men went to distribute some implements of

-husbandry, &c. among the Onondaga, and Cayuga Indians, and to encourage

-them to apply themselves to the use of them, earnestly recommending

-them to sobriety and industry, as the only means of promoting

-their happiness. For while they remained in habits of idleness and

-drunkenness, they would be poor and miserable. They were grateful for

-the presents received, and promised to apply themselves to the use of

-them; but said, that “drinking rum, and getting drunk they were not

-able to keep from, because it was running all round them; that they

-lived on an island, and the white people gave them drams, and then they

-craved more, so that they thought it was impossible to leave it off,

-they had been so long accustomed to it; but they were in hopes the

-young people would learn better.”

-

-In the fore part of this summer, the Oneida Indians, as was their

-usual custom, (to supply themselves with food, being urged thereto by

-necessity,) went on an expedition, about twenty miles, to the other

-side of the Oneida lake, after young pigeons. These they caught in

-great abundance, and after salting them in bark troughs, brought them

-home to their villages.

-

-In the Ninth month, this year, another of the young men returned from

-the Oneida settlement, by whom the principal chiefs of that nation

-addressed a letter to the committee, expressive of their gratitude for

-the favours received, and their satisfaction with the conduct of the

-young man who had resided among them.

-

-The Sachems of the Stockbridge nation also sent a letter, from which

-the following is extracted:

-

-“Brothers and friends, attend. We the Sachems and counsellors of the

-Mohikonick or Stockbridge nation, send our voice to you. We feel

-rejoiced that the great, good Spirit, has put such light and love in

-your hearts, and influenced your minds to such a degree, as to have

-compassionate feelings towards us, the natives of this island. We ever

-have felt the gladness on our hearts, to find and see with our own

-eyes, that you have not only spoke good words from your lips, but have

-been doers of the good work--you have extended your charity towards

-us in this wilderness. You have taken the pains to come up, year ago

-last summer--you have sat with us in council, you have given us many

-good councils--you have raised our heads which were hung down--you have

-directed our eyes to see the good path of life--you have put tools on

-our hands--you have hung a good kettle by the side of our fire-place,

-whereby our food may be cooked without any trouble--you have even put

-a good staff into the hands of our children--that they may be enabled

-to learn the path that leads to good life, and indeed you have done

-much good for us. By these means we have been enabled to avoid many

-difficulties--our young men are greatly encouraged, and our old men

-comforted.

-

-“Brothers, we hope that in a future day, you will rejoice, that what

-you have done for us was not in vain. The kindness which you have

-done to us is by this time sounded in the ears of our allies, the

-different nations towards the setting sun; for it was the custom of our

-forefathers, when any thing was done for them by the white people--all

-their friends and allies must know of it.”

-

-  Signed by six Chiefs.

-

-_Dated New Stockbridge, 9th mo. 1797._

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-A desire was expressed by the Indians, that some of their daughters

-might be brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia to receive

-instruction. Accordingly six girls, aged from nine to eighteen years

-were received, and placed in the families of Friends in Chester county,

-to be instructed in school-learning, and the usual branches of

-housewifery and domestic economy, where some of them remained several

-years.

-

-In the spring of the year 1798, (in order to induce the Indians to

-labour,) a proposition was made to hire some of them to assist in

-improving the land allotted for a farm; but they were so irregular in

-working, that the plan was abandoned. Some days nearly thirty would

-come to work, and on other days, scarcely one was to be had. They

-therefore engaged a number of lads and young men whom they boarded, and

-allowed a reasonable compensation for their services.

-

-At this time some improvement had taken place. Many of the Indian men

-would assist their wives in working their little lots of land; but they

-experienced some difficulty from the want of a blacksmith, to make and

-repair their tools. A Friend, however, well qualified to instruct them

-in this business, offered his services, who, with his wife, and another

-female, desirous of spending some time in the instruction of the Indian

-women, proceeded to that settlement, and were usefully engaged in the

-benevolent object of improving the condition of the natives.

-

-In the Seventh month, this year, this settlement was visited by two

-of the committee, who assisted the Friends there, in making some

-arrangements with the Indians relative to the smith’s business, and

-otherwise imparting suitable encouragement to them in regard to the

-cultivation of their land.

-

-About this time, and for some time previous, (probably instigated by

-the evil insinuations of some designing white men,) some of the Indians

-had manifested suspicions of the sincerity of Friends’ views. They knew

-that the improvement made on their land, and the various tools and

-implements of husbandry furnished them by Friends, must have cost a

-great deal of money, and they had not been witnesses of any instance,

-where white people had come forward in such a manner to assist Indians,

-but, sooner or later an interested motive discovered itself--therefore,

-some had fear that it was intended to make a permanent establishment,

-and lay claim to a part of their land. And indeed when we advert to

-the many impositions practised upon this much injured people, by those

-who have gone among them, under the character of missionaries, and

-religious instructors, we cannot much marvel that this should be the

-case.

-

-Friends, however, expostulated with them on various subjects, relative

-to their improvement, and reminded them of their ungrateful surmises

-and whisperings in this respect--and told them, that they had never

-asked any of their land--they never should--nor would they take it,

-if offered to them--and that they had no other inducement for staying

-among them, spending their time and their money, but their own good.

-

-In their reply to Friends, the Indians, by way of apology,

-mention--“There are some had people, who have spoke against you, that

-you had a design to take away our land; and sometimes when our minds

-were not right, we believed such talk--and this made us feel very

-ugly--but now we are convinced, and sorry we believed such things. We

-are satisfied that you are a true people, and we will continue to be of

-that mind.”

-

-This visit seemed (to use the Indian term,) to brighten the chain of

-friendship; and the prospect of improvement assumed a more encouraging

-appearance. A comfortable dwelling house and barn were built this

-year, and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed in

-cultivating the farm. A large quantity of grain, hay, and vegetables

-were raised--affording ample proof to the natives, of the beneficial

-effects of cultivating the soil.

-

-Several of them, also, acquired considerable knowledge of the

-blacksmith’s business, and many of their young women and girls received

-instruction in spinning, knitting, sewing, and other domestic affairs,

-and some progress was made in their school learning.

-

-In the spring of 1799, a more encouraging prospect of success, in

-improving the condition of the Indians, was apparent. Several of the

-Indian men improved lots of land for their own benefit, which they

-sowed with wheat, and other grain. The smith’s business continued to

-be attended to by them, and Friends, with the aid of the Indians,

-continued to work their farms; nor were their exertions, either this

-or any former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as

-opportunities for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to

-the various parts of the Indian settlements, and afforded assistance in

-as many ways, as the necessities of the natives required.

-

-As the Indians at this place had now obtained sufficient instruction to

-enable them, by proper application, to procure a comfortable living,

-it was concluded by Friends, that the time was drawing near, when it

-might be right to withdraw from them, and to convince the Indians of

-their disinterested motives, by leaving all their improvements, tools,

-and implements of husbandry for their own use and benefit; and with

-a view of making this arrangement, four of the committee visited the

-settlement in the Ninth month this year. After viewing the progress

-made by the Indians in the agricultural art, and also finding that two

-of them had acquired the knowledge of the blacksmith’s business, so

-fully as to be likely to answer all the work the natives might stand in

-need of, and others having applied themselves to the use of carpenter’s

-tools, so as to be capable of building good houses, barns, and making

-ploughs, harrows, and many other implements of husbandry, it appeared

-that very little was wanting but application on their part, to put

-themselves in a way of living comfortably, and of procuring or raising

-in a plentiful degree, most of the necessaries of life.

-

-Friends now had a free and open conference with the Indians, on the

-subject of relinquishing that settlement, and told them, as they had

-at the first, that they came not among them to make them presents that

-would soon slide away, but to teach them some of the useful practices

-of the white people; that they had now set before them a clear example,

-and showed them what a great deal of produce for the support of life,

-might be raised from a small piece of land; and expressed a hope they

-would take their advice, and follow the example they had set before

-them, informing them that there were a great many more of their Indian

-brethren that stood in need of assistance and instruction--and hoped

-they would be satisfied with what was already done for them.

-

-To the communications of Friends on this occasion, an ancient chief,

-Skenandoah, made the following reply, on behalf of the nation:--

-

-“Brother Onas attend. We know you told us you came not amongst us to

-make us presents that would soon wear away, but to stay some time--to

-instruct us how to gain a comfortable living, by tilling the ground, as

-the white people do. Now you have staid the time you proposed, and have

-fulfilled all your engagements to our nation, and we shall follow the

-good example you have set before us, which we know would be of lasting

-benefit to us; and we thankfully acknowledge your kindness, having

-never heard of any people who have done so much for Indians, without

-any view of advantage to themselves--which is a convincing proof to us

-that you are our real friends. And we are glad the good spirit has put

-it into your minds to assist others of our Indian brethren, in learning

-the same good way of living, for which we also thank you, as well as

-for the good advice you gave us about strong drink; and we will try all

-we can to persuade our young men to do better.

-

-“And now Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you, we

-wish you would tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for now

-we know you are a true people, and we will keep this writing and tell

-our young men and children every year, that they may always remember

-your friendship.”

-

-Near the close of the year, the Friends at Oneida having made the

-necessary arrangements about the distribution of the property, which

-consisted of between two and three hundred bushels of grain, a quantity

-of hay, a cow, a number of hogs, a cart, ploughs, harrows, carpenter’s

-and smith’s tools, household and kitchen furniture, all for the benefit

-of the Indians, they had a parting conference with them, when they

-presented them with the following address in writing.

-

-“Brothers of the Oneida nation. We are now about to leave you, and

-return to our respective homes. We desire to speak to you in a few

-words. You know it is more than three years since your friends, the

-people called Quakers, have been endeavouring to assist and instruct

-you how to gain a comfortable living, by cultivating your land, and

-some of us who are here, have left our near connexions and friends in

-order to be useful to your nation.

-

-“Now, Brothers, we have set before you a clear example, how to till

-your land, so as to raise plenty of wheat, and other good things for

-your support. We wish you, therefore, to improve the opportunity, by

-which means you may come to live happy and plentifully by the fruits of

-your own industry and care. We have often told you that we want nothing

-from you for all our trouble and expense, but the improvement of your

-nation.

-

-“Brothers, you have now the advantage of having most of your smith

-work done by your own people, which is not the case with any of your

-brethren to the westward. If you do not improve the advantages you

-have, you must blame yourselves for your poverty and distress. We

-entreat you, therefore, to be wise for your own interest, and leave

-off the practice of drinking strong drink, (for you know it has been

-the cause of most of your difficulties,) and try to pursue a sober,

-industrious course of life. Then we believe the good spirit will bless

-you with lasting benefits; and as we have endeavoured to live in peace

-among you, we wish you to live in peace one with another, that your

-good example may be a blessing to your children--always remembering,

-that your welfare and happiness as well as the improvement of your

-children will depend much on your sobriety and industry.

-

-“Brothers, we now leave you, hoping your good understanding will

-incline you to pursue the way we have endeavoured to point out to you.

-We now bid you farewell.”

-

-The Indians, both of the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, made replies

-of considerable length to our friends on this parting opportunity, in

-which they expressed their sense of gratitude for the many services

-Friends had rendered them; and, among other things, stated, that “they

-would endeavour to pursue the path Friends had pointed out to them,”

-and further added:--

-

-“Brothers, it is now a long time since the white people have lived on

-this island. They have frequently told us they loved us--but none of

-them have ever tried to instruct us in cultivating our land before. We

-now see, brothers, that your society has manifested more regard for the

-welfare of the Indians, than any other people, for which we thank you.

-We also thank the Great Spirit that he has put it into your hearts to

-love and regard Indians.”

-

-These Friends arrived in Philadelphia in the First month, 1801.--It

-was hoped that the labour bestowed upon those Indians would eventually

-prove a blessing to them, and that the spirit of industry that had

-been discovered in individuals, would gradually progress from family

-to family, and have a powerful and beneficial influence on many of the

-adjacent tribes-and, in time, also, on those more remote.

-

-In the autumn of this year, the Stockbridge girls, who had been placed

-among Friends in the fall of 1797, were returned to their parents.

-They had acquired a considerable knowledge of school learning, and of

-spinning, knitting, sewing, and the different branches of housewifery.

-

-To show a specimen of their improvement in school learning, I will here

-give a copy of a letter written by one of them, the following spring

-after their arrival among Friends, in which time she had acquired so

-much of the English language, as to enable her to convey her ideas by

-writing:

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-  _New Garden, Third mo. 10th, 1798._

-

-“My dear mother: I will try to let thee know how I do so far from

-thee--I have been well ever since I left thee. I would be glad to see

-thee mother--I want to see thee, and brothers and sisters, and all

-Stockbridge friends--I want to see father--I like to live in this

-country pretty well--and dear friends clever--me live in clever house,

-very good man, make clocks--make porringers and spoons--me like to

-see him--I can knit stockings and spin--I have made sampler--I know

-how to mark my clothes, then I know my own--three girls make bonnets

-and do all work--I work a little, play a little--go to meeting a

-little--sometimes walk--sometimes ride on horseback, when roads are

-muddy--the girls’ mother very good old woman--I love her--she learns me

-to work.

-

-  MARY PETERS.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-My dear Brother--Me live well at very good house. I love thee, and

-sisters, and mother--I want see you all--Friends say, may be we all go

-back to Stockbridge before next winter--I think I have told thee all I

-can now, so bid thee farewell.

-

-  MARY PETERS.

-

-N. B. This letter my own hand writing, so you may see I learn write.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-The following is an extract of a letter written by one of the Indian

-girls after her return home, dated the Ninth month, 1803, to one of

-the women Friends who had engaged in the instruction of the natives at

-Oneida.

-

-“I have spun some flax and wool since I come home, and made some cheese

-to show our Indians how to make cheese--they be very much pleased to

-know how to make cheese--some said they never thought Indians could

-make cheese so well. They began to try to keep cows ever since to make

-cheese and butter. Some of them began to sow some flax, and good many

-of our Indians got sheep--meat good to eat, and wool good for cloth. I

-hope we will do better every year. Good many have left off drinking,

-and some of them drink very hard yet. I have been to see Oneidas not

-long ago--they improve very much since thee come away--good many have

-new frame houses and frame barns--they improve very much ever since

-they left off drinking. I believe three hundred of men and women left

-off drinking this sometime past--I hope they will keep their words

-good.”

-

-By some information received afterwards, it appears some of these

-young women married soon after their return and settled themselves to

-industry, lived well, and some Friends calling to see them, were kindly

-received and hospitably entertained by them.

-

-After the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania withdrew

-their attention from the Oneidas, and those Indians in the vicinity,

-they came more particularly under the notice of Friends of the Yearly

-Meeting of New York, who had formed similar plans for the improvement

-and civilization of the Indian natives.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-

-_Friendly intercourse between the Society of Friends, and various

-nations of Indians._

-

-It seems necessary, in this place, to go back a little in the order

-of time, and give some account of the interviews with the chiefs and

-others, of various nations of Indians, who at different times visited

-Philadelphia.

-

-As the minds of Friends were attentively opened to the great object

-of the concern, in promoting the well-being and gradual improvement

-of the Indian natives, every opportunity was embraced of cultivating

-a friendly intercourse with them, and of giving such counsel and

-encouragement as seemed to be adapted to their situation, accompanied

-with some such aid in implements of husbandry and other things, as

-their necessities demanded.

-

-In the Ninth month, 1796, Benjamin Hawkins superintendent of the

-Creek nation, settled in the interior of Georgia, was introduced to

-the committee on Indian affairs. He brought with him four lads of

-that nation to be educated; two of whom were placed with Friends,

-where they remained several years, and were instructed in school

-learning. He also suggested the propriety of furnishing those Indians

-with some mechanical tools, which were procured and forwarded to

-them, accompanied by a suitable address, from which the following is

-extracted:

-

-“Brothers, we feel it in our hearts to tell you that the great and good

-spirit, made all people with a design that they should live in peace

-and good will, and that it is for this end he hath placed his law in

-the hearts of all men, which, if carefully attended to, would keep them

-in love and friendship--and teach them to avoid every thing that would

-lead them to hurt and destroy one another.

-

-“Brothers, are you not sensible that when you are quarrelsome, or have

-done any bad action, that you are made sorrowful and uneasy, and that

-on the contrary when you are serious, and do good actions, your minds

-feel easy, pleasant, and comfortable? This is from the good spirit,

-who is all love, and who hath placed his law in our hearts, to give us

-peace and comfort when we do well, and make us sad and uneasy when we

-do evil.

-

-“Brothers, we are glad in believing that the good spirit has influenced

-the hearts of our great men to do the Indians good; and we earnestly

-desire, that you may be so wise as to follow their good advice in

-trying to improve your fertile land by farming, and raising cattle,

-sheep, and hogs; so that you may have food and clothing for yourselves,

-your wives, and your children.”

-

-About the beginning of the year 1797, Friends had satisfactory

-interviews with deputies from various nations, among whom were some of

-the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians, inhabiting the

-northern and western parts of Georgia; and the Shawanees, Chippewas,

-and Pottawattamies, living on the waters of the Wabash river, and

-bordering on lakes Michigan and Superior.

-

-To these Indians suitable presents were made to a considerable amount.

-In divers conferences had with them, Friends informed them of the

-nature and effect of their peaceable principles, and testimony against

-wars and fightings--their care of the society in first settling

-Pennsylvania, under the patronage of William Penn, whom the Indians

-called brother Onas, not to settle on lands that were not fairly

-purchased and paid for to the satisfaction of the natives, with whom

-friendship, harmony, and mutual kind offices long subsisted. They

-also informed them of their continued desire to maintain this amity,

-by exerting their best endeavours and influence for the healing of

-differences between white people and Indians. They endeavoured to

-explain to their understandings how much the attainment of this happy

-end depends upon cherishing, in ourselves, the benevolent disposition

-inseparable from the true spirit and practice of real Christianity.

-They also recommended them to instruct their youth in modes of living

-more conformable thereto, than had heretofore been customary with

-them, and especially warned them against the pernicious effects of

-using spirituous liquors.

-

-A number of the chiefs expressed great satisfaction with these

-interviews. Some of them said they remembered to have heard of

-such a people as the Quakers; but the account remained with them

-an uncertainty, until now they had witnessed its reality; that the

-sentiments and advice communicated, was such as they had never heard

-before; that it had sunk deep into their hearts, and that they wished

-it conveyed to their people more extensively by personal visits from

-some of the Quakers. One of them remarked particularly on the counsel

-imparted not to revenge injuries, and gave repeated assurances, “that

-although he had heard of two of his people being killed, he was

-determined not to retaliate, but to adhere to peace.”

-

-An ancient chief of the Creek nation, among many other things said,

-“Brothers, I am an old man, yet I have travelled much this year to

-promote peace. I went many hundred miles to the treaty on the frontiers

-of Georgia, held by the commissioners of the United States, and of the

-State of Georgia, with my nation, where several matters were adjusted

-to my satisfaction. I then returned home, but in a short time, came

-by invitation to this city, to make the chain of friendship still

-brighter. On my way, and since coming here, I have met with nothing

-unpleasant; nor do I regret all the toil and fatigue of a long journey

-to establish a firm peace. I believe the Great Spirit above made both

-white and red men; but I suppose it is because we are red men, that the

-white men impose upon us, and try to get our land, which we do not want

-to part with.

-

-“Brothers, I am glad to find there are a people who love peace, and

-give such good advice to red men. I was a stranger to you, till since

-my coming here. You kindly took notice of me. A few days ago one of

-your women delivered a talk which I have hid deep in my heart. I never

-heard such an one before. I want to tell it to my nation, after I get

-home--and for fear I should forget some of it, I should like to have it

-in print that it might be fully explained to them.”

-

-In the First month, 1798, the Little Turtle, a chief of the

-Miami nation, and some other western Indians, were introduced

-to the committee by a letter from General James Wilkinson, then

-commander-in-chief of the army of the United States, to his

-brother-in-law, Owen Biddle, of Philadelphia. In this letter, he wrote

-as follows, “When we contemplate the fortunes of the aborigines of our

-country, the bosom of philanthropy must heave with sorrow. What would

-not that man, or that community merit, who reclaims the untutored

-Indian--opens his mind to sources of happiness unknown, and makes him

-useful to society--since it would be in effect to save a whole race

-from extinction? For, surely, if these people are not brought to

-depend for sustenance on their fields instead of their forests, it will

-be found impossible to reclaim their present habits; and the seeds of

-their extinction already sown, must be matured.

-

-“The bearer of this letter, the Little Turtle, is forcibly impressed

-with these truths, and is anxious to co-operate in a fair experiment on

-his tribe. It is with this view that I introduce him particularly to

-you, in hopes you may think proper to recommend him to the patronage of

-the benevolent society of which you are a member.”

-

-Friends had satisfactory interviews with these Indians, and suitable

-presents were given to them. The Little Turtle expressed a strong

-desire for the improvement of his people, and hoped Friends would use

-their endeavours to promote the work of civilization among them.

-

-The committee embraced this opportunity of addressing a general letter

-to the Miami Indians, and other nations united with them, in which they

-reminded them of the ancient friendship that subsisted between their

-forefathers and Friends, in the early settlement of this country--that

-the chain of friendship had been kept bright for more than one hundred

-years, by mutual acts of kindness to each other, and that while Friends

-had the chief direction of public affairs in Pennsylvania, there was

-no war between the white people and Indians in that state: but since

-those times of brotherly kindness, some men had given way to the

-power of the bad spirit in their hearts, so as to become desperately

-wicked, coveting their neighbours’ goods, and even thirsting for blood.

-This had caused wars and fightings, and produced much misery in the

-world--and that the society of Friends were concerned to persuade their

-rulers to do justly, and maintain peace with the Indians, and with all

-men--and were also very desirous that the Great overruling Spirit of

-love, might so influence and direct the councils of the Indian nations,

-and so dispose their hearts to peace, that the sound of war might no

-more be heard in their land.

-

-They were, also, in this address, especially warned against the

-pernicious effects of spirituous liquors, which concern may be

-understood to have been particularly attended to in most of their

-communications to the Indians.

-

-In the summer of this year, Friends received a letter from the Little

-Turtle, giving them an account of the safe arrival of the articles sent

-to his nation. They also received one from the Creek nation, giving

-an account of the reception of the implements of husbandry forwarded

-to them, for which they expressed a sense of gratitude for the great

-benefit to that nation.

-

-In the Twelfth month, this year, Friends had a satisfactory interview

-in Philadelphia, with two chiefs of the Ottawa nation, two chiefs

-of the Pottawattamies, and the principal chief of the Chippewa

-nation, who were accompanied by Jonathan Sheffelin, agent and Indian

-interpreter, being then on an embassy to the president of the United

-States.

-

-At the conclusion of a speech made by Kekis, (the Sun) the principal

-chief of the Pottawattamies, on behalf of the three nations, he

-presented six strings of white wampum as a token of brotherly regard

-for the society of Friends.

-

-Among other things, in his speech, he says--

-

-“Brothers, we are an ignorant people, and don’t know what is right as

-well as you do. We have often been persuaded by the white people to

-join in their wars against one another. A great while ago, the French

-set us against the English. They should have taught us better things.

-I hope, however, our hearts will become as white as the wampum in my

-hand. The Great Spirit above has made us, as well as you; though we are

-not of one colour. He has put it into our hearts to live in peace with

-the white people. I believe it is his will that we should meet together

-in the centre of this great island. I am sensible your hearts are good

-towards your brothers the red people.

-

-“Brothers, when you came to see us at Detroit,[1] we wanted to see you;

-but other people would not suffer us to take you by the hand. If they

-had been of our minds, you would have had us round you then, as you are

-now round us. Colonel M’K.[2] prevented us. We return you thanks for

-the good you came for. Our wives and children shed tears because they

-could not come to you. When they said we will go, he said, you will

-be disappointed, they will not give you so much as a needle full of

-thread. We believed it--our dependence was on them.

-

-“Brothers, we hope you will continue your friendship to us, and help us

-to keep our lands. I speak from my heart. We know you are not capable

-of giving bad advice. The Great Spirit hears what we say, and it will

-be known among our people, so long as red men shall remain upon this

-island.

-

-“Brothers, these six strings of wampum, in the sight of the Great

-Spirit, are to sweep all the bad things away from between us.

-

-“If the white people should want to spill our blood again, we hope you

-will use your endeavours to preserve peace.”

-

-These Indians also presented a large belt of ten strings of white

-wampum from the Delaware nation, with a speech of considerable length

-in writing, from which we extract the following.

-

-After acknowledging the kindness of Friends, and the good advice

-communicated in the speech which they had received by the hands of the

-Miami chief, the Little Turtle, they say--

-

-“Brothers, you strongly recommend peace--we are much inclined to peace.

-The war axe is long since buried deep in the bottom of the great

-lake--so very deep, that we hope the evil Spirit will never be able

-to take it up again. There we hope it will ever remain, and never be

-thought of by any of us. We hope that the master of life, who disposes

-of all things according to his will and pleasure, may also so dispose

-the hearts and minds of his white brethren, as they used to be at that

-time when our forefathers first met on this great island, and smoked

-the pipe of peace with your grandfather Onas, (Penn) on the very same

-spot where your great village (Philadelphia) now stands.

-

-“Brothers, at that time the hearts and minds of men were white and

-good. The evil spirit who works in the inside of the bodies of men, had

-then no power over them. Our villages were peaceful, and our paths,

-at that time, were covered with flowers, and we knew nothing of war.

-But soon after, the bad spirit fixed himself deep in the hearts and

-minds of our white brethren. They made war against each other, and

-soon taught us to be as wicked as themselves, and, like themselves,

-cruel and unjust. It was them who took the pipe of peace out of our

-hands, and it was them who put the destructive war axe into our hands,

-to strike against their white brethren and their helpless women

-and children. They only are the cause of all our misfortunes--the

-destruction of our villages, the death of our young warriors and

-helpless women and children--the loss of our lands and our happiness.

-

-“Brothers, we are told by you, in your speech to us, that you wish

-to know our situation, and in what manner you could be of service to

-us--we are poor and pitiful indeed--destructive war has caused many

-of our families to be scattered abroad in the wilderness, insomuch,

-that we can scarcely find their places of residence. Our once peaceful

-villages exist no more. Our paths, which once were covered with

-flowers, are now full of thorns, and stained with the blood of our

-young warriors and our helpless women and children. We have almost

-considered ourselves as last men, and thrown our bodies away, but by

-the advice of our brother, Jonathan Shefflin, and the assistance of

-the Great Spirit, we will now assemble ourselves together, and form an

-extensive village on the plains of the White river. Speeches are this

-day sent to our brethren for that purpose, and we hope that by the next

-summer, we shall all be assembled at that place, when we will point out

-the means of your assisting us.

-

-“Brothers, may the great regulator of all things, he who knows the

-hearts and minds of all men, so dispose the hearts and minds of our

-Quaker brethren, that they may never be induced to withdraw their

-friendship and counsel from men who by their ignorance, are easily led

-astray by the songs of the bad birds--men who are real objects of pity,

-and who require the protection of their white brethren more at this

-time than ever.”

-

-Signed by Buckingeheles, and six other Chiefs of the Delaware nation.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-These Indian chiefs, before alluded to, were presented with suitable

-presents previous to their leaving Philadelphia, as a token of

-brotherly regard entertained for the natives of the land,--and some

-time after the committee wrote to the Delaware nation, strongly

-recommending them to betake themselves to the cultivation of the earth

-to procure sustenance, and in allusion to the time of their first

-intercourse with Friends in the early settlement of the country, they

-say:

-

-“Brothers, at that time the white inhabitants were few and inclined

-to peace; since then, they have increased to a great number, amongst

-whom we and our brethren are but as a handful. Yet the good Spirit who

-taught our forefathers to cultivate peace with the Indians and all men,

-still teaches us the same; therefore, we can take no part in the war

-with any people, and our influence in the great councils of our nation

-is very small--but we use our endeavours to persuade men to live in

-peace, and have brotherly love towards each other.”

-

-In the First month, 1802, the Little Turtle and several other chiefs of

-the Miami and Pottawattamie nations, again visited Philadelphia, when

-Friends had satisfactory conferences with them, in which the Little

-Turtle renewed in a pathetic manner his request for some assistance to

-be given his nation, to accelerate their improvement in civilization.

-Suitable advice was given them on this subject, accompanied with some

-presents: but these nations lived more within the vicinity of Friends

-of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who had formed similar plans to improve

-the condition of the Indian natives; it was therefore concluded by

-their committee, to extend aid to some of the nations north-west of the

-river Ohio--of which some account may be given hereafter.

-

-Early in the spring of 1802, a number of the Indians of the Delaware

-and Shawaneese nations came to Philadelphia, and in their conferences

-with Friends, renewed their requests for assistance in procuring some

-necessary articles, and particularly that they might be furnished with

-a schoolmaster in their towns to instruct their children.

-

-These people, being the immediate descendants from those tribes who

-were very friendly and kind to our ancestors in the early settlement of

-Pennsylvania, seemed to have a special claim upon Friends. Accordingly,

-they were furnished with a considerable amount in money, and goods

-adapted to their wants. Suitable advice was given them, encouraging

-them to cultivate their land, and raise cattle, hogs, and other useful

-animals. They lived at so remote a distance, that Friends had no

-expectation of any one of their people going among them in the capacity

-of schoolmaster.

-

-In the conclusion of their reply to Friends, they say:

-

-“May the great good Spirit above protect you for the favours you

-have shown us. The present you have made us will put us in grateful

-remembrance of you for ever.”

-

-Thus we see, in this short account of the correspondence with the

-Indians, of various and distant nations to the westward, (of which much

-more might have been said,) not only their strong attachment to the

-society of Friends, but their determination to live in peace with the

-people of the United States. We also may discover their destitute and

-miserable situation, in consequence of the ravages of war, and the wide

-field of labour that opens for the benevolent and philanthropic mind

-to extend the empire of civilization and knowledge, to these untutored

-sons of the forest. It was a pleasing reflection, at that time, that

-the benign influence of the prince of peace had so softened the hearts

-of men, that measures were contemplated by the rulers of our land

-to extend the blessings of civilization to these aborigines of our

-country; to reclaim them from their savage habits and induce them to

-adopt the innocent employments of the pastoral and agricultural life.

-But alas! the subsequent policy of the general government, combined

-with the interested motives of individual states, too sorrowfully

-demonstrate that their fate is inevitably fixed--the decree has gone

-forth--they must recede before the giant march of white population; and

-however strong their attachment to their native soil, and reluctant to

-abandon the homes of their fathers, be compelled to retreat further and

-further into the dreary abodes of an unknown wilderness, and to seek an

-asylum among more savage and barbarous tribes, towards the setting sun.

-

-We cannot but express an ardent desire, that the great controller

-of human affairs may yet so dispose the hearts of the rulers of our

-country to feelings of humanity, towards the miserable remnants of

-the Indian tribes, yet within the state governments--that they may

-preserve inviolate the _faith_ of the United States, solemnly pledged

-at the formation of the federal constitution, to protect them in their

-unalienable rights and privileges, as the aboriginal owners of the

-soil; for it is an incontrovertible truth, “that national evils will

-produce national calamities.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-I shall now resume the narrative of the proceedings of Friends in

-improving the condition of the Indians which has been progressing under

-the direction of the committee of the Yearly Meeting, for more than

-thirty years, among the Seneca nation.

-

-

-_First settlement of Friends among the Seneca nation of Indians._

-

-The noted chief Cornplanter, having, as we have already stated, opened

-the way for the introduction of the agricultural arts among his tribe,

-in the spring of the year 1798, three young men, who offered themselves

-to go and instruct them, accompanied by two of the committee, proceeded

-to his settlement. After a long journey, and much of the way through

-(then) a wilderness country, they arrived at Cornplanter’s village,

-on the Alleghany river, the seventeenth of the Fifth month. The chief

-having previous knowledge of their coming, expressed his thankfulness

-to the Great Spirit for their preservation on the way and safe arrival

-among them. They were kindly invited into his house, and inquired of

-whether they could eat Indian’s provisions, and being answered in the

-affirmative, they were hospitably entertained with the best he could

-offer them; but made a very temperate meal.

-

-This village, (which was called in their language) Jenuchshadago,

-(which means burnt house,) stood on the bank of the Alleghany river,

-about four miles south of the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. The

-land had a rich bottom, and appeared favourable for cultivation.

-The village contained about thirty or forty houses and bark cabins,

-scattered along the margin of the river, without any regard to

-a regular arrangement. The venerable chief appeared to live in

-patriarchal style; his house was not distinguished from any of the rest

-by any tokens of magnificence, except by being somewhat larger--near

-it stood a wooden image of a man, round which at stated times they

-performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.

-

-The image was about seven feet in height, elevated on a pedestal, of

-the same block, and being painted a variety of colours, it altogether

-exhibited a wild appearance.

-

-The Indians had, perhaps, from two to three hundred acres of land,

-inclosed with a sort of fence round the town, in which inclosure many

-of their women were industriously engaged in clearing off the rubbish

-and planting small patches of corn and beans, while the men were

-standing in companies sporting themselves with their bows and arrows

-and other trifling amusements, but none of them were seen assisting

-their women in the labours of the field.

-

-The Indians appeared to live poor and dirty, and it was said to be

-a time of scarcity among them, and the greater part of them under

-Cornplanter’s superintendence, estimated at about four hundred, had

-deserted their old settlements up the river, and come to live with

-their chief in this place.

-

-As it was necessary for Friends to have a general council with the

-Indians, in order to explain their views and the object of their coming

-among them, the day after their arrival, they assembled in council

-at the chief’s house, about forty of their principal men, with many

-others. Cornplanter opened the council by a short speech, expressing

-his thankfulness for the safe arrival of Friends, and the joy he felt

-when he saw them come out of the bushes the day before, to see their

-Indian brothers, who were poor and living in bad houses, covered with

-bark; and they were not able to build them better.

-

-Friends now made them fully acquainted with the nature of their

-mission, that it was in order to improve the condition of the Indian

-natives, and to teach them the ways of good and honest white people,

-that they, with their wives and children, might be enabled to live

-more comfortably, and be relieved from the distresses and difficulties

-to which they had been subjected by their old habits and modes of

-living--that these young men had concluded to leave their friends and

-comfortable dwellings, and remain for a time in the Indian country, in

-order to instruct them in the cultivation of their land, in the raising

-and managing of cattle, and also to example them in a life of sobriety

-and industry. They were also informed, that Friends had a variety

-of farming utensils, carpenters’ tools, &c. coming up the river, in

-a boat, which were intended for their benefit, in a hope, that the

-Indians, with Friends’ instruction, would diligently apply themselves

-to the use of them, that by so doing they might come to reap the

-plentiful fruits of industry; and that this was the sole object Friends

-had in view, having no desire for their lands, their skins, their furs,

-or any other part of their substance.

-

-To these propositions the Indians seemed to express a general assent;

-but took the subjects under serious consideration, until next day,

-when near evening they admitted Friends again to the council house,

-when Cornplanter on behalf of the natives made a reply, from which we

-extract the following.

-

-“Brothers, the Quakers, listen now to what I am going to say to you.

-You know, brothers, the red people are poor; they are not like the

-white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language, so

-that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly, as we

-have no good interpreter.

-

-“Brothers, we suppose the reason you came here was to help the poor

-Indians in some way or other, and you wish the chiefs to tell their

-warriors not to go on so bad as they have done heretofore, and you also

-wish us to take up work like the white people, and cultivate our land.

-Now brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you

-say, and if they do well, then will your young men stay longer amongst

-us, but some others will not mind what you say.

-

-“Brothers, we cannot say a word against you. It is the best way to

-call Quakers brothers. You never wished our lands, therefore we are

-determined to learn your ways, and these young men may stay here two

-years, and then if they like it and we like it, your young men may stay

-longer.”

-

-In reply they were informed, that the young men would want some house

-to live in, and a piece of land to work, in order to set the Indians

-an example and raise something for themselves to live upon; but that

-the land should still be the Indians’, and all the improvements they

-put upon it should be theirs, when Friends left it. They were also

-informed that the tools and implements of husbandry which were intended

-for their use, would be under the care of the young men, to lend to

-such Indians as wanted to use them, rather than to distribute them

-among them as presents; offering this reason, “that if they were given

-to them some of them might barter them away for whiskey,” as divers

-instances of intoxication had been noticed among them.

-

-On the twenty-first of the Fifth month, Friends, with Cornplanter in

-company, and several other Indians, passed up the river about nine

-miles in canoes, in order to look out for a settlement. They came to an

-ancient village called Genesinguhta, which was nearly deserted by the

-Indians--only three or four families remaining. The bottoms along the

-river side appeared fertile, though much grown over with bushes, and

-covered with abundance of fallen timber. Yet it was considered the most

-eligible place for Friends to settle, in order to be of benefit to the

-Indians, as it was on the land belonging to the nation, and where they

-intended to have a reservation located of forty-two square miles.

-

-This conclusion being proposed to Cornplanter, and he queried with,

-“whether he was willing Friends should start their fence at the river

-side,” and enclose a piece of land they pointed out to him--to which he

-replied, “I told you, brothers, the land was all before you, to choose

-where you please; but he thought that was the best place for Friends

-to settle, and this man, said he, (in whose house they then were) is

-very glad you are going to settle so near him--he is very sober man,

-he is like you, he drinks no whiskey.” He was then inquired of whether

-Friends might have liberty to cut timber in the woods for the use of

-the farm, to which he replied, “I wish you would cut all the trees

-down, and I will give you another liberty, if you see a deer you may

-shoot him, and you may catch fish in the river.”

-

-The place being finally agreed upon, several old Indian cabins were

-included in it, and one occupied by a family, which was well situated

-to accommodate Friends; the owners of it were amply compensated. The

-family immediately moved out their goods and chattels, which (though

-apparently some of their best livers,) consisted chiefly in homony

-blocks and pounders, a brass, kettle or two, some wooden bowls, and

-ladles, a leathern sack of bear’s oil, a basket of corn, some blankets,

-and a few deer skins.

-

-On the twenty-third of the month, Friends settled in their new

-habitation and made some preparations for a garden. The women of

-Cornplanter’s village, to show their hearty and good will in the

-undertaking, had previously made a collection of some seed--corn,

-potatoes, beans, squashes, and a variety of other garden seeds which

-they presented as a present to Friends, observing “that it was very

-hard to come so far and have nothing to begin with.”

-

-Previous to the two Friends of the committee leaving this station,

-another council was had with the Indians, in which they were strongly

-recommended to industry, and reminded of the unreasonableness of their

-present practice of letting their women work all day in the fields and

-woods, either in cultivating with the hoe, all that was raised for

-their sustenance, or in cutting firewood and bringing it home on their

-backs from a considerable distance, while they themselves were spending

-their time in idleness, amusing themselves with their bows and arrows,

-and other useless practices. They were also particularly expostulated

-with on various subjects relative to their civil and moral conduct, and

-especially in regard to their excessive use of strong drink, to which

-Friends in many instances had been eye witnesses. Cornplanter again

-replied to the communications of Friends, and at a subsequent parting

-opportunity, told the two Friends of the committee, that “They might

-make their minds perfectly easy about their young men, for although he

-could not answer for sickness or death, he should look upon it his duty

-to be their friend, and that they might depend upon him as such, and no

-harm should happen to them from any of his people.”

-

-On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh

-with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the

-late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance

-of old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of

-corn and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land

-being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their

-labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of

-their mode of cultivation.

-

-The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier prepared

-for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing. Great

-numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the women, who

-appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them with venison,

-fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country

-afforded--and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful

-articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &c.

-which were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives

-with lively marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in

-gaining their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which

-frequently afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.

-

-A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable them

-to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view of

-using them.

-

-From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the

-ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with

-the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life,

-would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends,

-towards ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable

-opportunity was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the

-necessity of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous

-liquors into their villages, as the first effectual step towards

-their improvement in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good

-degree carried into effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a

-little time, such prohibition took place as evidently tended to their

-advantage, and the great encouragement of Friends in their arduous

-undertaking. A hope was entertained that, although their improvement,

-at first was small, yet as they come to taste the sweets of industry,

-and enjoy the benefit of their labours, they would gradually relinquish

-their former pursuits, and follow the example Friends were setting

-before them.

-

-Divers of the Indians early manifested a disposition to have better

-houses to live in; and being furnished with the necessary tools, they

-were also afforded the requisite assistance and instruction. Several

-of them constructed in the course of this summer, much better houses

-than they had been accustomed to, and manifested a considerable share

-of ingenuity in the use of the carpenter’s tools. And while Friends

-were employed on their farm, the Indians would frequently come about

-them, and sometimes take hold of their tools and work a little--some of

-the lads were pleased with driving the horses, and every opportunity

-was embraced to prevail on them to love labour; but their natural

-proneness to idleness and trifling diversions soon evinced, that

-patience and perseverance on the part of Friends, were essentially

-necessary to inculcate in the minds of the natives, just ideas of

-civilized life, the great stimulus thereto being yet wanting, as they

-had not sufficiently acquired ideas of distinct propriety, nor tasted

-the sweets resulting therefrom.

-

-In the course of this summer, divers reports were propagated among

-the Indians that Friends had a selfish motive, and in the end meant

-to defraud them of their land. This to a people who had long been

-subjected to suffering by the intrigue of designing men, could not fail

-of making impressions on the minds of some who were rather unfriendly

-to civilization, and to induce them to scrutinize very narrowly the

-conduct of Friends towards them. These groundless reports, however,

-were contradicted, and Friends were enabled to satisfy the Indians

-generally, that no such design was contemplated; and it rather had the

-effect to increase their confidence in us.

-

-Besides attending to the business of the farm, and the various and

-frequent calls of the Indians, the young men were enabled to build for

-themselves a comfortable house, two stories high, with a cellar under

-it. Being the first of the kind, perhaps some of the natives had ever

-seen, it excited great admiration among them.

-

-The Indian women had raised, in their usual way, a considerable

-quantity of corn this summer, in small patches, interspersed among the

-bushes, wherever they found the most favourable spot to cultivate. In

-the fall, they were busily employed in collecting it with their other

-produce of vegetables, and carrying it home to their dwellings, where

-it was carefully laid by for use.

-

-One of the Friends opened a school at Cornplanter’s village, and

-remained there through the winter. At times, nearly twenty children

-attended, and made some progress in learning to spell and read; but

-as their parents had but little control over them, they were very

-irregular in their attendance, and no great progress in learning was

-made. The Friend was at times otherwise usefully engaged in aiding and

-assisting the Indians of that village.

-

-In the Twelfth month, after a considerable snow had fallen, most of the

-Indians retired to the woods to their hunting grounds, many of them

-taking their families with them. Game was now plentiful. Some of their

-best hunters killed near one hundred deer, and some even more than that

-number; taking off the skins and leaving much of the meat scattered

-about in the woods. What was collected to their camps, was through much

-hardship and fatigue to their poor women, whose task it was to carry it

-on their backs through deep snows, and often over hills and mountains.

-

-About the middle of the First month, they generally came home to their

-villages from their hunting excursions, when they made a feast, and

-performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.

-

-In the course of this winter, a chief of the Cattaraugus village,

-another branch of the Seneca nation about forty-five miles distant,

-called on Friends at Alleghany. They had a favourable opportunity of

-impressing his mind with the advantages that would result to his people

-by cultivating their land, as they possessed a country so favourable

-for agriculture, and raising cattle and other useful animals. He

-informed Friends, they were very anxious to have a saw-mill built on

-their land, and wished to have somebody to instruct them how to go on

-with their business; that when they saw and heard what improvements

-were making at Alleghany, it made them anxious to go to work.

-

-Soon after his return home, Friends received a written speech from the

-council at Cattaraugus, signed by six chiefs, in which they strongly

-solicited instructors to be sent among them, and also that they might

-be furnished with a set of saw-mill irons. This address being forwarded

-to the committee at Philadelphia, together with an account of their

-situation, it was concluded to furnish them with a set of saw-mill

-irons, whenever they should be ready to make use of them.

-

-Early in the spring of 1799, more of a spirit of industry seemed to

-exhibit itself among some of the Indians, and several who were settled

-near Friends began to work at splitting rails, and fencing in lots of

-land, as they saw Friends fence in theirs. Some who inclined to work,

-that had no families, were employed at the business of the farm, and

-seemed capable of doing as much in a day as the generality of white

-people.

-

-The use of whiskey and other strong drink had considerably decreased

-among the Indians, in the course of the last year, and many of their

-chiefs seemed desirous of preventing its introduction into their

-village. Notwithstanding which, as many of them went down the river

-in the spring to Pittsburgh and other places, to dispose of their

-skins, furs, &c. which they had taken during the late winter, they

-brought in return for their peltry, kegs full of this destructive

-article--although Friends had cautioned them against it, previous

-to their going away--with this many of them were for a considerable

-time intoxicated, so that little could be done in promoting their

-improvement while the liquor lasted.

-

-It was believed expedient, from this affecting circumstance, to have

-their chiefs and principal men collected in council, and to remonstrate

-against such conduct as well as to encourage them to avail themselves

-of the present opportunity of gaining instruction in the cultivation of

-their land.

-

-At this interview, Friends seriously expostulated with them on

-various subjects relative to their moral conduct, and endeavours

-were used seriously to impress on their minds the evil consequences

-of introducing so much strong liquor into their villages, and that

-it greatly obstructed their improvement in agriculture, because for

-it they bartered away their money and other articles with which they

-ought to purchase horses, and cattle, and implements of husbandry, to

-enable them to till their land; and that this operated as a serious

-discouragement to Friends in their arduous undertaking to instruct them.

-

-The Indians appeared seriously attentive in this council, being

-convicted in their minds of the truth of what had been declared to

-them, and in a few days after, they met in council again, and informed

-Friends that they had seriously considered the subjects proposed to

-them, and that their chiefs had come to a resolution not to permit, for

-the future, any of their people to bring liquor into their villages to

-sell to one another; that they had appointed two young chiefs to watch

-over the rest, and to endeavour to promote good order among them--and

-they desired Friends to be easy in their minds respecting them, for

-they were determined to take their advice and try to do better; that

-they had made inquiry among themselves, and could find no fault in

-Friends, or discover any fraud in any of their actions, but on the

-contrary, that the fault and bad conduct had all been on their own

-side, but now they were determined to quit those bad practices, and to

-assist their women in the labours of the field.

-

-A set of smith’s tools was procured, and a smith shop erected at

-Friends’ settlement this season, which was found useful in repairing

-the Indians’ tools. In the course of this summer, divers of the men

-assisted their women in the labours of the field. Their crops of corn

-were larger than they had been before; but as yet, none of them had

-attempted to use the plough for themselves, though Friends had ploughed

-some small lots for them with which they were much pleased, and a hope

-was entertained that the next year some of them would take hold of the

-plough and commence farming. A school house was built at Cornplanter’s

-village, and the Friend stationed there, continued through the summer,

-instructing the children, and otherwise affording aid and counsel

-to the Indians--and two Friends at Genesinguhta, besides setting

-the Indians a proper example in the improvement of their own farm,

-afforded them assistance and instruction in many ways, as convenient

-opportunities presented, and many of the Indians by this time had built

-good log houses, and generally covered them with shingles. Cornplanter

-had a saw-mill of his own, worked on the shares by a white man; this

-afforded the Indians an opportunity of procuring boards to complete

-their houses.

-

-In the Ninth month this year, the settlement was visited by four of the

-committee, one of whom had been there when the settlement was first

-formed, and was the better qualified to judge of the improvement made

-by the Indians.

-

-They had a council with the Indians, and encouraged them to persevere

-in the attempt they had already made to become farmers; and expressed

-the satisfaction it afforded them, to see the improvement they had

-made, and that their stock of cattle was increased, and especially,

-with the wise resolution they had formed, to prevent strong drink from

-being brought into their villages. The Indians were also informed, that

-the young man who resided at Cornplanter’s village, was desirous of

-leaving them and returning home to his friends before winter--and it

-was hoped another would come forward and supply his place.

-

-Cornplanter, on behalf of the Indians replied, in substance, that when

-Friends first settled among them, some of his chiefs were averse to

-it; but they had had this summer several councils among themselves,

-respecting the young men, and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct,

-and readiness to assist Indians, were now well satisfied. He hoped that

-several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore, and

-that Friends would not get discouraged, because so little was done;

-but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make

-much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the

-Friend who was about to leave them, and said he had been useful to him

-in keeping whiskey and other strong liquor out of their town; that they

-now drank much less than formerly, but he feared when the Friend went

-away, he should not be able to prevent its use so well as he had lately

-done.

-

-The deputation from the committee went from this place to Cattaraugus,

-the residence of those Indians who had requested a set of saw-mill

-irons, and other aid; but the chiefs being generally from home, they

-were addressed by a letter, giving them suitable advice on various

-subjects, relative to their improvement.

-

-In the latter end of the Tenth month, Cornplanter accompanied the

-Friend who had lived at his village, on his way as far as Canandaigua,

-where the superintendent of Indian affairs resided. At this place, he

-dictated a letter to one of the committee; the superintendent wrote it,

-and Cornplanter signed it with his mark. The following is extracted

-from it.

-

-“I thank the _Great Spirit_ for his protection in preserving me and

-my friend whom I have accompanied to this place. I hope the Great

-Spirit will still preserve my friend on his journey to Philadelphia,

-and every evening when night shall overtake him, that the Great Spirit

-will spread over him the curtain of safety,--that he may again meet

-the society that sent him among us, for the purpose of teaching us the

-useful arts of the white people; and that he may return to them my

-kind thanks, for the kind offices which they are disposed to bestow on

-us. I cannot omit this favourable opportunity to inform Friends that

-I believe the young men placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the

-trust committed to them, in endeavouring to do the best they could for

-our advantage.

-

-“Dear friends, when I first heard your voice, and learned your kind

-offers to us, I was pleased; as I thought we were apt to transgress

-the good rules of the Great Spirit, and by the aid and advice of your

-people, the Great Spirit would lend us his aid, by which we might

-become a better people. I hope you will not be discouraged, in still

-aiding us, although we make slow progress in the arts of the white

-people.”

-

-The two Friends at Alleghany were enabled this fall, for the first

-time, to sow several acres of wheat and rye, and several of the Indians

-manifested a disposition to labour, by aiding them in gathering in

-their summer crops.

-

-Near the close of this year, the two Friends residing among the Indians

-received a letter from the chiefs at Cattaraugus, expressive of their

-great satisfaction, for the advice contained in the letter which had

-been left for them last fall, and the great joy that they felt at the

-prospect of receiving instruction and assistance from the Quakers.

-

-These Indians were much addicted to intemperance, and although much

-more favourably situated than the Alleghany Indians, to make progress

-in the agricultural arts, yet they were in a poor and destitute

-situation, and did not appear to make use of the advantages within

-their power, to assist themselves. It was, therefore, believed right,

-in reply to their letter, to urge the necessity of their abstaining

-from intemperate practices, and of making use of the means in their

-power to better their condition.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Therefore the two Friends wrote to them nearly as follows:

-

-“Brothers, we are glad to hear that you have come to a resolution to

-lay up so much of your money, to buy cattle and other useful articles,

-and that you seem determined to quit drinking whiskey, and not to allow

-traders to sell it on your ground. Now brothers, this is a very wise

-resolution, and we hope you will be sincere and keep to it. We hope

-that some of you have got your eyes open, to see that whiskey and other

-strong drink have been the cause of much evil and wickedness among you,

-and that these pernicious things have taken much of your money, your

-skins, and your furs, which the Great Spirit has favoured you with, and

-with which you might buy clothing, and oxen, and axes, hoes, and other

-useful articles to assist you in tilling the field, and we fear, in

-time past, it has taken some of the corn your poor women have worked

-hard at raising, with their hoes.

-

-“Brothers, you know there are many white people who love money, and

-they know that you love whiskey, and this is the way they take to get

-your money and property from you. But if you keep to your resolution

-not to drink it, then there will be no danger. You may then have oxen

-and ploughs, with which you may plough your ground and raise a great

-deal of corn, and you may also buy axes and hoes, and other useful

-implements of husbandry to farm with. And then when your friends the

-Quakers see that you are trying to help yourselves, and that you make

-good use of your money, it will encourage them to help you more.

-

-“Brothers, we desire you often to think upon the Great Spirit, and

-pray to him in your hearts, and then he will show you what is good and

-what is evil. And we want you to take up work like the white people,

-for your land is very good, and would produce a great deal of grain if

-properly managed--and if you get plenty of cattle and sheep, and swine,

-they will afford you plenty of meat, and be much more certain than the

-elk, the deer, and the bear. Then will your old men, your wives and

-your children be happy, and enjoy the comforts of life, and you can

-look on your flocks and your fields with contentment and pleasure.”

-

-These Indians, in addition to the set of saw-mill irons before

-promised, were furnished with some axes, hoes, and a set of plough

-irons, to encourage them in farming.

-

-A school was kept at Genesinguhta, this winter, by one of the Friends,

-where a number of children attended, and made some progress in

-learning--also a grown person who was debilitated in body, resided with

-Friends throughout the winter, and being able to converse a little in

-the English language, acquired so much learning as to enable him to

-read and write, and afterwards to procure a living, by trading among

-the Indians.

-

-In the spring of 1800, the Indians appeared somewhat animated, and more

-of them made preparation for farming, by scattering more from their

-villages, fencing in lots and clearing land; but not yet having working

-animals to plough their ground, Friends ploughed some small lots for

-them, which operated as a stimulus to them; and one Indian took hold

-of the plough, and began to manage it himself, which was viewed as a

-matter of some surprise, and excited great curiosity in the beholders.

-

-In the Fifth month, this spring, two of the Friends who had left the

-Oneida settlement the preceding winter, as before stated, being willing

-to spend some more time among the Indians, proceeded to Alleghany, to

-unite with Friends there in promoting the welfare of the natives.

-

-Soon after their arrival, the Indians at Cattaraugus requested Friends

-at Alleghany to give them some advice and assistance, about planning

-a saw-mill. Accordingly two Friends proceeded to that settlement,

-and gave such advice on the occasion as seemed to be requisite; the

-millwrights having already arrived, and commenced the building of a

-saw-mill.

-

-As these Indians will in the sequel constitute an interesting part of

-the narrative of this concern, it seems proper in this place to give a

-more particular account of their situation. The Senecas here possess a

-reservation of forty-two square miles, part of it bounded by lake Erie.

-It is generally composed of land of a superior quality. The bottoms

-along the Cattaraugus river produce black and white walnut and sugar

-maple of a superior size. The higher land, abounds with white oak,

-white pine, bass, poplar, hickory, and other timber. There are, also,

-exclusive of the Indians’ corn fields, large openings like natural

-meadows, containing many hundred acres of excellent land, covered

-with abundance of grass and herbage, affording abundance of food for

-cattle. The Senecas at this place were said to be about one hundred and

-sixty in number. Their houses were made in the usual Indian style, and

-covered with bark, and their situation, in general, as to habits and

-living, much similar to those at Alleghany, when Friends first settled

-among them. About a mile from the Seneca village was a town of the

-Delawares, (more frequently called Munsies) about one hundred and sixty

-in number, who lived on sufferance on the Seneca Indians’ land.

-

-These Indians, as well as the Senecas, had a considerable number of

-cattle, some horses, and abundance of poultry and swine. They had small

-enclosures round their villages, in which they kept their stock during

-the corn season, and sometimes the poor animals had but a scanty supply

-of fodder, notwithstanding the abundance of grass on their lands, from

-which, for want of a little labour to fence off their corn lots, they

-had little or no benefit during the summer.

-

-Previous to leaving them, the two Friends had an interview with a

-number of their chiefs, and principal men and women, in which they were

-encouraged to industry, and to put in practice their good resolutions.

-Being informed by one of the Friends present, that he was shortly going

-to leave their country and return to his friends, one of the chiefs

-replied, “You may tell your old friends, the Quakers at Philadelphia,

-when you go home, that we are exceedingly thankful for the kindness you

-have shown us, and the assistance you have already given us. We are now

-determined to follow your advice as far as we are able, and to spill

-all the whiskey traders bring among us for sale. You must not think we

-are offended at you for trying to make us sensible of our weaknesses;

-for even our young men and young women rejoice to hear it, and are in

-hopes their hands will grow stronger, that they may be able to overcome

-their weaknesses. We are determined to try to help ourselves, and to

-lay up money to purchase useful articles to go to farming with. We pity

-our poor women, and see it is too hard for them to work in the hot

-sun, and do all the labours of the field. And although we cannot ask

-any more favours of you, yet one thing in particular we desire you to

-remember; that is, that we are a poor, ignorant people, and for want of

-learning, in the course of our dealings with the white people, we have

-been greatly wronged, and lost much of our property--we want some of

-our children instructed, that they may be able to do the business of

-our nation.”

-

-On the fourteenth of the Sixth month, Friends had a council with the

-Indians at Alleghany, in which the two Friends lately came into their

-country, were introduced to them, and also informed that one of the

-Friends who had now been more than two years among them, was about to

-return home to his friends. Several matters were opened to encourage

-them to persevere in habits of industry, and to be strong in their

-resolutions against the use of spirituous liquors, over which they had,

-by this time, gained a great conquest.

-

-A few days after this, Cornplanter and several other chiefs, called

-to see the Friend who was leaving them set out on his journey, and

-sent three of their people to accompany him on his way through the

-wilderness.

-

-In their parting conference, Cornplanter expressed many thanks for

-the Friend’s services among them, and desired the Great Spirit might

-conduct him safely home to his relations, and that on his arrival he

-might inform his old friends, the Quakers in Philadelphia, that he

-was very thankful for their kind endeavours to instruct his people in

-a life of civilization, and he believed the Great Spirit above was

-pleased with it.

-

-During the summer of 1800, the Indians made some further improvements,

-and seemed more disposed to relinquish their old habits. A yoke of

-oxen, which they purchased, were found very useful in drawing their

-firewood, and thereby relieving some of their women from heavy

-burthens; several of them procured cows. By this time many of the

-Indians had built themselves more comfortable houses, and began to

-assist their women in their agricultural labours, so that a gradual

-improvement was evident among them in the habits of civilized life.

-

-In the following winter, Red Jacket, a Seneca chief, residing at

-Buffalo creek, with several other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited

-Philadelphia, with whom Friends had a satisfactory interview. Suitable

-presents were given them, among which, was a set of saw-mill irons,

-which were particularly requested by Red Jacket.

-

-In the spring of 1801, a greater spirit of industry seemed to manifest

-itself among the Indians. Divers more of them fenced in lots, and

-procured moreover, some working animals; their increasing attention to

-raising cattle and hogs, afforded a pleasing prospect; and was a strung

-inducement for them to scatter more from their villages, and realize

-the advantages of settling on separate tracts of land.

-

-Circumstances, however, occurred among the Indians, which claimed the

-particular attention of the committee, and three Friends were deputed

-to visit the settlement. They proceeded there in the Ninth month,

-accompanied by a young Friend, a blacksmith, who offered his services

-to instruct some of the Indians in his useful occupation.

-

-Previous to giving a detail of this interview, it seems necessary

-to observe, that some extraordinary ideas respecting witchcraft had

-prevailed among the natives for sometime, which were principally

-insinuated among them by an infirm old man named Connediu, a half

-brother to Cornplanter, who had the appearance of a simple man, and had

-been from his youth very intemperate. He had no influence in the nation

-till about three years before, when, after a long time of sickness,

-he was supposed by the Indians to be several times in a trance. After

-he had recovered therefrom, he asserted that he had seen angels, who

-communicated to him such things as the Great Spirit designed should

-be imparted to the Indians--that they must all quit drinking whiskey

-and other strong liquors--that they must revive the custom of their

-forefathers in eating dog’s flesh, and have frequent dances--performing

-their religious ceremonies, &c. This to a people naturally prone to

-superstition, was like oracles delivered from the _Great Spirit_, and

-to use their own language, “was the manner in which _He_ was revealing

-his mind and will to the Indians.” Connediu had actually some of his

-imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual world

-committed to writing, that they might keep it in remembrance, as the

-will of the Great Spirit concerning them.

-

-Connediu frequently asserted that these heavenly messengers continued

-to favour him with frequent interviews, and he succeeded in propagating

-a belief among the natives, that most of their bodily afflictions

-and disorders arose from witchcraft, and undertook to point out the

-individuals who had the power of inflicting these evils. He was said

-to have wholly declined the practice of drinking to excess, and by an

-artful exercise of his pretended knowledge, he acquired considerable

-influence in the nation, so as to be appointed high priest and chief

-Sachem in things civil and religious.

-

-Some of Cornplanter’s family being in a declining state of health,

-Connediu, (whom they now esteemed a great doctor, as well as a

-prophet,) was applied to for counsel. In his wild reveries he alleged

-that some of the Delaware Indians who lived at Cattaraugus possessed

-the power of witchcraft, and were the cause of their illness.

-

-This brought on a quarrel between the two tribes, and some of the

-Delawares were taken prisoners, and threatened with death if they did

-not remove the disorder.

-

-During the contention, Cornplanter wrote to the governor of

-Pennsylvania on the occasion, and the committee on Indian affairs

-being made acquainted with the circumstances, letters both from the

-committee and government were addressed to both tribes of Indians on

-the subject. A council was called between the contending parties,

-and Friends, with some other well disposed people on the frontier

-settlements, used their influence to have an amicable adjustment, and

-endeavoured to obliterate from the Indians’ minds, those superstitious

-ideas of witchcraft which appeared to have been the ground of their

-uneasiness. The result was, that the Delawares were acquitted, and

-all disputes buried between them and the Senecas. Cornplanter told

-them “that he had swept their beds clean, that they might lie down

-in peace--that he had swept their houses clean, that they might live

-comfortably in them--that he had swept clean before their doors, that

-they might go out and in, without molestation.”

-

-About the time that Friends of the committee arrived at Genesinghuta,

-the Indians generally were met in council, about these matters; and

-although Connediu had advised them to quit drinking whiskey, he was

-otherwise endeavouring to propagate notions very inimical to the

-concern in which Friends were engaged, by recommending them to follow

-their old customs, and not allow their children to learn to read and

-write; that they might farm a little, and build houses, but must not

-sell any thing which they raised on their land, but give it away to one

-another, and especially to their old people; and, in short, enjoy all

-things in common.

-

-With this doctrine several of the young chiefs and others were not

-satisfied; and one of them judiciously observed, “they had better

-hold councils about fencing in fields, and clearing land, than about

-witchcraft, and other strange notions of Connediu.”

-

-The committee, who now visited the settlement, were pleased, on passing

-down the river, with the view of fences, where not long before there

-were none to be seen; and instead of the bark cabins, that formerly

-stood in clusters along its banks, there were now good houses, with

-shingled roofs; and the tinkling of cow bells, which they heard in

-various directions, denoted an increase of cattle, and had a cheering

-effect on their minds. It was in the spring of 1801, that the Indians

-first began to use the plough for themselves. They took a very cautious

-method of determining whether it was likely to be an advantageous

-change to them or not. Several parts of a large field were ploughed,

-and the intermediate spaces prepared by their women with the hoe,

-according to former custom. It was all planted with corn; and the

-parts ploughed, (besides the great saving of labour,) produced much

-the heaviest crop; the stalks being more than a foot higher, and

-proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. The corn was now

-gathered in, and as their stock of cattle had much increased, instead

-of leaving their corn fodder to perish, as formerly, they preserved

-it for their cattle in winter--and several had mown grass, and made

-small stacks of hay. They had made a fence, about two miles long, which

-enclosed the lower town, and a large body of adjacent land fronting on

-the river, and several other fences were made within it, to separate

-the corn from the pasture ground.

-

-With the exception of houses and fences, the improvements at the

-lower town, (Jenuchshadaga) did not bear a comparison with the upper

-settlement, where the Indians lived more detached from each other.

-Their thus separating, was evidently more to their advantage, than

-crowding together in villages. A chief, who was not ashamed to be seen

-at work by the women of his own family, would probably have been much

-mortified when discovered by a number of other females, who on such

-occasions do not always refrain from ridicule. Yet this false shame on

-the part of the men, and ridicule of the women, gradually wore away as

-they became familiarized to each others’ assistance, in their little

-agricultural labours.

-

-The Indians now became very sober, generally refraining from the use of

-strong liquor, both at home and when abroad among the white people. One

-of them observed to Friends, “no more bark cabins, but good houses--no

-more get drunk here, now, this two year.”

-

-The blacksmith was introduced to the Indians with a request that two

-of their young men would learn his business, so as to be qualified to

-do their own work; as it was not very likely he should stay long. But

-before they would agree to this proposition, they queried with Friends,

-“whether they would at any future time want land or money for the

-services which they had done, and were doing for them? They wished to

-know very clearly in writing about it. Also, whether they would leave

-the tools for the young men, who might learn the blacksmiths’ trade,

-when the smith left them, or whether they would take them away?” To

-which the following answer was given in writing:--

-

-“Brothers, we tell you now, plainly, as we told you before, that your

-brothers, the Quakers, do not want any of your land, or any of your

-money, or any of your skins, for any thing they have done for you; and

-they never will bring a charge against you, for any of these things.

-And we give you this writing, to keep forever, to make your minds

-perfectly easy on this account. About the smiths’ tools we cannot say

-much; but think we shall leave them with you, if some of your young men

-will learn the trade.”

-

-At a subsequent interview, Cornplanter made a reply to Friends, in

-which he stated, “We understand the writing which you gave us very

-well, and our minds are now quite easy. Two of our young men will learn

-the smiths’ trade; one from the lower town, and one from the upper.”

-

-Friends again opened the business respecting the schooling of their

-children, which had for sometime past been impeded by the system of

-Connediu. The chiefs were particularly desired to take this subject

-under consideration, and let Friends know when they were ready.

-

-It was supposed that the quantity of corn raised this year by the

-natives, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first

-formed, and a few of the Indians made the first attempts to raise

-wheat; but those who did something at farming, occasionally went out a

-hunting; and many of the men still adhered to their ancient customs,

-and left the women of their families to cultivate with the hoe, what

-corn and vegetables were necessary for their sustenance.

-

-As one of the young men, who had been there from the time of first

-opening the settlement, was about to return home with the committee,

-Cornplanter expressed the great regard he had for him; saying, “that,

-although he had been so long amongst them, not one of them was able to

-say a word against him, ever since he had been there--that his words

-and his conduct had been altogether good, and agreeable to them; and

-he hoped the Good Spirit would preserve him on his way home to his

-friends.”

-

-The committee, also, on this visit, had an interview with the Indians

-of Cattaraugus. They arrived at a time when the Indians were performing

-their religious ceremonies--concerning which, the chief warrior,

-Waun-dun-guh-ta, made the following remark to Friends.

-

-“Brothers, you have come at a time which has by us been set apart for

-performing worship to the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs. It is

-our way of worship, and, to us, solemn and serious, and not to be made

-light of, however different it may be from your mode. It is the manner

-our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us for not

-being so attentive to you as we should, had we not been thus engaged.”

-

-They had now their saw-mill completed, and one of the Friends from

-Alleghany remained sometime with them, instructing some of the Indians

-in the sawing business.

-

-The spring of 1802, furnished greater marks of improvement, than had

-heretofore been discovered among the natives. Eighteen or twenty

-thousand rails were split, and put up into fences by the Indians, and

-thirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed, most of which were cleared

-this spring. Several families who had not any when this settlement was

-first formed, had got six or seven head of cattle, and other useful

-animals. Whiskey was not knowingly suffered to be brought into the

-settlement; and if any were found out to have been intoxicated, when

-they were out in the white settlements, they were sharply reproved by

-the chiefs on their return, which had nearly the same effect among

-Indians, as committing a man to the workhouse among white people. The

-Indians opened a good road for about five miles up the river from

-Friends’ settlement, where before it was very difficult to travel,

-even on horseback. Several of them sowed spring wheat--and a gradual

-improvement was apparent during this season.

-

-The benefits derived by the Senecas at Alleghany, from their attention

-to agriculture, encouraged other branches of the nation to apply for

-assistance. The chief of the Tonewanta village, about one hundred

-miles distant from Friends’ settlement at the Alleghany, in a pathetic

-speech, applied to Friends to assist them with saw-mill irons, farming

-utensils, &c. which request was granted, with the addition of a yoke of

-oxen, and chains.

-

-The young man who went out as a blacksmith, returned home this fall;

-two of the Indians having acquired such knowledge of his business as to

-answer their necessities.

-

-Although the improvements at this place were gradually progressing,

-obstructive causes at times occurred, difficult to combat. This

-induced Friends, among them, to believe that a change made in their

-situation, so as to render them more independent of the natives,

-might subject them to less difficulty in the further prosecution of

-the concern. The improvement heretofore made on their own land, for a

-time, had a good effect; but their ideas were weak, and for want of

-more sensibility in some of the intentions of Friends towards them,

-it had led to a dependence, which evidently impeded their progress

-in civilization. This dependence seemed to increase, as they saw the

-increase of produce from the land that Friends cultivated. Some of the

-Indians had increased their stock of cattle faster than the means of

-supporting them through a long and rigorous winter. When their hay and

-other fodder become reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some.

-These requests could not be complied with, to an extent proportioned

-to their necessity, without reducing Friends to alike state of want;

-and fearing, least in future winters, a renewal of similar requests,

-without the means of supplying them, might disturb that harmony which

-had hitherto subsisted between Friends and the Indians, it was thought

-adviseable by the committee to embrace an opportunity which now

-presented, of purchasing from a company of white people, an adjoining

-tract of land, in order to make such improvements thereon, as might

-accommodate a family or more, of such, who from time to time, might

-feel desirous to assist in the instruction of the Indians, and thus by

-making it a more permanent establishment, entirely independent of the

-natives, be enabled to extend more efficient aid to other branches of

-the Seneca nation.

-

-In the spring of 1803, this proposal of a removal of Friends’

-settlement was communicated to the Indians, and they generally

-coincided with it, provided the move should not be far up the river.

-They had several councils on the occasion, and communicated to Friends

-their views; and although their prophet, Connediu, had, in time back,

-been somewhat opposed to the views of Friends in changing the customs

-of the Indians, he was now entirely friendly, and strongly recommended

-industry and perseverance in the plans which Friends had recommended

-to them. The following paragraphs from one of his speeches on this

-occasion, may be worthy of notice.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“My friends, Quakers, attend.--It is now a long time since you first

-came amongst us. It has even exceeded the time that was first proposed.

-I now speak the united voice of our chiefs and warriors to you, of

-our women also, and of all our people. Attend, therefore, to what I

-say. We wish you to make your minds perfectly easy--we are all pleased

-with your living amongst us, and not one of us wants you to leave our

-country. We find no fault with you in any respect, since you come

-amongst us; neither have we any thing to charge you with. You have

-lived peaceably and honestly with us, and have been preserved in

-health, and nothing has befallen you. This we think is proof, also,

-that the Great Spirit is pleased with you living here, and with what

-you have done for us.”

-

-“Friends, Quakers--we now all agree to leave you at full liberty,

-either to remain where you now are, on our land, or to remove up the

-river and settle on land of your own, only that you settle near us,

-that you may extend further assistance and instruction. For although we

-have received much benefit from you, and some of our people have made

-considerable advancement in useful labour, yet we remain very deficient

-in many things, and numbers of us are yet poor.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-As the important change proposed to be made in conducting the affairs

-at Alleghany, required serious consideration, four of the committee

-proceeded to that settlement, and on conferring with Friends there,

-were satisfied of the propriety of a removal from their present

-station, to one more independent of the Indians, and less subject to

-their control.

-

-A tract of land adjoining the Indians’ reservation on Tunesassa creek,

-which empties into the river on the east side, about two miles above

-Genesinghuta, was agreed upon, and afterwards purchased, as the most

-eligible place for a settlement; inasmuch as it furnished an ample

-situation for water works, and much of the tract was covered with

-excellent pine timber. The tract included about seven hundred acres.

-

-Friends had free and open conferences with the Indians on the subject

-of their removal, and various other matters; and satisfactory

-arrangements were made respecting the old settlement, the Indians

-insisting on Friends’ occupying the farm until they got suitable

-accommodations, and provender for their stock, at their new settlement.

-

-In one of their conferences, Cornplanter observed:

-

-“Brothers, when your friends first came amongst us, and for a long

-time after, the white people told us, ‘keep a good watch on those

-Quakers--they are a cunning, designing people; and under pretence

-of doing something for you, want to get hold upon you, to make an

-advantage of you some way or other;’ but of late, finding that all was

-straight, and no advantage was attempted to be taken, they have left

-off talking about it.

-

-“Brothers, your young men do not talk much to us, but when they do they

-speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us from using

-spirituous liquors.”

-

-Here it may be proper to remark, that in the spring of 1798, an Indian

-lad of the Tuscarora nation, from near the falls of Niagara, had been

-taken to Philadelphia, and placed with a Friend in Chester county,

-to learn the blacksmiths’ business, where he continued till the last

-spring;--and having acquired a competent knowledge of his trade, and

-made considerable proficiency in school learning, the Friend with whom

-he had been instructed, felt such an interest in his welfare, that he

-accompanied him home to his Indian friends, staid several weeks with

-him, to see him set up in his business, and assisted him therein.

-

-This Friend, on his return, had now been several weeks at Alleghany,

-affording the two Indian blacksmiths there, some further instruction in

-that art. They were very desirous he should tarry longer with them; and

-an old chief observed, “Friends had now sent on a blacksmith, the best

-they had ever seen--he knows how to make all things we want.”

-

-Considerable improvement among the Indians at this time was observable,

-more particularly up the river. Several families had settled about two

-miles higher up, than where they formerly resided, and had cleared and

-fenced in about sixty acres of land. Seventeen new houses with shingled

-roofs, were observed neatly built, with square logs, most of them two

-stories high, with stone chimneys and glass windows. They had about one

-hundred head of cattle, thirty horses, and several hundred hogs. And

-the Indians had opened a road, about twenty miles along the river, and

-much of it through heavy timber; which was a great work for them.

-

-The committee proceeded from thence to Cattaraugus, and noticed

-considerable improvement in that settlement. Several of them were

-building good houses. Their crops of corn were good, and their stock of

-cattle increased; and, generally speaking, they had declined the use

-of strong drink. They had divers requests to make to Friends, some of

-which were granted; especially one, for a set of smith tools and plough

-irons. While Friends were sitting with the chief warrior, he seemed

-in a pensive mood, and said he wished to ask them a question, but

-hesitated. They desired him to say on--It was, “_Do the Quakers keep

-any slaves?_”--He was answered in the negative. He said he was very

-glad to hear it; for if they did, he could not think so well of them as

-he now did--that he had been at the city of Washington last winter, on

-business of the nation, and found that many white people kept blacks in

-slavery, and used them no better than horses.

-

-The committee on their way home had interviews with the Buffalo and

-Tonewanta Indians, and gave them such advice and encouragement as their

-situation required. It was satisfactory to observe, from the account of

-Red Jacket and others of their chiefs, that some improvement was taking

-place among those Indians.

-

-Our friends at Alleghany built a temporary house at their new

-settlement this fall, to which they removed, which we shall hereafter

-call Tunesassa. The land being heavily timbered, much exertion and

-labour were necessary, to make their situation tolerably comfortable

-during the first winter.

-

-In the spring of 1804, the Indians generally removed from the lower

-town, and settled higher up the river; several of them not far from

-Tunesassa. This removal subjected them to some inconveniences, the

-first year, but eventually proved much to their advantage; especially

-to those who were detached from their little towns.

-

-As it was believed much benefit would result to the Indians from the

-erection of a grist mill on Friends’ farm, there being none nearer

-than about forty miles, measures were adopted to have grist and

-saw-mills erected this summer; and they were so far completed, as to

-be in operation the ensuing winter, when the Indians had considerable

-grinding done, and were much pleased to see the grain reduced to meal

-so much quicker than by pounding it in wooden mortars.

-

-An Indian man, after having a grist of wheat of his own raising ground

-and bolted, said with animation, “I think this will make the Indians

-see day-light.”

-

-In the course of this season, some dissentions took place among the

-Indians with regard to their chiefs. Several young men of considerable

-influence in the nation, and who were anxious to assume the reigns of

-government, became disaffected to Cornplanter, and taking measures to

-subvert his authority, artfully prevailed with the Indians to confer

-on themselves the dignified title of chiefs. This, among men whose

-rulers only hold their authority during the good will of the people,

-was not difficult to effect. In the mean time, Connediu, who had some

-time before been promoted to the highest title in the nation, continued

-(as he said) his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the

-spiritual world, so that his fame spread abroad, and visits were paid

-to him from distant tribes. He also travelled to distant parts himself,

-and promulgated his doctrines, (which happily were now become more

-innocent,) throughout the Seneca nation.

-

-In the latter end of the winter and spring of 1805, the Indians

-experienced much damage to their infant settlements, by some unusual

-freshets in the Alleghany river. Nearly all their fences were swept

-away; but instead of being discouraged by their losses, they joined

-together very spiritedly, and soon repaired them; and in the end

-appeared to have been benefitted; for by this exertion, they gradually

-became more accustomed to labour--a thing, to them, of the greatest

-consequence.

-

-As it was believed the time had now come when it would be right to take

-some measures to instruct the Indian women in the various branches

-of housewifery, and domestic economy, and as this could not be done

-without female aid, a suitable family were sought for, and a man and

-his wife offering for that service, as well as a single female, who had

-before been at the Oneida settlement, they proceeded to Tunesassa in

-the early part of summer; and the natives expressed much satisfaction

-on their arrival among them.

-

-The arrival of the females was no less satisfactory to the Friends

-residing at Tunesassa--for as from the first settlement to this

-time, in addition to the various calls of the Indians, and their

-out-door labours, they had all their domestic and culinary services to

-perform,--except some little aid received at times, by hiring some of

-the Indian women.

-

-Although many of the Indians had constructed comfortable houses, very

-few of their women took any pains to keep them clean and in neat order.

-They manufactured none of their own clothing, except the mockasins they

-wore on their feet. They had no knowledge of making soap, and of course

-their clothes could not be very clean--and very little improvement in

-domestic affairs had as yet taken place among the Indian families.

-In proportion, however, as the men became more accustomed to labour,

-it released the women from their former drudgery; and having now the

-opportunity of getting all their grain ground, which before they had to

-pound in wooden mortars, it would afford them more time to turn their

-attention to the business of the house, and the concerns more properly

-allotted to females, in all civilized societies.

-

-To aid and assist them in accomplishing this, was the object of our

-female friends; and some of the Indian girls pretty soon began to show

-a willingness to be instructed in knitting and spinning. A house of

-employment was built at a little distance from Friends’ dwelling,

-and particularly allotted to their use; but for want of the necessary

-materials, not much could be done at these useful employments the first

-season. Our women Friends were, however, enabled to instruct many

-of them in the art of making soap, which enabled them to keep their

-clothes and persons more cleanly; and also by frequently visiting them

-in their families, had opportunities of instructing and encouraging

-them in habits more assimilated to civilized life. The Indian women,

-also, made frequent visits to them, and by observing their industry,

-economy, and superior mode of living, an inclination began soon

-to manifest itself, even among these uncultivated females of the

-wilderness, to imitate the more useful and rational economy of our

-women Friends.

-

-In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of

-land cleared on their farm--their spring crops were productive, and

-they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist

-and saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable

-purpose.

-

-In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing land,

-splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the more

-sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have more

-sense, very fast.”

-

-They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and

-seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful

-effects--and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white

-people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them.

-The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink

-whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.

-

-In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany, with

-Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a visit

-to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in

-order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage

-them in habits of industry.

-

-In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by

-three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and

-having resided more than two years among them at the first opening

-of the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the

-improvements the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians

-at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the west

-side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects were

-discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and

-much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long

-replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this

-narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore

-noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony

-with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was

-sometimes their practice; but to consider them as companions for life:

-and also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would

-enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were

-endeavouring to promote among them.

-

-Our Friends at Tunesassa had now got about fifty acres of land

-cleared, well enclosed, and in good order. They had built a large and

-commodious dwelling house and barn, which, together with the mills

-and improvements generally, gave it the appearance of a desirable

-settlement.

-

-It was believed the Indians had built about one hundred new houses

-since the committee visited them three years before. Most of them were

-put up with hewn logs very neatly notched at the corners; many of

-them were covered with shingles, and some had pannel doors and glass

-windows. The carpenter work was chiefly done by the Indians. Scarcely a

-vestige remained of the cabins they occupied when Friends first settled

-among them. Their farms, which were of different dimensions, were

-enclosed with good fences, and much more detached from each other than

-formerly. A much greater proportion of corn was planted this season

-than had been known before, and generally looked well. Many of them

-had raised wheat and oats, and several had raised flax and buckwheat,

-besides potatoes and turnips in abundance. Their stock of cattle and

-horses was increased, and they had a good many working oxen, which they

-found very advantageous to them. Sheep were not yet introduced, owing

-to the danger of their being destroyed by wolves.

-

-Upon the whole, it was evident their improvements rather exceeded, in

-divers respects, those made in some new settlements of white people on

-the frontiers, in the same length of time.

-

-Several of the young women had this year learned to spin and knit a

-little; but although the improvement among the females was yet small,

-it was, nevertheless evident, a change in this respect had taken place

-for the better, since our women Friends came among them. Their persons

-and apparel, as well as their houses, appeared in more neat and cleanly

-order. And as Friends approached some of their habitations, a pleasing

-mark of neatness discovered itself among some of their women, who

-would immediately begin to sweep their houses, and appear somewhat

-disconcerted, if Friends entered their doors before they got their

-apartments in good order.

-

-After spending near a week at Alleghany, the committee proceeded to

-Cattaraugus, and had a very satisfactory interview with the Seneca

-Indians at that place. Various matters were opened to them in a written

-communication, tending to incite them to industry, and to encourage

-them in a life of sobriety. A great reform had taken place among

-those Indians in this respect. The chief warrior in his reply said,

-“He believed the Great Spirit was better pleased with them when they

-took hold of the axe and the hoe and went to work, than when they were

-pursuing their former bad practices of drinking, &c.” “And he was very

-glad Friends had given them their speech upon paper, that they would

-not only advise their young people themselves, but would have that

-speech to apply to, to strengthen their minds.”

-

-Although a considerable change had taken place for the better at this

-settlement within three years past, their stock of cattle and horses

-having considerably increased, (and instead of confining them as

-formerly in small enclosures round their villages, they had, since

-enclosing their cornfields, the advantage of pasturing them on the

-large plains,) yet they appeared very far behind their brethren at

-Alleghany, in agricultural improvements, as well as in buildings and

-cleanliness of living.

-

-In the year 1807, no very important change took place among the Indians

-at Alleghany, except that divers of the young women and girls applied

-themselves to spinning in the course of the winter, under the direction

-of our women Friends, and succeeded so far as to have a piece of linen

-spun and wove into cloth, besides manufacturing a quantity of sewing

-thread with which many of the Indians were well pleased.

-

-Some evil disposed persons, and doubtless opposed to the advancement

-of the Indians in civilization, took every opportunity of creating

-suspicions in their minds, of the views of Friends, and artfully

-insinuated that Friends’ saw-mill was erected to accumulate an interest

-out of them, notwithstanding that Friends had given them many thousand

-feet of boards, and also their grain at the grist-mill was then ground

-free of toll.

-

-In order, therefore, to settle the minds of the Indians, to counteract

-the suspicions in circulation, and as a convincing evidence of the

-disinterested views of Friends,--believing also, that it might redound

-to the Indians’ advantage, they offered to assist them in building a

-saw-mill for themselves; and three hundred dollars, in addition to a

-set of saw-mill irons, were granted for that purpose.

-

-This fall Cornplanter was again restored to his former station of

-chief; and from the disposition he had always manifested to the object

-of Friends, there was reason to expect his renewed influence in their

-councils would be useful.

-

-The family at Tunesassa, experienced a great trial by the removal of

-the Friend’s wife residing there, who, after about two weeks illness

-was taken from this transitory scene. She had by her prudent and

-obliging conduct very much endeared herself to the natives, many of

-whom attended her funeral, and a number of them called to see the

-family some days afterwards, and desired them to make their minds

-easy, seeing it was the will of the Great Spirit, and what must happen

-to all mankind; and they were come to sympathize with them, and to wipe

-away their tears that they might sorrow no more.

-

-In the following winter, a number of the Indian women and girls were

-engaged at spinning, and a disposition to industry and manufacturing

-their own clothing, seemed to be gaining ground. A loom was provided,

-and several pieces of their own spinning were made into cloth.

-

-1808. As Friends for sometime past, had been desirous of rendering more

-essential service to the Indians at Cattaraugus, it was now believed

-expedient to purchase a tract of land adjoining their reservation, and

-have a family stationed there, that would more effectually accelerate

-their improvement.

-

-Accordingly a large tract of land was agreed for, on Clear creek, which

-furnished a good seat for water-works, within four or five miles of the

-Indian town. The land being heavily timbered, the Indians were engaged

-in opening a road from their villages to it; and considerable advances

-were made towards opening a settlement this season, superintended by

-some of the Friends from Tunesassa.

-

-The Indians at Alleghany got their saw-mill completed this fall so as

-to be in operation, and the Friends at Tunesassa were joined by another

-family, a Friend with his wife, a single female who accompanied them,

-and several children; the parents offering their services to spend some

-time in the instruction of the Indian natives.

-

-Near the close of this year, and through the succeeding winter,

-very considerable progress was made among the women and girls in

-learning to spin; several purchased wheels and commenced spinning at

-their own houses; and an aged female, of the first influence, named

-O-yong-go-gas, resided sometime with Friends, to be instructed in this

-employment, and made an unexpected progress. Her attention to assist

-in encouraging and superintending the younger women and girls, was a

-favourable circumstance, and tended to promote their improvement. On

-hearing that Friends at Tunesassa were about writing to the committee,

-she delivered the following address, desiring it might be sent also.

-

-“Brothers, attend--I wish to speak a few words to you. Since your women

-came here, I have frequently had a prospect of learning to spin; but as

-I was an ancient woman, I was afraid to make a beginning, lest I should

-not make out, and would then have to decline it, without accomplishing

-any thing. I at length concluded to try, and have learned so much as to

-be able to spin flax and tow pretty well.

-

-“Brothers, I am very happy that I have the satisfaction to inform you

-a little of my progress, and also that I can now with more assurance,

-impress the necessity of this valuable improvement on the minds of our

-young women, and I intend in future to recommend it as a most necessary

-employment.

-

-“For my own part, I intend to pursue it as long as my eye-sight will

-continue, and I hope yet to be able to spin wool for a blanket, if

-the Good Spirit will continue my sight. I am very thankful for the

-knowledge I have acquired of your women Friends.

-

-“Brothers, I hope this may find you all well, and I wish the Great

-Spirit may bless you.”

-

-In the spring of 1809, a Friend, who had spent many years among the

-natives, returned again to his former station at Tunesassa, and being

-acquainted with the weaving business, he was usefully employed in

-manufacturing into cloth the yarn which the Indian women had spun in

-the last winter, and the industry of several of them procured them

-sufficient specimens of domestic manufactures, to stimulate them to

-further exertions.

-

-This spring four of the Friends resident at Tunesassa proceeded to

-Cattaraugus, in order to carry on the improvements at this new station,

-and to instruct the Indians in that settlement.

-

-The Indians at Alleghany continued to make a satisfactory progress in

-their agricultural labours, seven or eight families sowed flax this

-spring, and other marks of improvement were observable. The settlement

-was visited again by a deputation from the committee, and the situation

-of the Indians fully inspected, and much advice and counsel were

-communicated to them relative to their moral conduct, as well as in

-regard to their temporal concerns.

-

-They were particularly warned of the iniquity of men and their wives

-separating, (a practice which was too common among them,) and marrying

-again with others; the natural consequence of which was, leaving their

-children in poverty and distress, besides being attended with a variety

-of other evils.

-

-The communications of Friends appeared to be well received, and in the

-replies which the Indians made, among many other things, Cornplanter

-remarked, “We are sensible that it is displeasing to the Great Spirit

-for men and their wives to separate, and I am very happy that you have

-now mentioned it, when so many of our young warriors are present who

-have the opportunity of hearing; and I hope they will attend to the

-good counsel you have given us.”

-

-This deputation from the committee also visited Cattaraugus settlement,

-and had satisfactory interviews with those Indians, encouraging them to

-industry and sobriety, and to avail themselves of the opportunity they

-now had of receiving instruction from our Friends, who had lately come

-to settle near them.

-

-In their replies to Friends, the chief warrior observed:--“You still

-continue to speak the same language to our nation, and we believe your

-views towards us are the effects of pure friendship, and a desire for

-our welfare; and although we have fallen short in fulfilling your

-former advices, we are still encouraged to follow your counsel, and

-to pursue the path you have set before us. We hope you will continue

-to have patience towards us, as Indians cannot adopt all these habits

-that you recommend at once; but we are convinced that industry in

-cultivating our lands, is the only method by which we can receive

-lasting benefits, and we are determined to pursue it--and we hope we

-shall still continue to make a gradual advancement.”

-

-During the winter and spring of 1810, the Indian women at Alleghany

-gave increasing attention to spinning. Some elderly females, who had

-acquired sufficient knowledge, and being anxious to promote this

-valuable art, took the superintendence of the young girls, and this

-season they spun sufficient to make one hundred and twenty yards, part

-of which was woollen, and manufactured into blankets.

-

-Some small premiums were offered to such of the men as should sow

-spring wheat, which had a stimulating effect; and sixteen or seventeen

-individuals availed themselves of the offer.

-

-The Indians purchased four yoke of oxen, which enabled them to do more

-ploughing--and during the course of the season many of the young men

-inclined to hire to work for other Indians, a practice which had not

-been common among them. This, however, was in part produced by the

-embargo system which was now in operation, and had an effect to reduce

-the price of skins and furs, so as to render hunting not worth pursuing

-as an object of profit.

-

-Red Jacket, and three other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited

-Philadelphia this year, and Friends had a satisfactory interview with

-them. Red Jacket in his remarks, stated:

-

-“I am unable to express the thankfulness I feel for the many acts of

-kindness your society have shown to us; particularly when that old

-gentleman, (pointing to an elderly Friend present,) and many others now

-no more, attended at our treaties. And I am happy in observing your

-disposition to pursue the same track of conduct your fathers observed

-towards Indians, now they are removed to the world of spirits.”

-

-Some implements of husbandry were furnished to the Tuscarora Indians,

-residing on the Seneca reservation near Buffalo; and the situation of

-the Delaware Indians residing on the Cattaraugus reservation claiming

-the sympathy of Friends, as being the remnant of a scattered tribe

-who formerly inhabited the parts along the river Delaware, and who

-for many years lived on terms of sincere friendship and reciprocal

-acts of kindness with the early settlers, while the country was then a

-wilderness; it was believed right to make them an offer of purchasing

-a tract of land in the neighbourhood of Cattaraugus, provided they

-would live on, and occupy it. Although the offer was not accepted they

-gratefully acknowledge the kindness of Friends, and their answer on

-this occasion strongly excites our sympathy for the destiny of this

-once great and powerful nation.

-

-“Our nation, say they, seem as if they were scattered over the whole

-world; and we have been desirous, for many years past, of getting

-together, and have now fully concluded to leave the country of the

-Senecas. The land you propose giving us here, if we could take it on

-our backs and set it down in the neighbourhood of our nation to the

-westward, we should be very thankful for; but we don’t feel satisfied

-to remain in this country, and have concluded certainly to leave it as

-soon as we can.”

-

-Considerable progress was made this season by the Cattaraugus Indians.

-Many of them enclosed fields separately, and had plentiful crops of

-corn; and as an incitement to this plan of farming, small premiums had

-been offered by Friends. And as a further encouragement, to accommodate

-the Indians, preparations were made to erect grist and saw-mills on

-the tract of land belonging to Friends, whereby they could have their

-grinding done, and be furnished with boards to enable them to build

-better houses.

-

-In the beginning of the year 1811, the Indian women at Alleghany

-manifested a much earlier attention to the spinning business; and

-before the time they usually began, had sufficient spun for one

-hundred and sixty yards of cloth. Near one half of their women by this

-time, had acquired some knowledge of this business; and though they

-had heretofore, for the most part, attended to it at the house of

-employment, many of them now procured wheels of their own, and attended

-to it at their own houses. Four of them within two years had spun yarn

-for about one hundred and twenty-five yards; and two others, in the

-last season, had spun and wove themselves twenty-one yards of linsey.

-

-The instruction of their children in school learning, had for several

-years past, been but little attended to, owing to the impediments the

-Indians themselves had thrown in the way--but this year it was again

-revived; and a young man, qualified for that purpose, kept a school

-among them, at their request.

-

-The Indians at Cattaraugus were also making satisfactory improvement

-this season. The saw-mill was in operation this fall, and the grist

-mill in a considerable state of forwardness.

-

-The progress of improvement had, for many years past, exhibited an

-encouraging prospect--affording a comfortable hope, that the desirable

-object would be effected, of reclaiming at least a portion of the

-Indians from a savage and rambling life, to enjoy in a plentiful

-manner, and in undisturbed security, the productions of the fruitful

-field. Yet it now seems our painful task to record some circumstances,

-which for a time much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and retarded

-their progress in civilization.

-

-By a company of individuals, claiming what they called the pre-emption

-right, an attempt was now made to purchase from the Seneca nation,

-all their land which they held in the state of New York, and under a

-specious show of benevolence, to give them a large tract of country far

-to the westward, where they might enjoy their native forest, away from

-the intrusions of white people.

-

-The peculiar situation of their land--being generally of an excellent

-quality, and an increasing white population fast settling round

-it--made it an object very desirable to this company, who, it is

-probable, paid a large sum of money for this pre-emption right.

-

-From the best information I have received respecting this claim, it

-appears, by the original charter, that the state of Massachusetts had

-this pre-emption right, or privilege of purchasing the Indians’ land

-in this part of the territory; and to satisfy this claim, in 1787, the

-state of New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of soil--reserving

-to itself the jurisdiction thereof. The state of Massachusetts, in

-1792, again sold their right of purchase to an individual, who, in the

-year 1797, at a treaty held at Genessee river, in the state of New

-York, purchased of the Indians a large tract of country, as has been

-already stated--the Indians “_nevertheless and always reserving_” out

-of this grant and conveyance, such reservations as were therein agreed

-upon; “_to remain the property of the said Seneca Indians, in as full

-and ample a manner_,” as if the said sale had not been made. This

-purchase again passed into other hands, and finally the pre-emption

-right to the Indians’ reservations into the hands of the company now

-claiming them.

-

-Notwithstanding these were the only persons who had a legal right to

-purchase, it was only when the Indians were disposed to sell: and

-always to be understood, as the original owners of the soil, they had

-the right to refuse to sell, as guaranteed in the most solemn manner by

-the president of the United States.

-

-But notwithstanding their indubitable title to the soil, the attempt

-thus made, in an artful manner, to obtain their land, had the effect to

-produce great commotion and disturbance among them. Nor was it to be

-doubted, but that means, too frequently practised on such occasions,

-would be resorted to. These were, to offer rewards to the chiefs or

-principal men of the nation, to gain their influence, in order to bring

-about the object they had in view.

-

-The Indians, however, at this time, did not accede to the proposals

-that had been held out to them, as may be seen from the following

-extracts of a speech of Red Jacket to an agent, who, it seems, was

-employed by the primitive holders to negotiate this business.

-

-“Brother, we opened our ears to the talk you lately delivered to us, at

-our council fire. In doing important business, it is best not to tell

-long stories, but to come to it in a few words--we shall therefore not

-repeat your talk, which is fresh in our minds. We have well considered

-it, and the advantages and disadvantages of your offers--we request

-your attention to our answer, which is not from the speaker alone, but

-from all the sachems and chiefs now round our council fire.

-

-“Brother, your application for the purchase of our lands is, to our

-minds, very extraordinary. It has been made in a crooked manner.

-You have not walked in the straight path, pointed out by the Great

-Council of your nation. You have no writing from our Great Father

-the president. We have looked back, and remembered how the Yorkers

-purchased our lands in former times. They bought them, piece after

-piece, for a little money, paid to a few men in our nation, and not to

-all our brethren,--until our planting and hunting grounds have become

-very small; and if we should sell these, we know not where to spread

-our blankets.

-

-“Brother, you tell us your employers have purchased of the council of

-Yorkers, a right to buy our lands. We do not understand how this can

-be. The lands do not belong to the Yorkers. They are ours, and were

-given to us by the Great Spirit.

-

-“Brother, you want us to travel with you, and look for other lands. If

-we should sell our lands, and move off into a distant country, towards

-the setting sun, we should be looked upon, in the country to which we

-go, as foreigners and strangers, and be despised by the red, as well as

-the white men. We should soon be surrounded by the white people, who

-would there also kill our game, come upon our lands, and try to get

-them from us.

-

-“Brother, we are determined not to sell our lands, but to continue on

-them. They are fruitful, and produce us corn in abundance, for the

-support of our women and children, and grass and herbs for our cattle.

-

-“Brother, the white people buy and sell false rights to our lands; and

-your employers, you say, have paid a great price for their right. They

-must have plenty of money to spend it buying and selling false rights

-to lands belonging to Indians. The loss of it will not hurt them, but

-our lands are of great value to us; and we wish you to go back to your

-employers, and tell them and the Yorkers, that they have no right to

-buy and sell false rights to our lands.”

-

-Although the inducements held out to Indians at this time were

-rejected, yet the scheme, on the part of the applicants, was by no

-means abandoned; and as a measure like this, so inimical to the cause

-in which Friends were engaged, could not fail of exciting considerable

-alarm, it was reasonable to suppose, their influence would interpose

-to prevent the adoption of a measure so pregnant of evil to the poor

-Indians. Accordingly, an appropriate address was presented to the

-Seneca nation, strongly recommending them to a diligent improvement of

-their land, and to keep strong in their resolution not to part with

-it--for if they should sell and remove to a distant country, it was

-not likely Friends would go with them, or assist them, as they had

-heretofore done.

-

-The minds of the Indians appeared to be quieted for the present, and

-they were peculiarly pleased with the communications of Friends on this

-occasion. One of their chiefs observed in council--“Your words reached

-our hearts, and as though they had been handed down from the Great

-Spirit above, they have satisfied our minds.”

-

-The spring of 1812, commenced with very encouraging prospects of

-improvement at both the settlements. The women were engaged in their

-spinning business, and the men in their agricultural pursuits, which

-relieved the women of much of their former hardships and burthens in

-procuring a livelihood. The measures adopted for their improvement had

-now been in operation at the Alleghany settlement for fourteen years,

-and the advantages resulting therefrom were more sensibly felt, and

-clearly distinguished by the Indians than at any former period. The

-progress of the Indians at Cattaraugus, considering the infant state

-of the establishment of Friends there, afforded the most sanguine

-prospect, that, by a steady perseverance, in the course of a few years

-more, a very important change would be effected in their situation

-and manner of life. But a reverse of circumstances, in the course of

-events, again took place, which it seems proper now to mention.

-

-It was in the Sixth month, this year, that war was proclaimed by

-the United States against Great Britain, and her dependencies. This

-circumstance created very considerable alarm amongst the Indians, and

-to use their own expressions, “seemed to turn the world upside down.”

-

-Their situation was peculiarly trying. War was a circumstance replete

-with many evils, which would inevitably involve them in serious

-difficulties. Their money, for which they had sold their land in 1797,

-was in the hands of the government. Their remaining lands were nearly

-all within the boundaries of the state of New York, and lying near to

-the British lines, which it was probable would become the seat of war,

-and therefore they would be liable to be much harassed by either party,

-even should they remain neutral. In the next place, there were several

-tribes of their confederates of the Six Nations, whom they had always

-considered as brethren, who resided within the British dominions, and

-called upon to fight their battles; and it was probable they would be

-called upon by the United States to assist in the contest, and thus

-they would be reduced to the sad dilemma, of either being considered,

-in case of a refusal, as enemies to the United States, or otherwise be

-under the necessity of raising the hatchet against their own flesh and

-blood, who had not given the slightest cause of offence or provocation.

-

-Nor were these all the evils that seemed to threaten their repose. They

-were generally represented, in war, as a ferocious, unrelenting people;

-and hence it was natural to conclude, that jealousies would exist among

-their surrounding white neighbours, and prejudices be excited, which it

-would be difficult to remove.

-

-Their fears were not groundless in this respect; for soon after war was

-proclaimed, many of the surrounding inhabitants became very uneasy, and

-divers left their settlements, and removed to places more remote from

-the natives. This circumstance caused some alarm among the Indians.

-They apprehended that their sincerity and friendly dispositions were

-suspected; in consequence whereof, a council was held between them

-and their white neighbours, to endeavour to eradicate the fears and

-jealousies which existed between them. The result of this was, that the

-Indians promised to take no part in the war, and the whites agreed not

-to molest them in their peaceable possessions.

-

-This conclusion, however, did not stand long, on the part of the

-Indians. They were called upon by the United States to engage in

-the contest, and to take up arms against their brethren in Canada,

-who were, no doubt, excited to this unnatural war, by the British

-government. Some of the young warriors, who had never before seen

-the dreadful effects of such a conflict, were anxious to try their

-valour, and gain themselves a name; while many of their elderly people,

-who retained some knowledge of former wars, were more disposed to

-remain quiet at home. But as it is not the design of this work to

-give a history of the war, in all its bearings on the Indians, it is

-sufficient to say, that during the period the war lasted, they were at

-times engaged therein by parties; and in proportion to the part they

-acted on this occasion, their advancement in civilization was impeded.

-

-In the autumn of this year, two of the committee visited the

-settlements at Tunesassa and Cattaraugus, by whom a suitable address

-was sent to the Indians. But they found them in a very unsettled

-situation, on account of the war; and said “they could not, at present,

-attend to their improvements--for, look which way they would, they saw

-nothing but war.”

-

-As the situation of the Friends stationed among the Indians was also

-trying at this period, they were left at liberty either to leave them,

-and return home, or to remain, as they felt best satisfied to do.

-

-In the year 1813, although frequent alarms continued to pervade the

-Indians’ borders, our Friends did not apprehend it sufficient cause to

-abandon their residence, or to relax their endeavours to establish the

-Indians in a more permanent advantage from the soil. The Indians, too,

-appeared to have a special confidence in Friends, and often consulted

-them on account of their own safety, stating “that if Friends removed

-from them, they would become uneasy, and flee also.”

-

-Although some of the Indians attended to their business, yet the

-continual alarms, and frequent calls on them to assist in the invasion

-of Canada, very much diverted their attention from their domestic

-concerns; and their war excursions had a demoralizing effect, by

-exposing them again to the use of intoxicating liquors, which gained an

-ascendency over some.

-

-Towards the close of this season, at the time Buffalo was attacked and

-burned by the British, the Indians became exceedingly agitated. Those

-of Cattaraugus, lying more contiguous to the scene of action, moved a

-great part of their property to the south side of the river, in order

-to flee in case of an attack. The consternation that prevailed among

-the inhabitants generally, in that country, had a tendency to increase

-their fears; and probably a consciousness of their having taken up arms

-against their brethren in Canada, naturally created apprehensions,

-that, if their enemies proved victorious they would have to suffer a

-retaliation.

-

-The alarm, however, subsided, as there was no attack made on them, and

-they were permitted to remain quiet the succeeding winter, and attend

-somewhat to their necessary concerns.

-

-In the fall of 1814, the settlements were visited again by four of the

-committee. They arrived at Cattaraugus the thirteenth of the Ninth

-month, and had a council on the fifteenth with the Indians. Many of

-them were then absent, being engaged in the war, and more were about

-going. But when they heard of Friends’ arrival, they concluded to stay

-at home.

-

-They stated the many difficulties which they laboured under, on account

-of the war, and the great obstruction it was to their improvement. They

-said the officers often called on them to go to war, and if they staid

-at home, they were not satisfied--and they did not know whether they

-were safe or not.

-

-“Brothers, said they, the war has continued for three summers past. We

-have still had time to provide a little for our families; but this year

-we scarcely get home, before another express comes for us. We have been

-in hopes these troubles would subside; but from the present commotions,

-and noise of the great guns on the lines, we have entertained doubts

-how or when it will end.”

-

-At the conclusion of the council, they remarked the great satisfaction

-they felt, that the Friends who lived beside them had remained so

-steady with them through their difficulties, that although the great

-guns had roared so loud as to shake the ground whereon they stood, yet

-they remained quiet; which convinced them that they must be under the

-protection of the Great Spirit.

-

-Notwithstanding the various interruptions the Indians had met with

-on account of the war, they had made very considerable advances in

-agricultural improvements, at this settlement. The author, being one of

-the deputation who now visited them, had an opportunity of observing

-the great contrast in their situation, since Friends came to settle

-among them. They had enclosed with good fences, and cultivated several

-hundred acres of good land, within three or four years past; a great

-proportion of which was planted with corn and potatoes, or sowed with

-oats, &c. and generally looked well. Many families had raised wheat,

-and were preparing to sow more in the fall. Several had raised flax,

-and about twenty-five of their women had learned to spin. Their women,

-also, appeared more neat and cleanly, in their dress and houses. But

-three or four families remained in their old village, having found

-it much to their advantage to settle more detached from each other.

-They were now scattered along, on the rich bottoms, for several miles.

-Considerable improvement had also taken place in the mode of building.

-Many had good houses, and some had barns, and scarcely any of the old

-cabins were seen standing. The Indians had procured a number of wagons

-and carts, with other farming utensils, as well as several yoke of

-oxen. Their stock of cattle, in general, was much increased; and the

-Indians said, in council, there were but one or two families but had

-cows or horses.

-

-The committee also visited the settlement at Alleghany, and held a

-general council with the Indians at Cold Spring, where they were

-encouraged to perseverance in the path they had for many years been

-pointing out to the Indians, and in which good way they had made

-considerable progress. But it was observed, that they were deficient in

-several respects, and had not made so much improvement as was desirable

-for the opportunity they had had. In their replies, they acknowledged

-the very great benefit they had received in time past, from the advice

-and instruction of Friends, but said they had made less improvement

-since the war commenced; that they were frequently called upon by the

-officers to go to war, and this kept them uneasy, so that they could

-not attend to their business. Some of their people had, also, during

-the war, got into habits of intemperance--and this tended to retard

-their advancement in the modes of civilized life.

-

-The old chief, Cornplanter, not having attended this council, several

-of the company paid him a visit at his own house, about eleven miles

-distant from Tunesassa. About five or six families remained with the

-old chief, at his settlement, mostly his connexions. The old town of

-Jenuchshadaga, where all the first councils between Friends and the

-Indians were held, was entirely deserted, and so overgrown with young

-timber, as almost to conceal the place where it stood. This strange

-mutation of things at this place, was principally owing to the land

-being Cornplanter’s private property, and to the disposition of the

-other Indians to move higher up the river, and settle on land belonging

-to the nation, where they would have a greater security for the

-improvements they should make.

-

-Cornplanter expressed his great satisfaction at once more seeing his

-friends in his own house, and that he was still preserved alive to

-talk with them. He acknowledged the advice of Friends had always been

-good, and that in consequence of many of the Indians adhering to it,

-their situation had been much improved, but that in consequence of the

-miseries of war, some of his people had again become intemperate.

-

-The too common practice of men and their wives parting, having been

-animadverted upon at the late council, the old chief observed, that he

-also reprobated it, as being attended with many evil effects; and that

-he had often seen children, who had been thus neglected, when young,

-in consequence of their parents’ separation, reflect on their parents,

-when they got old, and charge them with neglect of duty; it being

-generally the practice where separations take place, for the mother to

-take charge of the children, and provide for them as well as she can.

-

-“The liquor, said he, has been introduced among us by white people; but

-this evil practice has grown up among ourselves. Our young people are

-too fond of diversions, and not serious enough, in forming connexions.

-I have often advised them to more sobriety and regular conduct, and

-spent much of my time in serving the nation.”

-

-The Indians, generally, on the Alleghany river, continued to increase

-their stock of cattle, horses, and swine, quite equal to their means

-of supporting them through the winter; although in other respects,

-since the commencement of the war, they had made but little progress

-in agriculture. Many of the women, however, had given considerable

-attention to spinning--especially in the winter season. They appeared

-more cleanly in their persons and houses than they formerly did; and

-their manners, and general deportment, appeared to be rising from that

-degraded state in which they had formerly lived, and becoming more

-assimilated to the modes and practices of white people.

-

-The spring of 1815, was ushered in with the welcome and consoling news

-of peace, to the poor Indians; an accommodation having taken place

-between the United States and Great Britain in the preceding winter.

-Not only could the Seneca nation participate in the blessings of

-peace, by having their prospects to pursue their agricultural labours

-again brightened, but many of the surrounding tribes, who had been

-more extensively engaged in the late contest, could now lay down the

-hatchet, which had often been stained with the blood of their enemies.

-

-But although peace had now taken place, and hostilities ceased

-between the contending parties, it was doubtful whether the Seneca

-nation would be conciliated, and immediately restored to that mutual

-friendship, which previous to the war had subsisted between them and

-their confederate tribes in Canada, who had, under the banner of Great

-Britain, taken up arms against the United States. It was, therefore,

-believed expedient by the committee at this critical juncture to send

-them a suitable address on the occasion, from which the following is

-extracted.

-

-“Brothers, since it has pleased the Great Spirit to restore to our

-country the blessing of peace, we have felt our minds concerned to

-address you, in order to encourage you to pursue the path we have long

-been pointing out to you; and likewise to call your attention to the

-great advantages resulting from living in peace with all men.

-

-“Brothers, we are sensible that there are two spirits at work in

-the minds of men. The one produces in us a disposition of love and

-good will towards all men, and is a comforter for all good actions.

-The other excites evil thoughts and desires, and influences to bad

-actions, such as lying, swearing, drunkenness, pride, envy, hatred,

-gaming, and many other evils, which, if given way to, often create war

-between nations. So we believe it is in our power to resist the evil

-spirit, and conquer all the evil propensities of our nature, by obeying

-the Good Spirit, and by daily watching, and prayer to him. If we so

-conduct, he will deliver us from evil.

-

-“Brothers, our fathers, and we their children, who profess the same

-principles by which they were guided, have always believed that wars

-and fightings are displeasing to the Great Spirit, who is all love,

-and who made of one blood all nations of men, that they should live in

-peace and love with each other. For this cause, he hath placed his law

-in our hearts, and in the hearts of all men, teaching, not only to love

-one another, but also to forgive injuries, and even to love and do good

-to our enemies.

-

-“Brothers, where people live in this disposition, and trust in the

-Great Spirit for protection, it has a powerful effect in producing the

-same disposition in the minds of those who wish to do them an injury;

-and instead of hatred, it will produce in their minds love and good

-will. For you must be sensible, brothers, that when a man is angry with

-another, and uses many threatening expressions, if the other returns

-mild answers, and endeavours to pacify him by acts of kindness and good

-will, it is more likely to restore the angry man to a sober and right

-state of mind, than if he were to quarrel and fight with him--and this

-would be overcoming evil with good, which is always pleasing to the

-Great Spirit.

-

-“Brothers, we are sensible that the late war must have brought you into

-great difficulty and distress--and we are thankful for the return of

-peace. We hope the Great Spirit will preserve you from again feeling

-the miseries of war. We also wish you to be reanimated, to pursue your

-farming, and the improvement of your land, under the instruction of

-our friends who reside among you, as this is the only sure method we

-can recommend to you to obtain a comfortable living for yourselves

-and families; and the most likely means, as you are industrious and

-become sensible of the value of your property, of securing you in the

-permanent possession of your land.

-

-“Brothers, our desires continue as strong at the present day, as ever

-they were, to promote your happiness in this life, and in that which is

-to come. But this happy state we know can only be attained, by having

-our minds drawn to the Great Spirit, by imploring his protection,

-and by beseeching him that he would preserve us in love towards all

-mankind. If we are sincere in our desires for his assistance, and

-attentive to the voice of his spirit in our hearts, we shall have

-reason to hope for his blessing upon our labours, which is our desire

-for ourselves, for our Indian brethren, and for all men.”

-

-The Indians were also strongly reminded in this address, of the

-dangerous tendency of introducing strong liquor again into their

-villages, as the late war had exposed them to the use of it more than

-they had been for many years previous--and if they now become so unwise

-as to fall again in love with it, it would prove their ruin.

-

-This communication had a stimulating effect upon the Indians at both

-the settlements. Those of Alleghany sent a written address to the

-committee, signed by six of their chiefs, in which they expressed in

-a high degree, their sense of gratitude for the continued care of

-the society of Friends over them, and the great advantages they had

-received from their instruction. They also renewed their request that

-they might be furnished with a schoolmaster, as but little attention

-had been given to their improvement in school learning for some time

-past, owing to the general disinclination of the Indians to have their

-children thus instructed.

-

-At the request of the Indians, also, in the summer of 1816, four lads,

-two from Buffalo, and two from Alleghany, were brought into Chester

-county, within forty miles of Philadelphia, and placed with suitable

-persons under the care of the committee, to be instructed in school

-learning, and some of the mechanic arts.

-

-In the Eighth month this year, a Friend who had formerly devoted many

-years to the instruction of the natives, proceeded again with his wife

-to the Alleghany settlement, accompanied by a young man in the capacity

-of a schoolmaster; and the family who had resided there for some

-years past returned from thence. The school was again opened at Cold

-Spring town, in the Tenth month, where about twenty different scholars

-attended, in an irregular manner, owing, in part, to the scarcity of

-provisions. This scarcity of food was occasioned by unusually early

-frost, which destroyed more than half their corn, and likewise many

-other vegetables. This calamity was felt through all that part of the

-country bordering on the lakes.

-

-Although the Indians had had the fairest prospect of a plentiful

-supply, yet, from the foregoing circumstance, many of them were

-compelled to resort to their former source of dependence, and with

-their families, retire to the woods and hunting encampments, where they

-remained a great part of the winter.

-

-The Indians at Cattaraugus were conspicuous sufferers by this calamity;

-many of them having their crops of corn entirely cut off, while they

-had as yet scarcely recruited from their sufferings during the late

-war. Friends duly considered their distressed situation, and granted

-five hundred dollars to be applied in supplying them with provisions,

-and three hundred more to be administered to the necessities of

-those on the Alleghany reservation. These donations were gratefully

-received by the Indians, and were peculiarly useful in enabling them,

-the following spring, more generally to attend to their agricultural

-pursuits, without being compelled from necessity to retire to their

-hunting grounds. It was said five hundred and twelve individuals at

-Alleghany, and three hundred and ninety at Cattaraugus, partook of this

-timely donation of Friends.

-

-In the spring of 1817, the fears of the committee were strongly excited

-for the safety of the Indians, from the various concurring accounts,

-that plans were again devising to induce a removal of many of them in

-the state of New York, from their present seat, to one very remote

-among the western tribes. A measure of this kind would not only tend

-to unsettle the Indians in their agricultural pursuits, but if carried

-into effect, would entirely frustrate the plan of their civilization,

-and render of little avail the labours of Friends for twenty years

-past, and the expenditure of more than forty thousand dollars in

-promoting their advancement toward a civilized state.

-

-The committee, therefore, being fully impressed with the great loss

-the Indians would inevitably sustain by a removal to a distant clime,

-communicated their views by a written address; and with a view of

-setting them in a more permanent possession of the soil, recommended a

-division of their land into lots, suitable to accommodate each family,

-to be held under such regulations, that it might descend from parent

-to children, and other near connexions; and under such restrictions as

-would debar individuals from selling, leasing, or transferring it, in

-any way, to white people.

-

-This measure being of an important character in the disposition of

-Indian affairs, it was believed expedient, by the committee, to present

-a memorial to the President of the United States, in their behalf,

-by which he was fully made acquainted with the plan proposed to the

-Indians for a division of their land; and being visited, also, by a

-deputation from the committee, and furnished with various documents, it

-opened the way for a free communication of sentiment on the subject,

-and the president gave assurance of attentively perusing and duly

-considering the documents and memorial.

-

-In the Ninth month this year, the settlements of Tunesassa and

-Cattaraugus were again visited by four of the committee, who spent

-several weeks among the Indians, in attending to the various services

-of their appointment. They inspected, particularly, the state of

-improvement at both the settlements, and also had divers interviews

-with the Indians in council, at both places.

-

-With respect to the improvements at Cattaraugus, the author being one

-of the deputation now visiting them, had a fair opportunity of judging

-of the advances they had made in three years past. Their settlements

-at this place were now extended about ten miles in length--and they

-had fenced in many fields and laid out their farms much more detached

-from each other--and were gradually advancing in agriculture. It

-was supposed they had more than two hundred acres of corn growing,

-(and it generally looked well,) besides one hundred acres more under

-cultivation; spring wheat, oats, potatoes, and a great variety of

-garden vegetables. Their stock of cattle and horses was much increased,

-and divers of them had enclosed lots of grass on which they gathered

-hay for winter. Many of the women had made considerable progress in

-spinning, so as, in the course of the last year, to make about one

-hundred and seventy yards of cloth.

-

-The Alleghany settlement was said to consist of about seventy families,

-all of whom, except four, had horned cattle, amounting in the whole to

-upwards of four hundred.

-

-They had more horses than was any advantage to them. Their corn, oats,

-and buckwheat, were in a prosperous condition, and promised to afford

-them a plentiful supply. And it was pleasing to find, that they had

-generally refrained from the use of spirituous liquors. The women,

-also, continued their attention to spinning and manufacturing their

-clothing.

-

-The school taught by the Friend at this place was also in a more

-prosperous condition than had hitherto been evidenced among those

-Indians. Nearly twenty lads attended, divers of whom could write and

-read the English language, and had otherwise made satisfactory progress

-in learning. The cleanliness of their persons, their order in the

-school, and general deportment, appeared to be encouraging.

-

-A prominent object in this visit was, to encourage the Indians to

-make the experiment of dividing their land into lots, and holding it

-as private property, under certain restrictions. This was suggested

-to them, in separate councils with the different tribes, as the most

-eligible plan by which they could continue to possess the good land

-which they and their fathers had so long enjoyed, and which of late

-years they had improved so much, that “this land, with its valuable

-improvements, might pass to their children, and be inherited by them as

-long as the Alleghany and Cattaraugus rivers should continue to run,

-and the grass and corn to grow.”

-

-The Indians in their several settlements, took this matter under

-serious consideration; and, in consequence of an arrangement made for

-the purpose, Friends met the principal chiefs, and many others of

-the Seneca nation, in a general council at Cattaraugus, among whom

-was the noted chief, Red Jacket, and several others from Buffalo. In

-this general council, the subject of dividing their land into lots,

-was again proposed to the Indians, as the most eligible means of

-accelerating their civilization, and securing them more permanently

-in the possession of the remnant of the land they yet occupied; and

-that these lots should be of adequate dimensions to accommodate each

-family with a farm, and be held under such restrictions, that they

-could not be alienated, or leased to any other than their own people,

-but in such manner as to secure to the individuals respectively, the

-land, with the improvements thereon, which should be appropriated to

-each. It was believed the adoption of this measure would prove an

-additional stimulus to their industry and care, in the prospect it

-presented, of the benefits which might result from their agricultural

-labours descending to, and being enjoyed by, their children, and

-posterity more remote. This important subject occupied the deliberate

-attention of the Indians for several days. The result was, a resolution

-that an experiment should be made on the Alleghany reservation by the

-Indians residing thereon, many of whom had for a considerable time been

-desirous of possessing their property more distinct from each other

-than had heretofore been the case.

-

-On the morning Friends were about to proceed on their way homewards,

-a number of the chiefs called to see them, and expressed their

-great satisfaction with the conclusions that had resulted at the

-late council. One of them named Blue-eyes, said, “Brothers, we want

-you to continue your endeavours to strengthen us, that we may not

-become a lost people, but that by persevering in the right path, we

-may experience preservation. We believe it is owing to the favourable

-disposition of the United States, that the Six Nations yet exist. And

-we are of the opinion, from the representations that have been made,

-that we owe much to you--and we trust to an overruling providence, who

-has thus favoured us, that we may yet experience preservation.”

-

-Notwithstanding the repeated refusals of the Indians to dispose of any

-more of their land, renewed applications were made by those holding the

-pre-emption right in the beginning of the year 1818; and at a general

-council, held at Buffalo, about this time, they again determined not to

-sell; and with a view of making the President of the United States more

-particularly acquainted with their situation, and with the difficulties

-to which they were subjected, by these repeated applications for land,

-they sent forward a talk for that purpose, signed by twenty-one chiefs

-of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago tribes, which was published in the

-Niagara Patriot, and from which, for its simple, natural, impassioned,

-and pathetic eloquence, we shall present to the reader a few extracts.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Father, from the fatherly care the presidents of the United States

-have exercised towards their red children, we speak to our father in

-confidence, believing he will not turn away his ears from his red

-children. We are alarmed lest we lose our seats. Those men who say

-they have a right to purchase our lands, have been distressing us for

-a number of years with their plans to possess our lands--offering us

-in exchange lands to the westward. We declare to you, we desire you to

-publish to all our white brothers, that it is our fixed and determined

-purpose to live and die on our present land. It is sealed to us by

-the bones of our fathers--they obtained it by their blood. Our bones

-shall lie beside theirs--it is the heritage of the Almighty--he gave it

-us--he it is must take it from us.”

-

-“We mean no threat by this--we know we are in the hands of our white

-brethren--they can destroy us with ease--but they need not think to

-persuade us to part with our lands--as free men we claim the right to

-choose between being killed outright, or a lingering execution, by

-being driven a thousand miles into the wilderness.

-

-“Where, father, where would our white brothers have us to go? The

-Indian claim to land is put out for more than a thousand miles to the

-west--except little spots for particular nations.

-

-“We have confidence in you. You cannot see your red children, with

-their little ones, driven off by stealth and fraud--leaving the

-sepulchres of their fathers, their farms, their farming tools, and

-their cattle, and dying by families on the road, through hardships

-and privation--exchanging all their advances in civilization and its

-comforts, for the hardships of the chase--without house or friend.

-

-“Father, we have confidence in you, that if you see any device formed

-against us, you will frustrate it, and succour your red children. We

-have deceived no man--we have wronged no man--our language has been

-one--we choose not to part with our land. If we have been needlessly

-alarmed, you will pity our ignorance, and forgive our childish fears.

-

-“We trust that you will pardon the multitude of our words. Let none

-deceive you in saying that this is the voice of a few individuals, and

-not the voice of the Six Nations. It is the voice of the Six Nations in

-the state of New York. The chiefs of Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Genessee,

-and Onondago, are now in council. We have the message of Oneida

-and Alleghany with us, desiring we should speak to our father the

-president--intreating him to consider and help us. Speak, father--speak

-to your children, that their minds may be at rest. Speak to our council

-fire at this place, and let us hear your own words; send them by safe

-hands.

-

-“May the Great Spirit preserve you many years a blessing to all your

-children.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-The Indians also sent a copy of the foregoing talk to the governor of

-New York, accompanied with a short address, from which we make the

-following extracts:

-

-“Father, we thank you that you feel anxious to do all you can to the

-perishing ruins of your red children. We hope, Father, you will make a

-fence strong and high around us, that wicked white men may not devour

-us at once, but let us live as long as we can. We are persuaded you

-will do this for us, because our field is laid waste and trodden down

-by every beast--we are feeble and cannot resist them.”

-

-“Father, we are persuaded you will do this for the sake of our white

-brothers, lest God, who has appeared so strong in building up white

-men and pulling down Indians, should turn his hand and visit our white

-brothers for their sins, and call them to an account for all the wrongs

-they have done them, and all the wrongs they have not prevented, that

-it was in their power to prevent, to their poor red brothers, who have

-no helper.

-

-“Father, would you be the father of your people and make them good and

-blessed of God, let not the cries of his red children ascend into his

-ears against you.”

-

-Without further comment on these impressive communications of the

-Indians, we shall leave the reader to his own reflections, after

-stating, that whatever impressions they might have made on the rulers

-to whom they were addressed, it did not prevent the renewed and

-persevering applications of the pre-emption holders, to obtain the

-Indians’ land, which, although they as often refused to sell, had the

-effect to keep them in a state of agitation and unsettlement; for

-although they had been repeatedly told that their lands were their

-own, and that they could not be compelled to dispose of them without

-their consent, and that President Washington had fully assured them

-that the United States would protect them in the remainder of their

-lands, which they had not legally conveyed away at public treaties,

-yet there appeared to be a degree of jealousy existing with some, as

-to the sincerity of these professions, and a fear lest they might, at

-some time, be compelled to relinquish their rightful possessions and be

-removed to another clime.

-

-The Indians at Alleghany, therefore, sent a message to the committee,

-in which they expressed a wish that Friends would endeavour to obtain

-for them a written instrument from the President of the United States,

-to strengthen, as they said, their title to their land, so that they

-might be easy themselves, and their children after them. And as it had

-been concluded in the last fall, to divide the Alleghany reservation

-into lots, they also wished to know whether this plan was agreeable to

-the President.

-

-In consequence of this request of the Alleghany chiefs, as also with

-a view of making the executive department of government more fully

-acquainted with their situation, various documents were prepared and

-committed to the charge of four of the committee, to present to the

-secretary of war, and such other officers of government as seemed to

-be requisite. These documents were calculated to explain the views of

-Friends in the interesting and benevolent design of ameliorating the

-condition, and promoting the civilization of the Indians, and also to

-impress the public mind with the peculiarly distressed situation of the

-aborigines of our country generally.

-

-A surveyor being furnished by Friends, some essay was made, in the

-course of this year, towards dividing the Alleghany reservation into

-lots, as had previously been concluded on in general council. But

-difficulties occurred among the Indians respecting it, which they were

-not at that time able to reconcile; as the division lines would in many

-instances interfere with their present improvements; and their local

-attachments having, in a considerable degree, been increased since they

-become more detached in their settlements and applied themselves to the

-pursuits of an agricultural life, the plan of division was abandoned

-for the present.

-

-It may here be proper to state, that in their former practice of

-locating the land they wished to cultivate, they never interfered with

-each other’s boundaries. There was land sufficient for them all. Each

-family possessed the spot upon which they settled, without interruption

-from others; and if they wished to relinquish it, and remove to

-another, they might sell their improvements to other Indians. It is,

-therefore, not surprising, that in effecting so radical a change from

-their former customs, as the one contemplated, difficulties should

-occur--and it will require time for local prejudices, gradually to give

-way to the more enlightened views of civilization, and for more correct

-ideas of distinct property to be realized.

-

-Notwithstanding the state of unsettlement, considerable improvement in

-divers respects, was apparent this year, especially at the Cattaraugus

-settlement. A school for the first time was opened at that place, by a

-young man who offered for that service, and was attended by a number of

-children, with as much regularity as could reasonably be expected.

-

-In the year 1819, and for some time previous, the Indians on the

-Alleghany river had got much in the practice of cutting and rafting

-pine timber down the river, and selling to white people, which was

-rather an injury to them than otherwise, as it opened an intercourse

-with some of the most profligate of the whites, and exposed them more

-to the use of intoxicating liquors than when at home, engaged in their

-agricultural labours. It also had a tendency to frustrate the plan of

-dividing their land into lots, as they now had liberty to range at

-large in the woods and get timber where they pleased, while the land

-remained as common stock to the nation.

-

-In the spring of this year, an Indian, who was a lad when Friends

-first settled amongst them, and who had since been instructed in the

-blacksmith business, dictated a letter to the author, in reply to one

-sent to him sometime before, from which, to show his own views of the

-improvement he had made, we make the following extracts.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“I received thy letter of the eighteenth of last month, much to my

-satisfaction. I was glad to hear that my old friend W---- was well, and

-thou may inform him that I have usual health also. I well remember the

-counsel of my friends, the Quakers. I see they want to do me good--I

-feel strong about it. They told me to work at my trade, and to plough,

-and sow, and raise grain and grass. All this is very good advice. I

-now have plenty of corn, and some other grain, and hay. I have worked

-at my trade so as to earn ninety dollars, and received my pay from our

-agent. Besides this, about thirty dollars for other smithing, done last

-year. I feel glad the Quakers live so near me. I do their smithing.

-They have ploughed several days for me. I have good corn in the land

-they ploughed, and some good wheat, potatoes, and other things, so that

-I have plenty. All this comes from my friends the Quakers’ advice.

-

-“Thee mentions about running out our land into lots, and that an evil

-bird has sung us a bad song. We are in hopes that the good bird will

-begin to sing, and in hopes that by next spring, his song will be for

-our good. I want he should sing a good song for us. I myself cannot say

-much, but I want the land divided into lots. Some say they do not want

-it, and are putting it by. I am glad thee has wrote thy mind on paper

-to me on this subject, and sent it here--I think I can see more light

-by it. I wish thee to make thy mind easy. I will do what I can, and

-speak what I know is for our good. I am in hopes to see my friend H----

-here, whom I remember when I was a boy. I intend to keep thy letter by

-me, that I may see what it says in time to come, that I may not forget

-thy advice. Farewell.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Notwithstanding the repeated assurances, from time to time, given to

-the Indians, that Friends were acting towards them from disinterested

-motives, and would never bring any charge against them, yet there

-were still individuals among them, probably instigated by the enemies

-of Friends among white people, who continued to excite jealousies

-and surmises, that Friends would at some future day, bring a charge

-against them. In order, therefore, to make their minds entirely easy

-on this _subject_, a writing was drawn up on parchment, containing the

-same assurances heretofore given, that Friends _never would bring any

-charge against them for their services_. This, as also a communication

-obtained from the President of the United States, respecting the

-division of their land, and sanctioning the plan of Friends, was

-forwarded to them, and seemed for the present to have a conciliating

-effect.

-

-During this summer, an increasing improvement was manifested by

-several of the Indians, clearing themselves new farms, distinct from

-their former fields, and preparing to put in their crops, which they

-accomplished in due season.

-

-In the summer of 1820, circumstances again requiring a visit from the

-committee to the Indian settlements, two other Friends and the writer,

-were deputed for that service. They proceeded to Tunesassa in the Ninth

-month; and after inspecting into the situation of the Indians, and

-their state of improvement, they found, that, although many had made

-considerable advances in agriculture and the modes of civilized life,

-yet there were individuals who probably being instigated by designing

-white men, or from a perverse disposition in themselves, had become

-inimical to their abandoning their former habits, and pursuing the

-mode of life in which Friends had for many years been endeavouring to

-instruct them. This created jealousy and party spirit in some degree

-among them at this period.

-

-To meet these circumstances, and to endeavour to reconcile the minds of

-the Indians, a council was called, which their chiefs generally, and

-many others of their people, attended, to the number of about seventy.

-

-The following is extracted from the address of Friends, delivered to

-them on this occasion.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers, by the permission of the Great and Good Spirit who made the

-world, and is acquainted with all the actions of men, we are permitted

-to meet in council, and we desire that he may help us to come to right

-conclusions.

-

-“Brothers, it is now a long time since the Seneca nation became

-sensible that if they continued to exist as a people, they must change

-their mode of living from the hunter state, and engage in agricultural

-pursuits. They were very desirous that their brothers, the Quakers,

-would assist them. They believed it pleasing to the Great Spirit, that

-men should assist and help each other, and that Friends came amongst

-them for that purpose.

-

-“Brothers, when our Friends first came among you, you had no good

-houses--very few cattle--very little land cultivated--your numbers

-were decreasing, and it appears certain to us, and to yourselves, that

-unless a change were made, you would fast dwindle away, and the Seneca

-nation become as it were dead.

-

-“Brothers, some of our friends have been engaged in instructing

-you for more than twenty years. You have been taught to build more

-comfortable houses--you have enclosed and cultivated fields--you have

-much increased your stock of cattle, and other useful animals. Some of

-your men have been instructed in useful trades. Many of your women have

-learned to spin, and some of your children have been taught to read and

-write.

-

-“Brothers, we love you, and therefore we feel bound to speak plainly to

-you. We hope our words may sink deep into your minds. It is the voice

-of your old and true friends, who have never deceived you. You must

-endeavour to improve in the habits of civilized life, until you arrive

-at the state of some of the best of the white people, or you will

-gradually go back until you lose what you have gained--your friends

-with mournful hearts will give you up--your lands will go from you--and

-the very name of the Seneca nation, like many that have gone before

-you, will only be known in history.

-

-“Brothers, a man in the habit of taking strong drink to excess sets

-a bad example to his neighbours, and his family, and brings his poor

-wife and innocent children to poverty and distress. This conduct is

-offensive to the Great Spirit; and unless he changes, he becomes one

-of the most wretched of men. We wish you, therefore, to endeavour to

-reclaim such of your people as have fallen into this evil practice, and

-to warn those who may be in danger of contracting the habit.

-

-“Brothers, we desire to stimulate you to increased industry. The

-industrious man is always the most comfortable. Labour is good for

-health; it makes the mind cheerful; and by steadily attending to

-business, we have the satisfaction to see every thing improving around

-us. What appeared hard, by perseverance becomes easy.

-

-“Brothers, the greatest kindness a man can do to his children, is to

-begin early, to learn them to be industrious, and to engage them in

-business suitable to their years. The boys ought to help their fathers

-in the fields--the mothers and daughters to be engaged in spinning--in

-making clothes, in cooking victuals, and in all the business that is

-suitable to their sex--their houses, their beds, their clothes, and

-every thing about them, should be kept clean and in good order.

-

-“Brothers, it is consistent with the will of the Great Spirit, that men

-and women should be connected in marriage. It is an engagement of great

-importance, and we should not enter into it, until we are of sufficient

-age to think and judge for ourselves; and when marriage is contracted,

-the parties are bound to help and love each other--to care for, and

-instruct their children--and while families live in love and harmony

-together, it is very comfortable and very good;--but when division

-gets in, and differing, it is the work of the evil spirit--and if man

-and wife separate and marry others, it produces confusion, and must be

-displeasing in the Divine sight, and no people can prosper and grow

-strong who are in such practices.

-

-“Brothers, it is the duty of parents to have their children educated.

-The Great Spirit has given us minds capable of improvement, and by

-education children become more capable of learning the various trades,

-which will add to their comfort and happiness; and we believe it is

-right that the girls should be taught as well as the boys.

-

-“Brothers, we have been desirous that the lands belonging to you might

-remain firm in your hands, that your children and children’s children

-might possess them. For this end, we advised you to divide to every

-family a farm, so that they might say, “this is mine,” and improve it

-for their own benefit. And although changes are at first subject to

-some difficulties, yet we believe those difficulties may be overcome.

-

-“Brothers, on this subject you wished to have the mind of your

-father, the President of the United States, to strengthen you in the

-conclusion you had come to in general council, to divide the Alleghany

-reservation. You requested your friends in Philadelphia to go to the

-President, and obtain his opinion. One of us, who are now present, with

-some others, took a journey to Washington, for the purpose of complying

-with your request, and we found the President fully impressed with the

-necessity of such a measure, and he gave us a paper, in strong words,

-sealed with the great seal of the United States, and directed to the

-Alleghany chiefs, advising and urging that you might carry the business

-into effect, which paper was sent to you.

-

-“Brothers, we hope you will keep your minds strong on this subject,

-for we shall hardly know how to go again to the President, and make

-requests on your behalf, if, when they are granted, they are not

-proceeded in.

-

-“Brothers, our talk has been long. Circumstances seemed to require it;

-we hope you will consider it well. We love and desire the prosperity of

-you all; and although you may differ in opinion in some matters, yet we

-desire that the Good Spirit may unite your minds in love, and that you

-may all join in endeavours to promote education and improvement.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-The Indians took these matters into serious consideration, and promised

-to make a reply the day following--and when they assembled for that

-purpose, it was evident they were divided into two parties, and divers

-of them had become opposed to their children’s being instructed in

-school learning, giving this as a reason, “that they were more liable

-to be corrupted by bad white people.”

-

-Much the greater part, however, continued to manifest an attachment to

-Friends, and, in their replies, gave hearty assurances of attending

-to their advice. They appeared to be fully sensible that remaining on

-their land, and pursuing the plan that Friends had pointed out to them,

-were the only means by which they could continue to be a nation. The

-chief sachem, named _Blue-Eyes_, in the course of his speech, remarked,

-“If we go from here we are a lost people. Look to the east, west,

-north, or south; all is filled up, and there is no place for us.”

-

-On the subject of dividing their land, they appeared to be discouraged,

-owing to their divided state, and the opposition met with from

-some individuals, who no doubt were influenced by interested and

-_designing men_; as this great object would be the most likely means

-of settling the Indians in a permanent possession of the soil, and

-thereby frustrate _the avaricious designs_ of speculators. The secret

-insinuations of this class of the white people added much to the

-difficulties of Friends in pursuing their plans of civilization; nor

-was it to be wondered at, that individuals, among a people who had

-long been a prey to designing white men, should become alienated from

-Friends, and cease to follow their counsel.

-

-At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the

-dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages that

-might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially

-by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that, “we

-still considered them as brethren--that we were not divided in our good

-wishes for them--that we had always desired, and continued to desire,

-the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell, on the

-present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline their

-minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would yet

-join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing

-in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real

-benefit of man.”

-

-From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement,

-and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians at that

-place. They found that considerable progress had been made within three

-years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on the rich

-fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips, and

-other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful

-supply of provisions.

-

-A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech

-from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the

-following address was delivered to them.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are now,

-by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you in

-council.

-

-“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you

-are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and

-industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be

-readily obtained.

-

-“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you

-have already made--your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain,

-and your cattle--and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong

-desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.

-

-“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the

-industrious man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision

-for his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their

-support, but to train our children to assist in all the business they

-are capable of--to begin with them young, and thus, while they are

-useful to their parents, it adds greatly to their own real comfort.

-

-“Brothers, by the united exertions of a family, much may be done.

-The house may be made more comfortable. Out houses may be erected to

-shelter the cattle. Barns may be built to store the grain and hay,

-to prevent injury from the weather. While the boys are engaged in

-assisting their fathers in these things, the girls ought to help their

-mothers in keeping the house clean, in spinning, in making clothes, in

-cooking victuals, and every business that is suitable for their sex.

-

-“Brothers, by thus uniting in promoting improvements, you would soon

-make your farms to equal some of the best of your white neighbours; and

-if you would fully make the experiment, you would find that what we

-tell you is true.

-

-“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is

-also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families

-should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ

-and part, and marry to others, it is wrong--it is an injury to their

-children, and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to

-think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.

-

-“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of

-spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it--we wish you to

-keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your

-people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.

-

-“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every

-voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in your

-councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this means, the

-very land that you own may slide from you.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short reply,

-but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of Friends’

-communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in two days,

-when they would reply more particularly.

-

-At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of

-the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of

-religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit--stating

-that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road,

-or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they

-appeared fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was

-his religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”

-

-This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian,

-was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the

-divine principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him

-what constitutes the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of

-men or books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s

-testimony “in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of

-a devout heart.

-

-It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into

-parties, which prevented that free intercourse and conference with

-each other, which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their

-replies to Friends--and without a design to impeach the sincere natives

-of any religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from

-the observations made, and the information received on this visit, that

-the introduction of these, under the character of missionaries, on

-their land at Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held,

-had created great uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause

-of their present difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the

-Indians had attached themselves to the missionary system, and joined

-in their modes of worship, singing, &c. and these were looked upon as

-converted to the Christian faith. Hence the others, who were opposed

-to the missionary plans, were branded with the epithet of pagans, a

-term hateful to Indians, and which they did not fully understand.

-Thus a spirit of jealousy was excited between the parties, and a fear

-entertained by some, that the introduction of missionaries on their

-land was designed to obtain a permanent possession, and eventually to

-dispossess them of it.

-

-At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended,

-when the Indians of each party made replies to the former communication

-of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show the dilemma in

-which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge me to give at

-considerable length.

-

-The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council

-in the following manner.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more to

-meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful that

-the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come to

-see us.

-

-“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open

-our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us

-pay attention and observe the sabbath day--others do not. We wish you

-now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties

-straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.

-

-“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the reason

-we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four or five

-who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old men

-observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it. We wish

-you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men do, or

-follow our old customs.

-

-“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing

-for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one

-man--and now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to

-pursue--whether white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other

-hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient

-customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit;

-and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice

-on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to

-adhere to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.

-

-“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the hand,

-and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice we have

-heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing towards the

-_missionaries_, and keeping the First-day.

-

-“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and wish the

-chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and you--and

-that you will not be displeased at what we have said to you.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as

-follows:

-

-“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted to

-have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother proposed

-the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers, we were

-glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.

-

-“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason why

-we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last season we

-went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P----, showed us a paper which

-came from the President, which stated that he wanted his brothers, the

-Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep the First-day

-of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their books. He told

-us that Congress had made an appropriation for the purpose of improving

-the condition of the Indians, and he wished to know whether they would

-accept it. We told the agent we had the Quakers living beside us, with

-whom we were satisfied; and if any help came from the President, we

-wished it to come through the Quakers. Our agent told us, the Quakers,

-he knew were friends to us; they have property of their own to help

-you. Congress has also appropriated money to assist you, and you should

-leave it to the President to dispose of that, as he thinks best for

-your benefit. We, therefore, concluded to pay attention to both the

-Quakers and the President, and have friends of both. We saw that many

-of the different nations of Indians were becoming civilized, and that

-the Seneca nation still remained in their old habits. We saw that the

-Quakers and the ministers, (meaning missionaries,) both observed the

-First-day. We concluded, as they did so, it must be an appointment

-of the Great Spirit to keep that day holy. We then thought, that as

-he had appointed it we must observe it also. Some of our people were

-wicked. They stole, and committed many bad actions. We thought we

-would endeavour to have our children instructed, while young, which

-would be better for them. We have been told, the world had been made a

-long time, when the Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into

-the world, and wished that knowledge might be spread among mankind.

-Your brothers have often told us, there was but one God over all--we,

-therefore, thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour

-to christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who

-were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased with it,

-and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And after a while,

-a minister came along, and wanted to know if they wished to hear

-him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded that when a

-minister came of his own accord, if he was a good man, he ought to be

-heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst us and preach to us

-steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister that our children

-could not understand. But we rather concluded to have some of our own

-people to give good advice to our children, on First-day, that they

-might improve and grow better. Some of our people have often heard of

-the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought it was right for us to

-keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read to, out of the Bible.

-The ministers who come here are different from our friends the Quakers.

-They are only travellers. Our friends the Quakers have given us a

-writing on parchment, stating that they would never bring any charge

-against us for what they have done.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the

-necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and

-offered to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a

-school house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply,

-stated, that on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing

-to have their children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a

-house for that purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages

-they had already received from the instruction of Friends, and among

-other things said,

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the use

-of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,

-and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious

-habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute of

-many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference in our

-people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may be slowly.

-

-“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in

-each of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your

-advices put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat

-with their brothers in order to reclaim them.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends would

-retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an answer. In

-about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council house, and

-after informing them that (although they were divided in some things,)

-they were glad they were of one mind about the education of their

-children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness, they might

-inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish them with a

-teacher.

-

-They were then presented with the following observations in writing, as

-the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided

-and critical situation.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their design

-was to improve your condition--to teach you to build more comfortable

-houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable

-you to raise and support more cattle--to educate your children, and to

-advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.

-

-“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the

-assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship

-him--and although it is our practice to meet together to worship

-him, yet we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in

-religion. We think it right that every man should follow the teachings

-of the Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would

-always lead him in the right path.

-

-“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,

-and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you back in

-your improvements, it will make you weak--it is contrary to all right

-religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”

-

-  Signed, SAMUEL BETTLE.

-          WILLIAM NEWBOLD.

-          HALLIDAY JACKSON.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply

-to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation

-of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice

-of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it

-was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to

-enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly

-to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own

-hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without

-the teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this

-principle, it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by

-degrees they would come to see more light.

-

-This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed

-them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as they had

-ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the other.

-

-From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that

-their difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the

-missionary system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so

-called, and inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could

-not comprehend, and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard

-to religion had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the

-observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and

-fundamental points,--while others, jealous of the encroachments of

-missionaries on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister

-motives in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the

-whites in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to

-their old Indian customs, in this respect.

-

-From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had some

-further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of their

-children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to having

-a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it, and

-expressed strong desires that a school might again be established among

-them.

-

-While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by the

-son of the ancient _Guy-us-hu-ta_, mentioned in the early part of this

-narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business--was fifty-six years

-of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and

-never had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had

-twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.

-

-These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may be

-noted to their credit.

-

-Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of

-their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property,

-yet the practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was

-becoming more frequent among them. In several instances they had

-applied to Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped,

-would open their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions,

-and in time, Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended,

-of dividing their land.

-

-The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced

-teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting

-them in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them

-instruction in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who

-had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest

-progress in the arts of civilized life.

-

-In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their

-principal chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of

-Philadelphia, instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s

-trade, returned to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced

-his business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a

-great accommodation to the Indians.

-

-The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to be

-a source of uneasiness to the Indians--as _they_ urged the necessity of

-having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,

-to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when

-the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as

-well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.

-

-In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account

-of the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the

-schoolmaster, who resided among them, which will exhibit the

-improvements made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause

-of regret that the account was not completed--there being about forty

-families more, which were not included.

-

-The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account

-was taken.

-

-Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.--Has about twenty acres of cleared

-land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes--about

-forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit--three cows, four

-calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one

-plough, and one wagon.

-

-William Platt, 30 years of age.--Fifteen acres of cleared land--a

-considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of

-potatoes, one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.

-

-Levi Halftown, blacksmith.--Nine and a half acres of land cleared--one

-yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox chains,

-seven hogs and eight pigs.

-

-Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.--Has twelve children

-by one wife, with whom he still lives--twenty acres of cleared land,

-seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke of

-oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number

-of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.

-

-Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient

-Guy-us-hu-ta.--Eight acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four

-of mowing grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs

-and pigs, and one plough.

-

-John Jemison, 24 years old.--Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres

-of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen

-hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one

-yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of

-land, twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per

-acre--has put up a new barn fifty feet long--made new fence to enclose

-six acres of land the present season.

-

-Big Jacob, 50 years old.--Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five

-acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three

-yoke of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs;

-has sown one bushel of wheat this fall.

-

-Moses Pierce, aged 32.--Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a half

-of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half

-of hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five

-hogs and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.

-

-John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.--Twenty acres of cleared land,

-raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,

-four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.

-

-Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.--Has begun a new improvement in

-the woods, and has about three acres cleared--parted with his old

-field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half

-an acre of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of

-steers, one cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.

-

-Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.--Fourteen acres of land,

-five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of

-wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,

-one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.

-

-Billy, 50 years old.--Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of

-potatoes, one cow, one calf, and three hogs.

-

-William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.--Eleven acres of land,

-raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,

-one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.

-

-Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.--Eighteen acres of

-land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one

-and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two

-cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.

-

-Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.--Fourteen acres of

-land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of

-corn, three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of

-potatoes, one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two

-cows, one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall

-five hogs--one plough, one cart and log chains.

-

-John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.--Had last year two acres

-of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.

-

-Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land,

-three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and

-killed three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three

-of oats, half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.

-

-Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.--Five and a half acres

-of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,--corn, oats, and

-potatoes, quantity not mentioned.

-

-James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.--Thirteen and a half

-acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,

-two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of

-meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains

-and sled.

-

-Blue Eyes.--Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of wheat,

-three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two and a

-half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves, four

-hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &c.

-

-John Watt, 35 years old.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of

-potatoes, four hogs, twenty-six pigs.

-

-Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.--Three acres of land, two cattle, and

-three pigs.

-

-Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.--Five acres of land, three

-acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of

-beans, and four hogs.

-

-Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.--Eight acres of land, three of corn,

-two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven

-cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.

-

-Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.--Fourteen acres of land, five

-acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen

-head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.

-

-William Halftown, aged 26.--Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten

-of which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars

-per acre for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half

-meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some

-bearing apple-trees.

-

-John Bone, 33 years old.--Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of

-meadow, four cattle, one plough.

-

-George Silverheels, 43 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land, eight

-head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,

-one of oats, one and a half of meadow--has lately commenced a new

-improvement.

-

-John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.--Five acres of land,

-mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.

-

-Bucktooth, 55 years old.--Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of

-corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.

-

-Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.--Eleven acres of land,

-three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one

-and a half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one

-plough--has put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.

-

-Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.--Four acres of corn, one

-and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow,

-about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.

-

-David Halftown.--Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats, one

-of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen, two

-cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.

-

-Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of

-potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,

-and one plough.

-

-William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.--Four acres of corn,

-two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had

-about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and

-fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine

-with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.

-They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one hundred

-and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of swine. But

-little account is given of their improvements in building--this having

-been heretofore noticed in this work.

-

-In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by

-Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany

-settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having

-been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several

-years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of his

-time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by

-an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in the

-rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the

-time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory

-evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who

-resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some

-of the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year,

-notwithstanding the existence of various difficulties in relation to

-the prosecution of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and

-attention to business continued to be apparent with many of the natives.

-

-In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,

-whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the natives

-had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further

-instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which

-females are commonly engaged.

-

-The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,

-having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,

-with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and

-proceeded to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with

-the two Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A

-school was established for the instruction of young females, and in

-1826 the accounts were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian

-girls in their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other

-employments adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also

-regularly attended, and their conduct satisfactory. Between school

-hours, they were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or

-otherwise in the shop at some mechanical business; and the regular

-industrious habits thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it

-was evident, would have a beneficial effect in the formation of their

-future character.

-

-From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians

-at the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that

-eighty families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals,

-possessed four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight

-horses, three hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine

-acres of improved land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included;

-two hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with

-corn, forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one

-hundred and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and

-divers sorts of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging

-circumstances in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the

-schools of both sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this

-people might be essentially and permanently benefitted by the labour of

-Friends, yet their situation, at this period, was particularly trying,

-and critical, from the great liability to be dispossessed of their

-possessions. The continued applications in various ways of _those_

-claiming the pre-emption right, and the evident influence _they_ were

-gradually making on the minds of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness

-to others more considerate and reflecting among them, and their fears

-in this respect soon became realized; for the Seneca nation, finally,

-were induced to part with large bodies of their lands in different

-places to the pre-emption holders. These sales (the amount of which

-I have not ascertained) were parts of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and

-Tonewanta reservations, and some smaller reservations near the Genessee

-river. The reservation at Alleghany, where the greatest improvements

-in agriculture were made, remained in the hands of the Indians; and

-could this avaricious disposition on the part of the whites to obtain

-their land be here restrained, and the natives left in the undisturbed

-possession of their _rightful inheritance_, the Seneca nation have yet

-a sufficiency of land to accommodate their numbers, and with industry

-and care, in pursuing their agricultural labours, they might obtain all

-the necessary comforts of life.

-

-The progress made by the Indians at the Cattaraugus settlement, and

-the favourable situation of their land for cultivation, with proper

-attention on their part, had induced Friends to withdraw their aid

-for several years past, as it regarded an instructor among them. And

-the settlement, having been now continued among the Indians at the

-Alleghany for about thirty years, it was believed the time was nearly

-come to withdraw from them; and, accordingly, the Friends residing at

-Tunesassa, returned home in the year 1828, and left the Indians to

-improve on the instructions already received from the long and arduous

-labours of the society of Friends.

-

-Having no official means at command, of obtaining correct information

-of their real situation at present, I am not able to bring this account

-to as satisfactory a close as would be desirable; but from the best

-information I can obtain on the subject, it appears, that the Indians

-continue to progress in agricultural pursuits, and in some of the

-mechanic arts; and some of their own people have kept schools for the

-instruction of the youth.

-

-But it is also said, that the constant pressure upon them to obtain

-their land, affords strong ground to fear, that their former sales were

-only a prelude to their parting with the remainder, at no very distant

-period.

-

-It is, however, a consoling reflection to the society of Friends, that

-they have extended a benevolent hand to this poor, degraded, and much

-injured people; and even should they finally be induced to part with,

-and relinquish the remnants of their present possession, and migrate

-to a more distant clime, the instruction they have already received in

-the mechanic arts, together with their knowledge of agriculture, will

-greatly contribute to their happiness and comfort, in the land in which

-they may settle, and not only so, but the benefits resulting from their

-knowledge of civilized habits be extended to more distant and savage

-tribes.

-

-In concluding this account of the proceedings of Friends of the

-Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia, it may be proper to state, that many

-individuals, both male and female, from an apprehension of duty,

-have, at different periods, devoted many years of their time to the

-instruction of the natives, and have had the consoling evidence of

-peace for their labours. But as this benevolent work could not be

-accomplished, without very considerable expense to the society,

-voluntary subscriptions were raised, at different periods, to a large

-amount, in which it is but just to acknowledge, that the society of

-Friends in England, feeling a lively interest in this righteous work,

-liberally contributed to a fund for that purpose, which the Yearly

-Meeting of New York and Baltimore partook of, for the purpose of aiding

-them in extending their benevolent views, in promoting civilization

-among various tribes, and of whose proceedings therein, a short account

-will be here subjoined.

-

-    _A brief account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly

-    Meeting of New York, in promoting civilization among the Indians,

-    residing in that state._

-

-It will be seen in the early part of this narrative, that Friends of

-the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania, first promoted a settlement among

-the Oneida nation living near the Mohawk river, in the state of New

-York. They also extended some aid to the Stockbridges, and some other

-tribes in that quarter. This attention was continued from the spring

-of 1796, till about the close of the year 1799, when Friends withdrew

-from them; and the Yearly Meeting of New York, being actuated by the

-same benevolent motives to improve the condition of the aboriginal

-inhabitants, appointed a committee for that special purpose, who

-sent instructors among them, and continued to aid and assist them in

-agricultural pursuits, in some of the mechanic arts, and in school

-learning, for many years. But as I have not at command the means

-of furnishing a particular account of the gradual advancement made

-in the civilized arts among those Indians, I can only say, that in

-the prosecution of the work, Friends have had many difficulties to

-encounter; and the Indians have frequently been disturbed and harassed,

-by the same covetous spirit, that so frequently annoyed the Seneca

-nation, in order to dispossess them of their land. In consequence of

-this many of the tribes have been induced to sell and remove far to the

-westward.

-

-By the kindness of a Friend in New York, I have been furnished with

-an account of some of the more recent transactions of the society of

-Friends, towards the Indians. He states some of the difficulties to

-which the Indians are subjected, by the officious interference of a

-_proselyting spirit_, which has much agitated several of the tribes,

-and created parties and animosities among them. The ultimate object

-appears to be, to unsettle them in their present possessions, and

-eventually to induce them to abandon the rightful inheritance of their

-fathers.

-

-It appears from the account, that the Onondaga tribe are the only

-Indians at present under the care of the Yearly Meeting of New York;

-and the only tribe in that state united among themselves, and exempt

-from a party under the influence of a blind missionary zeal--desirous

-to relinquish their present possessions and emigrate. But a few years

-ago the Onondaga’s were an indolent, drunken people, and desirous of

-moving to the westward, but as they have in a good degree embraced

-the counsel of Friends, become industrious, and availed themselves of

-their local advantages, and tasted the sweets of their labour from the

-produce of the soil, a radical change has been effected among them.

-

-This tribe has for seven or eight years past been under the particular

-care and superintendence of Adin T. Corey, as agent for the committee

-of the Yearly Meeting; and being well qualified for the important

-trust, and feeling his mind devoted to it, the Indians have reposed

-great confidence in him, and distinguished him by the name of ‘Oatnus,’

-and consider him as their benefactor, as will be seen in the following

-speech.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-  _Onondaga, Fourth mo. 27, 1829.

-  “To the committee of the Yearly Meeting of New York, on Indian

-  concerns._

-

-“Brothers--Oatnus, our brother, told us he was going to New York to

-attend the great council--and we thought good to send you a talk, to

-let you know our minds. First, we thank you for all your goodness in

-giving us the many useful things you have given us, for our benefit,

-and we thank the Great Spirit, who in his unspeakable mercy put it into

-your hearts to take us by the hand, and pity our condition; but most

-of all, that he put it into your hearts and the heart of our brother

-Oatnus, to come and live amongst us.

-

-“Brothers, he has been a wall about us, that in a great measure has

-fenced out the encroachments of our white neighbours. When he speaks,

-the white people hear, and they do not cheat us as they used to do.

-

-“Brothers, he has improved our condition much every way. When he

-came among us, we were hungry and almost naked, but now we are more

-comfortable. Our lands lay common, and were running up with bushes--now

-there are many of them fenced and well cultivated, yielding an

-abundant supply of food for our people. Our young men, women, and

-children were running about doing no good--now, most of them are

-diligently and profitably employed. One of our young men has learned

-to work pretty well at blacksmithing--three lads have learned to make

-good shoes--our young women, most of them, can spin, knit, and sew,

-and some of them can weave. Oatnus has also transacted most of our

-business--made many bargains, and handled much of our money, and done

-all well--not one shilling sticks in his pocket--he has fed our hungry

-children, clothed our naked, and helped us when we were sick--when he

-came we were divided, now we are united--when there is war he makes

-peace--when he speaks our young men hear and keep mostly out of bad

-company--our farming begins to flourish, and although we have made much

-improvement, we still want a head--we cannot go alone, and if you leave

-us now, it will be like making us a very valuable present, and taking

-it away again.

-

-“Brothers, remember, when our brother Oatnus come, we were wild and

-ignorant respecting business, and it must necessarily take a good while

-to tame a whole nation.

-

-“Brothers, our brother told us, our school was so thinly attended, he

-thought it would be best to drop it till winter, but we are unwilling

-it should stop, for fear our children will go back--we wish you to

-keep it going--some of us have been negligent in sending our children,

-but we will endeavour to be more diligent in the future, if we can be

-favoured with it.

-

-“Brothers, our very tried brother is growing old, and through abundance

-of labour and fatigue has grown feeble, having been sick a good deal,

-and cannot do as he used to do, yet we are not willing to part with

-him, we want him to stay enough with us, to oversee our business,

-manage our affairs, and sit with us in council.

-

-“Brothers, we still want to go on in improvement, and as our young

-man that has learned to work at smithing, has taken to farming in the

-summer season, we therefore want to get a sober goodly man, to come

-and set up his trade among us, and take some of our boys and learn

-them the trade. We also want a wagon maker, and a cooper of the above

-description, and for the same purpose, and we believe it might be done

-with very little expense to our brothers, if Oatnus stays with us a

-part of the time, and has the management of our affairs; for we have

-abundance of materials to carry on the two last mentioned trades, and

-part of the first; and our circumstances are very different now from

-what they were when he first came amongst us.

-

-“Brothers, we have concluded to build a saw-mill this season, among

-ourselves.

-

-“Brothers, it makes our hearts sick when we look abroad and see our

-Oneida and Seneca brethren, who have got the blackcoats and hungry

-mouths among them--for there is nothing but contention, spite, and

-animosity, and no business that is profitable--and we thank the Great

-Spirit that has sent us peace--sweet peace and no blackcoats.

-

-“Brothers, may the Great Spirit preside over your councils--make

-you love one another, remember your real brethren and do much good.

-Farewell.”

-

-  Signed by the chiefs and some of the warriors.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-To the foregoing speech the committee on Indian affairs made the

-following reply:

-

-“Brothers, we have received by the hands of brother Oatnus your

-communication to us, and it has made our hearts glad; and, that our

-brothers and sisters of the Great council might hear it, we gave it

-to them to read, and it made their hearts glad also, and greatly

-to rejoice, to hear from you and to hear that Oatnus did well with

-you--and that you listened to his voice.

-

-“Brothers, we cannot tell you how much we want you to improve in all

-things--we know you cannot do every thing at once, but we want you to

-hearken to our counsel--we love you--we desire your good, and that you

-may increase and leave a good name behind you, when the Great Spirit

-shall take you away.

-

-“Brothers, remember we can only counsel you for good--if you take our

-counsel the Great Spirit will help you.

-

-“Brothers, you have now witnessed a little of the rewards of the

-Good Spirit, in taking our counsel and the counsel of our brother

-Oatnus--our counsel to you is, that you continue to improve as you have

-begun.

-

-“Brothers, be sober, be industrious--love to improve yourselves, and

-the Great Spirit will bountifully assist you.

-

-“Brothers, we want you to mind the Great Spirit, to be industrious--to

-try to learn yourselves--to keep out of bad company--to avoid strong

-drink--to counsel with brother Oatnus, who will never deceive you, but

-counsel you for your good.”

-

-  Signed, &c.

-

-_Fifth mo. 29, 1828._

-

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-By a report of the committee on Indian affairs dated the twenty-seventh

-of the Fifth-month, 1830, and presented to the Yearly Meeting held in

-the same month, it appears that during the past year, the Onondaga

-tribe have received their care and attention as heretofore, and that

-those Indians are realizing in an unprecedented manner, the fruits of

-their own industry, being stimulated and encouraged, by the care which

-Friends have extended towards them, for a few years past, which affords

-great cause for encouragement. There is a striking contrast between

-their situation now, and what it was seven years ago, when their only

-buildings were two small barns, and a few inferior huts. The lands

-which they then had cleared, were very imperfectly cultivated, and the

-state and quality as well as quantity of their stock, as also teams

-and utensils of husbandry of every kind, were correspondent. Since

-that time, they have greatly increased their quantity of cleared land;

-this season they had about three hundred acres of wheat--their crops

-are more abundant, furnishing more than a supply for their people. The

-fencing and arrangement of their fields are farmer-like and judicious.

-The number of their barns is increased to about twenty--their teams

-of horses and oxen, are numerous and efficient--they are pretty well

-supplied with wagons, harness, ploughs, and other farming utensils,

-and these articles are kept in tolerable repair. Many of their present

-dwellings, though small, are comfortable frame buildings, and their

-household furniture consists mostly of useful and plain articles--such

-as are used in civilized life.

-

-On a good mill stream within their territory, which consists

-of a reservation of about ten thousand acres, the committee’s

-superintendent, during the past year, aided by the individual labour of

-the Indians, raised a substantial dam, and by a discreet dispensation

-of their resources, and by a general economy introduced among them, has

-collected about five hundred dollars, which defrayed the expenses of

-erecting a good saw-mill, which the Indians find to be highly useful

-and productive.

-

-As the same stream furnished an eligible site for a grist-mill, at no

-great distance from those improvements, and as the reducing of their

-grain into meal for this tribe, was performed by the manual labour of

-the women in a great measure, the committee were encouraged to believe,

-that as they duly appreciated the benefits resulting from their newly

-erected saw-mill, and from the increased display of mechanical genius,

-industry, and method among them, the time was not far distant when

-further and more useful improvements will be made by themselves,

-calculated to raise their habits in domestic and civilized life, and

-elevate their minds to a steady pursuit of their more substantial

-happiness and welfare.

-

-The committee not having been able to comply with the Indians’ request,

-made in their speech two years ago, for a blacksmith, wagon maker, and

-cooper to be placed among them, as no suitable persons had offered

-for that purpose, and also the school having been dropped, that had

-formerly been kept, and in a flourishing condition among them, partly

-for want of sufficient funds to continue a permanent teacher, these

-subjects were again suggested to the Yearly Meeting, with an earnest

-wish to inspire in the minds of Friends a feeling that might prove

-beneficial in promoting these desirable objects.

-

-Notwithstanding this concern, to meliorate the condition of the

-Indians, has been prosecuted for many years by the committee, with at

-times, but little evidence of good resulting to these people, from

-their labours, yet from more recent developments evinced from the

-latter experience and research of the committee, though the prospect

-is an arduous one, it presents encouragement, and the field of labour

-is brightening, as the hidden causes of past obstructions present

-themselves.

-

-The committee say in their report, “It appears that many associations

-are formed in this country, and some of them under the denomination

-of benevolent and religious; all apparently well disposed, and even

-anxious to promote the good and the happiness of these original

-proprietors of the soil. Yet unhappily for these, the means resorted

-to, to advance their prosperity, have (in too many instances) been

-elevated above their comprehensions, and not adapted to their wants,

-their habits, and their religious views. From a zeal beyond knowledge,

-to benefit these people, agents and missionaries have been settled

-among them, patronized by these associations, little qualified to

-inspire their confidence and respect, and in their zealous pretensions

-to christianize, previous to properly instructing in the arts of

-civilized life, they produce discouragement and incalculable injury,

-divisions and dissentions; and in the language of the Indians

-themselves, ‘quarrelling and contention, spite and animosity, and no

-business that is profitable.’

-

-“Since the Onondaga tribe has been under the care of the committee,

-the missionaries have been inclined to leave them to the care of

-Friends. And this tribe, which a few years ago was divided and full of

-dissention, is restored to union and harmony, and there is a laudable

-feeling springing up among them, and an increased desire to become

-introduced into, and firmly fixed in the habits of civilization.”

-

-The committee, in time past, having extended some care to several

-tribes of the Seneca nation west of the Genessee river, are of the

-opinion that essential and lasting good might, by that care being

-further extended, result to those people. To show the desire of the

-Indians herein, the following speech of a principal chief, on behalf of

-a large majority of the Indians, in the state of New York, presented in

-the last winter, was laid before the Yearly Meeting.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-  _New York, January_ 20, 1830.

-

-“_To the society of Friends of the city of New York._

-

-“At the treaty of Philadelphia with William Penn and the Six Nations,

-we considered William Penn as a friend to us, not wishing to cheat

-us out of our lands, but to pay us a full value for them. Since that

-time, the society of Friends have treated us very kindly--they have

-never shown a disposition to wrong us out of our lands, but seemed to

-wish to cultivate friendship with us, and to let us have our rights

-and privileges--and to enjoy our own religion. But there are certain

-persons residing among us, at present, who we believe have a different

-object. They say they have been sent by the Great Spirit, but we do not

-think the Great Spirit would send people among us, to cheat us out of

-our lands, and to cause disturbance to arise amongst us, which has made

-a division in our nation. No, we do not think the Great Spirit sent the

-blackcoat’s among us for any such purpose. There is at present five

-thousand of our people and upwards, who wish the society of Friends to

-send a suitable person among us, to teach our young men how to till

-the ground, and our young women the art of domestic manufactures, and

-our children to read and write. If our friends feel disposed to comply

-with our wishes, we shall be happy to receive them, and will cause all

-necessary buildings to be erected for their use--we think by having

-this plan carried into effect, the nation once more would be united,

-and become a happy people.”

-

-  Your friend,

-             his

-  Signed, Red X Jacket.

-             mark

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Although the way has not yet opened to comply with the request in the

-foregoing communication, the committee were encouraged to persevere in

-their services the present year, in rendering such aid for the benefit

-of this poor afflicted people, as the limited means within their power

-would, under the direction of best wisdom enable them to do.

-

-

-_Some account of the proceedings of Friends of Baltimore Yearly

-Meeting._

-

-This concern for improving the condition of our red brethren, having

-been opened and spread in the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall

-of 1795, and the minds of Friends being much united, and actuated by

-benevolent motives to promote this desirable object, referred the same

-to a special committee, to proceed therein as way might open, to render

-essential service to these aboriginal inhabitants. Accordingly their

-attention was turned to some of the Indian tribes north-west of the

-river Ohio, and a deputation was delegated to visit the Shawaneese,

-Delawares, Wyandots and such other natives in those parts as they might

-find practicable. They proceeded thereon, in the summer of 1796, after

-having first obtained the approbation of the general government.

-

-When they arrived at the forks of the Muskingum river, where they

-had been informed a considerable number of Indians were collected,

-they found to their great disappointment, that the chiefs and hunters

-were dispersed: and it not appearing practicable to convene them at

-that time, to have a suitable conference with them, they returned

-without accomplishing the object of their visit. They, however, saw

-divers hunters and others, who appeared well disposed to receive the

-instruction and assistance which Friends proposed to furnish them.

-

-In the spring of 1797, three Friends again proceeded to that country on

-an embassy, to inquire into the real situation of the Indian tribes; in

-the course of which visit, having passed by a number of their hunting

-camps and several of their towns, they had a large opportunity of

-discovering their destitute condition, often exposed to the inclemency

-of the weather, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply

-of food and clothing. They suffered all the miseries of extreme

-poverty, in a country which from its great fertility, would, with but

-little cultivation, supply them abundantly with all the necessaries of

-life.

-

-These Friends had opportunities with some of the chiefs and hunters of

-the Wyandot and Delaware nations, in which they informed them of the

-views of the society of Friends, relative to their improvement; and

-endeavoured to impress on their minds the advantages they would derive,

-from permitting to be introduced among their people, a knowledge of

-agriculture, and some of the most useful mechanic arts.

-

-The Indians were attentive to their communications, and promised to lay

-these matters before their grand council, and inform Friends of their

-conclusions on the subject.

-

-As no way opened during the year 1798, for carrying the object of the

-Yearly Meeting into effect, but little was done, more than furnishing

-a few implements of husbandry, and some assistance to a few Indian

-families, situated upon the branches of the Tuskarawee’s river.

-

-In the Second month 1799, the committee received a speech and belt

-of wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandot nation,

-delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth month preceding, of which the

-following is an extract.

-

-“Brethren Quakers--you remember we once met at a certain place. When we

-had there met, a great many good things were said, and much friendship

-was professed between us.

-

-“Brothers, you told us at that time that you not only took us by the

-hand, but that you held us fast by the arm; that you then formed a

-chain of friendship. You said that it was not a chain of iron; but that

-it was a chain of precious metal, a chain of silver that would never

-get rusty; and that this chain would bind us in brotherly affection for

-ever.

-

-“Brethren, listen. We have often heard that you were a good and a

-faithful people--ever ready to do justice, and good to all men without

-distinction of colour--therefore, we love you the more sincerely,

-because of the goodness of your hearts, which has been talked of among

-our nation long since.

-

-“Brethren, listen. You have informed us that you intended to visit us.

-Yes, that even in our tents and cabins you will take us by the hand.

-You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt, but that we would be very happy to

-see you.

-

-“Brethren, listen. It is but proper to inform you at this time, that

-when you do come forward to see us, you will no doubt pass by my place

-of residence, at Sandusky. I will then take you not only by the hand,

-but by the arm, and will conduct you safe to the _grand council fire_

-of our great Sasteretsey, where all good things are transacted, and

-where nothing bad is permitted to appear. When in the grand council of

-our Sasteretsey we will then sit down together in peace and friendship,

-as brethren are accustomed to do, after a long absence, and remind

-each other, and talk of those things that took place between our good

-grandfathers, when they first met upon our lands--upon this great

-island.

-

-“Brethren, may the Great Spirit, the master of light and life, so

-dispose the hearts and minds of all our nations and people, that the

-calamities of war may never more be felt or known by any of them--that

-our roads and paths may never more be stained with the blood of our

-young warriors--and that our helpless women and children may live in

-peace and happiness.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-On considering the foregoing communication, some Friends were deputed

-to make them a visit, and to afford such assistance as they might be

-enabled to render. They accordingly proceeded with an intention of

-being at their general council, and arrived on the third of the Sixth

-month at upper Sandusky, the principal village of the Wyandots, where

-they were received by Tarhie (the crane,) and others of that nation.

-

-On their arrival there, it appeared a mistake had been made in the

-translation of the speech the Indians had sent to Friends, respecting

-the time of opening their great council, to which Friends had been

-invited. They were now informed that it began annually at the full

-moon in the Sixth month.

-

-Finding it would be difficult to procure food for themselves and

-horses there, until that time, the committee concluded it best to

-have a conference with Tarhie and other chiefs who were then in the

-neighbourhood of Sandusky, which was accordingly agreed to. At the time

-appointed they met at Tarhie’s house, with several other chiefs, and a

-number of hunters, when they had a full opportunity with them, on the

-subject of their visit.

-

-Their communication appeared to be received with great satisfaction by

-the Indians, and in their answer, delivered on some strings of wampum,

-they expressed the gratitude they felt for the care and friendship,

-which their beloved brethren the Quakers had always manifested for

-the Indians, and promised as soon as the grand council met, that they

-should communicate fully to it, respecting the concern which the

-society felt for their improvement, and inform Friends by a written

-speech of their conclusion thereon.

-

-Whilst these Friends were at Sandusky and other villages, their minds

-were deeply affected under the sorrowful considerations of the baneful

-effects of spirituous liquors upon the Indians, who were at that time

-supplied with it in almost every village, by Canadian traders, residing

-amongst them--and they were confirmed in the opinion, that unless these

-traders could be restrained from furnishing them with this destructive

-article, in exchange for their skins and furs, they could not easily

-be persuaded to turn their minds towards agriculture and the mechanic

-arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, the great affection they

-have for the society of Friends, manifested on all occasions whilst

-the committee were with them, induced them to hope that Friends would

-endeavour to keep under the weight of the concern, and be prepared to

-proceed in the benevolent work whenever way might open, for further

-service amongst them.

-

-In the year 1800 and 1801, no personal interview was had by Friends

-with those Indians. In the year 1802, the Little Turtle, Five Medals,

-and several other principal chiefs of the Miami and Pottawatomie

-nations passed through Baltimore, on their way to visit the President

-of the United States, when the committee had a conference with them, in

-which the view’s of Friends were fully opened, and they were informed

-of the great discouragement Friends had met with, in carrying their

-benevolent designs into effect, from the intemperate and destructive

-use of spirituous liquor amongst the Indians, which was found to be the

-greatest obstacle in the way of their profiting by the aid which the

-society had been desirous of giving them.

-

-The Little Turtle in reply, made a very pathetic and impressive speech

-upon this subject, from which the following is extracted.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers and friends--When our forefathers first met on this island,

-your red brethren were very numerous. But since the introduction of

-what you call spirituous liquors amongst us, and what we think may

-justly be called _poison_, our numbers are greatly diminished. It has

-destroyed a great part of your red brethren.

-

-“My brothers and friends--we plainly perceive that you see the very

-evil which destroys your red brethren; it is not an evil of our own

-making; we have not placed it amongst ourselves; it is an evil placed

-amongst us by the white people. We look to them to remove it out of

-our country. We tell them, brethren, fetch us useful things, bring

-goods that will clothe us, our women and our children, and not this

-evil liquor that destroys our reason--that destroys our health--that

-destroys our lives. But all we can say on this subject is of no

-service--it gives no relief to your red brethren.

-

-“My brothers and friends--I rejoice to find that you agree in opinion

-with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of service to us in

-removing this great evil out of our country; an evil which has had so

-much room in it, and has destroyed so many of our lives, that it causes

-our young men to say, ‘we had better be at war with the white people;

-this liquor which they introduce into our country, is more to be feared

-than the gun and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead since the

-treaty of Grenville, than we lost by the six years war before. It is

-all owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us.’

-

-“Brothers, when our young men have been out hunting and are returning

-home loaded with skins and furs, on their way, if it happens that they

-come along where some of this liquor is deposited, the white man who

-sells it, tells them to take a little drink. Some of them will say no,

-I do not want it; they go on till they come to another house, where

-they find more of the same kind of drink; it is there offered again;

-they refuse, and again the third time; but finally the fourth or fifth

-time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink, and getting one he wants

-another, and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have left him.

-After his reason comes back again to him, when he gets up and finds

-where he is--he asks for his peltry--the answer is, ‘You have drank

-them’--Where is my gun? ‘It is gone’--Where is my shirt? ‘You have sold

-it for whiskey!’ Now brothers, figure to yourselves what condition this

-man must be in. He has a family at home--a wife and children who stand

-in need of the profits of his hunting. What must be their wants, when

-he himself is even without a shirt.”

-

-These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at the assistance Friends

-proposed to render them, and in reply to that part of their

-communication, observed, ‘that it was their anxious wish to engage in

-the culture of their lands, for although the game was not so scarce but

-that they could get enough to eat, yet they were sensible it was daily

-diminishing, and that the time was not far distant, when they would be

-compelled to take hold of such tools, as they saw in the hands of the

-white people.’

-

-The committee, from their former experience, being of the judgment,

-that no great progress could be made in the civilization of the

-Indians while they were so abundantly supplied with distilled spirits,

-concluded to address congress on the subject. Their memorial was

-favourably received, and a law passed, which in some measure provided

-a remedy for the evil.

-

-As it now appeared to the committee, that the principal obstruction

-to agriculture amongst the Indians was removed, they were encouraged

-to proceed in their undertaking. They accordingly provided a number

-of implements of husbandry, such as ploughs, hoes, axes, &c. &c.

-which were forwarded and immediately distributed, as a present from

-the society of Friends. These things were thankfully received by the

-Indians.

-

-A letter in the summer of 1803, from the agent for Indian affairs at

-Fort Wayne, informed, that ‘since there had been no spirituous liquor

-in the Indian country, they appeared very industrious, and turned

-their attention to raising stock.’ This agent also expressed as his

-opinion, “that the suppression of spirituous liquors in that country,

-was the most beneficial measure which had ever been adopted for them,

-by the United States--that there had not been one Indian killed in

-that neighbourhood for a year--and that in no preceding year since the

-treaty of Grenville, had there been less than ten killed, and in some

-years as many as thirty.” The agent further added, “that the Indians

-appeared very desirous of procuring for themselves, the necessaries

-of life, _in our way_, but say they do not know how to begin. Some of

-their old men say, “the white people want for nothing.” We wish them to

-show us how to provide the many good things we see amongst them, if it

-is their wish to instruct us in their way of living as they tell us it

-is, we wish them to make haste and do it, for we are old and must die

-soon; but we wish to see before we die, our women and children in that

-path, that will lead them to happiness.

-

-At the same time, a letter was received from the Little Turtle, and

-Five Medals, in which they expressed a wish that some Friends would

-visit their country. The committee, therefore, deputed some of their

-number for that purpose. They were authorized to procure one or more

-suitable persons to reside amongst the Indians, for the purpose of

-teaching them agriculture and other useful knowledge, as far as it

-should appear practicable.

-

-In Second month 1804, two of the deputation proceeded to Fort Wayne,

-accompanied by Philip Dennis, who had offered his services to go with

-them, and remain with the Indians during the summer, for the purpose

-of instructing them in husbandry. They took with them two horses to be

-employed in ploughing, &c.

-

-They arrived at Fort Wayne in the latter end of the Third month, and

-soon after, convened several of their chiefs in a council with them; a

-future day was fixed upon for the committee to meet them, with as many

-of their old men, and their women and children as could be assembled.

-Their chiefs previously requested, that whatever matter Friends might

-have to communicate to the Indians, should be written down, in order

-that they might lay it before the grand council in the Sixth month

-following, to the attendance of which, they pressingly invited the

-committee.

-

-On the day appointed, being met by a considerable number of the

-natives, the committee presented them with a written address, from

-which, though all excellent, and well calculated to impress the

-Indians’ minds with the importance of adhering to their counsel, we

-shall, for brevity, content ourselves with extracting some of the most

-material parts, as follows:

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-“Brothers, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the Great Spirit,

-that he has brought us safely to the country of our red brethren, and

-protected us through our journey. We also rejoice, that he has given us

-this opportunity of seeing you and of taking you by the hand.

-

-“Brothers, we had for some time entertained apprehensions that the

-many changes that were taking place in circumstances, must greatly

-change the situation of our red brethren, and that the time was fast

-approaching when it would be necessary for them to alter their mode of

-living.

-

-“Brothers, after our talk with the chiefs, (alluding to the Little

-Turtle and others whom we have just mentioned,) we were fully convinced

-that the time was come, in which our red brethren ought to begin to

-cultivate their lands. That they ought to raise corn and other grain,

-also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other animals. We then proposed to

-afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of the proposal,

-and informed us, that many of their people were disposed to turn their

-attention to the cultivation of the earth--they also expressed a desire

-to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore.

-

-“Brothers, it is for this purpose that we have now come, and we again

-repeat, we rejoice that we have this opportunity of seeing you, and

-taking you by the hand.

-

-“Brothers, in coming into the country of our red brethren, we have come

-with our _eyes open_. And although we are affected with sorrow, in

-believing that many of the red people suffer much for the want of food

-and clothing, yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing that it

-has pleased the Great Spirit to give you a rich and valuable country.

-Because we know, that it is out of the earth that food and clothing

-come. We are sure, brothers, that with but little labour and attention,

-you may raise much more corn and other grain than will be necessary for

-yourselves, your women and children; and that you may also with great

-ease, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs and other valuable

-animals, than will be necessary for your own use. We are also confident

-that if you will pursue our method in the cultivation of your land, you

-will live in much greater ease and plenty, and with much less fatigue

-and toil, than attend hunting for a subsistence.

-

-“Brothers, it will lead you to have fixed homes--you will build

-comfortable dwelling houses for yourselves, your women and children,

-where you may be sheltered from the rain, the frost and the snow, and

-where you may enjoy in plenty, the rewards of your labour.

-

-“Brothers, we will here mention, that the time was, when the forefather

-of your brothers, the white people, lived beyond the great water, in

-the same manner that our red brethren now live. The winters can yet be

-counted when they went almost naked, when they procured their living by

-fishing, and by the bow and arrow in hunting--and when they lived in

-houses no better than yours. They were encouraged by some who came from

-towards the sun rising, and lived amongst them to change their mode of

-living. They did change--they cultivated the earth, and we are sure the

-change was a happy one.

-

-“Brothers and friends, we are not ashamed to acknowledge that the time

-was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum tree, or

-at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living

-on the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But brothers, for

-your encouragement we now mention that by turning their attention to

-the cultivation of the earth instead of the plum tree, they soon had

-orchards of many kinds of fruit--instead of the wild game they soon

-had large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and other valuable

-animals--and in many places instead of their forests they had large

-fields of corn, and other grain--also many other valuable productions

-of the earth.

-

-“Brothers, we have spoken plainly, we desire to speak plain--we will

-now tell you that we have not come merely to _talk_ with you. We have

-come prepared to render you a little assistance. Our beloved brother,

-Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us. His desire

-is, to cultivate for you, a field of corn, and also to show you how to

-raise some of the other productions of the earth--he knows how to use

-the plough, the hoe, the axe, and other implements of husbandry.

-

-“Brothers, he has left a farm--he has left a wife and five small

-children who are very dear to him--he has come, from a sincere desire

-to be useful to our red brethren. His motives are pure--he will ask no

-reward from you for his services--his greatest reward will be, in the

-satisfaction he will feel, in finding you inclined to take hold of the

-same tools he takes hold of--to receive from him instruction in the

-cultivation of your lands, and pursue the example he will set you.

-

-“Brothers, we hope you will make the situation of our brother as

-comfortable as circumstances will admit. We hope, also, that many of

-your young men will be willing to be taught by him, to use the plough,

-the hoe, and other implements of husbandry--for we are sure, brothers,

-that as you take hold of such tools as are in the hands of the white

-people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional hands.

-You will also find that by using them they will enable you to do many

-things, which without them, cannot be performed.

-

-“Brothers, the white people, in order to get their land cultivated,

-find it necessary that their young men should be employed in it--and

-not their women--women are smaller than men--they are not as strong as

-men. It is the business of our women to be employed in our houses--to

-keep them clean--to sow, knit, spin, and weave--to dress food for

-themselves and families--to make clothes for the men and the rest of

-their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to

-take care of their children.

-

-“Brothers, we are fully convinced that if you will turn your attention

-to the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of

-grain--to building comfortable dwelling houses for your families--to

-raising useful animals--amongst others, sheep for the advantage of the

-wool, in making clothing--to raising flax and hemp for your linen--and

-your women learn to spin and weave--your lives will be much easier

-and happier than at present--and your numbers will increase, and not

-continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your land is

-good--it is far better than the land which the white people near the

-great waters, cultivate. We are persuaded that your land will produce

-double the quantity of any kind of grain, or flax, or hemp, with the

-same labour necessary near the great water.

-

-“Brothers, we shall now end what we had to say, with informing you,

-that all the corn and other productions of the earth which Philip

-Dennis may raise, we wish our red brethren to accept as a token of our

-friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Pottawattamie

-and Miami nations who are now present, added to our brothers the Five

-Medals, Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution thereof

-as they may think proper.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-The Indians manifested great decorum, and were very attentive during

-the delivery of this address--in reply to which, the Little Turtle

-delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which we extract the

-following:

-

-“Brothers and friends--we rejoice that the Great Spirit has appointed,

-that we should meet this day, for we believe this meeting will be of

-the utmost consequence to your red brethren.

-

-“Brothers, the things which you have said to us, require our greatest

-attention: it is really necessary that we should deliberate upon them.

-In order to do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they

-are written, that we may communicate them to our chiefs, when they

-assemble in grand council.

-

-“Brothers, you have been very particular in pointing out to us the

-duties of our women, and you have told us that in adopting your mode of

-living, our numbers would increase and not continue to diminish. In all

-this I certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will also

-agree with you.

-

-“Brothers, assure your people who sent you here--tell your old chiefs

-that we are obliged to them for their friendly offers to assist us in

-changing our present mode of living. Tell them it is a great work that

-cannot be done immediately; but that we are favourably disposed, and

-hope it will take place gradually.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-These Friends remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during which

-time they visited a number of their towns and villages, at all of

-which, they were received in the most friendly and hospitable manner.

-

-In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the

-Wyandots at Brownstown or the rock. They found that the Indians at this

-place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation in the year

-1799, advanced considerably, in agriculture, many of them having built

-comfortable houses, and acquired a considerable number of cattle, hogs,

-and other domestic animals. The Wyandots residing at Sandusky and the

-Shawaneese, on the Auglaize river, had likewise, since that visit,

-turned their attention very much towards the cultivation of their

-lands; Friends had, therefore, the satisfaction to remark, that the

-communication from the committee to these nations, and the exertions

-which had been made to turn their attention to agriculture, although

-limited in their effect, had not been altogether unavailing.

-

-They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip

-Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort

-Wayne, and found its situation to be very advantageous for farming;

-the soil appeared to be equal in fertility to any land in the western

-country.

-

-Soon after the return of the Friends, a letter was received by the

-committee, from the Indian agent at Fort Wayne, informing that the

-Indians had held their grand council in the Sixth month, agreeably

-to expectation, at which eight hundred and seventy-four of them

-attended, when the written address of Friends delivered at Fort Wayne

-in the previous spring, was produced--read and interpreted to all the

-different nations present. In reply to which, divers of their chiefs

-expressed great satisfaction, and amongst others Toethteboxie on behalf

-of the _Delawares_ said, ‘For many years before I came into the world,

-the white people have been offering to do for us what is now mentioned,

-and it appears that our eyes were never opened until this time; we will

-now take hold of it and receive it. I am an old man and want to see it

-before I die; if I once see it, I will die in peace, to think I have

-left my women and children in comfort.’

-

-On the return of Philip Dennis, who remained in the Indian country

-during most of the year 1804, and spent his time agreeably with the

-natives--he informed that he had raised about four hundred bushels

-of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, potatoes, and a quantity of

-other garden vegetables, which he directed to be divided amongst the

-Indians on their return from their hunting camps. He left with the

-Indians, with whom he had resided, upon the farm he had cultivated,

-twenty-three hogs and pigs, seven of which were in good order to kill;

-and he engaged the agent to attend to killing and salting them. They

-were small when they were brought to the farm in the spring, and had no

-other food than what they gathered in the woods.

-

-With some assistance which he obtained from Fort Wayne, he cleared and

-enclosed under a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and built

-a house thirty-two feet long, and seventeen wide, a story and a half

-high, with floors and partitions.

-

-The Indians who remained with him had been very industrious, and

-attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing

-the ground and in tending the corn; from this he dissuaded them, and

-as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort Wayne, which had been

-sent on by government--he encouraged them to go there, and learn to

-spin and knit, of a white woman who was at that place;--this they did,

-and soon learned both to spin and knit; and when he came away, he left

-them knitting yarn of their spinning.

-

-The Indians were very desirous of Friends continuing their care towards

-them, and that they should send a person to take the place of Philip

-Dennis, but as no suitable Friend offered for that purpose, it was

-believed best to request the agent of government residing at Fort

-Wayne, (and who appeared to be friendly disposed towards the views of

-Friends,) to procure and employ the most suitable person he could, in

-that country, to plough the land cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last

-season, and plant it in corn, and to endeavour to enlist the service

-of the Indians in the labour of tending it; also to prepare a garden

-of the most useful vegetables for the Indians’ use, which they might

-afterwards easily manage.

-

-In reply to this request, Friends received an account from the agent,

-stating that he would lose no time in complying with their request,

-and that he was ready at all times, to put in execution the benevolent

-designs of Friends towards the Indians, as far as it was in his power.

-

-He also mentioned, that at that time, ‘a spirit of industry existed

-amongst the Indians generally, and that as several of the tribes had

-requested of government to have a part of their annuities expended in

-the employment of men to split rails and make fences for them, the

-Delawares had twenty-three thousand rails put up into fences the last

-winter; and that forty thousand more would be made into fences for the

-Miami and Eel river Indians, by the first of the Sixth month--that

-ten families of the Miamis had settled adjoining the place cultivated

-by Philip Dennis, and that four men were employed in making rails to

-fence in forty acres for them; also, that three persons more were at

-work for the Eel river Indians, half a mile below Dennis’s station;

-that they had twenty-five acres cleared and ready for the plough, and

-expected to have fifty or sixty fenced in by the first of the Sixth

-month. He expected at least twenty-five families would remove to reside

-at that place the present season, and was confident the settlement

-would increase very fast. The Indian who worked with Philip Dennis

-during the last season, was about building himself a comfortable house,

-had cleared two acres more of ground, and was ploughing the field

-previously cleared by Philip Dennis. The hogs which were left there

-with him had increased to one hundred in number.’

-

-The agent further informed, 'that there would be one hundred acres of

-land under good fence at the Little Turtle’s town, (eighteen miles

-north of Dennis’s station,) by the first of the Sixth month, where they

-had also obtained a large number of hogs and some cows, and he doubted

-not, the Indians would soon see that it was easier to raise food, than

-to procure it by hunting.' He also added, ‘that Friends may see from

-the great progress they have made in civilization since Philip Dennis

-was with them, that they only want good and suitable men to reside

-among them, and teach them how to work.’

-

-In the fall of the year 1805, the agent at Fort Wayne informed the

-committee by letter, that agreeably to their directions, he had

-employed a man to assist the Indians in cultivating the field on the

-Wabash, which was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last

-year. The Indians with this man’s assistance, had raised, it was

-supposed, at least six hundred bushels of good corn from this one

-field, exclusive of what they had raised from ground of their own

-clearing.

-

-“Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians had removed and

-settled at that place, where they would be followed by the younger

-branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.”

-

-He further adds, “Believing as I do that the society of Friends are

-desirous of ameliorating the situation of their red brethren in the

-country, I will take the liberty to observe, that the present is a

-favourable time to put in execution their benevolent views towards

-the distressed natives of the land; and that much good may be done on

-the Wabash by sending one or two suitable men to reside amongst the

-Indians, and teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth.

-Witness what Philip Dennis effected amongst them the last year, at

-a station where he had every thing to begin. There are now at least

-four hundred hogs, and twenty cows, and the Indians at no village

-in this country live so comfortably as those at that place. If this

-spirit of industry is kept alive for a few years, it will certainly

-have a powerful influence upon the minds of the Indians in many of the

-neighbouring villages.”

-

-An account published by the committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting,

-about this period, has enabled me to furnish so many interesting

-particulars of their proceedings, that I have already exceeded the

-bounds I had prescribed to myself, in this narrative. I shall,

-therefore, only add, that the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore continued

-for many years to extend aid and instruction, to the Indians in that

-quarter, by personal visits, and by teachers frequently stationed among

-them; and continued to have satisfactory proofs of the benefits derived

-to this people, from their benevolent labours. Their progress, however,

-in this laudable work was interrupted by the war of 1812, which much

-agitated, not only those tribes of Indians, but the white people

-generally, bordering on the Indian territory--this continued while the

-war lasted. And many of the white inhabitants, it was said, went into

-block houses, the better to secure themselves.

-

-It may, however, be noted, that Friends on the frontiers, generally

-remained in their habitations, at least with a few exceptions, and

-the Indians seemed to repose an unlimited confidence in them, and

-frequently visited them. The author having visited a settlement of

-the Indians, (called Lewis’ settlement) in the year 1816, had some

-opportunity of judging of the high estimation in which the Indians held

-the society of Friends, on the frontiers of that country. He also had

-an account from one of the Friends who first settled in those parts

-(near Mad river,) about the year 1800. He said the Indians manifested

-much kindness to them, when the country was all a wilderness, by

-frequently visiting them, and administering to their wants, while they

-were first opening a settlement and preparing something to subsist upon.

-

-I may also here relate another evidence of the Indians’ kindness and

-hospitality to the whites. A surveyor who lived in Chilicothe informed

-me, when at his house in 1816, that being employed by government the

-summer previous, to survey some land in the Michigan territory, he

-and his company composed of seven or eight persons, running scant of

-provisions, were put to their allowance of a spoonful of meal a day,

-for each person, on which, with some little meat they procured from

-the forest, they had subsisted for twenty-three days together. But

-setting out at length towards the settlements in search of provisions,

-they met with an Indian going on a journey very smartly. They made him

-understand they were very hungry and had nothing to eat. He looked on

-them with compassion--pointed towards his cabin, and making signs to

-them to follow him, struck off in a direction towards it. They pursued

-his track, often having to stop him, to wait for them, and after about

-eight miles travelling, arrived at his solitary abode, where he kindly

-treated them to all the provision at his command, which, though coarse,

-was to them a delicious dainty.

-

-But to return from this digression, it may be proper to state, that

-about the year 1813, a Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in the

-state of Ohio, and being composed of part of the members previously

-constituting the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, they also become, as a

-body, enlisted in the same concern, to improve the condition of the

-Indian natives; and appointed a committee to carry their views into

-execution. Friends of this Yearly Meeting living more contiguous to

-the Indian settlements, unitedly agreed with the Yearly Meeting of

-Baltimore, to make it a joint concern, as it regarded the requisite

-pecuniary aid for promoting the object in view. Friends in Ohio,

-however, became more actively engaged in personal visits, and sending

-instructors among the Indians.

-

-When peace took place, and the minds of the Indians became

-somewhat settled, the settlement which had previously been made at

-Waughpaughkannatta was again resumed, and another promoted at captain

-Lewis’, and considerable advancement made by the Indians in some of the

-arts of civilized life.

-

-About the years 1817 and 1818, considerable sales of their lands were

-made to the United States--and in the north-western parts of the

-state of Ohio, which much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and in

-consequence thereof, many of them removed further to the westward.

-

-In the rapid settlement of the states of Ohio and Indiana, and the

-emigration of Friends further to the westward, it became necessary to

-establish a Yearly Meeting in Indiana, which event took place about

-the year 1820 or 1821. This Yearly Meeting, also as a body, feeling

-the same deep interest, in the welfare of the aboriginal inhabitants,

-appointed a committee to unite with Ohio Yearly Meeting in promoting

-their civilization and improvement.

-

-Having but scanty means within my reach, of ascertaining the progress

-made by those Yearly Meetings of latter years, I can only state, that

-the concern still continues to engage their attention, and from a

-report to the Yearly Meeting of Indiana, in 1826, it appears, that

-the committee had continued their attention to the object of their

-appointment. “Soon after our last Yearly Meeting,” say they, “the

-school for the education of the Indian children was resumed, and

-continued about two months, to the satisfaction both of the Indians

-and the committee. The children conducted themselves orderly, and

-made reasonable progress in learning. But towards the latter part of

-winter the Indians became unsettled in their minds, and it was found

-impracticable to continue the school to advantage. It was, therefore,

-dismissed, and soon after Isaac Harvey and wife, in consequence of his

-indisposition, returned to their former residence. They took with them

-an Indian lad who remained about three months, during which time he was

-at school.

-

-“About two hundred of the Indians who resided on the Waughpaughkonnatta

-reserve, have removed, and are now on their way to join those of their

-nation settled west of the Mississippi; and it is yet uncertain,

-whether those that remain will shortly be in a situation to receive

-instruction. However that may be, we feel satisfied that the labour

-heretofore bestowed on them will not all be lost. They have obtained

-a sufficient knowledge of agriculture, to enable them to supply their

-more pressing wants, and many of them have acquired habits of industry,

-which we believe they will retain. And should they all eventually

-remove to join their nation in the west, we apprehend the advantages

-they are deriving from the change in their manner of life, will be

-sufficient to prevent them from returning to their former habits.”

-

-It appears also, that soon after the Yearly Meeting held in Indiana, in

-the year 1827, “a deputation from the committee in company with a like

-deputation of the committee of Ohio Yearly Meeting, visited Friends’

-establishment, near Waughpaughkonnatta, who found the farm in good

-order, and the school progressing to satisfaction.”

-

-The minutes of the last Indiana Yearly Meeting of the society of

-Friends, held at Miami, also show, that they continue a committee, to

-act in conjunction with the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Baltimore, and

-to proceed in the further prosecution of this concern as way may open.

-

-Thus the society of Friends constituting the Yearly Meetings of

-Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore, have, for more than thirty

-years, and those of Ohio, and Indiana, since their first establishment,

-been engaged in endeavouring to reclaim from savage life, and to

-meliorate the condition of various tribes, of the interesting but

-much injured aborigines of our country; and they have succeeded in

-instructing many of them in agriculture, in school learning, in

-many of the most useful mechanic arts, and the raising of domestic

-animals, whereby their lives are rendered more comfortable, and their

-domestic engagements increased, as well as their moral condition

-improved--and, could the Indians have been permitted to remain quiet

-in the possession of their land, and to enjoy the fruits of their

-labours, without interruption from the whites, there is reason to

-believe, that by a continuation and extension of this care towards

-them, a radical change in their character would in a short time have

-been effected; and instead of migrating by families and tribes, far

-to the westward, and traversing the dreary regions of an unknown

-wilderness, in quest of a home, and in search of food, they might have

-become useful citizens of the community, contributing to the wealth,

-the happiness, and national character of the United States. For truly

-it must be acknowledged, that there are among these native sons of the

-forest, men of deep reflection--men of extraordinary talents--men of

-superior powers of mind, and men who, considering the means of their

-menial improvement, might rank with the ancient orators of Greece and

-Rome. Added to this, there is sufficient evidence, that they believe

-in the principle operating within them, a measure of which, or the

-grace of God, according to the apostle’s doctrine, is given to every

-man to profit withal, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. And they

-acknowledge in all important transactions, the overruling providence

-and superintending care of one all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent

-Being, who governs the universe; and they believe that they will be

-rewarded in a future state, according as their actions have been in

-this life, either good or evil. Why then should not the policy of the

-government be directed to the protection and preservation of these

-people, and not to their extermination from their native soil? Is it

-not a doctrine sanctioned by the general consent of Christians, that

-all nations are equally free? That one nation has no right to infringe

-upon the freedom of another?

-

-Let us then fulfil the golden rule--let us then, my fellow citizens,

-exercise that kind of policy towards them, that we would they should

-have done to us, if they had landed on our shores with a superiority

-of strength. Why should not things be equal on both sides? Or is the

-balance of power always to decide the balance of justice, and rob the

-weak and defenceless of their lawful rights--shall a nation professing

-_christianity_, and having pledged itself in the most solemn manner to

-_protect the Indians in all their rights_, be guilty of such injustice?

-Or what part of the gospel will they plead in extenuation of such a

-crime? In what part of the earth did the apostles or first promulgators

-of the gospel assume, to extirpate from their country, or to claim

-a right over the freedom and the substance of the Gentiles? What a

-strange method this would be, of propagating the gospel of peace. And

-can it be expected the natives of America, those keen-eyed observers of

-the actions of men, will be brought to embrace the christian religion

-by such a policy as this! And, while injustice is practised towards

-them instead of the government redressing their wrongs, will they not

-be induced to say as an Indian chief once did, to a missionary, on a

-certain occasion, “We find the christians much more depraved in their

-morals than we are, and we judge of _their doctrine_ by the badness of

-their lives.”

-

-    _Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, the following,

-    taken from a Pittsburg Gazette, has been forwarded by a friend,

-    and as it gives some recent account of the noted and ancient

-    chief, Cornplanter, as well as other of the Seneca Indians, it

-    may prove an interesting addition to this work._

-

-It appears a trip was performed up the Alleghany river in the Fifth

-month last, as high as Olean, in the state of New York, by a new

-steamboat, and as it was the first that had ever ascended that river,

-as far as the Indian towns, it excited some astonishment. The account

-states, that “On the thirteenth of May, at nine o’clock, she arrived

-opposite the village of Cornplanter. Here a deputation waited on

-that ancient and well known Indian king or chief, and invited him on

-board this new, and to him wonderful visiter, a steamboat. We found

-him in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying

-on his couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins

-and blankets. His habitation, a two story log house, is in a state

-of decay, without furniture, except a few benches, and wooden bowls

-and spoons to eat out of. This convinced us of his determination to

-retain old habits and customs. This venerable old chief was a lad in

-the first French war, in 1744, and is now nearly one hundred years of

-age. He is a smart active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength

-of mind, and in perfect health, and retains among his nation all that

-uncontrolled influence he has ever done.

-

-“He, with his son Charles, sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came

-on board, and remained until she had passed six miles up, and then they

-returned home in their own canoe, after expressing great pleasure.

-His domain is a delightful bottom of rich land, two miles[3] square,

-nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On this,

-his own family, about fifty in number, in eight or ten houses reside.

-Cornplanter’s wife, and her mother, one hundred and fifteen years of

-age, are in good health.

-

-The lands of this tribe being forty miles long and half a mile wide

-on each side of the river, lie just above, but all in the state of

-New York. They have a number of villages, and are about seven hundred

-in number, scattered all along this reserve. Many of them have good

-dwellings, and, like the whites, some are intelligent, industrious, and

-useful--while others are the reverse. On the whole they are becoming

-civilized and christianized, as fast as can be expected. The natives

-appeared in great numbers, (we counted four hundred) who were attracted

-to view this unexpected sight on their waters. Their lands terminate

-eight miles below Olean.”

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-

-_A vocabulary of some of the most familiar words and phrases in the

-Seneca language, and the English, in alphabetical order._

-

-  All                                Cock _way_ go

-  All gone                           Ono, cock _way_ go

-  Any where, any thing, &c.          Te caw a _noo_ we

-  A quiet mind                       _Ska_ no _sa_ na to nee

-  Axe                                At _too_ ga

-  Boy or child                       Uc _shaw_

-  Brother                            _Ho_gh _gee_

-  Blood                              Ot _quoon_ sah

-  Board                              Con _nish_ ta

-  Bear                               _U qui_

-  Black                              _Gis_ taa

-  Beaver                             Te _con_ ne a ga

-  Big lake                           Con nu _di_ go _wan_ nee

-  Birds                              Ge _daa_

-  Bread                              _Wagh_ qua

-  Beans                              Ci _daw_

-  Beyond                             _Shee qua_

-  Both                               De _jall_

-  Book                               Ki _au_ dau shaw

-  Blanket                            Ee _yuse_

-  Bed                                Con _noch_ ta

-  Barrel or tub                      Con _noch_ qua

-  Blacksmith                         Cow _wish_ to nee

-  Bad                                _Toos_ coss

-  Cold                               Hit _too_ a

-  Cow                                Tus _quan_

-  Cat                                Dac _coos_

-  Child                              Uc _shaw_

-  Cousin                             _Kaa_ say

-  Chief                              Shin e _wan_ nee

-  Cannon                             Ca _u_ da _go_ aw

-  Coat                               Ja dau _wis_ a

-  Chest                              _Count_ sah

-  Cup                                Cow _wish_ ta

-  Candle                             Ogish to _taugh_ qua

-  Canoe                              _Cau_ waugh

-  Chocolate                          Nig a _di_ u

-  Crane                              Jo _a_ sah

-  Deer                               Nea _yu_ ka

-  Duck                               Se _wack_

-  Dead                               A _way_ yu

-  Devil                              Nishe _o_ nee

-  Dog                                _Gee ah_

-  Dish                               _Cud gee_

-  Day                                U_daugh_

-  Drink                              _Nig_ ge ah

-  Dark                               U _dagh_ sin _di_ go

-  Do you want it                     _Ees_ no wees

-  Earth                              U en _jau_ dy

-  Elk                                Je _naun_ de

-  Eel                                Con _taa_ na

-  Eat                                _Sutte_ coo nee

-  Eye                                _Ka haa_

-  Ear                                _Woun_ tah

-  Evening, or sun down               _Ono_ gagh qua

-  Father                             _Hau_ nee

-  Field                              K ion _to_

-  Farmer                             E _yeant_ has

-  Fox                                O nung _quat_ qua

-  Fish                               Kin _jugh_

-  Fire                               O _gish_ ta

-  Flour or meal                      Tee _sah_

-  Fruit                              O _yah_

-  Flea                               Te _was_ en _tas_

-  Fine day                           O _we see_ ah

-  Fire-fly                           Gish te _noch_ qua

-  God, or Great Spirit               How _wau_ ne au

-  Grandmother                        Uc _sute_

-  Good                               Scoss

-  Grist-mill                         Cau _thish_ e _o_ ne

-  Gnat                               O gaw _whont_

-  Gun                                Ca _u_ da

-  Greedy                             _Dus_ ki hau sy

-  Gift                               _Ska_ no

-  House                              Con ne _sute_

-  Horse                              Con _don_ nah que

-  Hungry                             A _dus_ swa dau nee

-  High                               _Eait_ kah

-  Here in this place                 _Nich_ hooh

-  Him or her                         Au _whau_

-  Hear                               Gut _hoon_ dy

-  Happy                              _Ska_ no _so_ ne _to_ nee

-  Hat or cap                         Kah _e quay_

-  Hand                               Kas _chuch_ tah

-  Half                               Sut te _wau so_ nee

-  How many                           _Ton_ ne yu

-  How many miles                     _Ton_ ne _yute_ cot ho

-  Hawk                               _Swin_ go _dau_ ge au

-  Have you any, &c.                  _Goih_ yah

-  Indians                            A _gue_ o we

-  Indian corn                        O ne _ah_

-  If                                 Cow a _nee_

-  I myself                           Ee

-  I don’t know                       Te _quaw_

-  I think                            E _we_

-  Island                             _Cow_ we _naut_

-  Iron                               Con ne _u sah_

-  Ice                                O _we_ sa

-  I don’t understand                 Te _gunk_ hau

-  I want it                          _Ic_ no wees

-  I am going now                     _Ono_ se _gogh_ tan dee

-  Iron pot                           Te _quosh_ e naute

-  King                               _Co_ wa _co_ a

-  Kettle                             Can _naun_ jau

-  Knife                              Ka _gun_ ne au sau

-  Land                               _U_ aun _ja_

-  Louse                              _Gee_ no _e_

-  Lonesome                           A _goon_ date

-  Lake, or sea                       Con nu _di_

-  Lie                                Sun noo _aunt_

-  Large                              Go _wau_ nee

-  Long ago                           O _nuch_ chee

-  Little, or small                   Nee _wau_, or _wis_ too

-  Little while ago                   _Wau_ gee

-  Linen                              Con ne _ga_ un sah

-  Like this                          _Sau_ gat

-  Log                                Can _hagh_ tau

-  Man or male                        Can _gee_ nah

-  Mother                             _No_ yegh

-  Many                               Con _nong_ gee

-  Much                               We _sue_

-  Meat                               Au _wagh_

-  Mosquito                           Ge ne _au_ da sa

-  Mush                               _Gis_ qua

-  Mountain                           Non on _dau_ dee

-  Mile                               _Yute_ cot hoo

-  Money                              O _wish_ ta

-  Merry, or pleased                  _Oon dut_ ca dee

-  Milk                               _Nung_ qua

-  Moon                               Gagh qua

-  Mouth                              Kish e _gaen_

-  Morning                            Se _tugh_ ge au

-  Make it                            _Shish_ she _o_ ne

-  New town                           Can na da _say_

-  Noon                               Gick ne _gah_ quaw

-  No                                 Tah

-  Now                                Nay _wau_

-  Not many                           _Tanty_ co _nong_ gee

-  Not much                           _Tanty_ we _sue_

-  Not                                Tanty

-  Nose                               Ka kan _dah_

-  Nonsense, trifling, &c.            _Gish_ nit

-  One month                          _Swa_ no dock

-  Owl                                _E he_

-  Old                                Caw _cuch_ gee

-  Over the river                     Ska _hoon_ dee

-  On this side                       Caw _oo_

-  Philadelphia                       Ca ne _di_ an go au

-  Pittsburg                          Taun _too_ ga

-  Pig                                _Quees_ quees

-  Provisions                         A _den_ a sah

-  Potatoes                           _Non_ nun dau

-  Plenty                             Con _nong_ gee

-  Pipe                               Se _guah_ ta

-  Pretty                             We _u_

-  Pheasant                           _Chuc_ que _a_ ne

-  Pigeons                            _Jah_ go au

-  Presently                          A ge _quash_

-  People                             _Ung_ que

-  Rain                               Us _taun_ dee

-  River                              Ka _hone_ dee

-  Racoon                             Jo _ah_ qua

-  Rattlesnake                        So _quant_

-  Right, or proper                   Ty wi _ye_ a

-  Raining, or stormy                 Onish wy _ate_ kah

-  Sea, or ocean                      _Ska_ ne la te _co_ ne

-  Shoes, or sandals                  At _tagh_ qua

-  Sun                                _Gagh_ qua

-  Squashes, &c.                      O _nuch_ sha

-  Sheep                              _Te_ de ne _gen_ do

-  Stone                              Cos _quagh_

-  Spinning wheel                     See in _yeah_ ta

-  Saw mill                           Con _nish_ te o nee

-  Sick                               _Nonk_ ta nee

-  Strong                             Cau _haus_ tee

-  Star                               O _gish_ un da

-  Sit down                           Sut _tee_

-  Snow                               Cun ne _i_

-  Snow falling                       U _gaun_ dee

-  Spoon                              At te _quot_ sa

-  See, or look                       _Sut_ cot _hoo_

-  Silver                             O _wish_ ta _no_ e a

-  Shut the door                      Se ho _tong_ goo

-  Snipe                              Te _ith_ to we

-  Shoemaker                          At _taugh_ qua _nee_

-  Susquehanna                        _Cau_ wa ne _wy_ ne _i_ ne

-  Turkey                             Os soo _aunt_

-  Thief                              _Nus qus_

-  Turnips                            _Uc_ te au

-  Town                               _Con_ na da _go_

-  Tobacco                            _Yaun_ gwa

-  Turtle                             Cun ne _wau_

-  This                               _Nick_ hoo

-  Thou                               Eece

-  Tooth, or teeth                    Ca _noo_ jah

-  Tell it                            _Sat_ hu e

-  Talk                               _Gish_ nee

-  True, or truth                     _To gas_

-  To-morrow                          U _haut_

-  Uncle                              _Auh_ no ze

-  Ugly                               _Wy ate_ u

-  Verily, or very true               _To_ gas _neh_ hue

-  Very large                         _Agos_ go _wan_ nee

-  Very far                           _Way_ uh

-  Winter                             Ka _unch_ neh

-  Water                              _Nick_ a _noos_

-  Woods                              Ca ha _da_ go

-  Wheat                              O _naun_ jah

-  Weeds                              We _aah_ ta

-  Wolf                               Ty _o_ nee

-  Wild geese                         Hung _gawk_

-  Watch                              Gah que _shawk_ ta

-  White people                       Hit _teen_ yah

-  Warm                               _Di_ u

-  Warm day                           Con _naa_ no

-  Woman                              _Yee_ uh

-  Wife                               _Yeak_ nee

-  Wind                               _Ga haa_

-  Work                               Sutte ye _dott_

-  Want. I want it, &c.               _Ick_ no _eece_

-  Where                              _Cong_ gwa

-  Yonder                             _Ho_ quaw

-  You                                _Eece_ de jal

-  Yes                                Naye

-  You want it                        _Eece_ no wees

-  Year                               _Tush shate_

-  Yesterday                          _Tay_ day

-

-

-_Names of some of the Indians, and their signification._

-

-  Ki on _twa_ ky                     Cornplanter

-  Te _ki_ on da                      A wager, or money staked

-  Con ne _di_ u                      Hansom lake

-  Neh ta _go_ a                      A large pine tree

-  _Waun_ dung _guh_ ta               Passed by

-  Sa go e _wah_ ta                   Keeper arise

-  O _gish_ quat ta                   Dried mush

-  _Tak_ e wau sah                    Go to war

-  _Twa_ de ac                        Broken gun

-  _Yeang_ gwa haunt                  Chew tobacco

-  _Ki_ an _gwah_ ta                  Smoke

-

-

-_Numerical terms, &c._

-

-  One                                Scote

-  Two                                _Tick_ nee

-  Three                              Shaugh

-  Four                               Keah

-  Five                               Wush

-  Six                                Yeah

-  Seven                              Chaw tawk

-  Eight                              Tick _yugh_

-  Nine                               Tugh tah

-  Ten                                _Wush_ hau

-  Twenty                             Te _was_ hau

-  Thirty                             Sha ne _was_ hau

-  Forty                              Kea ne _was_ hau

-  Fifty                              _Wush_ ne was hau

-  Sixty                              Yea ne _was_ hau

-  Seventy                            Chaw tawk ne _was_ hau

-  Eighty                             Tick yaugh ne _was_ hau

-  Ninety                             Tugh ta ne _was_ hau

-  One hundred, that is,              Wush haw ne _was_ haw, or scote

-      ten times ten                      de _wy_ ne _i_

-  Two hundred                        Te non de _wy_ ne _i_

-  Three hundred                      Sha non de _wy_ ne _i_

-  Four hundred                       Keah non de _wy_ ne _i_, &c. &c.

-  One dollar                         _Scow_ wish taut

-  Two dollars                        Te gaw _wish_ tau gay

-  Three dollars                      Sha ne gaw _wish_ tau gay

-  Four dollars                       Kea ne gaw _wish_ tau gay, &c.

-  One penny                          Quin nish

-  One shilling                       _Sco_ ti on _shate_

-  Two shillings                      Te _gash_ e on se gay

-  Three shillings                    Sha ne _gash_ e on se gay

-  One yard                           Tu we _naut_

-  Two yards                          _Tic_ ne ju we _non_ gay

-  Three yards                        _Sha_ ne ju we _non_ gay

-  One pound                          Cau _goon_ sate

-  Two pounds                         Tich ne cou _goon_ se ga

-  Three pounds                       Sha ne cou _goon_ se ga

-  One quart                          Cus _saa_ dee

-  Two quarts                         Tick ne cus _say_ dee

-  Three quarts                       Shane cus _say_ dee

-  One day                            Onish _shate_

-  Two days                           Te ne wa _nish_ a gay

-  Three days                         Sha ne wa _nish_ a gay

-  One month                          _Swa_ ne dock

-  Two months                         Te _wa_ ne da gay

-  Three months                       Sha ne wau ne da gay

-  One year                           Tush _shate_

-  Two years                          Te _ush_ a gay

-  Three years                        Sha ne _ush_ a gay, &c.

-

-

-    _The author not having an opportunity of examining the proof

-    sheets, some typographical errors have occurred, especially in

-    the Indian words--the following errata will be observed by the

-    reader._

-

-Page 5, line 20 from top, before motives, insert the words _natives

-the_.

-

-Page 8, line 18 from bottom, for retaining read _retained_.

-

-Page 9, line 18 from top, read the following _speech_ from.

-

-Page 29, line 14 from top, read Je _nuch_ sha _da_ go.

-

-Page 40, line 13 from top, for Memsies read _Munsies_.

-

-Page 42, line 6 from top, for Connedin read Co ne _di_ u; and so

-through the book.

-

-Same page, line 4 from bottom, for government read _governor_.

-

-Page 47, line 7 from bottom, for Junesassa read _Tunesassa_; and so

-through the book.

-

-Page 54, line 20 from bottom, for nation read _natives_.

-

-Page 80, line 19 from bottom, read the chief warrior’s _son_.

-

-Page 110, line 16 from top, for nations read _natives_.

-

-Same page, line 3 from bottom, for in, read _to_ the United States.

-

-Page 111, line 20 from top, for Harkey read _Harvey_.

-

-

-

-

-FOOTNOTES:

-

-[1] Alluding to an ineffectual attempt made during the war in 1793,

-when six Friends, as before stated, attended with the commissioners of

-the United States.

-

-[2] A British agent for Indian affairs resident in Canada.

-

-[3] I apprehend there is some mistake in the account given, of the

-quantity of land possessed by Cornplanter. By the act of assembly, it

-appears six hundred acres was the quantity located at that place.--ED.

-

-

-Transcriber’s Note:

-

-Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.

-

-

-

-

-

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-Halliday Jackson

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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55063 ***
+
+[Transcriber’s Note:
+
+The corrections in the errata on page 120 have been incorporated into
+the original.]
+
+
+
+
+CIVILIZATION
+
+OF THE
+
+INDIAN NATIVES;
+
+OR,
+
+A Brief View
+
+OF THE FRIENDLY CONDUCT
+
+OF
+
+WILLIAM PENN
+
+TOWARDS THEM
+
+IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA;
+
+_The subsequent care of the Society of Friends in endeavouring to
+promote peace and friendship with them by pacific measures_;
+
+AND
+
+_A concise narrative of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of
+Friends, of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts adjacent, since the
+year 1795, in promoting their improvement_
+
+AND GRADUAL CIVILIZATION.
+
+BY HALLIDAY JACKSON.
+
+“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former
+desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of
+many generations.”--_Isaiah_ lxi. 4.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_PHILADELPHIA_: MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET.
+
+_NEW YORK_; ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET.
+
+1830
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+Our readers have, no doubt, perused with satisfaction the numbers which
+have appeared from time to time in this periodical, respecting the
+Seneca Indians--their habits, superstitions, &c. The facts which these
+articles embraced, were rendered the more interesting, by the late
+difficulties which had been manifested between the United States, and
+several southern and western tribes, upon the subject of their lands,
+and the right by which they held them in possession.
+
+Since the conclusion of these interesting numbers, we have been
+favoured by the writer with a more enlarged and particular narration,
+respecting the situation of the Indians, in the early settlement of
+this country--in which a concise view is presented of the proceedings
+of William Penn, in relation to them at the period of the first
+settlement of Pennsylvania. A very particular description is also given
+of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsylvania,
+New Jersey, &c. touching the means adopted to increase their happiness,
+and improve their moral and physical condition. Many speeches, highly
+characteristic and beautiful, delivered by distinguished chiefs, in
+council, will be found interspersed through the narrative.
+
+Having concluded, in our last number, the works of WILLIAM SHEWEN, we
+think we cannot better occupy, for a few weeks, the pages heretofore
+devoted to that work, than by appropriating them to the interesting
+subject, of which the above is an outline, and which the writer has
+kindly given us permission to publish. It may then be preserved in the
+same manner as the works just completed, and will form a small but
+valuable book for all classes.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Believing that some account of the measures pursued by the Society of
+Friends, towards the Indian natives, may prove an auxiliary in the
+cause of humanity, and probably interest the serious and benevolent
+mind in behalf of the aborigines of our country, whom we consider as
+children of one universal parent, who is no respecter of persons, but
+regards with equal care all nations, whether of a fair complexion or
+a tawny skin; I am, therefore, induced to believe that every thing
+relating to their history may prove interesting to posterity, when they
+shall be told that such a race of men, who may then have passed away,
+once inhabited this populous country. And having acquired considerable
+knowledge of some of the Indian tribes, and of the progress some of
+them have made in the arts of civilized life, I am induced to offer a
+concise view of the friendly intercourse that has subsisted between
+the society of Friends and the aborigines of our country, from the
+time the illustrious William Penn, and some of his cotemporaries first
+landed on the American shores, and exhibited to the world, the singular
+spectacle of establishing a new model of government, amidst a mixture
+of persons of different nations, and different civil and religious
+opinions, surrounded by savage tribes of Indians, without recourse to
+any coercive measures--which has since been the wonder and admiration
+of mankind.
+
+His great treaty, too, with the Indians, was also made without the
+solemnity of an oath, and has been immortalized as the only treaty, so
+made, that has never been broken.
+
+In most of the histories, in which we can trace the character of the
+Indian nations, we find them to abound either with romantic tales, or
+scenes of cruelty and barbarity, calculated to excite prejudice in
+the mind of the reader; but in this will be found the conciliating
+language of peace and mutual friendship, and a disposition on the part
+of the Indians, to exchange the tomahawk and scalping knife, for the
+plough and the hoe, and peacefully betake themselves to the innocent
+employments of the pastoral and agricultural life.
+
+Although the author has spent but a small portion of time in a personal
+residence among this people, in comparison with many others, yet he can
+acknowledge, that the short time devoted to that service embraced some
+of the happiest moments of his early life. For, although deprived of
+the social comforts of society, and far removed from all the near and
+tender connexions of his youthful days, yet from a full conviction of
+the rectitude of the work, and the incalculable good, under the divine
+blessing, that might finally result to that people, the wilderness was
+often made as it were an Eden, and the desert as the garden of the
+Lord. “Joy and gladness was found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice
+of melody.”
+
+During the author’s residence among the natives, as well as on several
+visits since that period, he had a fair opportunity of noticing the
+gradual improvement of the Indians, in some of the arts of civilized
+life, by which he is enabled to furnish, he trusts, well authenticated
+accounts of the benefits which have resulted to that people from the
+benevolent exertions of the society of Friends. And, although these
+exertions may appear to be limited in their operation towards a reform,
+yet when we take into view the numerous tribes of Indians within and
+circumjacent to the United States, there is reason to hope, that the
+instruction already afforded to several tribes, and the advancement
+they have made in some of the most useful arts of civilized life, will
+have a stimulating influence on their more distant brethren.
+
+
+
+
+A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS, &c.
+
+
+The benign spirit of the gospel, operating upon the benevolent mind of
+that eminently distinguished character William Penn, induced him, at
+the very commencement of the settlement of Pennsylvania, to cultivate,
+by the exercise of gentleness, kindness, and the love of peace, a good
+understanding with the natives; and in all his transactions with them,
+by scrupulously adhering to the law of universal righteousness, which
+dispenses justice to all, and infringes on the natural rights of none,
+he pursued the best means of establishing harmony between them and the
+new settlers, and thereby ensured their confidence and friendship.
+
+In a letter which he sent them by his deputy, previous to his arrival
+in America, dated Eighth month, 1681, he called their attention to
+the existence of a supremely good, ALL-WISE BEING, and to his law
+written in the heart, by which men are taught to love, help, and do
+good, one to another; and briefly informed them respecting his grant
+from the king, and assured them that he desired to enjoy it with their
+love and consent, that they might always live together as neighbours
+and friends. Then, in allusion to some of the other settlements on
+this continent, which in too many instances having been marked with
+injustice and oppression, were followed by melancholy and distressing
+circumstances, he proceeded more at length to unfold to the natives
+the motives and principles, by which he was actuated towards them,
+adding: “The people I send are of the same mind, and if in any thing
+any shall offend you, or your people, you shall have a full and speedy
+satisfaction for the same, by an equal number of just men on both
+sides, that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended
+against them.”
+
+In the year 1682, William Penn first arrived in this country, and
+began to purchase land of the Indians, exemplifying the sincerity of
+his previous declarations, by giving them full satisfaction for every
+grant, accompanied with the best advice for promoting their comfort and
+happiness.
+
+Thus began that firm and lasting friendship with the natives, which
+continued during the life of William Penn, and with the religious
+society of which he was a member, for the space of seventy years; that
+is, as long as the society retained sufficient influence, effectually
+to interpose between the natives and the other inhabitants, so as to
+prevent misunderstandings, or to redress such grievances as occurred.
+A friendship which to this day remains unobliterated between the
+society of Friends and the Indians who have knowledge of them, and is
+a standing proof that the gentle and upright conduct inculcated by
+the gospel, as exemplified in the practice of William Penn, is a far
+more effectual means of preserving treaties inviolate, and insuring
+the permanent enjoyment of reciprocal benefits, than the system of
+violence, fraud, and oppression too frequently resorted to, on such
+occasions.
+
+By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives, the
+parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as
+brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs,
+ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which
+was not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.
+
+William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians, during
+his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious nature;
+and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the advice he
+gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard to justice
+so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them: hence, the
+name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do the
+society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with much
+veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be advanced
+as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent behaviour
+of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude, but
+the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have on
+the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in the
+early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an entire
+wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a scanty
+supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the new
+settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining
+food--but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were
+much alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in
+supplying their necessities; not only extending their beneficence to
+those of the society of Friends, but generally to such as were under
+the patronage of William Penn--thereby evincing towards them the
+genuine spirit of hospitality--frequently visiting them in their houses.
+
+In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly
+excluded from the proprietory agency to which the management of
+Indian affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians
+became corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of
+their lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in
+some of the tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of
+Pennsylvania. Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered,
+in consequence of a war which continued for several years. But
+notwithstanding the diminished influence which the society of Friends
+now possessed in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties
+with the Indians, they did not relax their endeavours to improve every
+opportunity of cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and
+promoting a peaceable disposition; for which purpose they formed an
+association among themselves, denominated the “friendly association for
+gaining and preserving peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”
+
+To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to
+the amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the
+governor’s permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such
+a discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating
+demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to have
+a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace; which
+desirable event took place in 1775.
+
+About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the
+United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the
+Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the
+purpose of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly
+Meeting, believed it right to address congress on the occasion,
+thereby showing the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had
+heretofore been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and
+friendship with the original owners of the soil for the settlement
+of existing differences: at the same time, suggesting that if their
+religious instruction and civilization were rightly promoted, it
+might essentially contribute to conciliate the minds of the Indians,
+and restore harmony between the contending parties. Although the
+representation was well received, the measures recommended were not
+then adopted, and the calamities of war still continuing to prevail on
+the western frontiers of the states, the Yearly Meeting held in 1792,
+appointed a large committee to unite with the former, (commonly called
+the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate on the momentous subject,
+and, if practicable, to recommend such measures as would be most likely
+to promote peace and friendship with the Indian tribes, and thereby
+prevent the further effusion of human blood.
+
+In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited
+Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the
+United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be
+held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these
+Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some
+Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they
+represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from
+their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence
+to the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In
+accordance with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace,
+the proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to
+accompany the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion,
+after having obtained the president’s approbation.
+
+These Friends were present at several interviews with the
+commissioners, and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand
+council composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many
+different nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the
+minds of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the
+several subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied
+with the conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of
+peace, the treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in
+having an interview with the Indians in general council. They had,
+however, reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted
+with their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient
+attachment to the society was measurably renewed.
+
+Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the
+representatives of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at
+Canandaigua, in the state of New York, and government approving the
+same, four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable
+address was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in
+the language of the address,) for you the descendants of the first
+inhabitants of this land of America, whom our forefathers found here
+after they had crossed the great waters.”
+
+About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion,
+and these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of
+endeavouring to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to
+be derived from living in peace with one another, and with all men,
+and with the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that
+they might draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still
+retained a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their
+forefathers met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued
+to distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his
+descendants, expressing that if _we_ deceived them they should no more
+place confidence in mankind.
+
+The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable
+adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established
+between these nations and the United States.
+
+During this visit, many of the difficulties and sufferings to which the
+Indians were subjected, were brought into view, and their situation
+appeared loudly to claim the sympathy of those who had grown opulent
+on the former inheritance of these poor declining people. Hence these
+Friends suggested the propriety of the society of Friends, pursuing
+some plan of rendering them more essential service than had hitherto
+been rendered.
+
+Again in 1795, a treaty was held with some of the western tribes of
+Indians, and, although Friends did not send a deputation to attend
+it, they nevertheless, forwarded a suitable address, calculated to
+evince their love of peace, and ardent desire for the restoration of
+harmony between the Indians and the government of the United States.
+This letter was accompanied by suitable presents, directed to the
+care of General Anthony Wayne, who informed Friends that they were
+gratefully received by the Indians, and also, that there now was the
+fairest prospect of a lasting peace and friendly intercourse between
+the citizens of the United States, and the aborigines of America.
+
+Peace accordingly once more took place between the United States
+and the Indians, after many years of war and devastation; but this
+cessation of hostilities was purchased, on behalf of the Indians, by
+the relinquishment of a large tract of their country north-west of the
+river Ohio, and they were also otherwise left in a poor and destitute
+situation.
+
+Previous to this period, several of the Indians’ chiefs had, in a
+pathetic manner, applied to the society of Friends to remember them in
+their distressed situation, and also to instruct them in the modes of
+civilized life.
+
+The following speech, from Gay-us-hu-ta, an ancient chief of the Seneca
+nation, on the borders of Pennsylvania, is worthy of preserving on
+record:
+
+“Brothers, the sons of my beloved brother Onas--When I was young and
+strong, our country was full of game, which the great spirit sent for
+us to live upon. The lands which belonged to us, were extended far
+beyond where we hunted. I, and the people of my nation, always had
+plenty to eat, and always something to give to our friends when they
+entered our cabins, and we rejoiced when they received it from us.
+Hunting was then not tiresome. It was diversion--it was a pleasure.
+
+“Brothers, when your fathers asked land of my nation, we gave it to
+them--Gay-us-hu-ta was always among the first to say, “Give land to our
+brother Onas, for he wants it--and he has always been a friend to Onas
+and his children.”
+
+“Brothers, your fathers saw Gay-us-hu-ta when he was young, when he had
+not even thought of old age or of weakness--but you are too far off to
+see him now--he is grown old, he is very old and feeble, and he wonders
+at his own shadow, it has become so little. He has no children to take
+care of him, and the game is driven away by the white people, so that
+the young men must hunt all day to get game for themselves to eat--they
+have nothing left for Gay-us-hu-ta. And it is not Gay-us-hu-ta only
+that is become old and feeble; there yet remains about thirty men of
+your old friends, who, unable to provide for themselves, or to help one
+another, are become poor, and are hungry and naked.
+
+“Brothers, Gay-us-hu-ta sends you a belt, which he received long ago
+from your fathers, and a writing which he received but as yesterday
+from one of you; by these you will remember him and the old friends of
+your father’s in this nation. Look on this belt and this writing, and
+if you remember the old friends of your fathers, consider their former
+friendship and their present distress, and if the good spirit shall put
+it into your hearts to comfort them in their old age, do not disregard
+his counsel. We are men, and therefore need only tell you, that we
+are old and feeble, and hungry, and naked, and that we have no other
+friends but you, the children of our beloved brother Onas.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Cornplanter, a
+chief of the same nation, to Friends in the year 1791.
+
+“Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the great spirit intends they
+should not continue to live by hunting, and they look round on every
+side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them
+to do. Your fathers dealt honestly with our fathers, and they have
+engaged us to remember it: we wish our children to be taught the same
+principles by which your fathers were guided.
+
+“Brothers, we have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach our
+children what we perceive their situation requires them to know. We
+wish them to be taught to read and write, and such other things as you
+teach your children, especially the love of peace.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two Friends visited some of the Indians of the Delaware nation near
+Muskinghum, in the year 1793. The following is a speech of one of their
+chiefs named Neet-wot-willimon, on the occasion.
+
+“Brothers, we are glad, and rejoice in our hearts to see our brothers,
+the Quakers, speaking before us--we feel the grace that is in your
+hearts conveyed to us, and we wish to be of the same religion, but
+we are poor, and weak, and not capable of judging for ourselves--we
+hope you will have pity upon us, and instruct us how to gain a more
+comfortable living--and, also, how we may come to obtain everlasting
+happiness: when we think of our poor children, our hearts are affected
+with sorrow--we hope you will send us teachers.”
+
+These circumstances, together with the remembrance of the kindness
+of the natives to the early settlers in this country, continued to
+interest the feelings of the society of Friends in their behalf, and
+from motives of religious obligation, the Yearly Meeting, held in
+Philadelphia in the Ninth month, 1795, appointed a large committee
+for the special purpose of promoting the improvement and gradual
+civilization of the Indian natives, in such a way and manner, as would
+best tend to meliorate their condition; and to render an account
+annually to the Yearly Meeting of their progress therein. This
+committee promoted liberal subscriptions through the society--appointed
+a clerk and treasurer, and held stated meetings to deliberate on such
+measures, as, under the divine blessing, might best promote the real
+welfare of these inhabitants of the wilderness.
+
+In order more fully to learn the disposition of the several tribes of
+Indians bordering on the state of Pennsylvania, it was an early object
+with the committee, to address to them a circular letter, informing
+them of the objects the society had in view for their benefit--and also
+therein communicating much salutary advice and counsel; which letter
+was also accompanied by one from Timothy Pickering, then secretary of
+state, in which he expresses a hearty co-operation with the views and
+plans of the committee, and the necessity of the Indians’ gradually
+declining their former modes of procuring sustenance, and betaking
+themselves to the cultivation of the soil, and raising domestic animals.
+
+In his letter he says--
+
+“Now, Brothers, I have the great pleasure to inform you, that your
+good friends, the Quakers, have formed a wise plan to show your young
+men and boys the most useful practices of the white people. They will
+choose some prudent, good men to instruct them. These good men will
+do this, only from the love they bear to you, their fellow men, and
+children of the Great Spirit whom they desire to please, and who will
+be pleased with the good they do to you.
+
+“The Quakers, and the good men they employ, will ask nothing from
+you, neither land, nor money, nor skins, nor furs, for all the good
+they will render to you. They will request only your consent, and the
+attention of the young men and boys to learn what will be so useful.
+
+“Brothers, if this first attempt succeed, the way will be open in which
+your young people may learn other useful practices of the white people,
+so as to enable them to supply all their own wants; and such as choose
+it, may learn to read and write.
+
+“Having thus explained to you the plan of your friends the Quakers, I
+conclude, with heartily recommending it to your adoption, as better
+calculated to procure lasting and essential benefits to your nation,
+than any plan ever before attempted.
+
+“Wishing it great success, I remain your friend and brother,
+
+  “TIMOTHY PICKERING.
+
+“_Philadelphia, February 15, 1796._”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Timothy Pickering also wrote to the superintendent of the six nations,
+and to the interpreter for the United States, requesting them to
+prepare the minds of the Indians for the intended plan formed by the
+society of Friends, to introduce among them some of the necessary
+arts of civil life. Those letters were explained to various tribes of
+Indians, who generally expressed their approbation of the measures
+proposed.
+
+The Oneidas, however, and those Indians settled on the Oneida
+reservation, comprehending the Stockbridges--and a part of the
+Tuscaroras, near the sources of the Mohawk river, in the state of New
+York, were most solicitous to co-operate with Friends in the intended
+experiment for a reform in the Indian mode of life.
+
+In the spring of the year 1796, three young men, who offered their
+services to spend some time in the instruction of the natives, were
+accompanied by four of the committee into the Oneida country, and
+provided with implements of husbandry, carpenters’ and smiths’ tools,
+and other necessary accommodations. The Indians received them with
+joyful countenances, and gave them a hearty welcome to their villages.
+Their first council was held with the Stockbridges. These Indians
+are not of the six nations. They were said to consist of about sixty
+families, and three hundred individuals; and possessed upwards of
+twenty-three thousand acres of land, which had been given to them
+by the Oneida nation. They had a saw-mill, three carts, three pair
+of good working oxen, and some other things, which they enjoyed in
+common; but, in general, possessed their improvements and other fruits
+of their industry as private property; and little appeared to be
+wanting, but a spirit of industry, frugality, and sobriety, to make
+their situation comfortable. After giving them such advice as their
+situation required, Friends held a general council with the Oneidas,
+about four miles distant from the Stockbridge settlement. Here they
+fully explained the nature of their embassy, and endeavoured to
+impress the Indians with the necessity of a change in their manner of
+life, and the means whereby it might be accomplished, if they became
+industrious, cultivated their land, and raised cattle, sheep, and other
+domestic animals--also, that their women should learn to spin, knit,
+and manufacture their clothing.
+
+The Indians appeared well satisfied with the offer that had been made
+them, and the prospect of the young men staying among them to assist
+them. The women, especially, who had great reason to coincide with
+the views of Friends in this business, appeared to be well satisfied;
+for in proportion to the rude and uncultivated state of these people,
+are the hardships of their women increased; they having most of the
+drudgery to perform; such as hoeing corn, chopping wood, carrying
+burthens, &c. while their men are sporting with their bows and arrows,
+and other similar diversions.
+
+It was supposed the Oneidas at this time possessed about two hundred
+and forty square miles of land. They were, in number, about six
+hundred and twenty. They had a saw-mill, built by government, and a
+considerable number of cattle, horses, and some working oxen. With
+these, and their annuities from the government, they might, with a
+proper application on their part, have become good livers, abounding
+in the necessary comforts of life. But such were their excessive
+indolence, want of economy, and love of strong drink, that instead of
+improving the means in their power to make themselves comfortable, they
+were poor and wretched; and many of them, a great part of the year,
+almost reduced to a state of starvation. The little corn and other
+produce the women raised with their hoes, were frequently bartered
+for strong drink. The evil effects of this practice, Friends were
+particularly concerned to remark, in their councils; and some exertions
+were said to have been used by their chiefs, to prevent strong liquor
+from being sold in their villages.
+
+Friends also had a council with the Brotherton Indians, about nine
+miles from the Stockbridges, composed of fifty-six families, and
+possessed of about nine thousand nine hundred acres of land. They also
+had a saw-mill, and a considerable number of cattle and other animals.
+They also had an interview with a smaller tribe of the Tuscaroras,
+who lived on the Oneida’s land, and furnished them with some goods,
+and implements of husbandry, encouraging them to industry, and sober
+habits, whereby they might partake plentifully of the blessings of
+the Great Spirit. They had further satisfactory interviews with the
+Stockbridge Indians, and in addition to the implements of husbandry
+they had given them, presented them with a set of smiths’ tools. At
+the close of their communications, an old chief replied to them as
+follows:--
+
+“Brothers, I am glad to see you, in my heart, and to hear your good
+words--you use us just like a father--I am old--have lost all my
+family--and cannot live many days--but all this spring, I think the
+Great Spirit will send me some comfort in my trouble--but nobody say
+any thing to me, till now, you are come,--I wish I was young, then I
+would do what you say--I will go and see your young men at Oneida,
+every two or three days, and tell our young men how you do.”
+
+The principal chief of the nation, on behalf of the rest, expressed
+much satisfaction for the kind offers Friends had made them, especially
+for the smiths’ tools; stating that they had suffered much for the want
+of them, having had to go many miles, and sometimes lose many days, to
+get one link of a chain mended.
+
+The committee who accompanied the young men, now having spent near a
+month in the Indian country, and having obtained a house to accommodate
+them, and got satisfactory arrangements made between them and the
+Indians, set out homewards. On their way, about thirty miles westward
+of Oneida, they called to see a small tribe of the Onondaga Indians.
+They were about one hundred and thirty-five in number, and possessed
+about twelve thousand eight hundred acres of good land, but were in
+a poor and miserable condition, spending their time in idleness, and
+much given to intemperance; even pawning the blankets they received
+from government, for liquor, before they got them home. Friends had an
+interview with them, and endeavoured to impress them with the necessity
+of a change in their manner of life, and the advantage that would arise
+from habits of industry and sobriety; letting them know that they were
+willing to help them a little, but that their main object was to get
+them to help themselves.
+
+They also visited a small tribe of the Cayuga Indians, about seventy
+miles westward from Oneida, said to be about sixty in number, in a
+similar situation to the Onondagas. To these the committee promised to
+send some implements of husbandry, which were afterwards furnished them.
+
+The three young men now stationed at Oneida, began to set before the
+natives an example of industry, and to use endeavours to promote in
+them a like disposition; but they, being unaccustomed to labour, and
+naturally averse to habits of industry, continued in their former
+pursuits. Friends then improved a piece of land, without assistance
+from the natives, hoping some of them would be induced to follow their
+example. They also repaired and worked a saw-mill, belonging to the
+Oneidas, and instructed several of the Indians in the knowledge of
+sawing.
+
+In the fall of this year, one of the young men returned home, and
+another who offered his services, went forward to that station.
+
+The ensuing winter, Friends opened a school for the instruction of the
+children, and an Indian, qualified by an education in New England,
+taught the Stockbridge children, and was allowed a salary by Friends
+for several years.
+
+In the year 1797, but little improvement was made by the Oneida
+Indians. Sickness prevailed among them, which Friends did not wholly
+escape. One of the young men went to distribute some implements of
+husbandry, &c. among the Onondaga, and Cayuga Indians, and to encourage
+them to apply themselves to the use of them, earnestly recommending
+them to sobriety and industry, as the only means of promoting
+their happiness. For while they remained in habits of idleness and
+drunkenness, they would be poor and miserable. They were grateful for
+the presents received, and promised to apply themselves to the use of
+them; but said, that “drinking rum, and getting drunk they were not
+able to keep from, because it was running all round them; that they
+lived on an island, and the white people gave them drams, and then they
+craved more, so that they thought it was impossible to leave it off,
+they had been so long accustomed to it; but they were in hopes the
+young people would learn better.”
+
+In the fore part of this summer, the Oneida Indians, as was their
+usual custom, (to supply themselves with food, being urged thereto by
+necessity,) went on an expedition, about twenty miles, to the other
+side of the Oneida lake, after young pigeons. These they caught in
+great abundance, and after salting them in bark troughs, brought them
+home to their villages.
+
+In the Ninth month, this year, another of the young men returned from
+the Oneida settlement, by whom the principal chiefs of that nation
+addressed a letter to the committee, expressive of their gratitude for
+the favours received, and their satisfaction with the conduct of the
+young man who had resided among them.
+
+The Sachems of the Stockbridge nation also sent a letter, from which
+the following is extracted:
+
+“Brothers and friends, attend. We the Sachems and counsellors of the
+Mohikonick or Stockbridge nation, send our voice to you. We feel
+rejoiced that the great, good Spirit, has put such light and love in
+your hearts, and influenced your minds to such a degree, as to have
+compassionate feelings towards us, the natives of this island. We ever
+have felt the gladness on our hearts, to find and see with our own
+eyes, that you have not only spoke good words from your lips, but have
+been doers of the good work--you have extended your charity towards
+us in this wilderness. You have taken the pains to come up, year ago
+last summer--you have sat with us in council, you have given us many
+good councils--you have raised our heads which were hung down--you have
+directed our eyes to see the good path of life--you have put tools on
+our hands--you have hung a good kettle by the side of our fire-place,
+whereby our food may be cooked without any trouble--you have even put
+a good staff into the hands of our children--that they may be enabled
+to learn the path that leads to good life, and indeed you have done
+much good for us. By these means we have been enabled to avoid many
+difficulties--our young men are greatly encouraged, and our old men
+comforted.
+
+“Brothers, we hope that in a future day, you will rejoice, that what
+you have done for us was not in vain. The kindness which you have
+done to us is by this time sounded in the ears of our allies, the
+different nations towards the setting sun; for it was the custom of our
+forefathers, when any thing was done for them by the white people--all
+their friends and allies must know of it.”
+
+  Signed by six Chiefs.
+
+_Dated New Stockbridge, 9th mo. 1797._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A desire was expressed by the Indians, that some of their daughters
+might be brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia to receive
+instruction. Accordingly six girls, aged from nine to eighteen years
+were received, and placed in the families of Friends in Chester county,
+to be instructed in school-learning, and the usual branches of
+housewifery and domestic economy, where some of them remained several
+years.
+
+In the spring of the year 1798, (in order to induce the Indians to
+labour,) a proposition was made to hire some of them to assist in
+improving the land allotted for a farm; but they were so irregular in
+working, that the plan was abandoned. Some days nearly thirty would
+come to work, and on other days, scarcely one was to be had. They
+therefore engaged a number of lads and young men whom they boarded, and
+allowed a reasonable compensation for their services.
+
+At this time some improvement had taken place. Many of the Indian men
+would assist their wives in working their little lots of land; but they
+experienced some difficulty from the want of a blacksmith, to make and
+repair their tools. A Friend, however, well qualified to instruct them
+in this business, offered his services, who, with his wife, and another
+female, desirous of spending some time in the instruction of the Indian
+women, proceeded to that settlement, and were usefully engaged in the
+benevolent object of improving the condition of the natives.
+
+In the Seventh month, this year, this settlement was visited by two
+of the committee, who assisted the Friends there, in making some
+arrangements with the Indians relative to the smith’s business, and
+otherwise imparting suitable encouragement to them in regard to the
+cultivation of their land.
+
+About this time, and for some time previous, (probably instigated by
+the evil insinuations of some designing white men,) some of the Indians
+had manifested suspicions of the sincerity of Friends’ views. They knew
+that the improvement made on their land, and the various tools and
+implements of husbandry furnished them by Friends, must have cost a
+great deal of money, and they had not been witnesses of any instance,
+where white people had come forward in such a manner to assist Indians,
+but, sooner or later an interested motive discovered itself--therefore,
+some had fear that it was intended to make a permanent establishment,
+and lay claim to a part of their land. And indeed when we advert to
+the many impositions practised upon this much injured people, by those
+who have gone among them, under the character of missionaries, and
+religious instructors, we cannot much marvel that this should be the
+case.
+
+Friends, however, expostulated with them on various subjects, relative
+to their improvement, and reminded them of their ungrateful surmises
+and whisperings in this respect--and told them, that they had never
+asked any of their land--they never should--nor would they take it,
+if offered to them--and that they had no other inducement for staying
+among them, spending their time and their money, but their own good.
+
+In their reply to Friends, the Indians, by way of apology,
+mention--“There are some had people, who have spoke against you, that
+you had a design to take away our land; and sometimes when our minds
+were not right, we believed such talk--and this made us feel very
+ugly--but now we are convinced, and sorry we believed such things. We
+are satisfied that you are a true people, and we will continue to be of
+that mind.”
+
+This visit seemed (to use the Indian term,) to brighten the chain of
+friendship; and the prospect of improvement assumed a more encouraging
+appearance. A comfortable dwelling house and barn were built this
+year, and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed in
+cultivating the farm. A large quantity of grain, hay, and vegetables
+were raised--affording ample proof to the natives, of the beneficial
+effects of cultivating the soil.
+
+Several of them, also, acquired considerable knowledge of the
+blacksmith’s business, and many of their young women and girls received
+instruction in spinning, knitting, sewing, and other domestic affairs,
+and some progress was made in their school learning.
+
+In the spring of 1799, a more encouraging prospect of success, in
+improving the condition of the Indians, was apparent. Several of the
+Indian men improved lots of land for their own benefit, which they
+sowed with wheat, and other grain. The smith’s business continued to
+be attended to by them, and Friends, with the aid of the Indians,
+continued to work their farms; nor were their exertions, either this
+or any former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as
+opportunities for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to
+the various parts of the Indian settlements, and afforded assistance in
+as many ways, as the necessities of the natives required.
+
+As the Indians at this place had now obtained sufficient instruction to
+enable them, by proper application, to procure a comfortable living,
+it was concluded by Friends, that the time was drawing near, when it
+might be right to withdraw from them, and to convince the Indians of
+their disinterested motives, by leaving all their improvements, tools,
+and implements of husbandry for their own use and benefit; and with
+a view of making this arrangement, four of the committee visited the
+settlement in the Ninth month this year. After viewing the progress
+made by the Indians in the agricultural art, and also finding that two
+of them had acquired the knowledge of the blacksmith’s business, so
+fully as to be likely to answer all the work the natives might stand in
+need of, and others having applied themselves to the use of carpenter’s
+tools, so as to be capable of building good houses, barns, and making
+ploughs, harrows, and many other implements of husbandry, it appeared
+that very little was wanting but application on their part, to put
+themselves in a way of living comfortably, and of procuring or raising
+in a plentiful degree, most of the necessaries of life.
+
+Friends now had a free and open conference with the Indians, on the
+subject of relinquishing that settlement, and told them, as they had
+at the first, that they came not among them to make them presents that
+would soon slide away, but to teach them some of the useful practices
+of the white people; that they had now set before them a clear example,
+and showed them what a great deal of produce for the support of life,
+might be raised from a small piece of land; and expressed a hope they
+would take their advice, and follow the example they had set before
+them, informing them that there were a great many more of their Indian
+brethren that stood in need of assistance and instruction--and hoped
+they would be satisfied with what was already done for them.
+
+To the communications of Friends on this occasion, an ancient chief,
+Skenandoah, made the following reply, on behalf of the nation:--
+
+“Brother Onas attend. We know you told us you came not amongst us to
+make us presents that would soon wear away, but to stay some time--to
+instruct us how to gain a comfortable living, by tilling the ground, as
+the white people do. Now you have staid the time you proposed, and have
+fulfilled all your engagements to our nation, and we shall follow the
+good example you have set before us, which we know would be of lasting
+benefit to us; and we thankfully acknowledge your kindness, having
+never heard of any people who have done so much for Indians, without
+any view of advantage to themselves--which is a convincing proof to us
+that you are our real friends. And we are glad the good spirit has put
+it into your minds to assist others of our Indian brethren, in learning
+the same good way of living, for which we also thank you, as well as
+for the good advice you gave us about strong drink; and we will try all
+we can to persuade our young men to do better.
+
+“And now Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you, we
+wish you would tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for now
+we know you are a true people, and we will keep this writing and tell
+our young men and children every year, that they may always remember
+your friendship.”
+
+Near the close of the year, the Friends at Oneida having made the
+necessary arrangements about the distribution of the property, which
+consisted of between two and three hundred bushels of grain, a quantity
+of hay, a cow, a number of hogs, a cart, ploughs, harrows, carpenter’s
+and smith’s tools, household and kitchen furniture, all for the benefit
+of the Indians, they had a parting conference with them, when they
+presented them with the following address in writing.
+
+“Brothers of the Oneida nation. We are now about to leave you, and
+return to our respective homes. We desire to speak to you in a few
+words. You know it is more than three years since your friends, the
+people called Quakers, have been endeavouring to assist and instruct
+you how to gain a comfortable living, by cultivating your land, and
+some of us who are here, have left our near connexions and friends in
+order to be useful to your nation.
+
+“Now, Brothers, we have set before you a clear example, how to till
+your land, so as to raise plenty of wheat, and other good things for
+your support. We wish you, therefore, to improve the opportunity, by
+which means you may come to live happy and plentifully by the fruits of
+your own industry and care. We have often told you that we want nothing
+from you for all our trouble and expense, but the improvement of your
+nation.
+
+“Brothers, you have now the advantage of having most of your smith
+work done by your own people, which is not the case with any of your
+brethren to the westward. If you do not improve the advantages you
+have, you must blame yourselves for your poverty and distress. We
+entreat you, therefore, to be wise for your own interest, and leave
+off the practice of drinking strong drink, (for you know it has been
+the cause of most of your difficulties,) and try to pursue a sober,
+industrious course of life. Then we believe the good spirit will bless
+you with lasting benefits; and as we have endeavoured to live in peace
+among you, we wish you to live in peace one with another, that your
+good example may be a blessing to your children--always remembering,
+that your welfare and happiness as well as the improvement of your
+children will depend much on your sobriety and industry.
+
+“Brothers, we now leave you, hoping your good understanding will
+incline you to pursue the way we have endeavoured to point out to you.
+We now bid you farewell.”
+
+The Indians, both of the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, made replies
+of considerable length to our friends on this parting opportunity, in
+which they expressed their sense of gratitude for the many services
+Friends had rendered them; and, among other things, stated, that “they
+would endeavour to pursue the path Friends had pointed out to them,”
+and further added:--
+
+“Brothers, it is now a long time since the white people have lived on
+this island. They have frequently told us they loved us--but none of
+them have ever tried to instruct us in cultivating our land before. We
+now see, brothers, that your society has manifested more regard for the
+welfare of the Indians, than any other people, for which we thank you.
+We also thank the Great Spirit that he has put it into your hearts to
+love and regard Indians.”
+
+These Friends arrived in Philadelphia in the First month, 1801.--It
+was hoped that the labour bestowed upon those Indians would eventually
+prove a blessing to them, and that the spirit of industry that had
+been discovered in individuals, would gradually progress from family
+to family, and have a powerful and beneficial influence on many of the
+adjacent tribes-and, in time, also, on those more remote.
+
+In the autumn of this year, the Stockbridge girls, who had been placed
+among Friends in the fall of 1797, were returned to their parents.
+They had acquired a considerable knowledge of school learning, and of
+spinning, knitting, sewing, and the different branches of housewifery.
+
+To show a specimen of their improvement in school learning, I will here
+give a copy of a letter written by one of them, the following spring
+after their arrival among Friends, in which time she had acquired so
+much of the English language, as to enable her to convey her ideas by
+writing:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _New Garden, Third mo. 10th, 1798._
+
+“My dear mother: I will try to let thee know how I do so far from
+thee--I have been well ever since I left thee. I would be glad to see
+thee mother--I want to see thee, and brothers and sisters, and all
+Stockbridge friends--I want to see father--I like to live in this
+country pretty well--and dear friends clever--me live in clever house,
+very good man, make clocks--make porringers and spoons--me like to
+see him--I can knit stockings and spin--I have made sampler--I know
+how to mark my clothes, then I know my own--three girls make bonnets
+and do all work--I work a little, play a little--go to meeting a
+little--sometimes walk--sometimes ride on horseback, when roads are
+muddy--the girls’ mother very good old woman--I love her--she learns me
+to work.
+
+  MARY PETERS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My dear Brother--Me live well at very good house. I love thee, and
+sisters, and mother--I want see you all--Friends say, may be we all go
+back to Stockbridge before next winter--I think I have told thee all I
+can now, so bid thee farewell.
+
+  MARY PETERS.
+
+N. B. This letter my own hand writing, so you may see I learn write.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is an extract of a letter written by one of the Indian
+girls after her return home, dated the Ninth month, 1803, to one of
+the women Friends who had engaged in the instruction of the natives at
+Oneida.
+
+“I have spun some flax and wool since I come home, and made some cheese
+to show our Indians how to make cheese--they be very much pleased to
+know how to make cheese--some said they never thought Indians could
+make cheese so well. They began to try to keep cows ever since to make
+cheese and butter. Some of them began to sow some flax, and good many
+of our Indians got sheep--meat good to eat, and wool good for cloth. I
+hope we will do better every year. Good many have left off drinking,
+and some of them drink very hard yet. I have been to see Oneidas not
+long ago--they improve very much since thee come away--good many have
+new frame houses and frame barns--they improve very much ever since
+they left off drinking. I believe three hundred of men and women left
+off drinking this sometime past--I hope they will keep their words
+good.”
+
+By some information received afterwards, it appears some of these
+young women married soon after their return and settled themselves to
+industry, lived well, and some Friends calling to see them, were kindly
+received and hospitably entertained by them.
+
+After the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania withdrew
+their attention from the Oneidas, and those Indians in the vicinity,
+they came more particularly under the notice of Friends of the Yearly
+Meeting of New York, who had formed similar plans for the improvement
+and civilization of the Indian natives.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Friendly intercourse between the Society of Friends, and various
+nations of Indians._
+
+It seems necessary, in this place, to go back a little in the order
+of time, and give some account of the interviews with the chiefs and
+others, of various nations of Indians, who at different times visited
+Philadelphia.
+
+As the minds of Friends were attentively opened to the great object
+of the concern, in promoting the well-being and gradual improvement
+of the Indian natives, every opportunity was embraced of cultivating
+a friendly intercourse with them, and of giving such counsel and
+encouragement as seemed to be adapted to their situation, accompanied
+with some such aid in implements of husbandry and other things, as
+their necessities demanded.
+
+In the Ninth month, 1796, Benjamin Hawkins superintendent of the
+Creek nation, settled in the interior of Georgia, was introduced to
+the committee on Indian affairs. He brought with him four lads of
+that nation to be educated; two of whom were placed with Friends,
+where they remained several years, and were instructed in school
+learning. He also suggested the propriety of furnishing those Indians
+with some mechanical tools, which were procured and forwarded to
+them, accompanied by a suitable address, from which the following is
+extracted:
+
+“Brothers, we feel it in our hearts to tell you that the great and good
+spirit, made all people with a design that they should live in peace
+and good will, and that it is for this end he hath placed his law in
+the hearts of all men, which, if carefully attended to, would keep them
+in love and friendship--and teach them to avoid every thing that would
+lead them to hurt and destroy one another.
+
+“Brothers, are you not sensible that when you are quarrelsome, or have
+done any bad action, that you are made sorrowful and uneasy, and that
+on the contrary when you are serious, and do good actions, your minds
+feel easy, pleasant, and comfortable? This is from the good spirit,
+who is all love, and who hath placed his law in our hearts, to give us
+peace and comfort when we do well, and make us sad and uneasy when we
+do evil.
+
+“Brothers, we are glad in believing that the good spirit has influenced
+the hearts of our great men to do the Indians good; and we earnestly
+desire, that you may be so wise as to follow their good advice in
+trying to improve your fertile land by farming, and raising cattle,
+sheep, and hogs; so that you may have food and clothing for yourselves,
+your wives, and your children.”
+
+About the beginning of the year 1797, Friends had satisfactory
+interviews with deputies from various nations, among whom were some of
+the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians, inhabiting the
+northern and western parts of Georgia; and the Shawanees, Chippewas,
+and Pottawattamies, living on the waters of the Wabash river, and
+bordering on lakes Michigan and Superior.
+
+To these Indians suitable presents were made to a considerable amount.
+In divers conferences had with them, Friends informed them of the
+nature and effect of their peaceable principles, and testimony against
+wars and fightings--their care of the society in first settling
+Pennsylvania, under the patronage of William Penn, whom the Indians
+called brother Onas, not to settle on lands that were not fairly
+purchased and paid for to the satisfaction of the natives, with whom
+friendship, harmony, and mutual kind offices long subsisted. They
+also informed them of their continued desire to maintain this amity,
+by exerting their best endeavours and influence for the healing of
+differences between white people and Indians. They endeavoured to
+explain to their understandings how much the attainment of this happy
+end depends upon cherishing, in ourselves, the benevolent disposition
+inseparable from the true spirit and practice of real Christianity.
+They also recommended them to instruct their youth in modes of living
+more conformable thereto, than had heretofore been customary with
+them, and especially warned them against the pernicious effects of
+using spirituous liquors.
+
+A number of the chiefs expressed great satisfaction with these
+interviews. Some of them said they remembered to have heard of
+such a people as the Quakers; but the account remained with them
+an uncertainty, until now they had witnessed its reality; that the
+sentiments and advice communicated, was such as they had never heard
+before; that it had sunk deep into their hearts, and that they wished
+it conveyed to their people more extensively by personal visits from
+some of the Quakers. One of them remarked particularly on the counsel
+imparted not to revenge injuries, and gave repeated assurances, “that
+although he had heard of two of his people being killed, he was
+determined not to retaliate, but to adhere to peace.”
+
+An ancient chief of the Creek nation, among many other things said,
+“Brothers, I am an old man, yet I have travelled much this year to
+promote peace. I went many hundred miles to the treaty on the frontiers
+of Georgia, held by the commissioners of the United States, and of the
+State of Georgia, with my nation, where several matters were adjusted
+to my satisfaction. I then returned home, but in a short time, came
+by invitation to this city, to make the chain of friendship still
+brighter. On my way, and since coming here, I have met with nothing
+unpleasant; nor do I regret all the toil and fatigue of a long journey
+to establish a firm peace. I believe the Great Spirit above made both
+white and red men; but I suppose it is because we are red men, that the
+white men impose upon us, and try to get our land, which we do not want
+to part with.
+
+“Brothers, I am glad to find there are a people who love peace, and
+give such good advice to red men. I was a stranger to you, till since
+my coming here. You kindly took notice of me. A few days ago one of
+your women delivered a talk which I have hid deep in my heart. I never
+heard such an one before. I want to tell it to my nation, after I get
+home--and for fear I should forget some of it, I should like to have it
+in print that it might be fully explained to them.”
+
+In the First month, 1798, the Little Turtle, a chief of the
+Miami nation, and some other western Indians, were introduced
+to the committee by a letter from General James Wilkinson, then
+commander-in-chief of the army of the United States, to his
+brother-in-law, Owen Biddle, of Philadelphia. In this letter, he wrote
+as follows, “When we contemplate the fortunes of the aborigines of our
+country, the bosom of philanthropy must heave with sorrow. What would
+not that man, or that community merit, who reclaims the untutored
+Indian--opens his mind to sources of happiness unknown, and makes him
+useful to society--since it would be in effect to save a whole race
+from extinction? For, surely, if these people are not brought to
+depend for sustenance on their fields instead of their forests, it will
+be found impossible to reclaim their present habits; and the seeds of
+their extinction already sown, must be matured.
+
+“The bearer of this letter, the Little Turtle, is forcibly impressed
+with these truths, and is anxious to co-operate in a fair experiment on
+his tribe. It is with this view that I introduce him particularly to
+you, in hopes you may think proper to recommend him to the patronage of
+the benevolent society of which you are a member.”
+
+Friends had satisfactory interviews with these Indians, and suitable
+presents were given to them. The Little Turtle expressed a strong
+desire for the improvement of his people, and hoped Friends would use
+their endeavours to promote the work of civilization among them.
+
+The committee embraced this opportunity of addressing a general letter
+to the Miami Indians, and other nations united with them, in which they
+reminded them of the ancient friendship that subsisted between their
+forefathers and Friends, in the early settlement of this country--that
+the chain of friendship had been kept bright for more than one hundred
+years, by mutual acts of kindness to each other, and that while Friends
+had the chief direction of public affairs in Pennsylvania, there was
+no war between the white people and Indians in that state: but since
+those times of brotherly kindness, some men had given way to the
+power of the bad spirit in their hearts, so as to become desperately
+wicked, coveting their neighbours’ goods, and even thirsting for blood.
+This had caused wars and fightings, and produced much misery in the
+world--and that the society of Friends were concerned to persuade their
+rulers to do justly, and maintain peace with the Indians, and with all
+men--and were also very desirous that the Great overruling Spirit of
+love, might so influence and direct the councils of the Indian nations,
+and so dispose their hearts to peace, that the sound of war might no
+more be heard in their land.
+
+They were, also, in this address, especially warned against the
+pernicious effects of spirituous liquors, which concern may be
+understood to have been particularly attended to in most of their
+communications to the Indians.
+
+In the summer of this year, Friends received a letter from the Little
+Turtle, giving them an account of the safe arrival of the articles sent
+to his nation. They also received one from the Creek nation, giving
+an account of the reception of the implements of husbandry forwarded
+to them, for which they expressed a sense of gratitude for the great
+benefit to that nation.
+
+In the Twelfth month, this year, Friends had a satisfactory interview
+in Philadelphia, with two chiefs of the Ottawa nation, two chiefs
+of the Pottawattamies, and the principal chief of the Chippewa
+nation, who were accompanied by Jonathan Sheffelin, agent and Indian
+interpreter, being then on an embassy to the president of the United
+States.
+
+At the conclusion of a speech made by Kekis, (the Sun) the principal
+chief of the Pottawattamies, on behalf of the three nations, he
+presented six strings of white wampum as a token of brotherly regard
+for the society of Friends.
+
+Among other things, in his speech, he says--
+
+“Brothers, we are an ignorant people, and don’t know what is right as
+well as you do. We have often been persuaded by the white people to
+join in their wars against one another. A great while ago, the French
+set us against the English. They should have taught us better things.
+I hope, however, our hearts will become as white as the wampum in my
+hand. The Great Spirit above has made us, as well as you; though we are
+not of one colour. He has put it into our hearts to live in peace with
+the white people. I believe it is his will that we should meet together
+in the centre of this great island. I am sensible your hearts are good
+towards your brothers the red people.
+
+“Brothers, when you came to see us at Detroit,[1] we wanted to see you;
+but other people would not suffer us to take you by the hand. If they
+had been of our minds, you would have had us round you then, as you are
+now round us. Colonel M’K.[2] prevented us. We return you thanks for
+the good you came for. Our wives and children shed tears because they
+could not come to you. When they said we will go, he said, you will
+be disappointed, they will not give you so much as a needle full of
+thread. We believed it--our dependence was on them.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you will continue your friendship to us, and help us
+to keep our lands. I speak from my heart. We know you are not capable
+of giving bad advice. The Great Spirit hears what we say, and it will
+be known among our people, so long as red men shall remain upon this
+island.
+
+“Brothers, these six strings of wampum, in the sight of the Great
+Spirit, are to sweep all the bad things away from between us.
+
+“If the white people should want to spill our blood again, we hope you
+will use your endeavours to preserve peace.”
+
+These Indians also presented a large belt of ten strings of white
+wampum from the Delaware nation, with a speech of considerable length
+in writing, from which we extract the following.
+
+After acknowledging the kindness of Friends, and the good advice
+communicated in the speech which they had received by the hands of the
+Miami chief, the Little Turtle, they say--
+
+“Brothers, you strongly recommend peace--we are much inclined to peace.
+The war axe is long since buried deep in the bottom of the great
+lake--so very deep, that we hope the evil Spirit will never be able
+to take it up again. There we hope it will ever remain, and never be
+thought of by any of us. We hope that the master of life, who disposes
+of all things according to his will and pleasure, may also so dispose
+the hearts and minds of his white brethren, as they used to be at that
+time when our forefathers first met on this great island, and smoked
+the pipe of peace with your grandfather Onas, (Penn) on the very same
+spot where your great village (Philadelphia) now stands.
+
+“Brothers, at that time the hearts and minds of men were white and
+good. The evil spirit who works in the inside of the bodies of men, had
+then no power over them. Our villages were peaceful, and our paths,
+at that time, were covered with flowers, and we knew nothing of war.
+But soon after, the bad spirit fixed himself deep in the hearts and
+minds of our white brethren. They made war against each other, and
+soon taught us to be as wicked as themselves, and, like themselves,
+cruel and unjust. It was them who took the pipe of peace out of our
+hands, and it was them who put the destructive war axe into our hands,
+to strike against their white brethren and their helpless women
+and children. They only are the cause of all our misfortunes--the
+destruction of our villages, the death of our young warriors and
+helpless women and children--the loss of our lands and our happiness.
+
+“Brothers, we are told by you, in your speech to us, that you wish
+to know our situation, and in what manner you could be of service to
+us--we are poor and pitiful indeed--destructive war has caused many
+of our families to be scattered abroad in the wilderness, insomuch,
+that we can scarcely find their places of residence. Our once peaceful
+villages exist no more. Our paths, which once were covered with
+flowers, are now full of thorns, and stained with the blood of our
+young warriors and our helpless women and children. We have almost
+considered ourselves as last men, and thrown our bodies away, but by
+the advice of our brother, Jonathan Shefflin, and the assistance of
+the Great Spirit, we will now assemble ourselves together, and form an
+extensive village on the plains of the White river. Speeches are this
+day sent to our brethren for that purpose, and we hope that by the next
+summer, we shall all be assembled at that place, when we will point out
+the means of your assisting us.
+
+“Brothers, may the great regulator of all things, he who knows the
+hearts and minds of all men, so dispose the hearts and minds of our
+Quaker brethren, that they may never be induced to withdraw their
+friendship and counsel from men who by their ignorance, are easily led
+astray by the songs of the bad birds--men who are real objects of pity,
+and who require the protection of their white brethren more at this
+time than ever.”
+
+Signed by Buckingeheles, and six other Chiefs of the Delaware nation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+These Indian chiefs, before alluded to, were presented with suitable
+presents previous to their leaving Philadelphia, as a token of
+brotherly regard entertained for the natives of the land,--and some
+time after the committee wrote to the Delaware nation, strongly
+recommending them to betake themselves to the cultivation of the earth
+to procure sustenance, and in allusion to the time of their first
+intercourse with Friends in the early settlement of the country, they
+say:
+
+“Brothers, at that time the white inhabitants were few and inclined
+to peace; since then, they have increased to a great number, amongst
+whom we and our brethren are but as a handful. Yet the good Spirit who
+taught our forefathers to cultivate peace with the Indians and all men,
+still teaches us the same; therefore, we can take no part in the war
+with any people, and our influence in the great councils of our nation
+is very small--but we use our endeavours to persuade men to live in
+peace, and have brotherly love towards each other.”
+
+In the First month, 1802, the Little Turtle and several other chiefs of
+the Miami and Pottawattamie nations, again visited Philadelphia, when
+Friends had satisfactory conferences with them, in which the Little
+Turtle renewed in a pathetic manner his request for some assistance to
+be given his nation, to accelerate their improvement in civilization.
+Suitable advice was given them on this subject, accompanied with some
+presents: but these nations lived more within the vicinity of Friends
+of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who had formed similar plans to improve
+the condition of the Indian natives; it was therefore concluded by
+their committee, to extend aid to some of the nations north-west of the
+river Ohio--of which some account may be given hereafter.
+
+Early in the spring of 1802, a number of the Indians of the Delaware
+and Shawaneese nations came to Philadelphia, and in their conferences
+with Friends, renewed their requests for assistance in procuring some
+necessary articles, and particularly that they might be furnished with
+a schoolmaster in their towns to instruct their children.
+
+These people, being the immediate descendants from those tribes who
+were very friendly and kind to our ancestors in the early settlement of
+Pennsylvania, seemed to have a special claim upon Friends. Accordingly,
+they were furnished with a considerable amount in money, and goods
+adapted to their wants. Suitable advice was given them, encouraging
+them to cultivate their land, and raise cattle, hogs, and other useful
+animals. They lived at so remote a distance, that Friends had no
+expectation of any one of their people going among them in the capacity
+of schoolmaster.
+
+In the conclusion of their reply to Friends, they say:
+
+“May the great good Spirit above protect you for the favours you
+have shown us. The present you have made us will put us in grateful
+remembrance of you for ever.”
+
+Thus we see, in this short account of the correspondence with the
+Indians, of various and distant nations to the westward, (of which much
+more might have been said,) not only their strong attachment to the
+society of Friends, but their determination to live in peace with the
+people of the United States. We also may discover their destitute and
+miserable situation, in consequence of the ravages of war, and the wide
+field of labour that opens for the benevolent and philanthropic mind
+to extend the empire of civilization and knowledge, to these untutored
+sons of the forest. It was a pleasing reflection, at that time, that
+the benign influence of the prince of peace had so softened the hearts
+of men, that measures were contemplated by the rulers of our land
+to extend the blessings of civilization to these aborigines of our
+country; to reclaim them from their savage habits and induce them to
+adopt the innocent employments of the pastoral and agricultural life.
+But alas! the subsequent policy of the general government, combined
+with the interested motives of individual states, too sorrowfully
+demonstrate that their fate is inevitably fixed--the decree has gone
+forth--they must recede before the giant march of white population; and
+however strong their attachment to their native soil, and reluctant to
+abandon the homes of their fathers, be compelled to retreat further and
+further into the dreary abodes of an unknown wilderness, and to seek an
+asylum among more savage and barbarous tribes, towards the setting sun.
+
+We cannot but express an ardent desire, that the great controller
+of human affairs may yet so dispose the hearts of the rulers of our
+country to feelings of humanity, towards the miserable remnants of
+the Indian tribes, yet within the state governments--that they may
+preserve inviolate the _faith_ of the United States, solemnly pledged
+at the formation of the federal constitution, to protect them in their
+unalienable rights and privileges, as the aboriginal owners of the
+soil; for it is an incontrovertible truth, “that national evils will
+produce national calamities.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I shall now resume the narrative of the proceedings of Friends in
+improving the condition of the Indians which has been progressing under
+the direction of the committee of the Yearly Meeting, for more than
+thirty years, among the Seneca nation.
+
+
+_First settlement of Friends among the Seneca nation of Indians._
+
+The noted chief Cornplanter, having, as we have already stated, opened
+the way for the introduction of the agricultural arts among his tribe,
+in the spring of the year 1798, three young men, who offered themselves
+to go and instruct them, accompanied by two of the committee, proceeded
+to his settlement. After a long journey, and much of the way through
+(then) a wilderness country, they arrived at Cornplanter’s village,
+on the Alleghany river, the seventeenth of the Fifth month. The chief
+having previous knowledge of their coming, expressed his thankfulness
+to the Great Spirit for their preservation on the way and safe arrival
+among them. They were kindly invited into his house, and inquired of
+whether they could eat Indian’s provisions, and being answered in the
+affirmative, they were hospitably entertained with the best he could
+offer them; but made a very temperate meal.
+
+This village, (which was called in their language) Jenuchshadago,
+(which means burnt house,) stood on the bank of the Alleghany river,
+about four miles south of the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. The
+land had a rich bottom, and appeared favourable for cultivation.
+The village contained about thirty or forty houses and bark cabins,
+scattered along the margin of the river, without any regard to
+a regular arrangement. The venerable chief appeared to live in
+patriarchal style; his house was not distinguished from any of the rest
+by any tokens of magnificence, except by being somewhat larger--near
+it stood a wooden image of a man, round which at stated times they
+performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
+
+The image was about seven feet in height, elevated on a pedestal, of
+the same block, and being painted a variety of colours, it altogether
+exhibited a wild appearance.
+
+The Indians had, perhaps, from two to three hundred acres of land,
+inclosed with a sort of fence round the town, in which inclosure many
+of their women were industriously engaged in clearing off the rubbish
+and planting small patches of corn and beans, while the men were
+standing in companies sporting themselves with their bows and arrows
+and other trifling amusements, but none of them were seen assisting
+their women in the labours of the field.
+
+The Indians appeared to live poor and dirty, and it was said to be
+a time of scarcity among them, and the greater part of them under
+Cornplanter’s superintendence, estimated at about four hundred, had
+deserted their old settlements up the river, and come to live with
+their chief in this place.
+
+As it was necessary for Friends to have a general council with the
+Indians, in order to explain their views and the object of their coming
+among them, the day after their arrival, they assembled in council
+at the chief’s house, about forty of their principal men, with many
+others. Cornplanter opened the council by a short speech, expressing
+his thankfulness for the safe arrival of Friends, and the joy he felt
+when he saw them come out of the bushes the day before, to see their
+Indian brothers, who were poor and living in bad houses, covered with
+bark; and they were not able to build them better.
+
+Friends now made them fully acquainted with the nature of their
+mission, that it was in order to improve the condition of the Indian
+natives, and to teach them the ways of good and honest white people,
+that they, with their wives and children, might be enabled to live
+more comfortably, and be relieved from the distresses and difficulties
+to which they had been subjected by their old habits and modes of
+living--that these young men had concluded to leave their friends and
+comfortable dwellings, and remain for a time in the Indian country, in
+order to instruct them in the cultivation of their land, in the raising
+and managing of cattle, and also to example them in a life of sobriety
+and industry. They were also informed, that Friends had a variety
+of farming utensils, carpenters’ tools, &c. coming up the river, in
+a boat, which were intended for their benefit, in a hope, that the
+Indians, with Friends’ instruction, would diligently apply themselves
+to the use of them, that by so doing they might come to reap the
+plentiful fruits of industry; and that this was the sole object Friends
+had in view, having no desire for their lands, their skins, their furs,
+or any other part of their substance.
+
+To these propositions the Indians seemed to express a general assent;
+but took the subjects under serious consideration, until next day,
+when near evening they admitted Friends again to the council house,
+when Cornplanter on behalf of the natives made a reply, from which we
+extract the following.
+
+“Brothers, the Quakers, listen now to what I am going to say to you.
+You know, brothers, the red people are poor; they are not like the
+white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language, so
+that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly, as we
+have no good interpreter.
+
+“Brothers, we suppose the reason you came here was to help the poor
+Indians in some way or other, and you wish the chiefs to tell their
+warriors not to go on so bad as they have done heretofore, and you also
+wish us to take up work like the white people, and cultivate our land.
+Now brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you
+say, and if they do well, then will your young men stay longer amongst
+us, but some others will not mind what you say.
+
+“Brothers, we cannot say a word against you. It is the best way to
+call Quakers brothers. You never wished our lands, therefore we are
+determined to learn your ways, and these young men may stay here two
+years, and then if they like it and we like it, your young men may stay
+longer.”
+
+In reply they were informed, that the young men would want some house
+to live in, and a piece of land to work, in order to set the Indians
+an example and raise something for themselves to live upon; but that
+the land should still be the Indians’, and all the improvements they
+put upon it should be theirs, when Friends left it. They were also
+informed that the tools and implements of husbandry which were intended
+for their use, would be under the care of the young men, to lend to
+such Indians as wanted to use them, rather than to distribute them
+among them as presents; offering this reason, “that if they were given
+to them some of them might barter them away for whiskey,” as divers
+instances of intoxication had been noticed among them.
+
+On the twenty-first of the Fifth month, Friends, with Cornplanter in
+company, and several other Indians, passed up the river about nine
+miles in canoes, in order to look out for a settlement. They came to an
+ancient village called Genesinguhta, which was nearly deserted by the
+Indians--only three or four families remaining. The bottoms along the
+river side appeared fertile, though much grown over with bushes, and
+covered with abundance of fallen timber. Yet it was considered the most
+eligible place for Friends to settle, in order to be of benefit to the
+Indians, as it was on the land belonging to the nation, and where they
+intended to have a reservation located of forty-two square miles.
+
+This conclusion being proposed to Cornplanter, and he queried with,
+“whether he was willing Friends should start their fence at the river
+side,” and enclose a piece of land they pointed out to him--to which he
+replied, “I told you, brothers, the land was all before you, to choose
+where you please; but he thought that was the best place for Friends
+to settle, and this man, said he, (in whose house they then were) is
+very glad you are going to settle so near him--he is very sober man,
+he is like you, he drinks no whiskey.” He was then inquired of whether
+Friends might have liberty to cut timber in the woods for the use of
+the farm, to which he replied, “I wish you would cut all the trees
+down, and I will give you another liberty, if you see a deer you may
+shoot him, and you may catch fish in the river.”
+
+The place being finally agreed upon, several old Indian cabins were
+included in it, and one occupied by a family, which was well situated
+to accommodate Friends; the owners of it were amply compensated. The
+family immediately moved out their goods and chattels, which (though
+apparently some of their best livers,) consisted chiefly in homony
+blocks and pounders, a brass, kettle or two, some wooden bowls, and
+ladles, a leathern sack of bear’s oil, a basket of corn, some blankets,
+and a few deer skins.
+
+On the twenty-third of the month, Friends settled in their new
+habitation and made some preparations for a garden. The women of
+Cornplanter’s village, to show their hearty and good will in the
+undertaking, had previously made a collection of some seed--corn,
+potatoes, beans, squashes, and a variety of other garden seeds which
+they presented as a present to Friends, observing “that it was very
+hard to come so far and have nothing to begin with.”
+
+Previous to the two Friends of the committee leaving this station,
+another council was had with the Indians, in which they were strongly
+recommended to industry, and reminded of the unreasonableness of their
+present practice of letting their women work all day in the fields and
+woods, either in cultivating with the hoe, all that was raised for
+their sustenance, or in cutting firewood and bringing it home on their
+backs from a considerable distance, while they themselves were spending
+their time in idleness, amusing themselves with their bows and arrows,
+and other useless practices. They were also particularly expostulated
+with on various subjects relative to their civil and moral conduct, and
+especially in regard to their excessive use of strong drink, to which
+Friends in many instances had been eye witnesses. Cornplanter again
+replied to the communications of Friends, and at a subsequent parting
+opportunity, told the two Friends of the committee, that “They might
+make their minds perfectly easy about their young men, for although he
+could not answer for sickness or death, he should look upon it his duty
+to be their friend, and that they might depend upon him as such, and no
+harm should happen to them from any of his people.”
+
+On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh
+with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the
+late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance
+of old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of
+corn and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land
+being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their
+labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of
+their mode of cultivation.
+
+The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier prepared
+for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing. Great
+numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the women, who
+appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them with venison,
+fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country
+afforded--and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful
+articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &c.
+which were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives
+with lively marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in
+gaining their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which
+frequently afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.
+
+A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable them
+to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view of
+using them.
+
+From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the
+ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with
+the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life,
+would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends,
+towards ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable
+opportunity was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the
+necessity of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous
+liquors into their villages, as the first effectual step towards
+their improvement in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good
+degree carried into effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a
+little time, such prohibition took place as evidently tended to their
+advantage, and the great encouragement of Friends in their arduous
+undertaking. A hope was entertained that, although their improvement,
+at first was small, yet as they come to taste the sweets of industry,
+and enjoy the benefit of their labours, they would gradually relinquish
+their former pursuits, and follow the example Friends were setting
+before them.
+
+Divers of the Indians early manifested a disposition to have better
+houses to live in; and being furnished with the necessary tools, they
+were also afforded the requisite assistance and instruction. Several
+of them constructed in the course of this summer, much better houses
+than they had been accustomed to, and manifested a considerable share
+of ingenuity in the use of the carpenter’s tools. And while Friends
+were employed on their farm, the Indians would frequently come about
+them, and sometimes take hold of their tools and work a little--some of
+the lads were pleased with driving the horses, and every opportunity
+was embraced to prevail on them to love labour; but their natural
+proneness to idleness and trifling diversions soon evinced, that
+patience and perseverance on the part of Friends, were essentially
+necessary to inculcate in the minds of the natives, just ideas of
+civilized life, the great stimulus thereto being yet wanting, as they
+had not sufficiently acquired ideas of distinct propriety, nor tasted
+the sweets resulting therefrom.
+
+In the course of this summer, divers reports were propagated among
+the Indians that Friends had a selfish motive, and in the end meant
+to defraud them of their land. This to a people who had long been
+subjected to suffering by the intrigue of designing men, could not fail
+of making impressions on the minds of some who were rather unfriendly
+to civilization, and to induce them to scrutinize very narrowly the
+conduct of Friends towards them. These groundless reports, however,
+were contradicted, and Friends were enabled to satisfy the Indians
+generally, that no such design was contemplated; and it rather had the
+effect to increase their confidence in us.
+
+Besides attending to the business of the farm, and the various and
+frequent calls of the Indians, the young men were enabled to build for
+themselves a comfortable house, two stories high, with a cellar under
+it. Being the first of the kind, perhaps some of the natives had ever
+seen, it excited great admiration among them.
+
+The Indian women had raised, in their usual way, a considerable
+quantity of corn this summer, in small patches, interspersed among the
+bushes, wherever they found the most favourable spot to cultivate. In
+the fall, they were busily employed in collecting it with their other
+produce of vegetables, and carrying it home to their dwellings, where
+it was carefully laid by for use.
+
+One of the Friends opened a school at Cornplanter’s village, and
+remained there through the winter. At times, nearly twenty children
+attended, and made some progress in learning to spell and read; but
+as their parents had but little control over them, they were very
+irregular in their attendance, and no great progress in learning was
+made. The Friend was at times otherwise usefully engaged in aiding and
+assisting the Indians of that village.
+
+In the Twelfth month, after a considerable snow had fallen, most of the
+Indians retired to the woods to their hunting grounds, many of them
+taking their families with them. Game was now plentiful. Some of their
+best hunters killed near one hundred deer, and some even more than that
+number; taking off the skins and leaving much of the meat scattered
+about in the woods. What was collected to their camps, was through much
+hardship and fatigue to their poor women, whose task it was to carry it
+on their backs through deep snows, and often over hills and mountains.
+
+About the middle of the First month, they generally came home to their
+villages from their hunting excursions, when they made a feast, and
+performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
+
+In the course of this winter, a chief of the Cattaraugus village,
+another branch of the Seneca nation about forty-five miles distant,
+called on Friends at Alleghany. They had a favourable opportunity of
+impressing his mind with the advantages that would result to his people
+by cultivating their land, as they possessed a country so favourable
+for agriculture, and raising cattle and other useful animals. He
+informed Friends, they were very anxious to have a saw-mill built on
+their land, and wished to have somebody to instruct them how to go on
+with their business; that when they saw and heard what improvements
+were making at Alleghany, it made them anxious to go to work.
+
+Soon after his return home, Friends received a written speech from the
+council at Cattaraugus, signed by six chiefs, in which they strongly
+solicited instructors to be sent among them, and also that they might
+be furnished with a set of saw-mill irons. This address being forwarded
+to the committee at Philadelphia, together with an account of their
+situation, it was concluded to furnish them with a set of saw-mill
+irons, whenever they should be ready to make use of them.
+
+Early in the spring of 1799, more of a spirit of industry seemed to
+exhibit itself among some of the Indians, and several who were settled
+near Friends began to work at splitting rails, and fencing in lots of
+land, as they saw Friends fence in theirs. Some who inclined to work,
+that had no families, were employed at the business of the farm, and
+seemed capable of doing as much in a day as the generality of white
+people.
+
+The use of whiskey and other strong drink had considerably decreased
+among the Indians, in the course of the last year, and many of their
+chiefs seemed desirous of preventing its introduction into their
+village. Notwithstanding which, as many of them went down the river
+in the spring to Pittsburgh and other places, to dispose of their
+skins, furs, &c. which they had taken during the late winter, they
+brought in return for their peltry, kegs full of this destructive
+article--although Friends had cautioned them against it, previous
+to their going away--with this many of them were for a considerable
+time intoxicated, so that little could be done in promoting their
+improvement while the liquor lasted.
+
+It was believed expedient, from this affecting circumstance, to have
+their chiefs and principal men collected in council, and to remonstrate
+against such conduct as well as to encourage them to avail themselves
+of the present opportunity of gaining instruction in the cultivation of
+their land.
+
+At this interview, Friends seriously expostulated with them on
+various subjects relative to their moral conduct, and endeavours
+were used seriously to impress on their minds the evil consequences
+of introducing so much strong liquor into their villages, and that
+it greatly obstructed their improvement in agriculture, because for
+it they bartered away their money and other articles with which they
+ought to purchase horses, and cattle, and implements of husbandry, to
+enable them to till their land; and that this operated as a serious
+discouragement to Friends in their arduous undertaking to instruct them.
+
+The Indians appeared seriously attentive in this council, being
+convicted in their minds of the truth of what had been declared to
+them, and in a few days after, they met in council again, and informed
+Friends that they had seriously considered the subjects proposed to
+them, and that their chiefs had come to a resolution not to permit, for
+the future, any of their people to bring liquor into their villages to
+sell to one another; that they had appointed two young chiefs to watch
+over the rest, and to endeavour to promote good order among them--and
+they desired Friends to be easy in their minds respecting them, for
+they were determined to take their advice and try to do better; that
+they had made inquiry among themselves, and could find no fault in
+Friends, or discover any fraud in any of their actions, but on the
+contrary, that the fault and bad conduct had all been on their own
+side, but now they were determined to quit those bad practices, and to
+assist their women in the labours of the field.
+
+A set of smith’s tools was procured, and a smith shop erected at
+Friends’ settlement this season, which was found useful in repairing
+the Indians’ tools. In the course of this summer, divers of the men
+assisted their women in the labours of the field. Their crops of corn
+were larger than they had been before; but as yet, none of them had
+attempted to use the plough for themselves, though Friends had ploughed
+some small lots for them with which they were much pleased, and a hope
+was entertained that the next year some of them would take hold of the
+plough and commence farming. A school house was built at Cornplanter’s
+village, and the Friend stationed there, continued through the summer,
+instructing the children, and otherwise affording aid and counsel
+to the Indians--and two Friends at Genesinguhta, besides setting
+the Indians a proper example in the improvement of their own farm,
+afforded them assistance and instruction in many ways, as convenient
+opportunities presented, and many of the Indians by this time had built
+good log houses, and generally covered them with shingles. Cornplanter
+had a saw-mill of his own, worked on the shares by a white man; this
+afforded the Indians an opportunity of procuring boards to complete
+their houses.
+
+In the Ninth month this year, the settlement was visited by four of the
+committee, one of whom had been there when the settlement was first
+formed, and was the better qualified to judge of the improvement made
+by the Indians.
+
+They had a council with the Indians, and encouraged them to persevere
+in the attempt they had already made to become farmers; and expressed
+the satisfaction it afforded them, to see the improvement they had
+made, and that their stock of cattle was increased, and especially,
+with the wise resolution they had formed, to prevent strong drink from
+being brought into their villages. The Indians were also informed, that
+the young man who resided at Cornplanter’s village, was desirous of
+leaving them and returning home to his friends before winter--and it
+was hoped another would come forward and supply his place.
+
+Cornplanter, on behalf of the Indians replied, in substance, that when
+Friends first settled among them, some of his chiefs were averse to
+it; but they had had this summer several councils among themselves,
+respecting the young men, and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct,
+and readiness to assist Indians, were now well satisfied. He hoped that
+several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore, and
+that Friends would not get discouraged, because so little was done;
+but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make
+much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the
+Friend who was about to leave them, and said he had been useful to him
+in keeping whiskey and other strong liquor out of their town; that they
+now drank much less than formerly, but he feared when the Friend went
+away, he should not be able to prevent its use so well as he had lately
+done.
+
+The deputation from the committee went from this place to Cattaraugus,
+the residence of those Indians who had requested a set of saw-mill
+irons, and other aid; but the chiefs being generally from home, they
+were addressed by a letter, giving them suitable advice on various
+subjects, relative to their improvement.
+
+In the latter end of the Tenth month, Cornplanter accompanied the
+Friend who had lived at his village, on his way as far as Canandaigua,
+where the superintendent of Indian affairs resided. At this place, he
+dictated a letter to one of the committee; the superintendent wrote it,
+and Cornplanter signed it with his mark. The following is extracted
+from it.
+
+“I thank the _Great Spirit_ for his protection in preserving me and
+my friend whom I have accompanied to this place. I hope the Great
+Spirit will still preserve my friend on his journey to Philadelphia,
+and every evening when night shall overtake him, that the Great Spirit
+will spread over him the curtain of safety,--that he may again meet
+the society that sent him among us, for the purpose of teaching us the
+useful arts of the white people; and that he may return to them my
+kind thanks, for the kind offices which they are disposed to bestow on
+us. I cannot omit this favourable opportunity to inform Friends that
+I believe the young men placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the
+trust committed to them, in endeavouring to do the best they could for
+our advantage.
+
+“Dear friends, when I first heard your voice, and learned your kind
+offers to us, I was pleased; as I thought we were apt to transgress
+the good rules of the Great Spirit, and by the aid and advice of your
+people, the Great Spirit would lend us his aid, by which we might
+become a better people. I hope you will not be discouraged, in still
+aiding us, although we make slow progress in the arts of the white
+people.”
+
+The two Friends at Alleghany were enabled this fall, for the first
+time, to sow several acres of wheat and rye, and several of the Indians
+manifested a disposition to labour, by aiding them in gathering in
+their summer crops.
+
+Near the close of this year, the two Friends residing among the Indians
+received a letter from the chiefs at Cattaraugus, expressive of their
+great satisfaction, for the advice contained in the letter which had
+been left for them last fall, and the great joy that they felt at the
+prospect of receiving instruction and assistance from the Quakers.
+
+These Indians were much addicted to intemperance, and although much
+more favourably situated than the Alleghany Indians, to make progress
+in the agricultural arts, yet they were in a poor and destitute
+situation, and did not appear to make use of the advantages within
+their power, to assist themselves. It was, therefore, believed right,
+in reply to their letter, to urge the necessity of their abstaining
+from intemperate practices, and of making use of the means in their
+power to better their condition.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Therefore the two Friends wrote to them nearly as follows:
+
+“Brothers, we are glad to hear that you have come to a resolution to
+lay up so much of your money, to buy cattle and other useful articles,
+and that you seem determined to quit drinking whiskey, and not to allow
+traders to sell it on your ground. Now brothers, this is a very wise
+resolution, and we hope you will be sincere and keep to it. We hope
+that some of you have got your eyes open, to see that whiskey and other
+strong drink have been the cause of much evil and wickedness among you,
+and that these pernicious things have taken much of your money, your
+skins, and your furs, which the Great Spirit has favoured you with, and
+with which you might buy clothing, and oxen, and axes, hoes, and other
+useful articles to assist you in tilling the field, and we fear, in
+time past, it has taken some of the corn your poor women have worked
+hard at raising, with their hoes.
+
+“Brothers, you know there are many white people who love money, and
+they know that you love whiskey, and this is the way they take to get
+your money and property from you. But if you keep to your resolution
+not to drink it, then there will be no danger. You may then have oxen
+and ploughs, with which you may plough your ground and raise a great
+deal of corn, and you may also buy axes and hoes, and other useful
+implements of husbandry to farm with. And then when your friends the
+Quakers see that you are trying to help yourselves, and that you make
+good use of your money, it will encourage them to help you more.
+
+“Brothers, we desire you often to think upon the Great Spirit, and
+pray to him in your hearts, and then he will show you what is good and
+what is evil. And we want you to take up work like the white people,
+for your land is very good, and would produce a great deal of grain if
+properly managed--and if you get plenty of cattle and sheep, and swine,
+they will afford you plenty of meat, and be much more certain than the
+elk, the deer, and the bear. Then will your old men, your wives and
+your children be happy, and enjoy the comforts of life, and you can
+look on your flocks and your fields with contentment and pleasure.”
+
+These Indians, in addition to the set of saw-mill irons before
+promised, were furnished with some axes, hoes, and a set of plough
+irons, to encourage them in farming.
+
+A school was kept at Genesinguhta, this winter, by one of the Friends,
+where a number of children attended, and made some progress in
+learning--also a grown person who was debilitated in body, resided with
+Friends throughout the winter, and being able to converse a little in
+the English language, acquired so much learning as to enable him to
+read and write, and afterwards to procure a living, by trading among
+the Indians.
+
+In the spring of 1800, the Indians appeared somewhat animated, and more
+of them made preparation for farming, by scattering more from their
+villages, fencing in lots and clearing land; but not yet having working
+animals to plough their ground, Friends ploughed some small lots for
+them, which operated as a stimulus to them; and one Indian took hold
+of the plough, and began to manage it himself, which was viewed as a
+matter of some surprise, and excited great curiosity in the beholders.
+
+In the Fifth month, this spring, two of the Friends who had left the
+Oneida settlement the preceding winter, as before stated, being willing
+to spend some more time among the Indians, proceeded to Alleghany, to
+unite with Friends there in promoting the welfare of the natives.
+
+Soon after their arrival, the Indians at Cattaraugus requested Friends
+at Alleghany to give them some advice and assistance, about planning
+a saw-mill. Accordingly two Friends proceeded to that settlement,
+and gave such advice on the occasion as seemed to be requisite; the
+millwrights having already arrived, and commenced the building of a
+saw-mill.
+
+As these Indians will in the sequel constitute an interesting part of
+the narrative of this concern, it seems proper in this place to give a
+more particular account of their situation. The Senecas here possess a
+reservation of forty-two square miles, part of it bounded by lake Erie.
+It is generally composed of land of a superior quality. The bottoms
+along the Cattaraugus river produce black and white walnut and sugar
+maple of a superior size. The higher land, abounds with white oak,
+white pine, bass, poplar, hickory, and other timber. There are, also,
+exclusive of the Indians’ corn fields, large openings like natural
+meadows, containing many hundred acres of excellent land, covered
+with abundance of grass and herbage, affording abundance of food for
+cattle. The Senecas at this place were said to be about one hundred and
+sixty in number. Their houses were made in the usual Indian style, and
+covered with bark, and their situation, in general, as to habits and
+living, much similar to those at Alleghany, when Friends first settled
+among them. About a mile from the Seneca village was a town of the
+Delawares, (more frequently called Munsies) about one hundred and sixty
+in number, who lived on sufferance on the Seneca Indians’ land.
+
+These Indians, as well as the Senecas, had a considerable number of
+cattle, some horses, and abundance of poultry and swine. They had small
+enclosures round their villages, in which they kept their stock during
+the corn season, and sometimes the poor animals had but a scanty supply
+of fodder, notwithstanding the abundance of grass on their lands, from
+which, for want of a little labour to fence off their corn lots, they
+had little or no benefit during the summer.
+
+Previous to leaving them, the two Friends had an interview with a
+number of their chiefs, and principal men and women, in which they were
+encouraged to industry, and to put in practice their good resolutions.
+Being informed by one of the Friends present, that he was shortly going
+to leave their country and return to his friends, one of the chiefs
+replied, “You may tell your old friends, the Quakers at Philadelphia,
+when you go home, that we are exceedingly thankful for the kindness you
+have shown us, and the assistance you have already given us. We are now
+determined to follow your advice as far as we are able, and to spill
+all the whiskey traders bring among us for sale. You must not think we
+are offended at you for trying to make us sensible of our weaknesses;
+for even our young men and young women rejoice to hear it, and are in
+hopes their hands will grow stronger, that they may be able to overcome
+their weaknesses. We are determined to try to help ourselves, and to
+lay up money to purchase useful articles to go to farming with. We pity
+our poor women, and see it is too hard for them to work in the hot
+sun, and do all the labours of the field. And although we cannot ask
+any more favours of you, yet one thing in particular we desire you to
+remember; that is, that we are a poor, ignorant people, and for want of
+learning, in the course of our dealings with the white people, we have
+been greatly wronged, and lost much of our property--we want some of
+our children instructed, that they may be able to do the business of
+our nation.”
+
+On the fourteenth of the Sixth month, Friends had a council with the
+Indians at Alleghany, in which the two Friends lately came into their
+country, were introduced to them, and also informed that one of the
+Friends who had now been more than two years among them, was about to
+return home to his friends. Several matters were opened to encourage
+them to persevere in habits of industry, and to be strong in their
+resolutions against the use of spirituous liquors, over which they had,
+by this time, gained a great conquest.
+
+A few days after this, Cornplanter and several other chiefs, called
+to see the Friend who was leaving them set out on his journey, and
+sent three of their people to accompany him on his way through the
+wilderness.
+
+In their parting conference, Cornplanter expressed many thanks for
+the Friend’s services among them, and desired the Great Spirit might
+conduct him safely home to his relations, and that on his arrival he
+might inform his old friends, the Quakers in Philadelphia, that he
+was very thankful for their kind endeavours to instruct his people in
+a life of civilization, and he believed the Great Spirit above was
+pleased with it.
+
+During the summer of 1800, the Indians made some further improvements,
+and seemed more disposed to relinquish their old habits. A yoke of
+oxen, which they purchased, were found very useful in drawing their
+firewood, and thereby relieving some of their women from heavy
+burthens; several of them procured cows. By this time many of the
+Indians had built themselves more comfortable houses, and began to
+assist their women in their agricultural labours, so that a gradual
+improvement was evident among them in the habits of civilized life.
+
+In the following winter, Red Jacket, a Seneca chief, residing at
+Buffalo creek, with several other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited
+Philadelphia, with whom Friends had a satisfactory interview. Suitable
+presents were given them, among which, was a set of saw-mill irons,
+which were particularly requested by Red Jacket.
+
+In the spring of 1801, a greater spirit of industry seemed to manifest
+itself among the Indians. Divers more of them fenced in lots, and
+procured moreover, some working animals; their increasing attention to
+raising cattle and hogs, afforded a pleasing prospect; and was a strung
+inducement for them to scatter more from their villages, and realize
+the advantages of settling on separate tracts of land.
+
+Circumstances, however, occurred among the Indians, which claimed the
+particular attention of the committee, and three Friends were deputed
+to visit the settlement. They proceeded there in the Ninth month,
+accompanied by a young Friend, a blacksmith, who offered his services
+to instruct some of the Indians in his useful occupation.
+
+Previous to giving a detail of this interview, it seems necessary
+to observe, that some extraordinary ideas respecting witchcraft had
+prevailed among the natives for sometime, which were principally
+insinuated among them by an infirm old man named Connediu, a half
+brother to Cornplanter, who had the appearance of a simple man, and had
+been from his youth very intemperate. He had no influence in the nation
+till about three years before, when, after a long time of sickness,
+he was supposed by the Indians to be several times in a trance. After
+he had recovered therefrom, he asserted that he had seen angels, who
+communicated to him such things as the Great Spirit designed should
+be imparted to the Indians--that they must all quit drinking whiskey
+and other strong liquors--that they must revive the custom of their
+forefathers in eating dog’s flesh, and have frequent dances--performing
+their religious ceremonies, &c. This to a people naturally prone to
+superstition, was like oracles delivered from the _Great Spirit_, and
+to use their own language, “was the manner in which _He_ was revealing
+his mind and will to the Indians.” Connediu had actually some of his
+imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual world
+committed to writing, that they might keep it in remembrance, as the
+will of the Great Spirit concerning them.
+
+Connediu frequently asserted that these heavenly messengers continued
+to favour him with frequent interviews, and he succeeded in propagating
+a belief among the natives, that most of their bodily afflictions
+and disorders arose from witchcraft, and undertook to point out the
+individuals who had the power of inflicting these evils. He was said
+to have wholly declined the practice of drinking to excess, and by an
+artful exercise of his pretended knowledge, he acquired considerable
+influence in the nation, so as to be appointed high priest and chief
+Sachem in things civil and religious.
+
+Some of Cornplanter’s family being in a declining state of health,
+Connediu, (whom they now esteemed a great doctor, as well as a
+prophet,) was applied to for counsel. In his wild reveries he alleged
+that some of the Delaware Indians who lived at Cattaraugus possessed
+the power of witchcraft, and were the cause of their illness.
+
+This brought on a quarrel between the two tribes, and some of the
+Delawares were taken prisoners, and threatened with death if they did
+not remove the disorder.
+
+During the contention, Cornplanter wrote to the governor of
+Pennsylvania on the occasion, and the committee on Indian affairs
+being made acquainted with the circumstances, letters both from the
+committee and government were addressed to both tribes of Indians on
+the subject. A council was called between the contending parties,
+and Friends, with some other well disposed people on the frontier
+settlements, used their influence to have an amicable adjustment, and
+endeavoured to obliterate from the Indians’ minds, those superstitious
+ideas of witchcraft which appeared to have been the ground of their
+uneasiness. The result was, that the Delawares were acquitted, and
+all disputes buried between them and the Senecas. Cornplanter told
+them “that he had swept their beds clean, that they might lie down
+in peace--that he had swept their houses clean, that they might live
+comfortably in them--that he had swept clean before their doors, that
+they might go out and in, without molestation.”
+
+About the time that Friends of the committee arrived at Genesinghuta,
+the Indians generally were met in council, about these matters; and
+although Connediu had advised them to quit drinking whiskey, he was
+otherwise endeavouring to propagate notions very inimical to the
+concern in which Friends were engaged, by recommending them to follow
+their old customs, and not allow their children to learn to read and
+write; that they might farm a little, and build houses, but must not
+sell any thing which they raised on their land, but give it away to one
+another, and especially to their old people; and, in short, enjoy all
+things in common.
+
+With this doctrine several of the young chiefs and others were not
+satisfied; and one of them judiciously observed, “they had better
+hold councils about fencing in fields, and clearing land, than about
+witchcraft, and other strange notions of Connediu.”
+
+The committee, who now visited the settlement, were pleased, on passing
+down the river, with the view of fences, where not long before there
+were none to be seen; and instead of the bark cabins, that formerly
+stood in clusters along its banks, there were now good houses, with
+shingled roofs; and the tinkling of cow bells, which they heard in
+various directions, denoted an increase of cattle, and had a cheering
+effect on their minds. It was in the spring of 1801, that the Indians
+first began to use the plough for themselves. They took a very cautious
+method of determining whether it was likely to be an advantageous
+change to them or not. Several parts of a large field were ploughed,
+and the intermediate spaces prepared by their women with the hoe,
+according to former custom. It was all planted with corn; and the
+parts ploughed, (besides the great saving of labour,) produced much
+the heaviest crop; the stalks being more than a foot higher, and
+proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. The corn was now
+gathered in, and as their stock of cattle had much increased, instead
+of leaving their corn fodder to perish, as formerly, they preserved
+it for their cattle in winter--and several had mown grass, and made
+small stacks of hay. They had made a fence, about two miles long, which
+enclosed the lower town, and a large body of adjacent land fronting on
+the river, and several other fences were made within it, to separate
+the corn from the pasture ground.
+
+With the exception of houses and fences, the improvements at the
+lower town, (Jenuchshadaga) did not bear a comparison with the upper
+settlement, where the Indians lived more detached from each other.
+Their thus separating, was evidently more to their advantage, than
+crowding together in villages. A chief, who was not ashamed to be seen
+at work by the women of his own family, would probably have been much
+mortified when discovered by a number of other females, who on such
+occasions do not always refrain from ridicule. Yet this false shame on
+the part of the men, and ridicule of the women, gradually wore away as
+they became familiarized to each others’ assistance, in their little
+agricultural labours.
+
+The Indians now became very sober, generally refraining from the use of
+strong liquor, both at home and when abroad among the white people. One
+of them observed to Friends, “no more bark cabins, but good houses--no
+more get drunk here, now, this two year.”
+
+The blacksmith was introduced to the Indians with a request that two
+of their young men would learn his business, so as to be qualified to
+do their own work; as it was not very likely he should stay long. But
+before they would agree to this proposition, they queried with Friends,
+“whether they would at any future time want land or money for the
+services which they had done, and were doing for them? They wished to
+know very clearly in writing about it. Also, whether they would leave
+the tools for the young men, who might learn the blacksmiths’ trade,
+when the smith left them, or whether they would take them away?” To
+which the following answer was given in writing:--
+
+“Brothers, we tell you now, plainly, as we told you before, that your
+brothers, the Quakers, do not want any of your land, or any of your
+money, or any of your skins, for any thing they have done for you; and
+they never will bring a charge against you, for any of these things.
+And we give you this writing, to keep forever, to make your minds
+perfectly easy on this account. About the smiths’ tools we cannot say
+much; but think we shall leave them with you, if some of your young men
+will learn the trade.”
+
+At a subsequent interview, Cornplanter made a reply to Friends, in
+which he stated, “We understand the writing which you gave us very
+well, and our minds are now quite easy. Two of our young men will learn
+the smiths’ trade; one from the lower town, and one from the upper.”
+
+Friends again opened the business respecting the schooling of their
+children, which had for sometime past been impeded by the system of
+Connediu. The chiefs were particularly desired to take this subject
+under consideration, and let Friends know when they were ready.
+
+It was supposed that the quantity of corn raised this year by the
+natives, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first
+formed, and a few of the Indians made the first attempts to raise
+wheat; but those who did something at farming, occasionally went out a
+hunting; and many of the men still adhered to their ancient customs,
+and left the women of their families to cultivate with the hoe, what
+corn and vegetables were necessary for their sustenance.
+
+As one of the young men, who had been there from the time of first
+opening the settlement, was about to return home with the committee,
+Cornplanter expressed the great regard he had for him; saying, “that,
+although he had been so long amongst them, not one of them was able to
+say a word against him, ever since he had been there--that his words
+and his conduct had been altogether good, and agreeable to them; and
+he hoped the Good Spirit would preserve him on his way home to his
+friends.”
+
+The committee, also, on this visit, had an interview with the Indians
+of Cattaraugus. They arrived at a time when the Indians were performing
+their religious ceremonies--concerning which, the chief warrior,
+Waun-dun-guh-ta, made the following remark to Friends.
+
+“Brothers, you have come at a time which has by us been set apart for
+performing worship to the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs. It is
+our way of worship, and, to us, solemn and serious, and not to be made
+light of, however different it may be from your mode. It is the manner
+our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us for not
+being so attentive to you as we should, had we not been thus engaged.”
+
+They had now their saw-mill completed, and one of the Friends from
+Alleghany remained sometime with them, instructing some of the Indians
+in the sawing business.
+
+The spring of 1802, furnished greater marks of improvement, than had
+heretofore been discovered among the natives. Eighteen or twenty
+thousand rails were split, and put up into fences by the Indians, and
+thirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed, most of which were cleared
+this spring. Several families who had not any when this settlement was
+first formed, had got six or seven head of cattle, and other useful
+animals. Whiskey was not knowingly suffered to be brought into the
+settlement; and if any were found out to have been intoxicated, when
+they were out in the white settlements, they were sharply reproved by
+the chiefs on their return, which had nearly the same effect among
+Indians, as committing a man to the workhouse among white people. The
+Indians opened a good road for about five miles up the river from
+Friends’ settlement, where before it was very difficult to travel,
+even on horseback. Several of them sowed spring wheat--and a gradual
+improvement was apparent during this season.
+
+The benefits derived by the Senecas at Alleghany, from their attention
+to agriculture, encouraged other branches of the nation to apply for
+assistance. The chief of the Tonewanta village, about one hundred
+miles distant from Friends’ settlement at the Alleghany, in a pathetic
+speech, applied to Friends to assist them with saw-mill irons, farming
+utensils, &c. which request was granted, with the addition of a yoke of
+oxen, and chains.
+
+The young man who went out as a blacksmith, returned home this fall;
+two of the Indians having acquired such knowledge of his business as to
+answer their necessities.
+
+Although the improvements at this place were gradually progressing,
+obstructive causes at times occurred, difficult to combat. This
+induced Friends, among them, to believe that a change made in their
+situation, so as to render them more independent of the natives,
+might subject them to less difficulty in the further prosecution of
+the concern. The improvement heretofore made on their own land, for a
+time, had a good effect; but their ideas were weak, and for want of
+more sensibility in some of the intentions of Friends towards them,
+it had led to a dependence, which evidently impeded their progress
+in civilization. This dependence seemed to increase, as they saw the
+increase of produce from the land that Friends cultivated. Some of the
+Indians had increased their stock of cattle faster than the means of
+supporting them through a long and rigorous winter. When their hay and
+other fodder become reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some.
+These requests could not be complied with, to an extent proportioned
+to their necessity, without reducing Friends to alike state of want;
+and fearing, least in future winters, a renewal of similar requests,
+without the means of supplying them, might disturb that harmony which
+had hitherto subsisted between Friends and the Indians, it was thought
+adviseable by the committee to embrace an opportunity which now
+presented, of purchasing from a company of white people, an adjoining
+tract of land, in order to make such improvements thereon, as might
+accommodate a family or more, of such, who from time to time, might
+feel desirous to assist in the instruction of the Indians, and thus by
+making it a more permanent establishment, entirely independent of the
+natives, be enabled to extend more efficient aid to other branches of
+the Seneca nation.
+
+In the spring of 1803, this proposal of a removal of Friends’
+settlement was communicated to the Indians, and they generally
+coincided with it, provided the move should not be far up the river.
+They had several councils on the occasion, and communicated to Friends
+their views; and although their prophet, Connediu, had, in time back,
+been somewhat opposed to the views of Friends in changing the customs
+of the Indians, he was now entirely friendly, and strongly recommended
+industry and perseverance in the plans which Friends had recommended
+to them. The following paragraphs from one of his speeches on this
+occasion, may be worthy of notice.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“My friends, Quakers, attend.--It is now a long time since you first
+came amongst us. It has even exceeded the time that was first proposed.
+I now speak the united voice of our chiefs and warriors to you, of
+our women also, and of all our people. Attend, therefore, to what I
+say. We wish you to make your minds perfectly easy--we are all pleased
+with your living amongst us, and not one of us wants you to leave our
+country. We find no fault with you in any respect, since you come
+amongst us; neither have we any thing to charge you with. You have
+lived peaceably and honestly with us, and have been preserved in
+health, and nothing has befallen you. This we think is proof, also,
+that the Great Spirit is pleased with you living here, and with what
+you have done for us.”
+
+“Friends, Quakers--we now all agree to leave you at full liberty,
+either to remain where you now are, on our land, or to remove up the
+river and settle on land of your own, only that you settle near us,
+that you may extend further assistance and instruction. For although we
+have received much benefit from you, and some of our people have made
+considerable advancement in useful labour, yet we remain very deficient
+in many things, and numbers of us are yet poor.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As the important change proposed to be made in conducting the affairs
+at Alleghany, required serious consideration, four of the committee
+proceeded to that settlement, and on conferring with Friends there,
+were satisfied of the propriety of a removal from their present
+station, to one more independent of the Indians, and less subject to
+their control.
+
+A tract of land adjoining the Indians’ reservation on Tunesassa creek,
+which empties into the river on the east side, about two miles above
+Genesinghuta, was agreed upon, and afterwards purchased, as the most
+eligible place for a settlement; inasmuch as it furnished an ample
+situation for water works, and much of the tract was covered with
+excellent pine timber. The tract included about seven hundred acres.
+
+Friends had free and open conferences with the Indians on the subject
+of their removal, and various other matters; and satisfactory
+arrangements were made respecting the old settlement, the Indians
+insisting on Friends’ occupying the farm until they got suitable
+accommodations, and provender for their stock, at their new settlement.
+
+In one of their conferences, Cornplanter observed:
+
+“Brothers, when your friends first came amongst us, and for a long
+time after, the white people told us, ‘keep a good watch on those
+Quakers--they are a cunning, designing people; and under pretence
+of doing something for you, want to get hold upon you, to make an
+advantage of you some way or other;’ but of late, finding that all was
+straight, and no advantage was attempted to be taken, they have left
+off talking about it.
+
+“Brothers, your young men do not talk much to us, but when they do they
+speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us from using
+spirituous liquors.”
+
+Here it may be proper to remark, that in the spring of 1798, an Indian
+lad of the Tuscarora nation, from near the falls of Niagara, had been
+taken to Philadelphia, and placed with a Friend in Chester county,
+to learn the blacksmiths’ business, where he continued till the last
+spring;--and having acquired a competent knowledge of his trade, and
+made considerable proficiency in school learning, the Friend with whom
+he had been instructed, felt such an interest in his welfare, that he
+accompanied him home to his Indian friends, staid several weeks with
+him, to see him set up in his business, and assisted him therein.
+
+This Friend, on his return, had now been several weeks at Alleghany,
+affording the two Indian blacksmiths there, some further instruction in
+that art. They were very desirous he should tarry longer with them; and
+an old chief observed, “Friends had now sent on a blacksmith, the best
+they had ever seen--he knows how to make all things we want.”
+
+Considerable improvement among the Indians at this time was observable,
+more particularly up the river. Several families had settled about two
+miles higher up, than where they formerly resided, and had cleared and
+fenced in about sixty acres of land. Seventeen new houses with shingled
+roofs, were observed neatly built, with square logs, most of them two
+stories high, with stone chimneys and glass windows. They had about one
+hundred head of cattle, thirty horses, and several hundred hogs. And
+the Indians had opened a road, about twenty miles along the river, and
+much of it through heavy timber; which was a great work for them.
+
+The committee proceeded from thence to Cattaraugus, and noticed
+considerable improvement in that settlement. Several of them were
+building good houses. Their crops of corn were good, and their stock of
+cattle increased; and, generally speaking, they had declined the use
+of strong drink. They had divers requests to make to Friends, some of
+which were granted; especially one, for a set of smith tools and plough
+irons. While Friends were sitting with the chief warrior, he seemed
+in a pensive mood, and said he wished to ask them a question, but
+hesitated. They desired him to say on--It was, “_Do the Quakers keep
+any slaves?_”--He was answered in the negative. He said he was very
+glad to hear it; for if they did, he could not think so well of them as
+he now did--that he had been at the city of Washington last winter, on
+business of the nation, and found that many white people kept blacks in
+slavery, and used them no better than horses.
+
+The committee on their way home had interviews with the Buffalo and
+Tonewanta Indians, and gave them such advice and encouragement as their
+situation required. It was satisfactory to observe, from the account of
+Red Jacket and others of their chiefs, that some improvement was taking
+place among those Indians.
+
+Our friends at Alleghany built a temporary house at their new
+settlement this fall, to which they removed, which we shall hereafter
+call Tunesassa. The land being heavily timbered, much exertion and
+labour were necessary, to make their situation tolerably comfortable
+during the first winter.
+
+In the spring of 1804, the Indians generally removed from the lower
+town, and settled higher up the river; several of them not far from
+Tunesassa. This removal subjected them to some inconveniences, the
+first year, but eventually proved much to their advantage; especially
+to those who were detached from their little towns.
+
+As it was believed much benefit would result to the Indians from the
+erection of a grist mill on Friends’ farm, there being none nearer
+than about forty miles, measures were adopted to have grist and
+saw-mills erected this summer; and they were so far completed, as to
+be in operation the ensuing winter, when the Indians had considerable
+grinding done, and were much pleased to see the grain reduced to meal
+so much quicker than by pounding it in wooden mortars.
+
+An Indian man, after having a grist of wheat of his own raising ground
+and bolted, said with animation, “I think this will make the Indians
+see day-light.”
+
+In the course of this season, some dissentions took place among the
+Indians with regard to their chiefs. Several young men of considerable
+influence in the nation, and who were anxious to assume the reigns of
+government, became disaffected to Cornplanter, and taking measures to
+subvert his authority, artfully prevailed with the Indians to confer
+on themselves the dignified title of chiefs. This, among men whose
+rulers only hold their authority during the good will of the people,
+was not difficult to effect. In the mean time, Connediu, who had some
+time before been promoted to the highest title in the nation, continued
+(as he said) his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the
+spiritual world, so that his fame spread abroad, and visits were paid
+to him from distant tribes. He also travelled to distant parts himself,
+and promulgated his doctrines, (which happily were now become more
+innocent,) throughout the Seneca nation.
+
+In the latter end of the winter and spring of 1805, the Indians
+experienced much damage to their infant settlements, by some unusual
+freshets in the Alleghany river. Nearly all their fences were swept
+away; but instead of being discouraged by their losses, they joined
+together very spiritedly, and soon repaired them; and in the end
+appeared to have been benefitted; for by this exertion, they gradually
+became more accustomed to labour--a thing, to them, of the greatest
+consequence.
+
+As it was believed the time had now come when it would be right to take
+some measures to instruct the Indian women in the various branches
+of housewifery, and domestic economy, and as this could not be done
+without female aid, a suitable family were sought for, and a man and
+his wife offering for that service, as well as a single female, who had
+before been at the Oneida settlement, they proceeded to Tunesassa in
+the early part of summer; and the natives expressed much satisfaction
+on their arrival among them.
+
+The arrival of the females was no less satisfactory to the Friends
+residing at Tunesassa--for as from the first settlement to this
+time, in addition to the various calls of the Indians, and their
+out-door labours, they had all their domestic and culinary services to
+perform,--except some little aid received at times, by hiring some of
+the Indian women.
+
+Although many of the Indians had constructed comfortable houses, very
+few of their women took any pains to keep them clean and in neat order.
+They manufactured none of their own clothing, except the mockasins they
+wore on their feet. They had no knowledge of making soap, and of course
+their clothes could not be very clean--and very little improvement in
+domestic affairs had as yet taken place among the Indian families.
+In proportion, however, as the men became more accustomed to labour,
+it released the women from their former drudgery; and having now the
+opportunity of getting all their grain ground, which before they had to
+pound in wooden mortars, it would afford them more time to turn their
+attention to the business of the house, and the concerns more properly
+allotted to females, in all civilized societies.
+
+To aid and assist them in accomplishing this, was the object of our
+female friends; and some of the Indian girls pretty soon began to show
+a willingness to be instructed in knitting and spinning. A house of
+employment was built at a little distance from Friends’ dwelling,
+and particularly allotted to their use; but for want of the necessary
+materials, not much could be done at these useful employments the first
+season. Our women Friends were, however, enabled to instruct many
+of them in the art of making soap, which enabled them to keep their
+clothes and persons more cleanly; and also by frequently visiting them
+in their families, had opportunities of instructing and encouraging
+them in habits more assimilated to civilized life. The Indian women,
+also, made frequent visits to them, and by observing their industry,
+economy, and superior mode of living, an inclination began soon
+to manifest itself, even among these uncultivated females of the
+wilderness, to imitate the more useful and rational economy of our
+women Friends.
+
+In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of
+land cleared on their farm--their spring crops were productive, and
+they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist
+and saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable
+purpose.
+
+In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing land,
+splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the more
+sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have more
+sense, very fast.”
+
+They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and
+seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful
+effects--and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white
+people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them.
+The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink
+whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.
+
+In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany, with
+Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a visit
+to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in
+order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage
+them in habits of industry.
+
+In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by
+three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and
+having resided more than two years among them at the first opening
+of the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the
+improvements the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians
+at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the west
+side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects were
+discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and
+much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long
+replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this
+narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore
+noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony
+with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was
+sometimes their practice; but to consider them as companions for life:
+and also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would
+enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were
+endeavouring to promote among them.
+
+Our Friends at Tunesassa had now got about fifty acres of land
+cleared, well enclosed, and in good order. They had built a large and
+commodious dwelling house and barn, which, together with the mills
+and improvements generally, gave it the appearance of a desirable
+settlement.
+
+It was believed the Indians had built about one hundred new houses
+since the committee visited them three years before. Most of them were
+put up with hewn logs very neatly notched at the corners; many of
+them were covered with shingles, and some had pannel doors and glass
+windows. The carpenter work was chiefly done by the Indians. Scarcely a
+vestige remained of the cabins they occupied when Friends first settled
+among them. Their farms, which were of different dimensions, were
+enclosed with good fences, and much more detached from each other than
+formerly. A much greater proportion of corn was planted this season
+than had been known before, and generally looked well. Many of them
+had raised wheat and oats, and several had raised flax and buckwheat,
+besides potatoes and turnips in abundance. Their stock of cattle and
+horses was increased, and they had a good many working oxen, which they
+found very advantageous to them. Sheep were not yet introduced, owing
+to the danger of their being destroyed by wolves.
+
+Upon the whole, it was evident their improvements rather exceeded, in
+divers respects, those made in some new settlements of white people on
+the frontiers, in the same length of time.
+
+Several of the young women had this year learned to spin and knit a
+little; but although the improvement among the females was yet small,
+it was, nevertheless evident, a change in this respect had taken place
+for the better, since our women Friends came among them. Their persons
+and apparel, as well as their houses, appeared in more neat and cleanly
+order. And as Friends approached some of their habitations, a pleasing
+mark of neatness discovered itself among some of their women, who
+would immediately begin to sweep their houses, and appear somewhat
+disconcerted, if Friends entered their doors before they got their
+apartments in good order.
+
+After spending near a week at Alleghany, the committee proceeded to
+Cattaraugus, and had a very satisfactory interview with the Seneca
+Indians at that place. Various matters were opened to them in a written
+communication, tending to incite them to industry, and to encourage
+them in a life of sobriety. A great reform had taken place among
+those Indians in this respect. The chief warrior in his reply said,
+“He believed the Great Spirit was better pleased with them when they
+took hold of the axe and the hoe and went to work, than when they were
+pursuing their former bad practices of drinking, &c.” “And he was very
+glad Friends had given them their speech upon paper, that they would
+not only advise their young people themselves, but would have that
+speech to apply to, to strengthen their minds.”
+
+Although a considerable change had taken place for the better at this
+settlement within three years past, their stock of cattle and horses
+having considerably increased, (and instead of confining them as
+formerly in small enclosures round their villages, they had, since
+enclosing their cornfields, the advantage of pasturing them on the
+large plains,) yet they appeared very far behind their brethren at
+Alleghany, in agricultural improvements, as well as in buildings and
+cleanliness of living.
+
+In the year 1807, no very important change took place among the Indians
+at Alleghany, except that divers of the young women and girls applied
+themselves to spinning in the course of the winter, under the direction
+of our women Friends, and succeeded so far as to have a piece of linen
+spun and wove into cloth, besides manufacturing a quantity of sewing
+thread with which many of the Indians were well pleased.
+
+Some evil disposed persons, and doubtless opposed to the advancement
+of the Indians in civilization, took every opportunity of creating
+suspicions in their minds, of the views of Friends, and artfully
+insinuated that Friends’ saw-mill was erected to accumulate an interest
+out of them, notwithstanding that Friends had given them many thousand
+feet of boards, and also their grain at the grist-mill was then ground
+free of toll.
+
+In order, therefore, to settle the minds of the Indians, to counteract
+the suspicions in circulation, and as a convincing evidence of the
+disinterested views of Friends,--believing also, that it might redound
+to the Indians’ advantage, they offered to assist them in building a
+saw-mill for themselves; and three hundred dollars, in addition to a
+set of saw-mill irons, were granted for that purpose.
+
+This fall Cornplanter was again restored to his former station of
+chief; and from the disposition he had always manifested to the object
+of Friends, there was reason to expect his renewed influence in their
+councils would be useful.
+
+The family at Tunesassa, experienced a great trial by the removal of
+the Friend’s wife residing there, who, after about two weeks illness
+was taken from this transitory scene. She had by her prudent and
+obliging conduct very much endeared herself to the natives, many of
+whom attended her funeral, and a number of them called to see the
+family some days afterwards, and desired them to make their minds
+easy, seeing it was the will of the Great Spirit, and what must happen
+to all mankind; and they were come to sympathize with them, and to wipe
+away their tears that they might sorrow no more.
+
+In the following winter, a number of the Indian women and girls were
+engaged at spinning, and a disposition to industry and manufacturing
+their own clothing, seemed to be gaining ground. A loom was provided,
+and several pieces of their own spinning were made into cloth.
+
+1808. As Friends for sometime past, had been desirous of rendering more
+essential service to the Indians at Cattaraugus, it was now believed
+expedient to purchase a tract of land adjoining their reservation, and
+have a family stationed there, that would more effectually accelerate
+their improvement.
+
+Accordingly a large tract of land was agreed for, on Clear creek, which
+furnished a good seat for water-works, within four or five miles of the
+Indian town. The land being heavily timbered, the Indians were engaged
+in opening a road from their villages to it; and considerable advances
+were made towards opening a settlement this season, superintended by
+some of the Friends from Tunesassa.
+
+The Indians at Alleghany got their saw-mill completed this fall so as
+to be in operation, and the Friends at Tunesassa were joined by another
+family, a Friend with his wife, a single female who accompanied them,
+and several children; the parents offering their services to spend some
+time in the instruction of the Indian natives.
+
+Near the close of this year, and through the succeeding winter,
+very considerable progress was made among the women and girls in
+learning to spin; several purchased wheels and commenced spinning at
+their own houses; and an aged female, of the first influence, named
+O-yong-go-gas, resided sometime with Friends, to be instructed in this
+employment, and made an unexpected progress. Her attention to assist
+in encouraging and superintending the younger women and girls, was a
+favourable circumstance, and tended to promote their improvement. On
+hearing that Friends at Tunesassa were about writing to the committee,
+she delivered the following address, desiring it might be sent also.
+
+“Brothers, attend--I wish to speak a few words to you. Since your women
+came here, I have frequently had a prospect of learning to spin; but as
+I was an ancient woman, I was afraid to make a beginning, lest I should
+not make out, and would then have to decline it, without accomplishing
+any thing. I at length concluded to try, and have learned so much as to
+be able to spin flax and tow pretty well.
+
+“Brothers, I am very happy that I have the satisfaction to inform you
+a little of my progress, and also that I can now with more assurance,
+impress the necessity of this valuable improvement on the minds of our
+young women, and I intend in future to recommend it as a most necessary
+employment.
+
+“For my own part, I intend to pursue it as long as my eye-sight will
+continue, and I hope yet to be able to spin wool for a blanket, if
+the Good Spirit will continue my sight. I am very thankful for the
+knowledge I have acquired of your women Friends.
+
+“Brothers, I hope this may find you all well, and I wish the Great
+Spirit may bless you.”
+
+In the spring of 1809, a Friend, who had spent many years among the
+natives, returned again to his former station at Tunesassa, and being
+acquainted with the weaving business, he was usefully employed in
+manufacturing into cloth the yarn which the Indian women had spun in
+the last winter, and the industry of several of them procured them
+sufficient specimens of domestic manufactures, to stimulate them to
+further exertions.
+
+This spring four of the Friends resident at Tunesassa proceeded to
+Cattaraugus, in order to carry on the improvements at this new station,
+and to instruct the Indians in that settlement.
+
+The Indians at Alleghany continued to make a satisfactory progress in
+their agricultural labours, seven or eight families sowed flax this
+spring, and other marks of improvement were observable. The settlement
+was visited again by a deputation from the committee, and the situation
+of the Indians fully inspected, and much advice and counsel were
+communicated to them relative to their moral conduct, as well as in
+regard to their temporal concerns.
+
+They were particularly warned of the iniquity of men and their wives
+separating, (a practice which was too common among them,) and marrying
+again with others; the natural consequence of which was, leaving their
+children in poverty and distress, besides being attended with a variety
+of other evils.
+
+The communications of Friends appeared to be well received, and in the
+replies which the Indians made, among many other things, Cornplanter
+remarked, “We are sensible that it is displeasing to the Great Spirit
+for men and their wives to separate, and I am very happy that you have
+now mentioned it, when so many of our young warriors are present who
+have the opportunity of hearing; and I hope they will attend to the
+good counsel you have given us.”
+
+This deputation from the committee also visited Cattaraugus settlement,
+and had satisfactory interviews with those Indians, encouraging them to
+industry and sobriety, and to avail themselves of the opportunity they
+now had of receiving instruction from our Friends, who had lately come
+to settle near them.
+
+In their replies to Friends, the chief warrior observed:--“You still
+continue to speak the same language to our nation, and we believe your
+views towards us are the effects of pure friendship, and a desire for
+our welfare; and although we have fallen short in fulfilling your
+former advices, we are still encouraged to follow your counsel, and
+to pursue the path you have set before us. We hope you will continue
+to have patience towards us, as Indians cannot adopt all these habits
+that you recommend at once; but we are convinced that industry in
+cultivating our lands, is the only method by which we can receive
+lasting benefits, and we are determined to pursue it--and we hope we
+shall still continue to make a gradual advancement.”
+
+During the winter and spring of 1810, the Indian women at Alleghany
+gave increasing attention to spinning. Some elderly females, who had
+acquired sufficient knowledge, and being anxious to promote this
+valuable art, took the superintendence of the young girls, and this
+season they spun sufficient to make one hundred and twenty yards, part
+of which was woollen, and manufactured into blankets.
+
+Some small premiums were offered to such of the men as should sow
+spring wheat, which had a stimulating effect; and sixteen or seventeen
+individuals availed themselves of the offer.
+
+The Indians purchased four yoke of oxen, which enabled them to do more
+ploughing--and during the course of the season many of the young men
+inclined to hire to work for other Indians, a practice which had not
+been common among them. This, however, was in part produced by the
+embargo system which was now in operation, and had an effect to reduce
+the price of skins and furs, so as to render hunting not worth pursuing
+as an object of profit.
+
+Red Jacket, and three other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited
+Philadelphia this year, and Friends had a satisfactory interview with
+them. Red Jacket in his remarks, stated:
+
+“I am unable to express the thankfulness I feel for the many acts of
+kindness your society have shown to us; particularly when that old
+gentleman, (pointing to an elderly Friend present,) and many others now
+no more, attended at our treaties. And I am happy in observing your
+disposition to pursue the same track of conduct your fathers observed
+towards Indians, now they are removed to the world of spirits.”
+
+Some implements of husbandry were furnished to the Tuscarora Indians,
+residing on the Seneca reservation near Buffalo; and the situation of
+the Delaware Indians residing on the Cattaraugus reservation claiming
+the sympathy of Friends, as being the remnant of a scattered tribe
+who formerly inhabited the parts along the river Delaware, and who
+for many years lived on terms of sincere friendship and reciprocal
+acts of kindness with the early settlers, while the country was then a
+wilderness; it was believed right to make them an offer of purchasing
+a tract of land in the neighbourhood of Cattaraugus, provided they
+would live on, and occupy it. Although the offer was not accepted they
+gratefully acknowledge the kindness of Friends, and their answer on
+this occasion strongly excites our sympathy for the destiny of this
+once great and powerful nation.
+
+“Our nation, say they, seem as if they were scattered over the whole
+world; and we have been desirous, for many years past, of getting
+together, and have now fully concluded to leave the country of the
+Senecas. The land you propose giving us here, if we could take it on
+our backs and set it down in the neighbourhood of our nation to the
+westward, we should be very thankful for; but we don’t feel satisfied
+to remain in this country, and have concluded certainly to leave it as
+soon as we can.”
+
+Considerable progress was made this season by the Cattaraugus Indians.
+Many of them enclosed fields separately, and had plentiful crops of
+corn; and as an incitement to this plan of farming, small premiums had
+been offered by Friends. And as a further encouragement, to accommodate
+the Indians, preparations were made to erect grist and saw-mills on
+the tract of land belonging to Friends, whereby they could have their
+grinding done, and be furnished with boards to enable them to build
+better houses.
+
+In the beginning of the year 1811, the Indian women at Alleghany
+manifested a much earlier attention to the spinning business; and
+before the time they usually began, had sufficient spun for one
+hundred and sixty yards of cloth. Near one half of their women by this
+time, had acquired some knowledge of this business; and though they
+had heretofore, for the most part, attended to it at the house of
+employment, many of them now procured wheels of their own, and attended
+to it at their own houses. Four of them within two years had spun yarn
+for about one hundred and twenty-five yards; and two others, in the
+last season, had spun and wove themselves twenty-one yards of linsey.
+
+The instruction of their children in school learning, had for several
+years past, been but little attended to, owing to the impediments the
+Indians themselves had thrown in the way--but this year it was again
+revived; and a young man, qualified for that purpose, kept a school
+among them, at their request.
+
+The Indians at Cattaraugus were also making satisfactory improvement
+this season. The saw-mill was in operation this fall, and the grist
+mill in a considerable state of forwardness.
+
+The progress of improvement had, for many years past, exhibited an
+encouraging prospect--affording a comfortable hope, that the desirable
+object would be effected, of reclaiming at least a portion of the
+Indians from a savage and rambling life, to enjoy in a plentiful
+manner, and in undisturbed security, the productions of the fruitful
+field. Yet it now seems our painful task to record some circumstances,
+which for a time much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and retarded
+their progress in civilization.
+
+By a company of individuals, claiming what they called the pre-emption
+right, an attempt was now made to purchase from the Seneca nation,
+all their land which they held in the state of New York, and under a
+specious show of benevolence, to give them a large tract of country far
+to the westward, where they might enjoy their native forest, away from
+the intrusions of white people.
+
+The peculiar situation of their land--being generally of an excellent
+quality, and an increasing white population fast settling round
+it--made it an object very desirable to this company, who, it is
+probable, paid a large sum of money for this pre-emption right.
+
+From the best information I have received respecting this claim, it
+appears, by the original charter, that the state of Massachusetts had
+this pre-emption right, or privilege of purchasing the Indians’ land
+in this part of the territory; and to satisfy this claim, in 1787, the
+state of New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of soil--reserving
+to itself the jurisdiction thereof. The state of Massachusetts, in
+1792, again sold their right of purchase to an individual, who, in the
+year 1797, at a treaty held at Genessee river, in the state of New
+York, purchased of the Indians a large tract of country, as has been
+already stated--the Indians “_nevertheless and always reserving_” out
+of this grant and conveyance, such reservations as were therein agreed
+upon; “_to remain the property of the said Seneca Indians, in as full
+and ample a manner_,” as if the said sale had not been made. This
+purchase again passed into other hands, and finally the pre-emption
+right to the Indians’ reservations into the hands of the company now
+claiming them.
+
+Notwithstanding these were the only persons who had a legal right to
+purchase, it was only when the Indians were disposed to sell: and
+always to be understood, as the original owners of the soil, they had
+the right to refuse to sell, as guaranteed in the most solemn manner by
+the president of the United States.
+
+But notwithstanding their indubitable title to the soil, the attempt
+thus made, in an artful manner, to obtain their land, had the effect to
+produce great commotion and disturbance among them. Nor was it to be
+doubted, but that means, too frequently practised on such occasions,
+would be resorted to. These were, to offer rewards to the chiefs or
+principal men of the nation, to gain their influence, in order to bring
+about the object they had in view.
+
+The Indians, however, at this time, did not accede to the proposals
+that had been held out to them, as may be seen from the following
+extracts of a speech of Red Jacket to an agent, who, it seems, was
+employed by the primitive holders to negotiate this business.
+
+“Brother, we opened our ears to the talk you lately delivered to us, at
+our council fire. In doing important business, it is best not to tell
+long stories, but to come to it in a few words--we shall therefore not
+repeat your talk, which is fresh in our minds. We have well considered
+it, and the advantages and disadvantages of your offers--we request
+your attention to our answer, which is not from the speaker alone, but
+from all the sachems and chiefs now round our council fire.
+
+“Brother, your application for the purchase of our lands is, to our
+minds, very extraordinary. It has been made in a crooked manner.
+You have not walked in the straight path, pointed out by the Great
+Council of your nation. You have no writing from our Great Father
+the president. We have looked back, and remembered how the Yorkers
+purchased our lands in former times. They bought them, piece after
+piece, for a little money, paid to a few men in our nation, and not to
+all our brethren,--until our planting and hunting grounds have become
+very small; and if we should sell these, we know not where to spread
+our blankets.
+
+“Brother, you tell us your employers have purchased of the council of
+Yorkers, a right to buy our lands. We do not understand how this can
+be. The lands do not belong to the Yorkers. They are ours, and were
+given to us by the Great Spirit.
+
+“Brother, you want us to travel with you, and look for other lands. If
+we should sell our lands, and move off into a distant country, towards
+the setting sun, we should be looked upon, in the country to which we
+go, as foreigners and strangers, and be despised by the red, as well as
+the white men. We should soon be surrounded by the white people, who
+would there also kill our game, come upon our lands, and try to get
+them from us.
+
+“Brother, we are determined not to sell our lands, but to continue on
+them. They are fruitful, and produce us corn in abundance, for the
+support of our women and children, and grass and herbs for our cattle.
+
+“Brother, the white people buy and sell false rights to our lands; and
+your employers, you say, have paid a great price for their right. They
+must have plenty of money to spend it buying and selling false rights
+to lands belonging to Indians. The loss of it will not hurt them, but
+our lands are of great value to us; and we wish you to go back to your
+employers, and tell them and the Yorkers, that they have no right to
+buy and sell false rights to our lands.”
+
+Although the inducements held out to Indians at this time were
+rejected, yet the scheme, on the part of the applicants, was by no
+means abandoned; and as a measure like this, so inimical to the cause
+in which Friends were engaged, could not fail of exciting considerable
+alarm, it was reasonable to suppose, their influence would interpose
+to prevent the adoption of a measure so pregnant of evil to the poor
+Indians. Accordingly, an appropriate address was presented to the
+Seneca nation, strongly recommending them to a diligent improvement of
+their land, and to keep strong in their resolution not to part with
+it--for if they should sell and remove to a distant country, it was
+not likely Friends would go with them, or assist them, as they had
+heretofore done.
+
+The minds of the Indians appeared to be quieted for the present, and
+they were peculiarly pleased with the communications of Friends on this
+occasion. One of their chiefs observed in council--“Your words reached
+our hearts, and as though they had been handed down from the Great
+Spirit above, they have satisfied our minds.”
+
+The spring of 1812, commenced with very encouraging prospects of
+improvement at both the settlements. The women were engaged in their
+spinning business, and the men in their agricultural pursuits, which
+relieved the women of much of their former hardships and burthens in
+procuring a livelihood. The measures adopted for their improvement had
+now been in operation at the Alleghany settlement for fourteen years,
+and the advantages resulting therefrom were more sensibly felt, and
+clearly distinguished by the Indians than at any former period. The
+progress of the Indians at Cattaraugus, considering the infant state
+of the establishment of Friends there, afforded the most sanguine
+prospect, that, by a steady perseverance, in the course of a few years
+more, a very important change would be effected in their situation
+and manner of life. But a reverse of circumstances, in the course of
+events, again took place, which it seems proper now to mention.
+
+It was in the Sixth month, this year, that war was proclaimed by
+the United States against Great Britain, and her dependencies. This
+circumstance created very considerable alarm amongst the Indians, and
+to use their own expressions, “seemed to turn the world upside down.”
+
+Their situation was peculiarly trying. War was a circumstance replete
+with many evils, which would inevitably involve them in serious
+difficulties. Their money, for which they had sold their land in 1797,
+was in the hands of the government. Their remaining lands were nearly
+all within the boundaries of the state of New York, and lying near to
+the British lines, which it was probable would become the seat of war,
+and therefore they would be liable to be much harassed by either party,
+even should they remain neutral. In the next place, there were several
+tribes of their confederates of the Six Nations, whom they had always
+considered as brethren, who resided within the British dominions, and
+called upon to fight their battles; and it was probable they would be
+called upon by the United States to assist in the contest, and thus
+they would be reduced to the sad dilemma, of either being considered,
+in case of a refusal, as enemies to the United States, or otherwise be
+under the necessity of raising the hatchet against their own flesh and
+blood, who had not given the slightest cause of offence or provocation.
+
+Nor were these all the evils that seemed to threaten their repose. They
+were generally represented, in war, as a ferocious, unrelenting people;
+and hence it was natural to conclude, that jealousies would exist among
+their surrounding white neighbours, and prejudices be excited, which it
+would be difficult to remove.
+
+Their fears were not groundless in this respect; for soon after war was
+proclaimed, many of the surrounding inhabitants became very uneasy, and
+divers left their settlements, and removed to places more remote from
+the natives. This circumstance caused some alarm among the Indians.
+They apprehended that their sincerity and friendly dispositions were
+suspected; in consequence whereof, a council was held between them
+and their white neighbours, to endeavour to eradicate the fears and
+jealousies which existed between them. The result of this was, that the
+Indians promised to take no part in the war, and the whites agreed not
+to molest them in their peaceable possessions.
+
+This conclusion, however, did not stand long, on the part of the
+Indians. They were called upon by the United States to engage in
+the contest, and to take up arms against their brethren in Canada,
+who were, no doubt, excited to this unnatural war, by the British
+government. Some of the young warriors, who had never before seen
+the dreadful effects of such a conflict, were anxious to try their
+valour, and gain themselves a name; while many of their elderly people,
+who retained some knowledge of former wars, were more disposed to
+remain quiet at home. But as it is not the design of this work to
+give a history of the war, in all its bearings on the Indians, it is
+sufficient to say, that during the period the war lasted, they were at
+times engaged therein by parties; and in proportion to the part they
+acted on this occasion, their advancement in civilization was impeded.
+
+In the autumn of this year, two of the committee visited the
+settlements at Tunesassa and Cattaraugus, by whom a suitable address
+was sent to the Indians. But they found them in a very unsettled
+situation, on account of the war; and said “they could not, at present,
+attend to their improvements--for, look which way they would, they saw
+nothing but war.”
+
+As the situation of the Friends stationed among the Indians was also
+trying at this period, they were left at liberty either to leave them,
+and return home, or to remain, as they felt best satisfied to do.
+
+In the year 1813, although frequent alarms continued to pervade the
+Indians’ borders, our Friends did not apprehend it sufficient cause to
+abandon their residence, or to relax their endeavours to establish the
+Indians in a more permanent advantage from the soil. The Indians, too,
+appeared to have a special confidence in Friends, and often consulted
+them on account of their own safety, stating “that if Friends removed
+from them, they would become uneasy, and flee also.”
+
+Although some of the Indians attended to their business, yet the
+continual alarms, and frequent calls on them to assist in the invasion
+of Canada, very much diverted their attention from their domestic
+concerns; and their war excursions had a demoralizing effect, by
+exposing them again to the use of intoxicating liquors, which gained an
+ascendency over some.
+
+Towards the close of this season, at the time Buffalo was attacked and
+burned by the British, the Indians became exceedingly agitated. Those
+of Cattaraugus, lying more contiguous to the scene of action, moved a
+great part of their property to the south side of the river, in order
+to flee in case of an attack. The consternation that prevailed among
+the inhabitants generally, in that country, had a tendency to increase
+their fears; and probably a consciousness of their having taken up arms
+against their brethren in Canada, naturally created apprehensions,
+that, if their enemies proved victorious they would have to suffer a
+retaliation.
+
+The alarm, however, subsided, as there was no attack made on them, and
+they were permitted to remain quiet the succeeding winter, and attend
+somewhat to their necessary concerns.
+
+In the fall of 1814, the settlements were visited again by four of the
+committee. They arrived at Cattaraugus the thirteenth of the Ninth
+month, and had a council on the fifteenth with the Indians. Many of
+them were then absent, being engaged in the war, and more were about
+going. But when they heard of Friends’ arrival, they concluded to stay
+at home.
+
+They stated the many difficulties which they laboured under, on account
+of the war, and the great obstruction it was to their improvement. They
+said the officers often called on them to go to war, and if they staid
+at home, they were not satisfied--and they did not know whether they
+were safe or not.
+
+“Brothers, said they, the war has continued for three summers past. We
+have still had time to provide a little for our families; but this year
+we scarcely get home, before another express comes for us. We have been
+in hopes these troubles would subside; but from the present commotions,
+and noise of the great guns on the lines, we have entertained doubts
+how or when it will end.”
+
+At the conclusion of the council, they remarked the great satisfaction
+they felt, that the Friends who lived beside them had remained so
+steady with them through their difficulties, that although the great
+guns had roared so loud as to shake the ground whereon they stood, yet
+they remained quiet; which convinced them that they must be under the
+protection of the Great Spirit.
+
+Notwithstanding the various interruptions the Indians had met with
+on account of the war, they had made very considerable advances in
+agricultural improvements, at this settlement. The author, being one of
+the deputation who now visited them, had an opportunity of observing
+the great contrast in their situation, since Friends came to settle
+among them. They had enclosed with good fences, and cultivated several
+hundred acres of good land, within three or four years past; a great
+proportion of which was planted with corn and potatoes, or sowed with
+oats, &c. and generally looked well. Many families had raised wheat,
+and were preparing to sow more in the fall. Several had raised flax,
+and about twenty-five of their women had learned to spin. Their women,
+also, appeared more neat and cleanly, in their dress and houses. But
+three or four families remained in their old village, having found
+it much to their advantage to settle more detached from each other.
+They were now scattered along, on the rich bottoms, for several miles.
+Considerable improvement had also taken place in the mode of building.
+Many had good houses, and some had barns, and scarcely any of the old
+cabins were seen standing. The Indians had procured a number of wagons
+and carts, with other farming utensils, as well as several yoke of
+oxen. Their stock of cattle, in general, was much increased; and the
+Indians said, in council, there were but one or two families but had
+cows or horses.
+
+The committee also visited the settlement at Alleghany, and held a
+general council with the Indians at Cold Spring, where they were
+encouraged to perseverance in the path they had for many years been
+pointing out to the Indians, and in which good way they had made
+considerable progress. But it was observed, that they were deficient in
+several respects, and had not made so much improvement as was desirable
+for the opportunity they had had. In their replies, they acknowledged
+the very great benefit they had received in time past, from the advice
+and instruction of Friends, but said they had made less improvement
+since the war commenced; that they were frequently called upon by the
+officers to go to war, and this kept them uneasy, so that they could
+not attend to their business. Some of their people had, also, during
+the war, got into habits of intemperance--and this tended to retard
+their advancement in the modes of civilized life.
+
+The old chief, Cornplanter, not having attended this council, several
+of the company paid him a visit at his own house, about eleven miles
+distant from Tunesassa. About five or six families remained with the
+old chief, at his settlement, mostly his connexions. The old town of
+Jenuchshadaga, where all the first councils between Friends and the
+Indians were held, was entirely deserted, and so overgrown with young
+timber, as almost to conceal the place where it stood. This strange
+mutation of things at this place, was principally owing to the land
+being Cornplanter’s private property, and to the disposition of the
+other Indians to move higher up the river, and settle on land belonging
+to the nation, where they would have a greater security for the
+improvements they should make.
+
+Cornplanter expressed his great satisfaction at once more seeing his
+friends in his own house, and that he was still preserved alive to
+talk with them. He acknowledged the advice of Friends had always been
+good, and that in consequence of many of the Indians adhering to it,
+their situation had been much improved, but that in consequence of the
+miseries of war, some of his people had again become intemperate.
+
+The too common practice of men and their wives parting, having been
+animadverted upon at the late council, the old chief observed, that he
+also reprobated it, as being attended with many evil effects; and that
+he had often seen children, who had been thus neglected, when young,
+in consequence of their parents’ separation, reflect on their parents,
+when they got old, and charge them with neglect of duty; it being
+generally the practice where separations take place, for the mother to
+take charge of the children, and provide for them as well as she can.
+
+“The liquor, said he, has been introduced among us by white people; but
+this evil practice has grown up among ourselves. Our young people are
+too fond of diversions, and not serious enough, in forming connexions.
+I have often advised them to more sobriety and regular conduct, and
+spent much of my time in serving the nation.”
+
+The Indians, generally, on the Alleghany river, continued to increase
+their stock of cattle, horses, and swine, quite equal to their means
+of supporting them through the winter; although in other respects,
+since the commencement of the war, they had made but little progress
+in agriculture. Many of the women, however, had given considerable
+attention to spinning--especially in the winter season. They appeared
+more cleanly in their persons and houses than they formerly did; and
+their manners, and general deportment, appeared to be rising from that
+degraded state in which they had formerly lived, and becoming more
+assimilated to the modes and practices of white people.
+
+The spring of 1815, was ushered in with the welcome and consoling news
+of peace, to the poor Indians; an accommodation having taken place
+between the United States and Great Britain in the preceding winter.
+Not only could the Seneca nation participate in the blessings of
+peace, by having their prospects to pursue their agricultural labours
+again brightened, but many of the surrounding tribes, who had been
+more extensively engaged in the late contest, could now lay down the
+hatchet, which had often been stained with the blood of their enemies.
+
+But although peace had now taken place, and hostilities ceased
+between the contending parties, it was doubtful whether the Seneca
+nation would be conciliated, and immediately restored to that mutual
+friendship, which previous to the war had subsisted between them and
+their confederate tribes in Canada, who had, under the banner of Great
+Britain, taken up arms against the United States. It was, therefore,
+believed expedient by the committee at this critical juncture to send
+them a suitable address on the occasion, from which the following is
+extracted.
+
+“Brothers, since it has pleased the Great Spirit to restore to our
+country the blessing of peace, we have felt our minds concerned to
+address you, in order to encourage you to pursue the path we have long
+been pointing out to you; and likewise to call your attention to the
+great advantages resulting from living in peace with all men.
+
+“Brothers, we are sensible that there are two spirits at work in
+the minds of men. The one produces in us a disposition of love and
+good will towards all men, and is a comforter for all good actions.
+The other excites evil thoughts and desires, and influences to bad
+actions, such as lying, swearing, drunkenness, pride, envy, hatred,
+gaming, and many other evils, which, if given way to, often create war
+between nations. So we believe it is in our power to resist the evil
+spirit, and conquer all the evil propensities of our nature, by obeying
+the Good Spirit, and by daily watching, and prayer to him. If we so
+conduct, he will deliver us from evil.
+
+“Brothers, our fathers, and we their children, who profess the same
+principles by which they were guided, have always believed that wars
+and fightings are displeasing to the Great Spirit, who is all love,
+and who made of one blood all nations of men, that they should live in
+peace and love with each other. For this cause, he hath placed his law
+in our hearts, and in the hearts of all men, teaching, not only to love
+one another, but also to forgive injuries, and even to love and do good
+to our enemies.
+
+“Brothers, where people live in this disposition, and trust in the
+Great Spirit for protection, it has a powerful effect in producing the
+same disposition in the minds of those who wish to do them an injury;
+and instead of hatred, it will produce in their minds love and good
+will. For you must be sensible, brothers, that when a man is angry with
+another, and uses many threatening expressions, if the other returns
+mild answers, and endeavours to pacify him by acts of kindness and good
+will, it is more likely to restore the angry man to a sober and right
+state of mind, than if he were to quarrel and fight with him--and this
+would be overcoming evil with good, which is always pleasing to the
+Great Spirit.
+
+“Brothers, we are sensible that the late war must have brought you into
+great difficulty and distress--and we are thankful for the return of
+peace. We hope the Great Spirit will preserve you from again feeling
+the miseries of war. We also wish you to be reanimated, to pursue your
+farming, and the improvement of your land, under the instruction of
+our friends who reside among you, as this is the only sure method we
+can recommend to you to obtain a comfortable living for yourselves
+and families; and the most likely means, as you are industrious and
+become sensible of the value of your property, of securing you in the
+permanent possession of your land.
+
+“Brothers, our desires continue as strong at the present day, as ever
+they were, to promote your happiness in this life, and in that which is
+to come. But this happy state we know can only be attained, by having
+our minds drawn to the Great Spirit, by imploring his protection,
+and by beseeching him that he would preserve us in love towards all
+mankind. If we are sincere in our desires for his assistance, and
+attentive to the voice of his spirit in our hearts, we shall have
+reason to hope for his blessing upon our labours, which is our desire
+for ourselves, for our Indian brethren, and for all men.”
+
+The Indians were also strongly reminded in this address, of the
+dangerous tendency of introducing strong liquor again into their
+villages, as the late war had exposed them to the use of it more than
+they had been for many years previous--and if they now become so unwise
+as to fall again in love with it, it would prove their ruin.
+
+This communication had a stimulating effect upon the Indians at both
+the settlements. Those of Alleghany sent a written address to the
+committee, signed by six of their chiefs, in which they expressed in
+a high degree, their sense of gratitude for the continued care of
+the society of Friends over them, and the great advantages they had
+received from their instruction. They also renewed their request that
+they might be furnished with a schoolmaster, as but little attention
+had been given to their improvement in school learning for some time
+past, owing to the general disinclination of the Indians to have their
+children thus instructed.
+
+At the request of the Indians, also, in the summer of 1816, four lads,
+two from Buffalo, and two from Alleghany, were brought into Chester
+county, within forty miles of Philadelphia, and placed with suitable
+persons under the care of the committee, to be instructed in school
+learning, and some of the mechanic arts.
+
+In the Eighth month this year, a Friend who had formerly devoted many
+years to the instruction of the natives, proceeded again with his wife
+to the Alleghany settlement, accompanied by a young man in the capacity
+of a schoolmaster; and the family who had resided there for some
+years past returned from thence. The school was again opened at Cold
+Spring town, in the Tenth month, where about twenty different scholars
+attended, in an irregular manner, owing, in part, to the scarcity of
+provisions. This scarcity of food was occasioned by unusually early
+frost, which destroyed more than half their corn, and likewise many
+other vegetables. This calamity was felt through all that part of the
+country bordering on the lakes.
+
+Although the Indians had had the fairest prospect of a plentiful
+supply, yet, from the foregoing circumstance, many of them were
+compelled to resort to their former source of dependence, and with
+their families, retire to the woods and hunting encampments, where they
+remained a great part of the winter.
+
+The Indians at Cattaraugus were conspicuous sufferers by this calamity;
+many of them having their crops of corn entirely cut off, while they
+had as yet scarcely recruited from their sufferings during the late
+war. Friends duly considered their distressed situation, and granted
+five hundred dollars to be applied in supplying them with provisions,
+and three hundred more to be administered to the necessities of
+those on the Alleghany reservation. These donations were gratefully
+received by the Indians, and were peculiarly useful in enabling them,
+the following spring, more generally to attend to their agricultural
+pursuits, without being compelled from necessity to retire to their
+hunting grounds. It was said five hundred and twelve individuals at
+Alleghany, and three hundred and ninety at Cattaraugus, partook of this
+timely donation of Friends.
+
+In the spring of 1817, the fears of the committee were strongly excited
+for the safety of the Indians, from the various concurring accounts,
+that plans were again devising to induce a removal of many of them in
+the state of New York, from their present seat, to one very remote
+among the western tribes. A measure of this kind would not only tend
+to unsettle the Indians in their agricultural pursuits, but if carried
+into effect, would entirely frustrate the plan of their civilization,
+and render of little avail the labours of Friends for twenty years
+past, and the expenditure of more than forty thousand dollars in
+promoting their advancement toward a civilized state.
+
+The committee, therefore, being fully impressed with the great loss
+the Indians would inevitably sustain by a removal to a distant clime,
+communicated their views by a written address; and with a view of
+setting them in a more permanent possession of the soil, recommended a
+division of their land into lots, suitable to accommodate each family,
+to be held under such regulations, that it might descend from parent
+to children, and other near connexions; and under such restrictions as
+would debar individuals from selling, leasing, or transferring it, in
+any way, to white people.
+
+This measure being of an important character in the disposition of
+Indian affairs, it was believed expedient, by the committee, to present
+a memorial to the President of the United States, in their behalf,
+by which he was fully made acquainted with the plan proposed to the
+Indians for a division of their land; and being visited, also, by a
+deputation from the committee, and furnished with various documents, it
+opened the way for a free communication of sentiment on the subject,
+and the president gave assurance of attentively perusing and duly
+considering the documents and memorial.
+
+In the Ninth month this year, the settlements of Tunesassa and
+Cattaraugus were again visited by four of the committee, who spent
+several weeks among the Indians, in attending to the various services
+of their appointment. They inspected, particularly, the state of
+improvement at both the settlements, and also had divers interviews
+with the Indians in council, at both places.
+
+With respect to the improvements at Cattaraugus, the author being one
+of the deputation now visiting them, had a fair opportunity of judging
+of the advances they had made in three years past. Their settlements
+at this place were now extended about ten miles in length--and they
+had fenced in many fields and laid out their farms much more detached
+from each other--and were gradually advancing in agriculture. It
+was supposed they had more than two hundred acres of corn growing,
+(and it generally looked well,) besides one hundred acres more under
+cultivation; spring wheat, oats, potatoes, and a great variety of
+garden vegetables. Their stock of cattle and horses was much increased,
+and divers of them had enclosed lots of grass on which they gathered
+hay for winter. Many of the women had made considerable progress in
+spinning, so as, in the course of the last year, to make about one
+hundred and seventy yards of cloth.
+
+The Alleghany settlement was said to consist of about seventy families,
+all of whom, except four, had horned cattle, amounting in the whole to
+upwards of four hundred.
+
+They had more horses than was any advantage to them. Their corn, oats,
+and buckwheat, were in a prosperous condition, and promised to afford
+them a plentiful supply. And it was pleasing to find, that they had
+generally refrained from the use of spirituous liquors. The women,
+also, continued their attention to spinning and manufacturing their
+clothing.
+
+The school taught by the Friend at this place was also in a more
+prosperous condition than had hitherto been evidenced among those
+Indians. Nearly twenty lads attended, divers of whom could write and
+read the English language, and had otherwise made satisfactory progress
+in learning. The cleanliness of their persons, their order in the
+school, and general deportment, appeared to be encouraging.
+
+A prominent object in this visit was, to encourage the Indians to
+make the experiment of dividing their land into lots, and holding it
+as private property, under certain restrictions. This was suggested
+to them, in separate councils with the different tribes, as the most
+eligible plan by which they could continue to possess the good land
+which they and their fathers had so long enjoyed, and which of late
+years they had improved so much, that “this land, with its valuable
+improvements, might pass to their children, and be inherited by them as
+long as the Alleghany and Cattaraugus rivers should continue to run,
+and the grass and corn to grow.”
+
+The Indians in their several settlements, took this matter under
+serious consideration; and, in consequence of an arrangement made for
+the purpose, Friends met the principal chiefs, and many others of
+the Seneca nation, in a general council at Cattaraugus, among whom
+was the noted chief, Red Jacket, and several others from Buffalo. In
+this general council, the subject of dividing their land into lots,
+was again proposed to the Indians, as the most eligible means of
+accelerating their civilization, and securing them more permanently
+in the possession of the remnant of the land they yet occupied; and
+that these lots should be of adequate dimensions to accommodate each
+family with a farm, and be held under such restrictions, that they
+could not be alienated, or leased to any other than their own people,
+but in such manner as to secure to the individuals respectively, the
+land, with the improvements thereon, which should be appropriated to
+each. It was believed the adoption of this measure would prove an
+additional stimulus to their industry and care, in the prospect it
+presented, of the benefits which might result from their agricultural
+labours descending to, and being enjoyed by, their children, and
+posterity more remote. This important subject occupied the deliberate
+attention of the Indians for several days. The result was, a resolution
+that an experiment should be made on the Alleghany reservation by the
+Indians residing thereon, many of whom had for a considerable time been
+desirous of possessing their property more distinct from each other
+than had heretofore been the case.
+
+On the morning Friends were about to proceed on their way homewards,
+a number of the chiefs called to see them, and expressed their
+great satisfaction with the conclusions that had resulted at the
+late council. One of them named Blue-eyes, said, “Brothers, we want
+you to continue your endeavours to strengthen us, that we may not
+become a lost people, but that by persevering in the right path, we
+may experience preservation. We believe it is owing to the favourable
+disposition of the United States, that the Six Nations yet exist. And
+we are of the opinion, from the representations that have been made,
+that we owe much to you--and we trust to an overruling providence, who
+has thus favoured us, that we may yet experience preservation.”
+
+Notwithstanding the repeated refusals of the Indians to dispose of any
+more of their land, renewed applications were made by those holding the
+pre-emption right in the beginning of the year 1818; and at a general
+council, held at Buffalo, about this time, they again determined not to
+sell; and with a view of making the President of the United States more
+particularly acquainted with their situation, and with the difficulties
+to which they were subjected, by these repeated applications for land,
+they sent forward a talk for that purpose, signed by twenty-one chiefs
+of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago tribes, which was published in the
+Niagara Patriot, and from which, for its simple, natural, impassioned,
+and pathetic eloquence, we shall present to the reader a few extracts.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Father, from the fatherly care the presidents of the United States
+have exercised towards their red children, we speak to our father in
+confidence, believing he will not turn away his ears from his red
+children. We are alarmed lest we lose our seats. Those men who say
+they have a right to purchase our lands, have been distressing us for
+a number of years with their plans to possess our lands--offering us
+in exchange lands to the westward. We declare to you, we desire you to
+publish to all our white brothers, that it is our fixed and determined
+purpose to live and die on our present land. It is sealed to us by
+the bones of our fathers--they obtained it by their blood. Our bones
+shall lie beside theirs--it is the heritage of the Almighty--he gave it
+us--he it is must take it from us.”
+
+“We mean no threat by this--we know we are in the hands of our white
+brethren--they can destroy us with ease--but they need not think to
+persuade us to part with our lands--as free men we claim the right to
+choose between being killed outright, or a lingering execution, by
+being driven a thousand miles into the wilderness.
+
+“Where, father, where would our white brothers have us to go? The
+Indian claim to land is put out for more than a thousand miles to the
+west--except little spots for particular nations.
+
+“We have confidence in you. You cannot see your red children, with
+their little ones, driven off by stealth and fraud--leaving the
+sepulchres of their fathers, their farms, their farming tools, and
+their cattle, and dying by families on the road, through hardships
+and privation--exchanging all their advances in civilization and its
+comforts, for the hardships of the chase--without house or friend.
+
+“Father, we have confidence in you, that if you see any device formed
+against us, you will frustrate it, and succour your red children. We
+have deceived no man--we have wronged no man--our language has been
+one--we choose not to part with our land. If we have been needlessly
+alarmed, you will pity our ignorance, and forgive our childish fears.
+
+“We trust that you will pardon the multitude of our words. Let none
+deceive you in saying that this is the voice of a few individuals, and
+not the voice of the Six Nations. It is the voice of the Six Nations in
+the state of New York. The chiefs of Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Genessee,
+and Onondago, are now in council. We have the message of Oneida
+and Alleghany with us, desiring we should speak to our father the
+president--intreating him to consider and help us. Speak, father--speak
+to your children, that their minds may be at rest. Speak to our council
+fire at this place, and let us hear your own words; send them by safe
+hands.
+
+“May the Great Spirit preserve you many years a blessing to all your
+children.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Indians also sent a copy of the foregoing talk to the governor of
+New York, accompanied with a short address, from which we make the
+following extracts:
+
+“Father, we thank you that you feel anxious to do all you can to the
+perishing ruins of your red children. We hope, Father, you will make a
+fence strong and high around us, that wicked white men may not devour
+us at once, but let us live as long as we can. We are persuaded you
+will do this for us, because our field is laid waste and trodden down
+by every beast--we are feeble and cannot resist them.”
+
+“Father, we are persuaded you will do this for the sake of our white
+brothers, lest God, who has appeared so strong in building up white
+men and pulling down Indians, should turn his hand and visit our white
+brothers for their sins, and call them to an account for all the wrongs
+they have done them, and all the wrongs they have not prevented, that
+it was in their power to prevent, to their poor red brothers, who have
+no helper.
+
+“Father, would you be the father of your people and make them good and
+blessed of God, let not the cries of his red children ascend into his
+ears against you.”
+
+Without further comment on these impressive communications of the
+Indians, we shall leave the reader to his own reflections, after
+stating, that whatever impressions they might have made on the rulers
+to whom they were addressed, it did not prevent the renewed and
+persevering applications of the pre-emption holders, to obtain the
+Indians’ land, which, although they as often refused to sell, had the
+effect to keep them in a state of agitation and unsettlement; for
+although they had been repeatedly told that their lands were their
+own, and that they could not be compelled to dispose of them without
+their consent, and that President Washington had fully assured them
+that the United States would protect them in the remainder of their
+lands, which they had not legally conveyed away at public treaties,
+yet there appeared to be a degree of jealousy existing with some, as
+to the sincerity of these professions, and a fear lest they might, at
+some time, be compelled to relinquish their rightful possessions and be
+removed to another clime.
+
+The Indians at Alleghany, therefore, sent a message to the committee,
+in which they expressed a wish that Friends would endeavour to obtain
+for them a written instrument from the President of the United States,
+to strengthen, as they said, their title to their land, so that they
+might be easy themselves, and their children after them. And as it had
+been concluded in the last fall, to divide the Alleghany reservation
+into lots, they also wished to know whether this plan was agreeable to
+the President.
+
+In consequence of this request of the Alleghany chiefs, as also with
+a view of making the executive department of government more fully
+acquainted with their situation, various documents were prepared and
+committed to the charge of four of the committee, to present to the
+secretary of war, and such other officers of government as seemed to
+be requisite. These documents were calculated to explain the views of
+Friends in the interesting and benevolent design of ameliorating the
+condition, and promoting the civilization of the Indians, and also to
+impress the public mind with the peculiarly distressed situation of the
+aborigines of our country generally.
+
+A surveyor being furnished by Friends, some essay was made, in the
+course of this year, towards dividing the Alleghany reservation into
+lots, as had previously been concluded on in general council. But
+difficulties occurred among the Indians respecting it, which they were
+not at that time able to reconcile; as the division lines would in many
+instances interfere with their present improvements; and their local
+attachments having, in a considerable degree, been increased since they
+become more detached in their settlements and applied themselves to the
+pursuits of an agricultural life, the plan of division was abandoned
+for the present.
+
+It may here be proper to state, that in their former practice of
+locating the land they wished to cultivate, they never interfered with
+each other’s boundaries. There was land sufficient for them all. Each
+family possessed the spot upon which they settled, without interruption
+from others; and if they wished to relinquish it, and remove to
+another, they might sell their improvements to other Indians. It is,
+therefore, not surprising, that in effecting so radical a change from
+their former customs, as the one contemplated, difficulties should
+occur--and it will require time for local prejudices, gradually to give
+way to the more enlightened views of civilization, and for more correct
+ideas of distinct property to be realized.
+
+Notwithstanding the state of unsettlement, considerable improvement in
+divers respects, was apparent this year, especially at the Cattaraugus
+settlement. A school for the first time was opened at that place, by a
+young man who offered for that service, and was attended by a number of
+children, with as much regularity as could reasonably be expected.
+
+In the year 1819, and for some time previous, the Indians on the
+Alleghany river had got much in the practice of cutting and rafting
+pine timber down the river, and selling to white people, which was
+rather an injury to them than otherwise, as it opened an intercourse
+with some of the most profligate of the whites, and exposed them more
+to the use of intoxicating liquors than when at home, engaged in their
+agricultural labours. It also had a tendency to frustrate the plan of
+dividing their land into lots, as they now had liberty to range at
+large in the woods and get timber where they pleased, while the land
+remained as common stock to the nation.
+
+In the spring of this year, an Indian, who was a lad when Friends
+first settled amongst them, and who had since been instructed in the
+blacksmith business, dictated a letter to the author, in reply to one
+sent to him sometime before, from which, to show his own views of the
+improvement he had made, we make the following extracts.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“I received thy letter of the eighteenth of last month, much to my
+satisfaction. I was glad to hear that my old friend W---- was well, and
+thou may inform him that I have usual health also. I well remember the
+counsel of my friends, the Quakers. I see they want to do me good--I
+feel strong about it. They told me to work at my trade, and to plough,
+and sow, and raise grain and grass. All this is very good advice. I
+now have plenty of corn, and some other grain, and hay. I have worked
+at my trade so as to earn ninety dollars, and received my pay from our
+agent. Besides this, about thirty dollars for other smithing, done last
+year. I feel glad the Quakers live so near me. I do their smithing.
+They have ploughed several days for me. I have good corn in the land
+they ploughed, and some good wheat, potatoes, and other things, so that
+I have plenty. All this comes from my friends the Quakers’ advice.
+
+“Thee mentions about running out our land into lots, and that an evil
+bird has sung us a bad song. We are in hopes that the good bird will
+begin to sing, and in hopes that by next spring, his song will be for
+our good. I want he should sing a good song for us. I myself cannot say
+much, but I want the land divided into lots. Some say they do not want
+it, and are putting it by. I am glad thee has wrote thy mind on paper
+to me on this subject, and sent it here--I think I can see more light
+by it. I wish thee to make thy mind easy. I will do what I can, and
+speak what I know is for our good. I am in hopes to see my friend H----
+here, whom I remember when I was a boy. I intend to keep thy letter by
+me, that I may see what it says in time to come, that I may not forget
+thy advice. Farewell.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Notwithstanding the repeated assurances, from time to time, given to
+the Indians, that Friends were acting towards them from disinterested
+motives, and would never bring any charge against them, yet there
+were still individuals among them, probably instigated by the enemies
+of Friends among white people, who continued to excite jealousies
+and surmises, that Friends would at some future day, bring a charge
+against them. In order, therefore, to make their minds entirely easy
+on this _subject_, a writing was drawn up on parchment, containing the
+same assurances heretofore given, that Friends _never would bring any
+charge against them for their services_. This, as also a communication
+obtained from the President of the United States, respecting the
+division of their land, and sanctioning the plan of Friends, was
+forwarded to them, and seemed for the present to have a conciliating
+effect.
+
+During this summer, an increasing improvement was manifested by
+several of the Indians, clearing themselves new farms, distinct from
+their former fields, and preparing to put in their crops, which they
+accomplished in due season.
+
+In the summer of 1820, circumstances again requiring a visit from the
+committee to the Indian settlements, two other Friends and the writer,
+were deputed for that service. They proceeded to Tunesassa in the Ninth
+month; and after inspecting into the situation of the Indians, and
+their state of improvement, they found, that, although many had made
+considerable advances in agriculture and the modes of civilized life,
+yet there were individuals who probably being instigated by designing
+white men, or from a perverse disposition in themselves, had become
+inimical to their abandoning their former habits, and pursuing the
+mode of life in which Friends had for many years been endeavouring to
+instruct them. This created jealousy and party spirit in some degree
+among them at this period.
+
+To meet these circumstances, and to endeavour to reconcile the minds of
+the Indians, a council was called, which their chiefs generally, and
+many others of their people, attended, to the number of about seventy.
+
+The following is extracted from the address of Friends, delivered to
+them on this occasion.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, by the permission of the Great and Good Spirit who made the
+world, and is acquainted with all the actions of men, we are permitted
+to meet in council, and we desire that he may help us to come to right
+conclusions.
+
+“Brothers, it is now a long time since the Seneca nation became
+sensible that if they continued to exist as a people, they must change
+their mode of living from the hunter state, and engage in agricultural
+pursuits. They were very desirous that their brothers, the Quakers,
+would assist them. They believed it pleasing to the Great Spirit, that
+men should assist and help each other, and that Friends came amongst
+them for that purpose.
+
+“Brothers, when our Friends first came among you, you had no good
+houses--very few cattle--very little land cultivated--your numbers
+were decreasing, and it appears certain to us, and to yourselves, that
+unless a change were made, you would fast dwindle away, and the Seneca
+nation become as it were dead.
+
+“Brothers, some of our friends have been engaged in instructing
+you for more than twenty years. You have been taught to build more
+comfortable houses--you have enclosed and cultivated fields--you have
+much increased your stock of cattle, and other useful animals. Some of
+your men have been instructed in useful trades. Many of your women have
+learned to spin, and some of your children have been taught to read and
+write.
+
+“Brothers, we love you, and therefore we feel bound to speak plainly to
+you. We hope our words may sink deep into your minds. It is the voice
+of your old and true friends, who have never deceived you. You must
+endeavour to improve in the habits of civilized life, until you arrive
+at the state of some of the best of the white people, or you will
+gradually go back until you lose what you have gained--your friends
+with mournful hearts will give you up--your lands will go from you--and
+the very name of the Seneca nation, like many that have gone before
+you, will only be known in history.
+
+“Brothers, a man in the habit of taking strong drink to excess sets
+a bad example to his neighbours, and his family, and brings his poor
+wife and innocent children to poverty and distress. This conduct is
+offensive to the Great Spirit; and unless he changes, he becomes one
+of the most wretched of men. We wish you, therefore, to endeavour to
+reclaim such of your people as have fallen into this evil practice, and
+to warn those who may be in danger of contracting the habit.
+
+“Brothers, we desire to stimulate you to increased industry. The
+industrious man is always the most comfortable. Labour is good for
+health; it makes the mind cheerful; and by steadily attending to
+business, we have the satisfaction to see every thing improving around
+us. What appeared hard, by perseverance becomes easy.
+
+“Brothers, the greatest kindness a man can do to his children, is to
+begin early, to learn them to be industrious, and to engage them in
+business suitable to their years. The boys ought to help their fathers
+in the fields--the mothers and daughters to be engaged in spinning--in
+making clothes, in cooking victuals, and in all the business that is
+suitable to their sex--their houses, their beds, their clothes, and
+every thing about them, should be kept clean and in good order.
+
+“Brothers, it is consistent with the will of the Great Spirit, that men
+and women should be connected in marriage. It is an engagement of great
+importance, and we should not enter into it, until we are of sufficient
+age to think and judge for ourselves; and when marriage is contracted,
+the parties are bound to help and love each other--to care for, and
+instruct their children--and while families live in love and harmony
+together, it is very comfortable and very good;--but when division
+gets in, and differing, it is the work of the evil spirit--and if man
+and wife separate and marry others, it produces confusion, and must be
+displeasing in the Divine sight, and no people can prosper and grow
+strong who are in such practices.
+
+“Brothers, it is the duty of parents to have their children educated.
+The Great Spirit has given us minds capable of improvement, and by
+education children become more capable of learning the various trades,
+which will add to their comfort and happiness; and we believe it is
+right that the girls should be taught as well as the boys.
+
+“Brothers, we have been desirous that the lands belonging to you might
+remain firm in your hands, that your children and children’s children
+might possess them. For this end, we advised you to divide to every
+family a farm, so that they might say, “this is mine,” and improve it
+for their own benefit. And although changes are at first subject to
+some difficulties, yet we believe those difficulties may be overcome.
+
+“Brothers, on this subject you wished to have the mind of your
+father, the President of the United States, to strengthen you in the
+conclusion you had come to in general council, to divide the Alleghany
+reservation. You requested your friends in Philadelphia to go to the
+President, and obtain his opinion. One of us, who are now present, with
+some others, took a journey to Washington, for the purpose of complying
+with your request, and we found the President fully impressed with the
+necessity of such a measure, and he gave us a paper, in strong words,
+sealed with the great seal of the United States, and directed to the
+Alleghany chiefs, advising and urging that you might carry the business
+into effect, which paper was sent to you.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you will keep your minds strong on this subject,
+for we shall hardly know how to go again to the President, and make
+requests on your behalf, if, when they are granted, they are not
+proceeded in.
+
+“Brothers, our talk has been long. Circumstances seemed to require it;
+we hope you will consider it well. We love and desire the prosperity of
+you all; and although you may differ in opinion in some matters, yet we
+desire that the Good Spirit may unite your minds in love, and that you
+may all join in endeavours to promote education and improvement.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Indians took these matters into serious consideration, and promised
+to make a reply the day following--and when they assembled for that
+purpose, it was evident they were divided into two parties, and divers
+of them had become opposed to their children’s being instructed in
+school learning, giving this as a reason, “that they were more liable
+to be corrupted by bad white people.”
+
+Much the greater part, however, continued to manifest an attachment to
+Friends, and, in their replies, gave hearty assurances of attending
+to their advice. They appeared to be fully sensible that remaining on
+their land, and pursuing the plan that Friends had pointed out to them,
+were the only means by which they could continue to be a nation. The
+chief sachem, named _Blue-Eyes_, in the course of his speech, remarked,
+“If we go from here we are a lost people. Look to the east, west,
+north, or south; all is filled up, and there is no place for us.”
+
+On the subject of dividing their land, they appeared to be discouraged,
+owing to their divided state, and the opposition met with from
+some individuals, who no doubt were influenced by interested and
+_designing men_; as this great object would be the most likely means
+of settling the Indians in a permanent possession of the soil, and
+thereby frustrate _the avaricious designs_ of speculators. The secret
+insinuations of this class of the white people added much to the
+difficulties of Friends in pursuing their plans of civilization; nor
+was it to be wondered at, that individuals, among a people who had
+long been a prey to designing white men, should become alienated from
+Friends, and cease to follow their counsel.
+
+At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the
+dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages that
+might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially
+by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that, “we
+still considered them as brethren--that we were not divided in our good
+wishes for them--that we had always desired, and continued to desire,
+the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell, on the
+present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline their
+minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would yet
+join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing
+in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real
+benefit of man.”
+
+From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement,
+and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians at that
+place. They found that considerable progress had been made within three
+years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on the rich
+fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips, and
+other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful
+supply of provisions.
+
+A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech
+from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the
+following address was delivered to them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are now,
+by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you in
+council.
+
+“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you
+are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and
+industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be
+readily obtained.
+
+“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you
+have already made--your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain,
+and your cattle--and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong
+desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.
+
+“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the
+industrious man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision
+for his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their
+support, but to train our children to assist in all the business they
+are capable of--to begin with them young, and thus, while they are
+useful to their parents, it adds greatly to their own real comfort.
+
+“Brothers, by the united exertions of a family, much may be done.
+The house may be made more comfortable. Out houses may be erected to
+shelter the cattle. Barns may be built to store the grain and hay,
+to prevent injury from the weather. While the boys are engaged in
+assisting their fathers in these things, the girls ought to help their
+mothers in keeping the house clean, in spinning, in making clothes, in
+cooking victuals, and every business that is suitable for their sex.
+
+“Brothers, by thus uniting in promoting improvements, you would soon
+make your farms to equal some of the best of your white neighbours; and
+if you would fully make the experiment, you would find that what we
+tell you is true.
+
+“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is
+also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families
+should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ
+and part, and marry to others, it is wrong--it is an injury to their
+children, and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to
+think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.
+
+“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of
+spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it--we wish you to
+keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your
+people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.
+
+“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every
+voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in your
+councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this means, the
+very land that you own may slide from you.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short reply,
+but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of Friends’
+communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in two days,
+when they would reply more particularly.
+
+At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of
+the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of
+religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit--stating
+that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road,
+or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they
+appeared fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was
+his religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”
+
+This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian,
+was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the
+divine principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him
+what constitutes the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of
+men or books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s
+testimony “in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of
+a devout heart.
+
+It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into
+parties, which prevented that free intercourse and conference with
+each other, which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their
+replies to Friends--and without a design to impeach the sincere natives
+of any religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from
+the observations made, and the information received on this visit, that
+the introduction of these, under the character of missionaries, on
+their land at Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held,
+had created great uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause
+of their present difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the
+Indians had attached themselves to the missionary system, and joined
+in their modes of worship, singing, &c. and these were looked upon as
+converted to the Christian faith. Hence the others, who were opposed
+to the missionary plans, were branded with the epithet of pagans, a
+term hateful to Indians, and which they did not fully understand.
+Thus a spirit of jealousy was excited between the parties, and a fear
+entertained by some, that the introduction of missionaries on their
+land was designed to obtain a permanent possession, and eventually to
+dispossess them of it.
+
+At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended,
+when the Indians of each party made replies to the former communication
+of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show the dilemma in
+which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge me to give at
+considerable length.
+
+The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council
+in the following manner.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more to
+meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful that
+the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come to
+see us.
+
+“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open
+our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us
+pay attention and observe the sabbath day--others do not. We wish you
+now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties
+straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.
+
+“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the reason
+we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four or five
+who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old men
+observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it. We wish
+you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men do, or
+follow our old customs.
+
+“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing
+for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one
+man--and now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to
+pursue--whether white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other
+hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient
+customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit;
+and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice
+on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to
+adhere to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.
+
+“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the hand,
+and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice we have
+heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing towards the
+_missionaries_, and keeping the First-day.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and wish the
+chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and you--and
+that you will not be displeased at what we have said to you.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as
+follows:
+
+“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted to
+have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother proposed
+the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers, we were
+glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.
+
+“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason why
+we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last season we
+went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P----, showed us a paper which
+came from the President, which stated that he wanted his brothers, the
+Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep the First-day
+of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their books. He told
+us that Congress had made an appropriation for the purpose of improving
+the condition of the Indians, and he wished to know whether they would
+accept it. We told the agent we had the Quakers living beside us, with
+whom we were satisfied; and if any help came from the President, we
+wished it to come through the Quakers. Our agent told us, the Quakers,
+he knew were friends to us; they have property of their own to help
+you. Congress has also appropriated money to assist you, and you should
+leave it to the President to dispose of that, as he thinks best for
+your benefit. We, therefore, concluded to pay attention to both the
+Quakers and the President, and have friends of both. We saw that many
+of the different nations of Indians were becoming civilized, and that
+the Seneca nation still remained in their old habits. We saw that the
+Quakers and the ministers, (meaning missionaries,) both observed the
+First-day. We concluded, as they did so, it must be an appointment
+of the Great Spirit to keep that day holy. We then thought, that as
+he had appointed it we must observe it also. Some of our people were
+wicked. They stole, and committed many bad actions. We thought we
+would endeavour to have our children instructed, while young, which
+would be better for them. We have been told, the world had been made a
+long time, when the Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into
+the world, and wished that knowledge might be spread among mankind.
+Your brothers have often told us, there was but one God over all--we,
+therefore, thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour
+to christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who
+were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased with it,
+and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And after a while,
+a minister came along, and wanted to know if they wished to hear
+him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded that when a
+minister came of his own accord, if he was a good man, he ought to be
+heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst us and preach to us
+steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister that our children
+could not understand. But we rather concluded to have some of our own
+people to give good advice to our children, on First-day, that they
+might improve and grow better. Some of our people have often heard of
+the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought it was right for us to
+keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read to, out of the Bible.
+The ministers who come here are different from our friends the Quakers.
+They are only travellers. Our friends the Quakers have given us a
+writing on parchment, stating that they would never bring any charge
+against us for what they have done.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the
+necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and
+offered to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a
+school house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply,
+stated, that on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing
+to have their children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a
+house for that purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages
+they had already received from the instruction of Friends, and among
+other things said,
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the use
+of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,
+and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious
+habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute of
+many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference in our
+people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may be slowly.
+
+“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in
+each of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your
+advices put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat
+with their brothers in order to reclaim them.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends would
+retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an answer. In
+about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council house, and
+after informing them that (although they were divided in some things,)
+they were glad they were of one mind about the education of their
+children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness, they might
+inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish them with a
+teacher.
+
+They were then presented with the following observations in writing, as
+the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided
+and critical situation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their design
+was to improve your condition--to teach you to build more comfortable
+houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable
+you to raise and support more cattle--to educate your children, and to
+advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.
+
+“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the
+assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship
+him--and although it is our practice to meet together to worship
+him, yet we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in
+religion. We think it right that every man should follow the teachings
+of the Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would
+always lead him in the right path.
+
+“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,
+and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you back in
+your improvements, it will make you weak--it is contrary to all right
+religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”
+
+  Signed, SAMUEL BETTLE.
+          WILLIAM NEWBOLD.
+          HALLIDAY JACKSON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply
+to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation
+of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice
+of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it
+was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to
+enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly
+to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own
+hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without
+the teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this
+principle, it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by
+degrees they would come to see more light.
+
+This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed
+them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as they had
+ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the other.
+
+From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that
+their difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the
+missionary system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so
+called, and inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could
+not comprehend, and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard
+to religion had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the
+observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and
+fundamental points,--while others, jealous of the encroachments of
+missionaries on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister
+motives in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the
+whites in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to
+their old Indian customs, in this respect.
+
+From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had some
+further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of their
+children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to having
+a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it, and
+expressed strong desires that a school might again be established among
+them.
+
+While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by the
+son of the ancient _Guy-us-hu-ta_, mentioned in the early part of this
+narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business--was fifty-six years
+of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and
+never had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had
+twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.
+
+These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may be
+noted to their credit.
+
+Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of
+their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property,
+yet the practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was
+becoming more frequent among them. In several instances they had
+applied to Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped,
+would open their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions,
+and in time, Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended,
+of dividing their land.
+
+The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced
+teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting
+them in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them
+instruction in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who
+had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest
+progress in the arts of civilized life.
+
+In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their
+principal chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of
+Philadelphia, instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s
+trade, returned to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced
+his business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a
+great accommodation to the Indians.
+
+The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to be
+a source of uneasiness to the Indians--as _they_ urged the necessity of
+having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,
+to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when
+the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as
+well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.
+
+In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account
+of the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the
+schoolmaster, who resided among them, which will exhibit the
+improvements made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause
+of regret that the account was not completed--there being about forty
+families more, which were not included.
+
+The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account
+was taken.
+
+Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.--Has about twenty acres of cleared
+land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes--about
+forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit--three cows, four
+calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one
+plough, and one wagon.
+
+William Platt, 30 years of age.--Fifteen acres of cleared land--a
+considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of
+potatoes, one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.
+
+Levi Halftown, blacksmith.--Nine and a half acres of land cleared--one
+yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox chains,
+seven hogs and eight pigs.
+
+Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.--Has twelve children
+by one wife, with whom he still lives--twenty acres of cleared land,
+seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke of
+oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number
+of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.
+
+Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient
+Guy-us-hu-ta.--Eight acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four
+of mowing grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs
+and pigs, and one plough.
+
+John Jemison, 24 years old.--Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres
+of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen
+hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one
+yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of
+land, twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per
+acre--has put up a new barn fifty feet long--made new fence to enclose
+six acres of land the present season.
+
+Big Jacob, 50 years old.--Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five
+acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three
+yoke of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs;
+has sown one bushel of wheat this fall.
+
+Moses Pierce, aged 32.--Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a half
+of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half
+of hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five
+hogs and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.
+
+John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.--Twenty acres of cleared land,
+raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,
+four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.
+
+Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.--Has begun a new improvement in
+the woods, and has about three acres cleared--parted with his old
+field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half
+an acre of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of
+steers, one cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.
+
+Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.--Fourteen acres of land,
+five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of
+wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,
+one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.
+
+Billy, 50 years old.--Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of
+potatoes, one cow, one calf, and three hogs.
+
+William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.--Eleven acres of land,
+raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,
+one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.
+
+Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.--Eighteen acres of
+land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one
+and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two
+cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.
+
+Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.--Fourteen acres of
+land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of
+corn, three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of
+potatoes, one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two
+cows, one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall
+five hogs--one plough, one cart and log chains.
+
+John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.--Had last year two acres
+of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.
+
+Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land,
+three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and
+killed three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three
+of oats, half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.
+
+Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.--Five and a half acres
+of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,--corn, oats, and
+potatoes, quantity not mentioned.
+
+James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.--Thirteen and a half
+acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of
+meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains
+and sled.
+
+Blue Eyes.--Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of wheat,
+three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two and a
+half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves, four
+hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &c.
+
+John Watt, 35 years old.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of
+potatoes, four hogs, twenty-six pigs.
+
+Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.--Three acres of land, two cattle, and
+three pigs.
+
+Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.--Five acres of land, three
+acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of
+beans, and four hogs.
+
+Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.--Eight acres of land, three of corn,
+two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven
+cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.
+
+Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.--Fourteen acres of land, five
+acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen
+head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.
+
+William Halftown, aged 26.--Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten
+of which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars
+per acre for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half
+meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some
+bearing apple-trees.
+
+John Bone, 33 years old.--Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of
+meadow, four cattle, one plough.
+
+George Silverheels, 43 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land, eight
+head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,
+one of oats, one and a half of meadow--has lately commenced a new
+improvement.
+
+John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.--Five acres of land,
+mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.
+
+Bucktooth, 55 years old.--Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of
+corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.
+
+Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.--Eleven acres of land,
+three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one
+and a half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one
+plough--has put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.
+
+Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.--Four acres of corn, one
+and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow,
+about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.
+
+David Halftown.--Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats, one
+of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen, two
+cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.
+
+Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of
+potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,
+and one plough.
+
+William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.--Four acres of corn,
+two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had
+about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and
+fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine
+with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.
+They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one hundred
+and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of swine. But
+little account is given of their improvements in building--this having
+been heretofore noticed in this work.
+
+In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by
+Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany
+settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having
+been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several
+years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of his
+time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by
+an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in the
+rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the
+time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory
+evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who
+resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some
+of the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year,
+notwithstanding the existence of various difficulties in relation to
+the prosecution of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and
+attention to business continued to be apparent with many of the natives.
+
+In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,
+whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the natives
+had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further
+instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which
+females are commonly engaged.
+
+The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,
+having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,
+with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and
+proceeded to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with
+the two Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A
+school was established for the instruction of young females, and in
+1826 the accounts were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian
+girls in their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other
+employments adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also
+regularly attended, and their conduct satisfactory. Between school
+hours, they were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or
+otherwise in the shop at some mechanical business; and the regular
+industrious habits thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it
+was evident, would have a beneficial effect in the formation of their
+future character.
+
+From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians
+at the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that
+eighty families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals,
+possessed four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight
+horses, three hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine
+acres of improved land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included;
+two hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with
+corn, forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one
+hundred and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and
+divers sorts of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging
+circumstances in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the
+schools of both sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this
+people might be essentially and permanently benefitted by the labour of
+Friends, yet their situation, at this period, was particularly trying,
+and critical, from the great liability to be dispossessed of their
+possessions. The continued applications in various ways of _those_
+claiming the pre-emption right, and the evident influence _they_ were
+gradually making on the minds of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness
+to others more considerate and reflecting among them, and their fears
+in this respect soon became realized; for the Seneca nation, finally,
+were induced to part with large bodies of their lands in different
+places to the pre-emption holders. These sales (the amount of which
+I have not ascertained) were parts of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and
+Tonewanta reservations, and some smaller reservations near the Genessee
+river. The reservation at Alleghany, where the greatest improvements
+in agriculture were made, remained in the hands of the Indians; and
+could this avaricious disposition on the part of the whites to obtain
+their land be here restrained, and the natives left in the undisturbed
+possession of their _rightful inheritance_, the Seneca nation have yet
+a sufficiency of land to accommodate their numbers, and with industry
+and care, in pursuing their agricultural labours, they might obtain all
+the necessary comforts of life.
+
+The progress made by the Indians at the Cattaraugus settlement, and
+the favourable situation of their land for cultivation, with proper
+attention on their part, had induced Friends to withdraw their aid
+for several years past, as it regarded an instructor among them. And
+the settlement, having been now continued among the Indians at the
+Alleghany for about thirty years, it was believed the time was nearly
+come to withdraw from them; and, accordingly, the Friends residing at
+Tunesassa, returned home in the year 1828, and left the Indians to
+improve on the instructions already received from the long and arduous
+labours of the society of Friends.
+
+Having no official means at command, of obtaining correct information
+of their real situation at present, I am not able to bring this account
+to as satisfactory a close as would be desirable; but from the best
+information I can obtain on the subject, it appears, that the Indians
+continue to progress in agricultural pursuits, and in some of the
+mechanic arts; and some of their own people have kept schools for the
+instruction of the youth.
+
+But it is also said, that the constant pressure upon them to obtain
+their land, affords strong ground to fear, that their former sales were
+only a prelude to their parting with the remainder, at no very distant
+period.
+
+It is, however, a consoling reflection to the society of Friends, that
+they have extended a benevolent hand to this poor, degraded, and much
+injured people; and even should they finally be induced to part with,
+and relinquish the remnants of their present possession, and migrate
+to a more distant clime, the instruction they have already received in
+the mechanic arts, together with their knowledge of agriculture, will
+greatly contribute to their happiness and comfort, in the land in which
+they may settle, and not only so, but the benefits resulting from their
+knowledge of civilized habits be extended to more distant and savage
+tribes.
+
+In concluding this account of the proceedings of Friends of the
+Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia, it may be proper to state, that many
+individuals, both male and female, from an apprehension of duty,
+have, at different periods, devoted many years of their time to the
+instruction of the natives, and have had the consoling evidence of
+peace for their labours. But as this benevolent work could not be
+accomplished, without very considerable expense to the society,
+voluntary subscriptions were raised, at different periods, to a large
+amount, in which it is but just to acknowledge, that the society of
+Friends in England, feeling a lively interest in this righteous work,
+liberally contributed to a fund for that purpose, which the Yearly
+Meeting of New York and Baltimore partook of, for the purpose of aiding
+them in extending their benevolent views, in promoting civilization
+among various tribes, and of whose proceedings therein, a short account
+will be here subjoined.
+
+    _A brief account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly
+    Meeting of New York, in promoting civilization among the Indians,
+    residing in that state._
+
+It will be seen in the early part of this narrative, that Friends of
+the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania, first promoted a settlement among
+the Oneida nation living near the Mohawk river, in the state of New
+York. They also extended some aid to the Stockbridges, and some other
+tribes in that quarter. This attention was continued from the spring
+of 1796, till about the close of the year 1799, when Friends withdrew
+from them; and the Yearly Meeting of New York, being actuated by the
+same benevolent motives to improve the condition of the aboriginal
+inhabitants, appointed a committee for that special purpose, who
+sent instructors among them, and continued to aid and assist them in
+agricultural pursuits, in some of the mechanic arts, and in school
+learning, for many years. But as I have not at command the means
+of furnishing a particular account of the gradual advancement made
+in the civilized arts among those Indians, I can only say, that in
+the prosecution of the work, Friends have had many difficulties to
+encounter; and the Indians have frequently been disturbed and harassed,
+by the same covetous spirit, that so frequently annoyed the Seneca
+nation, in order to dispossess them of their land. In consequence of
+this many of the tribes have been induced to sell and remove far to the
+westward.
+
+By the kindness of a Friend in New York, I have been furnished with
+an account of some of the more recent transactions of the society of
+Friends, towards the Indians. He states some of the difficulties to
+which the Indians are subjected, by the officious interference of a
+_proselyting spirit_, which has much agitated several of the tribes,
+and created parties and animosities among them. The ultimate object
+appears to be, to unsettle them in their present possessions, and
+eventually to induce them to abandon the rightful inheritance of their
+fathers.
+
+It appears from the account, that the Onondaga tribe are the only
+Indians at present under the care of the Yearly Meeting of New York;
+and the only tribe in that state united among themselves, and exempt
+from a party under the influence of a blind missionary zeal--desirous
+to relinquish their present possessions and emigrate. But a few years
+ago the Onondaga’s were an indolent, drunken people, and desirous of
+moving to the westward, but as they have in a good degree embraced
+the counsel of Friends, become industrious, and availed themselves of
+their local advantages, and tasted the sweets of their labour from the
+produce of the soil, a radical change has been effected among them.
+
+This tribe has for seven or eight years past been under the particular
+care and superintendence of Adin T. Corey, as agent for the committee
+of the Yearly Meeting; and being well qualified for the important
+trust, and feeling his mind devoted to it, the Indians have reposed
+great confidence in him, and distinguished him by the name of ‘Oatnus,’
+and consider him as their benefactor, as will be seen in the following
+speech.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Onondaga, Fourth mo. 27, 1829.
+  “To the committee of the Yearly Meeting of New York, on Indian
+  concerns._
+
+“Brothers--Oatnus, our brother, told us he was going to New York to
+attend the great council--and we thought good to send you a talk, to
+let you know our minds. First, we thank you for all your goodness in
+giving us the many useful things you have given us, for our benefit,
+and we thank the Great Spirit, who in his unspeakable mercy put it into
+your hearts to take us by the hand, and pity our condition; but most
+of all, that he put it into your hearts and the heart of our brother
+Oatnus, to come and live amongst us.
+
+“Brothers, he has been a wall about us, that in a great measure has
+fenced out the encroachments of our white neighbours. When he speaks,
+the white people hear, and they do not cheat us as they used to do.
+
+“Brothers, he has improved our condition much every way. When he
+came among us, we were hungry and almost naked, but now we are more
+comfortable. Our lands lay common, and were running up with bushes--now
+there are many of them fenced and well cultivated, yielding an
+abundant supply of food for our people. Our young men, women, and
+children were running about doing no good--now, most of them are
+diligently and profitably employed. One of our young men has learned
+to work pretty well at blacksmithing--three lads have learned to make
+good shoes--our young women, most of them, can spin, knit, and sew,
+and some of them can weave. Oatnus has also transacted most of our
+business--made many bargains, and handled much of our money, and done
+all well--not one shilling sticks in his pocket--he has fed our hungry
+children, clothed our naked, and helped us when we were sick--when he
+came we were divided, now we are united--when there is war he makes
+peace--when he speaks our young men hear and keep mostly out of bad
+company--our farming begins to flourish, and although we have made much
+improvement, we still want a head--we cannot go alone, and if you leave
+us now, it will be like making us a very valuable present, and taking
+it away again.
+
+“Brothers, remember, when our brother Oatnus come, we were wild and
+ignorant respecting business, and it must necessarily take a good while
+to tame a whole nation.
+
+“Brothers, our brother told us, our school was so thinly attended, he
+thought it would be best to drop it till winter, but we are unwilling
+it should stop, for fear our children will go back--we wish you to
+keep it going--some of us have been negligent in sending our children,
+but we will endeavour to be more diligent in the future, if we can be
+favoured with it.
+
+“Brothers, our very tried brother is growing old, and through abundance
+of labour and fatigue has grown feeble, having been sick a good deal,
+and cannot do as he used to do, yet we are not willing to part with
+him, we want him to stay enough with us, to oversee our business,
+manage our affairs, and sit with us in council.
+
+“Brothers, we still want to go on in improvement, and as our young
+man that has learned to work at smithing, has taken to farming in the
+summer season, we therefore want to get a sober goodly man, to come
+and set up his trade among us, and take some of our boys and learn
+them the trade. We also want a wagon maker, and a cooper of the above
+description, and for the same purpose, and we believe it might be done
+with very little expense to our brothers, if Oatnus stays with us a
+part of the time, and has the management of our affairs; for we have
+abundance of materials to carry on the two last mentioned trades, and
+part of the first; and our circumstances are very different now from
+what they were when he first came amongst us.
+
+“Brothers, we have concluded to build a saw-mill this season, among
+ourselves.
+
+“Brothers, it makes our hearts sick when we look abroad and see our
+Oneida and Seneca brethren, who have got the blackcoats and hungry
+mouths among them--for there is nothing but contention, spite, and
+animosity, and no business that is profitable--and we thank the Great
+Spirit that has sent us peace--sweet peace and no blackcoats.
+
+“Brothers, may the Great Spirit preside over your councils--make
+you love one another, remember your real brethren and do much good.
+Farewell.”
+
+  Signed by the chiefs and some of the warriors.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the foregoing speech the committee on Indian affairs made the
+following reply:
+
+“Brothers, we have received by the hands of brother Oatnus your
+communication to us, and it has made our hearts glad; and, that our
+brothers and sisters of the Great council might hear it, we gave it
+to them to read, and it made their hearts glad also, and greatly
+to rejoice, to hear from you and to hear that Oatnus did well with
+you--and that you listened to his voice.
+
+“Brothers, we cannot tell you how much we want you to improve in all
+things--we know you cannot do every thing at once, but we want you to
+hearken to our counsel--we love you--we desire your good, and that you
+may increase and leave a good name behind you, when the Great Spirit
+shall take you away.
+
+“Brothers, remember we can only counsel you for good--if you take our
+counsel the Great Spirit will help you.
+
+“Brothers, you have now witnessed a little of the rewards of the
+Good Spirit, in taking our counsel and the counsel of our brother
+Oatnus--our counsel to you is, that you continue to improve as you have
+begun.
+
+“Brothers, be sober, be industrious--love to improve yourselves, and
+the Great Spirit will bountifully assist you.
+
+“Brothers, we want you to mind the Great Spirit, to be industrious--to
+try to learn yourselves--to keep out of bad company--to avoid strong
+drink--to counsel with brother Oatnus, who will never deceive you, but
+counsel you for your good.”
+
+  Signed, &c.
+
+_Fifth mo. 29, 1828._
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By a report of the committee on Indian affairs dated the twenty-seventh
+of the Fifth-month, 1830, and presented to the Yearly Meeting held in
+the same month, it appears that during the past year, the Onondaga
+tribe have received their care and attention as heretofore, and that
+those Indians are realizing in an unprecedented manner, the fruits of
+their own industry, being stimulated and encouraged, by the care which
+Friends have extended towards them, for a few years past, which affords
+great cause for encouragement. There is a striking contrast between
+their situation now, and what it was seven years ago, when their only
+buildings were two small barns, and a few inferior huts. The lands
+which they then had cleared, were very imperfectly cultivated, and the
+state and quality as well as quantity of their stock, as also teams
+and utensils of husbandry of every kind, were correspondent. Since
+that time, they have greatly increased their quantity of cleared land;
+this season they had about three hundred acres of wheat--their crops
+are more abundant, furnishing more than a supply for their people. The
+fencing and arrangement of their fields are farmer-like and judicious.
+The number of their barns is increased to about twenty--their teams
+of horses and oxen, are numerous and efficient--they are pretty well
+supplied with wagons, harness, ploughs, and other farming utensils,
+and these articles are kept in tolerable repair. Many of their present
+dwellings, though small, are comfortable frame buildings, and their
+household furniture consists mostly of useful and plain articles--such
+as are used in civilized life.
+
+On a good mill stream within their territory, which consists
+of a reservation of about ten thousand acres, the committee’s
+superintendent, during the past year, aided by the individual labour of
+the Indians, raised a substantial dam, and by a discreet dispensation
+of their resources, and by a general economy introduced among them, has
+collected about five hundred dollars, which defrayed the expenses of
+erecting a good saw-mill, which the Indians find to be highly useful
+and productive.
+
+As the same stream furnished an eligible site for a grist-mill, at no
+great distance from those improvements, and as the reducing of their
+grain into meal for this tribe, was performed by the manual labour of
+the women in a great measure, the committee were encouraged to believe,
+that as they duly appreciated the benefits resulting from their newly
+erected saw-mill, and from the increased display of mechanical genius,
+industry, and method among them, the time was not far distant when
+further and more useful improvements will be made by themselves,
+calculated to raise their habits in domestic and civilized life, and
+elevate their minds to a steady pursuit of their more substantial
+happiness and welfare.
+
+The committee not having been able to comply with the Indians’ request,
+made in their speech two years ago, for a blacksmith, wagon maker, and
+cooper to be placed among them, as no suitable persons had offered
+for that purpose, and also the school having been dropped, that had
+formerly been kept, and in a flourishing condition among them, partly
+for want of sufficient funds to continue a permanent teacher, these
+subjects were again suggested to the Yearly Meeting, with an earnest
+wish to inspire in the minds of Friends a feeling that might prove
+beneficial in promoting these desirable objects.
+
+Notwithstanding this concern, to meliorate the condition of the
+Indians, has been prosecuted for many years by the committee, with at
+times, but little evidence of good resulting to these people, from
+their labours, yet from more recent developments evinced from the
+latter experience and research of the committee, though the prospect
+is an arduous one, it presents encouragement, and the field of labour
+is brightening, as the hidden causes of past obstructions present
+themselves.
+
+The committee say in their report, “It appears that many associations
+are formed in this country, and some of them under the denomination
+of benevolent and religious; all apparently well disposed, and even
+anxious to promote the good and the happiness of these original
+proprietors of the soil. Yet unhappily for these, the means resorted
+to, to advance their prosperity, have (in too many instances) been
+elevated above their comprehensions, and not adapted to their wants,
+their habits, and their religious views. From a zeal beyond knowledge,
+to benefit these people, agents and missionaries have been settled
+among them, patronized by these associations, little qualified to
+inspire their confidence and respect, and in their zealous pretensions
+to christianize, previous to properly instructing in the arts of
+civilized life, they produce discouragement and incalculable injury,
+divisions and dissentions; and in the language of the Indians
+themselves, ‘quarrelling and contention, spite and animosity, and no
+business that is profitable.’
+
+“Since the Onondaga tribe has been under the care of the committee,
+the missionaries have been inclined to leave them to the care of
+Friends. And this tribe, which a few years ago was divided and full of
+dissention, is restored to union and harmony, and there is a laudable
+feeling springing up among them, and an increased desire to become
+introduced into, and firmly fixed in the habits of civilization.”
+
+The committee, in time past, having extended some care to several
+tribes of the Seneca nation west of the Genessee river, are of the
+opinion that essential and lasting good might, by that care being
+further extended, result to those people. To show the desire of the
+Indians herein, the following speech of a principal chief, on behalf of
+a large majority of the Indians, in the state of New York, presented in
+the last winter, was laid before the Yearly Meeting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _New York, January_ 20, 1830.
+
+“_To the society of Friends of the city of New York._
+
+“At the treaty of Philadelphia with William Penn and the Six Nations,
+we considered William Penn as a friend to us, not wishing to cheat
+us out of our lands, but to pay us a full value for them. Since that
+time, the society of Friends have treated us very kindly--they have
+never shown a disposition to wrong us out of our lands, but seemed to
+wish to cultivate friendship with us, and to let us have our rights
+and privileges--and to enjoy our own religion. But there are certain
+persons residing among us, at present, who we believe have a different
+object. They say they have been sent by the Great Spirit, but we do not
+think the Great Spirit would send people among us, to cheat us out of
+our lands, and to cause disturbance to arise amongst us, which has made
+a division in our nation. No, we do not think the Great Spirit sent the
+blackcoat’s among us for any such purpose. There is at present five
+thousand of our people and upwards, who wish the society of Friends to
+send a suitable person among us, to teach our young men how to till
+the ground, and our young women the art of domestic manufactures, and
+our children to read and write. If our friends feel disposed to comply
+with our wishes, we shall be happy to receive them, and will cause all
+necessary buildings to be erected for their use--we think by having
+this plan carried into effect, the nation once more would be united,
+and become a happy people.”
+
+  Your friend,
+             his
+  Signed, Red X Jacket.
+             mark
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Although the way has not yet opened to comply with the request in the
+foregoing communication, the committee were encouraged to persevere in
+their services the present year, in rendering such aid for the benefit
+of this poor afflicted people, as the limited means within their power
+would, under the direction of best wisdom enable them to do.
+
+
+_Some account of the proceedings of Friends of Baltimore Yearly
+Meeting._
+
+This concern for improving the condition of our red brethren, having
+been opened and spread in the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall
+of 1795, and the minds of Friends being much united, and actuated by
+benevolent motives to promote this desirable object, referred the same
+to a special committee, to proceed therein as way might open, to render
+essential service to these aboriginal inhabitants. Accordingly their
+attention was turned to some of the Indian tribes north-west of the
+river Ohio, and a deputation was delegated to visit the Shawaneese,
+Delawares, Wyandots and such other natives in those parts as they might
+find practicable. They proceeded thereon, in the summer of 1796, after
+having first obtained the approbation of the general government.
+
+When they arrived at the forks of the Muskingum river, where they
+had been informed a considerable number of Indians were collected,
+they found to their great disappointment, that the chiefs and hunters
+were dispersed: and it not appearing practicable to convene them at
+that time, to have a suitable conference with them, they returned
+without accomplishing the object of their visit. They, however, saw
+divers hunters and others, who appeared well disposed to receive the
+instruction and assistance which Friends proposed to furnish them.
+
+In the spring of 1797, three Friends again proceeded to that country on
+an embassy, to inquire into the real situation of the Indian tribes; in
+the course of which visit, having passed by a number of their hunting
+camps and several of their towns, they had a large opportunity of
+discovering their destitute condition, often exposed to the inclemency
+of the weather, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply
+of food and clothing. They suffered all the miseries of extreme
+poverty, in a country which from its great fertility, would, with but
+little cultivation, supply them abundantly with all the necessaries of
+life.
+
+These Friends had opportunities with some of the chiefs and hunters of
+the Wyandot and Delaware nations, in which they informed them of the
+views of the society of Friends, relative to their improvement; and
+endeavoured to impress on their minds the advantages they would derive,
+from permitting to be introduced among their people, a knowledge of
+agriculture, and some of the most useful mechanic arts.
+
+The Indians were attentive to their communications, and promised to lay
+these matters before their grand council, and inform Friends of their
+conclusions on the subject.
+
+As no way opened during the year 1798, for carrying the object of the
+Yearly Meeting into effect, but little was done, more than furnishing
+a few implements of husbandry, and some assistance to a few Indian
+families, situated upon the branches of the Tuskarawee’s river.
+
+In the Second month 1799, the committee received a speech and belt
+of wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandot nation,
+delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth month preceding, of which the
+following is an extract.
+
+“Brethren Quakers--you remember we once met at a certain place. When we
+had there met, a great many good things were said, and much friendship
+was professed between us.
+
+“Brothers, you told us at that time that you not only took us by the
+hand, but that you held us fast by the arm; that you then formed a
+chain of friendship. You said that it was not a chain of iron; but that
+it was a chain of precious metal, a chain of silver that would never
+get rusty; and that this chain would bind us in brotherly affection for
+ever.
+
+“Brethren, listen. We have often heard that you were a good and a
+faithful people--ever ready to do justice, and good to all men without
+distinction of colour--therefore, we love you the more sincerely,
+because of the goodness of your hearts, which has been talked of among
+our nation long since.
+
+“Brethren, listen. You have informed us that you intended to visit us.
+Yes, that even in our tents and cabins you will take us by the hand.
+You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt, but that we would be very happy to
+see you.
+
+“Brethren, listen. It is but proper to inform you at this time, that
+when you do come forward to see us, you will no doubt pass by my place
+of residence, at Sandusky. I will then take you not only by the hand,
+but by the arm, and will conduct you safe to the _grand council fire_
+of our great Sasteretsey, where all good things are transacted, and
+where nothing bad is permitted to appear. When in the grand council of
+our Sasteretsey we will then sit down together in peace and friendship,
+as brethren are accustomed to do, after a long absence, and remind
+each other, and talk of those things that took place between our good
+grandfathers, when they first met upon our lands--upon this great
+island.
+
+“Brethren, may the Great Spirit, the master of light and life, so
+dispose the hearts and minds of all our nations and people, that the
+calamities of war may never more be felt or known by any of them--that
+our roads and paths may never more be stained with the blood of our
+young warriors--and that our helpless women and children may live in
+peace and happiness.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On considering the foregoing communication, some Friends were deputed
+to make them a visit, and to afford such assistance as they might be
+enabled to render. They accordingly proceeded with an intention of
+being at their general council, and arrived on the third of the Sixth
+month at upper Sandusky, the principal village of the Wyandots, where
+they were received by Tarhie (the crane,) and others of that nation.
+
+On their arrival there, it appeared a mistake had been made in the
+translation of the speech the Indians had sent to Friends, respecting
+the time of opening their great council, to which Friends had been
+invited. They were now informed that it began annually at the full
+moon in the Sixth month.
+
+Finding it would be difficult to procure food for themselves and
+horses there, until that time, the committee concluded it best to
+have a conference with Tarhie and other chiefs who were then in the
+neighbourhood of Sandusky, which was accordingly agreed to. At the time
+appointed they met at Tarhie’s house, with several other chiefs, and a
+number of hunters, when they had a full opportunity with them, on the
+subject of their visit.
+
+Their communication appeared to be received with great satisfaction by
+the Indians, and in their answer, delivered on some strings of wampum,
+they expressed the gratitude they felt for the care and friendship,
+which their beloved brethren the Quakers had always manifested for
+the Indians, and promised as soon as the grand council met, that they
+should communicate fully to it, respecting the concern which the
+society felt for their improvement, and inform Friends by a written
+speech of their conclusion thereon.
+
+Whilst these Friends were at Sandusky and other villages, their minds
+were deeply affected under the sorrowful considerations of the baneful
+effects of spirituous liquors upon the Indians, who were at that time
+supplied with it in almost every village, by Canadian traders, residing
+amongst them--and they were confirmed in the opinion, that unless these
+traders could be restrained from furnishing them with this destructive
+article, in exchange for their skins and furs, they could not easily
+be persuaded to turn their minds towards agriculture and the mechanic
+arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, the great affection they
+have for the society of Friends, manifested on all occasions whilst
+the committee were with them, induced them to hope that Friends would
+endeavour to keep under the weight of the concern, and be prepared to
+proceed in the benevolent work whenever way might open, for further
+service amongst them.
+
+In the year 1800 and 1801, no personal interview was had by Friends
+with those Indians. In the year 1802, the Little Turtle, Five Medals,
+and several other principal chiefs of the Miami and Pottawatomie
+nations passed through Baltimore, on their way to visit the President
+of the United States, when the committee had a conference with them, in
+which the view’s of Friends were fully opened, and they were informed
+of the great discouragement Friends had met with, in carrying their
+benevolent designs into effect, from the intemperate and destructive
+use of spirituous liquor amongst the Indians, which was found to be the
+greatest obstacle in the way of their profiting by the aid which the
+society had been desirous of giving them.
+
+The Little Turtle in reply, made a very pathetic and impressive speech
+upon this subject, from which the following is extracted.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers and friends--When our forefathers first met on this island,
+your red brethren were very numerous. But since the introduction of
+what you call spirituous liquors amongst us, and what we think may
+justly be called _poison_, our numbers are greatly diminished. It has
+destroyed a great part of your red brethren.
+
+“My brothers and friends--we plainly perceive that you see the very
+evil which destroys your red brethren; it is not an evil of our own
+making; we have not placed it amongst ourselves; it is an evil placed
+amongst us by the white people. We look to them to remove it out of
+our country. We tell them, brethren, fetch us useful things, bring
+goods that will clothe us, our women and our children, and not this
+evil liquor that destroys our reason--that destroys our health--that
+destroys our lives. But all we can say on this subject is of no
+service--it gives no relief to your red brethren.
+
+“My brothers and friends--I rejoice to find that you agree in opinion
+with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of service to us in
+removing this great evil out of our country; an evil which has had so
+much room in it, and has destroyed so many of our lives, that it causes
+our young men to say, ‘we had better be at war with the white people;
+this liquor which they introduce into our country, is more to be feared
+than the gun and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead since the
+treaty of Grenville, than we lost by the six years war before. It is
+all owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us.’
+
+“Brothers, when our young men have been out hunting and are returning
+home loaded with skins and furs, on their way, if it happens that they
+come along where some of this liquor is deposited, the white man who
+sells it, tells them to take a little drink. Some of them will say no,
+I do not want it; they go on till they come to another house, where
+they find more of the same kind of drink; it is there offered again;
+they refuse, and again the third time; but finally the fourth or fifth
+time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink, and getting one he wants
+another, and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have left him.
+After his reason comes back again to him, when he gets up and finds
+where he is--he asks for his peltry--the answer is, ‘You have drank
+them’--Where is my gun? ‘It is gone’--Where is my shirt? ‘You have sold
+it for whiskey!’ Now brothers, figure to yourselves what condition this
+man must be in. He has a family at home--a wife and children who stand
+in need of the profits of his hunting. What must be their wants, when
+he himself is even without a shirt.”
+
+These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at the assistance Friends
+proposed to render them, and in reply to that part of their
+communication, observed, ‘that it was their anxious wish to engage in
+the culture of their lands, for although the game was not so scarce but
+that they could get enough to eat, yet they were sensible it was daily
+diminishing, and that the time was not far distant, when they would be
+compelled to take hold of such tools, as they saw in the hands of the
+white people.’
+
+The committee, from their former experience, being of the judgment,
+that no great progress could be made in the civilization of the
+Indians while they were so abundantly supplied with distilled spirits,
+concluded to address congress on the subject. Their memorial was
+favourably received, and a law passed, which in some measure provided
+a remedy for the evil.
+
+As it now appeared to the committee, that the principal obstruction
+to agriculture amongst the Indians was removed, they were encouraged
+to proceed in their undertaking. They accordingly provided a number
+of implements of husbandry, such as ploughs, hoes, axes, &c. &c.
+which were forwarded and immediately distributed, as a present from
+the society of Friends. These things were thankfully received by the
+Indians.
+
+A letter in the summer of 1803, from the agent for Indian affairs at
+Fort Wayne, informed, that ‘since there had been no spirituous liquor
+in the Indian country, they appeared very industrious, and turned
+their attention to raising stock.’ This agent also expressed as his
+opinion, “that the suppression of spirituous liquors in that country,
+was the most beneficial measure which had ever been adopted for them,
+by the United States--that there had not been one Indian killed in
+that neighbourhood for a year--and that in no preceding year since the
+treaty of Grenville, had there been less than ten killed, and in some
+years as many as thirty.” The agent further added, “that the Indians
+appeared very desirous of procuring for themselves, the necessaries
+of life, _in our way_, but say they do not know how to begin. Some of
+their old men say, “the white people want for nothing.” We wish them to
+show us how to provide the many good things we see amongst them, if it
+is their wish to instruct us in their way of living as they tell us it
+is, we wish them to make haste and do it, for we are old and must die
+soon; but we wish to see before we die, our women and children in that
+path, that will lead them to happiness.
+
+At the same time, a letter was received from the Little Turtle, and
+Five Medals, in which they expressed a wish that some Friends would
+visit their country. The committee, therefore, deputed some of their
+number for that purpose. They were authorized to procure one or more
+suitable persons to reside amongst the Indians, for the purpose of
+teaching them agriculture and other useful knowledge, as far as it
+should appear practicable.
+
+In Second month 1804, two of the deputation proceeded to Fort Wayne,
+accompanied by Philip Dennis, who had offered his services to go with
+them, and remain with the Indians during the summer, for the purpose
+of instructing them in husbandry. They took with them two horses to be
+employed in ploughing, &c.
+
+They arrived at Fort Wayne in the latter end of the Third month, and
+soon after, convened several of their chiefs in a council with them; a
+future day was fixed upon for the committee to meet them, with as many
+of their old men, and their women and children as could be assembled.
+Their chiefs previously requested, that whatever matter Friends might
+have to communicate to the Indians, should be written down, in order
+that they might lay it before the grand council in the Sixth month
+following, to the attendance of which, they pressingly invited the
+committee.
+
+On the day appointed, being met by a considerable number of the
+natives, the committee presented them with a written address, from
+which, though all excellent, and well calculated to impress the
+Indians’ minds with the importance of adhering to their counsel, we
+shall, for brevity, content ourselves with extracting some of the most
+material parts, as follows:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the Great Spirit,
+that he has brought us safely to the country of our red brethren, and
+protected us through our journey. We also rejoice, that he has given us
+this opportunity of seeing you and of taking you by the hand.
+
+“Brothers, we had for some time entertained apprehensions that the
+many changes that were taking place in circumstances, must greatly
+change the situation of our red brethren, and that the time was fast
+approaching when it would be necessary for them to alter their mode of
+living.
+
+“Brothers, after our talk with the chiefs, (alluding to the Little
+Turtle and others whom we have just mentioned,) we were fully convinced
+that the time was come, in which our red brethren ought to begin to
+cultivate their lands. That they ought to raise corn and other grain,
+also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other animals. We then proposed to
+afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of the proposal,
+and informed us, that many of their people were disposed to turn their
+attention to the cultivation of the earth--they also expressed a desire
+to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore.
+
+“Brothers, it is for this purpose that we have now come, and we again
+repeat, we rejoice that we have this opportunity of seeing you, and
+taking you by the hand.
+
+“Brothers, in coming into the country of our red brethren, we have come
+with our _eyes open_. And although we are affected with sorrow, in
+believing that many of the red people suffer much for the want of food
+and clothing, yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing that it
+has pleased the Great Spirit to give you a rich and valuable country.
+Because we know, that it is out of the earth that food and clothing
+come. We are sure, brothers, that with but little labour and attention,
+you may raise much more corn and other grain than will be necessary for
+yourselves, your women and children; and that you may also with great
+ease, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs and other valuable
+animals, than will be necessary for your own use. We are also confident
+that if you will pursue our method in the cultivation of your land, you
+will live in much greater ease and plenty, and with much less fatigue
+and toil, than attend hunting for a subsistence.
+
+“Brothers, it will lead you to have fixed homes--you will build
+comfortable dwelling houses for yourselves, your women and children,
+where you may be sheltered from the rain, the frost and the snow, and
+where you may enjoy in plenty, the rewards of your labour.
+
+“Brothers, we will here mention, that the time was, when the forefather
+of your brothers, the white people, lived beyond the great water, in
+the same manner that our red brethren now live. The winters can yet be
+counted when they went almost naked, when they procured their living by
+fishing, and by the bow and arrow in hunting--and when they lived in
+houses no better than yours. They were encouraged by some who came from
+towards the sun rising, and lived amongst them to change their mode of
+living. They did change--they cultivated the earth, and we are sure the
+change was a happy one.
+
+“Brothers and friends, we are not ashamed to acknowledge that the time
+was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum tree, or
+at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living
+on the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But brothers, for
+your encouragement we now mention that by turning their attention to
+the cultivation of the earth instead of the plum tree, they soon had
+orchards of many kinds of fruit--instead of the wild game they soon
+had large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and other valuable
+animals--and in many places instead of their forests they had large
+fields of corn, and other grain--also many other valuable productions
+of the earth.
+
+“Brothers, we have spoken plainly, we desire to speak plain--we will
+now tell you that we have not come merely to _talk_ with you. We have
+come prepared to render you a little assistance. Our beloved brother,
+Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us. His desire
+is, to cultivate for you, a field of corn, and also to show you how to
+raise some of the other productions of the earth--he knows how to use
+the plough, the hoe, the axe, and other implements of husbandry.
+
+“Brothers, he has left a farm--he has left a wife and five small
+children who are very dear to him--he has come, from a sincere desire
+to be useful to our red brethren. His motives are pure--he will ask no
+reward from you for his services--his greatest reward will be, in the
+satisfaction he will feel, in finding you inclined to take hold of the
+same tools he takes hold of--to receive from him instruction in the
+cultivation of your lands, and pursue the example he will set you.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you will make the situation of our brother as
+comfortable as circumstances will admit. We hope, also, that many of
+your young men will be willing to be taught by him, to use the plough,
+the hoe, and other implements of husbandry--for we are sure, brothers,
+that as you take hold of such tools as are in the hands of the white
+people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional hands.
+You will also find that by using them they will enable you to do many
+things, which without them, cannot be performed.
+
+“Brothers, the white people, in order to get their land cultivated,
+find it necessary that their young men should be employed in it--and
+not their women--women are smaller than men--they are not as strong as
+men. It is the business of our women to be employed in our houses--to
+keep them clean--to sow, knit, spin, and weave--to dress food for
+themselves and families--to make clothes for the men and the rest of
+their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to
+take care of their children.
+
+“Brothers, we are fully convinced that if you will turn your attention
+to the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of
+grain--to building comfortable dwelling houses for your families--to
+raising useful animals--amongst others, sheep for the advantage of the
+wool, in making clothing--to raising flax and hemp for your linen--and
+your women learn to spin and weave--your lives will be much easier
+and happier than at present--and your numbers will increase, and not
+continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your land is
+good--it is far better than the land which the white people near the
+great waters, cultivate. We are persuaded that your land will produce
+double the quantity of any kind of grain, or flax, or hemp, with the
+same labour necessary near the great water.
+
+“Brothers, we shall now end what we had to say, with informing you,
+that all the corn and other productions of the earth which Philip
+Dennis may raise, we wish our red brethren to accept as a token of our
+friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Pottawattamie
+and Miami nations who are now present, added to our brothers the Five
+Medals, Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution thereof
+as they may think proper.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Indians manifested great decorum, and were very attentive during
+the delivery of this address--in reply to which, the Little Turtle
+delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which we extract the
+following:
+
+“Brothers and friends--we rejoice that the Great Spirit has appointed,
+that we should meet this day, for we believe this meeting will be of
+the utmost consequence to your red brethren.
+
+“Brothers, the things which you have said to us, require our greatest
+attention: it is really necessary that we should deliberate upon them.
+In order to do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they
+are written, that we may communicate them to our chiefs, when they
+assemble in grand council.
+
+“Brothers, you have been very particular in pointing out to us the
+duties of our women, and you have told us that in adopting your mode of
+living, our numbers would increase and not continue to diminish. In all
+this I certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will also
+agree with you.
+
+“Brothers, assure your people who sent you here--tell your old chiefs
+that we are obliged to them for their friendly offers to assist us in
+changing our present mode of living. Tell them it is a great work that
+cannot be done immediately; but that we are favourably disposed, and
+hope it will take place gradually.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+These Friends remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during which
+time they visited a number of their towns and villages, at all of
+which, they were received in the most friendly and hospitable manner.
+
+In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the
+Wyandots at Brownstown or the rock. They found that the Indians at this
+place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation in the year
+1799, advanced considerably, in agriculture, many of them having built
+comfortable houses, and acquired a considerable number of cattle, hogs,
+and other domestic animals. The Wyandots residing at Sandusky and the
+Shawaneese, on the Auglaize river, had likewise, since that visit,
+turned their attention very much towards the cultivation of their
+lands; Friends had, therefore, the satisfaction to remark, that the
+communication from the committee to these nations, and the exertions
+which had been made to turn their attention to agriculture, although
+limited in their effect, had not been altogether unavailing.
+
+They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip
+Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort
+Wayne, and found its situation to be very advantageous for farming;
+the soil appeared to be equal in fertility to any land in the western
+country.
+
+Soon after the return of the Friends, a letter was received by the
+committee, from the Indian agent at Fort Wayne, informing that the
+Indians had held their grand council in the Sixth month, agreeably
+to expectation, at which eight hundred and seventy-four of them
+attended, when the written address of Friends delivered at Fort Wayne
+in the previous spring, was produced--read and interpreted to all the
+different nations present. In reply to which, divers of their chiefs
+expressed great satisfaction, and amongst others Toethteboxie on behalf
+of the _Delawares_ said, ‘For many years before I came into the world,
+the white people have been offering to do for us what is now mentioned,
+and it appears that our eyes were never opened until this time; we will
+now take hold of it and receive it. I am an old man and want to see it
+before I die; if I once see it, I will die in peace, to think I have
+left my women and children in comfort.’
+
+On the return of Philip Dennis, who remained in the Indian country
+during most of the year 1804, and spent his time agreeably with the
+natives--he informed that he had raised about four hundred bushels
+of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, potatoes, and a quantity of
+other garden vegetables, which he directed to be divided amongst the
+Indians on their return from their hunting camps. He left with the
+Indians, with whom he had resided, upon the farm he had cultivated,
+twenty-three hogs and pigs, seven of which were in good order to kill;
+and he engaged the agent to attend to killing and salting them. They
+were small when they were brought to the farm in the spring, and had no
+other food than what they gathered in the woods.
+
+With some assistance which he obtained from Fort Wayne, he cleared and
+enclosed under a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and built
+a house thirty-two feet long, and seventeen wide, a story and a half
+high, with floors and partitions.
+
+The Indians who remained with him had been very industrious, and
+attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing
+the ground and in tending the corn; from this he dissuaded them, and
+as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort Wayne, which had been
+sent on by government--he encouraged them to go there, and learn to
+spin and knit, of a white woman who was at that place;--this they did,
+and soon learned both to spin and knit; and when he came away, he left
+them knitting yarn of their spinning.
+
+The Indians were very desirous of Friends continuing their care towards
+them, and that they should send a person to take the place of Philip
+Dennis, but as no suitable Friend offered for that purpose, it was
+believed best to request the agent of government residing at Fort
+Wayne, (and who appeared to be friendly disposed towards the views of
+Friends,) to procure and employ the most suitable person he could, in
+that country, to plough the land cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last
+season, and plant it in corn, and to endeavour to enlist the service
+of the Indians in the labour of tending it; also to prepare a garden
+of the most useful vegetables for the Indians’ use, which they might
+afterwards easily manage.
+
+In reply to this request, Friends received an account from the agent,
+stating that he would lose no time in complying with their request,
+and that he was ready at all times, to put in execution the benevolent
+designs of Friends towards the Indians, as far as it was in his power.
+
+He also mentioned, that at that time, ‘a spirit of industry existed
+amongst the Indians generally, and that as several of the tribes had
+requested of government to have a part of their annuities expended in
+the employment of men to split rails and make fences for them, the
+Delawares had twenty-three thousand rails put up into fences the last
+winter; and that forty thousand more would be made into fences for the
+Miami and Eel river Indians, by the first of the Sixth month--that
+ten families of the Miamis had settled adjoining the place cultivated
+by Philip Dennis, and that four men were employed in making rails to
+fence in forty acres for them; also, that three persons more were at
+work for the Eel river Indians, half a mile below Dennis’s station;
+that they had twenty-five acres cleared and ready for the plough, and
+expected to have fifty or sixty fenced in by the first of the Sixth
+month. He expected at least twenty-five families would remove to reside
+at that place the present season, and was confident the settlement
+would increase very fast. The Indian who worked with Philip Dennis
+during the last season, was about building himself a comfortable house,
+had cleared two acres more of ground, and was ploughing the field
+previously cleared by Philip Dennis. The hogs which were left there
+with him had increased to one hundred in number.’
+
+The agent further informed, 'that there would be one hundred acres of
+land under good fence at the Little Turtle’s town, (eighteen miles
+north of Dennis’s station,) by the first of the Sixth month, where they
+had also obtained a large number of hogs and some cows, and he doubted
+not, the Indians would soon see that it was easier to raise food, than
+to procure it by hunting.' He also added, ‘that Friends may see from
+the great progress they have made in civilization since Philip Dennis
+was with them, that they only want good and suitable men to reside
+among them, and teach them how to work.’
+
+In the fall of the year 1805, the agent at Fort Wayne informed the
+committee by letter, that agreeably to their directions, he had
+employed a man to assist the Indians in cultivating the field on the
+Wabash, which was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last
+year. The Indians with this man’s assistance, had raised, it was
+supposed, at least six hundred bushels of good corn from this one
+field, exclusive of what they had raised from ground of their own
+clearing.
+
+“Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians had removed and
+settled at that place, where they would be followed by the younger
+branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.”
+
+He further adds, “Believing as I do that the society of Friends are
+desirous of ameliorating the situation of their red brethren in the
+country, I will take the liberty to observe, that the present is a
+favourable time to put in execution their benevolent views towards
+the distressed natives of the land; and that much good may be done on
+the Wabash by sending one or two suitable men to reside amongst the
+Indians, and teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth.
+Witness what Philip Dennis effected amongst them the last year, at
+a station where he had every thing to begin. There are now at least
+four hundred hogs, and twenty cows, and the Indians at no village
+in this country live so comfortably as those at that place. If this
+spirit of industry is kept alive for a few years, it will certainly
+have a powerful influence upon the minds of the Indians in many of the
+neighbouring villages.”
+
+An account published by the committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting,
+about this period, has enabled me to furnish so many interesting
+particulars of their proceedings, that I have already exceeded the
+bounds I had prescribed to myself, in this narrative. I shall,
+therefore, only add, that the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore continued
+for many years to extend aid and instruction, to the Indians in that
+quarter, by personal visits, and by teachers frequently stationed among
+them; and continued to have satisfactory proofs of the benefits derived
+to this people, from their benevolent labours. Their progress, however,
+in this laudable work was interrupted by the war of 1812, which much
+agitated, not only those tribes of Indians, but the white people
+generally, bordering on the Indian territory--this continued while the
+war lasted. And many of the white inhabitants, it was said, went into
+block houses, the better to secure themselves.
+
+It may, however, be noted, that Friends on the frontiers, generally
+remained in their habitations, at least with a few exceptions, and
+the Indians seemed to repose an unlimited confidence in them, and
+frequently visited them. The author having visited a settlement of
+the Indians, (called Lewis’ settlement) in the year 1816, had some
+opportunity of judging of the high estimation in which the Indians held
+the society of Friends, on the frontiers of that country. He also had
+an account from one of the Friends who first settled in those parts
+(near Mad river,) about the year 1800. He said the Indians manifested
+much kindness to them, when the country was all a wilderness, by
+frequently visiting them, and administering to their wants, while they
+were first opening a settlement and preparing something to subsist upon.
+
+I may also here relate another evidence of the Indians’ kindness and
+hospitality to the whites. A surveyor who lived in Chilicothe informed
+me, when at his house in 1816, that being employed by government the
+summer previous, to survey some land in the Michigan territory, he
+and his company composed of seven or eight persons, running scant of
+provisions, were put to their allowance of a spoonful of meal a day,
+for each person, on which, with some little meat they procured from
+the forest, they had subsisted for twenty-three days together. But
+setting out at length towards the settlements in search of provisions,
+they met with an Indian going on a journey very smartly. They made him
+understand they were very hungry and had nothing to eat. He looked on
+them with compassion--pointed towards his cabin, and making signs to
+them to follow him, struck off in a direction towards it. They pursued
+his track, often having to stop him, to wait for them, and after about
+eight miles travelling, arrived at his solitary abode, where he kindly
+treated them to all the provision at his command, which, though coarse,
+was to them a delicious dainty.
+
+But to return from this digression, it may be proper to state, that
+about the year 1813, a Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in the
+state of Ohio, and being composed of part of the members previously
+constituting the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, they also become, as a
+body, enlisted in the same concern, to improve the condition of the
+Indian natives; and appointed a committee to carry their views into
+execution. Friends of this Yearly Meeting living more contiguous to
+the Indian settlements, unitedly agreed with the Yearly Meeting of
+Baltimore, to make it a joint concern, as it regarded the requisite
+pecuniary aid for promoting the object in view. Friends in Ohio,
+however, became more actively engaged in personal visits, and sending
+instructors among the Indians.
+
+When peace took place, and the minds of the Indians became
+somewhat settled, the settlement which had previously been made at
+Waughpaughkannatta was again resumed, and another promoted at captain
+Lewis’, and considerable advancement made by the Indians in some of the
+arts of civilized life.
+
+About the years 1817 and 1818, considerable sales of their lands were
+made to the United States--and in the north-western parts of the
+state of Ohio, which much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and in
+consequence thereof, many of them removed further to the westward.
+
+In the rapid settlement of the states of Ohio and Indiana, and the
+emigration of Friends further to the westward, it became necessary to
+establish a Yearly Meeting in Indiana, which event took place about
+the year 1820 or 1821. This Yearly Meeting, also as a body, feeling
+the same deep interest, in the welfare of the aboriginal inhabitants,
+appointed a committee to unite with Ohio Yearly Meeting in promoting
+their civilization and improvement.
+
+Having but scanty means within my reach, of ascertaining the progress
+made by those Yearly Meetings of latter years, I can only state, that
+the concern still continues to engage their attention, and from a
+report to the Yearly Meeting of Indiana, in 1826, it appears, that
+the committee had continued their attention to the object of their
+appointment. “Soon after our last Yearly Meeting,” say they, “the
+school for the education of the Indian children was resumed, and
+continued about two months, to the satisfaction both of the Indians
+and the committee. The children conducted themselves orderly, and
+made reasonable progress in learning. But towards the latter part of
+winter the Indians became unsettled in their minds, and it was found
+impracticable to continue the school to advantage. It was, therefore,
+dismissed, and soon after Isaac Harvey and wife, in consequence of his
+indisposition, returned to their former residence. They took with them
+an Indian lad who remained about three months, during which time he was
+at school.
+
+“About two hundred of the Indians who resided on the Waughpaughkonnatta
+reserve, have removed, and are now on their way to join those of their
+nation settled west of the Mississippi; and it is yet uncertain,
+whether those that remain will shortly be in a situation to receive
+instruction. However that may be, we feel satisfied that the labour
+heretofore bestowed on them will not all be lost. They have obtained
+a sufficient knowledge of agriculture, to enable them to supply their
+more pressing wants, and many of them have acquired habits of industry,
+which we believe they will retain. And should they all eventually
+remove to join their nation in the west, we apprehend the advantages
+they are deriving from the change in their manner of life, will be
+sufficient to prevent them from returning to their former habits.”
+
+It appears also, that soon after the Yearly Meeting held in Indiana, in
+the year 1827, “a deputation from the committee in company with a like
+deputation of the committee of Ohio Yearly Meeting, visited Friends’
+establishment, near Waughpaughkonnatta, who found the farm in good
+order, and the school progressing to satisfaction.”
+
+The minutes of the last Indiana Yearly Meeting of the society of
+Friends, held at Miami, also show, that they continue a committee, to
+act in conjunction with the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Baltimore, and
+to proceed in the further prosecution of this concern as way may open.
+
+Thus the society of Friends constituting the Yearly Meetings of
+Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore, have, for more than thirty
+years, and those of Ohio, and Indiana, since their first establishment,
+been engaged in endeavouring to reclaim from savage life, and to
+meliorate the condition of various tribes, of the interesting but
+much injured aborigines of our country; and they have succeeded in
+instructing many of them in agriculture, in school learning, in
+many of the most useful mechanic arts, and the raising of domestic
+animals, whereby their lives are rendered more comfortable, and their
+domestic engagements increased, as well as their moral condition
+improved--and, could the Indians have been permitted to remain quiet
+in the possession of their land, and to enjoy the fruits of their
+labours, without interruption from the whites, there is reason to
+believe, that by a continuation and extension of this care towards
+them, a radical change in their character would in a short time have
+been effected; and instead of migrating by families and tribes, far
+to the westward, and traversing the dreary regions of an unknown
+wilderness, in quest of a home, and in search of food, they might have
+become useful citizens of the community, contributing to the wealth,
+the happiness, and national character of the United States. For truly
+it must be acknowledged, that there are among these native sons of the
+forest, men of deep reflection--men of extraordinary talents--men of
+superior powers of mind, and men who, considering the means of their
+menial improvement, might rank with the ancient orators of Greece and
+Rome. Added to this, there is sufficient evidence, that they believe
+in the principle operating within them, a measure of which, or the
+grace of God, according to the apostle’s doctrine, is given to every
+man to profit withal, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. And they
+acknowledge in all important transactions, the overruling providence
+and superintending care of one all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent
+Being, who governs the universe; and they believe that they will be
+rewarded in a future state, according as their actions have been in
+this life, either good or evil. Why then should not the policy of the
+government be directed to the protection and preservation of these
+people, and not to their extermination from their native soil? Is it
+not a doctrine sanctioned by the general consent of Christians, that
+all nations are equally free? That one nation has no right to infringe
+upon the freedom of another?
+
+Let us then fulfil the golden rule--let us then, my fellow citizens,
+exercise that kind of policy towards them, that we would they should
+have done to us, if they had landed on our shores with a superiority
+of strength. Why should not things be equal on both sides? Or is the
+balance of power always to decide the balance of justice, and rob the
+weak and defenceless of their lawful rights--shall a nation professing
+_christianity_, and having pledged itself in the most solemn manner to
+_protect the Indians in all their rights_, be guilty of such injustice?
+Or what part of the gospel will they plead in extenuation of such a
+crime? In what part of the earth did the apostles or first promulgators
+of the gospel assume, to extirpate from their country, or to claim
+a right over the freedom and the substance of the Gentiles? What a
+strange method this would be, of propagating the gospel of peace. And
+can it be expected the natives of America, those keen-eyed observers of
+the actions of men, will be brought to embrace the christian religion
+by such a policy as this! And, while injustice is practised towards
+them instead of the government redressing their wrongs, will they not
+be induced to say as an Indian chief once did, to a missionary, on a
+certain occasion, “We find the christians much more depraved in their
+morals than we are, and we judge of _their doctrine_ by the badness of
+their lives.”
+
+    _Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, the following,
+    taken from a Pittsburg Gazette, has been forwarded by a friend,
+    and as it gives some recent account of the noted and ancient
+    chief, Cornplanter, as well as other of the Seneca Indians, it
+    may prove an interesting addition to this work._
+
+It appears a trip was performed up the Alleghany river in the Fifth
+month last, as high as Olean, in the state of New York, by a new
+steamboat, and as it was the first that had ever ascended that river,
+as far as the Indian towns, it excited some astonishment. The account
+states, that “On the thirteenth of May, at nine o’clock, she arrived
+opposite the village of Cornplanter. Here a deputation waited on
+that ancient and well known Indian king or chief, and invited him on
+board this new, and to him wonderful visiter, a steamboat. We found
+him in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying
+on his couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins
+and blankets. His habitation, a two story log house, is in a state
+of decay, without furniture, except a few benches, and wooden bowls
+and spoons to eat out of. This convinced us of his determination to
+retain old habits and customs. This venerable old chief was a lad in
+the first French war, in 1744, and is now nearly one hundred years of
+age. He is a smart active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength
+of mind, and in perfect health, and retains among his nation all that
+uncontrolled influence he has ever done.
+
+“He, with his son Charles, sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came
+on board, and remained until she had passed six miles up, and then they
+returned home in their own canoe, after expressing great pleasure.
+His domain is a delightful bottom of rich land, two miles[3] square,
+nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On this,
+his own family, about fifty in number, in eight or ten houses reside.
+Cornplanter’s wife, and her mother, one hundred and fifteen years of
+age, are in good health.
+
+The lands of this tribe being forty miles long and half a mile wide
+on each side of the river, lie just above, but all in the state of
+New York. They have a number of villages, and are about seven hundred
+in number, scattered all along this reserve. Many of them have good
+dwellings, and, like the whites, some are intelligent, industrious, and
+useful--while others are the reverse. On the whole they are becoming
+civilized and christianized, as fast as can be expected. The natives
+appeared in great numbers, (we counted four hundred) who were attracted
+to view this unexpected sight on their waters. Their lands terminate
+eight miles below Olean.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_A vocabulary of some of the most familiar words and phrases in the
+Seneca language, and the English, in alphabetical order._
+
+  All                                Cock _way_ go
+  All gone                           Ono, cock _way_ go
+  Any where, any thing, &c.          Te caw a _noo_ we
+  A quiet mind                       _Ska_ no _sa_ na to nee
+  Axe                                At _too_ ga
+  Boy or child                       Uc _shaw_
+  Brother                            _Ho_gh _gee_
+  Blood                              Ot _quoon_ sah
+  Board                              Con _nish_ ta
+  Bear                               _U qui_
+  Black                              _Gis_ taa
+  Beaver                             Te _con_ ne a ga
+  Big lake                           Con nu _di_ go _wan_ nee
+  Birds                              Ge _daa_
+  Bread                              _Wagh_ qua
+  Beans                              Ci _daw_
+  Beyond                             _Shee qua_
+  Both                               De _jall_
+  Book                               Ki _au_ dau shaw
+  Blanket                            Ee _yuse_
+  Bed                                Con _noch_ ta
+  Barrel or tub                      Con _noch_ qua
+  Blacksmith                         Cow _wish_ to nee
+  Bad                                _Toos_ coss
+  Cold                               Hit _too_ a
+  Cow                                Tus _quan_
+  Cat                                Dac _coos_
+  Child                              Uc _shaw_
+  Cousin                             _Kaa_ say
+  Chief                              Shin e _wan_ nee
+  Cannon                             Ca _u_ da _go_ aw
+  Coat                               Ja dau _wis_ a
+  Chest                              _Count_ sah
+  Cup                                Cow _wish_ ta
+  Candle                             Ogish to _taugh_ qua
+  Canoe                              _Cau_ waugh
+  Chocolate                          Nig a _di_ u
+  Crane                              Jo _a_ sah
+  Deer                               Nea _yu_ ka
+  Duck                               Se _wack_
+  Dead                               A _way_ yu
+  Devil                              Nishe _o_ nee
+  Dog                                _Gee ah_
+  Dish                               _Cud gee_
+  Day                                U_daugh_
+  Drink                              _Nig_ ge ah
+  Dark                               U _dagh_ sin _di_ go
+  Do you want it                     _Ees_ no wees
+  Earth                              U en _jau_ dy
+  Elk                                Je _naun_ de
+  Eel                                Con _taa_ na
+  Eat                                _Sutte_ coo nee
+  Eye                                _Ka haa_
+  Ear                                _Woun_ tah
+  Evening, or sun down               _Ono_ gagh qua
+  Father                             _Hau_ nee
+  Field                              K ion _to_
+  Farmer                             E _yeant_ has
+  Fox                                O nung _quat_ qua
+  Fish                               Kin _jugh_
+  Fire                               O _gish_ ta
+  Flour or meal                      Tee _sah_
+  Fruit                              O _yah_
+  Flea                               Te _was_ en _tas_
+  Fine day                           O _we see_ ah
+  Fire-fly                           Gish te _noch_ qua
+  God, or Great Spirit               How _wau_ ne au
+  Grandmother                        Uc _sute_
+  Good                               Scoss
+  Grist-mill                         Cau _thish_ e _o_ ne
+  Gnat                               O gaw _whont_
+  Gun                                Ca _u_ da
+  Greedy                             _Dus_ ki hau sy
+  Gift                               _Ska_ no
+  House                              Con ne _sute_
+  Horse                              Con _don_ nah que
+  Hungry                             A _dus_ swa dau nee
+  High                               _Eait_ kah
+  Here in this place                 _Nich_ hooh
+  Him or her                         Au _whau_
+  Hear                               Gut _hoon_ dy
+  Happy                              _Ska_ no _so_ ne _to_ nee
+  Hat or cap                         Kah _e quay_
+  Hand                               Kas _chuch_ tah
+  Half                               Sut te _wau so_ nee
+  How many                           _Ton_ ne yu
+  How many miles                     _Ton_ ne _yute_ cot ho
+  Hawk                               _Swin_ go _dau_ ge au
+  Have you any, &c.                  _Goih_ yah
+  Indians                            A _gue_ o we
+  Indian corn                        O ne _ah_
+  If                                 Cow a _nee_
+  I myself                           Ee
+  I don’t know                       Te _quaw_
+  I think                            E _we_
+  Island                             _Cow_ we _naut_
+  Iron                               Con ne _u sah_
+  Ice                                O _we_ sa
+  I don’t understand                 Te _gunk_ hau
+  I want it                          _Ic_ no wees
+  I am going now                     _Ono_ se _gogh_ tan dee
+  Iron pot                           Te _quosh_ e naute
+  King                               _Co_ wa _co_ a
+  Kettle                             Can _naun_ jau
+  Knife                              Ka _gun_ ne au sau
+  Land                               _U_ aun _ja_
+  Louse                              _Gee_ no _e_
+  Lonesome                           A _goon_ date
+  Lake, or sea                       Con nu _di_
+  Lie                                Sun noo _aunt_
+  Large                              Go _wau_ nee
+  Long ago                           O _nuch_ chee
+  Little, or small                   Nee _wau_, or _wis_ too
+  Little while ago                   _Wau_ gee
+  Linen                              Con ne _ga_ un sah
+  Like this                          _Sau_ gat
+  Log                                Can _hagh_ tau
+  Man or male                        Can _gee_ nah
+  Mother                             _No_ yegh
+  Many                               Con _nong_ gee
+  Much                               We _sue_
+  Meat                               Au _wagh_
+  Mosquito                           Ge ne _au_ da sa
+  Mush                               _Gis_ qua
+  Mountain                           Non on _dau_ dee
+  Mile                               _Yute_ cot hoo
+  Money                              O _wish_ ta
+  Merry, or pleased                  _Oon dut_ ca dee
+  Milk                               _Nung_ qua
+  Moon                               Gagh qua
+  Mouth                              Kish e _gaen_
+  Morning                            Se _tugh_ ge au
+  Make it                            _Shish_ she _o_ ne
+  New town                           Can na da _say_
+  Noon                               Gick ne _gah_ quaw
+  No                                 Tah
+  Now                                Nay _wau_
+  Not many                           _Tanty_ co _nong_ gee
+  Not much                           _Tanty_ we _sue_
+  Not                                Tanty
+  Nose                               Ka kan _dah_
+  Nonsense, trifling, &c.            _Gish_ nit
+  One month                          _Swa_ no dock
+  Owl                                _E he_
+  Old                                Caw _cuch_ gee
+  Over the river                     Ska _hoon_ dee
+  On this side                       Caw _oo_
+  Philadelphia                       Ca ne _di_ an go au
+  Pittsburg                          Taun _too_ ga
+  Pig                                _Quees_ quees
+  Provisions                         A _den_ a sah
+  Potatoes                           _Non_ nun dau
+  Plenty                             Con _nong_ gee
+  Pipe                               Se _guah_ ta
+  Pretty                             We _u_
+  Pheasant                           _Chuc_ que _a_ ne
+  Pigeons                            _Jah_ go au
+  Presently                          A ge _quash_
+  People                             _Ung_ que
+  Rain                               Us _taun_ dee
+  River                              Ka _hone_ dee
+  Racoon                             Jo _ah_ qua
+  Rattlesnake                        So _quant_
+  Right, or proper                   Ty wi _ye_ a
+  Raining, or stormy                 Onish wy _ate_ kah
+  Sea, or ocean                      _Ska_ ne la te _co_ ne
+  Shoes, or sandals                  At _tagh_ qua
+  Sun                                _Gagh_ qua
+  Squashes, &c.                      O _nuch_ sha
+  Sheep                              _Te_ de ne _gen_ do
+  Stone                              Cos _quagh_
+  Spinning wheel                     See in _yeah_ ta
+  Saw mill                           Con _nish_ te o nee
+  Sick                               _Nonk_ ta nee
+  Strong                             Cau _haus_ tee
+  Star                               O _gish_ un da
+  Sit down                           Sut _tee_
+  Snow                               Cun ne _i_
+  Snow falling                       U _gaun_ dee
+  Spoon                              At te _quot_ sa
+  See, or look                       _Sut_ cot _hoo_
+  Silver                             O _wish_ ta _no_ e a
+  Shut the door                      Se ho _tong_ goo
+  Snipe                              Te _ith_ to we
+  Shoemaker                          At _taugh_ qua _nee_
+  Susquehanna                        _Cau_ wa ne _wy_ ne _i_ ne
+  Turkey                             Os soo _aunt_
+  Thief                              _Nus qus_
+  Turnips                            _Uc_ te au
+  Town                               _Con_ na da _go_
+  Tobacco                            _Yaun_ gwa
+  Turtle                             Cun ne _wau_
+  This                               _Nick_ hoo
+  Thou                               Eece
+  Tooth, or teeth                    Ca _noo_ jah
+  Tell it                            _Sat_ hu e
+  Talk                               _Gish_ nee
+  True, or truth                     _To gas_
+  To-morrow                          U _haut_
+  Uncle                              _Auh_ no ze
+  Ugly                               _Wy ate_ u
+  Verily, or very true               _To_ gas _neh_ hue
+  Very large                         _Agos_ go _wan_ nee
+  Very far                           _Way_ uh
+  Winter                             Ka _unch_ neh
+  Water                              _Nick_ a _noos_
+  Woods                              Ca ha _da_ go
+  Wheat                              O _naun_ jah
+  Weeds                              We _aah_ ta
+  Wolf                               Ty _o_ nee
+  Wild geese                         Hung _gawk_
+  Watch                              Gah que _shawk_ ta
+  White people                       Hit _teen_ yah
+  Warm                               _Di_ u
+  Warm day                           Con _naa_ no
+  Woman                              _Yee_ uh
+  Wife                               _Yeak_ nee
+  Wind                               _Ga haa_
+  Work                               Sutte ye _dott_
+  Want. I want it, &c.               _Ick_ no _eece_
+  Where                              _Cong_ gwa
+  Yonder                             _Ho_ quaw
+  You                                _Eece_ de jal
+  Yes                                Naye
+  You want it                        _Eece_ no wees
+  Year                               _Tush shate_
+  Yesterday                          _Tay_ day
+
+
+_Names of some of the Indians, and their signification._
+
+  Ki on _twa_ ky                     Cornplanter
+  Te _ki_ on da                      A wager, or money staked
+  Con ne _di_ u                      Hansom lake
+  Neh ta _go_ a                      A large pine tree
+  _Waun_ dung _guh_ ta               Passed by
+  Sa go e _wah_ ta                   Keeper arise
+  O _gish_ quat ta                   Dried mush
+  _Tak_ e wau sah                    Go to war
+  _Twa_ de ac                        Broken gun
+  _Yeang_ gwa haunt                  Chew tobacco
+  _Ki_ an _gwah_ ta                  Smoke
+
+
+_Numerical terms, &c._
+
+  One                                Scote
+  Two                                _Tick_ nee
+  Three                              Shaugh
+  Four                               Keah
+  Five                               Wush
+  Six                                Yeah
+  Seven                              Chaw tawk
+  Eight                              Tick _yugh_
+  Nine                               Tugh tah
+  Ten                                _Wush_ hau
+  Twenty                             Te _was_ hau
+  Thirty                             Sha ne _was_ hau
+  Forty                              Kea ne _was_ hau
+  Fifty                              _Wush_ ne was hau
+  Sixty                              Yea ne _was_ hau
+  Seventy                            Chaw tawk ne _was_ hau
+  Eighty                             Tick yaugh ne _was_ hau
+  Ninety                             Tugh ta ne _was_ hau
+  One hundred, that is,              Wush haw ne _was_ haw, or scote
+      ten times ten                      de _wy_ ne _i_
+  Two hundred                        Te non de _wy_ ne _i_
+  Three hundred                      Sha non de _wy_ ne _i_
+  Four hundred                       Keah non de _wy_ ne _i_, &c. &c.
+  One dollar                         _Scow_ wish taut
+  Two dollars                        Te gaw _wish_ tau gay
+  Three dollars                      Sha ne gaw _wish_ tau gay
+  Four dollars                       Kea ne gaw _wish_ tau gay, &c.
+  One penny                          Quin nish
+  One shilling                       _Sco_ ti on _shate_
+  Two shillings                      Te _gash_ e on se gay
+  Three shillings                    Sha ne _gash_ e on se gay
+  One yard                           Tu we _naut_
+  Two yards                          _Tic_ ne ju we _non_ gay
+  Three yards                        _Sha_ ne ju we _non_ gay
+  One pound                          Cau _goon_ sate
+  Two pounds                         Tich ne cou _goon_ se ga
+  Three pounds                       Sha ne cou _goon_ se ga
+  One quart                          Cus _saa_ dee
+  Two quarts                         Tick ne cus _say_ dee
+  Three quarts                       Shane cus _say_ dee
+  One day                            Onish _shate_
+  Two days                           Te ne wa _nish_ a gay
+  Three days                         Sha ne wa _nish_ a gay
+  One month                          _Swa_ ne dock
+  Two months                         Te _wa_ ne da gay
+  Three months                       Sha ne wau ne da gay
+  One year                           Tush _shate_
+  Two years                          Te _ush_ a gay
+  Three years                        Sha ne _ush_ a gay, &c.
+
+
+    _The author not having an opportunity of examining the proof
+    sheets, some typographical errors have occurred, especially in
+    the Indian words--the following errata will be observed by the
+    reader._
+
+Page 5, line 20 from top, before motives, insert the words _natives
+the_.
+
+Page 8, line 18 from bottom, for retaining read _retained_.
+
+Page 9, line 18 from top, read the following _speech_ from.
+
+Page 29, line 14 from top, read Je _nuch_ sha _da_ go.
+
+Page 40, line 13 from top, for Memsies read _Munsies_.
+
+Page 42, line 6 from top, for Connedin read Co ne _di_ u; and so
+through the book.
+
+Same page, line 4 from bottom, for government read _governor_.
+
+Page 47, line 7 from bottom, for Junesassa read _Tunesassa_; and so
+through the book.
+
+Page 54, line 20 from bottom, for nation read _natives_.
+
+Page 80, line 19 from bottom, read the chief warrior’s _son_.
+
+Page 110, line 16 from top, for nations read _natives_.
+
+Same page, line 3 from bottom, for in, read _to_ the United States.
+
+Page 111, line 20 from top, for Harkey read _Harvey_.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Alluding to an ineffectual attempt made during the war in 1793,
+when six Friends, as before stated, attended with the commissioners of
+the United States.
+
+[2] A British agent for Indian affairs resident in Canada.
+
+[3] I apprehend there is some mistake in the account given, of the
+quantity of land possessed by Cornplanter. By the act of assembly, it
+appears six hundred acres was the quantity located at that place.--ED.
+
+
+Transcriber’s Note:
+
+Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Civilization of the Indian Natives, by 
+Halliday Jackson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55063 ***
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-<pre>

-

-Project Gutenberg's Civilization of the Indian Natives, by Halliday Jackson

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-Title: Civilization of the Indian Natives

-       or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn

-              Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania

-

-Author: Halliday Jackson

-

-Release Date: July 7, 2017 [EBook #55063]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CIVILIZATION OF THE INDIAN NATIVES ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Wayne Hammond and the Online

-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

-file was produced from images generously made available

-by The Internet Archive)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-</pre>

-

-

-<div class="figcenter">

-<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-

-<div class="transnote">

-<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>

-

-<p>The corrections in the errata on page 120 have been incorporated into the original.</p>

-</div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">1</span></p>

-

-<h1>

-<span class="x-large">CIVILIZATION</span><br />

-

-<small>OF THE</small><br />

-

-INDIAN NATIVES;<br />

-

-<small>OR,</small><br />

-

-<span class="antiqua">A Brief View</span><br />

-

-<span class="large">OF THE FRIENDLY CONDUCT</span><br />

-

-<small>OF</small><br />

-

-WILLIAM PENN<br />

-

-<small>TOWARDS THEM</small><br />

-

-<span class="medium">IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA;</span><br />

-

-<span class="large table"><i>The subsequent care of the Society of Friends in endeavouring to promote<br />

-peace and friendship with them by pacific measures</i>;</span><br />

-

-<span class="medium">AND</span><br />

-

-<span class="medium table"><i>A concise narrative of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, of<br />

-Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts adjacent, since the year<br />

-1795, in promoting their improvement</i></span><br />

-

-<span class="large">AND GRADUAL CIVILIZATION.</span><br />

-<img class="figcenter" src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" />

-<span class="large">BY HALLIDAY JACKSON.</span><br />

-<img class="figcenter" src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" />

-<span class="medium table">“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and

-they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”&mdash;<i>Isaiah</i> lxi. 4.</span><br />

-

-<img class="figcenter" src="images/colophon.jpg" alt="" /><br />

-

-<span class="large table"><i>PHILADELPHIA</i>:<br />

-<span class="medium">MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET.<br />

-<i>NEW YORK</i>;<br />

-ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET.</span><br />

-<br />

-1830</span></h1>

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">2</span></p>

-

-<h2 id="ADVERTISEMENT">ADVERTISEMENT.</h2>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<p>Our readers have, no doubt, perused with satisfaction the numbers which have

-appeared from time to time in this periodical, respecting the Seneca Indians&mdash;their

-habits, superstitions, &amp;c. The facts which these articles embraced, were rendered the

-more interesting, by the late difficulties which had been manifested between the

-United States, and several southern and western tribes, upon the subject of their

-lands, and the right by which they held them in possession.</p>

-

-<p>Since the conclusion of these interesting numbers, we have been favoured by the

-writer with a more enlarged and particular narration, respecting the situation of the

-Indians, in the early settlement of this country&mdash;in which a concise view is presented of

-the proceedings of William Penn, in relation to them at the period of the first settlement

-of Pennsylvania. A very particular description is also given of the proceedings of

-the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, &amp;c. touching the means

-adopted to increase their happiness, and improve their moral and physical condition.

-Many speeches, highly characteristic and beautiful, delivered by distinguished chiefs,

-in council, will be found interspersed through the narrative.</p>

-

-<p>Having concluded, in our last number, the works of <span class="smcap">William Shewen</span>, we think

-we cannot better occupy, for a few weeks, the pages heretofore devoted to that work,

-than by appropriating them to the interesting subject, of which the above is an outline,

-and which the writer has kindly given us permission to publish. It may then be preserved

-in the same manner as the works just completed, and will form a small but

-valuable book for all classes.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">3</span></p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h2 id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<p>Believing that some account of the measures pursued by the Society

-of Friends, towards the Indian natives, may prove an auxiliary in the

-cause of humanity, and probably interest the serious and benevolent

-mind in behalf of the aborigines of our country, whom we consider as

-children of one universal parent, who is no respecter of persons, but regards

-with equal care all nations, whether of a fair complexion or a tawny

-skin; I am, therefore, induced to believe that every thing relating to their

-history may prove interesting to posterity, when they shall be told that

-such a race of men, who may then have passed away, once inhabited

-this populous country. And having acquired considerable knowledge

-of some of the Indian tribes, and of the progress some of them have

-made in the arts of civilized life, I am induced to offer a concise view

-of the friendly intercourse that has subsisted between the society of

-Friends and the aborigines of our country, from the time the illustrious

-William Penn, and some of his cotemporaries first landed on the American

-shores, and exhibited to the world, the singular spectacle of establishing

-a new model of government, amidst a mixture of persons of different

-nations, and different civil and religious opinions, surrounded by savage

-tribes of Indians, without recourse to any coercive measures&mdash;which has

-since been the wonder and admiration of mankind.</p>

-

-<p>His great treaty, too, with the Indians, was also made without the

-solemnity of an oath, and has been immortalized as the only treaty, so

-made, that has never been broken.</p>

-

-<p>In most of the histories, in which we can trace the character of the

-Indian nations, we find them to abound either with romantic tales, or

-scenes of cruelty and barbarity, calculated to excite prejudice in the

-mind of the reader; but in this will be found the conciliating language

-of peace and mutual friendship, and a disposition on the part of the

-Indians, to exchange the tomahawk and scalping knife, for the plough

-and the hoe, and peacefully betake themselves to the innocent employments

-of the pastoral and agricultural life.</p>

-

-<p>Although the author has spent but a small portion of time in a personal

-residence among this people, in comparison with many others, yet

-he can acknowledge, that the short time devoted to that service embraced

-some of the happiest moments of his early life. For, although

-deprived of the social comforts of society, and far removed from all the

-near and tender connexions of his youthful days, yet from a full conviction

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">4</span>

-of the rectitude of the work, and the incalculable good, under

-the divine blessing, that might finally result to that people, the wilderness

-was often made as it were an Eden, and the desert as the garden

-of the Lord. “Joy and gladness was found therein, thanksgiving, and

-the voice of melody.”</p>

-

-<p>During the author’s residence among the natives, as well as on several

-visits since that period, he had a fair opportunity of noticing the gradual

-improvement of the Indians, in some of the arts of civilized life, by

-which he is enabled to furnish, he trusts, well authenticated accounts of

-the benefits which have resulted to that people from the benevolent

-exertions of the society of Friends. And, although these exertions may

-appear to be limited in their operation towards a reform, yet when we

-take into view the numerous tribes of Indians within and circumjacent

-to the United States, there is reason to hope, that the instruction already

-afforded to several tribes, and the advancement they have made in some

-of the most useful arts of civilized life, will have a stimulating influence

-on their more distant brethren.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span></p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h2 id="A_BRIEF_ACCOUNT_OF_THE_INDIANS_c">A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS, &amp;c.</h2>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<p>The benign spirit of the gospel, operating upon the benevolent mind

-of that eminently distinguished character William Penn, induced him,

-at the very commencement of the settlement of Pennsylvania, to cultivate,

-by the exercise of gentleness, kindness, and the love of peace, a

-good understanding with the natives; and in all his transactions with

-them, by scrupulously adhering to the law of universal righteousness,

-which dispenses justice to all, and infringes on the natural rights of none,

-he pursued the best means of establishing harmony between them and

-the new settlers, and thereby ensured their confidence and friendship.</p>

-

-<p>In a letter which he sent them by his deputy, previous to his arrival

-in America, dated Eighth month, 1681, he called their attention to the

-existence of a supremely good, <span class="smcap">all-wise Being</span>, and to his law written in

-the heart, by which men are taught to love, help, and do good, one to

-another; and briefly informed them respecting his grant from the king,

-and assured them that he desired to enjoy it with their love and consent,

-that they might always live together as neighbours and friends. Then,

-in allusion to some of the other settlements on this continent, which in

-too many instances having been marked with injustice and oppression,

-were followed by melancholy and distressing circumstances, he proceeded

-more at length to unfold to the natives the motives and principles, by which

-he was actuated towards them, adding: “The people I send are of the

-same mind, and if in any thing any shall offend you, or your people, you

-shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same, by an equal number

-of just men on both sides, that by no means you may have just occasion

-of being offended against them.”</p>

-

-<p>In the year 1682, William Penn first arrived in this country, and

-began to purchase land of the Indians, exemplifying the sincerity of his

-previous declarations, by giving them full satisfaction for every grant,

-accompanied with the best advice for promoting their comfort and

-happiness.</p>

-

-<p>Thus began that firm and lasting friendship with the natives, which

-continued during the life of William Penn, and with the religious society

-of which he was a member, for the space of seventy years; that is, as

-long as the society retained sufficient influence, effectually to interpose

-between the natives and the other inhabitants, so as to prevent misunderstandings,

-or to redress such grievances as occurred. A friendship

-which to this day remains unobliterated between the society of Friends

-and the Indians who have knowledge of them, and is a standing proof

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span>

-that the gentle and upright conduct inculcated by the gospel, as exemplified

-in the practice of William Penn, is a far more effectual means

-of preserving treaties inviolate, and insuring the permanent enjoyment

-of reciprocal benefits, than the system of violence, fraud, and oppression

-too frequently resorted to, on such occasions.</p>

-

-<p>By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives,

-the parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as

-brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs,

-ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which was

-not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.</p>

-

-<p>William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians,

-during his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious

-nature; and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the

-advice he gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard

-to justice so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them:

-hence, the name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do

-the society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with

-much veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be

-advanced as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent

-behaviour of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude,

-but the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have

-on the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in

-the early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an

-entire wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a

-scanty supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the

-new settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining

-food&mdash;but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were much

-alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in supplying their

-necessities; not only extending their beneficence to those of the society

-of Friends, but generally to such as were under the patronage of William

-Penn&mdash;thereby evincing towards them the genuine spirit of hospitality&mdash;frequently

-visiting them in their houses.</p>

-

-<p>In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly excluded

-from the proprietory agency to which the management of Indian

-affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians became

-corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of their

-lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in some of the

-tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of Pennsylvania.

-Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered, in consequence

-of a war which continued for several years. But notwithstanding

-the diminished influence which the society of Friends now possessed

-in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties with the Indians,

-they did not relax their endeavours to improve every opportunity of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span>

-cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and promoting a peaceable

-disposition; for which purpose they formed an association among

-themselves, denominated the “friendly association for gaining and preserving

-peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”</p>

-

-<p>To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to the

-amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the governor’s

-permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such a

-discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating

-demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to

-have a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace;

-which desirable event took place in 1775.</p>

-

-<p>About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the

-United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the

-Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the purpose

-of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly Meeting,

-believed it right to address congress on the occasion, thereby showing

-the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had heretofore

-been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and friendship with

-the original owners of the soil for the settlement of existing differences:

-at the same time, suggesting that if their religious instruction and

-civilization were rightly promoted, it might essentially contribute to

-conciliate the minds of the Indians, and restore harmony between the

-contending parties. Although the representation was well received, the

-measures recommended were not then adopted, and the calamities of

-war still continuing to prevail on the western frontiers of the states, the

-Yearly Meeting held in 1792, appointed a large committee to unite with

-the former, (commonly called the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate

-on the momentous subject, and, if practicable, to recommend such measures

-as would be most likely to promote peace and friendship with the

-Indian tribes, and thereby prevent the further effusion of human blood.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited

-Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the

-United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be

-held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these

-Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some

-Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they

-represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from

-their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence to

-the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In accordance

-with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace, the

-proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to accompany

-the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion, after

-having obtained the president’s approbation.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span></p>

-

-<p>These Friends were present at several interviews with the commissioners,

-and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand council

-composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many different

-nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the minds

-of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the several

-subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied with the

-conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of peace, the

-treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in having an

-interview with the Indians in general council. They had, however,

-reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted with

-their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient attachment

-to the society was measurably renewed.</p>

-

-<p>Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the representatives

-of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at Canandaigua,

-in the state of New York, and government approving the same,

-four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable address

-was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in the language

-of the address,) for you the descendants of the first inhabitants of this

-land of America, whom our forefathers found here after they had

-crossed the great waters.”</p>

-

-<p>About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion, and

-these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of endeavouring

-to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to be derived

-from living in peace with one another, and with all men, and with

-the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that they might

-draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still retained

-a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their forefathers

-met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued to

-distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his

-descendants, expressing that if <i>we</i> deceived them they should no more

-place confidence in mankind.</p>

-

-<p>The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable

-adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established

-between these nations and the United States.</p>

-

-<p>During this visit, many of the difficulties and sufferings to which the

-Indians were subjected, were brought into view, and their situation

-appeared loudly to claim the sympathy of those who had grown opulent

-on the former inheritance of these poor declining people. Hence these

-Friends suggested the propriety of the society of Friends, pursuing some

-plan of rendering them more essential service than had hitherto been

-rendered.</p>

-

-<p>Again in 1795, a treaty was held with some of the western tribes of

-Indians, and, although Friends did not send a deputation to attend it,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span>

-they nevertheless, forwarded a suitable address, calculated to evince

-their love of peace, and ardent desire for the restoration of harmony

-between the Indians and the government of the United States. This

-letter was accompanied by suitable presents, directed to the care of

-General Anthony Wayne, who informed Friends that they were

-gratefully received by the Indians, and also, that there now was the

-fairest prospect of a lasting peace and friendly intercourse between

-the citizens of the United States, and the aborigines of America.</p>

-

-<p>Peace accordingly once more took place between the United States

-and the Indians, after many years of war and devastation; but this cessation

-of hostilities was purchased, on behalf of the Indians, by the relinquishment

-of a large tract of their country north-west of the river

-Ohio, and they were also otherwise left in a poor and destitute situation.</p>

-

-<p>Previous to this period, several of the Indians’ chiefs had, in a pathetic

-manner, applied to the society of Friends to remember them in their

-distressed situation, and also to instruct them in the modes of civilized

-life.</p>

-

-<p>The following speech, from Gay-us-hu-ta, an ancient chief of the Seneca

-nation, on the borders of Pennsylvania, is worthy of preserving on record:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, the sons of my beloved brother Onas&mdash;When I was young

-and strong, our country was full of game, which the great spirit sent for

-us to live upon. The lands which belonged to us, were extended far beyond

-where we hunted. I, and the people of my nation, always had

-plenty to eat, and always something to give to our friends when they

-entered our cabins, and we rejoiced when they received it from us.

-Hunting was then not tiresome. It was diversion&mdash;it was a pleasure.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, when your fathers asked land of my nation, we gave it to

-them&mdash;Gay-us-hu-ta was always among the first to say, “Give land to

-our brother Onas, for he wants it&mdash;and he has always been a friend

-to Onas and his children.”</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, your fathers saw Gay-us-hu-ta when he was young, when

-he had not even thought of old age or of weakness&mdash;but you are too

-far off to see him now&mdash;he is grown old, he is very old and feeble, and

-he wonders at his own shadow, it has become so little. He has no children

-to take care of him, and the game is driven away by the white

-people, so that the young men must hunt all day to get game for themselves

-to eat&mdash;they have nothing left for Gay-us-hu-ta. And it is not

-Gay-us-hu-ta only that is become old and feeble; there yet remains

-about thirty men of your old friends, who, unable to provide for themselves,

-or to help one another, are become poor, and are hungry and

-naked.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, Gay-us-hu-ta sends you a belt, which he received long

-ago from your fathers, and a writing which he received but as yesterday

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span>

-from one of you; by these you will remember him and the old friends

-of your father’s in this nation. Look on this belt and this writing, and

-if you remember the old friends of your fathers, consider their former

-friendship and their present distress, and if the good spirit shall put it

-into your hearts to comfort them in their old age, do not disregard his

-counsel. We are men, and therefore need only tell you, that we are

-old and feeble, and hungry, and naked, and that we have no other

-friends but you, the children of our beloved brother Onas.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Cornplanter,

-a chief of the same nation, to Friends in the year 1791.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the great spirit intends they

-should not continue to live by hunting, and they look round on every

-side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them

-to do. Your fathers dealt honestly with our fathers, and they have engaged

-us to remember it: we wish our children to be taught the same

-principles by which your fathers were guided.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach

-our children what we perceive their situation requires them to know.

-We wish them to be taught to read and write, and such other things as

-you teach your children, especially the love of peace.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Two Friends visited some of the Indians of the Delaware nation near

-Muskinghum, in the year 1793. The following is a speech of one of

-their chiefs named Neet-wot-willimon, on the occasion.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are glad, and rejoice in our hearts to see our brothers,

-the Quakers, speaking before us&mdash;we feel the grace that is in your

-hearts conveyed to us, and we wish to be of the same religion, but we

-are poor, and weak, and not capable of judging for ourselves&mdash;we hope

-you will have pity upon us, and instruct us how to gain a more comfortable

-living&mdash;and, also, how we may come to obtain everlasting happiness:

-when we think of our poor children, our hearts are affected with

-sorrow&mdash;we hope you will send us teachers.”</p>

-

-<p>These circumstances, together with the remembrance of the kindness

-of the natives to the early settlers in this country, continued to interest

-the feelings of the society of Friends in their behalf, and from motives

-of religious obligation, the Yearly Meeting, held in Philadelphia in the

-Ninth month, 1795, appointed a large committee for the special purpose

-of promoting the improvement and gradual civilization of the Indian

-natives, in such a way and manner, as would best tend to meliorate their

-condition; and to render an account annually to the Yearly Meeting of

-their progress therein. This committee promoted liberal subscriptions

-through the society&mdash;appointed a clerk and treasurer, and held stated

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span>

-meetings to deliberate on such measures, as, under the divine blessing,

-might best promote the real welfare of these inhabitants of the wilderness.</p>

-

-<p>In order more fully to learn the disposition of the several tribes of

-Indians bordering on the state of Pennsylvania, it was an early object

-with the committee, to address to them a circular letter, informing

-them of the objects the society had in view for their benefit&mdash;and also

-therein communicating much salutary advice and counsel; which letter

-was also accompanied by one from Timothy Pickering, then secretary

-of state, in which he expresses a hearty co-operation with the views and

-plans of the committee, and the necessity of the Indians’ gradually declining

-their former modes of procuring sustenance, and betaking themselves

-to the cultivation of the soil, and raising domestic animals.</p>

-

-<p>In his letter he says&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Now, Brothers, I have the great pleasure to inform you, that your

-good friends, the Quakers, have formed a wise plan to show your young

-men and boys the most useful practices of the white people. They will

-choose some prudent, good men to instruct them. These good men will

-do this, only from the love they bear to you, their fellow men, and children

-of the Great Spirit whom they desire to please, and who will be

-pleased with the good they do to you.</p>

-

-<p>“The Quakers, and the good men they employ, will ask nothing from

-you, neither land, nor money, nor skins, nor furs, for all the good they

-will render to you. They will request only your consent, and the attention

-of the young men and boys to learn what will be so useful.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, if this first attempt succeed, the way will be open in which

-your young people may learn other useful practices of the white people,

-so as to enable them to supply all their own wants; and such as

-choose it, may learn to read and write.</p>

-

-<p>“Having thus explained to you the plan of your friends the Quakers,

-I conclude, with heartily recommending it to your adoption, as better

-calculated to procure lasting and essential benefits to your nation, than

-any plan ever before attempted.</p>

-

-<p>“Wishing it great success, I remain your friend and brother,</p>

-

-<p class="author">

-“<span class="smcap">Timothy Pickering</span>.</p>

-

-<p>“<i>Philadelphia, February 15, 1796.</i>”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Timothy Pickering also wrote to the superintendent of the six nations,

-and to the interpreter for the United States, requesting them to

-prepare the minds of the Indians for the intended plan formed by the

-society of Friends, to introduce among them some of the necessary arts

-of civil life. Those letters were explained to various tribes of Indians,

-who generally expressed their approbation of the measures proposed.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span></p>

-

-<p>The Oneidas, however, and those Indians settled on the Oneida reservation,

-comprehending the Stockbridges&mdash;and a part of the Tuscaroras,

-near the sources of the Mohawk river, in the state of New York,

-were most solicitous to co-operate with Friends in the intended experiment

-for a reform in the Indian mode of life.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of the year 1796, three young men, who offered their

-services to spend some time in the instruction of the natives, were accompanied

-by four of the committee into the Oneida country, and provided

-with implements of husbandry, carpenters’ and smiths’ tools, and

-other necessary accommodations. The Indians received them with joyful

-countenances, and gave them a hearty welcome to their villages. Their

-first council was held with the Stockbridges. These Indians are not of

-the six nations. They were said to consist of about sixty families, and

-three hundred individuals; and possessed upwards of twenty-three thousand

-acres of land, which had been given to them by the Oneida nation.

-They had a saw-mill, three carts, three pair of good working oxen, and

-some other things, which they enjoyed in common; but, in general,

-possessed their improvements and other fruits of their industry as private

-property; and little appeared to be wanting, but a spirit of industry,

-frugality, and sobriety, to make their situation comfortable. After

-giving them such advice as their situation required, Friends held a

-general council with the Oneidas, about four miles distant from the

-Stockbridge settlement. Here they fully explained the nature of their

-embassy, and endeavoured to impress the Indians with the necessity of

-a change in their manner of life, and the means whereby it might be

-accomplished, if they became industrious, cultivated their land, and

-raised cattle, sheep, and other domestic animals&mdash;also, that their women

-should learn to spin, knit, and manufacture their clothing.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians appeared well satisfied with the offer that had been

-made them, and the prospect of the young men staying among them to

-assist them. The women, especially, who had great reason to coincide

-with the views of Friends in this business, appeared to be well satisfied;

-for in proportion to the rude and uncultivated state of these people, are

-the hardships of their women increased; they having most of the

-drudgery to perform; such as hoeing corn, chopping wood, carrying

-burthens, &amp;c. while their men are sporting with their bows and arrows,

-and other similar diversions.</p>

-

-<p>It was supposed the Oneidas at this time possessed about two hundred

-and forty square miles of land. They were, in number, about six hundred

-and twenty. They had a saw-mill, built by government, and a

-considerable number of cattle, horses, and some working oxen. With

-these, and their annuities from the government, they might, with a

-proper application on their part, have become good livers, abounding

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span>

-in the necessary comforts of life. But such were their excessive indolence,

-want of economy, and love of strong drink, that instead of improving

-the means in their power to make themselves comfortable, they

-were poor and wretched; and many of them, a great part of the year,

-almost reduced to a state of starvation. The little corn and other

-produce the women raised with their hoes, were frequently bartered for

-strong drink. The evil effects of this practice, Friends were particularly

-concerned to remark, in their councils; and some exertions were

-said to have been used by their chiefs, to prevent strong liquor from

-being sold in their villages.</p>

-

-<p>Friends also had a council with the Brotherton Indians, about nine

-miles from the Stockbridges, composed of fifty-six families, and possessed

-of about nine thousand nine hundred acres of land. They also

-had a saw-mill, and a considerable number of cattle and other animals.

-They also had an interview with a smaller tribe of the Tuscaroras,

-who lived on the Oneida’s land, and furnished them with some goods,

-and implements of husbandry, encouraging them to industry, and sober

-habits, whereby they might partake plentifully of the blessings of the

-Great Spirit. They had further satisfactory interviews with the Stockbridge

-Indians, and in addition to the implements of husbandry they

-had given them, presented them with a set of smiths’ tools. At the close

-of their communications, an old chief replied to them as follows:&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, I am glad to see you, in my heart, and to hear your good

-words&mdash;you use us just like a father&mdash;I am old&mdash;have lost all my family&mdash;and

-cannot live many days&mdash;but all this spring, I think the Great

-Spirit will send me some comfort in my trouble&mdash;but nobody say any

-thing to me, till now, you are come,&mdash;I wish I was young, then I would

-do what you say&mdash;I will go and see your young men at Oneida, every

-two or three days, and tell our young men how you do.”</p>

-

-<p>The principal chief of the nation, on behalf of the rest, expressed

-much satisfaction for the kind offers Friends had made them, especially

-for the smiths’ tools; stating that they had suffered much for the want

-of them, having had to go many miles, and sometimes lose many days, to

-get one link of a chain mended.</p>

-

-<p>The committee who accompanied the young men, now having spent

-near a month in the Indian country, and having obtained a house to

-accommodate them, and got satisfactory arrangements made between

-them and the Indians, set out homewards. On their way, about thirty

-miles westward of Oneida, they called to see a small tribe of the Onondaga

-Indians. They were about one hundred and thirty-five in number,

-and possessed about twelve thousand eight hundred acres of good

-land, but were in a poor and miserable condition, spending their time in

-idleness, and much given to intemperance; even pawning the blankets

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span>

-they received from government, for liquor, before they got them home.

-Friends had an interview with them, and endeavoured to impress them

-with the necessity of a change in their manner of life, and the advantage

-that would arise from habits of industry and sobriety; letting them

-know that they were willing to help them a little, but that their main

-object was to get them to help themselves.</p>

-

-<p>They also visited a small tribe of the Cayuga Indians, about seventy

-miles westward from Oneida, said to be about sixty in number, in a

-similar situation to the Onondagas. To these the committee promised

-to send some implements of husbandry, which were afterwards furnished

-them.</p>

-

-<p>The three young men now stationed at Oneida, began to set before

-the natives an example of industry, and to use endeavours to promote

-in them a like disposition; but they, being unaccustomed to labour, and

-naturally averse to habits of industry, continued in their former pursuits.

-Friends then improved a piece of land, without assistance from the natives,

-hoping some of them would be induced to follow their example.

-They also repaired and worked a saw-mill, belonging to the Oneidas,

-and instructed several of the Indians in the knowledge of sawing.</p>

-

-<p>In the fall of this year, one of the young men returned home, and

-another who offered his services, went forward to that station.</p>

-

-<p>The ensuing winter, Friends opened a school for the instruction of

-the children, and an Indian, qualified by an education in New England,

-taught the Stockbridge children, and was allowed a salary by Friends

-for several years.</p>

-

-<p>In the year 1797, but little improvement was made by the Oneida

-Indians. Sickness prevailed among them, which Friends did not wholly

-escape. One of the young men went to distribute some implements of

-husbandry, &amp;c. among the Onondaga, and Cayuga Indians, and to encourage

-them to apply themselves to the use of them, earnestly recommending

-them to sobriety and industry, as the only means of promoting

-their happiness. For while they remained in habits of idleness and

-drunkenness, they would be poor and miserable. They were grateful

-for the presents received, and promised to apply themselves to the use

-of them; but said, that “drinking rum, and getting drunk they were not

-able to keep from, because it was running all round them; that they

-lived on an island, and the white people gave them drams, and then

-they craved more, so that they thought it was impossible to leave it off,

-they had been so long accustomed to it; but they were in hopes the

-young people would learn better.”</p>

-

-<p>In the fore part of this summer, the Oneida Indians, as was their

-usual custom, (to supply themselves with food, being urged thereto by

-necessity,) went on an expedition, about twenty miles, to the other side

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span>

-of the Oneida lake, after young pigeons. These they caught in great

-abundance, and after salting them in bark troughs, brought them home

-to their villages.</p>

-

-<p>In the Ninth month, this year, another of the young men returned

-from the Oneida settlement, by whom the principal chiefs of that nation

-addressed a letter to the committee, expressive of their gratitude for

-the favours received, and their satisfaction with the conduct of the

-young man who had resided among them.</p>

-

-<p>The Sachems of the Stockbridge nation also sent a letter, from which

-the following is extracted:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers and friends, attend. We the Sachems and counsellors of

-the Mohikonick or Stockbridge nation, send our voice to you. We feel

-rejoiced that the great, good Spirit, has put such light and love in your

-hearts, and influenced your minds to such a degree, as to have compassionate

-feelings towards us, the natives of this island. We ever have

-felt the gladness on our hearts, to find and see with our own eyes, that

-you have not only spoke good words from your lips, but have been doers

-of the good work&mdash;you have extended your charity towards us in this

-wilderness. You have taken the pains to come up, year ago last summer&mdash;you

-have sat with us in council, you have given us many good councils&mdash;you

-have raised our heads which were hung down&mdash;you have

-directed our eyes to see the good path of life&mdash;you have put tools on

-our hands&mdash;you have hung a good kettle by the side of our fire-place,

-whereby our food may be cooked without any trouble&mdash;you have even

-put a good staff into the hands of our children&mdash;that they may be enabled

-to learn the path that leads to good life, and indeed you have done

-much good for us. By these means we have been enabled to avoid

-many difficulties&mdash;our young men are greatly encouraged, and our old

-men comforted.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we hope that in a future day, you will rejoice, that what

-you have done for us was not in vain. The kindness which you have

-done to us is by this time sounded in the ears of our allies, the different

-nations towards the setting sun; for it was the custom of our forefathers,

-when any thing was done for them by the white people&mdash;all

-their friends and allies must know of it.”</p>

-

-<p class="author">

-Signed by six Chiefs.</p>

-

-<p><i>Dated New Stockbridge, 9th mo. 1797.</i></p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>A desire was expressed by the Indians, that some of their daughters

-might be brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia to receive

-instruction. Accordingly six girls, aged from nine to eighteen years were

-received, and placed in the families of Friends in Chester county, to be

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span>

-instructed in school-learning, and the usual branches of housewifery

-and domestic economy, where some of them remained several years.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of the year 1798, (in order to induce the Indians to

-labour,) a proposition was made to hire some of them to assist in improving

-the land allotted for a farm; but they were so irregular in

-working, that the plan was abandoned. Some days nearly thirty would

-come to work, and on other days, scarcely one was to be had. They

-therefore engaged a number of lads and young men whom they boarded,

-and allowed a reasonable compensation for their services.</p>

-

-<p>At this time some improvement had taken place. Many of the Indian

-men would assist their wives in working their little lots of land; but they

-experienced some difficulty from the want of a blacksmith, to make

-and repair their tools. A Friend, however, well qualified to instruct

-them in this business, offered his services, who, with his wife, and another

-female, desirous of spending some time in the instruction of the

-Indian women, proceeded to that settlement, and were usefully engaged

-in the benevolent object of improving the condition of the natives.</p>

-

-<p>In the Seventh month, this year, this settlement was visited by two

-of the committee, who assisted the Friends there, in making some arrangements

-with the Indians relative to the smith’s business, and otherwise

-imparting suitable encouragement to them in regard to the cultivation

-of their land.</p>

-

-<p>About this time, and for some time previous, (probably instigated by

-the evil insinuations of some designing white men,) some of the Indians

-had manifested suspicions of the sincerity of Friends’ views. They

-knew that the improvement made on their land, and the various tools

-and implements of husbandry furnished them by Friends, must have

-cost a great deal of money, and they had not been witnesses of any instance,

-where white people had come forward in such a manner to

-assist Indians, but, sooner or later an interested motive discovered itself&mdash;therefore,

-some had fear that it was intended to make a permanent

-establishment, and lay claim to a part of their land. And indeed when

-we advert to the many impositions practised upon this much injured

-people, by those who have gone among them, under the character of

-missionaries, and religious instructors, we cannot much marvel that this

-should be the case.</p>

-

-<p>Friends, however, expostulated with them on various subjects, relative

-to their improvement, and reminded them of their ungrateful surmises

-and whisperings in this respect&mdash;and told them, that they had

-never asked any of their land&mdash;they never should&mdash;nor would they

-take it, if offered to them&mdash;and that they had no other inducement

-for staying among them, spending their time and their money, but their

-own good.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p>

-

-<p>In their reply to Friends, the Indians, by way of apology, mention&mdash;“There

-are some had people, who have spoke against you, that you

-had a design to take away our land; and sometimes when our minds

-were not right, we believed such talk&mdash;and this made us feel very ugly&mdash;but

-now we are convinced, and sorry we believed such things. We

-are satisfied that you are a true people, and we will continue to be of

-that mind.”</p>

-

-<p>This visit seemed (to use the Indian term,) to brighten the chain of

-friendship; and the prospect of improvement assumed a more encouraging

-appearance. A comfortable dwelling house and barn were built

-this year, and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed

-in cultivating the farm. A large quantity of grain, hay, and vegetables

-were raised&mdash;affording ample proof to the natives, of the beneficial effects

-of cultivating the soil.</p>

-

-<p>Several of them, also, acquired considerable knowledge of the blacksmith’s

-business, and many of their young women and girls received

-instruction in spinning, knitting, sewing, and other domestic affairs,

-and some progress was made in their school learning.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1799, a more encouraging prospect of success, in

-improving the condition of the Indians, was apparent. Several of the

-Indian men improved lots of land for their own benefit, which they

-sowed with wheat, and other grain. The smith’s business continued to

-be attended to by them, and Friends, with the aid of the Indians, continued

-to work their farms; nor were their exertions, either this or any

-former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as opportunities

-for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to the various

-parts of the Indian settlements, and afforded assistance in as many ways,

-as the necessities of the natives required.</p>

-

-<p>As the Indians at this place had now obtained sufficient instruction

-to enable them, by proper application, to procure a comfortable living,

-it was concluded by Friends, that the time was drawing near, when it

-might be right to withdraw from them, and to convince the Indians of

-their disinterested motives, by leaving all their improvements, tools, and

-implements of husbandry for their own use and benefit; and with a view

-of making this arrangement, four of the committee visited the settlement

-in the Ninth month this year. After viewing the progress made

-by the Indians in the agricultural art, and also finding that two of them

-had acquired the knowledge of the blacksmith’s business, so fully as to

-be likely to answer all the work the natives might stand in need of, and

-others having applied themselves to the use of carpenter’s tools, so as

-to be capable of building good houses, barns, and making ploughs, harrows,

-and many other implements of husbandry, it appeared that very

-little was wanting but application on their part, to put themselves in a

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span>

-way of living comfortably, and of procuring or raising in a plentiful degree,

-most of the necessaries of life.</p>

-

-<p>Friends now had a free and open conference with the Indians, on the

-subject of relinquishing that settlement, and told them, as they had at

-the first, that they came not among them to make them presents that

-would soon slide away, but to teach them some of the useful practices

-of the white people; that they had now set before them a clear example,

-and showed them what a great deal of produce for the support of

-life, might be raised from a small piece of land; and expressed a hope

-they would take their advice, and follow the example they had set

-before them, informing them that there were a great many more of

-their Indian brethren that stood in need of assistance and instruction&mdash;and

-hoped they would be satisfied with what was already done for them.</p>

-

-<p>To the communications of Friends on this occasion, an ancient chief,

-Skenandoah, made the following reply, on behalf of the nation:&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Brother Onas attend. We know you told us you came not amongst

-us to make us presents that would soon wear away, but to stay some

-time&mdash;to instruct us how to gain a comfortable living, by tilling the

-ground, as the white people do. Now you have staid the time you proposed,

-and have fulfilled all your engagements to our nation, and we

-shall follow the good example you have set before us, which we know

-would be of lasting benefit to us; and we thankfully acknowledge your

-kindness, having never heard of any people who have done so much

-for Indians, without any view of advantage to themselves&mdash;which is a

-convincing proof to us that you are our real friends. And we are glad

-the good spirit has put it into your minds to assist others of our Indian

-brethren, in learning the same good way of living, for which we also

-thank you, as well as for the good advice you gave us about strong

-drink; and we will try all we can to persuade our young men to do

-better.</p>

-

-<p>“And now Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you,

-we wish you would tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for

-now we know you are a true people, and we will keep this writing

-and tell our young men and children every year, that they may always

-remember your friendship.”</p>

-

-<p>Near the close of the year, the Friends at Oneida having made the

-necessary arrangements about the distribution of the property, which

-consisted of between two and three hundred bushels of grain, a quantity

-of hay, a cow, a number of hogs, a cart, ploughs, harrows, carpenter’s

-and smith’s tools, household and kitchen furniture, all for the benefit of

-the Indians, they had a parting conference with them, when they

-presented them with the following address in writing.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers of the Oneida nation. We are now about to leave you,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span>

-and return to our respective homes. We desire to speak to you in a

-few words. You know it is more than three years since your friends,

-the people called Quakers, have been endeavouring to assist and instruct

-you how to gain a comfortable living, by cultivating your land,

-and some of us who are here, have left our near connexions and friends

-in order to be useful to your nation.</p>

-

-<p>“Now, Brothers, we have set before you a clear example, how to till

-your land, so as to raise plenty of wheat, and other good things for your

-support. We wish you, therefore, to improve the opportunity, by which

-means you may come to live happy and plentifully by the fruits of your

-own industry and care. We have often told you that we want nothing

-from you for all our trouble and expense, but the improvement of your

-nation.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you have now the advantage of having most of your smith

-work done by your own people, which is not the case with any of your

-brethren to the westward. If you do not improve the advantages you

-have, you must blame yourselves for your poverty and distress. We

-entreat you, therefore, to be wise for your own interest, and leave off

-the practice of drinking strong drink, (for you know it has been the

-cause of most of your difficulties,) and try to pursue a sober, industrious

-course of life. Then we believe the good spirit will bless you with lasting

-benefits; and as we have endeavoured to live in peace among you,

-we wish you to live in peace one with another, that your good example

-may be a blessing to your children&mdash;always remembering, that your

-welfare and happiness as well as the improvement of your children will

-depend much on your sobriety and industry.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we now leave you, hoping your good understanding will

-incline you to pursue the way we have endeavoured to point out to you.

-We now bid you farewell.”</p>

-

-<p>The Indians, both of the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, made replies

-of considerable length to our friends on this parting opportunity, in

-which they expressed their sense of gratitude for the many services

-Friends had rendered them; and, among other things, stated, that “they

-would endeavour to pursue the path Friends had pointed out to them,”

-and further added:&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is now a long time since the white people have lived

-on this island. They have frequently told us they loved us&mdash;but none

-of them have ever tried to instruct us in cultivating our land before.

-We now see, brothers, that your society has manifested more regard

-for the welfare of the Indians, than any other people, for which we

-thank you. We also thank the Great Spirit that he has put it into your

-hearts to love and regard Indians.”</p>

-

-<p>These Friends arrived in Philadelphia in the First month, 1801.&mdash;It

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span>

-was hoped that the labour bestowed upon those Indians would eventually

-prove a blessing to them, and that the spirit of industry that had

-been discovered in individuals, would gradually progress from family to

-family, and have a powerful and beneficial influence on many of the

-adjacent tribes-and, in time, also, on those more remote.</p>

-

-<p>In the autumn of this year, the Stockbridge girls, who had been placed

-among Friends in the fall of 1797, were returned to their parents. They

-had acquired a considerable knowledge of school learning, and of spinning,

-knitting, sewing, and the different branches of housewifery.</p>

-

-<p>To show a specimen of their improvement in school learning, I will

-here give a copy of a letter written by one of them, the following spring

-after their arrival among Friends, in which time she had acquired so

-much of the English language, as to enable her to convey her ideas by

-writing:</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p class="author">

-<i>New Garden, Third mo. 10th, 1798.</i></p>

-

-<p>“My dear mother: I will try to let thee know how I do so far from

-thee&mdash;I have been well ever since I left thee. I would be glad to see

-thee mother&mdash;I want to see thee, and brothers and sisters, and all

-Stockbridge friends&mdash;I want to see father&mdash;I like to live in this country

-pretty well&mdash;and dear friends clever&mdash;me live in clever house, very

-good man, make clocks&mdash;make porringers and spoons&mdash;me like to see

-him&mdash;I can knit stockings and spin&mdash;I have made sampler&mdash;I know

-how to mark my clothes, then I know my own&mdash;three girls make bonnets

-and do all work&mdash;I work a little, play a little&mdash;go to meeting a

-little&mdash;sometimes walk&mdash;sometimes ride on horseback, when roads are

-muddy&mdash;the girls’ mother very good old woman&mdash;I love her&mdash;she learns

-me to work.</p>

-

-<p class="author"><span class="smcap">Mary Peters.</span></p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>My dear Brother&mdash;Me live well at very good house. I love thee, and

-sisters, and mother&mdash;I want see you all&mdash;Friends say, may be we all

-go back to Stockbridge before next winter&mdash;I think I have told thee

-all I can now, so bid thee farewell.</p>

-

-<p class="author"><span class="smcap">Mary Peters.</span></p>

-

-<p>N. B. This letter my own hand writing, so you may see I learn write.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>The following is an extract of a letter written by one of the Indian

-girls after her return home, dated the Ninth month, 1803, to one of the

-women Friends who had engaged in the instruction of the natives at

-Oneida.</p>

-

-<p>“I have spun some flax and wool since I come home, and made some

-cheese to show our Indians how to make cheese&mdash;they be very much

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span>

-pleased to know how to make cheese&mdash;some said they never thought

-Indians could make cheese so well. They began to try to keep cows

-ever since to make cheese and butter. Some of them began to sow

-some flax, and good many of our Indians got sheep&mdash;meat good to eat,

-and wool good for cloth. I hope we will do better every year. Good

-many have left off drinking, and some of them drink very hard yet. I

-have been to see Oneidas not long ago&mdash;they improve very much since

-thee come away&mdash;good many have new frame houses and frame barns&mdash;they

-improve very much ever since they left off drinking. I believe

-three hundred of men and women left off drinking this sometime past&mdash;I

-hope they will keep their words good.”</p>

-

-<p>By some information received afterwards, it appears some of these

-young women married soon after their return and settled themselves

-to industry, lived well, and some Friends calling to see them, were

-kindly received and hospitably entertained by them.</p>

-

-<p>After the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania withdrew

-their attention from the Oneidas, and those Indians in the vicinity,

-they came more particularly under the notice of Friends of the Yearly

-Meeting of New York, who had formed similar plans for the improvement

-and civilization of the Indian natives.</p>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<h3><i>Friendly intercourse between the Society of Friends, and various

-nations of Indians.</i></h3>

-

-<p>It seems necessary, in this place, to go back a little in the order of

-time, and give some account of the interviews with the chiefs and others,

-of various nations of Indians, who at different times visited Philadelphia.</p>

-

-<p>As the minds of Friends were attentively opened to the great object

-of the concern, in promoting the well-being and gradual improvement

-of the Indian natives, every opportunity was embraced of cultivating

-a friendly intercourse with them, and of giving such counsel and encouragement

-as seemed to be adapted to their situation, accompanied

-with some such aid in implements of husbandry and other things, as

-their necessities demanded.</p>

-

-<p>In the Ninth month, 1796, Benjamin Hawkins superintendent of the

-Creek nation, settled in the interior of Georgia, was introduced to the

-committee on Indian affairs. He brought with him four lads of that

-nation to be educated; two of whom were placed with Friends, where

-they remained several years, and were instructed in school learning.

-He also suggested the propriety of furnishing those Indians with some

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span>

-mechanical tools, which were procured and forwarded to them, accompanied

-by a suitable address, from which the following is extracted:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we feel it in our hearts to tell you that the great and

-good spirit, made all people with a design that they should live in peace

-and good will, and that it is for this end he hath placed his law in the

-hearts of all men, which, if carefully attended to, would keep them in

-love and friendship&mdash;and teach them to avoid every thing that would

-lead them to hurt and destroy one another.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, are you not sensible that when you are quarrelsome, or

-have done any bad action, that you are made sorrowful and uneasy,

-and that on the contrary when you are serious, and do good actions,

-your minds feel easy, pleasant, and comfortable? This is from the good

-spirit, who is all love, and who hath placed his law in our hearts, to

-give us peace and comfort when we do well, and make us sad and uneasy

-when we do evil.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are glad in believing that the good spirit has influenced

-the hearts of our great men to do the Indians good; and we earnestly

-desire, that you may be so wise as to follow their good advice in trying

-to improve your fertile land by farming, and raising cattle, sheep, and

-hogs; so that you may have food and clothing for yourselves, your wives,

-and your children.”</p>

-

-<p>About the beginning of the year 1797, Friends had satisfactory interviews

-with deputies from various nations, among whom were some

-of the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians, inhabiting

-the northern and western parts of Georgia; and the Shawanees, Chippewas,

-and Pottawattamies, living on the waters of the Wabash river,

-and bordering on lakes Michigan and Superior.</p>

-

-<p>To these Indians suitable presents were made to a considerable

-amount. In divers conferences had with them, Friends informed them

-of the nature and effect of their peaceable principles, and testimony

-against wars and fightings&mdash;their care of the society in first settling Pennsylvania,

-under the patronage of William Penn, whom the Indians

-called brother Onas, not to settle on lands that were not fairly purchased

-and paid for to the satisfaction of the natives, with whom friendship,

-harmony, and mutual kind offices long subsisted. They also informed

-them of their continued desire to maintain this amity, by exerting their

-best endeavours and influence for the healing of differences between

-white people and Indians. They endeavoured to explain to their understandings

-how much the attainment of this happy end depends upon

-cherishing, in ourselves, the benevolent disposition inseparable from the

-true spirit and practice of real Christianity. They also recommended

-them to instruct their youth in modes of living more conformable thereto,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span>

-than had heretofore been customary with them, and especially

-warned them against the pernicious effects of using spirituous liquors.</p>

-

-<p>A number of the chiefs expressed great satisfaction with these interviews.

-Some of them said they remembered to have heard of such a

-people as the Quakers; but the account remained with them an uncertainty,

-until now they had witnessed its reality; that the sentiments

-and advice communicated, was such as they had never heard before;

-that it had sunk deep into their hearts, and that they wished it conveyed

-to their people more extensively by personal visits from some of

-the Quakers. One of them remarked particularly on the counsel imparted

-not to revenge injuries, and gave repeated assurances, “that

-although he had heard of two of his people being killed, he was determined

-not to retaliate, but to adhere to peace.”</p>

-

-<p>An ancient chief of the Creek nation, among many other things said,

-“Brothers, I am an old man, yet I have travelled much this year to

-promote peace. I went many hundred miles to the treaty on the frontiers

-of Georgia, held by the commissioners of the United States, and of

-the State of Georgia, with my nation, where several matters were adjusted

-to my satisfaction. I then returned home, but in a short time,

-came by invitation to this city, to make the chain of friendship still

-brighter. On my way, and since coming here, I have met with nothing

-unpleasant; nor do I regret all the toil and fatigue of a long journey to

-establish a firm peace. I believe the Great Spirit above made both

-white and red men; but I suppose it is because we are red men, that

-the white men impose upon us, and try to get our land, which we do

-not want to part with.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, I am glad to find there are a people who love peace, and

-give such good advice to red men. I was a stranger to you, till since

-my coming here. You kindly took notice of me. A few days ago one of

-your women delivered a talk which I have hid deep in my heart. I

-never heard such an one before. I want to tell it to my nation, after

-I get home&mdash;and for fear I should forget some of it, I should like to have

-it in print that it might be fully explained to them.”</p>

-

-<p>In the First month, 1798, the Little Turtle, a chief of the Miami nation,

-and some other western Indians, were introduced to the committee by

-a letter from General James Wilkinson, then commander-in-chief of

-the army of the United States, to his brother-in-law, Owen Biddle, of

-Philadelphia. In this letter, he wrote as follows, “When we contemplate

-the fortunes of the aborigines of our country, the bosom of philanthropy

-must heave with sorrow. What would not that man, or that

-community merit, who reclaims the untutored Indian&mdash;opens his mind

-to sources of happiness unknown, and makes him useful to society&mdash;since

-it would be in effect to save a whole race from extinction? For,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span>

-surely, if these people are not brought to depend for sustenance on their

-fields instead of their forests, it will be found impossible to reclaim their

-present habits; and the seeds of their extinction already sown, must

-be matured.</p>

-

-<p>“The bearer of this letter, the Little Turtle, is forcibly impressed with

-these truths, and is anxious to co-operate in a fair experiment on his

-tribe. It is with this view that I introduce him particularly to you, in

-hopes you may think proper to recommend him to the patronage of the

-benevolent society of which you are a member.”</p>

-

-<p>Friends had satisfactory interviews with these Indians, and suitable

-presents were given to them. The Little Turtle expressed a strong

-desire for the improvement of his people, and hoped Friends would use

-their endeavours to promote the work of civilization among them.</p>

-

-<p>The committee embraced this opportunity of addressing a general

-letter to the Miami Indians, and other nations united with them, in

-which they reminded them of the ancient friendship that subsisted between

-their forefathers and Friends, in the early settlement of this

-country&mdash;that the chain of friendship had been kept bright for more

-than one hundred years, by mutual acts of kindness to each other, and

-that while Friends had the chief direction of public affairs in Pennsylvania,

-there was no war between the white people and Indians in that

-state: but since those times of brotherly kindness, some men had given

-way to the power of the bad spirit in their hearts, so as to become

-desperately wicked, coveting their neighbours’ goods, and even thirsting

-for blood. This had caused wars and fightings, and produced much

-misery in the world&mdash;and that the society of Friends were concerned

-to persuade their rulers to do justly, and maintain peace with the Indians,

-and with all men&mdash;and were also very desirous that the Great

-overruling Spirit of love, might so influence and direct the councils of

-the Indian nations, and so dispose their hearts to peace, that the sound

-of war might no more be heard in their land.</p>

-

-<p>They were, also, in this address, especially warned against the pernicious

-effects of spirituous liquors, which concern may be understood

-to have been particularly attended to in most of their communications

-to the Indians.</p>

-

-<p>In the summer of this year, Friends received a letter from the Little

-Turtle, giving them an account of the safe arrival of the articles sent

-to his nation. They also received one from the Creek nation, giving an

-account of the reception of the implements of husbandry forwarded to

-them, for which they expressed a sense of gratitude for the great benefit

-to that nation.</p>

-

-<p>In the Twelfth month, this year, Friends had a satisfactory interview

-in Philadelphia, with two chiefs of the Ottawa nation, two chiefs of the

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span>

-Pottawattamies, and the principal chief of the Chippewa nation, who

-were accompanied by Jonathan Sheffelin, agent and Indian interpreter,

-being then on an embassy to the president of the United States.</p>

-

-<p>At the conclusion of a speech made by Kekis, (the Sun) the principal

-chief of the Pottawattamies, on behalf of the three nations, he presented

-six strings of white wampum as a token of brotherly regard for

-the society of Friends.</p>

-

-<p>Among other things, in his speech, he says&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are an ignorant people, and don’t know what is right

-as well as you do. We have often been persuaded by the white people

-to join in their wars against one another. A great while ago, the French

-set us against the English. They should have taught us better things.

-I hope, however, our hearts will become as white as the wampum in

-my hand. The Great Spirit above has made us, as well as you; though

-we are not of one colour. He has put it into our hearts to live in peace

-with the white people. I believe it is his will that we should meet together

-in the centre of this great island. I am sensible your hearts are

-good towards your brothers the red people.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, when you came to see us at Detroit,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">1</a> we wanted to see

-you; but other people would not suffer us to take you by the hand. If

-they had been of our minds, you would have had us round you then, as

-you are now round us. Colonel M’K.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> prevented us. We return you

-thanks for the good you came for. Our wives and children shed tears

-because they could not come to you. When they said we will go, he

-said, you will be disappointed, they will not give you so much as a needle

-full of thread. We believed it&mdash;our dependence was on them.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we hope you will continue your friendship to us, and help

-us to keep our lands. I speak from my heart. We know you are not

-capable of giving bad advice. The Great Spirit hears what we say,

-and it will be known among our people, so long as red men shall remain

-upon this island.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, these six strings of wampum, in the sight of the Great

-Spirit, are to sweep all the bad things away from between us.</p>

-

-<p>“If the white people should want to spill our blood again, we hope you

-will use your endeavours to preserve peace.”</p>

-

-<p>These Indians also presented a large belt of ten strings of white wampum

-from the Delaware nation, with a speech of considerable length

-in writing, from which we extract the following.</p>

-

-<p>After acknowledging the kindness of Friends, and the good advice

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span>

-communicated in the speech which they had received by the hands of

-the Miami chief, the Little Turtle, they say&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you strongly recommend peace&mdash;we are much inclined

-to peace. The war axe is long since buried deep in the bottom of the

-great lake&mdash;so very deep, that we hope the evil Spirit will never be

-able to take it up again. There we hope it will ever remain, and never

-be thought of by any of us. We hope that the master of life, who disposes

-of all things according to his will and pleasure, may also so dispose

-the hearts and minds of his white brethren, as they used to be at

-that time when our forefathers first met on this great island, and smoked

-the pipe of peace with your grandfather Onas, (Penn) on the very same

-spot where your great village (Philadelphia) now stands.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, at that time the hearts and minds of men were white and

-good. The evil spirit who works in the inside of the bodies of men, had

-then no power over them. Our villages were peaceful, and our paths,

-at that time, were covered with flowers, and we knew nothing of war.

-But soon after, the bad spirit fixed himself deep in the hearts and minds

-of our white brethren. They made war against each other, and soon

-taught us to be as wicked as themselves, and, like themselves, cruel

-and unjust. It was them who took the pipe of peace out of our hands,

-and it was them who put the destructive war axe into our hands, to

-strike against their white brethren and their helpless women and children.

-They only are the cause of all our misfortunes&mdash;the destruction

-of our villages, the death of our young warriors and helpless women and

-children&mdash;the loss of our lands and our happiness.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are told by you, in your speech to us, that you wish

-to know our situation, and in what manner you could be of service to us&mdash;we

-are poor and pitiful indeed&mdash;destructive war has caused many of

-our families to be scattered abroad in the wilderness, insomuch, that we

-can scarcely find their places of residence. Our once peaceful villages

-exist no more. Our paths, which once were covered with flowers, are now

-full of thorns, and stained with the blood of our young warriors and our

-helpless women and children. We have almost considered ourselves as

-last men, and thrown our bodies away, but by the advice of our brother,

-Jonathan Shefflin, and the assistance of the Great Spirit, we will now

-assemble ourselves together, and form an extensive village on the plains

-of the White river. Speeches are this day sent to our brethren for that

-purpose, and we hope that by the next summer, we shall all be assembled

-at that place, when we will point out the means of your assisting

-us.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, may the great regulator of all things, he who knows the

-hearts and minds of all men, so dispose the hearts and minds of our

-Quaker brethren, that they may never be induced to withdraw their

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span>

-friendship and counsel from men who by their ignorance, are easily led

-astray by the songs of the bad birds&mdash;men who are real objects of pity,

-and who require the protection of their white brethren more at this

-time than ever.”</p>

-

-<p>Signed by Buckingeheles, and six other Chiefs of the Delaware nation.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>These Indian chiefs, before alluded to, were presented with suitable

-presents previous to their leaving Philadelphia, as a token of brotherly

-regard entertained for the natives of the land,&mdash;and some time after

-the committee wrote to the Delaware nation, strongly recommending

-them to betake themselves to the cultivation of the earth to procure

-sustenance, and in allusion to the time of their first intercourse with

-Friends in the early settlement of the country, they say:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, at that time the white inhabitants were few and inclined

-to peace; since then, they have increased to a great number, amongst

-whom we and our brethren are but as a handful. Yet the good Spirit

-who taught our forefathers to cultivate peace with the Indians and all

-men, still teaches us the same; therefore, we can take no part in the

-war with any people, and our influence in the great councils of our

-nation is very small&mdash;but we use our endeavours to persuade men to

-live in peace, and have brotherly love towards each other.”</p>

-

-<p>In the First month, 1802, the Little Turtle and several other chiefs

-of the Miami and Pottawattamie nations, again visited Philadelphia,

-when Friends had satisfactory conferences with them, in which the

-Little Turtle renewed in a pathetic manner his request for some assistance

-to be given his nation, to accelerate their improvement in civilization.

-Suitable advice was given them on this subject, accompanied

-with some presents: but these nations lived more within the vicinity of

-Friends of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who had formed similar plans to

-improve the condition of the Indian natives; it was therefore concluded

-by their committee, to extend aid to some of the nations north-west of

-the river Ohio&mdash;of which some account may be given hereafter.</p>

-

-<p>Early in the spring of 1802, a number of the Indians of the Delaware

-and Shawaneese nations came to Philadelphia, and in their conferences

-with Friends, renewed their requests for assistance in procuring some

-necessary articles, and particularly that they might be furnished with

-a schoolmaster in their towns to instruct their children.</p>

-

-<p>These people, being the immediate descendants from those tribes who

-were very friendly and kind to our ancestors in the early settlement of

-Pennsylvania, seemed to have a special claim upon Friends. Accordingly,

-they were furnished with a considerable amount in money, and

-goods adapted to their wants. Suitable advice was given them, encouraging

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span>

-them to cultivate their land, and raise cattle, hogs, and other

-useful animals. They lived at so remote a distance, that Friends had

-no expectation of any one of their people going among them in the capacity

-of schoolmaster.</p>

-

-<p>In the conclusion of their reply to Friends, they say:</p>

-

-<p>“May the great good Spirit above protect you for the favours you

-have shown us. The present you have made us will put us in grateful

-remembrance of you for ever.”</p>

-

-<p>Thus we see, in this short account of the correspondence with the

-Indians, of various and distant nations to the westward, (of which much

-more might have been said,) not only their strong attachment to the

-society of Friends, but their determination to live in peace with the

-people of the United States. We also may discover their destitute and

-miserable situation, in consequence of the ravages of war, and the wide

-field of labour that opens for the benevolent and philanthropic mind to

-extend the empire of civilization and knowledge, to these untutored

-sons of the forest. It was a pleasing reflection, at that time, that the

-benign influence of the prince of peace had so softened the hearts of

-men, that measures were contemplated by the rulers of our land to

-extend the blessings of civilization to these aborigines of our country;

-to reclaim them from their savage habits and induce them to adopt the

-innocent employments of the pastoral and agricultural life. But alas!

-the subsequent policy of the general government, combined with the

-interested motives of individual states, too sorrowfully demonstrate

-that their fate is inevitably fixed&mdash;the decree has gone forth&mdash;they

-must recede before the giant march of white population; and however

-strong their attachment to their native soil, and reluctant to abandon

-the homes of their fathers, be compelled to retreat further and further

-into the dreary abodes of an unknown wilderness, and to seek an asylum

-among more savage and barbarous tribes, towards the setting sun.</p>

-

-<p>We cannot but express an ardent desire, that the great controller of

-human affairs may yet so dispose the hearts of the rulers of our country

-to feelings of humanity, towards the miserable remnants of the Indian

-tribes, yet within the state governments&mdash;that they may preserve inviolate

-the <i>faith</i> of the United States, solemnly pledged at the formation

-of the federal constitution, to protect them in their unalienable rights

-and privileges, as the aboriginal owners of the soil; for it is an incontrovertible

-truth, “that national evils will produce national calamities.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>I shall now resume the narrative of the proceedings of Friends in

-improving the condition of the Indians which has been progressing under

-the direction of the committee of the Yearly Meeting, for more than

-thirty years, among the Seneca nation.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span></p>

-

-<p><i>First settlement of Friends among the Seneca nation of Indians.</i></p>

-

-<p>The noted chief Cornplanter, having, as we have already stated,

-opened the way for the introduction of the agricultural arts among his

-tribe, in the spring of the year 1798, three young men, who offered

-themselves to go and instruct them, accompanied by two of the committee,

-proceeded to his settlement. After a long journey, and much

-of the way through (then) a wilderness country, they arrived at Cornplanter’s

-village, on the Alleghany river, the seventeenth of the Fifth

-month. The chief having previous knowledge of their coming, expressed

-his thankfulness to the Great Spirit for their preservation on

-the way and safe arrival among them. They were kindly invited into

-his house, and inquired of whether they could eat Indian’s provisions,

-and being answered in the affirmative, they were hospitably entertained

-with the best he could offer them; but made a very temperate meal.</p>

-

-<p>This village, (which was called in their language) Jenuchshadago,

-(which means burnt house,) stood on the bank of the Alleghany river,

-about four miles south of the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. The

-land had a rich bottom, and appeared favourable for cultivation. The

-village contained about thirty or forty houses and bark cabins, scattered

-along the margin of the river, without any regard to a regular

-arrangement. The venerable chief appeared to live in patriarchal

-style; his house was not distinguished from any of the rest by any tokens

-of magnificence, except by being somewhat larger&mdash;near it stood a

-wooden image of a man, round which at stated times they performed

-their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.</p>

-

-<p>The image was about seven feet in height, elevated on a pedestal,

-of the same block, and being painted a variety of colours, it altogether

-exhibited a wild appearance.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians had, perhaps, from two to three hundred acres of land,

-inclosed with a sort of fence round the town, in which inclosure many

-of their women were industriously engaged in clearing off the rubbish

-and planting small patches of corn and beans, while the men were

-standing in companies sporting themselves with their bows and arrows

-and other trifling amusements, but none of them were seen assisting

-their women in the labours of the field.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians appeared to live poor and dirty, and it was said to be a

-time of scarcity among them, and the greater part of them under Cornplanter’s

-superintendence, estimated at about four hundred, had deserted

-their old settlements up the river, and come to live with their chief in

-this place.</p>

-

-<p>As it was necessary for Friends to have a general council with the

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>

-Indians, in order to explain their views and the object of their coming

-among them, the day after their arrival, they assembled in council at

-the chief’s house, about forty of their principal men, with many others.

-Cornplanter opened the council by a short speech, expressing his thankfulness

-for the safe arrival of Friends, and the joy he felt when he saw

-them come out of the bushes the day before, to see their Indian brothers,

-who were poor and living in bad houses, covered with bark; and

-they were not able to build them better.</p>

-

-<p>Friends now made them fully acquainted with the nature of their

-mission, that it was in order to improve the condition of the Indian natives,

-and to teach them the ways of good and honest white people, that

-they, with their wives and children, might be enabled to live more comfortably,

-and be relieved from the distresses and difficulties to which

-they had been subjected by their old habits and modes of living&mdash;that

-these young men had concluded to leave their friends and comfortable

-dwellings, and remain for a time in the Indian country, in order to instruct

-them in the cultivation of their land, in the raising and managing

-of cattle, and also to example them in a life of sobriety and industry.

-They were also informed, that Friends had a variety of farming utensils,

-carpenters’ tools, &amp;c. coming up the river, in a boat, which were

-intended for their benefit, in a hope, that the Indians, with Friends’ instruction,

-would diligently apply themselves to the use of them, that

-by so doing they might come to reap the plentiful fruits of industry;

-and that this was the sole object Friends had in view, having no desire

-for their lands, their skins, their furs, or any other part of their substance.</p>

-

-<p>To these propositions the Indians seemed to express a general assent;

-but took the subjects under serious consideration, until next day, when

-near evening they admitted Friends again to the council house, when

-Cornplanter on behalf of the natives made a reply, from which we extract

-the following.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, the Quakers, listen now to what I am going to say to you.

-You know, brothers, the red people are poor; they are not like the

-white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language,

-so that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly, as we

-have no good interpreter.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we suppose the reason you came here was to help the

-poor Indians in some way or other, and you wish the chiefs to tell their

-warriors not to go on so bad as they have done heretofore, and you also

-wish us to take up work like the white people, and cultivate our land.

-Now brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you

-say, and if they do well, then will your young men stay longer amongst

-us, but some others will not mind what you say.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we cannot say a word against you. It is the best way to

-call Quakers brothers. You never wished our lands, therefore we are

-determined to learn your ways, and these young men may stay here

-two years, and then if they like it and we like it, your young men may

-stay longer.”</p>

-

-<p>In reply they were informed, that the young men would want some

-house to live in, and a piece of land to work, in order to set the Indians

-an example and raise something for themselves to live upon; but that

-the land should still be the Indians’, and all the improvements they put

-upon it should be theirs, when Friends left it. They were also informed

-that the tools and implements of husbandry which were intended for

-their use, would be under the care of the young men, to lend to such

-Indians as wanted to use them, rather than to distribute them among

-them as presents; offering this reason, “that if they were given to them

-some of them might barter them away for whiskey,” as divers instances

-of intoxication had been noticed among them.</p>

-

-<p>On the twenty-first of the Fifth month, Friends, with Cornplanter in

-company, and several other Indians, passed up the river about nine

-miles in canoes, in order to look out for a settlement. They came to

-an ancient village called Genesinguhta, which was nearly deserted by

-the Indians&mdash;only three or four families remaining. The bottoms along

-the river side appeared fertile, though much grown over with bushes,

-and covered with abundance of fallen timber. Yet it was considered

-the most eligible place for Friends to settle, in order to be of benefit to

-the Indians, as it was on the land belonging to the nation, and where

-they intended to have a reservation located of forty-two square miles.</p>

-

-<p>This conclusion being proposed to Cornplanter, and he queried with,

-“whether he was willing Friends should start their fence at the river

-side,” and enclose a piece of land they pointed out to him&mdash;to which

-he replied, “I told you, brothers, the land was all before you, to choose

-where you please; but he thought that was the best place for Friends

-to settle, and this man, said he, (in whose house they then were) is very

-glad you are going to settle so near him&mdash;he is very sober man, he is

-like you, he drinks no whiskey.” He was then inquired of whether

-Friends might have liberty to cut timber in the woods for the use of

-the farm, to which he replied, “I wish you would cut all the trees

-down, and I will give you another liberty, if you see a deer you may

-shoot him, and you may catch fish in the river.”</p>

-

-<p>The place being finally agreed upon, several old Indian cabins were

-included in it, and one occupied by a family, which was well situated

-to accommodate Friends; the owners of it were amply compensated.

-The family immediately moved out their goods and chattels, which

-(though apparently some of their best livers,) consisted chiefly in homony

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>

-blocks and pounders, a brass, kettle or two, some wooden bowls,

-and ladles, a leathern sack of bear’s oil, a basket of corn, some blankets,

-and a few deer skins.</p>

-

-<p>On the twenty-third of the month, Friends settled in their new habitation

-and made some preparations for a garden. The women of

-Cornplanter’s village, to show their hearty and good will in the undertaking,

-had previously made a collection of some seed&mdash;corn, potatoes,

-beans, squashes, and a variety of other garden seeds which they presented

-as a present to Friends, observing “that it was very hard to

-come so far and have nothing to begin with.”</p>

-

-<p>Previous to the two Friends of the committee leaving this station,

-another council was had with the Indians, in which they were strongly

-recommended to industry, and reminded of the unreasonableness of their

-present practice of letting their women work all day in the fields and

-woods, either in cultivating with the hoe, all that was raised for their sustenance,

-or in cutting firewood and bringing it home on their backs

-from a considerable distance, while they themselves were spending their

-time in idleness, amusing themselves with their bows and arrows, and

-other useless practices. They were also particularly expostulated with

-on various subjects relative to their civil and moral conduct, and especially

-in regard to their excessive use of strong drink, to which Friends

-in many instances had been eye witnesses. Cornplanter again replied

-to the communications of Friends, and at a subsequent parting opportunity,

-told the two Friends of the committee, that “They might make

-their minds perfectly easy about their young men, for although he could

-not answer for sickness or death, he should look upon it his duty to be

-their friend, and that they might depend upon him as such, and no harm

-should happen to them from any of his people.”</p>

-

-<p>On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh

-with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the

-late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance of

-old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of corn

-and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land

-being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their

-labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of their

-mode of cultivation.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier

-prepared for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing.

-Great numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the

-women, who appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them

-with venison, fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country

-afforded&mdash;and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful

-articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &amp;c. which

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span>

-were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives with lively

-marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in gaining

-their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which frequently

-afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.</p>

-

-<p>A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable

-them to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view

-of using them.</p>

-

-<p>From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the

-ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with

-the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life,

-would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends, towards

-ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable opportunity

-was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the necessity

-of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous liquors

-into their villages, as the first effectual step towards their improvement

-in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good degree carried into

-effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a little time, such prohibition

-took place as evidently tended to their advantage, and the great

-encouragement of Friends in their arduous undertaking. A hope was

-entertained that, although their improvement, at first was small, yet as

-they come to taste the sweets of industry, and enjoy the benefit of their

-labours, they would gradually relinquish their former pursuits, and follow

-the example Friends were setting before them.</p>

-

-<p>Divers of the Indians early manifested a disposition to have better

-houses to live in; and being furnished with the necessary tools, they

-were also afforded the requisite assistance and instruction. Several of

-them constructed in the course of this summer, much better houses than

-they had been accustomed to, and manifested a considerable share of

-ingenuity in the use of the carpenter’s tools. And while Friends were

-employed on their farm, the Indians would frequently come about them,

-and sometimes take hold of their tools and work a little&mdash;some of the lads

-were pleased with driving the horses, and every opportunity was embraced

-to prevail on them to love labour; but their natural proneness to idleness

-and trifling diversions soon evinced, that patience and perseverance

-on the part of Friends, were essentially necessary to inculcate in the

-minds of the natives, just ideas of civilized life, the great stimulus thereto

-being yet wanting, as they had not sufficiently acquired ideas of distinct

-propriety, nor tasted the sweets resulting therefrom.</p>

-

-<p>In the course of this summer, divers reports were propagated among

-the Indians that Friends had a selfish motive, and in the end meant to

-defraud them of their land. This to a people who had long been subjected

-to suffering by the intrigue of designing men, could not fail of

-making impressions on the minds of some who were rather unfriendly

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span>

-to civilization, and to induce them to scrutinize very narrowly the conduct

-of Friends towards them. These groundless reports, however,

-were contradicted, and Friends were enabled to satisfy the Indians

-generally, that no such design was contemplated; and it rather had the

-effect to increase their confidence in us.</p>

-

-<p>Besides attending to the business of the farm, and the various and

-frequent calls of the Indians, the young men were enabled to build for

-themselves a comfortable house, two stories high, with a cellar under

-it. Being the first of the kind, perhaps some of the natives had ever

-seen, it excited great admiration among them.</p>

-

-<p>The Indian women had raised, in their usual way, a considerable

-quantity of corn this summer, in small patches, interspersed among the

-bushes, wherever they found the most favourable spot to cultivate. In

-the fall, they were busily employed in collecting it with their other

-produce of vegetables, and carrying it home to their dwellings, where

-it was carefully laid by for use.</p>

-

-<p>One of the Friends opened a school at Cornplanter’s village, and remained

-there through the winter. At times, nearly twenty children

-attended, and made some progress in learning to spell and read; but as

-their parents had but little control over them, they were very irregular

-in their attendance, and no great progress in learning was made. The

-Friend was at times otherwise usefully engaged in aiding and assisting

-the Indians of that village.</p>

-

-<p>In the Twelfth month, after a considerable snow had fallen, most of

-the Indians retired to the woods to their hunting grounds, many of them

-taking their families with them. Game was now plentiful. Some of

-their best hunters killed near one hundred deer, and some even more

-than that number; taking off the skins and leaving much of the meat

-scattered about in the woods. What was collected to their camps,

-was through much hardship and fatigue to their poor women, whose

-task it was to carry it on their backs through deep snows, and often

-over hills and mountains.</p>

-

-<p>About the middle of the First month, they generally came home to

-their villages from their hunting excursions, when they made a feast,

-and performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.</p>

-

-<p>In the course of this winter, a chief of the Cattaraugus village, another

-branch of the Seneca nation about forty-five miles distant, called

-on Friends at Alleghany. They had a favourable opportunity of impressing

-his mind with the advantages that would result to his people by

-cultivating their land, as they possessed a country so favourable for

-agriculture, and raising cattle and other useful animals. He informed

-Friends, they were very anxious to have a saw-mill built on their land,

-and wished to have somebody to instruct them how to go on with their

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span>

-business; that when they saw and heard what improvements were

-making at Alleghany, it made them anxious to go to work.</p>

-

-<p>Soon after his return home, Friends received a written speech from

-the council at Cattaraugus, signed by six chiefs, in which they strongly

-solicited instructors to be sent among them, and also that they might

-be furnished with a set of saw-mill irons. This address being forwarded

-to the committee at Philadelphia, together with an account of their

-situation, it was concluded to furnish them with a set of saw-mill irons,

-whenever they should be ready to make use of them.</p>

-

-<p>Early in the spring of 1799, more of a spirit of industry seemed to

-exhibit itself among some of the Indians, and several who were settled

-near Friends began to work at splitting rails, and fencing in lots of land,

-as they saw Friends fence in theirs. Some who inclined to work, that

-had no families, were employed at the business of the farm, and seemed

-capable of doing as much in a day as the generality of white people.</p>

-

-<p>The use of whiskey and other strong drink had considerably decreased

-among the Indians, in the course of the last year, and many of

-their chiefs seemed desirous of preventing its introduction into their

-village. Notwithstanding which, as many of them went down the river

-in the spring to Pittsburgh and other places, to dispose of their skins,

-furs, &amp;c. which they had taken during the late winter, they brought

-in return for their peltry, kegs full of this destructive article&mdash;although

-Friends had cautioned them against it, previous to their going away&mdash;with

-this many of them were for a considerable time intoxicated, so

-that little could be done in promoting their improvement while the

-liquor lasted.</p>

-

-<p>It was believed expedient, from this affecting circumstance, to have

-their chiefs and principal men collected in council, and to remonstrate

-against such conduct as well as to encourage them to avail themselves

-of the present opportunity of gaining instruction in the cultivation of

-their land.</p>

-

-<p>At this interview, Friends seriously expostulated with them on various

-subjects relative to their moral conduct, and endeavours were used

-seriously to impress on their minds the evil consequences of introducing

-so much strong liquor into their villages, and that it greatly obstructed

-their improvement in agriculture, because for it they bartered away

-their money and other articles with which they ought to purchase

-horses, and cattle, and implements of husbandry, to enable them to till

-their land; and that this operated as a serious discouragement to Friends

-in their arduous undertaking to instruct them.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians appeared seriously attentive in this council, being convicted

-in their minds of the truth of what had been declared to them,

-and in a few days after, they met in council again, and informed Friends

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>

-that they had seriously considered the subjects proposed to them, and

-that their chiefs had come to a resolution not to permit, for the future,

-any of their people to bring liquor into their villages to sell to one

-another; that they had appointed two young chiefs to watch over the

-rest, and to endeavour to promote good order among them&mdash;and they

-desired Friends to be easy in their minds respecting them, for they were

-determined to take their advice and try to do better; that they had

-made inquiry among themselves, and could find no fault in Friends, or

-discover any fraud in any of their actions, but on the contrary, that the

-fault and bad conduct had all been on their own side, but now they

-were determined to quit those bad practices, and to assist their women

-in the labours of the field.</p>

-

-<p>A set of smith’s tools was procured, and a smith shop erected at

-Friends’ settlement this season, which was found useful in repairing the

-Indians’ tools. In the course of this summer, divers of the men assisted

-their women in the labours of the field. Their crops of corn were

-larger than they had been before; but as yet, none of them had attempted

-to use the plough for themselves, though Friends had ploughed

-some small lots for them with which they were much pleased, and a

-hope was entertained that the next year some of them would take hold

-of the plough and commence farming. A school house was built at

-Cornplanter’s village, and the Friend stationed there, continued through

-the summer, instructing the children, and otherwise affording aid and

-counsel to the Indians&mdash;and two Friends at Genesinguhta, besides setting

-the Indians a proper example in the improvement of their own

-farm, afforded them assistance and instruction in many ways, as convenient

-opportunities presented, and many of the Indians by this time

-had built good log houses, and generally covered them with shingles.

-Cornplanter had a saw-mill of his own, worked on the shares by a white

-man; this afforded the Indians an opportunity of procuring boards to

-complete their houses.</p>

-

-<p>In the Ninth month this year, the settlement was visited by four of

-the committee, one of whom had been there when the settlement was

-first formed, and was the better qualified to judge of the improvement

-made by the Indians.</p>

-

-<p>They had a council with the Indians, and encouraged them to persevere

-in the attempt they had already made to become farmers; and

-expressed the satisfaction it afforded them, to see the improvement they

-had made, and that their stock of cattle was increased, and especially,

-with the wise resolution they had formed, to prevent strong drink from

-being brought into their villages. The Indians were also informed, that

-the young man who resided at Cornplanter’s village, was desirous of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span>

-leaving them and returning home to his friends before winter&mdash;and it

-was hoped another would come forward and supply his place.</p>

-

-<p>Cornplanter, on behalf of the Indians replied, in substance, that when

-Friends first settled among them, some of his chiefs were averse to it;

-but they had had this summer several councils among themselves, respecting

-the young men, and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct,

-and readiness to assist Indians, were now well satisfied. He hoped that

-several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore,

-and that Friends would not get discouraged, because so little was done;

-but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make

-much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the

-Friend who was about to leave them, and said he had been useful to him

-in keeping whiskey and other strong liquor out of their town; that they

-now drank much less than formerly, but he feared when the Friend

-went away, he should not be able to prevent its use so well as he had

-lately done.</p>

-

-<p>The deputation from the committee went from this place to Cattaraugus,

-the residence of those Indians who had requested a set of saw-mill

-irons, and other aid; but the chiefs being generally from home,

-they were addressed by a letter, giving them suitable advice on various

-subjects, relative to their improvement.</p>

-

-<p>In the latter end of the Tenth month, Cornplanter accompanied the

-Friend who had lived at his village, on his way as far as Canandaigua,

-where the superintendent of Indian affairs resided. At this place, he

-dictated a letter to one of the committee; the superintendent wrote it,

-and Cornplanter signed it with his mark. The following is extracted

-from it.</p>

-

-<p>“I thank the <i>Great Spirit</i> for his protection in preserving me and

-my friend whom I have accompanied to this place. I hope the Great

-Spirit will still preserve my friend on his journey to Philadelphia, and

-every evening when night shall overtake him, that the Great Spirit

-will spread over him the curtain of safety,&mdash;that he may again meet

-the society that sent him among us, for the purpose of teaching us the

-useful arts of the white people; and that he may return to them my

-kind thanks, for the kind offices which they are disposed to bestow on

-us. I cannot omit this favourable opportunity to inform Friends that

-I believe the young men placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the

-trust committed to them, in endeavouring to do the best they could for

-our advantage.</p>

-

-<p>“Dear friends, when I first heard your voice, and learned your kind

-offers to us, I was pleased; as I thought we were apt to transgress the good

-rules of the Great Spirit, and by the aid and advice of your people, the

-Great Spirit would lend us his aid, by which we might become a better

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span>

-people. I hope you will not be discouraged, in still aiding us, although

-we make slow progress in the arts of the white people.”</p>

-

-<p>The two Friends at Alleghany were enabled this fall, for the first

-time, to sow several acres of wheat and rye, and several of the Indians

-manifested a disposition to labour, by aiding them in gathering in their

-summer crops.</p>

-

-<p>Near the close of this year, the two Friends residing among the Indians

-received a letter from the chiefs at Cattaraugus, expressive of

-their great satisfaction, for the advice contained in the letter which had

-been left for them last fall, and the great joy that they felt at the prospect

-of receiving instruction and assistance from the Quakers.</p>

-

-<p>These Indians were much addicted to intemperance, and although

-much more favourably situated than the Alleghany Indians, to make

-progress in the agricultural arts, yet they were in a poor and destitute

-situation, and did not appear to make use of the advantages within their

-power, to assist themselves. It was, therefore, believed right, in reply

-to their letter, to urge the necessity of their abstaining from intemperate

-practices, and of making use of the means in their power to better

-their condition.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Therefore the two Friends wrote to them nearly as follows:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are glad to hear that you have come to a resolution

-to lay up so much of your money, to buy cattle and other useful articles,

-and that you seem determined to quit drinking whiskey, and not

-to allow traders to sell it on your ground. Now brothers, this is a very

-wise resolution, and we hope you will be sincere and keep to it. We

-hope that some of you have got your eyes open, to see that whiskey

-and other strong drink have been the cause of much evil and wickedness

-among you, and that these pernicious things have taken much of

-your money, your skins, and your furs, which the Great Spirit has favoured

-you with, and with which you might buy clothing, and oxen,

-and axes, hoes, and other useful articles to assist you in tilling the field,

-and we fear, in time past, it has taken some of the corn your poor

-women have worked hard at raising, with their hoes.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you know there are many white people who love money,

-and they know that you love whiskey, and this is the way they take

-to get your money and property from you. But if you keep to your

-resolution not to drink it, then there will be no danger. You may then

-have oxen and ploughs, with which you may plough your ground and

-raise a great deal of corn, and you may also buy axes and hoes, and

-other useful implements of husbandry to farm with. And then when

-your friends the Quakers see that you are trying to help yourselves,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span>

-and that you make good use of your money, it will encourage them to

-help you more.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we desire you often to think upon the Great Spirit, and

-pray to him in your hearts, and then he will show you what is good and

-what is evil. And we want you to take up work like the white people,

-for your land is very good, and would produce a great deal of grain if

-properly managed&mdash;and if you get plenty of cattle and sheep, and

-swine, they will afford you plenty of meat, and be much more certain

-than the elk, the deer, and the bear. Then will your old men, your

-wives and your children be happy, and enjoy the comforts of life, and

-you can look on your flocks and your fields with contentment and pleasure.”</p>

-

-<p>These Indians, in addition to the set of saw-mill irons before promised,

-were furnished with some axes, hoes, and a set of plough irons, to encourage

-them in farming.</p>

-

-<p>A school was kept at Genesinguhta, this winter, by one of the Friends,

-where a number of children attended, and made some progress in learning&mdash;also

-a grown person who was debilitated in body, resided with

-Friends throughout the winter, and being able to converse a little in the

-English language, acquired so much learning as to enable him to read and

-write, and afterwards to procure a living, by trading among the Indians.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1800, the Indians appeared somewhat animated, and

-more of them made preparation for farming, by scattering more from

-their villages, fencing in lots and clearing land; but not yet having

-working animals to plough their ground, Friends ploughed some

-small lots for them, which operated as a stimulus to them; and one Indian

-took hold of the plough, and began to manage it himself, which

-was viewed as a matter of some surprise, and excited great curiosity

-in the beholders.</p>

-

-<p>In the Fifth month, this spring, two of the Friends who had left the

-Oneida settlement the preceding winter, as before stated, being willing

-to spend some more time among the Indians, proceeded to Alleghany,

-to unite with Friends there in promoting the welfare of the natives.</p>

-

-<p>Soon after their arrival, the Indians at Cattaraugus requested Friends

-at Alleghany to give them some advice and assistance, about planning

-a saw-mill. Accordingly two Friends proceeded to that settlement, and

-gave such advice on the occasion as seemed to be requisite; the millwrights

-having already arrived, and commenced the building of a saw-mill.</p>

-

-<p>As these Indians will in the sequel constitute an interesting part of the

-narrative of this concern, it seems proper in this place to give a more

-particular account of their situation. The Senecas here possess a reservation

-of forty-two square miles, part of it bounded by lake Erie. It

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>

-is generally composed of land of a superior quality. The bottoms along

-the Cattaraugus river produce black and white walnut and sugar maple

-of a superior size. The higher land, abounds with white oak, white

-pine, bass, poplar, hickory, and other timber. There are, also, exclusive

-of the Indians’ corn fields, large openings like natural meadows,

-containing many hundred acres of excellent land, covered with abundance

-of grass and herbage, affording abundance of food for cattle. The

-Senecas at this place were said to be about one hundred and sixty in number.

-Their houses were made in the usual Indian style, and covered with

-bark, and their situation, in general, as to habits and living, much similar

-to those at Alleghany, when Friends first settled among them. About

-a mile from the Seneca village was a town of the Delawares, (more

-frequently called Munsies) about one hundred and sixty in number,

-who lived on sufferance on the Seneca Indians’ land.</p>

-

-<p>These Indians, as well as the Senecas, had a considerable number of

-cattle, some horses, and abundance of poultry and swine. They had

-small enclosures round their villages, in which they kept their stock

-during the corn season, and sometimes the poor animals had but a scanty

-supply of fodder, notwithstanding the abundance of grass on their lands,

-from which, for want of a little labour to fence off their corn lots, they

-had little or no benefit during the summer.</p>

-

-<p>Previous to leaving them, the two Friends had an interview with a

-number of their chiefs, and principal men and women, in which they

-were encouraged to industry, and to put in practice their good resolutions.

-Being informed by one of the Friends present, that he was

-shortly going to leave their country and return to his friends, one of the

-chiefs replied, “You may tell your old friends, the Quakers at Philadelphia,

-when you go home, that we are exceedingly thankful for the

-kindness you have shown us, and the assistance you have already given

-us. We are now determined to follow your advice as far as we are

-able, and to spill all the whiskey traders bring among us for sale. You

-must not think we are offended at you for trying to make us sensible

-of our weaknesses; for even our young men and young women rejoice

-to hear it, and are in hopes their hands will grow stronger, that they

-may be able to overcome their weaknesses. We are determined to try

-to help ourselves, and to lay up money to purchase useful articles to go

-to farming with. We pity our poor women, and see it is too hard for

-them to work in the hot sun, and do all the labours of the field. And

-although we cannot ask any more favours of you, yet one thing in particular

-we desire you to remember; that is, that we are a poor, ignorant

-people, and for want of learning, in the course of our dealings with

-the white people, we have been greatly wronged, and lost much of our

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span>

-property&mdash;we want some of our children instructed, that they may be

-able to do the business of our nation.”</p>

-

-<p>On the fourteenth of the Sixth month, Friends had a council with

-the Indians at Alleghany, in which the two Friends lately came into

-their country, were introduced to them, and also informed that one of

-the Friends who had now been more than two years among them, was

-about to return home to his friends. Several matters were opened to

-encourage them to persevere in habits of industry, and to be strong in

-their resolutions against the use of spirituous liquors, over which they

-had, by this time, gained a great conquest.</p>

-

-<p>A few days after this, Cornplanter and several other chiefs, called to

-see the Friend who was leaving them set out on his journey, and sent

-three of their people to accompany him on his way through the wilderness.</p>

-

-<p>In their parting conference, Cornplanter expressed many thanks for

-the Friend’s services among them, and desired the Great Spirit might

-conduct him safely home to his relations, and that on his arrival he

-might inform his old friends, the Quakers in Philadelphia, that he was

-very thankful for their kind endeavours to instruct his people in a life

-of civilization, and he believed the Great Spirit above was pleased with

-it.</p>

-

-<p>During the summer of 1800, the Indians made some further improvements,

-and seemed more disposed to relinquish their old habits. A yoke

-of oxen, which they purchased, were found very useful in drawing their

-firewood, and thereby relieving some of their women from heavy burthens;

-several of them procured cows. By this time many of the Indians

-had built themselves more comfortable houses, and began to assist

-their women in their agricultural labours, so that a gradual improvement

-was evident among them in the habits of civilized life.</p>

-

-<p>In the following winter, Red Jacket, a Seneca chief, residing at Buffalo

-creek, with several other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited Philadelphia,

-with whom Friends had a satisfactory interview. Suitable

-presents were given them, among which, was a set of saw-mill irons,

-which were particularly requested by Red Jacket.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1801, a greater spirit of industry seemed to manifest

-itself among the Indians. Divers more of them fenced in lots, and procured

-moreover, some working animals; their increasing attention to

-raising cattle and hogs, afforded a pleasing prospect; and was a strung

-inducement for them to scatter more from their villages, and realize

-the advantages of settling on separate tracts of land.</p>

-

-<p>Circumstances, however, occurred among the Indians, which claimed

-the particular attention of the committee, and three Friends were deputed

-to visit the settlement. They proceeded there in the Ninth

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>

-month, accompanied by a young Friend, a blacksmith, who offered his

-services to instruct some of the Indians in his useful occupation.</p>

-

-<p>Previous to giving a detail of this interview, it seems necessary to

-observe, that some extraordinary ideas respecting witchcraft had prevailed

-among the natives for sometime, which were principally insinuated

-among them by an infirm old man named Connediu, a half brother

-to Cornplanter, who had the appearance of a simple man, and had been

-from his youth very intemperate. He had no influence in the nation

-till about three years before, when, after a long time of sickness, he

-was supposed by the Indians to be several times in a trance. After he

-had recovered therefrom, he asserted that he had seen angels, who

-communicated to him such things as the Great Spirit designed should

-be imparted to the Indians&mdash;that they must all quit drinking whiskey

-and other strong liquors&mdash;that they must revive the custom of their

-forefathers in eating dog’s flesh, and have frequent dances&mdash;performing

-their religious ceremonies, &amp;c. This to a people naturally

-prone to superstition, was like oracles delivered from the <i>Great Spirit</i>,

-and to use their own language, “was the manner in which <i>He</i> was revealing

-his mind and will to the Indians.” Connediu had actually some

-of his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual world

-committed to writing, that they might keep it in remembrance, as the

-will of the Great Spirit concerning them.</p>

-

-<p>Connediu frequently asserted that these heavenly messengers continued

-to favour him with frequent interviews, and he succeeded in

-propagating a belief among the natives, that most of their bodily afflictions

-and disorders arose from witchcraft, and undertook to point out

-the individuals who had the power of inflicting these evils. He was

-said to have wholly declined the practice of drinking to excess, and by

-an artful exercise of his pretended knowledge, he acquired considerable

-influence in the nation, so as to be appointed high priest and chief Sachem

-in things civil and religious.</p>

-

-<p>Some of Cornplanter’s family being in a declining state of health,

-Connediu, (whom they now esteemed a great doctor, as well as a prophet,)

-was applied to for counsel. In his wild reveries he alleged that

-some of the Delaware Indians who lived at Cattaraugus possessed the

-power of witchcraft, and were the cause of their illness.</p>

-

-<p>This brought on a quarrel between the two tribes, and some of the

-Delawares were taken prisoners, and threatened with death if they did

-not remove the disorder.</p>

-

-<p>During the contention, Cornplanter wrote to the governor of

-Pennsylvania on the occasion, and the committee on Indian affairs being

-made acquainted with the circumstances, letters both from the committee

-and government were addressed to both tribes of Indians on the

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span>

-subject. A council was called between the contending parties, and

-Friends, with some other well disposed people on the frontier settlements,

-used their influence to have an amicable adjustment, and endeavoured

-to obliterate from the Indians’ minds, those superstitious ideas

-of witchcraft which appeared to have been the ground of their uneasiness.

-The result was, that the Delawares were acquitted, and all

-disputes buried between them and the Senecas. Cornplanter told them

-“that he had swept their beds clean, that they might lie down in peace&mdash;that

-he had swept their houses clean, that they might live comfortably

-in them&mdash;that he had swept clean before their doors, that they

-might go out and in, without molestation.”</p>

-

-<p>About the time that Friends of the committee arrived at Genesinghuta,

-the Indians generally were met in council, about these matters;

-and although Connediu had advised them to quit drinking whiskey, he

-was otherwise endeavouring to propagate notions very inimical to the

-concern in which Friends were engaged, by recommending them to follow

-their old customs, and not allow their children to learn to read and

-write; that they might farm a little, and build houses, but must not

-sell any thing which they raised on their land, but give it away to one

-another, and especially to their old people; and, in short, enjoy all

-things in common.</p>

-

-<p>With this doctrine several of the young chiefs and others were not

-satisfied; and one of them judiciously observed, “they had better hold

-councils about fencing in fields, and clearing land, than about witchcraft,

-and other strange notions of Connediu.”</p>

-

-<p>The committee, who now visited the settlement, were pleased, on

-passing down the river, with the view of fences, where not long before

-there were none to be seen; and instead of the bark cabins, that formerly

-stood in clusters along its banks, there were now good houses,

-with shingled roofs; and the tinkling of cow bells, which they heard in

-various directions, denoted an increase of cattle, and had a cheering

-effect on their minds. It was in the spring of 1801, that the Indians

-first began to use the plough for themselves. They took a very cautious

-method of determining whether it was likely to be an advantageous

-change to them or not. Several parts of a large field were

-ploughed, and the intermediate spaces prepared by their women with

-the hoe, according to former custom. It was all planted with corn;

-and the parts ploughed, (besides the great saving of labour,) produced

-much the heaviest crop; the stalks being more than a foot higher, and

-proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. The corn was

-now gathered in, and as their stock of cattle had much increased, instead

-of leaving their corn fodder to perish, as formerly, they preserved

-it for their cattle in winter&mdash;and several had mown grass, and made

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span>

-small stacks of hay. They had made a fence, about two miles long,

-which enclosed the lower town, and a large body of adjacent land fronting

-on the river, and several other fences were made within it, to separate

-the corn from the pasture ground.</p>

-

-<p>With the exception of houses and fences, the improvements at the

-lower town, (Jenuchshadaga) did not bear a comparison with the upper

-settlement, where the Indians lived more detached from each other.

-Their thus separating, was evidently more to their advantage, than

-crowding together in villages. A chief, who was not ashamed to be

-seen at work by the women of his own family, would probably have

-been much mortified when discovered by a number of other females,

-who on such occasions do not always refrain from ridicule. Yet this

-false shame on the part of the men, and ridicule of the women, gradually

-wore away as they became familiarized to each others’ assistance,

-in their little agricultural labours.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians now became very sober, generally refraining from the

-use of strong liquor, both at home and when abroad among the white

-people. One of them observed to Friends, “no more bark cabins, but

-good houses&mdash;no more get drunk here, now, this two year.”</p>

-

-<p>The blacksmith was introduced to the Indians with a request that

-two of their young men would learn his business, so as to be qualified

-to do their own work; as it was not very likely he should stay long.

-But before they would agree to this proposition, they queried with

-Friends, “whether they would at any future time want land or money

-for the services which they had done, and were doing for them? They

-wished to know very clearly in writing about it. Also, whether they

-would leave the tools for the young men, who might learn the blacksmiths’

-trade, when the smith left them, or whether they would take

-them away?” To which the following answer was given in writing:&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we tell you now, plainly, as we told you before, that your

-brothers, the Quakers, do not want any of your land, or any of your

-money, or any of your skins, for any thing they have done for you; and

-they never will bring a charge against you, for any of these things.

-And we give you this writing, to keep forever, to make your minds perfectly

-easy on this account. About the smiths’ tools we cannot say

-much; but think we shall leave them with you, if some of your young

-men will learn the trade.”</p>

-

-<p>At a subsequent interview, Cornplanter made a reply to Friends, in

-which he stated, “We understand the writing which you gave us very

-well, and our minds are now quite easy. Two of our young men will

-learn the smiths’ trade; one from the lower town, and one from the

-upper.”

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span></p>

-

-<p>Friends again opened the business respecting the schooling of their

-children, which had for sometime past been impeded by the system of

-Connediu. The chiefs were particularly desired to take this subject

-under consideration, and let Friends know when they were ready.</p>

-

-<p>It was supposed that the quantity of corn raised this year by the

-natives, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first

-formed, and a few of the Indians made the first attempts to raise wheat;

-but those who did something at farming, occasionally went out a hunting;

-and many of the men still adhered to their ancient customs, and

-left the women of their families to cultivate with the hoe, what corn

-and vegetables were necessary for their sustenance.</p>

-

-<p>As one of the young men, who had been there from the time of first

-opening the settlement, was about to return home with the committee,

-Cornplanter expressed the great regard he had for him; saying, “that,

-although he had been so long amongst them, not one of them was able

-to say a word against him, ever since he had been there&mdash;that his words

-and his conduct had been altogether good, and agreeable to them; and

-he hoped the Good Spirit would preserve him on his way home to his

-friends.”</p>

-

-<p>The committee, also, on this visit, had an interview with the Indians

-of Cattaraugus. They arrived at a time when the Indians were performing

-their religious ceremonies&mdash;concerning which, the chief warrior,

-Waun-dun-guh-ta, made the following remark to Friends.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you have come at a time which has by us been set apart

-for performing worship to the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs.

-It is our way of worship, and, to us, solemn and serious, and not to be

-made light of, however different it may be from your mode. It is the

-manner our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us

-for not being so attentive to you as we should, had we not been thus

-engaged.”</p>

-

-<p>They had now their saw-mill completed, and one of the Friends from

-Alleghany remained sometime with them, instructing some of the Indians

-in the sawing business.</p>

-

-<p>The spring of 1802, furnished greater marks of improvement, than

-had heretofore been discovered among the natives. Eighteen or twenty

-thousand rails were split, and put up into fences by the Indians, and

-thirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed, most of which were cleared this

-spring. Several families who had not any when this settlement was

-first formed, had got six or seven head of cattle, and other useful animals.

-Whiskey was not knowingly suffered to be brought into the settlement;

-and if any were found out to have been intoxicated, when they

-were out in the white settlements, they were sharply reproved by the

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span>

-chiefs on their return, which had nearly the same effect among Indians,

-as committing a man to the workhouse among white people. The Indians

-opened a good road for about five miles up the river from Friends’

-settlement, where before it was very difficult to travel, even on horseback.

-Several of them sowed spring wheat&mdash;and a gradual improvement

-was apparent during this season.</p>

-

-<p>The benefits derived by the Senecas at Alleghany, from their attention

-to agriculture, encouraged other branches of the nation to apply

-for assistance. The chief of the Tonewanta village, about one hundred

-miles distant from Friends’ settlement at the Alleghany, in a pathetic

-speech, applied to Friends to assist them with saw-mill irons, farming

-utensils, &amp;c. which request was granted, with the addition of a yoke of

-oxen, and chains.</p>

-

-<p>The young man who went out as a blacksmith, returned home this

-fall; two of the Indians having acquired such knowledge of his business

-as to answer their necessities.</p>

-

-<p>Although the improvements at this place were gradually progressing,

-obstructive causes at times occurred, difficult to combat. This induced

-Friends, among them, to believe that a change made in their situation,

-so as to render them more independent of the natives, might subject

-them to less difficulty in the further prosecution of the concern. The

-improvement heretofore made on their own land, for a time, had a good

-effect; but their ideas were weak, and for want of more sensibility in

-some of the intentions of Friends towards them, it had led to a dependence,

-which evidently impeded their progress in civilization. This dependence

-seemed to increase, as they saw the increase of produce from

-the land that Friends cultivated. Some of the Indians had increased

-their stock of cattle faster than the means of supporting them through

-a long and rigorous winter. When their hay and other fodder become

-reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some. These requests

-could not be complied with, to an extent proportioned to their necessity,

-without reducing Friends to alike state of want; and fearing, least

-in future winters, a renewal of similar requests, without the means of

-supplying them, might disturb that harmony which had hitherto subsisted

-between Friends and the Indians, it was thought adviseable by the

-committee to embrace an opportunity which now presented, of purchasing

-from a company of white people, an adjoining tract of land, in

-order to make such improvements thereon, as might accommodate a

-family or more, of such, who from time to time, might feel desirous to

-assist in the instruction of the Indians, and thus by making it a more

-permanent establishment, entirely independent of the natives, be enabled

-to extend more efficient aid to other branches of the Seneca

-nation.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span></p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1803, this proposal of a removal of Friends’ settlement

-was communicated to the Indians, and they generally coincided

-with it, provided the move should not be far up the river. They had

-several councils on the occasion, and communicated to Friends their

-views; and although their prophet, Connediu, had, in time back, been

-somewhat opposed to the views of Friends in changing the customs of

-the Indians, he was now entirely friendly, and strongly recommended

-industry and perseverance in the plans which Friends had recommended

-to them. The following paragraphs from one of his speeches on this

-occasion, may be worthy of notice.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“My friends, Quakers, attend.&mdash;It is now a long time since you first

-came amongst us. It has even exceeded the time that was first proposed.

-I now speak the united voice of our chiefs and warriors to you,

-of our women also, and of all our people. Attend, therefore, to what

-I say. We wish you to make your minds perfectly easy&mdash;we are all

-pleased with your living amongst us, and not one of us wants you to

-leave our country. We find no fault with you in any respect, since

-you come amongst us; neither have we any thing to charge you with.

-You have lived peaceably and honestly with us, and have been preserved

-in health, and nothing has befallen you. This we think is proof,

-also, that the Great Spirit is pleased with you living here, and with

-what you have done for us.”</p>

-

-<p>“Friends, Quakers&mdash;we now all agree to leave you at full liberty,

-either to remain where you now are, on our land, or to remove up the

-river and settle on land of your own, only that you settle near us, that

-you may extend further assistance and instruction. For although we

-have received much benefit from you, and some of our people have

-made considerable advancement in useful labour, yet we remain very

-deficient in many things, and numbers of us are yet poor.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>As the important change proposed to be made in conducting the affairs

-at Alleghany, required serious consideration, four of the committee

-proceeded to that settlement, and on conferring with Friends there, were

-satisfied of the propriety of a removal from their present station, to one

-more independent of the Indians, and less subject to their control.</p>

-

-<p>A tract of land adjoining the Indians’ reservation on Tunesassa creek,

-which empties into the river on the east side, about two miles above

-Genesinghuta, was agreed upon, and afterwards purchased, as the most

-eligible place for a settlement; inasmuch as it furnished an ample situation

-for water works, and much of the tract was covered with excellent

-pine timber. The tract included about seven hundred acres.</p>

-

-<p>Friends had free and open conferences with the Indians on the subject

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>

-of their removal, and various other matters; and satisfactory arrangements

-were made respecting the old settlement, the Indians insisting

-on Friends’ occupying the farm until they got suitable accommodations,

-and provender for their stock, at their new settlement.</p>

-

-<p>In one of their conferences, Cornplanter observed:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, when your friends first came amongst us, and for a long

-time after, the white people told us, ‘keep a good watch on those Quakers&mdash;they

-are a cunning, designing people; and under pretence of

-doing something for you, want to get hold upon you, to make an advantage

-of you some way or other;’ but of late, finding that all was straight,

-and no advantage was attempted to be taken, they have left off talking

-about it.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, your young men do not talk much to us, but when they

-do they speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us

-from using spirituous liquors.”</p>

-

-<p>Here it may be proper to remark, that in the spring of 1798, an Indian

-lad of the Tuscarora nation, from near the falls of Niagara, had

-been taken to Philadelphia, and placed with a Friend in Chester county,

-to learn the blacksmiths’ business, where he continued till the last

-spring;&mdash;and having acquired a competent knowledge of his trade, and

-made considerable proficiency in school learning, the Friend with whom

-he had been instructed, felt such an interest in his welfare, that he

-accompanied him home to his Indian friends, staid several weeks with

-him, to see him set up in his business, and assisted him therein.</p>

-

-<p>This Friend, on his return, had now been several weeks at Alleghany,

-affording the two Indian blacksmiths there, some further instruction in

-that art. They were very desirous he should tarry longer with them;

-and an old chief observed, “Friends had now sent on a blacksmith, the

-best they had ever seen&mdash;he knows how to make all things we want.”</p>

-

-<p>Considerable improvement among the Indians at this time was observable,

-more particularly up the river. Several families had settled

-about two miles higher up, than where they formerly resided, and had

-cleared and fenced in about sixty acres of land. Seventeen new houses

-with shingled roofs, were observed neatly built, with square logs, most

-of them two stories high, with stone chimneys and glass windows. They

-had about one hundred head of cattle, thirty horses, and several hundred

-hogs. And the Indians had opened a road, about twenty miles

-along the river, and much of it through heavy timber; which was a

-great work for them.</p>

-

-<p>The committee proceeded from thence to Cattaraugus, and noticed

-considerable improvement in that settlement. Several of them were

-building good houses. Their crops of corn were good, and their stock of

-cattle increased; and, generally speaking, they had declined the use of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span>

-strong drink. They had divers requests to make to Friends, some of

-which were granted; especially one, for a set of smith tools and plough

-irons. While Friends were sitting with the chief warrior, he seemed

-in a pensive mood, and said he wished to ask them a question, but hesitated.

-They desired him to say on&mdash;It was, “<i>Do the Quakers keep

-any slaves?</i>”&mdash;He was answered in the negative. He said he was very

-glad to hear it; for if they did, he could not think so well of them as

-he now did&mdash;that he had been at the city of Washington last winter,

-on business of the nation, and found that many white people kept blacks

-in slavery, and used them no better than horses.</p>

-

-<p>The committee on their way home had interviews with the Buffalo

-and Tonewanta Indians, and gave them such advice and encouragement

-as their situation required. It was satisfactory to observe, from

-the account of Red Jacket and others of their chiefs, that some improvement

-was taking place among those Indians.</p>

-

-<p>Our friends at Alleghany built a temporary house at their new settlement

-this fall, to which they removed, which we shall hereafter call Tunesassa.

-The land being heavily timbered, much exertion and labour

-were necessary, to make their situation tolerably comfortable during

-the first winter.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1804, the Indians generally removed from the lower

-town, and settled higher up the river; several of them not far from Tunesassa.

-This removal subjected them to some inconveniences, the first

-year, but eventually proved much to their advantage; especially to

-those who were detached from their little towns.</p>

-

-<p>As it was believed much benefit would result to the Indians from the

-erection of a grist mill on Friends’ farm, there being none nearer than

-about forty miles, measures were adopted to have grist and saw-mills

-erected this summer; and they were so far completed, as to be in operation

-the ensuing winter, when the Indians had considerable grinding

-done, and were much pleased to see the grain reduced to meal so much

-quicker than by pounding it in wooden mortars.</p>

-

-<p>An Indian man, after having a grist of wheat of his own raising ground

-and bolted, said with animation, “I think this will make the Indians

-see day-light.”</p>

-

-<p>In the course of this season, some dissentions took place among the

-Indians with regard to their chiefs. Several young men of considerable

-influence in the nation, and who were anxious to assume the reigns of

-government, became disaffected to Cornplanter, and taking measures to

-subvert his authority, artfully prevailed with the Indians to confer on

-themselves the dignified title of chiefs. This, among men whose rulers

-only hold their authority during the good will of the people, was not

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>

-difficult to effect. In the mean time, Connediu, who had some time before

-been promoted to the highest title in the nation, continued (as he

-said) his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual

-world, so that his fame spread abroad, and visits were paid to him from

-distant tribes. He also travelled to distant parts himself, and promulgated

-his doctrines, (which happily were now become more innocent,)

-throughout the Seneca nation.</p>

-

-<p>In the latter end of the winter and spring of 1805, the Indians experienced

-much damage to their infant settlements, by some unusual

-freshets in the Alleghany river. Nearly all their fences were swept

-away; but instead of being discouraged by their losses, they joined together

-very spiritedly, and soon repaired them; and in the end appeared

-to have been benefitted; for by this exertion, they gradually became

-more accustomed to labour&mdash;a thing, to them, of the greatest consequence.</p>

-

-<p>As it was believed the time had now come when it would be right

-to take some measures to instruct the Indian women in the various

-branches of housewifery, and domestic economy, and as this could not

-be done without female aid, a suitable family were sought for, and a

-man and his wife offering for that service, as well as a single female,

-who had before been at the Oneida settlement, they proceeded to Tunesassa

-in the early part of summer; and the natives expressed much

-satisfaction on their arrival among them.</p>

-

-<p>The arrival of the females was no less satisfactory to the Friends residing

-at Tunesassa&mdash;for as from the first settlement to this time, in addition

-to the various calls of the Indians, and their out-door labours, they

-had all their domestic and culinary services to perform,&mdash;except some

-little aid received at times, by hiring some of the Indian women.</p>

-

-<p>Although many of the Indians had constructed comfortable houses,

-very few of their women took any pains to keep them clean and in neat

-order. They manufactured none of their own clothing, except the

-mockasins they wore on their feet. They had no knowledge of making

-soap, and of course their clothes could not be very clean&mdash;and very

-little improvement in domestic affairs had as yet taken place among

-the Indian families. In proportion, however, as the men became more

-accustomed to labour, it released the women from their former drudgery;

-and having now the opportunity of getting all their grain ground, which

-before they had to pound in wooden mortars, it would afford them more

-time to turn their attention to the business of the house, and the concerns

-more properly allotted to females, in all civilized societies.</p>

-

-<p>To aid and assist them in accomplishing this, was the object of our female

-friends; and some of the Indian girls pretty soon began to show a

-willingness to be instructed in knitting and spinning. A house of employment

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span>

-was built at a little distance from Friends’ dwelling, and particularly

-allotted to their use; but for want of the necessary materials,

-not much could be done at these useful employments the first season.

-Our women Friends were, however, enabled to instruct many of them

-in the art of making soap, which enabled them to keep their clothes

-and persons more cleanly; and also by frequently visiting them in their

-families, had opportunities of instructing and encouraging them in habits

-more assimilated to civilized life. The Indian women, also, made frequent

-visits to them, and by observing their industry, economy, and

-superior mode of living, an inclination began soon to manifest itself,

-even among these uncultivated females of the wilderness, to imitate

-the more useful and rational economy of our women Friends.</p>

-

-<p>In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of

-land cleared on their farm&mdash;their spring crops were productive, and

-they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist and

-saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable purpose.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing

-land, splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the

-more sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have

-more sense, very fast.”</p>

-

-<p>They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and

-seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful

-effects&mdash;and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white

-people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them.

-The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink

-whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.</p>

-

-<p>In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany,

-with Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a

-visit to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in

-order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage

-them in habits of industry.</p>

-

-<p>In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by

-three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and

-having resided more than two years among them at the first opening of

-the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the improvements

-the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians

-at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the

-west side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects

-were discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and

-much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long

-replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this

-narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span>

-noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony

-with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was sometimes

-their practice; but to consider them as companions for life: and

-also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would

-enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were

-endeavouring to promote among them.</p>

-

-<p>Our Friends at Tunesassa had now got about fifty acres of land cleared,

-well enclosed, and in good order. They had built a large and commodious

-dwelling house and barn, which, together with the mills and improvements

-generally, gave it the appearance of a desirable settlement.</p>

-

-<p>It was believed the Indians had built about one hundred new houses

-since the committee visited them three years before. Most of them

-were put up with hewn logs very neatly notched at the corners; many

-of them were covered with shingles, and some had pannel doors and

-glass windows. The carpenter work was chiefly done by the Indians.

-Scarcely a vestige remained of the cabins they occupied when Friends

-first settled among them. Their farms, which were of different dimensions,

-were enclosed with good fences, and much more detached from

-each other than formerly. A much greater proportion of corn was

-planted this season than had been known before, and generally looked

-well. Many of them had raised wheat and oats, and several had raised

-flax and buckwheat, besides potatoes and turnips in abundance. Their

-stock of cattle and horses was increased, and they had a good many

-working oxen, which they found very advantageous to them. Sheep

-were not yet introduced, owing to the danger of their being destroyed

-by wolves.</p>

-

-<p>Upon the whole, it was evident their improvements rather exceeded,

-in divers respects, those made in some new settlements of white people

-on the frontiers, in the same length of time.</p>

-

-<p>Several of the young women had this year learned to spin and knit

-a little; but although the improvement among the females was yet

-small, it was, nevertheless evident, a change in this respect had taken

-place for the better, since our women Friends came among them. Their

-persons and apparel, as well as their houses, appeared in more neat and

-cleanly order. And as Friends approached some of their habitations,

-a pleasing mark of neatness discovered itself among some of their women,

-who would immediately begin to sweep their houses, and appear

-somewhat disconcerted, if Friends entered their doors before they got

-their apartments in good order.</p>

-

-<p>After spending near a week at Alleghany, the committee proceeded

-to Cattaraugus, and had a very satisfactory interview with the Seneca

-Indians at that place. Various matters were opened to them in a written

-communication, tending to incite them to industry, and to encourage

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span>

-them in a life of sobriety. A great reform had taken place among those

-Indians in this respect. The chief warrior in his reply said, “He believed

-the Great Spirit was better pleased with them when they took

-hold of the axe and the hoe and went to work, than when they were

-pursuing their former bad practices of drinking, &amp;c.” “And he was

-very glad Friends had given them their speech upon paper, that they

-would not only advise their young people themselves, but would have

-that speech to apply to, to strengthen their minds.”</p>

-

-<p>Although a considerable change had taken place for the better at

-this settlement within three years past, their stock of cattle and horses

-having considerably increased, (and instead of confining them as formerly

-in small enclosures round their villages, they had, since enclosing their

-cornfields, the advantage of pasturing them on the large plains,) yet they

-appeared very far behind their brethren at Alleghany, in agricultural

-improvements, as well as in buildings and cleanliness of living.</p>

-

-<p>In the year 1807, no very important change took place among the

-Indians at Alleghany, except that divers of the young women and girls

-applied themselves to spinning in the course of the winter, under the

-direction of our women Friends, and succeeded so far as to have a piece

-of linen spun and wove into cloth, besides manufacturing a quantity of

-sewing thread with which many of the Indians were well pleased.</p>

-

-<p>Some evil disposed persons, and doubtless opposed to the advancement

-of the Indians in civilization, took every opportunity of creating

-suspicions in their minds, of the views of Friends, and artfully insinuated

-that Friends’ saw-mill was erected to accumulate an interest out of

-them, notwithstanding that Friends had given them many thousand feet

-of boards, and also their grain at the grist-mill was then ground free of

-toll.</p>

-

-<p>In order, therefore, to settle the minds of the Indians, to counteract

-the suspicions in circulation, and as a convincing evidence of the disinterested

-views of Friends,&mdash;believing also, that it might redound to

-the Indians’ advantage, they offered to assist them in building a saw-mill

-for themselves; and three hundred dollars, in addition to a set of

-saw-mill irons, were granted for that purpose.</p>

-

-<p>This fall Cornplanter was again restored to his former station of chief;

-and from the disposition he had always manifested to the object of

-Friends, there was reason to expect his renewed influence in their

-councils would be useful.</p>

-

-<p>The family at Tunesassa, experienced a great trial by the removal

-of the Friend’s wife residing there, who, after about two weeks illness

-was taken from this transitory scene. She had by her prudent and obliging

-conduct very much endeared herself to the natives, many of whom

-attended her funeral, and a number of them called to see the family some

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>

-days afterwards, and desired them to make their minds easy, seeing it

-was the will of the Great Spirit, and what must happen to all mankind;

-and they were come to sympathize with them, and to wipe away their

-tears that they might sorrow no more.</p>

-

-<p>In the following winter, a number of the Indian women and girls

-were engaged at spinning, and a disposition to industry and manufacturing

-their own clothing, seemed to be gaining ground. A loom was

-provided, and several pieces of their own spinning were made into cloth.</p>

-

-<p>1808. As Friends for sometime past, had been desirous of rendering

-more essential service to the Indians at Cattaraugus, it was now

-believed expedient to purchase a tract of land adjoining their reservation,

-and have a family stationed there, that would more effectually

-accelerate their improvement.</p>

-

-<p>Accordingly a large tract of land was agreed for, on Clear creek, which

-furnished a good seat for water-works, within four or five miles of

-the Indian town. The land being heavily timbered, the Indians were

-engaged in opening a road from their villages to it; and considerable

-advances were made towards opening a settlement this season, superintended

-by some of the Friends from Tunesassa.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians at Alleghany got their saw-mill completed this fall so as

-to be in operation, and the Friends at Tunesassa were joined by another

-family, a Friend with his wife, a single female who accompanied them,

-and several children; the parents offering their services to spend some

-time in the instruction of the Indian natives.</p>

-

-<p>Near the close of this year, and through the succeeding winter, very

-considerable progress was made among the women and girls in learning to

-spin; several purchased wheels and commenced spinning at their own

-houses; and an aged female, of the first influence, named O-yong-go-gas,

-resided sometime with Friends, to be instructed in this employment, and

-made an unexpected progress. Her attention to assist in encouraging

-and superintending the younger women and girls, was a favourable circumstance,

-and tended to promote their improvement. On hearing that

-Friends at Tunesassa were about writing to the committee, she delivered

-the following address, desiring it might be sent also.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, attend&mdash;I wish to speak a few words to you. Since your

-women came here, I have frequently had a prospect of learning to spin;

-but as I was an ancient woman, I was afraid to make a beginning, lest

-I should not make out, and would then have to decline it, without accomplishing

-any thing. I at length concluded to try, and have learned

-so much as to be able to spin flax and tow pretty well.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, I am very happy that I have the satisfaction to inform you

-a little of my progress, and also that I can now with more assurance,

-impress the necessity of this valuable improvement on the minds of our

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span>

-young women, and I intend in future to recommend it as a most necessary

-employment.</p>

-

-<p>“For my own part, I intend to pursue it as long as my eye-sight will

-continue, and I hope yet to be able to spin wool for a blanket, if the

-Good Spirit will continue my sight. I am very thankful for the knowledge

-I have acquired of your women Friends.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, I hope this may find you all well, and I wish the Great

-Spirit may bless you.”</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1809, a Friend, who had spent many years among the

-natives, returned again to his former station at Tunesassa, and being

-acquainted with the weaving business, he was usefully employed in

-manufacturing into cloth the yarn which the Indian women had spun

-in the last winter, and the industry of several of them procured them

-sufficient specimens of domestic manufactures, to stimulate them to

-further exertions.</p>

-

-<p>This spring four of the Friends resident at Tunesassa proceeded to

-Cattaraugus, in order to carry on the improvements at this new station,

-and to instruct the Indians in that settlement.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians at Alleghany continued to make a satisfactory progress

-in their agricultural labours, seven or eight families sowed flax this

-spring, and other marks of improvement were observable. The settlement

-was visited again by a deputation from the committee, and the

-situation of the Indians fully inspected, and much advice and counsel

-were communicated to them relative to their moral conduct, as well as

-in regard to their temporal concerns.</p>

-

-<p>They were particularly warned of the iniquity of men and their

-wives separating, (a practice which was too common among them,) and

-marrying again with others; the natural consequence of which was,

-leaving their children in poverty and distress, besides being attended

-with a variety of other evils.</p>

-

-<p>The communications of Friends appeared to be well received, and in

-the replies which the Indians made, among many other things, Cornplanter

-remarked, “We are sensible that it is displeasing to the Great

-Spirit for men and their wives to separate, and I am very happy that

-you have now mentioned it, when so many of our young warriors are

-present who have the opportunity of hearing; and I hope they will attend

-to the good counsel you have given us.”</p>

-

-<p>This deputation from the committee also visited Cattaraugus settlement,

-and had satisfactory interviews with those Indians, encouraging

-them to industry and sobriety, and to avail themselves of the opportunity

-they now had of receiving instruction from our Friends, who had

-lately come to settle near them.</p>

-

-<p>In their replies to Friends, the chief warrior observed:&mdash;“You

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span>

-still continue to speak the same language to our nation, and we believe

-your views towards us are the effects of pure friendship, and a desire

-for our welfare; and although we have fallen short in fulfilling your

-former advices, we are still encouraged to follow your counsel, and to

-pursue the path you have set before us. We hope you will continue

-to have patience towards us, as Indians cannot adopt all these habits

-that you recommend at once; but we are convinced that industry in

-cultivating our lands, is the only method by which we can receive lasting

-benefits, and we are determined to pursue it&mdash;and we hope we shall still

-continue to make a gradual advancement.”</p>

-

-<p>During the winter and spring of 1810, the Indian women at Alleghany

-gave increasing attention to spinning. Some elderly females, who

-had acquired sufficient knowledge, and being anxious to promote this

-valuable art, took the superintendence of the young girls, and this season

-they spun sufficient to make one hundred and twenty yards, part of

-which was woollen, and manufactured into blankets.</p>

-

-<p>Some small premiums were offered to such of the men as should sow

-spring wheat, which had a stimulating effect; and sixteen or seventeen

-individuals availed themselves of the offer.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians purchased four yoke of oxen, which enabled them to do

-more ploughing&mdash;and during the course of the season many of the young

-men inclined to hire to work for other Indians, a practice which had

-not been common among them. This, however, was in part produced

-by the embargo system which was now in operation, and had an effect

-to reduce the price of skins and furs, so as to render hunting not

-worth pursuing as an object of profit.</p>

-

-<p>Red Jacket, and three other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited Philadelphia

-this year, and Friends had a satisfactory interview with them.

-Red Jacket in his remarks, stated:</p>

-

-<p>“I am unable to express the thankfulness I feel for the many acts of

-kindness your society have shown to us; particularly when that old

-gentleman, (pointing to an elderly Friend present,) and many others

-now no more, attended at our treaties. And I am happy in observing

-your disposition to pursue the same track of conduct your fathers observed

-towards Indians, now they are removed to the world of spirits.”</p>

-

-<p>Some implements of husbandry were furnished to the Tuscarora Indians,

-residing on the Seneca reservation near Buffalo; and the situation

-of the Delaware Indians residing on the Cattaraugus reservation claiming

-the sympathy of Friends, as being the remnant of a scattered tribe

-who formerly inhabited the parts along the river Delaware, and who

-for many years lived on terms of sincere friendship and reciprocal acts

-of kindness with the early settlers, while the country was then a wilderness;

-it was believed right to make them an offer of purchasing a

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span>

-tract of land in the neighbourhood of Cattaraugus, provided they would

-live on, and occupy it. Although the offer was not accepted they gratefully

-acknowledge the kindness of Friends, and their answer on this

-occasion strongly excites our sympathy for the destiny of this once great

-and powerful nation.</p>

-

-<p>“Our nation, say they, seem as if they were scattered over the whole

-world; and we have been desirous, for many years past, of getting together,

-and have now fully concluded to leave the country of the Senecas.

-The land you propose giving us here, if we could take it on our

-backs and set it down in the neighbourhood of our nation to the westward,

-we should be very thankful for; but we don’t feel satisfied to

-remain in this country, and have concluded certainly to leave it as soon

-as we can.”</p>

-

-<p>Considerable progress was made this season by the Cattaraugus Indians.

-Many of them enclosed fields separately, and had plentiful crops

-of corn; and as an incitement to this plan of farming, small premiums

-had been offered by Friends. And as a further encouragement, to accommodate

-the Indians, preparations were made to erect grist and saw-mills

-on the tract of land belonging to Friends, whereby they could

-have their grinding done, and be furnished with boards to enable them

-to build better houses.</p>

-

-<p>In the beginning of the year 1811, the Indian women at Alleghany

-manifested a much earlier attention to the spinning business; and before

-the time they usually began, had sufficient spun for one hundred

-and sixty yards of cloth. Near one half of their women by this time,

-had acquired some knowledge of this business; and though they had

-heretofore, for the most part, attended to it at the house of employment,

-many of them now procured wheels of their own, and attended to it at

-their own houses. Four of them within two years had spun yarn for

-about one hundred and twenty-five yards; and two others, in the last

-season, had spun and wove themselves twenty-one yards of linsey.</p>

-

-<p>The instruction of their children in school learning, had for several

-years past, been but little attended to, owing to the impediments the

-Indians themselves had thrown in the way&mdash;but this year it was again

-revived; and a young man, qualified for that purpose, kept a school

-among them, at their request.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians at Cattaraugus were also making satisfactory improvement

-this season. The saw-mill was in operation this fall, and the grist

-mill in a considerable state of forwardness.</p>

-

-<p>The progress of improvement had, for many years past, exhibited an

-encouraging prospect&mdash;affording a comfortable hope, that the desirable

-object would be effected, of reclaiming at least a portion of the Indians

-from a savage and rambling life, to enjoy in a plentiful manner, and in

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>

-undisturbed security, the productions of the fruitful field. Yet it now

-seems our painful task to record some circumstances, which for a time

-much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and retarded their progress in

-civilization.</p>

-

-<p>By a company of individuals, claiming what they called the pre-emption

-right, an attempt was now made to purchase from the Seneca

-nation, all their land which they held in the state of New York, and

-under a specious show of benevolence, to give them a large tract of

-country far to the westward, where they might enjoy their native

-forest, away from the intrusions of white people.</p>

-

-<p>The peculiar situation of their land&mdash;being generally of an excellent

-quality, and an increasing white population fast settling round it&mdash;made

-it an object very desirable to this company, who, it is probable, paid a

-large sum of money for this pre-emption right.</p>

-

-<p>From the best information I have received respecting this claim, it

-appears, by the original charter, that the state of Massachusetts had

-this pre-emption right, or privilege of purchasing the Indians’ land in

-this part of the territory; and to satisfy this claim, in 1787, the state of

-New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of soil&mdash;reserving to itself

-the jurisdiction thereof. The state of Massachusetts, in 1792, again sold

-their right of purchase to an individual, who, in the year 1797, at a

-treaty held at Genessee river, in the state of New York, purchased

-of the Indians a large tract of country, as has been already stated&mdash;the

-Indians “<i>nevertheless and always reserving</i>” out of this grant and conveyance,

-such reservations as were therein agreed upon; “<i>to remain

-the property of the said Seneca Indians, in as full and ample a

-manner</i>,” as if the said sale had not been made. This purchase again

-passed into other hands, and finally the pre-emption right to the Indians’

-reservations into the hands of the company now claiming them.</p>

-

-<p>Notwithstanding these were the only persons who had a legal right

-to purchase, it was only when the Indians were disposed to sell: and

-always to be understood, as the original owners of the soil, they had the

-right to refuse to sell, as guaranteed in the most solemn manner by the

-president of the United States.</p>

-

-<p>But notwithstanding their indubitable title to the soil, the attempt

-thus made, in an artful manner, to obtain their land, had the effect to

-produce great commotion and disturbance among them. Nor was it to

-be doubted, but that means, too frequently practised on such occasions,

-would be resorted to. These were, to offer rewards to the chiefs or principal

-men of the nation, to gain their influence, in order to bring about

-the object they had in view.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians, however, at this time, did not accede to the proposals

-that had been held out to them, as may be seen from the following

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span>

-extracts of a speech of Red Jacket to an agent, who, it seems, was employed

-by the primitive holders to negotiate this business.</p>

-

-<p>“Brother, we opened our ears to the talk you lately delivered to us,

-at our council fire. In doing important business, it is best not to tell

-long stories, but to come to it in a few words&mdash;we shall therefore not

-repeat your talk, which is fresh in our minds. We have well considered

-it, and the advantages and disadvantages of your offers&mdash;we request

-your attention to our answer, which is not from the speaker alone,

-but from all the sachems and chiefs now round our council fire.</p>

-

-<p>“Brother, your application for the purchase of our lands is, to our

-minds, very extraordinary. It has been made in a crooked manner.

-You have not walked in the straight path, pointed out by the Great

-Council of your nation. You have no writing from our Great Father the

-president. We have looked back, and remembered how the Yorkers purchased

-our lands in former times. They bought them, piece after piece, for

-a little money, paid to a few men in our nation, and not to all our brethren,&mdash;until

-our planting and hunting grounds have become very small;

-and if we should sell these, we know not where to spread our blankets.</p>

-

-<p>“Brother, you tell us your employers have purchased of the council

-of Yorkers, a right to buy our lands. We do not understand how this

-can be. The lands do not belong to the Yorkers. They are ours, and

-were given to us by the Great Spirit.</p>

-

-<p>“Brother, you want us to travel with you, and look for other lands.

-If we should sell our lands, and move off into a distant country, towards

-the setting sun, we should be looked upon, in the country to which we

-go, as foreigners and strangers, and be despised by the red, as well as

-the white men. We should soon be surrounded by the white people,

-who would there also kill our game, come upon our lands, and try to

-get them from us.</p>

-

-<p>“Brother, we are determined not to sell our lands, but to continue

-on them. They are fruitful, and produce us corn in abundance, for the

-support of our women and children, and grass and herbs for our cattle.</p>

-

-<p>“Brother, the white people buy and sell false rights to our lands; and

-your employers, you say, have paid a great price for their right. They

-must have plenty of money to spend it buying and selling false rights to

-lands belonging to Indians. The loss of it will not hurt them, but our

-lands are of great value to us; and we wish you to go back to your

-employers, and tell them and the Yorkers, that they have no right to

-buy and sell false rights to our lands.”</p>

-

-<p>Although the inducements held out to Indians at this time were rejected,

-yet the scheme, on the part of the applicants, was by no means

-abandoned; and as a measure like this, so inimical to the cause in

-which Friends were engaged, could not fail of exciting considerable

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span>

-alarm, it was reasonable to suppose, their influence would interpose to

-prevent the adoption of a measure so pregnant of evil to the poor Indians.

-Accordingly, an appropriate address was presented to the Seneca

-nation, strongly recommending them to a diligent improvement of

-their land, and to keep strong in their resolution not to part with it&mdash;for

-if they should sell and remove to a distant country, it was not likely

-Friends would go with them, or assist them, as they had heretofore done.</p>

-

-<p>The minds of the Indians appeared to be quieted for the present, and

-they were peculiarly pleased with the communications of Friends on

-this occasion. One of their chiefs observed in council&mdash;“Your words

-reached our hearts, and as though they had been handed down from

-the Great Spirit above, they have satisfied our minds.”</p>

-

-<p>The spring of 1812, commenced with very encouraging prospects of

-improvement at both the settlements. The women were engaged in

-their spinning business, and the men in their agricultural pursuits,

-which relieved the women of much of their former hardships and

-burthens in procuring a livelihood. The measures adopted for their

-improvement had now been in operation at the Alleghany settlement

-for fourteen years, and the advantages resulting therefrom were

-more sensibly felt, and clearly distinguished by the Indians than at

-any former period. The progress of the Indians at Cattaraugus,

-considering the infant state of the establishment of Friends there, afforded

-the most sanguine prospect, that, by a steady perseverance, in

-the course of a few years more, a very important change would be effected

-in their situation and manner of life. But a reverse of circumstances,

-in the course of events, again took place, which it seems proper

-now to mention.</p>

-

-<p>It was in the Sixth month, this year, that war was proclaimed by the

-United States against Great Britain, and her dependencies. This

-circumstance created very considerable alarm amongst the Indians,

-and to use their own expressions, “seemed to turn the world upside

-down.”</p>

-

-<p>Their situation was peculiarly trying. War was a circumstance replete

-with many evils, which would inevitably involve them in serious

-difficulties. Their money, for which they had sold their land in 1797, was

-in the hands of the government. Their remaining lands were nearly all

-within the boundaries of the state of New York, and lying near to the

-British lines, which it was probable would become the seat of war, and

-therefore they would be liable to be much harassed by either party, even

-should they remain neutral. In the next place, there were several

-tribes of their confederates of the Six Nations, whom they had always

-considered as brethren, who resided within the British dominions, and

-called upon to fight their battles; and it was probable they would be

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span>

-called upon by the United States to assist in the contest, and thus they

-would be reduced to the sad dilemma, of either being considered, in

-case of a refusal, as enemies to the United States, or otherwise be under

-the necessity of raising the hatchet against their own flesh and blood,

-who had not given the slightest cause of offence or provocation.</p>

-

-<p>Nor were these all the evils that seemed to threaten their repose.

-They were generally represented, in war, as a ferocious, unrelenting

-people; and hence it was natural to conclude, that jealousies would

-exist among their surrounding white neighbours, and prejudices be excited,

-which it would be difficult to remove.</p>

-

-<p>Their fears were not groundless in this respect; for soon after war

-was proclaimed, many of the surrounding inhabitants became very uneasy,

-and divers left their settlements, and removed to places more remote

-from the natives. This circumstance caused some alarm among

-the Indians. They apprehended that their sincerity and friendly dispositions

-were suspected; in consequence whereof, a council was held

-between them and their white neighbours, to endeavour to eradicate

-the fears and jealousies which existed between them. The result of

-this was, that the Indians promised to take no part in the war, and the

-whites agreed not to molest them in their peaceable possessions.</p>

-

-<p>This conclusion, however, did not stand long, on the part of the Indians.

-They were called upon by the United States to engage in the

-contest, and to take up arms against their brethren in Canada, who

-were, no doubt, excited to this unnatural war, by the British government.

-Some of the young warriors, who had never before seen the

-dreadful effects of such a conflict, were anxious to try their valour, and

-gain themselves a name; while many of their elderly people, who retained

-some knowledge of former wars, were more disposed to remain

-quiet at home. But as it is not the design of this work to give a history

-of the war, in all its bearings on the Indians, it is sufficient to say, that

-during the period the war lasted, they were at times engaged therein

-by parties; and in proportion to the part they acted on this occasion,

-their advancement in civilization was impeded.</p>

-

-<p>In the autumn of this year, two of the committee visited the settlements

-at Tunesassa and Cattaraugus, by whom a suitable address was

-sent to the Indians. But they found them in a very unsettled situation,

-on account of the war; and said “they could not, at present, attend to

-their improvements&mdash;for, look which way they would, they saw nothing

-but war.”</p>

-

-<p>As the situation of the Friends stationed among the Indians was also

-trying at this period, they were left at liberty either to leave them, and

-return home, or to remain, as they felt best satisfied to do.</p>

-

-<p>In the year 1813, although frequent alarms continued to pervade the

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>

-Indians’ borders, our Friends did not apprehend it sufficient cause to

-abandon their residence, or to relax their endeavours to establish the

-Indians in a more permanent advantage from the soil. The Indians,

-too, appeared to have a special confidence in Friends, and often consulted

-them on account of their own safety, stating “that if Friends

-removed from them, they would become uneasy, and flee also.”</p>

-

-<p>Although some of the Indians attended to their business, yet the continual

-alarms, and frequent calls on them to assist in the invasion of

-Canada, very much diverted their attention from their domestic concerns;

-and their war excursions had a demoralizing effect, by exposing

-them again to the use of intoxicating liquors, which gained an ascendency

-over some.</p>

-

-<p>Towards the close of this season, at the time Buffalo was attacked

-and burned by the British, the Indians became exceedingly agitated.

-Those of Cattaraugus, lying more contiguous to the scene of action,

-moved a great part of their property to the south side of the river, in

-order to flee in case of an attack. The consternation that prevailed

-among the inhabitants generally, in that country, had a tendency to

-increase their fears; and probably a consciousness of their having taken

-up arms against their brethren in Canada, naturally created apprehensions,

-that, if their enemies proved victorious they would have to

-suffer a retaliation.</p>

-

-<p>The alarm, however, subsided, as there was no attack made on them,

-and they were permitted to remain quiet the succeeding winter, and

-attend somewhat to their necessary concerns.</p>

-

-<p>In the fall of 1814, the settlements were visited again by four of the

-committee. They arrived at Cattaraugus the thirteenth of the Ninth

-month, and had a council on the fifteenth with the Indians. Many of

-them were then absent, being engaged in the war, and more were about

-going. But when they heard of Friends’ arrival, they concluded to stay

-at home.</p>

-

-<p>They stated the many difficulties which they laboured under, on account

-of the war, and the great obstruction it was to their improvement.

-They said the officers often called on them to go to war, and if

-they staid at home, they were not satisfied&mdash;and they did not know

-whether they were safe or not.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, said they, the war has continued for three summers past.

-We have still had time to provide a little for our families; but this year

-we scarcely get home, before another express comes for us. We have

-been in hopes these troubles would subside; but from the present commotions,

-and noise of the great guns on the lines, we have entertained

-doubts how or when it will end.”</p>

-

-<p>At the conclusion of the council, they remarked the great satisfaction

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span>

-they felt, that the Friends who lived beside them had remained so

-steady with them through their difficulties, that although the great

-guns had roared so loud as to shake the ground whereon they stood,

-yet they remained quiet; which convinced them that they must be under

-the protection of the Great Spirit.</p>

-

-<p>Notwithstanding the various interruptions the Indians had met with

-on account of the war, they had made very considerable advances

-in agricultural improvements, at this settlement. The author, being

-one of the deputation who now visited them, had an opportunity of observing

-the great contrast in their situation, since Friends came to settle

-among them. They had enclosed with good fences, and cultivated

-several hundred acres of good land, within three or four years past; a

-great proportion of which was planted with corn and potatoes, or sowed

-with oats, &amp;c. and generally looked well. Many families had raised

-wheat, and were preparing to sow more in the fall. Several had raised

-flax, and about twenty-five of their women had learned to spin. Their

-women, also, appeared more neat and cleanly, in their dress and

-houses. But three or four families remained in their old village, having

-found it much to their advantage to settle more detached from each

-other. They were now scattered along, on the rich bottoms, for several

-miles. Considerable improvement had also taken place in the mode of

-building. Many had good houses, and some had barns, and scarcely any

-of the old cabins were seen standing. The Indians had procured a number

-of wagons and carts, with other farming utensils, as well as several

-yoke of oxen. Their stock of cattle, in general, was much increased;

-and the Indians said, in council, there were but one or two families but

-had cows or horses.</p>

-

-<p>The committee also visited the settlement at Alleghany, and held a

-general council with the Indians at Cold Spring, where they were encouraged

-to perseverance in the path they had for many years been

-pointing out to the Indians, and in which good way they had made considerable

-progress. But it was observed, that they were deficient in

-several respects, and had not made so much improvement as was desirable

-for the opportunity they had had. In their replies, they acknowledged

-the very great benefit they had received in time past, from the

-advice and instruction of Friends, but said they had made less improvement

-since the war commenced; that they were frequently called upon

-by the officers to go to war, and this kept them uneasy, so that they

-could not attend to their business. Some of their people had, also,

-during the war, got into habits of intemperance&mdash;and this tended to

-retard their advancement in the modes of civilized life.</p>

-

-<p>The old chief, Cornplanter, not having attended this council, several

-of the company paid him a visit at his own house, about eleven miles

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span>

-distant from Tunesassa. About five or six families remained with the

-old chief, at his settlement, mostly his connexions. The old town of

-Jenuchshadaga, where all the first councils between Friends and the

-Indians were held, was entirely deserted, and so overgrown with young

-timber, as almost to conceal the place where it stood. This strange

-mutation of things at this place, was principally owing to the land being

-Cornplanter’s private property, and to the disposition of the other Indians

-to move higher up the river, and settle on land belonging to the

-nation, where they would have a greater security for the improvements

-they should make.</p>

-

-<p>Cornplanter expressed his great satisfaction at once more seeing his

-friends in his own house, and that he was still preserved alive to talk

-with them. He acknowledged the advice of Friends had always been

-good, and that in consequence of many of the Indians adhering to it,

-their situation had been much improved, but that in consequence of the

-miseries of war, some of his people had again become intemperate.</p>

-

-<p>The too common practice of men and their wives parting, having

-been animadverted upon at the late council, the old chief observed, that

-he also reprobated it, as being attended with many evil effects; and

-that he had often seen children, who had been thus neglected, when

-young, in consequence of their parents’ separation, reflect on their parents,

-when they got old, and charge them with neglect of duty; it

-being generally the practice where separations take place, for the mother

-to take charge of the children, and provide for them as well as she

-can.</p>

-

-<p>“The liquor, said he, has been introduced among us by white people;

-but this evil practice has grown up among ourselves. Our young

-people are too fond of diversions, and not serious enough, in forming

-connexions. I have often advised them to more sobriety and regular

-conduct, and spent much of my time in serving the nation.”</p>

-

-<p>The Indians, generally, on the Alleghany river, continued to increase

-their stock of cattle, horses, and swine, quite equal to their means of

-supporting them through the winter; although in other respects, since

-the commencement of the war, they had made but little progress in

-agriculture. Many of the women, however, had given considerable

-attention to spinning&mdash;especially in the winter season. They appeared

-more cleanly in their persons and houses than they formerly did; and

-their manners, and general deportment, appeared to be rising from

-that degraded state in which they had formerly lived, and becoming

-more assimilated to the modes and practices of white people.</p>

-

-<p>The spring of 1815, was ushered in with the welcome and consoling

-news of peace, to the poor Indians; an accommodation having taken

-place between the United States and Great Britain in the preceding

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span>

-winter. Not only could the Seneca nation participate in the blessings

-of peace, by having their prospects to pursue their agricultural labours

-again brightened, but many of the surrounding tribes, who had been

-more extensively engaged in the late contest, could now lay down the

-hatchet, which had often been stained with the blood of their enemies.</p>

-

-<p>But although peace had now taken place, and hostilities ceased between

-the contending parties, it was doubtful whether the Seneca nation

-would be conciliated, and immediately restored to that mutual

-friendship, which previous to the war had subsisted between them and

-their confederate tribes in Canada, who had, under the banner of Great

-Britain, taken up arms against the United States. It was, therefore,

-believed expedient by the committee at this critical juncture to send

-them a suitable address on the occasion, from which the following is

-extracted.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, since it has pleased the Great Spirit to restore to our

-country the blessing of peace, we have felt our minds concerned to address

-you, in order to encourage you to pursue the path we have long

-been pointing out to you; and likewise to call your attention to the great

-advantages resulting from living in peace with all men.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are sensible that there are two spirits at work in the

-minds of men. The one produces in us a disposition of love and good

-will towards all men, and is a comforter for all good actions. The other

-excites evil thoughts and desires, and influences to bad actions, such as

-lying, swearing, drunkenness, pride, envy, hatred, gaming, and many

-other evils, which, if given way to, often create war between nations.

-So we believe it is in our power to resist the evil spirit, and conquer

-all the evil propensities of our nature, by obeying the Good Spirit,

-and by daily watching, and prayer to him. If we so conduct, he will

-deliver us from evil.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, our fathers, and we their children, who profess the same

-principles by which they were guided, have always believed that wars

-and fightings are displeasing to the Great Spirit, who is all love, and

-who made of one blood all nations of men, that they should live in peace

-and love with each other. For this cause, he hath placed his law in

-our hearts, and in the hearts of all men, teaching, not only to love one

-another, but also to forgive injuries, and even to love and do good to

-our enemies.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, where people live in this disposition, and trust in the

-Great Spirit for protection, it has a powerful effect in producing the

-same disposition in the minds of those who wish to do them an injury;

-and instead of hatred, it will produce in their minds love and good will.

-For you must be sensible, brothers, that when a man is angry with

-another, and uses many threatening expressions, if the other returns

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span>

-mild answers, and endeavours to pacify him by acts of kindness and

-good will, it is more likely to restore the angry man to a sober and right

-state of mind, than if he were to quarrel and fight with him&mdash;and this

-would be overcoming evil with good, which is always pleasing to the

-Great Spirit.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are sensible that the late war must have brought you

-into great difficulty and distress&mdash;and we are thankful for the return

-of peace. We hope the Great Spirit will preserve you from again feeling

-the miseries of war. We also wish you to be reanimated, to pursue

-your farming, and the improvement of your land, under the instruction

-of our friends who reside among you, as this is the only sure method

-we can recommend to you to obtain a comfortable living for yourselves

-and families; and the most likely means, as you are industrious and

-become sensible of the value of your property, of securing you in the

-permanent possession of your land.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, our desires continue as strong at the present day, as ever

-they were, to promote your happiness in this life, and in that which is

-to come. But this happy state we know can only be attained, by having

-our minds drawn to the Great Spirit, by imploring his protection,

-and by beseeching him that he would preserve us in love towards all

-mankind. If we are sincere in our desires for his assistance, and attentive

-to the voice of his spirit in our hearts, we shall have reason to hope

-for his blessing upon our labours, which is our desire for ourselves, for

-our Indian brethren, and for all men.”</p>

-

-<p>The Indians were also strongly reminded in this address, of the dangerous

-tendency of introducing strong liquor again into their villages,

-as the late war had exposed them to the use of it more than they had

-been for many years previous&mdash;and if they now become so unwise as

-to fall again in love with it, it would prove their ruin.</p>

-

-<p>This communication had a stimulating effect upon the Indians at both

-the settlements. Those of Alleghany sent a written address to the committee,

-signed by six of their chiefs, in which they expressed in a high

-degree, their sense of gratitude for the continued care of the society of

-Friends over them, and the great advantages they had received from

-their instruction. They also renewed their request that they might be

-furnished with a schoolmaster, as but little attention had been given to

-their improvement in school learning for some time past, owing to

-the general disinclination of the Indians to have their children thus instructed.</p>

-

-<p>At the request of the Indians, also, in the summer of 1816, four lads,

-two from Buffalo, and two from Alleghany, were brought into Chester

-county, within forty miles of Philadelphia, and placed with suitable

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span>

-persons under the care of the committee, to be instructed in school

-learning, and some of the mechanic arts.</p>

-

-<p>In the Eighth month this year, a Friend who had formerly devoted

-many years to the instruction of the natives, proceeded again with his

-wife to the Alleghany settlement, accompanied by a young man in the

-capacity of a schoolmaster; and the family who had resided there for

-some years past returned from thence. The school was again opened

-at Cold Spring town, in the Tenth month, where about twenty different

-scholars attended, in an irregular manner, owing, in part, to the scarcity

-of provisions. This scarcity of food was occasioned by unusually early

-frost, which destroyed more than half their corn, and likewise many

-other vegetables. This calamity was felt through all that part of the

-country bordering on the lakes.</p>

-

-<p>Although the Indians had had the fairest prospect of a plentiful supply,

-yet, from the foregoing circumstance, many of them were compelled

-to resort to their former source of dependence, and with their

-families, retire to the woods and hunting encampments, where they

-remained a great part of the winter.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians at Cattaraugus were conspicuous sufferers by this calamity;

-many of them having their crops of corn entirely cut off, while

-they had as yet scarcely recruited from their sufferings during the

-late war. Friends duly considered their distressed situation, and

-granted five hundred dollars to be applied in supplying them with provisions,

-and three hundred more to be administered to the necessities

-of those on the Alleghany reservation. These donations were gratefully

-received by the Indians, and were peculiarly useful in enabling them,

-the following spring, more generally to attend to their agricultural pursuits,

-without being compelled from necessity to retire to their hunting

-grounds. It was said five hundred and twelve individuals at Alleghany,

-and three hundred and ninety at Cattaraugus, partook of this timely

-donation of Friends.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1817, the fears of the committee were strongly excited

-for the safety of the Indians, from the various concurring accounts,

-that plans were again devising to induce a removal of many of them in

-the state of New York, from their present seat, to one very remote

-among the western tribes. A measure of this kind would not only tend

-to unsettle the Indians in their agricultural pursuits, but if carried into

-effect, would entirely frustrate the plan of their civilization, and render

-of little avail the labours of Friends for twenty years past, and the expenditure

-of more than forty thousand dollars in promoting their advancement

-toward a civilized state.</p>

-

-<p>The committee, therefore, being fully impressed with the great loss

-the Indians would inevitably sustain by a removal to a distant clime,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>

-communicated their views by a written address; and with a view of

-setting them in a more permanent possession of the soil, recommended

-a division of their land into lots, suitable to accommodate each family,

-to be held under such regulations, that it might descend from parent

-to children, and other near connexions; and under such restrictions as

-would debar individuals from selling, leasing, or transferring it, in any

-way, to white people.</p>

-

-<p>This measure being of an important character in the disposition of

-Indian affairs, it was believed expedient, by the committee, to present

-a memorial to the President of the United States, in their behalf, by

-which he was fully made acquainted with the plan proposed to the Indians

-for a division of their land; and being visited, also, by a deputation

-from the committee, and furnished with various documents, it

-opened the way for a free communication of sentiment on the subject,

-and the president gave assurance of attentively perusing and duly considering

-the documents and memorial.</p>

-

-<p>In the Ninth month this year, the settlements of Tunesassa and Cattaraugus

-were again visited by four of the committee, who spent several

-weeks among the Indians, in attending to the various services of their

-appointment. They inspected, particularly, the state of improvement

-at both the settlements, and also had divers interviews with the Indians

-in council, at both places.</p>

-

-<p>With respect to the improvements at Cattaraugus, the author being

-one of the deputation now visiting them, had a fair opportunity of judging

-of the advances they had made in three years past. Their settlements

-at this place were now extended about ten miles in length&mdash;and

-they had fenced in many fields and laid out their farms much more detached

-from each other&mdash;and were gradually advancing in agriculture.

-It was supposed they had more than two hundred acres of corn growing,

-(and it generally looked well,) besides one hundred acres more

-under cultivation; spring wheat, oats, potatoes, and a great variety of

-garden vegetables. Their stock of cattle and horses was much increased,

-and divers of them had enclosed lots of grass on which they gathered

-hay for winter. Many of the women had made considerable progress

-in spinning, so as, in the course of the last year, to make about one

-hundred and seventy yards of cloth.</p>

-

-<p>The Alleghany settlement was said to consist of about seventy families,

-all of whom, except four, had horned cattle, amounting in the whole

-to upwards of four hundred.</p>

-

-<p>They had more horses than was any advantage to them. Their corn,

-oats, and buckwheat, were in a prosperous condition, and promised to

-afford them a plentiful supply. And it was pleasing to find, that they

-had generally refrained from the use of spirituous liquors. The women,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span>

-also, continued their attention to spinning and manufacturing their

-clothing.</p>

-

-<p>The school taught by the Friend at this place was also in a more

-prosperous condition than had hitherto been evidenced among those

-Indians. Nearly twenty lads attended, divers of whom could write and

-read the English language, and had otherwise made satisfactory progress

-in learning. The cleanliness of their persons, their order in the

-school, and general deportment, appeared to be encouraging.</p>

-

-<p>A prominent object in this visit was, to encourage the Indians to make

-the experiment of dividing their land into lots, and holding it as private

-property, under certain restrictions. This was suggested to them, in

-separate councils with the different tribes, as the most eligible plan by

-which they could continue to possess the good land which they and their

-fathers had so long enjoyed, and which of late years they had improved

-so much, that “this land, with its valuable improvements, might pass

-to their children, and be inherited by them as long as the Alleghany

-and Cattaraugus rivers should continue to run, and the grass and corn

-to grow.”</p>

-

-<p>The Indians in their several settlements, took this matter under serious

-consideration; and, in consequence of an arrangement made for the

-purpose, Friends met the principal chiefs, and many others of the

-Seneca nation, in a general council at Cattaraugus, among whom was

-the noted chief, Red Jacket, and several others from Buffalo. In this

-general council, the subject of dividing their land into lots, was again

-proposed to the Indians, as the most eligible means of accelerating their

-civilization, and securing them more permanently in the possession of

-the remnant of the land they yet occupied; and that these lots should

-be of adequate dimensions to accommodate each family with a farm,

-and be held under such restrictions, that they could not be alienated,

-or leased to any other than their own people, but in such manner as to

-secure to the individuals respectively, the land, with the improvements

-thereon, which should be appropriated to each. It was believed the

-adoption of this measure would prove an additional stimulus to their

-industry and care, in the prospect it presented, of the benefits which

-might result from their agricultural labours descending to, and being

-enjoyed by, their children, and posterity more remote. This important

-subject occupied the deliberate attention of the Indians for several days.

-The result was, a resolution that an experiment should be made on the

-Alleghany reservation by the Indians residing thereon, many of whom

-had for a considerable time been desirous of possessing their property

-more distinct from each other than had heretofore been the case.</p>

-

-<p>On the morning Friends were about to proceed on their way homewards,

-a number of the chiefs called to see them, and expressed their

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>

-great satisfaction with the conclusions that had resulted at the late council.

-One of them named Blue-eyes, said, “Brothers, we want you to continue

-your endeavours to strengthen us, that we may not become a lost people,

-but that by persevering in the right path, we may experience

-preservation. We believe it is owing to the favourable disposition of

-the United States, that the Six Nations yet exist. And we are of the

-opinion, from the representations that have been made, that we owe

-much to you&mdash;and we trust to an overruling providence, who has thus

-favoured us, that we may yet experience preservation.”</p>

-

-<p>Notwithstanding the repeated refusals of the Indians to dispose of

-any more of their land, renewed applications were made by those holding

-the pre-emption right in the beginning of the year 1818; and at a

-general council, held at Buffalo, about this time, they again determined

-not to sell; and with a view of making the President of the United

-States more particularly acquainted with their situation, and with the

-difficulties to which they were subjected, by these repeated applications

-for land, they sent forward a talk for that purpose, signed by twenty-one

-chiefs of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago tribes, which was

-published in the Niagara Patriot, and from which, for its simple, natural,

-impassioned, and pathetic eloquence, we shall present to the reader

-a few extracts.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Father, from the fatherly care the presidents of the United States

-have exercised towards their red children, we speak to our father in

-confidence, believing he will not turn away his ears from his red children.

-We are alarmed lest we lose our seats. Those men who say they

-have a right to purchase our lands, have been distressing us for a number

-of years with their plans to possess our lands&mdash;offering us in exchange

-lands to the westward. We declare to you, we desire you to

-publish to all our white brothers, that it is our fixed and determined

-purpose to live and die on our present land. It is sealed to us by the

-bones of our fathers&mdash;they obtained it by their blood. Our bones shall

-lie beside theirs&mdash;it is the heritage of the Almighty&mdash;he gave it us&mdash;he

-it is must take it from us.”</p>

-

-<p>“We mean no threat by this&mdash;we know we are in the hands of our

-white brethren&mdash;they can destroy us with ease&mdash;but they need not

-think to persuade us to part with our lands&mdash;as free men we claim the

-right to choose between being killed outright, or a lingering execution,

-by being driven a thousand miles into the wilderness.</p>

-

-<p>“Where, father, where would our white brothers have us to go? The

-Indian claim to land is put out for more than a thousand miles to the

-west&mdash;except little spots for particular nations.</p>

-

-<p>“We have confidence in you. You cannot see your red children,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span>

-with their little ones, driven off by stealth and fraud&mdash;leaving the

-sepulchres of their fathers, their farms, their farming tools, and their

-cattle, and dying by families on the road, through hardships and privation&mdash;exchanging

-all their advances in civilization and its comforts, for

-the hardships of the chase&mdash;without house or friend.</p>

-

-<p>“Father, we have confidence in you, that if you see any device formed

-against us, you will frustrate it, and succour your red children. We

-have deceived no man&mdash;we have wronged no man&mdash;our language has

-been one&mdash;we choose not to part with our land. If we have been

-needlessly alarmed, you will pity our ignorance, and forgive our childish

-fears.</p>

-

-<p>“We trust that you will pardon the multitude of our words. Let

-none deceive you in saying that this is the voice of a few individuals,

-and not the voice of the Six Nations. It is the voice of the Six Nations

-in the state of New York. The chiefs of Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Genessee,

-and Onondago, are now in council. We have the message of Oneida

-and Alleghany with us, desiring we should speak to our father the president&mdash;intreating

-him to consider and help us. Speak, father&mdash;speak

-to your children, that their minds may be at rest. Speak to our council

-fire at this place, and let us hear your own words; send them by safe

-hands.</p>

-

-<p>“May the Great Spirit preserve you many years a blessing to all

-your children.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>The Indians also sent a copy of the foregoing talk to the governor

-of New York, accompanied with a short address, from which we make

-the following extracts:</p>

-

-<p>“Father, we thank you that you feel anxious to do all you can to

-the perishing ruins of your red children. We hope, Father, you will

-make a fence strong and high around us, that wicked white men may

-not devour us at once, but let us live as long as we can. We are persuaded

-you will do this for us, because our field is laid waste and trodden

-down by every beast&mdash;we are feeble and cannot resist them.”</p>

-

-<p>“Father, we are persuaded you will do this for the sake of our white

-brothers, lest God, who has appeared so strong in building up white

-men and pulling down Indians, should turn his hand and visit our white

-brothers for their sins, and call them to an account for all the wrongs

-they have done them, and all the wrongs they have not prevented, that

-it was in their power to prevent, to their poor red brothers, who have

-no helper.</p>

-

-<p>“Father, would you be the father of your people and make them

-good and blessed of God, let not the cries of his red children ascend

-into his ears against you.”

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span></p>

-

-<p>Without further comment on these impressive communications of the

-Indians, we shall leave the reader to his own reflections, after stating,

-that whatever impressions they might have made on the rulers to whom

-they were addressed, it did not prevent the renewed and persevering

-applications of the pre-emption holders, to obtain the Indians’ land, which,

-although they as often refused to sell, had the effect to keep them in a

-state of agitation and unsettlement; for although they had been repeatedly

-told that their lands were their own, and that they could not be

-compelled to dispose of them without their consent, and that President

-Washington had fully assured them that the United States would protect

-them in the remainder of their lands, which they had not legally

-conveyed away at public treaties, yet there appeared to be a degree of

-jealousy existing with some, as to the sincerity of these professions, and

-a fear lest they might, at some time, be compelled to relinquish their

-rightful possessions and be removed to another clime.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians at Alleghany, therefore, sent a message to the committee,

-in which they expressed a wish that Friends would endeavour to obtain

-for them a written instrument from the President of the United States,

-to strengthen, as they said, their title to their land, so that they might

-be easy themselves, and their children after them. And as it had been

-concluded in the last fall, to divide the Alleghany reservation into lots,

-they also wished to know whether this plan was agreeable to the President.</p>

-

-<p>In consequence of this request of the Alleghany chiefs, as also with

-a view of making the executive department of government more fully

-acquainted with their situation, various documents were prepared and

-committed to the charge of four of the committee, to present to the

-secretary of war, and such other officers of government as seemed to

-be requisite. These documents were calculated to explain the views

-of Friends in the interesting and benevolent design of ameliorating the

-condition, and promoting the civilization of the Indians, and also to impress

-the public mind with the peculiarly distressed situation of the

-aborigines of our country generally.</p>

-

-<p>A surveyor being furnished by Friends, some essay was made, in the

-course of this year, towards dividing the Alleghany reservation into lots,

-as had previously been concluded on in general council. But difficulties

-occurred among the Indians respecting it, which they were not at

-that time able to reconcile; as the division lines would in many instances

-interfere with their present improvements; and their local attachments

-having, in a considerable degree, been increased since they

-become more detached in their settlements and applied themselves to

-the pursuits of an agricultural life, the plan of division was abandoned

-for the present.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span></p>

-

-<p>It may here be proper to state, that in their former practice of locating

-the land they wished to cultivate, they never interfered with each

-other’s boundaries. There was land sufficient for them all. Each family

-possessed the spot upon which they settled, without interruption from

-others; and if they wished to relinquish it, and remove to another, they

-might sell their improvements to other Indians. It is, therefore, not

-surprising, that in effecting so radical a change from their former customs,

-as the one contemplated, difficulties should occur&mdash;and it will

-require time for local prejudices, gradually to give way to the more enlightened

-views of civilization, and for more correct ideas of distinct

-property to be realized.</p>

-

-<p>Notwithstanding the state of unsettlement, considerable improvement

-in divers respects, was apparent this year, especially at the Cattaraugus

-settlement. A school for the first time was opened at that

-place, by a young man who offered for that service, and was attended

-by a number of children, with as much regularity as could reasonably

-be expected.</p>

-

-<p>In the year 1819, and for some time previous, the Indians on the

-Alleghany river had got much in the practice of cutting and rafting

-pine timber down the river, and selling to white people, which was

-rather an injury to them than otherwise, as it opened an intercourse

-with some of the most profligate of the whites, and exposed them more

-to the use of intoxicating liquors than when at home, engaged in their

-agricultural labours. It also had a tendency to frustrate the plan of

-dividing their land into lots, as they now had liberty to range at large

-in the woods and get timber where they pleased, while the land remained

-as common stock to the nation.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of this year, an Indian, who was a lad when Friends

-first settled amongst them, and who had since been instructed in the

-blacksmith business, dictated a letter to the author, in reply to one sent

-to him sometime before, from which, to show his own views of the improvement

-he had made, we make the following extracts.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“I received thy letter of the eighteenth of last month, much to my

-satisfaction. I was glad to hear that my old friend W&mdash;&mdash; was well,

-and thou may inform him that I have usual health also. I well remember

-the counsel of my friends, the Quakers. I see they want to do me

-good&mdash;I feel strong about it. They told me to work at my trade, and to

-plough, and sow, and raise grain and grass. All this is very good advice.

-I now have plenty of corn, and some other grain, and hay. I

-have worked at my trade so as to earn ninety dollars, and received my

-pay from our agent. Besides this, about thirty dollars for other smithing,

-done last year. I feel glad the Quakers live so near me. I do their

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span>

-smithing. They have ploughed several days for me. I have good corn

-in the land they ploughed, and some good wheat, potatoes, and other

-things, so that I have plenty. All this comes from my friends the

-Quakers’ advice.</p>

-

-<p>“Thee mentions about running out our land into lots, and that an

-evil bird has sung us a bad song. We are in hopes that the good

-bird will begin to sing, and in hopes that by next spring, his song

-will be for our good. I want he should sing a good song for us. I myself

-cannot say much, but I want the land divided into lots. Some say

-they do not want it, and are putting it by. I am glad thee has wrote thy

-mind on paper to me on this subject, and sent it here&mdash;I think I can

-see more light by it. I wish thee to make thy mind easy. I will do

-what I can, and speak what I know is for our good. I am in hopes to

-see my friend H&mdash;&mdash; here, whom I remember when I was a boy. I

-intend to keep thy letter by me, that I may see what it says in time to

-come, that I may not forget thy advice. Farewell.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Notwithstanding the repeated assurances, from time to time, given

-to the Indians, that Friends were acting towards them from disinterested

-motives, and would never bring any charge against them, yet

-there were still individuals among them, probably instigated by the

-enemies of Friends among white people, who continued to excite

-jealousies and surmises, that Friends would at some future day, bring a

-charge against them. In order, therefore, to make their minds entirely

-easy on this <i>subject</i>, a writing was drawn up on parchment, containing

-the same assurances heretofore given, that Friends <i>never would bring

-any charge against them for their services</i>. This, as also a communication

-obtained from the President of the United States, respecting the

-division of their land, and sanctioning the plan of Friends, was forwarded

-to them, and seemed for the present to have a conciliating effect.</p>

-

-<p>During this summer, an increasing improvement was manifested by

-several of the Indians, clearing themselves new farms, distinct from

-their former fields, and preparing to put in their crops, which they accomplished

-in due season.</p>

-

-<p>In the summer of 1820, circumstances again requiring a visit from

-the committee to the Indian settlements, two other Friends and the

-writer, were deputed for that service. They proceeded to Tunesassa

-in the Ninth month; and after inspecting into the situation of the Indians,

-and their state of improvement, they found, that, although many

-had made considerable advances in agriculture and the modes of civilized

-life, yet there were individuals who probably being instigated by

-designing white men, or from a perverse disposition in themselves, had

-become inimical to their abandoning their former habits, and pursuing

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span>

-the mode of life in which Friends had for many years been endeavouring

-to instruct them. This created jealousy and party spirit in some

-degree among them at this period.</p>

-

-<p>To meet these circumstances, and to endeavour to reconcile the minds

-of the Indians, a council was called, which their chiefs generally, and

-many others of their people, attended, to the number of about seventy.</p>

-

-<p>The following is extracted from the address of Friends, delivered to

-them on this occasion.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers, by the permission of the Great and Good Spirit who made

-the world, and is acquainted with all the actions of men, we are permitted

-to meet in council, and we desire that he may help us to come

-to right conclusions.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is now a long time since the Seneca nation became

-sensible that if they continued to exist as a people, they must change

-their mode of living from the hunter state, and engage in agricultural

-pursuits. They were very desirous that their brothers, the Quakers,

-would assist them. They believed it pleasing to the Great Spirit, that

-men should assist and help each other, and that Friends came amongst

-them for that purpose.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, when our Friends first came among you, you had no good

-houses&mdash;very few cattle&mdash;very little land cultivated&mdash;your numbers

-were decreasing, and it appears certain to us, and to yourselves, that

-unless a change were made, you would fast dwindle away, and the

-Seneca nation become as it were dead.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, some of our friends have been engaged in instructing you

-for more than twenty years. You have been taught to build more comfortable

-houses&mdash;you have enclosed and cultivated fields&mdash;you have

-much increased your stock of cattle, and other useful animals. Some

-of your men have been instructed in useful trades. Many of your women

-have learned to spin, and some of your children have been taught

-to read and write.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we love you, and therefore we feel bound to speak plainly

-to you. We hope our words may sink deep into your minds. It is the

-voice of your old and true friends, who have never deceived you. You

-must endeavour to improve in the habits of civilized life, until you

-arrive at the state of some of the best of the white people, or you will

-gradually go back until you lose what you have gained&mdash;your friends

-with mournful hearts will give you up&mdash;your lands will go from you&mdash;and

-the very name of the Seneca nation, like many that have gone before

-you, will only be known in history.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, a man in the habit of taking strong drink to excess sets a

-bad example to his neighbours, and his family, and brings his poor wife

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>

-and innocent children to poverty and distress. This conduct is offensive

-to the Great Spirit; and unless he changes, he becomes one of the most

-wretched of men. We wish you, therefore, to endeavour to reclaim

-such of your people as have fallen into this evil practice, and to warn

-those who may be in danger of contracting the habit.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we desire to stimulate you to increased industry. The

-industrious man is always the most comfortable. Labour is good for

-health; it makes the mind cheerful; and by steadily attending to business,

-we have the satisfaction to see every thing improving around us. What

-appeared hard, by perseverance becomes easy.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, the greatest kindness a man can do to his children, is to

-begin early, to learn them to be industrious, and to engage them in

-business suitable to their years. The boys ought to help their fathers

-in the fields&mdash;the mothers and daughters to be engaged in spinning&mdash;in

-making clothes, in cooking victuals, and in all the business that is

-suitable to their sex&mdash;their houses, their beds, their clothes, and every

-thing about them, should be kept clean and in good order.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is consistent with the will of the Great Spirit, that men

-and women should be connected in marriage. It is an engagement of

-great importance, and we should not enter into it, until we are of sufficient

-age to think and judge for ourselves; and when marriage is contracted,

-the parties are bound to help and love each other&mdash;to care

-for, and instruct their children&mdash;and while families live in love and

-harmony together, it is very comfortable and very good;&mdash;but when

-division gets in, and differing, it is the work of the evil spirit&mdash;and if man

-and wife separate and marry others, it produces confusion, and must be

-displeasing in the Divine sight, and no people can prosper and grow

-strong who are in such practices.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is the duty of parents to have their children educated.

-The Great Spirit has given us minds capable of improvement, and

-by education children become more capable of learning the various

-trades, which will add to their comfort and happiness; and we believe

-it is right that the girls should be taught as well as the boys.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we have been desirous that the lands belonging to you

-might remain firm in your hands, that your children and children’s

-children might possess them. For this end, we advised you to divide to

-every family a farm, so that they might say, “this is mine,” and improve

-it for their own benefit. And although changes are at first subject

-to some difficulties, yet we believe those difficulties may be overcome.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, on this subject you wished to have the mind of your

-father, the President of the United States, to strengthen you in the

-conclusion you had come to in general council, to divide the Alleghany

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span>

-reservation. You requested your friends in Philadelphia to go to the

-President, and obtain his opinion. One of us, who are now present, with

-some others, took a journey to Washington, for the purpose of complying

-with your request, and we found the President fully impressed with

-the necessity of such a measure, and he gave us a paper, in strong

-words, sealed with the great seal of the United States, and directed to

-the Alleghany chiefs, advising and urging that you might carry the

-business into effect, which paper was sent to you.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we hope you will keep your minds strong on this subject,

-for we shall hardly know how to go again to the President, and make

-requests on your behalf, if, when they are granted, they are not proceeded

-in.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, our talk has been long. Circumstances seemed to require

-it; we hope you will consider it well. We love and desire the prosperity

-of you all; and although you may differ in opinion in some matters,

-yet we desire that the Good Spirit may unite your minds in love,

-and that you may all join in endeavours to promote education and improvement.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>The Indians took these matters into serious consideration, and promised

-to make a reply the day following&mdash;and when they assembled

-for that purpose, it was evident they were divided into two parties, and

-divers of them had become opposed to their children’s being instructed

-in school learning, giving this as a reason, “that they were more liable

-to be corrupted by bad white people.”</p>

-

-<p>Much the greater part, however, continued to manifest an attachment

-to Friends, and, in their replies, gave hearty assurances of attending

-to their advice. They appeared to be fully sensible that remaining

-on their land, and pursuing the plan that Friends had pointed out to

-them, were the only means by which they could continue to be a nation.

-The chief sachem, named <i>Blue-Eyes</i>, in the course of his speech,

-remarked, “If we go from here we are a lost people. Look to the east,

-west, north, or south; all is filled up, and there is no place for us.”</p>

-

-<p>On the subject of dividing their land, they appeared to be discouraged,

-owing to their divided state, and the opposition met with from

-some individuals, who no doubt were influenced by interested and <i>designing

-men</i>; as this great object would be the most likely means of

-settling the Indians in a permanent possession of the soil, and thereby

-frustrate <i>the avaricious designs</i> of speculators. The secret insinuations

-of this class of the white people added much to the difficulties of Friends

-in pursuing their plans of civilization; nor was it to be wondered at,

-that individuals, among a people who had long been a prey to designing

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>

-white men, should become alienated from Friends, and cease to

-follow their counsel.</p>

-

-<p>At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the

-dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages

-that might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially

-by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that,

-“we still considered them as brethren&mdash;that we were not divided in

-our good wishes for them&mdash;that we had always desired, and continued

-to desire, the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell,

-on the present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline

-their minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would

-yet join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing

-in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real

-benefit of man.”</p>

-

-<p>From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement,

-and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians

-at that place. They found that considerable progress had been made

-within three years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on

-the rich fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips,

-and other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful

-supply of provisions.</p>

-

-<p>A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech

-from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the

-following address was delivered to them.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are

-now, by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you

-in council.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you

-are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and

-industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be

-readily obtained.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you

-have already made&mdash;your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain,

-and your cattle&mdash;and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong

-desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the industrious

-man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision for

-his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their support, but

-to train our children to assist in all the business they are capable of&mdash;to

-begin with them young, and thus, while they are useful to their parents,

-it adds greatly to their own real comfort.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, by the united exertions of a family, much may be done.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span>

-The house may be made more comfortable. Out houses may be erected

-to shelter the cattle. Barns may be built to store the grain and hay,

-to prevent injury from the weather. While the boys are engaged in

-assisting their fathers in these things, the girls ought to help their mothers

-in keeping the house clean, in spinning, in making clothes, in

-cooking victuals, and every business that is suitable for their sex.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, by thus uniting in promoting improvements, you would

-soon make your farms to equal some of the best of your white neighbours;

-and if you would fully make the experiment, you would find

-that what we tell you is true.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is

-also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families

-should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ

-and part, and marry to others, it is wrong&mdash;it is an injury to their children,

-and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to

-think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of

-spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it&mdash;we wish you

-to keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your

-people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every

-voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in

-your councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this

-means, the very land that you own may slide from you.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short

-reply, but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of

-Friends’ communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in

-two days, when they would reply more particularly.</p>

-

-<p>At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of

-the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of

-religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit&mdash;stating

-that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road,

-or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they appeared

-fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was his

-religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”</p>

-

-<p>This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian,

-was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the divine

-principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him what constitutes

-the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of men or

-books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s testimony

-“in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of a devout heart.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span></p>

-

-<p>It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into parties,

-which prevented that free intercourse and conference with each other,

-which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their replies to

-Friends&mdash;and without a design to impeach the sincere natives of any

-religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from the observations

-made, and the information received on this visit, that the introduction

-of these, under the character of missionaries, on their land at

-Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held, had created great

-uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause of their present

-difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the Indians had attached

-themselves to the missionary system, and joined in their modes of worship,

-singing, &amp;c. and these were looked upon as converted to the Christian

-faith. Hence the others, who were opposed to the missionary plans,

-were branded with the epithet of pagans, a term hateful to Indians,

-and which they did not fully understand. Thus a spirit of jealousy was

-excited between the parties, and a fear entertained by some, that the

-introduction of missionaries on their land was designed to obtain a permanent

-possession, and eventually to dispossess them of it.</p>

-

-<p>At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended,

-when the Indians of each party made replies to the former

-communication of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show

-the dilemma in which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge

-me to give at considerable length.</p>

-

-<p>The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council in

-the following manner.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more

-to meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful

-that the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come

-to see us.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open

-our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us

-pay attention and observe the sabbath day&mdash;others do not. We wish

-you now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties

-straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the

-reason we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four

-or five who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old

-men observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it.

-We wish you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men

-do, or follow our old customs.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing

-for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one man&mdash;and

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span>

-now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to pursue&mdash;whether

-white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other

-hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient

-customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit;

-and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice

-on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to adhere

-to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the

-hand, and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice

-we have heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing

-towards the <i>missionaries</i>, and keeping the First-day.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and

-wish the chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and

-you&mdash;and that you will not be displeased at what we have said to

-you.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as

-follows:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted

-to have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother

-proposed the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers,

-we were glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason

-why we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last

-season we went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P&mdash;&mdash;, showed us a

-paper which came from the President, which stated that he wanted his

-brothers, the Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep

-the First-day of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their

-books. He told us that Congress had made an appropriation for the

-purpose of improving the condition of the Indians, and he wished to

-know whether they would accept it. We told the agent we had the

-Quakers living beside us, with whom we were satisfied; and if any help

-came from the President, we wished it to come through the Quakers.

-Our agent told us, the Quakers, he knew were friends to us; they have

-property of their own to help you. Congress has also appropriated

-money to assist you, and you should leave it to the President to dispose

-of that, as he thinks best for your benefit. We, therefore, concluded

-to pay attention to both the Quakers and the President, and have

-friends of both. We saw that many of the different nations of Indians

-were becoming civilized, and that the Seneca nation still remained in

-their old habits. We saw that the Quakers and the ministers, (meaning

-missionaries,) both observed the First-day. We concluded, as they

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span>

-did so, it must be an appointment of the Great Spirit to keep that day

-holy. We then thought, that as he had appointed it we must observe

-it also. Some of our people were wicked. They stole, and committed

-many bad actions. We thought we would endeavour to have our children

-instructed, while young, which would be better for them. We

-have been told, the world had been made a long time, when the

-Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into the world, and wished

-that knowledge might be spread among mankind. Your brothers

-have often told us, there was but one God over all&mdash;we, therefore,

-thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour to

-christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who

-were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased

-with it, and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And

-after a while, a minister came along, and wanted to know if they

-wished to hear him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded

-that when a minister came of his own accord, if he was a good

-man, he ought to be heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst

-us and preach to us steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister

-that our children could not understand. But we rather concluded

-to have some of our own people to give good advice to our children, on

-First-day, that they might improve and grow better. Some of our people

-have often heard of the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought

-it was right for us to keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read

-to, out of the Bible. The ministers who come here are different from

-our friends the Quakers. They are only travellers. Our friends the

-Quakers have given us a writing on parchment, stating that they would

-never bring any charge against us for what they have done.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the

-necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and offered

-to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a school

-house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply, stated, that

-on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing to have their

-children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a house for that

-purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages they had already

-received from the instruction of Friends, and among other things

-said,</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the

-use of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,

-and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious

-habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute

-of many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span>

-in our people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may

-be slowly.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in each

-of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your advices

-put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat with

-their brothers in order to reclaim them.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends

-would retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an

-answer. In about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council

-house, and after informing them that (although they were divided in

-some things,) they were glad they were of one mind about the education

-of their children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness,

-they might inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish

-them with a teacher.</p>

-

-<p>They were then presented with the following observations in writing,

-as the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided

-and critical situation.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their

-design was to improve your condition&mdash;to teach you to build more comfortable

-houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable

-you to raise and support more cattle&mdash;to educate your children,

-and to advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the

-assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship him&mdash;and

-although it is our practice to meet together to worship him, yet

-we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in religion.

-We think it right that every man should follow the teachings of the

-Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would always lead

-him in the right path.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,

-and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you

-back in your improvements, it will make you weak&mdash;it is contrary to

-all right religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”</p>

-

-<table class="table-left">

-  <tr>

-    <td>Signed,</td>

-    <td><span class="smcap">Samuel Bettle</span>.</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td />

-    <td><span class="smcap">William Newbold.</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td />

-    <td><span class="smcap">Halliday Jackson.</span></td>

-  </tr></table>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply

-to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation

-of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice

-of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span>

-was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to

-enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly

-to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own

-hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without the

-teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this principle,

-it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by degrees they

-would come to see more light.</p>

-

-<p>This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed

-them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as

-they had ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the

-other.</p>

-

-<p>From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that their

-difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the missionary

-system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so called, and

-inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could not comprehend,

-and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard to religion

-had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the

-observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and

-fundamental points,&mdash;while others, jealous of the encroachments of missionaries

-on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister motives

-in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the whites

-in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to their old

-Indian customs, in this respect.</p>

-

-<p>From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had

-some further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of

-their children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to

-having a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it,

-and expressed strong desires that a school might again be established

-among them.</p>

-

-<p>While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by

-the son of the ancient <i>Guy-us-hu-ta</i>, mentioned in the early part of this

-narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business&mdash;was fifty-six years

-of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and never

-had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had

-twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.</p>

-

-<p>These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may

-be noted to their credit.</p>

-

-<p>Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of

-their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property, yet the

-practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was becoming

-more frequent among them. In several instances they had applied to

-Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped, would open

-their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions, and in time,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span>

-Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended, of dividing

-their land.</p>

-

-<p>The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced

-teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting them

-in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them instruction

-in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who

-had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest

-progress in the arts of civilized life.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their principal

-chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of Philadelphia,

-instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s trade, returned

-to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced his

-business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a great

-accommodation to the Indians.</p>

-

-<p>The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to

-be a source of uneasiness to the Indians&mdash;as <i>they</i> urged the necessity

-of having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,

-to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when

-the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as

-well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.</p>

-

-<p>In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account of

-the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the schoolmaster,

-who resided among them, which will exhibit the improvements

-made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause of regret that the

-account was not completed&mdash;there being about forty families more,

-which were not included.</p>

-

-<p>The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account

-was taken.</p>

-

-<p>Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.&mdash;Has about twenty acres of cleared

-land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes&mdash;about

-forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit&mdash;three cows, four

-calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one

-plough, and one wagon.</p>

-

-<p>William Platt, 30 years of age.&mdash;Fifteen acres of cleared land&mdash;a

-considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of potatoes,

-one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Levi Halftown, blacksmith.&mdash;Nine and a half acres of land cleared&mdash;one

-yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox

-chains, seven hogs and eight pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.&mdash;Has twelve

-children by one wife, with whom he still lives&mdash;twenty acres of cleared

-land, seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span>

-of oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number

-of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.</p>

-

-<p>Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient Guy-us-hu-ta.&mdash;Eight

-acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four of mowing

-grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs and pigs, and

-one plough.</p>

-

-<p>John Jemison, 24 years old.&mdash;Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres

-of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen

-hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one

-yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of land,

-twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per acre&mdash;has

-put up a new barn fifty feet long&mdash;made new fence to enclose

-six acres of land the present season.</p>

-

-<p>Big Jacob, 50 years old.&mdash;Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five

-acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three yoke

-of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs; has sown

-one bushel of wheat this fall.</p>

-

-<p>Moses Pierce, aged 32.&mdash;Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a

-half of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half of

-hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five hogs

-and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.</p>

-

-<p>John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.&mdash;Twenty acres of cleared

-land, raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,

-four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.&mdash;Has begun a new improvement

-in the woods, and has about three acres cleared&mdash;parted with his old

-field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half an acre

-of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of steers, one

-cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.</p>

-

-<p>Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.&mdash;Fourteen acres of

-land, five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of

-wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,

-one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Billy, 50 years old.&mdash;Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of potatoes,

-one cow, one calf, and three hogs.</p>

-

-<p>William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.&mdash;Eleven acres of

-land, raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,

-one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.&mdash;Eighteen acres

-of land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one

-and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two

-cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.</p>

-

-<p>Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.&mdash;Fourteen acres of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span>

-land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of corn,

-three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of potatoes,

-one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two cows,

-one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall five hogs&mdash;one

-plough, one cart and log chains.</p>

-

-<p>John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.&mdash;Had last year two

-acres of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.</p>

-

-<p>Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.&mdash;Ten and a half acres of land,

-three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and killed

-three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three of oats,

-half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.</p>

-

-<p>Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.&mdash;Five and a half acres

-of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,&mdash;corn, oats, and

-potatoes, quantity not mentioned.</p>

-

-<p>James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.&mdash;Thirteen and a

-half acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,

-two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of

-meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains

-and sled.</p>

-

-<p>Blue Eyes.&mdash;Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of

-wheat, three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two

-and a half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves,

-four hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &amp;c.</p>

-

-<p>John Watt, 35 years old.&mdash;Three acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,

-four hogs, twenty-six pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.&mdash;Three acres of land, two cattle, and

-three pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.&mdash;Five acres of land,

-three acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of

-beans, and four hogs.</p>

-

-<p>Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.&mdash;Eight acres of land, three of

-corn, two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven

-cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.</p>

-

-<p>Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.&mdash;Fourteen acres of land,

-five acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen

-head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.</p>

-

-<p>William Halftown, aged 26.&mdash;Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten of

-which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars per acre

-for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half meadow, one

-yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some bearing apple-trees.</p>

-

-<p>John Bone, 33 years old.&mdash;Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of

-meadow, four cattle, one plough.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span></p>

-

-<p>George Silverheels, 43 years old.&mdash;Ten and a half acres of land,

-eight head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,

-one of oats, one and a half of meadow&mdash;has lately commenced a new

-improvement.</p>

-

-<p>John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.&mdash;Five acres of land,

-mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.</p>

-

-<p>Bucktooth, 55 years old.&mdash;Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of

-corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.</p>

-

-<p>Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.&mdash;Eleven acres of land,

-three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one and a

-half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one plough&mdash;has

-put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.</p>

-

-<p>Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.&mdash;Four acres of corn,

-one and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one

-cow, about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.</p>

-

-<p>David Halftown.&mdash;Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats,

-one of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen,

-two cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.</p>

-

-<p>Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.&mdash;Three acres of corn, half an acre

-of potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,

-and one plough.</p>

-

-<p>William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.&mdash;Four acres of

-corn, two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had

-about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and

-fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine

-with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.

-They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one

-hundred and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of

-swine. But little account is given of their improvements in building&mdash;this

-having been heretofore noticed in this work.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by

-Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany

-settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having

-been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several

-years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of

-his time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by

-an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in

-the rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the

-time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory

-evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who

-resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span>

-the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year, notwithstanding

-the existence of various difficulties in relation to the prosecution

-of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and attention to business

-continued to be apparent with many of the natives.</p>

-

-<p>In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,

-whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the

-natives had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further

-instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which

-females are commonly engaged.</p>

-

-<p>The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,

-having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,

-with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and proceeded

-to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with the two

-Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A school was

-established for the instruction of young females, and in 1826 the accounts

-were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian girls in

-their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other employments

-adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also regularly attended,

-and their conduct satisfactory. Between school hours, they

-were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or otherwise in the

-shop at some mechanical business; and the regular industrious habits

-thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it was evident, would

-have a beneficial effect in the formation of their future character.</p>

-

-<p>From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians at

-the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that eighty

-families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals, possessed

-four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight horses, three

-hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine acres of improved

-land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included; two

-hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with corn,

-forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one hundred

-and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and divers sorts

-of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging circumstances

-in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the schools of both

-sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this people might be essentially

-and permanently benefitted by the labour of Friends, yet their

-situation, at this period, was particularly trying, and critical, from the

-great liability to be dispossessed of their possessions. The continued

-applications in various ways of <i>those</i> claiming the pre-emption right,

-and the evident influence <i>they</i> were gradually making on the minds

-of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness to others more considerate

-and reflecting among them, and their fears in this respect soon became

-realized; for the Seneca nation, finally, were induced to part with large

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span>

-bodies of their lands in different places to the pre-emption holders.

-These sales (the amount of which I have not ascertained) were parts

-of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and Tonewanta reservations, and some

-smaller reservations near the Genessee river. The reservation at Alleghany,

-where the greatest improvements in agriculture were made,

-remained in the hands of the Indians; and could this avaricious disposition

-on the part of the whites to obtain their land be here restrained,

-and the natives left in the undisturbed possession of their <i>rightful inheritance</i>,

-the Seneca nation have yet a sufficiency of land to accommodate

-their numbers, and with industry and care, in pursuing their

-agricultural labours, they might obtain all the necessary comforts of life.</p>

-

-<p>The progress made by the Indians at the Cattaraugus settlement,

-and the favourable situation of their land for cultivation, with proper

-attention on their part, had induced Friends to withdraw their aid for

-several years past, as it regarded an instructor among them. And the

-settlement, having been now continued among the Indians at the Alleghany

-for about thirty years, it was believed the time was nearly come

-to withdraw from them; and, accordingly, the Friends residing at Tunesassa,

-returned home in the year 1828, and left the Indians to improve

-on the instructions already received from the long and arduous labours

-of the society of Friends.</p>

-

-<p>Having no official means at command, of obtaining correct information

-of their real situation at present, I am not able to bring this account

-to as satisfactory a close as would be desirable; but from the best

-information I can obtain on the subject, it appears, that the Indians

-continue to progress in agricultural pursuits, and in some of the mechanic

-arts; and some of their own people have kept schools for the instruction

-of the youth.</p>

-

-<p>But it is also said, that the constant pressure upon them to obtain

-their land, affords strong ground to fear, that their former sales were

-only a prelude to their parting with the remainder, at no very distant

-period.</p>

-

-<p>It is, however, a consoling reflection to the society of Friends, that

-they have extended a benevolent hand to this poor, degraded, and much

-injured people; and even should they finally be induced to part with,

-and relinquish the remnants of their present possession, and migrate to

-a more distant clime, the instruction they have already received in the

-mechanic arts, together with their knowledge of agriculture, will greatly

-contribute to their happiness and comfort, in the land in which they

-may settle, and not only so, but the benefits resulting from their knowledge

-of civilized habits be extended to more distant and savage tribes.</p>

-

-<p>In concluding this account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly

-Meeting of Philadelphia, it may be proper to state, that many individuals,

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span>

-both male and female, from an apprehension of duty, have,

-at different periods, devoted many years of their time to the instruction

-of the natives, and have had the consoling evidence of peace for their

-labours. But as this benevolent work could not be accomplished, without

-very considerable expense to the society, voluntary subscriptions

-were raised, at different periods, to a large amount, in which it is but

-just to acknowledge, that the society of Friends in England, feeling a

-lively interest in this righteous work, liberally contributed to a fund for

-that purpose, which the Yearly Meeting of New York and Baltimore

-partook of, for the purpose of aiding them in extending their benevolent

-views, in promoting civilization among various tribes, and of whose

-proceedings therein, a short account will be here subjoined.</p>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<p class="hang"><i>A brief account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly Meeting

-of New York, in promoting civilization among the Indians,

-residing in that state.</i></p>

-

-<p>It will be seen in the early part of this narrative, that Friends of the

-Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania, first promoted a settlement among the

-Oneida nation living near the Mohawk river, in the state of New York.

-They also extended some aid to the Stockbridges, and some other tribes

-in that quarter. This attention was continued from the spring of 1796,

-till about the close of the year 1799, when Friends withdrew from

-them; and the Yearly Meeting of New York, being actuated by the

-same benevolent motives to improve the condition of the aboriginal inhabitants,

-appointed a committee for that special purpose, who sent

-instructors among them, and continued to aid and assist them in agricultural

-pursuits, in some of the mechanic arts, and in school learning,

-for many years. But as I have not at command the means of furnishing

-a particular account of the gradual advancement made in the civilized

-arts among those Indians, I can only say, that in the prosecution

-of the work, Friends have had many difficulties to encounter; and the

-Indians have frequently been disturbed and harassed, by the same

-covetous spirit, that so frequently annoyed the Seneca nation, in order

-to dispossess them of their land. In consequence of this many of the

-tribes have been induced to sell and remove far to the westward.</p>

-

-<p>By the kindness of a Friend in New York, I have been furnished with

-an account of some of the more recent transactions of the society of

-Friends, towards the Indians. He states some of the difficulties to which

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span>

-the Indians are subjected, by the officious interference of a <i>proselyting

-spirit</i>, which has much agitated several of the tribes, and created parties

-and animosities among them. The ultimate object appears to be, to

-unsettle them in their present possessions, and eventually to induce them

-to abandon the rightful inheritance of their fathers.</p>

-

-<p>It appears from the account, that the Onondaga tribe are the only

-Indians at present under the care of the Yearly Meeting of New York;

-and the only tribe in that state united among themselves, and exempt

-from a party under the influence of a blind missionary zeal&mdash;desirous

-to relinquish their present possessions and emigrate. But a few

-years ago the Onondaga’s were an indolent, drunken people, and desirous

-of moving to the westward, but as they have in a good degree

-embraced the counsel of Friends, become industrious, and availed themselves

-of their local advantages, and tasted the sweets of their labour

-from the produce of the soil, a radical change has been effected among

-them.</p>

-

-<p>This tribe has for seven or eight years past been under the particular

-care and superintendence of Adin T. Corey, as agent for the committee

-of the Yearly Meeting; and being well qualified for the important

-trust, and feeling his mind devoted to it, the Indians have reposed

-great confidence in him, and distinguished him by the name of ‘Oatnus,’

-and consider him as their benefactor, as will be seen in the following

-speech.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p class="author"><i>Onondaga, Fourth mo. 27, 1829.<br />

-“To the committee of the Yearly Meeting of New York, on Indian<br />

-concerns.</i></p>

-

-<p>“Brothers&mdash;Oatnus, our brother, told us he was going to New York

-to attend the great council&mdash;and we thought good to send you a talk,

-to let you know our minds. First, we thank you for all your goodness

-in giving us the many useful things you have given us, for our benefit,

-and we thank the Great Spirit, who in his unspeakable mercy put it

-into your hearts to take us by the hand, and pity our condition; but

-most of all, that he put it into your hearts and the heart of our brother

-Oatnus, to come and live amongst us.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, he has been a wall about us, that in a great measure has

-fenced out the encroachments of our white neighbours. When he

-speaks, the white people hear, and they do not cheat us as they used

-to do.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, he has improved our condition much every way. When

-he came among us, we were hungry and almost naked, but now we are

-more comfortable. Our lands lay common, and were running up with

-bushes&mdash;now there are many of them fenced and well cultivated, yielding

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span>

-an abundant supply of food for our people. Our young men, women,

-and children were running about doing no good&mdash;now, most of them are

-diligently and profitably employed. One of our young men has learned

-to work pretty well at blacksmithing&mdash;three lads have learned to make

-good shoes&mdash;our young women, most of them, can spin, knit, and sew,

-and some of them can weave. Oatnus has also transacted most of our

-business&mdash;made many bargains, and handled much of our money, and

-done all well&mdash;not one shilling sticks in his pocket&mdash;he has fed our hungry

-children, clothed our naked, and helped us when we were sick&mdash;when

-he came we were divided, now we are united&mdash;when there is war

-he makes peace&mdash;when he speaks our young men hear and keep mostly

-out of bad company&mdash;our farming begins to flourish, and although we

-have made much improvement, we still want a head&mdash;we cannot go

-alone, and if you leave us now, it will be like making us a very valuable

-present, and taking it away again.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, remember, when our brother Oatnus come, we were wild

-and ignorant respecting business, and it must necessarily take a good

-while to tame a whole nation.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, our brother told us, our school was so thinly attended, he

-thought it would be best to drop it till winter, but we are unwilling it

-should stop, for fear our children will go back&mdash;we wish you to keep it

-going&mdash;some of us have been negligent in sending our children, but we

-will endeavour to be more diligent in the future, if we can be favoured

-with it.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, our very tried brother is growing old, and through abundance

-of labour and fatigue has grown feeble, having been sick a good

-deal, and cannot do as he used to do, yet we are not willing to part

-with him, we want him to stay enough with us, to oversee our business,

-manage our affairs, and sit with us in council.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we still want to go on in improvement, and as our young

-man that has learned to work at smithing, has taken to farming in the

-summer season, we therefore want to get a sober goodly man, to come

-and set up his trade among us, and take some of our boys and learn

-them the trade. We also want a wagon maker, and a cooper of the

-above description, and for the same purpose, and we believe it might

-be done with very little expense to our brothers, if Oatnus stays with

-us a part of the time, and has the management of our affairs; for we

-have abundance of materials to carry on the two last mentioned trades,

-and part of the first; and our circumstances are very different now from

-what they were when he first came amongst us.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we have concluded to build a saw-mill this season, among

-ourselves.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it makes our hearts sick when we look abroad and see

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>

-our Oneida and Seneca brethren, who have got the blackcoats and hungry

-mouths among them&mdash;for there is nothing but contention, spite, and

-animosity, and no business that is profitable&mdash;and we thank the Great

-Spirit that has sent us peace&mdash;sweet peace and no blackcoats.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, may the Great Spirit preside over your councils&mdash;make

-you love one another, remember your real brethren and do much good.

-Farewell.”</p>

-

-<p class="author">Signed by the chiefs and some of the warriors.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>To the foregoing speech the committee on Indian affairs made the

-following reply:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we have received by the hands of brother Oatnus your

-communication to us, and it has made our hearts glad; and, that our

-brothers and sisters of the Great council might hear it, we gave it to

-them to read, and it made their hearts glad also, and greatly to rejoice,

-to hear from you and to hear that Oatnus did well with you&mdash;and that

-you listened to his voice.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we cannot tell you how much we want you to improve

-in all things&mdash;we know you cannot do every thing at once, but we want

-you to hearken to our counsel&mdash;we love you&mdash;we desire your good, and

-that you may increase and leave a good name behind you, when the

-Great Spirit shall take you away.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, remember we can only counsel you for good&mdash;if you take

-our counsel the Great Spirit will help you.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you have now witnessed a little of the rewards of the

-Good Spirit, in taking our counsel and the counsel of our brother Oatnus&mdash;our

-counsel to you is, that you continue to improve as you have

-begun.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, be sober, be industrious&mdash;love to improve yourselves, and

-the Great Spirit will bountifully assist you.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we want you to mind the Great Spirit, to be industrious&mdash;to

-try to learn yourselves&mdash;to keep out of bad company&mdash;to avoid

-strong drink&mdash;to counsel with brother Oatnus, who will never deceive

-you, but counsel you for your good.”</p>

-

-<p class="author">Signed, &amp;c.</p>

-

-<p><i>Fifth mo. 29, 1828.</i></p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>By a report of the committee on Indian affairs dated the twenty-seventh

-of the Fifth-month, 1830, and presented to the Yearly Meeting

-held in the same month, it appears that during the past year, the Onondaga

-tribe have received their care and attention as heretofore, and

-that those Indians are realizing in an unprecedented manner, the fruits

-of their own industry, being stimulated and encouraged, by the care

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span>

-which Friends have extended towards them, for a few years past, which

-affords great cause for encouragement. There is a striking contrast

-between their situation now, and what it was seven years ago, when

-their only buildings were two small barns, and a few inferior huts. The

-lands which they then had cleared, were very imperfectly cultivated,

-and the state and quality as well as quantity of their stock, as also

-teams and utensils of husbandry of every kind, were correspondent.

-Since that time, they have greatly increased their quantity of cleared

-land; this season they had about three hundred acres of wheat&mdash;their

-crops are more abundant, furnishing more than a supply for their people.

-The fencing and arrangement of their fields are farmer-like and

-judicious. The number of their barns is increased to about twenty&mdash;their

-teams of horses and oxen, are numerous and efficient&mdash;they are

-pretty well supplied with wagons, harness, ploughs, and other farming

-utensils, and these articles are kept in tolerable repair. Many of their

-present dwellings, though small, are comfortable frame buildings, and

-their household furniture consists mostly of useful and plain articles&mdash;such

-as are used in civilized life.</p>

-

-<p>On a good mill stream within their territory, which consists of a reservation

-of about ten thousand acres, the committee’s superintendent,

-during the past year, aided by the individual labour of the Indians,

-raised a substantial dam, and by a discreet dispensation of their resources,

-and by a general economy introduced among them, has collected

-about five hundred dollars, which defrayed the expenses of erecting a

-good saw-mill, which the Indians find to be highly useful and productive.</p>

-

-<p>As the same stream furnished an eligible site for a grist-mill, at no

-great distance from those improvements, and as the reducing of their

-grain into meal for this tribe, was performed by the manual labour of

-the women in a great measure, the committee were encouraged to believe,

-that as they duly appreciated the benefits resulting from their

-newly erected saw-mill, and from the increased display of mechanical

-genius, industry, and method among them, the time was not far distant

-when further and more useful improvements will be made by themselves,

-calculated to raise their habits in domestic and civilized life, and

-elevate their minds to a steady pursuit of their more substantial happiness

-and welfare.</p>

-

-<p>The committee not having been able to comply with the Indians’ request,

-made in their speech two years ago, for a blacksmith, wagon

-maker, and cooper to be placed among them, as no suitable persons had

-offered for that purpose, and also the school having been dropped, that

-had formerly been kept, and in a flourishing condition among them,

-partly for want of sufficient funds to continue a permanent teacher,

-these subjects were again suggested to the Yearly Meeting, with an

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>

-earnest wish to inspire in the minds of Friends a feeling that might

-prove beneficial in promoting these desirable objects.</p>

-

-<p>Notwithstanding this concern, to meliorate the condition of the Indians,

-has been prosecuted for many years by the committee, with at

-times, but little evidence of good resulting to these people, from their

-labours, yet from more recent developments evinced from the latter

-experience and research of the committee, though the prospect is an

-arduous one, it presents encouragement, and the field of labour is

-brightening, as the hidden causes of past obstructions present themselves.</p>

-

-<p>The committee say in their report, “It appears that many associations

-are formed in this country, and some of them under the denomination

-of benevolent and religious; all apparently well disposed, and

-even anxious to promote the good and the happiness of these original

-proprietors of the soil. Yet unhappily for these, the means resorted to,

-to advance their prosperity, have (in too many instances) been elevated

-above their comprehensions, and not adapted to their wants, their habits,

-and their religious views. From a zeal beyond knowledge, to benefit

-these people, agents and missionaries have been settled among them,

-patronized by these associations, little qualified to inspire their confidence

-and respect, and in their zealous pretensions to christianize,

-previous to properly instructing in the arts of civilized life, they

-produce discouragement and incalculable injury, divisions and dissentions;

-and in the language of the Indians themselves, ‘quarrelling and

-contention, spite and animosity, and no business that is profitable.’</p>

-

-<p>“Since the Onondaga tribe has been under the care of the committee,

-the missionaries have been inclined to leave them to the care of

-Friends. And this tribe, which a few years ago was divided and full

-of dissention, is restored to union and harmony, and there is a laudable

-feeling springing up among them, and an increased desire to become

-introduced into, and firmly fixed in the habits of civilization.”</p>

-

-<p>The committee, in time past, having extended some care to several

-tribes of the Seneca nation west of the Genessee river, are of the opinion

-that essential and lasting good might, by that care being further

-extended, result to those people. To show the desire of the Indians

-herein, the following speech of a principal chief, on behalf of a large

-majority of the Indians, in the state of New York, presented in the last

-winter, was laid before the Yearly Meeting.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p class="author">

-<i>New York, January</i> 20, 1830.</p>

-

-<p>“<i>To the society of Friends of the city of New York.</i></p>

-

-<p>“At the treaty of Philadelphia with William Penn and the Six Nations,

-we considered William Penn as a friend to us, not wishing to cheat

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span>

-us out of our lands, but to pay us a full value for them. Since that

-time, the society of Friends have treated us very kindly&mdash;they have

-never shown a disposition to wrong us out of our lands, but seemed to

-wish to cultivate friendship with us, and to let us have our rights and

-privileges&mdash;and to enjoy our own religion. But there are certain persons

-residing among us, at present, who we believe have a different

-object. They say they have been sent by the Great Spirit, but we do

-not think the Great Spirit would send people among us, to cheat us out

-of our lands, and to cause disturbance to arise amongst us, which has

-made a division in our nation. No, we do not think the Great Spirit

-sent the blackcoat’s among us for any such purpose. There is at present

-five thousand of our people and upwards, who wish the society of

-Friends to send a suitable person among us, to teach our young men

-how to till the ground, and our young women the art of domestic manufactures,

-and our children to read and write. If our friends feel disposed

-to comply with our wishes, we shall be happy to receive them,

-and will cause all necessary buildings to be erected for their use&mdash;we

-think by having this plan carried into effect, the nation once more

-would be united, and become a happy people.”</p>

-

-<table class="table-left">

-  <tr>

-    <td colspan="4">Your friend,</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td colspan="2" />

-    <td class="tdc">his</td>

-    <td />

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Signed,</td>

-    <td>Red</td>

-    <td class="tdc">X</td>

-    <td>Jacket.</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td />

-    <td />

-    <td>mark</td>

-    <td />

-  </tr></table>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Although the way has not yet opened to comply with the request in

-the foregoing communication, the committee were encouraged to persevere

-in their services the present year, in rendering such aid for the

-benefit of this poor afflicted people, as the limited means within their

-power would, under the direction of best wisdom enable them to do.</p>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<h3><i>Some account of the proceedings of Friends of Baltimore Yearly

-Meeting.</i></h3>

-

-<p>This concern for improving the condition of our red brethren, having

-been opened and spread in the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall

-of 1795, and the minds of Friends being much united, and actuated by

-benevolent motives to promote this desirable object, referred the same

-to a special committee, to proceed therein as way might open, to render

-essential service to these aboriginal inhabitants. Accordingly their

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span>

-attention was turned to some of the Indian tribes north-west of the

-river Ohio, and a deputation was delegated to visit the Shawaneese,

-Delawares, Wyandots and such other natives in those parts as they

-might find practicable. They proceeded thereon, in the summer of

-1796, after having first obtained the approbation of the general government.</p>

-

-<p>When they arrived at the forks of the Muskingum river, where they

-had been informed a considerable number of Indians were collected,

-they found to their great disappointment, that the chiefs and hunters

-were dispersed: and it not appearing practicable to convene them at

-that time, to have a suitable conference with them, they returned without

-accomplishing the object of their visit. They, however, saw divers

-hunters and others, who appeared well disposed to receive the instruction

-and assistance which Friends proposed to furnish them.</p>

-

-<p>In the spring of 1797, three Friends again proceeded to that country

-on an embassy, to inquire into the real situation of the Indian tribes;

-in the course of which visit, having passed by a number of their hunting

-camps and several of their towns, they had a large opportunity of

-discovering their destitute condition, often exposed to the inclemency

-of the weather, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply

-of food and clothing. They suffered all the miseries of extreme poverty,

-in a country which from its great fertility, would, with but little cultivation,

-supply them abundantly with all the necessaries of life.</p>

-

-<p>These Friends had opportunities with some of the chiefs and hunters

-of the Wyandot and Delaware nations, in which they informed them of

-the views of the society of Friends, relative to their improvement; and

-endeavoured to impress on their minds the advantages they would derive,

-from permitting to be introduced among their people, a knowledge

-of agriculture, and some of the most useful mechanic arts.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians were attentive to their communications, and promised

-to lay these matters before their grand council, and inform Friends of

-their conclusions on the subject.</p>

-

-<p>As no way opened during the year 1798, for carrying the object of

-the Yearly Meeting into effect, but little was done, more than furnishing

-a few implements of husbandry, and some assistance to a few Indian

-families, situated upon the branches of the Tuskarawee’s river.</p>

-

-<p>In the Second month 1799, the committee received a speech and

-belt of wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandot nation,

-delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth month preceding, of which the

-following is an extract.</p>

-

-<p>“Brethren Quakers&mdash;you remember we once met at a certain place.

-When we had there met, a great many good things were said, and

-much friendship was professed between us.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span></p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you told us at that time that you not only took us by the

-hand, but that you held us fast by the arm; that you then formed a

-chain of friendship. You said that it was not a chain of iron; but that

-it was a chain of precious metal, a chain of silver that would never

-get rusty; and that this chain would bind us in brotherly affection for

-ever.</p>

-

-<p>“Brethren, listen. We have often heard that you were a good and

-a faithful people&mdash;ever ready to do justice, and good to all men without

-distinction of colour&mdash;therefore, we love you the more sincerely, because

-of the goodness of your hearts, which has been talked of among

-our nation long since.</p>

-

-<p>“Brethren, listen. You have informed us that you intended to visit

-us. Yes, that even in our tents and cabins you will take us by the hand.

-You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt, but that we would be very happy

-to see you.</p>

-

-<p>“Brethren, listen. It is but proper to inform you at this time, that

-when you do come forward to see us, you will no doubt pass by my

-place of residence, at Sandusky. I will then take you not only by the

-hand, but by the arm, and will conduct you safe to the <i>grand council

-fire</i> of our great Sasteretsey, where all good things are transacted, and

-where nothing bad is permitted to appear. When in the grand council

-of our Sasteretsey we will then sit down together in peace and friendship,

-as brethren are accustomed to do, after a long absence, and remind

-each other, and talk of those things that took place between our good

-grandfathers, when they first met upon our lands&mdash;upon this great

-island.</p>

-

-<p>“Brethren, may the Great Spirit, the master of light and life, so dispose

-the hearts and minds of all our nations and people, that the calamities

-of war may never more be felt or known by any of them&mdash;that

-our roads and paths may never more be stained with the blood of our

-young warriors&mdash;and that our helpless women and children may live in

-peace and happiness.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>On considering the foregoing communication, some Friends were deputed

-to make them a visit, and to afford such assistance as they might

-be enabled to render. They accordingly proceeded with an intention

-of being at their general council, and arrived on the third of the Sixth

-month at upper Sandusky, the principal village of the Wyandots,

-where they were received by Tarhie (the crane,) and others of that

-nation.</p>

-

-<p>On their arrival there, it appeared a mistake had been made in the

-translation of the speech the Indians had sent to Friends, respecting

-the time of opening their great council, to which Friends had been invited.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>

-They were now informed that it began annually at the full

-moon in the Sixth month.</p>

-

-<p>Finding it would be difficult to procure food for themselves and

-horses there, until that time, the committee concluded it best to have

-a conference with Tarhie and other chiefs who were then in the neighbourhood

-of Sandusky, which was accordingly agreed to. At the time

-appointed they met at Tarhie’s house, with several other chiefs, and a

-number of hunters, when they had a full opportunity with them, on the

-subject of their visit.</p>

-

-<p>Their communication appeared to be received with great satisfaction

-by the Indians, and in their answer, delivered on some strings of

-wampum, they expressed the gratitude they felt for the care and friendship,

-which their beloved brethren the Quakers had always manifested

-for the Indians, and promised as soon as the grand council met, that

-they should communicate fully to it, respecting the concern which the

-society felt for their improvement, and inform Friends by a written

-speech of their conclusion thereon.</p>

-

-<p>Whilst these Friends were at Sandusky and other villages, their

-minds were deeply affected under the sorrowful considerations of the

-baneful effects of spirituous liquors upon the Indians, who were at that

-time supplied with it in almost every village, by Canadian traders, residing

-amongst them&mdash;and they were confirmed in the opinion, that

-unless these traders could be restrained from furnishing them with

-this destructive article, in exchange for their skins and furs, they could

-not easily be persuaded to turn their minds towards agriculture and

-the mechanic arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, the great

-affection they have for the society of Friends, manifested on all occasions

-whilst the committee were with them, induced them to hope that

-Friends would endeavour to keep under the weight of the concern, and

-be prepared to proceed in the benevolent work whenever way might

-open, for further service amongst them.</p>

-

-<p>In the year 1800 and 1801, no personal interview was had by

-Friends with those Indians. In the year 1802, the Little Turtle, Five

-Medals, and several other principal chiefs of the Miami and Pottawatomie

-nations passed through Baltimore, on their way to visit the President

-of the United States, when the committee had a conference with

-them, in which the view’s of Friends were fully opened, and they were

-informed of the great discouragement Friends had met with, in carrying

-their benevolent designs into effect, from the intemperate and destructive

-use of spirituous liquor amongst the Indians, which was found

-to be the greatest obstacle in the way of their profiting by the aid which

-the society had been desirous of giving them.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span></p>

-

-<p>The Little Turtle in reply, made a very pathetic and impressive

-speech upon this subject, from which the following is extracted.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers and friends&mdash;When our forefathers first met on this island,

-your red brethren were very numerous. But since the introduction of

-what you call spirituous liquors amongst us, and what we think may

-justly be called <i>poison</i>, our numbers are greatly diminished. It has

-destroyed a great part of your red brethren.</p>

-

-<p>“My brothers and friends&mdash;we plainly perceive that you see the very

-evil which destroys your red brethren; it is not an evil of our own

-making; we have not placed it amongst ourselves; it is an evil placed

-amongst us by the white people. We look to them to remove it out of

-our country. We tell them, brethren, fetch us useful things, bring

-goods that will clothe us, our women and our children, and not this evil

-liquor that destroys our reason&mdash;that destroys our health&mdash;that destroys

-our lives. But all we can say on this subject is of no service&mdash;it gives

-no relief to your red brethren.</p>

-

-<p>“My brothers and friends&mdash;I rejoice to find that you agree in opinion

-with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of service to us

-in removing this great evil out of our country; an evil which has had

-so much room in it, and has destroyed so many of our lives, that it causes

-our young men to say, ‘we had better be at war with the white people;

-this liquor which they introduce into our country, is more to be

-feared than the gun and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead

-since the treaty of Grenville, than we lost by the six years war before.

-It is all owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us.’</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, when our young men have been out hunting and are returning

-home loaded with skins and furs, on their way, if it happens

-that they come along where some of this liquor is deposited, the white

-man who sells it, tells them to take a little drink. Some of them will

-say no, I do not want it; they go on till they come to another house,

-where they find more of the same kind of drink; it is there offered again;

-they refuse, and again the third time; but finally the fourth or fifth

-time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink, and getting one he wants

-another, and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have left him.

-After his reason comes back again to him, when he gets up and finds where

-he is&mdash;he asks for his peltry&mdash;the answer is, ‘You have drank them’&mdash;Where

-is my gun? ‘It is gone’&mdash;Where is my shirt? ‘You have sold it

-for whiskey!’ Now brothers, figure to yourselves what condition this

-man must be in. He has a family at home&mdash;a wife and children who

-stand in need of the profits of his hunting. What must be their wants,

-when he himself is even without a shirt.”

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span></p>

-

-<p>These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at the assistance Friends

-proposed to render them, and in reply to that part of their communication,

-observed, ‘that it was their anxious wish to engage in the culture

-of their lands, for although the game was not so scarce but that

-they could get enough to eat, yet they were sensible it was daily diminishing,

-and that the time was not far distant, when they would be

-compelled to take hold of such tools, as they saw in the hands of the

-white people.’</p>

-

-<p>The committee, from their former experience, being of the judgment,

-that no great progress could be made in the civilization of the Indians

-while they were so abundantly supplied with distilled spirits, concluded

-to address congress on the subject. Their memorial was favourably

-received, and a law passed, which in some measure provided a remedy

-for the evil.</p>

-

-<p>As it now appeared to the committee, that the principal obstruction

-to agriculture amongst the Indians was removed, they were encouraged

-to proceed in their undertaking. They accordingly provided a number

-of implements of husbandry, such as ploughs, hoes, axes, &amp;c. &amp;c. which

-were forwarded and immediately distributed, as a present from the

-society of Friends. These things were thankfully received by the

-Indians.</p>

-

-<p>A letter in the summer of 1803, from the agent for Indian affairs at

-Fort Wayne, informed, that ‘since there had been no spirituous liquor in

-the Indian country, they appeared very industrious, and turned their

-attention to raising stock.’ This agent also expressed as his opinion,

-“that the suppression of spirituous liquors in that country, was the most

-beneficial measure which had ever been adopted for them, by the

-United States&mdash;that there had not been one Indian killed in that neighbourhood

-for a year&mdash;and that in no preceding year since the treaty of

-Grenville, had there been less than ten killed, and in some years as

-many as thirty.” The agent further added, “that the Indians appeared

-very desirous of procuring for themselves, the necessaries of life, <i>in our

-way</i>, but say they do not know how to begin. Some of their old men

-say, “the white people want for nothing.” We wish them to show us

-how to provide the many good things we see amongst them, if it is

-their wish to instruct us in their way of living as they tell us it is, we

-wish them to make haste and do it, for we are old and must die soon;

-but we wish to see before we die, our women and children in that path,

-that will lead them to happiness.</p>

-

-<p>At the same time, a letter was received from the Little Turtle, and

-Five Medals, in which they expressed a wish that some Friends would

-visit their country. The committee, therefore, deputed some of their

-number for that purpose. They were authorized to procure one or

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span>

-more suitable persons to reside amongst the Indians, for the purpose of

-teaching them agriculture and other useful knowledge, as far as it

-should appear practicable.</p>

-

-<p>In Second month 1804, two of the deputation proceeded to Fort

-Wayne, accompanied by Philip Dennis, who had offered his services to

-go with them, and remain with the Indians during the summer, for the

-purpose of instructing them in husbandry. They took with them two

-horses to be employed in ploughing, &amp;c.</p>

-

-<p>They arrived at Fort Wayne in the latter end of the Third month,

-and soon after, convened several of their chiefs in a council with them;

-a future day was fixed upon for the committee to meet them, with as

-many of their old men, and their women and children as could be assembled.

-Their chiefs previously requested, that whatever matter

-Friends might have to communicate to the Indians, should be written

-down, in order that they might lay it before the grand council in the

-Sixth month following, to the attendance of which, they pressingly invited

-the committee.</p>

-

-<p>On the day appointed, being met by a considerable number of the

-natives, the committee presented them with a written address, from

-which, though all excellent, and well calculated to impress the Indians’

-minds with the importance of adhering to their counsel, we shall, for

-brevity, content ourselves with extracting some of the most material

-parts, as follows:</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>“Brothers, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the Great Spirit,

-that he has brought us safely to the country of our red brethren, and

-protected us through our journey. We also rejoice, that he has given us

-this opportunity of seeing you and of taking you by the hand.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we had for some time entertained apprehensions that the

-many changes that were taking place in circumstances, must greatly

-change the situation of our red brethren, and that the time was fast

-approaching when it would be necessary for them to alter their mode of

-living.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, after our talk with the chiefs, (alluding to the Little Turtle

-and others whom we have just mentioned,) we were fully convinced

-that the time was come, in which our red brethren ought to begin

-to cultivate their lands. That they ought to raise corn and other grain,

-also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other animals. We then proposed

-to afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of the proposal,

-and informed us, that many of their people were disposed to turn

-their attention to the cultivation of the earth&mdash;they also expressed a

-desire to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it is for this purpose that we have now come, and we

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span>

-again repeat, we rejoice that we have this opportunity of seeing you,

-and taking you by the hand.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, in coming into the country of our red brethren, we have

-come with our <i>eyes open</i>. And although we are affected with sorrow,

-in believing that many of the red people suffer much for the want of

-food and clothing, yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing that

-it has pleased the Great Spirit to give you a rich and valuable country.

-Because we know, that it is out of the earth that food and clothing

-come. We are sure, brothers, that with but little labour and attention,

-you may raise much more corn and other grain than will be necessary

-for yourselves, your women and children; and that you may also with

-great ease, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs and other valuable

-animals, than will be necessary for your own use. We are also

-confident that if you will pursue our method in the cultivation of your

-land, you will live in much greater ease and plenty, and with much less

-fatigue and toil, than attend hunting for a subsistence.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, it will lead you to have fixed homes&mdash;you will build comfortable

-dwelling houses for yourselves, your women and children, where

-you may be sheltered from the rain, the frost and the snow, and where

-you may enjoy in plenty, the rewards of your labour.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we will here mention, that the time was, when the forefather

-of your brothers, the white people, lived beyond the great water,

-in the same manner that our red brethren now live. The winters can

-yet be counted when they went almost naked, when they procured

-their living by fishing, and by the bow and arrow in hunting&mdash;and

-when they lived in houses no better than yours. They were encouraged

-by some who came from towards the sun rising, and lived amongst

-them to change their mode of living. They did change&mdash;they cultivated

-the earth, and we are sure the change was a happy one.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers and friends, we are not ashamed to acknowledge that the

-time was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum tree, or

-at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living on

-the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But brothers, for your

-encouragement we now mention that by turning their attention to the

-cultivation of the earth instead of the plum tree, they soon had orchards

-of many kinds of fruit&mdash;instead of the wild game they soon had

-large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and other valuable animals&mdash;and

-in many places instead of their forests they had large fields of

-corn, and other grain&mdash;also many other valuable productions of the

-earth.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we have spoken plainly, we desire to speak plain&mdash;we

-will now tell you that we have not come merely to <i>talk</i> with you. We

-have come prepared to render you a little assistance. Our beloved

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span>

-brother, Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us.

-His desire is, to cultivate for you, a field of corn, and also to show you

-how to raise some of the other productions of the earth&mdash;he knows how

-to use the plough, the hoe, the axe, and other implements of husbandry.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, he has left a farm&mdash;he has left a wife and five small

-children who are very dear to him&mdash;he has come, from a sincere desire

-to be useful to our red brethren. His motives are pure&mdash;he will ask

-no reward from you for his services&mdash;his greatest reward will be, in the

-satisfaction he will feel, in finding you inclined to take hold of the same

-tools he takes hold of&mdash;to receive from him instruction in the cultivation

-of your lands, and pursue the example he will set you.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we hope you will make the situation of our brother as

-comfortable as circumstances will admit. We hope, also, that many

-of your young men will be willing to be taught by him, to use the

-plough, the hoe, and other implements of husbandry&mdash;for we are sure,

-brothers, that as you take hold of such tools as are in the hands of the

-white people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional

-hands. You will also find that by using them they will enable you to

-do many things, which without them, cannot be performed.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, the white people, in order to get their land cultivated,

-find it necessary that their young men should be employed in it&mdash;and

-not their women&mdash;women are smaller than men&mdash;they are not as strong

-as men. It is the business of our women to be employed in our houses&mdash;to

-keep them clean&mdash;to sow, knit, spin, and weave&mdash;to dress food for

-themselves and families&mdash;to make clothes for the men and the rest of

-their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to take

-care of their children.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we are fully convinced that if you will turn your attention

-to the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of

-grain&mdash;to building comfortable dwelling houses for your families&mdash;to

-raising useful animals&mdash;amongst others, sheep for the advantage of the

-wool, in making clothing&mdash;to raising flax and hemp for your linen&mdash;and

-your women learn to spin and weave&mdash;your lives will be much

-easier and happier than at present&mdash;and your numbers will increase,

-and not continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your

-land is good&mdash;it is far better than the land which the white people near

-the great waters, cultivate. We are persuaded that your land will

-produce double the quantity of any kind of grain, or flax, or hemp, with

-the same labour necessary near the great water.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, we shall now end what we had to say, with informing

-you, that all the corn and other productions of the earth which Philip

-Dennis may raise, we wish our red brethren to accept as a token of

-our friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Pottawattamie

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>

-and Miami nations who are now present, added to our brothers the

-Five Medals, Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution

-thereof as they may think proper.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>The Indians manifested great decorum, and were very attentive

-during the delivery of this address&mdash;in reply to which, the Little Turtle

-delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which we extract the

-following:</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers and friends&mdash;we rejoice that the Great Spirit has appointed,

-that we should meet this day, for we believe this meeting will

-be of the utmost consequence to your red brethren.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, the things which you have said to us, require our greatest

-attention: it is really necessary that we should deliberate upon them. In

-order to do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they

-are written, that we may communicate them to our chiefs, when they

-assemble in grand council.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, you have been very particular in pointing out to us the

-duties of our women, and you have told us that in adopting your mode

-of living, our numbers would increase and not continue to diminish. In

-all this I certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will

-also agree with you.</p>

-

-<p>“Brothers, assure your people who sent you here&mdash;tell your old chiefs

-that we are obliged to them for their friendly offers to assist us in

-changing our present mode of living. Tell them it is a great work that

-cannot be done immediately; but that we are favourably disposed, and

-hope it will take place gradually.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>These Friends remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during

-which time they visited a number of their towns and villages, at all of

-which, they were received in the most friendly and hospitable manner.</p>

-

-<p>In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the

-Wyandots at Brownstown or the rock. They found that the Indians

-at this place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation in the

-year 1799, advanced considerably, in agriculture, many of them having

-built comfortable houses, and acquired a considerable number of cattle,

-hogs, and other domestic animals. The Wyandots residing at Sandusky

-and the Shawaneese, on the Auglaize river, had likewise, since that

-visit, turned their attention very much towards the cultivation of their

-lands; Friends had, therefore, the satisfaction to remark, that the communication

-from the committee to these nations, and the exertions which

-had been made to turn their attention to agriculture, although limited

-in their effect, had not been altogether unavailing.</p>

-

-<p>They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">107</span>

-Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort

-Wayne, and found its situation to be very advantageous for farming;

-the soil appeared to be equal in fertility to any land in the western

-country.</p>

-

-<p>Soon after the return of the Friends, a letter was received by the

-committee, from the Indian agent at Fort Wayne, informing that the

-Indians had held their grand council in the Sixth month, agreeably to

-expectation, at which eight hundred and seventy-four of them attended,

-when the written address of Friends delivered at Fort Wayne in the

-previous spring, was produced&mdash;read and interpreted to all the different

-nations present. In reply to which, divers of their chiefs expressed

-great satisfaction, and amongst others Toethteboxie on behalf of the

-<i>Delawares</i> said, ‘For many years before I came into the world, the

-white people have been offering to do for us what is now mentioned,

-and it appears that our eyes were never opened until this time; we

-will now take hold of it and receive it. I am an old man and want to

-see it before I die; if I once see it, I will die in peace, to think I have

-left my women and children in comfort.’</p>

-

-<p>On the return of Philip Dennis, who remained in the Indian country

-during most of the year 1804, and spent his time agreeably with the

-natives&mdash;he informed that he had raised about four hundred bushels

-of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, potatoes, and a quantity of other

-garden vegetables, which he directed to be divided amongst the Indians

-on their return from their hunting camps. He left with the Indians,

-with whom he had resided, upon the farm he had cultivated, twenty-three

-hogs and pigs, seven of which were in good order to kill; and

-he engaged the agent to attend to killing and salting them. They were

-small when they were brought to the farm in the spring, and had no

-other food than what they gathered in the woods.</p>

-

-<p>With some assistance which he obtained from Fort Wayne, he cleared

-and enclosed under a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and

-built a house thirty-two feet long, and seventeen wide, a story and a

-half high, with floors and partitions.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians who remained with him had been very industrious, and

-attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing

-the ground and in tending the corn; from this he dissuaded them,

-and as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort Wayne, which

-had been sent on by government&mdash;he encouraged them to go there, and

-learn to spin and knit, of a white woman who was at that place;&mdash;this

-they did, and soon learned both to spin and knit; and when he came

-away, he left them knitting yarn of their spinning.</p>

-

-<p>The Indians were very desirous of Friends continuing their care towards

-them, and that they should send a person to take the place of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span>

-Philip Dennis, but as no suitable Friend offered for that purpose, it was

-believed best to request the agent of government residing at Fort Wayne,

-(and who appeared to be friendly disposed towards the views of Friends,)

-to procure and employ the most suitable person he could, in that country,

-to plough the land cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last season, and

-plant it in corn, and to endeavour to enlist the service of the Indians in

-the labour of tending it; also to prepare a garden of the most useful

-vegetables for the Indians’ use, which they might afterwards easily

-manage.</p>

-

-<p>In reply to this request, Friends received an account from the agent,

-stating that he would lose no time in complying with their request, and

-that he was ready at all times, to put in execution the benevolent designs

-of Friends towards the Indians, as far as it was in his power.</p>

-

-<p>He also mentioned, that at that time, ‘a spirit of industry existed

-amongst the Indians generally, and that as several of the tribes had

-requested of government to have a part of their annuities expended in

-the employment of men to split rails and make fences for them, the

-Delawares had twenty-three thousand rails put up into fences the last

-winter; and that forty thousand more would be made into fences for the

-Miami and Eel river Indians, by the first of the Sixth month&mdash;that ten

-families of the Miamis had settled adjoining the place cultivated by

-Philip Dennis, and that four men were employed in making rails to

-fence in forty acres for them; also, that three persons more were at

-work for the Eel river Indians, half a mile below Dennis’s station; that

-they had twenty-five acres cleared and ready for the plough, and expected

-to have fifty or sixty fenced in by the first of the Sixth month.

-He expected at least twenty-five families would remove to reside at

-that place the present season, and was confident the settlement would

-increase very fast. The Indian who worked with Philip Dennis during

-the last season, was about building himself a comfortable house, had

-cleared two acres more of ground, and was ploughing the field previously

-cleared by Philip Dennis. The hogs which were left there with

-him had increased to one hundred in number.’</p>

-

-<p>The agent further informed, ‘that there would be one hundred acres of

-land under good fence at the Little Turtle’s town, (eighteen miles north

-of Dennis’s station,) by the first of the Sixth month, where they had also

-obtained a large number of hogs and some cows, and he doubted not,

-the Indians would soon see that it was easier to raise food, than to procure

-it by hunting.’ He also added, ‘that Friends may see from the great

-progress they have made in civilization since Philip Dennis was with

-them, that they only want good and suitable men to reside among them,

-and teach them how to work.’</p>

-

-<p>In the fall of the year 1805, the agent at Fort Wayne informed the

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">109</span>

-committee by letter, that agreeably to their directions, he had employed

-a man to assist the Indians in cultivating the field on the Wabash,

-which was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last year. The

-Indians with this man’s assistance, had raised, it was supposed, at least

-six hundred bushels of good corn from this one field, exclusive of what

-they had raised from ground of their own clearing.</p>

-

-<p>“Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians had removed

-and settled at that place, where they would be followed by the younger

-branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.”</p>

-

-<p>He further adds, “Believing as I do that the society of Friends are

-desirous of ameliorating the situation of their red brethren in the country,

-I will take the liberty to observe, that the present is a favourable

-time to put in execution their benevolent views towards the distressed

-natives of the land; and that much good may be done on the Wabash

-by sending one or two suitable men to reside amongst the Indians, and

-teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth. Witness what

-Philip Dennis effected amongst them the last year, at a station where

-he had every thing to begin. There are now at least four hundred hogs,

-and twenty cows, and the Indians at no village in this country live so

-comfortably as those at that place. If this spirit of industry is kept

-alive for a few years, it will certainly have a powerful influence upon

-the minds of the Indians in many of the neighbouring villages.”</p>

-

-<p>An account published by the committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting,

-about this period, has enabled me to furnish so many interesting particulars

-of their proceedings, that I have already exceeded the bounds I

-had prescribed to myself, in this narrative. I shall, therefore, only add,

-that the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore continued for many years to extend

-aid and instruction, to the Indians in that quarter, by personal

-visits, and by teachers frequently stationed among them; and continued

-to have satisfactory proofs of the benefits derived to this people, from

-their benevolent labours. Their progress, however, in this laudable

-work was interrupted by the war of 1812, which much agitated, not

-only those tribes of Indians, but the white people generally, bordering

-on the Indian territory&mdash;this continued while the war lasted. And

-many of the white inhabitants, it was said, went into block houses, the

-better to secure themselves.</p>

-

-<p>It may, however, be noted, that Friends on the frontiers, generally

-remained in their habitations, at least with a few exceptions, and the

-Indians seemed to repose an unlimited confidence in them, and frequently

-visited them. The author having visited a settlement of the

-Indians, (called Lewis’ settlement) in the year 1816, had some opportunity

-of judging of the high estimation in which the Indians held the

-society of Friends, on the frontiers of that country. He also had an

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span>

-account from one of the Friends who first settled in those parts (near

-Mad river,) about the year 1800. He said the Indians manifested much

-kindness to them, when the country was all a wilderness, by frequently

-visiting them, and administering to their wants, while they were first

-opening a settlement and preparing something to subsist upon.</p>

-

-<p>I may also here relate another evidence of the Indians’ kindness and

-hospitality to the whites. A surveyor who lived in Chilicothe informed

-me, when at his house in 1816, that being employed by government

-the summer previous, to survey some land in the Michigan territory, he

-and his company composed of seven or eight persons, running scant of

-provisions, were put to their allowance of a spoonful of meal a day, for

-each person, on which, with some little meat they procured from the

-forest, they had subsisted for twenty-three days together. But setting

-out at length towards the settlements in search of provisions, they met

-with an Indian going on a journey very smartly. They made him understand

-they were very hungry and had nothing to eat. He looked

-on them with compassion&mdash;pointed towards his cabin, and making signs

-to them to follow him, struck off in a direction towards it. They pursued

-his track, often having to stop him, to wait for them, and after about

-eight miles travelling, arrived at his solitary abode, where he kindly

-treated them to all the provision at his command, which, though coarse,

-was to them a delicious dainty.</p>

-

-<p>But to return from this digression, it may be proper to state, that

-about the year 1813, a Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in

-the state of Ohio, and being composed of part of the members previously

-constituting the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, they also become,

-as a body, enlisted in the same concern, to improve the condition of the

-Indian natives; and appointed a committee to carry their views into

-execution. Friends of this Yearly Meeting living more contiguous to

-the Indian settlements, unitedly agreed with the Yearly Meeting of

-Baltimore, to make it a joint concern, as it regarded the requisite pecuniary

-aid for promoting the object in view. Friends in Ohio, however,

-became more actively engaged in personal visits, and sending instructors

-among the Indians.</p>

-

-<p>When peace took place, and the minds of the Indians became somewhat

-settled, the settlement which had previously been made at

-Waughpaughkannatta was again resumed, and another promoted at

-captain Lewis’, and considerable advancement made by the Indians in

-some of the arts of civilized life.</p>

-

-<p>About the years 1817 and 1818, considerable sales of their lands were

-made to the United States&mdash;and in the north-western parts of the state

-of Ohio, which much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and in consequence

-thereof, many of them removed further to the westward.

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">111</span></p>

-

-<p>In the rapid settlement of the states of Ohio and Indiana, and the

-emigration of Friends further to the westward, it became necessary to

-establish a Yearly Meeting in Indiana, which event took place about

-the year 1820 or 1821. This Yearly Meeting, also as a body, feeling

-the same deep interest, in the welfare of the aboriginal inhabitants,

-appointed a committee to unite with Ohio Yearly Meeting in promoting

-their civilization and improvement.</p>

-

-<p>Having but scanty means within my reach, of ascertaining the progress

-made by those Yearly Meetings of latter years, I can only state,

-that the concern still continues to engage their attention, and from a

-report to the Yearly Meeting of Indiana, in 1826, it appears, that the

-committee had continued their attention to the object of their appointment.

-“Soon after our last Yearly Meeting,” say they, “the school

-for the education of the Indian children was resumed, and continued

-about two months, to the satisfaction both of the Indians and the committee.

-The children conducted themselves orderly, and made reasonable

-progress in learning. But towards the latter part of winter the

-Indians became unsettled in their minds, and it was found impracticable

-to continue the school to advantage. It was, therefore, dismissed,

-and soon after Isaac Harvey and wife, in consequence of his indisposition,

-returned to their former residence. They took with them an Indian

-lad who remained about three months, during which time he was

-at school.</p>

-

-<p>“About two hundred of the Indians who resided on the Waughpaughkonnatta

-reserve, have removed, and are now on their way to

-join those of their nation settled west of the Mississippi; and it is yet

-uncertain, whether those that remain will shortly be in a situation to

-receive instruction. However that may be, we feel satisfied that the

-labour heretofore bestowed on them will not all be lost. They have

-obtained a sufficient knowledge of agriculture, to enable them to supply

-their more pressing wants, and many of them have acquired habits of

-industry, which we believe they will retain. And should they all eventually

-remove to join their nation in the west, we apprehend the advantages

-they are deriving from the change in their manner of life,

-will be sufficient to prevent them from returning to their former

-habits.”</p>

-

-<p>It appears also, that soon after the Yearly Meeting held in Indiana,

-in the year 1827, “a deputation from the committee in company with

-a like deputation of the committee of Ohio Yearly Meeting, visited

-Friends’ establishment, near Waughpaughkonnatta, who found the farm

-in good order, and the school progressing to satisfaction.”</p>

-

-<p>The minutes of the last Indiana Yearly Meeting of the society of

-Friends, held at Miami, also show, that they continue a committee, to

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span>

-act in conjunction with the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Baltimore,

-and to proceed in the further prosecution of this concern as way may

-open.</p>

-

-<p>Thus the society of Friends constituting the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia,

-New York, and Baltimore, have, for more than thirty years,

-and those of Ohio, and Indiana, since their first establishment, been engaged

-in endeavouring to reclaim from savage life, and to meliorate the

-condition of various tribes, of the interesting but much injured aborigines

-of our country; and they have succeeded in instructing many of them

-in agriculture, in school learning, in many of the most useful mechanic

-arts, and the raising of domestic animals, whereby their lives are rendered

-more comfortable, and their domestic engagements increased, as

-well as their moral condition improved&mdash;and, could the Indians have

-been permitted to remain quiet in the possession of their land, and to

-enjoy the fruits of their labours, without interruption from the whites,

-there is reason to believe, that by a continuation and extension of this

-care towards them, a radical change in their character would in a short

-time have been effected; and instead of migrating by families and tribes,

-far to the westward, and traversing the dreary regions of an unknown

-wilderness, in quest of a home, and in search of food, they might have

-become useful citizens of the community, contributing to the wealth,

-the happiness, and national character of the United States. For truly

-it must be acknowledged, that there are among these native sons of the

-forest, men of deep reflection&mdash;men of extraordinary talents&mdash;men of

-superior powers of mind, and men who, considering the means of their

-menial improvement, might rank with the ancient orators of Greece

-and Rome. Added to this, there is sufficient evidence, that they believe

-in the principle operating within them, a measure of which, or the

-grace of God, according to the apostle’s doctrine, is given to every man

-to profit withal, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. And they acknowledge

-in all important transactions, the overruling providence and

-superintending care of one all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent Being,

-who governs the universe; and they believe that they will be rewarded

-in a future state, according as their actions have been in this life, either

-good or evil. Why then should not the policy of the government be

-directed to the protection and preservation of these people, and not to

-their extermination from their native soil? Is it not a doctrine sanctioned

-by the general consent of Christians, that all nations are equally

-free? That one nation has no right to infringe upon the freedom of

-another?</p>

-

-<p>Let us then fulfil the golden rule&mdash;let us then, my fellow citizens,

-exercise that kind of policy towards them, that we would they should

-have done to us, if they had landed on our shores with a superiority of

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">113</span>

-strength. Why should not things be equal on both sides? Or is the

-balance of power always to decide the balance of justice, and rob the

-weak and defenceless of their lawful rights&mdash;shall a nation professing

-<i>christianity</i>, and having pledged itself in the most solemn manner to

-<i>protect the Indians in all their rights</i>, be guilty of such injustice?

-Or what part of the gospel will they plead in extenuation of such a

-crime? In what part of the earth did the apostles or first promulgators

-of the gospel assume, to extirpate from their country, or to claim a

-right over the freedom and the substance of the Gentiles? What a

-strange method this would be, of propagating the gospel of peace. And

-can it be expected the natives of America, those keen-eyed observers

-of the actions of men, will be brought to embrace the christian religion

-by such a policy as this! And, while injustice is practised towards them

-instead of the government redressing their wrongs, will they not be induced

-to say as an Indian chief once did, to a missionary, on a certain

-occasion, “We find the christians much more depraved in their morals

-than we are, and we judge of <i>their doctrine</i> by the badness of their

-lives.”</p>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<p class="hang"><i>Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, the following, taken

-from a Pittsburg Gazette, has been forwarded by a friend,

-and as it gives some recent account of the noted and ancient chief,

-Cornplanter, as well as other of the Seneca Indians, it may prove

-an interesting addition to this work.</i></p>

-

-<p>It appears a trip was performed up the Alleghany river in the Fifth

-month last, as high as Olean, in the state of New York, by a new

-steamboat, and as it was the first that had ever ascended that river,

-as far as the Indian towns, it excited some astonishment. The account

-states, that “On the thirteenth of May, at nine o’clock, she arrived opposite

-the village of Cornplanter. Here a deputation waited on that

-ancient and well known Indian king or chief, and invited him on board

-this new, and to him wonderful visiter, a steamboat. We found him

-in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying on his

-couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins and

-blankets. His habitation, a two story log house, is in a state of decay,

-without furniture, except a few benches, and wooden bowls and spoons

-to eat out of. This convinced us of his determination to retain old habits

-and customs. This venerable old chief was a lad in the first French

-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span>

-war, in 1744, and is now nearly one hundred years of age. He is a smart

-active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength of mind, and in perfect

-health, and retains among his nation all that uncontrolled influence

-he has ever done.</p>

-

-<p>“He, with his son Charles, sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came

-on board, and remained until she had passed six miles up, and then

-they returned home in their own canoe, after expressing great pleasure.

-His domain is a delightful bottom of rich land, two miles<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> square,

-nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On

-this, his own family, about fifty in number, in eight or ten houses reside.

-Cornplanter’s wife, and her mother, one hundred and fifteen years

-of age, are in good health.</p>

-

-<p>The lands of this tribe being forty miles long and half a mile wide

-on each side of the river, lie just above, but all in the state of New

-York. They have a number of villages, and are about seven hundred

-in number, scattered all along this reserve. Many of them have good

-dwellings, and, like the whites, some are intelligent, industrious, and

-useful&mdash;while others are the reverse. On the whole they are becoming

-civilized and christianized, as fast as can be expected. The natives

-appeared in great numbers, (we counted four hundred) who were attracted

-to view this unexpected sight on their waters. Their lands

-terminate eight miles below Olean.”</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<h3><i>A vocabulary of some of the most familiar words and phrases in

-the Seneca language, and the English, in alphabetical order.</i></h3>

-

-<table>

-  <tr>

-    <td>All</td>

-    <td>Cock <i>way</i> go</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>All gone</td>

-    <td>Ono, cock <i>way</i> go</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Any where, any thing, &amp;c.</td>

-    <td>Te caw a <i>noo</i> we</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>A quiet mind</td>

-    <td><i>Ska</i> no <i>sa</i> na to nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Axe</td>

-    <td>At <i>too</i> ga</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Boy or child</td>

-    <td>Uc <i>shaw</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Brother</td>

-    <td><i>Ho</i>gh <i>gee</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Blood</td>

-    <td>Ot <i>quoon</i> sah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Board</td>

-    <td>Con <i>nish</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Bear</td>

-    <td><i>U qui</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Black</td>

-    <td><i>Gis</i> taa</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Beaver</td>

-    <td>Te <i>con</i> ne a ga</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Big lake</td>

-    <td>Con nu <i>di</i> go <i>wan</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Birds</td>

-    <td>Ge <i>daa</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Bread</td>

-    <td><i>Wagh</i> qua<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">115</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Beans</td>

-    <td>Ci <i>daw</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Beyond</td>

-    <td><i>Shee qua</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Both</td>

-    <td>De <i>jall</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Book</td>

-    <td>Ki <i>au</i> dau shaw</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Blanket</td>

-    <td>Ee <i>yuse</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Bed</td>

-    <td>Con <i>noch</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Barrel or tub</td>

-    <td>Con <i>noch</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Blacksmith</td>

-    <td>Cow <i>wish</i> to nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Bad</td>

-    <td><i>Toos</i> coss</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Cold</td>

-    <td>Hit <i>too</i> a</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Cow</td>

-    <td>Tus <i>quan</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Cat</td>

-    <td>Dac <i>coos</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Child</td>

-    <td>Uc <i>shaw</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Cousin</td>

-    <td><i>Kaa</i> say</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Chief</td>

-    <td>Shin e <i>wan</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Cannon</td>

-    <td>Ca <i>u</i> da <i>go</i> aw</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Coat</td>

-    <td>Ja dau <i>wis</i> a</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Chest</td>

-    <td><i>Count</i> sah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Cup</td>

-    <td>Cow <i>wish</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Candle</td>

-    <td>Ogish to <i>taugh</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Canoe</td>

-    <td><i>Cau</i> waugh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Chocolate</td>

-    <td>Nig a <i>di</i> u</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Crane</td>

-    <td>Jo <i>a</i> sah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Deer</td>

-    <td>Nea <i>yu</i> ka</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Duck</td>

-    <td>Se <i>wack</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Dead</td>

-    <td>A <i>way</i> yu</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Devil</td>

-    <td>Nishe <i>o</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Dog</td>

-    <td><i>Gee ah</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Dish</td>

-    <td><i>Cud gee</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Day</td>

-    <td>U<i>daugh</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Drink</td>

-    <td><i>Nig</i> ge ah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Dark</td>

-    <td>U <i>dagh</i> sin <i>di</i> go</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Do you want it</td>

-    <td><i>Ees</i> no wees</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Earth</td>

-    <td>U en <i>jau</i> dy</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Elk</td>

-    <td>Je <i>naun</i> de</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Eel</td>

-    <td>Con <i>taa</i> na</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Eat</td>

-    <td><i>Sutte</i> coo nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Eye</td>

-    <td><i>Ka haa</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Ear</td>

-    <td><i>Woun</i> tah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Evening, or sun down</td>

-    <td><i>Ono</i> gagh qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Father</td>

-    <td><i>Hau</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Field</td>

-    <td>K ion <i>to</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Farmer</td>

-    <td>E <i>yeant</i> has</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fox</td>

-    <td>O nung <i>quat</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fish</td>

-    <td>Kin <i>jugh</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fire</td>

-    <td>O <i>gish</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Flour or meal</td>

-    <td>Tee <i>sah</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fruit</td>

-    <td>O <i>yah</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Flea</td>

-    <td>Te <i>was</i> en <i>tas</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fine day</td>

-    <td>O <i>we see</i> ah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fire-fly</td>

-    <td>Gish te <i>noch</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>God, or Great Spirit</td>

-    <td>How <i>wau</i> ne au</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Grandmother</td>

-    <td>Uc <i>sute</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Good</td>

-    <td>Scoss</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Grist-mill</td>

-    <td>Cau <i>thish</i> e <i>o</i> ne</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Gnat</td>

-    <td>O gaw <i>whont</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Gun</td>

-    <td>Ca <i>u</i> da</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Greedy</td>

-    <td><i>Dus</i> ki hau sy</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Gift</td>

-    <td><i>Ska</i> no</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>House</td>

-    <td>Con ne <i>sute</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Horse</td>

-    <td>Con <i>don</i> nah que</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hungry</td>

-    <td>A <i>dus</i> swa dau nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>High</td>

-    <td><i>Eait</i> kah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Here in this place</td>

-    <td><i>Nich</i> hooh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Him or her</td>

-    <td>Au <i>whau</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hear</td>

-    <td>Gut <i>hoon</i> dy</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Happy</td>

-    <td><i>Ska</i> no <i>so</i> ne <i>to</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hat or cap</td>

-    <td>Kah <i>e quay</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hand</td>

-    <td>Kas <i>chuch</i> tah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Half</td>

-    <td>Sut te <i>wau so</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>How many</td>

-    <td><i>Ton</i> ne yu</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>How many miles</td>

-    <td><i>Ton</i> ne <i>yute</i> cot ho</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hawk</td>

-    <td><i>Swin</i> go <i>dau</i> ge au</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Have you any, &amp;c.</td>

-    <td><i>Goih</i> yah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Indians</td>

-    <td>A <i>gue</i> o we</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Indian corn</td>

-    <td>O ne <i>ah</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>If</td>

-    <td>Cow a <i>nee</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I myself</td>

-    <td>Ee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I don’t know</td>

-    <td>Te <i>quaw</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I think</td>

-    <td>E <i>we</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Island</td>

-    <td><i>Cow</i> we <i>naut</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Iron</td>

-    <td>Con ne <i>u sah</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Ice</td>

-    <td>O <i>we</i> sa</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I don’t understand</td>

-    <td>Te <i>gunk</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I want it</td>

-    <td><i>Ic</i> no wees</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I am going now</td>

-    <td><i>Ono</i> se <i>gogh</i> tan dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Iron pot</td>

-    <td>Te <i>quosh</i> e naute</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>King</td>

-    <td><i>Co</i> wa <i>co</i> a</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Kettle</td>

-    <td>Can <i>naun</i> jau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Knife</td>

-    <td>Ka <i>gun</i> ne au sau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Land</td>

-    <td><i>U</i> aun <i>ja</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Louse</td>

-    <td><i>Gee</i> no <i>e</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Lonesome</td>

-    <td>A <i>goon</i> date</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Lake, or sea</td>

-    <td>Con nu <i>di</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Lie</td>

-    <td>Sun noo <i>aunt</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Large</td>

-    <td>Go <i>wau</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Long ago</td>

-    <td>O <i>nuch</i> chee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Little, or small</td>

-    <td>Nee <i>wau</i>, or <i>wis</i> too</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Little while ago</td>

-    <td><i>Wau</i> gee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Linen</td>

-    <td>Con ne <i>ga</i> un sah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">117</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Like this</td>

-    <td><i>Sau</i> gat</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Log</td>

-    <td>Can <i>hagh</i> tau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Man or male</td>

-    <td>Can <i>gee</i> nah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Mother</td>

-    <td><i>No</i> yegh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Many</td>

-    <td>Con <i>nong</i> gee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Much</td>

-    <td>We <i>sue</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Meat</td>

-    <td>Au <i>wagh</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Mosquito</td>

-    <td>Ge ne <i>au</i> da sa</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Mush</td>

-    <td><i>Gis</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Mountain</td>

-    <td>Non on <i>dau</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Mile</td>

-    <td><i>Yute</i> cot hoo</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Money</td>

-    <td>O <i>wish</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Merry, or pleased</td>

-    <td><i>Oon dut</i> ca dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Milk</td>

-    <td><i>Nung</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Moon</td>

-    <td>Gagh qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Mouth</td>

-    <td>Kish e <i>gaen</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Morning</td>

-    <td>Se <i>tugh</i> ge au</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Make it</td>

-    <td><i>Shish</i> she <i>o</i> ne</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>New town</td>

-    <td>Can na da <i>say</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Noon</td>

-    <td>Gick ne <i>gah</i> quaw</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>No</td>

-    <td>Tah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Now</td>

-    <td>Nay <i>wau</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Not many</td>

-    <td><i>Tanty</i> co <i>nong</i> gee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Not much</td>

-    <td><i>Tanty</i> we <i>sue</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Not</td>

-    <td>Tanty</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Nose</td>

-    <td>Ka kan <i>dah</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Nonsense, trifling, &amp;c.</td>

-    <td><i>Gish</i> nit</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One month</td>

-    <td><i>Swa</i> no dock</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Owl</td>

-    <td><i>E he</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Old</td>

-    <td>Caw <i>cuch</i> gee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Over the river</td>

-    <td>Ska <i>hoon</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>On this side</td>

-    <td>Caw <i>oo</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Philadelphia</td>

-    <td>Ca ne <i>di</i> an go au</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pittsburg</td>

-    <td>Taun <i>too</i> ga</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pig</td>

-    <td><i>Quees</i> quees</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Provisions</td>

-    <td>A <i>den</i> a sah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Potatoes</td>

-    <td><i>Non</i> nun dau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Plenty</td>

-    <td>Con <i>nong</i> gee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pipe</td>

-    <td>Se <i>guah</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pretty</td>

-    <td>We <i>u</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pheasant</td>

-    <td><i>Chuc</i> que <i>a</i> ne</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pigeons</td>

-    <td><i>Jah</i> go au</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Presently</td>

-    <td>A ge <i>quash</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>People</td>

-    <td><i>Ung</i> que</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Rain</td>

-    <td>Us <i>taun</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>River</td>

-    <td>Ka <i>hone</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Racoon</td>

-    <td>Jo <i>ah</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Rattlesnake</td>

-    <td>So <i>quant</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Right, or proper</td>

-    <td>Ty wi <i>ye</i> a</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Raining, or stormy</td>

-    <td>Onish wy <i>ate</i> kah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sea, or ocean</td>

-    <td><i>Ska</i> ne la te <i>co</i> ne</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Shoes, or sandals</td>

-    <td>At <i>tagh</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sun</td>

-    <td><i>Gagh</i> qua</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Squashes, &amp;c.</td>

-    <td>O <i>nuch</i> sha</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sheep</td>

-    <td><i>Te</i> de ne <i>gen</i> do</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Stone</td>

-    <td>Cos <i>quagh</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Spinning wheel</td>

-    <td>See in <i>yeah</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Saw mill</td>

-    <td>Con <i>nish</i> te o nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sick</td>

-    <td><i>Nonk</i> ta nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Strong</td>

-    <td>Cau <i>haus</i> tee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Star</td>

-    <td>O <i>gish</i> un da</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sit down</td>

-    <td>Sut <i>tee</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Snow</td>

-    <td>Cun ne <i>i</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Snow falling</td>

-    <td>U <i>gaun</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Spoon</td>

-    <td>At te <i>quot</i> sa</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>See, or look</td>

-    <td><i>Sut</i> cot <i>hoo</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Silver</td>

-    <td>O <i>wish</i> ta <i>no</i> e a</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Shut the door</td>

-    <td>Se ho <i>tong</i> goo</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Snipe</td>

-    <td>Te <i>ith</i> to we</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Shoemaker</td>

-    <td>At <i>taugh</i> qua <i>nee</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Susquehanna</td>

-    <td><i>Cau</i> wa ne <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i> ne</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Turkey</td>

-    <td>Os soo <i>aunt</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Thief</td>

-    <td><i>Nus qus</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Turnips</td>

-    <td><i>Uc</i> te au</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Town</td>

-    <td><i>Con</i> na da <i>go</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Tobacco</td>

-    <td><i>Yaun</i> gwa</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Turtle</td>

-    <td>Cun ne <i>wau</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>This</td>

-    <td><i>Nick</i> hoo</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Thou</td>

-    <td>Eece</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Tooth, or teeth</td>

-    <td>Ca <i>noo</i> jah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Tell it</td>

-    <td><i>Sat</i> hu e</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Talk</td>

-    <td><i>Gish</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>True, or truth</td>

-    <td><i>To gas</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>To-morrow</td>

-    <td>U <i>haut</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Uncle</td>

-    <td><i>Auh</i> no ze</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Ugly</td>

-    <td><i>Wy ate</i> u</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Verily, or very true</td>

-    <td><i>To</i> gas <i>neh</i> hue</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Very large</td>

-    <td><i>Agos</i> go <i>wan</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Very far</td>

-    <td><i>Way</i> uh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Winter</td>

-    <td>Ka <i>unch</i> neh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Water</td>

-    <td><i>Nick</i> a <i>noos</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Woods</td>

-    <td>Ca ha <i>da</i> go</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Wheat</td>

-    <td>O <i>naun</i> jah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Weeds</td>

-    <td>We <i>aah</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Wolf</td>

-    <td>Ty <i>o</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Wild geese</td>

-    <td>Hung <i>gawk</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Watch</td>

-    <td>Gah que <i>shawk</i> ta</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>White people</td>

-    <td>Hit <i>teen</i> yah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Warm</td>

-    <td><i>Di</i> u</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Warm day</td>

-    <td>Con <i>naa</i> no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">119</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Woman</td>

-    <td><i>Yee</i> uh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Wife</td>

-    <td><i>Yeak</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Wind</td>

-    <td><i>Ga haa</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Work</td>

-    <td>Sutte ye <i>dott</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Want. I want it, &amp;c.</td>

-    <td><i>Ick</i> no <i>eece</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Where</td>

-    <td><i>Cong</i> gwa</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Yonder</td>

-    <td><i>Ho</i> quaw</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>You</td>

-    <td><i>Eece</i> de jal</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Yes</td>

-    <td>Naye</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>You want it</td>

-    <td><i>Eece</i> no wees</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Year</td>

-    <td><i>Tush shate</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Yesterday</td>

-    <td><i>Tay</i> day</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <th colspan="2"><i>Names of some of the Indians, and their signification.</i></th>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Ki on <i>twa</i> ky</td>

-    <td>Cornplanter</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Te <i>ki</i> on da</td>

-    <td>A wager, or money staked</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Con ne <i>di</i> u</td>

-    <td>Hansom lake</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Neh ta <i>go</i> a</td>

-    <td>A large pine tree</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td><i>Waun</i> dung <i>guh</i> ta</td>

-    <td>Passed by</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sa go e <i>wah</i> ta</td>

-    <td>Keeper arise</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>O <i>gish</i> quat ta</td>

-    <td>Dried mush</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td><i>Tak</i> e wau sah</td>

-    <td>Go to war</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td><i>Twa</i> de ac</td>

-    <td>Broken gun</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td><i>Yeang</i> gwa haunt</td>

-    <td>Chew tobacco</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td><i>Ki</i> an <i>gwah</i> ta</td>

-    <td>Smoke</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <th colspan="2"><i>Numerical terms, &amp;c.</i></th>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One</td>

-    <td>Scote</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two</td>

-    <td><i>Tick</i> nee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three</td>

-    <td>Shaugh</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Four</td>

-    <td>Keah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Five</td>

-    <td>Wush</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Six</td>

-    <td>Yeah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Seven</td>

-    <td>Chaw tawk</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Eight</td>

-    <td>Tick <i>yugh</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Nine</td>

-    <td>Tugh tah</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Ten</td>

-    <td><i>Wush</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Twenty</td>

-    <td>Te <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Thirty</td>

-    <td>Sha ne <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Forty</td>

-    <td>Kea ne <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Fifty</td>

-    <td><i>Wush</i> ne was hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sixty</td>

-    <td>Yea ne <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Seventy</td>

-    <td>Chaw tawk ne <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Eighty</td>

-    <td>Tick yaugh ne <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Ninety</td>

-    <td>Tugh ta ne <i>was</i> hau</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One hundred, that is, ten times ten</td>

-    <td>Wush haw ne <i>was</i> haw, or scote de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two hundred</td>

-    <td>Te non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three hundred</td>

-    <td>Sha non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Four hundred</td>

-    <td>Keah non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i>, &amp;c. &amp;c.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120"> 120</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One dollar</td>

-    <td><i>Scow</i> wish taut</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two dollars</td>

-    <td>Te gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three dollars</td>

-    <td>Sha ne gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Four dollars</td>

-    <td>Kea ne gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay, &amp;c.</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One penny</td>

-    <td>Quin nish</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One shilling</td>

-    <td><i>Sco</i> ti on <i>shate</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two shillings</td>

-    <td>Te <i>gash</i> e on se gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three shillings</td>

-    <td>Sha ne <i>gash</i> e on se gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One yard</td>

-    <td>Tu we <i>naut</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two yards</td>

-    <td><i>Tic</i> ne ju we <i>non</i> gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three yards</td>

-    <td><i>Sha</i> ne ju we <i>non</i> gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One pound</td>

-    <td>Cau <i>goon</i> sate</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two pounds</td>

-    <td>Tich ne cou <i>goon</i> se ga</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three pounds</td>

-    <td>Sha ne cou <i>goon</i> se ga</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One quart</td>

-    <td>Cus <i>saa</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two quarts</td>

-    <td>Tick ne cus <i>say</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three quarts</td>

-    <td>Shane cus <i>say</i> dee</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One day</td>

-    <td>Onish <i>shate</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two days</td>

-    <td>Te ne wa <i>nish</i> a gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three days</td>

-    <td>Sha ne wa <i>nish</i> a gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One month</td>

-    <td><i>Swa</i> ne dock</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two months</td>

-    <td>Te <i>wa</i> ne da gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three months</td>

-    <td>Sha ne wau ne da gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>One year</td>

-    <td>Tush <i>shate</i></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Two years</td>

-    <td>Te <i>ush</i> a gay</td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Three years</td>

-    <td>Sha ne <i>ush</i> a gay, &amp;c.</td>

-  </tr></table>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p class="hang"><i>The author not having an opportunity of examining the proof sheets, some typographical

-errors have occurred, especially in the Indian words&mdash;the following errata will be observed

-by the reader.</i></p>

-

-<p>Page 5, line 20 from top, before motives, insert the words <i>natives the</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Page 8, line 18 from bottom, for retaining read <i>retained</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Page 9, line 18 from top, read the following <i>speech</i> from.</p>

-

-<p>Page 29, line 14 from top, read Je <i>nuch</i> sha <i>da</i> go.</p>

-

-<p>Page 40, line 13 from top, for Memsies read <i>Munsies</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Page 42, line 6 from top, for Connedin read Co ne <i>di</i> u; and so through the book.</p>

-

-<p>Same page, line 4 from bottom, for government read <i>governor</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Page 47, line 7 from bottom, for Junesassa read <i>Tunesassa</i>; and so through the book.</p>

-

-<p>Page 54, line 20 from bottom, for nation read <i>natives</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Page 80, line 19 from bottom, read the chief warrior’s <i>son</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Page 110, line 16 from top, for nations read <i>natives</i>.</p>

-

-<p>Same page, line 3 from bottom, for in, read <i>to</i> the United States.</p>

-

-<p>Page 111, line 20 from top, for Harkey read <i>Harvey</i>.</p>

-

-

-<div class="footnotes">

-

-<h2 id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES:</h2>

-

-<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>

-

-<div class="footnote">

-

-<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">1</a>

- Alluding to an ineffectual attempt made during the war in 1793, when six Friends,

-as before stated, attended with the commissioners of the United States.</p></div>

-

-<div class="footnote">

-

-<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">2</a>

- A British agent for Indian affairs resident in Canada.</p></div>

-

-<div class="footnote">

-

-<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">3</a>

- I apprehend there is some mistake in the account given, of the quantity of land

-possessed by Cornplanter. By the act of assembly, it appears six hundred acres was

-the quantity located at that place.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ed.</span></p></div></div>

-

-<div class="transnote">

-

-<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>

-

-<p>Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.</p>

-</div>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

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+    Civilization of the Indian Natives; or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania, by Halliday Jackson.
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55063 ***</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="transnote">
+<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>
+
+<p>The corrections in the errata on page 120 have been incorporated into the original.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">1</span></p>
+
+<h1>
+<span class="x-large">CIVILIZATION</span><br />
+
+<small>OF THE</small><br />
+
+INDIAN NATIVES;<br />
+
+<small>OR,</small><br />
+
+<span class="antiqua">A Brief View</span><br />
+
+<span class="large">OF THE FRIENDLY CONDUCT</span><br />
+
+<small>OF</small><br />
+
+WILLIAM PENN<br />
+
+<small>TOWARDS THEM</small><br />
+
+<span class="medium">IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA;</span><br />
+
+<span class="large table"><i>The subsequent care of the Society of Friends in endeavouring to promote<br />
+peace and friendship with them by pacific measures</i>;</span><br />
+
+<span class="medium">AND</span><br />
+
+<span class="medium table"><i>A concise narrative of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, of<br />
+Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts adjacent, since the year<br />
+1795, in promoting their improvement</i></span><br />
+
+<span class="large">AND GRADUAL CIVILIZATION.</span><br />
+<img class="figcenter" src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" />
+<span class="large">BY HALLIDAY JACKSON.</span><br />
+<img class="figcenter" src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" />
+<span class="medium table">“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and
+they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”&mdash;<i>Isaiah</i> lxi. 4.</span><br />
+
+<img class="figcenter" src="images/colophon.jpg" alt="" /><br />
+
+<span class="large table"><i>PHILADELPHIA</i>:<br />
+<span class="medium">MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET.<br />
+<i>NEW YORK</i>;<br />
+ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET.</span><br />
+<br />
+1830</span></h1>
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">2</span></p>
+
+<h2 id="ADVERTISEMENT">ADVERTISEMENT.</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p>Our readers have, no doubt, perused with satisfaction the numbers which have
+appeared from time to time in this periodical, respecting the Seneca Indians&mdash;their
+habits, superstitions, &amp;c. The facts which these articles embraced, were rendered the
+more interesting, by the late difficulties which had been manifested between the
+United States, and several southern and western tribes, upon the subject of their
+lands, and the right by which they held them in possession.</p>
+
+<p>Since the conclusion of these interesting numbers, we have been favoured by the
+writer with a more enlarged and particular narration, respecting the situation of the
+Indians, in the early settlement of this country&mdash;in which a concise view is presented of
+the proceedings of William Penn, in relation to them at the period of the first settlement
+of Pennsylvania. A very particular description is also given of the proceedings of
+the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, &amp;c. touching the means
+adopted to increase their happiness, and improve their moral and physical condition.
+Many speeches, highly characteristic and beautiful, delivered by distinguished chiefs,
+in council, will be found interspersed through the narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Having concluded, in our last number, the works of <span class="smcap">William Shewen</span>, we think
+we cannot better occupy, for a few weeks, the pages heretofore devoted to that work,
+than by appropriating them to the interesting subject, of which the above is an outline,
+and which the writer has kindly given us permission to publish. It may then be preserved
+in the same manner as the works just completed, and will form a small but
+valuable book for all classes.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">3</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h2 id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p>Believing that some account of the measures pursued by the Society
+of Friends, towards the Indian natives, may prove an auxiliary in the
+cause of humanity, and probably interest the serious and benevolent
+mind in behalf of the aborigines of our country, whom we consider as
+children of one universal parent, who is no respecter of persons, but regards
+with equal care all nations, whether of a fair complexion or a tawny
+skin; I am, therefore, induced to believe that every thing relating to their
+history may prove interesting to posterity, when they shall be told that
+such a race of men, who may then have passed away, once inhabited
+this populous country. And having acquired considerable knowledge
+of some of the Indian tribes, and of the progress some of them have
+made in the arts of civilized life, I am induced to offer a concise view
+of the friendly intercourse that has subsisted between the society of
+Friends and the aborigines of our country, from the time the illustrious
+William Penn, and some of his cotemporaries first landed on the American
+shores, and exhibited to the world, the singular spectacle of establishing
+a new model of government, amidst a mixture of persons of different
+nations, and different civil and religious opinions, surrounded by savage
+tribes of Indians, without recourse to any coercive measures&mdash;which has
+since been the wonder and admiration of mankind.</p>
+
+<p>His great treaty, too, with the Indians, was also made without the
+solemnity of an oath, and has been immortalized as the only treaty, so
+made, that has never been broken.</p>
+
+<p>In most of the histories, in which we can trace the character of the
+Indian nations, we find them to abound either with romantic tales, or
+scenes of cruelty and barbarity, calculated to excite prejudice in the
+mind of the reader; but in this will be found the conciliating language
+of peace and mutual friendship, and a disposition on the part of the
+Indians, to exchange the tomahawk and scalping knife, for the plough
+and the hoe, and peacefully betake themselves to the innocent employments
+of the pastoral and agricultural life.</p>
+
+<p>Although the author has spent but a small portion of time in a personal
+residence among this people, in comparison with many others, yet
+he can acknowledge, that the short time devoted to that service embraced
+some of the happiest moments of his early life. For, although
+deprived of the social comforts of society, and far removed from all the
+near and tender connexions of his youthful days, yet from a full conviction
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">4</span>
+of the rectitude of the work, and the incalculable good, under
+the divine blessing, that might finally result to that people, the wilderness
+was often made as it were an Eden, and the desert as the garden
+of the Lord. “Joy and gladness was found therein, thanksgiving, and
+the voice of melody.”</p>
+
+<p>During the author’s residence among the natives, as well as on several
+visits since that period, he had a fair opportunity of noticing the gradual
+improvement of the Indians, in some of the arts of civilized life, by
+which he is enabled to furnish, he trusts, well authenticated accounts of
+the benefits which have resulted to that people from the benevolent
+exertions of the society of Friends. And, although these exertions may
+appear to be limited in their operation towards a reform, yet when we
+take into view the numerous tribes of Indians within and circumjacent
+to the United States, there is reason to hope, that the instruction already
+afforded to several tribes, and the advancement they have made in some
+of the most useful arts of civilized life, will have a stimulating influence
+on their more distant brethren.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h2 id="A_BRIEF_ACCOUNT_OF_THE_INDIANS_c">A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS, &amp;c.</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p>The benign spirit of the gospel, operating upon the benevolent mind
+of that eminently distinguished character William Penn, induced him,
+at the very commencement of the settlement of Pennsylvania, to cultivate,
+by the exercise of gentleness, kindness, and the love of peace, a
+good understanding with the natives; and in all his transactions with
+them, by scrupulously adhering to the law of universal righteousness,
+which dispenses justice to all, and infringes on the natural rights of none,
+he pursued the best means of establishing harmony between them and
+the new settlers, and thereby ensured their confidence and friendship.</p>
+
+<p>In a letter which he sent them by his deputy, previous to his arrival
+in America, dated Eighth month, 1681, he called their attention to the
+existence of a supremely good, <span class="smcap">all-wise Being</span>, and to his law written in
+the heart, by which men are taught to love, help, and do good, one to
+another; and briefly informed them respecting his grant from the king,
+and assured them that he desired to enjoy it with their love and consent,
+that they might always live together as neighbours and friends. Then,
+in allusion to some of the other settlements on this continent, which in
+too many instances having been marked with injustice and oppression,
+were followed by melancholy and distressing circumstances, he proceeded
+more at length to unfold to the natives the motives and principles, by which
+he was actuated towards them, adding: “The people I send are of the
+same mind, and if in any thing any shall offend you, or your people, you
+shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same, by an equal number
+of just men on both sides, that by no means you may have just occasion
+of being offended against them.”</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1682, William Penn first arrived in this country, and
+began to purchase land of the Indians, exemplifying the sincerity of his
+previous declarations, by giving them full satisfaction for every grant,
+accompanied with the best advice for promoting their comfort and
+happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Thus began that firm and lasting friendship with the natives, which
+continued during the life of William Penn, and with the religious society
+of which he was a member, for the space of seventy years; that is, as
+long as the society retained sufficient influence, effectually to interpose
+between the natives and the other inhabitants, so as to prevent misunderstandings,
+or to redress such grievances as occurred. A friendship
+which to this day remains unobliterated between the society of Friends
+and the Indians who have knowledge of them, and is a standing proof
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span>
+that the gentle and upright conduct inculcated by the gospel, as exemplified
+in the practice of William Penn, is a far more effectual means
+of preserving treaties inviolate, and insuring the permanent enjoyment
+of reciprocal benefits, than the system of violence, fraud, and oppression
+too frequently resorted to, on such occasions.</p>
+
+<p>By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives,
+the parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as
+brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs,
+ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which was
+not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.</p>
+
+<p>William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians,
+during his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious
+nature; and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the
+advice he gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard
+to justice so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them:
+hence, the name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do
+the society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with
+much veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be
+advanced as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent
+behaviour of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude,
+but the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have
+on the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in
+the early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an
+entire wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a
+scanty supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the
+new settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining
+food&mdash;but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were much
+alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in supplying their
+necessities; not only extending their beneficence to those of the society
+of Friends, but generally to such as were under the patronage of William
+Penn&mdash;thereby evincing towards them the genuine spirit of hospitality&mdash;frequently
+visiting them in their houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly excluded
+from the proprietory agency to which the management of Indian
+affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians became
+corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of their
+lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in some of the
+tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of Pennsylvania.
+Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered, in consequence
+of a war which continued for several years. But notwithstanding
+the diminished influence which the society of Friends now possessed
+in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties with the Indians,
+they did not relax their endeavours to improve every opportunity of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span>
+cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and promoting a peaceable
+disposition; for which purpose they formed an association among
+themselves, denominated the “friendly association for gaining and preserving
+peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”</p>
+
+<p>To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to the
+amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the governor’s
+permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such a
+discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating
+demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to
+have a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace;
+which desirable event took place in 1775.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the
+United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the
+Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the purpose
+of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly Meeting,
+believed it right to address congress on the occasion, thereby showing
+the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had heretofore
+been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and friendship with
+the original owners of the soil for the settlement of existing differences:
+at the same time, suggesting that if their religious instruction and
+civilization were rightly promoted, it might essentially contribute to
+conciliate the minds of the Indians, and restore harmony between the
+contending parties. Although the representation was well received, the
+measures recommended were not then adopted, and the calamities of
+war still continuing to prevail on the western frontiers of the states, the
+Yearly Meeting held in 1792, appointed a large committee to unite with
+the former, (commonly called the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate
+on the momentous subject, and, if practicable, to recommend such measures
+as would be most likely to promote peace and friendship with the
+Indian tribes, and thereby prevent the further effusion of human blood.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited
+Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the
+United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be
+held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these
+Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some
+Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they
+represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from
+their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence to
+the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In accordance
+with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace, the
+proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to accompany
+the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion, after
+having obtained the president’s approbation.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span></p>
+
+<p>These Friends were present at several interviews with the commissioners,
+and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand council
+composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many different
+nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the minds
+of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the several
+subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied with the
+conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of peace, the
+treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in having an
+interview with the Indians in general council. They had, however,
+reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted with
+their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient attachment
+to the society was measurably renewed.</p>
+
+<p>Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the representatives
+of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at Canandaigua,
+in the state of New York, and government approving the same,
+four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable address
+was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in the language
+of the address,) for you the descendants of the first inhabitants of this
+land of America, whom our forefathers found here after they had
+crossed the great waters.”</p>
+
+<p>About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion, and
+these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of endeavouring
+to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to be derived
+from living in peace with one another, and with all men, and with
+the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that they might
+draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still retained
+a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their forefathers
+met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued to
+distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his
+descendants, expressing that if <i>we</i> deceived them they should no more
+place confidence in mankind.</p>
+
+<p>The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable
+adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established
+between these nations and the United States.</p>
+
+<p>During this visit, many of the difficulties and sufferings to which the
+Indians were subjected, were brought into view, and their situation
+appeared loudly to claim the sympathy of those who had grown opulent
+on the former inheritance of these poor declining people. Hence these
+Friends suggested the propriety of the society of Friends, pursuing some
+plan of rendering them more essential service than had hitherto been
+rendered.</p>
+
+<p>Again in 1795, a treaty was held with some of the western tribes of
+Indians, and, although Friends did not send a deputation to attend it,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span>
+they nevertheless, forwarded a suitable address, calculated to evince
+their love of peace, and ardent desire for the restoration of harmony
+between the Indians and the government of the United States. This
+letter was accompanied by suitable presents, directed to the care of
+General Anthony Wayne, who informed Friends that they were
+gratefully received by the Indians, and also, that there now was the
+fairest prospect of a lasting peace and friendly intercourse between
+the citizens of the United States, and the aborigines of America.</p>
+
+<p>Peace accordingly once more took place between the United States
+and the Indians, after many years of war and devastation; but this cessation
+of hostilities was purchased, on behalf of the Indians, by the relinquishment
+of a large tract of their country north-west of the river
+Ohio, and they were also otherwise left in a poor and destitute situation.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to this period, several of the Indians’ chiefs had, in a pathetic
+manner, applied to the society of Friends to remember them in their
+distressed situation, and also to instruct them in the modes of civilized
+life.</p>
+
+<p>The following speech, from Gay-us-hu-ta, an ancient chief of the Seneca
+nation, on the borders of Pennsylvania, is worthy of preserving on record:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the sons of my beloved brother Onas&mdash;When I was young
+and strong, our country was full of game, which the great spirit sent for
+us to live upon. The lands which belonged to us, were extended far beyond
+where we hunted. I, and the people of my nation, always had
+plenty to eat, and always something to give to our friends when they
+entered our cabins, and we rejoiced when they received it from us.
+Hunting was then not tiresome. It was diversion&mdash;it was a pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when your fathers asked land of my nation, we gave it to
+them&mdash;Gay-us-hu-ta was always among the first to say, “Give land to
+our brother Onas, for he wants it&mdash;and he has always been a friend
+to Onas and his children.”</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, your fathers saw Gay-us-hu-ta when he was young, when
+he had not even thought of old age or of weakness&mdash;but you are too
+far off to see him now&mdash;he is grown old, he is very old and feeble, and
+he wonders at his own shadow, it has become so little. He has no children
+to take care of him, and the game is driven away by the white
+people, so that the young men must hunt all day to get game for themselves
+to eat&mdash;they have nothing left for Gay-us-hu-ta. And it is not
+Gay-us-hu-ta only that is become old and feeble; there yet remains
+about thirty men of your old friends, who, unable to provide for themselves,
+or to help one another, are become poor, and are hungry and
+naked.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, Gay-us-hu-ta sends you a belt, which he received long
+ago from your fathers, and a writing which he received but as yesterday
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span>
+from one of you; by these you will remember him and the old friends
+of your father’s in this nation. Look on this belt and this writing, and
+if you remember the old friends of your fathers, consider their former
+friendship and their present distress, and if the good spirit shall put it
+into your hearts to comfort them in their old age, do not disregard his
+counsel. We are men, and therefore need only tell you, that we are
+old and feeble, and hungry, and naked, and that we have no other
+friends but you, the children of our beloved brother Onas.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Cornplanter,
+a chief of the same nation, to Friends in the year 1791.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the great spirit intends they
+should not continue to live by hunting, and they look round on every
+side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them
+to do. Your fathers dealt honestly with our fathers, and they have engaged
+us to remember it: we wish our children to be taught the same
+principles by which your fathers were guided.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach
+our children what we perceive their situation requires them to know.
+We wish them to be taught to read and write, and such other things as
+you teach your children, especially the love of peace.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Two Friends visited some of the Indians of the Delaware nation near
+Muskinghum, in the year 1793. The following is a speech of one of
+their chiefs named Neet-wot-willimon, on the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are glad, and rejoice in our hearts to see our brothers,
+the Quakers, speaking before us&mdash;we feel the grace that is in your
+hearts conveyed to us, and we wish to be of the same religion, but we
+are poor, and weak, and not capable of judging for ourselves&mdash;we hope
+you will have pity upon us, and instruct us how to gain a more comfortable
+living&mdash;and, also, how we may come to obtain everlasting happiness:
+when we think of our poor children, our hearts are affected with
+sorrow&mdash;we hope you will send us teachers.”</p>
+
+<p>These circumstances, together with the remembrance of the kindness
+of the natives to the early settlers in this country, continued to interest
+the feelings of the society of Friends in their behalf, and from motives
+of religious obligation, the Yearly Meeting, held in Philadelphia in the
+Ninth month, 1795, appointed a large committee for the special purpose
+of promoting the improvement and gradual civilization of the Indian
+natives, in such a way and manner, as would best tend to meliorate their
+condition; and to render an account annually to the Yearly Meeting of
+their progress therein. This committee promoted liberal subscriptions
+through the society&mdash;appointed a clerk and treasurer, and held stated
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span>
+meetings to deliberate on such measures, as, under the divine blessing,
+might best promote the real welfare of these inhabitants of the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>In order more fully to learn the disposition of the several tribes of
+Indians bordering on the state of Pennsylvania, it was an early object
+with the committee, to address to them a circular letter, informing
+them of the objects the society had in view for their benefit&mdash;and also
+therein communicating much salutary advice and counsel; which letter
+was also accompanied by one from Timothy Pickering, then secretary
+of state, in which he expresses a hearty co-operation with the views and
+plans of the committee, and the necessity of the Indians’ gradually declining
+their former modes of procuring sustenance, and betaking themselves
+to the cultivation of the soil, and raising domestic animals.</p>
+
+<p>In his letter he says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Brothers, I have the great pleasure to inform you, that your
+good friends, the Quakers, have formed a wise plan to show your young
+men and boys the most useful practices of the white people. They will
+choose some prudent, good men to instruct them. These good men will
+do this, only from the love they bear to you, their fellow men, and children
+of the Great Spirit whom they desire to please, and who will be
+pleased with the good they do to you.</p>
+
+<p>“The Quakers, and the good men they employ, will ask nothing from
+you, neither land, nor money, nor skins, nor furs, for all the good they
+will render to you. They will request only your consent, and the attention
+of the young men and boys to learn what will be so useful.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, if this first attempt succeed, the way will be open in which
+your young people may learn other useful practices of the white people,
+so as to enable them to supply all their own wants; and such as
+choose it, may learn to read and write.</p>
+
+<p>“Having thus explained to you the plan of your friends the Quakers,
+I conclude, with heartily recommending it to your adoption, as better
+calculated to procure lasting and essential benefits to your nation, than
+any plan ever before attempted.</p>
+
+<p>“Wishing it great success, I remain your friend and brother,</p>
+
+<p class="author">
+“<span class="smcap">Timothy Pickering</span>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Philadelphia, February 15, 1796.</i>”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Timothy Pickering also wrote to the superintendent of the six nations,
+and to the interpreter for the United States, requesting them to
+prepare the minds of the Indians for the intended plan formed by the
+society of Friends, to introduce among them some of the necessary arts
+of civil life. Those letters were explained to various tribes of Indians,
+who generally expressed their approbation of the measures proposed.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span></p>
+
+<p>The Oneidas, however, and those Indians settled on the Oneida reservation,
+comprehending the Stockbridges&mdash;and a part of the Tuscaroras,
+near the sources of the Mohawk river, in the state of New York,
+were most solicitous to co-operate with Friends in the intended experiment
+for a reform in the Indian mode of life.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of the year 1796, three young men, who offered their
+services to spend some time in the instruction of the natives, were accompanied
+by four of the committee into the Oneida country, and provided
+with implements of husbandry, carpenters’ and smiths’ tools, and
+other necessary accommodations. The Indians received them with joyful
+countenances, and gave them a hearty welcome to their villages. Their
+first council was held with the Stockbridges. These Indians are not of
+the six nations. They were said to consist of about sixty families, and
+three hundred individuals; and possessed upwards of twenty-three thousand
+acres of land, which had been given to them by the Oneida nation.
+They had a saw-mill, three carts, three pair of good working oxen, and
+some other things, which they enjoyed in common; but, in general,
+possessed their improvements and other fruits of their industry as private
+property; and little appeared to be wanting, but a spirit of industry,
+frugality, and sobriety, to make their situation comfortable. After
+giving them such advice as their situation required, Friends held a
+general council with the Oneidas, about four miles distant from the
+Stockbridge settlement. Here they fully explained the nature of their
+embassy, and endeavoured to impress the Indians with the necessity of
+a change in their manner of life, and the means whereby it might be
+accomplished, if they became industrious, cultivated their land, and
+raised cattle, sheep, and other domestic animals&mdash;also, that their women
+should learn to spin, knit, and manufacture their clothing.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians appeared well satisfied with the offer that had been
+made them, and the prospect of the young men staying among them to
+assist them. The women, especially, who had great reason to coincide
+with the views of Friends in this business, appeared to be well satisfied;
+for in proportion to the rude and uncultivated state of these people, are
+the hardships of their women increased; they having most of the
+drudgery to perform; such as hoeing corn, chopping wood, carrying
+burthens, &amp;c. while their men are sporting with their bows and arrows,
+and other similar diversions.</p>
+
+<p>It was supposed the Oneidas at this time possessed about two hundred
+and forty square miles of land. They were, in number, about six hundred
+and twenty. They had a saw-mill, built by government, and a
+considerable number of cattle, horses, and some working oxen. With
+these, and their annuities from the government, they might, with a
+proper application on their part, have become good livers, abounding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span>
+in the necessary comforts of life. But such were their excessive indolence,
+want of economy, and love of strong drink, that instead of improving
+the means in their power to make themselves comfortable, they
+were poor and wretched; and many of them, a great part of the year,
+almost reduced to a state of starvation. The little corn and other
+produce the women raised with their hoes, were frequently bartered for
+strong drink. The evil effects of this practice, Friends were particularly
+concerned to remark, in their councils; and some exertions were
+said to have been used by their chiefs, to prevent strong liquor from
+being sold in their villages.</p>
+
+<p>Friends also had a council with the Brotherton Indians, about nine
+miles from the Stockbridges, composed of fifty-six families, and possessed
+of about nine thousand nine hundred acres of land. They also
+had a saw-mill, and a considerable number of cattle and other animals.
+They also had an interview with a smaller tribe of the Tuscaroras,
+who lived on the Oneida’s land, and furnished them with some goods,
+and implements of husbandry, encouraging them to industry, and sober
+habits, whereby they might partake plentifully of the blessings of the
+Great Spirit. They had further satisfactory interviews with the Stockbridge
+Indians, and in addition to the implements of husbandry they
+had given them, presented them with a set of smiths’ tools. At the close
+of their communications, an old chief replied to them as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I am glad to see you, in my heart, and to hear your good
+words&mdash;you use us just like a father&mdash;I am old&mdash;have lost all my family&mdash;and
+cannot live many days&mdash;but all this spring, I think the Great
+Spirit will send me some comfort in my trouble&mdash;but nobody say any
+thing to me, till now, you are come,&mdash;I wish I was young, then I would
+do what you say&mdash;I will go and see your young men at Oneida, every
+two or three days, and tell our young men how you do.”</p>
+
+<p>The principal chief of the nation, on behalf of the rest, expressed
+much satisfaction for the kind offers Friends had made them, especially
+for the smiths’ tools; stating that they had suffered much for the want
+of them, having had to go many miles, and sometimes lose many days, to
+get one link of a chain mended.</p>
+
+<p>The committee who accompanied the young men, now having spent
+near a month in the Indian country, and having obtained a house to
+accommodate them, and got satisfactory arrangements made between
+them and the Indians, set out homewards. On their way, about thirty
+miles westward of Oneida, they called to see a small tribe of the Onondaga
+Indians. They were about one hundred and thirty-five in number,
+and possessed about twelve thousand eight hundred acres of good
+land, but were in a poor and miserable condition, spending their time in
+idleness, and much given to intemperance; even pawning the blankets
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span>
+they received from government, for liquor, before they got them home.
+Friends had an interview with them, and endeavoured to impress them
+with the necessity of a change in their manner of life, and the advantage
+that would arise from habits of industry and sobriety; letting them
+know that they were willing to help them a little, but that their main
+object was to get them to help themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They also visited a small tribe of the Cayuga Indians, about seventy
+miles westward from Oneida, said to be about sixty in number, in a
+similar situation to the Onondagas. To these the committee promised
+to send some implements of husbandry, which were afterwards furnished
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The three young men now stationed at Oneida, began to set before
+the natives an example of industry, and to use endeavours to promote
+in them a like disposition; but they, being unaccustomed to labour, and
+naturally averse to habits of industry, continued in their former pursuits.
+Friends then improved a piece of land, without assistance from the natives,
+hoping some of them would be induced to follow their example.
+They also repaired and worked a saw-mill, belonging to the Oneidas,
+and instructed several of the Indians in the knowledge of sawing.</p>
+
+<p>In the fall of this year, one of the young men returned home, and
+another who offered his services, went forward to that station.</p>
+
+<p>The ensuing winter, Friends opened a school for the instruction of
+the children, and an Indian, qualified by an education in New England,
+taught the Stockbridge children, and was allowed a salary by Friends
+for several years.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1797, but little improvement was made by the Oneida
+Indians. Sickness prevailed among them, which Friends did not wholly
+escape. One of the young men went to distribute some implements of
+husbandry, &amp;c. among the Onondaga, and Cayuga Indians, and to encourage
+them to apply themselves to the use of them, earnestly recommending
+them to sobriety and industry, as the only means of promoting
+their happiness. For while they remained in habits of idleness and
+drunkenness, they would be poor and miserable. They were grateful
+for the presents received, and promised to apply themselves to the use
+of them; but said, that “drinking rum, and getting drunk they were not
+able to keep from, because it was running all round them; that they
+lived on an island, and the white people gave them drams, and then
+they craved more, so that they thought it was impossible to leave it off,
+they had been so long accustomed to it; but they were in hopes the
+young people would learn better.”</p>
+
+<p>In the fore part of this summer, the Oneida Indians, as was their
+usual custom, (to supply themselves with food, being urged thereto by
+necessity,) went on an expedition, about twenty miles, to the other side
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span>
+of the Oneida lake, after young pigeons. These they caught in great
+abundance, and after salting them in bark troughs, brought them home
+to their villages.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month, this year, another of the young men returned
+from the Oneida settlement, by whom the principal chiefs of that nation
+addressed a letter to the committee, expressive of their gratitude for
+the favours received, and their satisfaction with the conduct of the
+young man who had resided among them.</p>
+
+<p>The Sachems of the Stockbridge nation also sent a letter, from which
+the following is extracted:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends, attend. We the Sachems and counsellors of
+the Mohikonick or Stockbridge nation, send our voice to you. We feel
+rejoiced that the great, good Spirit, has put such light and love in your
+hearts, and influenced your minds to such a degree, as to have compassionate
+feelings towards us, the natives of this island. We ever have
+felt the gladness on our hearts, to find and see with our own eyes, that
+you have not only spoke good words from your lips, but have been doers
+of the good work&mdash;you have extended your charity towards us in this
+wilderness. You have taken the pains to come up, year ago last summer&mdash;you
+have sat with us in council, you have given us many good councils&mdash;you
+have raised our heads which were hung down&mdash;you have
+directed our eyes to see the good path of life&mdash;you have put tools on
+our hands&mdash;you have hung a good kettle by the side of our fire-place,
+whereby our food may be cooked without any trouble&mdash;you have even
+put a good staff into the hands of our children&mdash;that they may be enabled
+to learn the path that leads to good life, and indeed you have done
+much good for us. By these means we have been enabled to avoid
+many difficulties&mdash;our young men are greatly encouraged, and our old
+men comforted.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope that in a future day, you will rejoice, that what
+you have done for us was not in vain. The kindness which you have
+done to us is by this time sounded in the ears of our allies, the different
+nations towards the setting sun; for it was the custom of our forefathers,
+when any thing was done for them by the white people&mdash;all
+their friends and allies must know of it.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">
+Signed by six Chiefs.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dated New Stockbridge, 9th mo. 1797.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>A desire was expressed by the Indians, that some of their daughters
+might be brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia to receive
+instruction. Accordingly six girls, aged from nine to eighteen years were
+received, and placed in the families of Friends in Chester county, to be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span>
+instructed in school-learning, and the usual branches of housewifery
+and domestic economy, where some of them remained several years.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of the year 1798, (in order to induce the Indians to
+labour,) a proposition was made to hire some of them to assist in improving
+the land allotted for a farm; but they were so irregular in
+working, that the plan was abandoned. Some days nearly thirty would
+come to work, and on other days, scarcely one was to be had. They
+therefore engaged a number of lads and young men whom they boarded,
+and allowed a reasonable compensation for their services.</p>
+
+<p>At this time some improvement had taken place. Many of the Indian
+men would assist their wives in working their little lots of land; but they
+experienced some difficulty from the want of a blacksmith, to make
+and repair their tools. A Friend, however, well qualified to instruct
+them in this business, offered his services, who, with his wife, and another
+female, desirous of spending some time in the instruction of the
+Indian women, proceeded to that settlement, and were usefully engaged
+in the benevolent object of improving the condition of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>In the Seventh month, this year, this settlement was visited by two
+of the committee, who assisted the Friends there, in making some arrangements
+with the Indians relative to the smith’s business, and otherwise
+imparting suitable encouragement to them in regard to the cultivation
+of their land.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, and for some time previous, (probably instigated by
+the evil insinuations of some designing white men,) some of the Indians
+had manifested suspicions of the sincerity of Friends’ views. They
+knew that the improvement made on their land, and the various tools
+and implements of husbandry furnished them by Friends, must have
+cost a great deal of money, and they had not been witnesses of any instance,
+where white people had come forward in such a manner to
+assist Indians, but, sooner or later an interested motive discovered itself&mdash;therefore,
+some had fear that it was intended to make a permanent
+establishment, and lay claim to a part of their land. And indeed when
+we advert to the many impositions practised upon this much injured
+people, by those who have gone among them, under the character of
+missionaries, and religious instructors, we cannot much marvel that this
+should be the case.</p>
+
+<p>Friends, however, expostulated with them on various subjects, relative
+to their improvement, and reminded them of their ungrateful surmises
+and whisperings in this respect&mdash;and told them, that they had
+never asked any of their land&mdash;they never should&mdash;nor would they
+take it, if offered to them&mdash;and that they had no other inducement
+for staying among them, spending their time and their money, but their
+own good.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p>
+
+<p>In their reply to Friends, the Indians, by way of apology, mention&mdash;“There
+are some had people, who have spoke against you, that you
+had a design to take away our land; and sometimes when our minds
+were not right, we believed such talk&mdash;and this made us feel very ugly&mdash;but
+now we are convinced, and sorry we believed such things. We
+are satisfied that you are a true people, and we will continue to be of
+that mind.”</p>
+
+<p>This visit seemed (to use the Indian term,) to brighten the chain of
+friendship; and the prospect of improvement assumed a more encouraging
+appearance. A comfortable dwelling house and barn were built
+this year, and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed
+in cultivating the farm. A large quantity of grain, hay, and vegetables
+were raised&mdash;affording ample proof to the natives, of the beneficial effects
+of cultivating the soil.</p>
+
+<p>Several of them, also, acquired considerable knowledge of the blacksmith’s
+business, and many of their young women and girls received
+instruction in spinning, knitting, sewing, and other domestic affairs,
+and some progress was made in their school learning.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1799, a more encouraging prospect of success, in
+improving the condition of the Indians, was apparent. Several of the
+Indian men improved lots of land for their own benefit, which they
+sowed with wheat, and other grain. The smith’s business continued to
+be attended to by them, and Friends, with the aid of the Indians, continued
+to work their farms; nor were their exertions, either this or any
+former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as opportunities
+for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to the various
+parts of the Indian settlements, and afforded assistance in as many ways,
+as the necessities of the natives required.</p>
+
+<p>As the Indians at this place had now obtained sufficient instruction
+to enable them, by proper application, to procure a comfortable living,
+it was concluded by Friends, that the time was drawing near, when it
+might be right to withdraw from them, and to convince the Indians of
+their disinterested motives, by leaving all their improvements, tools, and
+implements of husbandry for their own use and benefit; and with a view
+of making this arrangement, four of the committee visited the settlement
+in the Ninth month this year. After viewing the progress made
+by the Indians in the agricultural art, and also finding that two of them
+had acquired the knowledge of the blacksmith’s business, so fully as to
+be likely to answer all the work the natives might stand in need of, and
+others having applied themselves to the use of carpenter’s tools, so as
+to be capable of building good houses, barns, and making ploughs, harrows,
+and many other implements of husbandry, it appeared that very
+little was wanting but application on their part, to put themselves in a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span>
+way of living comfortably, and of procuring or raising in a plentiful degree,
+most of the necessaries of life.</p>
+
+<p>Friends now had a free and open conference with the Indians, on the
+subject of relinquishing that settlement, and told them, as they had at
+the first, that they came not among them to make them presents that
+would soon slide away, but to teach them some of the useful practices
+of the white people; that they had now set before them a clear example,
+and showed them what a great deal of produce for the support of
+life, might be raised from a small piece of land; and expressed a hope
+they would take their advice, and follow the example they had set
+before them, informing them that there were a great many more of
+their Indian brethren that stood in need of assistance and instruction&mdash;and
+hoped they would be satisfied with what was already done for them.</p>
+
+<p>To the communications of Friends on this occasion, an ancient chief,
+Skenandoah, made the following reply, on behalf of the nation:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brother Onas attend. We know you told us you came not amongst
+us to make us presents that would soon wear away, but to stay some
+time&mdash;to instruct us how to gain a comfortable living, by tilling the
+ground, as the white people do. Now you have staid the time you proposed,
+and have fulfilled all your engagements to our nation, and we
+shall follow the good example you have set before us, which we know
+would be of lasting benefit to us; and we thankfully acknowledge your
+kindness, having never heard of any people who have done so much
+for Indians, without any view of advantage to themselves&mdash;which is a
+convincing proof to us that you are our real friends. And we are glad
+the good spirit has put it into your minds to assist others of our Indian
+brethren, in learning the same good way of living, for which we also
+thank you, as well as for the good advice you gave us about strong
+drink; and we will try all we can to persuade our young men to do
+better.</p>
+
+<p>“And now Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you,
+we wish you would tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for
+now we know you are a true people, and we will keep this writing
+and tell our young men and children every year, that they may always
+remember your friendship.”</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of the year, the Friends at Oneida having made the
+necessary arrangements about the distribution of the property, which
+consisted of between two and three hundred bushels of grain, a quantity
+of hay, a cow, a number of hogs, a cart, ploughs, harrows, carpenter’s
+and smith’s tools, household and kitchen furniture, all for the benefit of
+the Indians, they had a parting conference with them, when they
+presented them with the following address in writing.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers of the Oneida nation. We are now about to leave you,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span>
+and return to our respective homes. We desire to speak to you in a
+few words. You know it is more than three years since your friends,
+the people called Quakers, have been endeavouring to assist and instruct
+you how to gain a comfortable living, by cultivating your land,
+and some of us who are here, have left our near connexions and friends
+in order to be useful to your nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Brothers, we have set before you a clear example, how to till
+your land, so as to raise plenty of wheat, and other good things for your
+support. We wish you, therefore, to improve the opportunity, by which
+means you may come to live happy and plentifully by the fruits of your
+own industry and care. We have often told you that we want nothing
+from you for all our trouble and expense, but the improvement of your
+nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have now the advantage of having most of your smith
+work done by your own people, which is not the case with any of your
+brethren to the westward. If you do not improve the advantages you
+have, you must blame yourselves for your poverty and distress. We
+entreat you, therefore, to be wise for your own interest, and leave off
+the practice of drinking strong drink, (for you know it has been the
+cause of most of your difficulties,) and try to pursue a sober, industrious
+course of life. Then we believe the good spirit will bless you with lasting
+benefits; and as we have endeavoured to live in peace among you,
+we wish you to live in peace one with another, that your good example
+may be a blessing to your children&mdash;always remembering, that your
+welfare and happiness as well as the improvement of your children will
+depend much on your sobriety and industry.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we now leave you, hoping your good understanding will
+incline you to pursue the way we have endeavoured to point out to you.
+We now bid you farewell.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, both of the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, made replies
+of considerable length to our friends on this parting opportunity, in
+which they expressed their sense of gratitude for the many services
+Friends had rendered them; and, among other things, stated, that “they
+would endeavour to pursue the path Friends had pointed out to them,”
+and further added:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is now a long time since the white people have lived
+on this island. They have frequently told us they loved us&mdash;but none
+of them have ever tried to instruct us in cultivating our land before.
+We now see, brothers, that your society has manifested more regard
+for the welfare of the Indians, than any other people, for which we
+thank you. We also thank the Great Spirit that he has put it into your
+hearts to love and regard Indians.”</p>
+
+<p>These Friends arrived in Philadelphia in the First month, 1801.&mdash;It
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span>
+was hoped that the labour bestowed upon those Indians would eventually
+prove a blessing to them, and that the spirit of industry that had
+been discovered in individuals, would gradually progress from family to
+family, and have a powerful and beneficial influence on many of the
+adjacent tribes-and, in time, also, on those more remote.</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of this year, the Stockbridge girls, who had been placed
+among Friends in the fall of 1797, were returned to their parents. They
+had acquired a considerable knowledge of school learning, and of spinning,
+knitting, sewing, and the different branches of housewifery.</p>
+
+<p>To show a specimen of their improvement in school learning, I will
+here give a copy of a letter written by one of them, the following spring
+after their arrival among Friends, in which time she had acquired so
+much of the English language, as to enable her to convey her ideas by
+writing:</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p class="author">
+<i>New Garden, Third mo. 10th, 1798.</i></p>
+
+<p>“My dear mother: I will try to let thee know how I do so far from
+thee&mdash;I have been well ever since I left thee. I would be glad to see
+thee mother&mdash;I want to see thee, and brothers and sisters, and all
+Stockbridge friends&mdash;I want to see father&mdash;I like to live in this country
+pretty well&mdash;and dear friends clever&mdash;me live in clever house, very
+good man, make clocks&mdash;make porringers and spoons&mdash;me like to see
+him&mdash;I can knit stockings and spin&mdash;I have made sampler&mdash;I know
+how to mark my clothes, then I know my own&mdash;three girls make bonnets
+and do all work&mdash;I work a little, play a little&mdash;go to meeting a
+little&mdash;sometimes walk&mdash;sometimes ride on horseback, when roads are
+muddy&mdash;the girls’ mother very good old woman&mdash;I love her&mdash;she learns
+me to work.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="smcap">Mary Peters.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>My dear Brother&mdash;Me live well at very good house. I love thee, and
+sisters, and mother&mdash;I want see you all&mdash;Friends say, may be we all
+go back to Stockbridge before next winter&mdash;I think I have told thee
+all I can now, so bid thee farewell.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="smcap">Mary Peters.</span></p>
+
+<p>N. B. This letter my own hand writing, so you may see I learn write.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The following is an extract of a letter written by one of the Indian
+girls after her return home, dated the Ninth month, 1803, to one of the
+women Friends who had engaged in the instruction of the natives at
+Oneida.</p>
+
+<p>“I have spun some flax and wool since I come home, and made some
+cheese to show our Indians how to make cheese&mdash;they be very much
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span>
+pleased to know how to make cheese&mdash;some said they never thought
+Indians could make cheese so well. They began to try to keep cows
+ever since to make cheese and butter. Some of them began to sow
+some flax, and good many of our Indians got sheep&mdash;meat good to eat,
+and wool good for cloth. I hope we will do better every year. Good
+many have left off drinking, and some of them drink very hard yet. I
+have been to see Oneidas not long ago&mdash;they improve very much since
+thee come away&mdash;good many have new frame houses and frame barns&mdash;they
+improve very much ever since they left off drinking. I believe
+three hundred of men and women left off drinking this sometime past&mdash;I
+hope they will keep their words good.”</p>
+
+<p>By some information received afterwards, it appears some of these
+young women married soon after their return and settled themselves
+to industry, lived well, and some Friends calling to see them, were
+kindly received and hospitably entertained by them.</p>
+
+<p>After the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania withdrew
+their attention from the Oneidas, and those Indians in the vicinity,
+they came more particularly under the notice of Friends of the Yearly
+Meeting of New York, who had formed similar plans for the improvement
+and civilization of the Indian natives.</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<h3><i>Friendly intercourse between the Society of Friends, and various
+nations of Indians.</i></h3>
+
+<p>It seems necessary, in this place, to go back a little in the order of
+time, and give some account of the interviews with the chiefs and others,
+of various nations of Indians, who at different times visited Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>As the minds of Friends were attentively opened to the great object
+of the concern, in promoting the well-being and gradual improvement
+of the Indian natives, every opportunity was embraced of cultivating
+a friendly intercourse with them, and of giving such counsel and encouragement
+as seemed to be adapted to their situation, accompanied
+with some such aid in implements of husbandry and other things, as
+their necessities demanded.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month, 1796, Benjamin Hawkins superintendent of the
+Creek nation, settled in the interior of Georgia, was introduced to the
+committee on Indian affairs. He brought with him four lads of that
+nation to be educated; two of whom were placed with Friends, where
+they remained several years, and were instructed in school learning.
+He also suggested the propriety of furnishing those Indians with some
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span>
+mechanical tools, which were procured and forwarded to them, accompanied
+by a suitable address, from which the following is extracted:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we feel it in our hearts to tell you that the great and
+good spirit, made all people with a design that they should live in peace
+and good will, and that it is for this end he hath placed his law in the
+hearts of all men, which, if carefully attended to, would keep them in
+love and friendship&mdash;and teach them to avoid every thing that would
+lead them to hurt and destroy one another.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, are you not sensible that when you are quarrelsome, or
+have done any bad action, that you are made sorrowful and uneasy,
+and that on the contrary when you are serious, and do good actions,
+your minds feel easy, pleasant, and comfortable? This is from the good
+spirit, who is all love, and who hath placed his law in our hearts, to
+give us peace and comfort when we do well, and make us sad and uneasy
+when we do evil.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are glad in believing that the good spirit has influenced
+the hearts of our great men to do the Indians good; and we earnestly
+desire, that you may be so wise as to follow their good advice in trying
+to improve your fertile land by farming, and raising cattle, sheep, and
+hogs; so that you may have food and clothing for yourselves, your wives,
+and your children.”</p>
+
+<p>About the beginning of the year 1797, Friends had satisfactory interviews
+with deputies from various nations, among whom were some
+of the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians, inhabiting
+the northern and western parts of Georgia; and the Shawanees, Chippewas,
+and Pottawattamies, living on the waters of the Wabash river,
+and bordering on lakes Michigan and Superior.</p>
+
+<p>To these Indians suitable presents were made to a considerable
+amount. In divers conferences had with them, Friends informed them
+of the nature and effect of their peaceable principles, and testimony
+against wars and fightings&mdash;their care of the society in first settling Pennsylvania,
+under the patronage of William Penn, whom the Indians
+called brother Onas, not to settle on lands that were not fairly purchased
+and paid for to the satisfaction of the natives, with whom friendship,
+harmony, and mutual kind offices long subsisted. They also informed
+them of their continued desire to maintain this amity, by exerting their
+best endeavours and influence for the healing of differences between
+white people and Indians. They endeavoured to explain to their understandings
+how much the attainment of this happy end depends upon
+cherishing, in ourselves, the benevolent disposition inseparable from the
+true spirit and practice of real Christianity. They also recommended
+them to instruct their youth in modes of living more conformable thereto,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span>
+than had heretofore been customary with them, and especially
+warned them against the pernicious effects of using spirituous liquors.</p>
+
+<p>A number of the chiefs expressed great satisfaction with these interviews.
+Some of them said they remembered to have heard of such a
+people as the Quakers; but the account remained with them an uncertainty,
+until now they had witnessed its reality; that the sentiments
+and advice communicated, was such as they had never heard before;
+that it had sunk deep into their hearts, and that they wished it conveyed
+to their people more extensively by personal visits from some of
+the Quakers. One of them remarked particularly on the counsel imparted
+not to revenge injuries, and gave repeated assurances, “that
+although he had heard of two of his people being killed, he was determined
+not to retaliate, but to adhere to peace.”</p>
+
+<p>An ancient chief of the Creek nation, among many other things said,
+“Brothers, I am an old man, yet I have travelled much this year to
+promote peace. I went many hundred miles to the treaty on the frontiers
+of Georgia, held by the commissioners of the United States, and of
+the State of Georgia, with my nation, where several matters were adjusted
+to my satisfaction. I then returned home, but in a short time,
+came by invitation to this city, to make the chain of friendship still
+brighter. On my way, and since coming here, I have met with nothing
+unpleasant; nor do I regret all the toil and fatigue of a long journey to
+establish a firm peace. I believe the Great Spirit above made both
+white and red men; but I suppose it is because we are red men, that
+the white men impose upon us, and try to get our land, which we do
+not want to part with.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I am glad to find there are a people who love peace, and
+give such good advice to red men. I was a stranger to you, till since
+my coming here. You kindly took notice of me. A few days ago one of
+your women delivered a talk which I have hid deep in my heart. I
+never heard such an one before. I want to tell it to my nation, after
+I get home&mdash;and for fear I should forget some of it, I should like to have
+it in print that it might be fully explained to them.”</p>
+
+<p>In the First month, 1798, the Little Turtle, a chief of the Miami nation,
+and some other western Indians, were introduced to the committee by
+a letter from General James Wilkinson, then commander-in-chief of
+the army of the United States, to his brother-in-law, Owen Biddle, of
+Philadelphia. In this letter, he wrote as follows, “When we contemplate
+the fortunes of the aborigines of our country, the bosom of philanthropy
+must heave with sorrow. What would not that man, or that
+community merit, who reclaims the untutored Indian&mdash;opens his mind
+to sources of happiness unknown, and makes him useful to society&mdash;since
+it would be in effect to save a whole race from extinction? For,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span>
+surely, if these people are not brought to depend for sustenance on their
+fields instead of their forests, it will be found impossible to reclaim their
+present habits; and the seeds of their extinction already sown, must
+be matured.</p>
+
+<p>“The bearer of this letter, the Little Turtle, is forcibly impressed with
+these truths, and is anxious to co-operate in a fair experiment on his
+tribe. It is with this view that I introduce him particularly to you, in
+hopes you may think proper to recommend him to the patronage of the
+benevolent society of which you are a member.”</p>
+
+<p>Friends had satisfactory interviews with these Indians, and suitable
+presents were given to them. The Little Turtle expressed a strong
+desire for the improvement of his people, and hoped Friends would use
+their endeavours to promote the work of civilization among them.</p>
+
+<p>The committee embraced this opportunity of addressing a general
+letter to the Miami Indians, and other nations united with them, in
+which they reminded them of the ancient friendship that subsisted between
+their forefathers and Friends, in the early settlement of this
+country&mdash;that the chain of friendship had been kept bright for more
+than one hundred years, by mutual acts of kindness to each other, and
+that while Friends had the chief direction of public affairs in Pennsylvania,
+there was no war between the white people and Indians in that
+state: but since those times of brotherly kindness, some men had given
+way to the power of the bad spirit in their hearts, so as to become
+desperately wicked, coveting their neighbours’ goods, and even thirsting
+for blood. This had caused wars and fightings, and produced much
+misery in the world&mdash;and that the society of Friends were concerned
+to persuade their rulers to do justly, and maintain peace with the Indians,
+and with all men&mdash;and were also very desirous that the Great
+overruling Spirit of love, might so influence and direct the councils of
+the Indian nations, and so dispose their hearts to peace, that the sound
+of war might no more be heard in their land.</p>
+
+<p>They were, also, in this address, especially warned against the pernicious
+effects of spirituous liquors, which concern may be understood
+to have been particularly attended to in most of their communications
+to the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of this year, Friends received a letter from the Little
+Turtle, giving them an account of the safe arrival of the articles sent
+to his nation. They also received one from the Creek nation, giving an
+account of the reception of the implements of husbandry forwarded to
+them, for which they expressed a sense of gratitude for the great benefit
+to that nation.</p>
+
+<p>In the Twelfth month, this year, Friends had a satisfactory interview
+in Philadelphia, with two chiefs of the Ottawa nation, two chiefs of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span>
+Pottawattamies, and the principal chief of the Chippewa nation, who
+were accompanied by Jonathan Sheffelin, agent and Indian interpreter,
+being then on an embassy to the president of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of a speech made by Kekis, (the Sun) the principal
+chief of the Pottawattamies, on behalf of the three nations, he presented
+six strings of white wampum as a token of brotherly regard for
+the society of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>Among other things, in his speech, he says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are an ignorant people, and don’t know what is right
+as well as you do. We have often been persuaded by the white people
+to join in their wars against one another. A great while ago, the French
+set us against the English. They should have taught us better things.
+I hope, however, our hearts will become as white as the wampum in
+my hand. The Great Spirit above has made us, as well as you; though
+we are not of one colour. He has put it into our hearts to live in peace
+with the white people. I believe it is his will that we should meet together
+in the centre of this great island. I am sensible your hearts are
+good towards your brothers the red people.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when you came to see us at Detroit,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">1</a> we wanted to see
+you; but other people would not suffer us to take you by the hand. If
+they had been of our minds, you would have had us round you then, as
+you are now round us. Colonel M’K.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> prevented us. We return you
+thanks for the good you came for. Our wives and children shed tears
+because they could not come to you. When they said we will go, he
+said, you will be disappointed, they will not give you so much as a needle
+full of thread. We believed it&mdash;our dependence was on them.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you will continue your friendship to us, and help
+us to keep our lands. I speak from my heart. We know you are not
+capable of giving bad advice. The Great Spirit hears what we say,
+and it will be known among our people, so long as red men shall remain
+upon this island.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, these six strings of wampum, in the sight of the Great
+Spirit, are to sweep all the bad things away from between us.</p>
+
+<p>“If the white people should want to spill our blood again, we hope you
+will use your endeavours to preserve peace.”</p>
+
+<p>These Indians also presented a large belt of ten strings of white wampum
+from the Delaware nation, with a speech of considerable length
+in writing, from which we extract the following.</p>
+
+<p>After acknowledging the kindness of Friends, and the good advice
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span>
+communicated in the speech which they had received by the hands of
+the Miami chief, the Little Turtle, they say&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you strongly recommend peace&mdash;we are much inclined
+to peace. The war axe is long since buried deep in the bottom of the
+great lake&mdash;so very deep, that we hope the evil Spirit will never be
+able to take it up again. There we hope it will ever remain, and never
+be thought of by any of us. We hope that the master of life, who disposes
+of all things according to his will and pleasure, may also so dispose
+the hearts and minds of his white brethren, as they used to be at
+that time when our forefathers first met on this great island, and smoked
+the pipe of peace with your grandfather Onas, (Penn) on the very same
+spot where your great village (Philadelphia) now stands.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, at that time the hearts and minds of men were white and
+good. The evil spirit who works in the inside of the bodies of men, had
+then no power over them. Our villages were peaceful, and our paths,
+at that time, were covered with flowers, and we knew nothing of war.
+But soon after, the bad spirit fixed himself deep in the hearts and minds
+of our white brethren. They made war against each other, and soon
+taught us to be as wicked as themselves, and, like themselves, cruel
+and unjust. It was them who took the pipe of peace out of our hands,
+and it was them who put the destructive war axe into our hands, to
+strike against their white brethren and their helpless women and children.
+They only are the cause of all our misfortunes&mdash;the destruction
+of our villages, the death of our young warriors and helpless women and
+children&mdash;the loss of our lands and our happiness.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are told by you, in your speech to us, that you wish
+to know our situation, and in what manner you could be of service to us&mdash;we
+are poor and pitiful indeed&mdash;destructive war has caused many of
+our families to be scattered abroad in the wilderness, insomuch, that we
+can scarcely find their places of residence. Our once peaceful villages
+exist no more. Our paths, which once were covered with flowers, are now
+full of thorns, and stained with the blood of our young warriors and our
+helpless women and children. We have almost considered ourselves as
+last men, and thrown our bodies away, but by the advice of our brother,
+Jonathan Shefflin, and the assistance of the Great Spirit, we will now
+assemble ourselves together, and form an extensive village on the plains
+of the White river. Speeches are this day sent to our brethren for that
+purpose, and we hope that by the next summer, we shall all be assembled
+at that place, when we will point out the means of your assisting
+us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, may the great regulator of all things, he who knows the
+hearts and minds of all men, so dispose the hearts and minds of our
+Quaker brethren, that they may never be induced to withdraw their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span>
+friendship and counsel from men who by their ignorance, are easily led
+astray by the songs of the bad birds&mdash;men who are real objects of pity,
+and who require the protection of their white brethren more at this
+time than ever.”</p>
+
+<p>Signed by Buckingeheles, and six other Chiefs of the Delaware nation.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>These Indian chiefs, before alluded to, were presented with suitable
+presents previous to their leaving Philadelphia, as a token of brotherly
+regard entertained for the natives of the land,&mdash;and some time after
+the committee wrote to the Delaware nation, strongly recommending
+them to betake themselves to the cultivation of the earth to procure
+sustenance, and in allusion to the time of their first intercourse with
+Friends in the early settlement of the country, they say:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, at that time the white inhabitants were few and inclined
+to peace; since then, they have increased to a great number, amongst
+whom we and our brethren are but as a handful. Yet the good Spirit
+who taught our forefathers to cultivate peace with the Indians and all
+men, still teaches us the same; therefore, we can take no part in the
+war with any people, and our influence in the great councils of our
+nation is very small&mdash;but we use our endeavours to persuade men to
+live in peace, and have brotherly love towards each other.”</p>
+
+<p>In the First month, 1802, the Little Turtle and several other chiefs
+of the Miami and Pottawattamie nations, again visited Philadelphia,
+when Friends had satisfactory conferences with them, in which the
+Little Turtle renewed in a pathetic manner his request for some assistance
+to be given his nation, to accelerate their improvement in civilization.
+Suitable advice was given them on this subject, accompanied
+with some presents: but these nations lived more within the vicinity of
+Friends of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who had formed similar plans to
+improve the condition of the Indian natives; it was therefore concluded
+by their committee, to extend aid to some of the nations north-west of
+the river Ohio&mdash;of which some account may be given hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the spring of 1802, a number of the Indians of the Delaware
+and Shawaneese nations came to Philadelphia, and in their conferences
+with Friends, renewed their requests for assistance in procuring some
+necessary articles, and particularly that they might be furnished with
+a schoolmaster in their towns to instruct their children.</p>
+
+<p>These people, being the immediate descendants from those tribes who
+were very friendly and kind to our ancestors in the early settlement of
+Pennsylvania, seemed to have a special claim upon Friends. Accordingly,
+they were furnished with a considerable amount in money, and
+goods adapted to their wants. Suitable advice was given them, encouraging
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span>
+them to cultivate their land, and raise cattle, hogs, and other
+useful animals. They lived at so remote a distance, that Friends had
+no expectation of any one of their people going among them in the capacity
+of schoolmaster.</p>
+
+<p>In the conclusion of their reply to Friends, they say:</p>
+
+<p>“May the great good Spirit above protect you for the favours you
+have shown us. The present you have made us will put us in grateful
+remembrance of you for ever.”</p>
+
+<p>Thus we see, in this short account of the correspondence with the
+Indians, of various and distant nations to the westward, (of which much
+more might have been said,) not only their strong attachment to the
+society of Friends, but their determination to live in peace with the
+people of the United States. We also may discover their destitute and
+miserable situation, in consequence of the ravages of war, and the wide
+field of labour that opens for the benevolent and philanthropic mind to
+extend the empire of civilization and knowledge, to these untutored
+sons of the forest. It was a pleasing reflection, at that time, that the
+benign influence of the prince of peace had so softened the hearts of
+men, that measures were contemplated by the rulers of our land to
+extend the blessings of civilization to these aborigines of our country;
+to reclaim them from their savage habits and induce them to adopt the
+innocent employments of the pastoral and agricultural life. But alas!
+the subsequent policy of the general government, combined with the
+interested motives of individual states, too sorrowfully demonstrate
+that their fate is inevitably fixed&mdash;the decree has gone forth&mdash;they
+must recede before the giant march of white population; and however
+strong their attachment to their native soil, and reluctant to abandon
+the homes of their fathers, be compelled to retreat further and further
+into the dreary abodes of an unknown wilderness, and to seek an asylum
+among more savage and barbarous tribes, towards the setting sun.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot but express an ardent desire, that the great controller of
+human affairs may yet so dispose the hearts of the rulers of our country
+to feelings of humanity, towards the miserable remnants of the Indian
+tribes, yet within the state governments&mdash;that they may preserve inviolate
+the <i>faith</i> of the United States, solemnly pledged at the formation
+of the federal constitution, to protect them in their unalienable rights
+and privileges, as the aboriginal owners of the soil; for it is an incontrovertible
+truth, “that national evils will produce national calamities.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>I shall now resume the narrative of the proceedings of Friends in
+improving the condition of the Indians which has been progressing under
+the direction of the committee of the Yearly Meeting, for more than
+thirty years, among the Seneca nation.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span></p>
+
+<p><i>First settlement of Friends among the Seneca nation of Indians.</i></p>
+
+<p>The noted chief Cornplanter, having, as we have already stated,
+opened the way for the introduction of the agricultural arts among his
+tribe, in the spring of the year 1798, three young men, who offered
+themselves to go and instruct them, accompanied by two of the committee,
+proceeded to his settlement. After a long journey, and much
+of the way through (then) a wilderness country, they arrived at Cornplanter’s
+village, on the Alleghany river, the seventeenth of the Fifth
+month. The chief having previous knowledge of their coming, expressed
+his thankfulness to the Great Spirit for their preservation on
+the way and safe arrival among them. They were kindly invited into
+his house, and inquired of whether they could eat Indian’s provisions,
+and being answered in the affirmative, they were hospitably entertained
+with the best he could offer them; but made a very temperate meal.</p>
+
+<p>This village, (which was called in their language) Jenuchshadago,
+(which means burnt house,) stood on the bank of the Alleghany river,
+about four miles south of the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. The
+land had a rich bottom, and appeared favourable for cultivation. The
+village contained about thirty or forty houses and bark cabins, scattered
+along the margin of the river, without any regard to a regular
+arrangement. The venerable chief appeared to live in patriarchal
+style; his house was not distinguished from any of the rest by any tokens
+of magnificence, except by being somewhat larger&mdash;near it stood a
+wooden image of a man, round which at stated times they performed
+their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.</p>
+
+<p>The image was about seven feet in height, elevated on a pedestal,
+of the same block, and being painted a variety of colours, it altogether
+exhibited a wild appearance.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians had, perhaps, from two to three hundred acres of land,
+inclosed with a sort of fence round the town, in which inclosure many
+of their women were industriously engaged in clearing off the rubbish
+and planting small patches of corn and beans, while the men were
+standing in companies sporting themselves with their bows and arrows
+and other trifling amusements, but none of them were seen assisting
+their women in the labours of the field.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians appeared to live poor and dirty, and it was said to be a
+time of scarcity among them, and the greater part of them under Cornplanter’s
+superintendence, estimated at about four hundred, had deserted
+their old settlements up the river, and come to live with their chief in
+this place.</p>
+
+<p>As it was necessary for Friends to have a general council with the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>
+Indians, in order to explain their views and the object of their coming
+among them, the day after their arrival, they assembled in council at
+the chief’s house, about forty of their principal men, with many others.
+Cornplanter opened the council by a short speech, expressing his thankfulness
+for the safe arrival of Friends, and the joy he felt when he saw
+them come out of the bushes the day before, to see their Indian brothers,
+who were poor and living in bad houses, covered with bark; and
+they were not able to build them better.</p>
+
+<p>Friends now made them fully acquainted with the nature of their
+mission, that it was in order to improve the condition of the Indian natives,
+and to teach them the ways of good and honest white people, that
+they, with their wives and children, might be enabled to live more comfortably,
+and be relieved from the distresses and difficulties to which
+they had been subjected by their old habits and modes of living&mdash;that
+these young men had concluded to leave their friends and comfortable
+dwellings, and remain for a time in the Indian country, in order to instruct
+them in the cultivation of their land, in the raising and managing
+of cattle, and also to example them in a life of sobriety and industry.
+They were also informed, that Friends had a variety of farming utensils,
+carpenters’ tools, &amp;c. coming up the river, in a boat, which were
+intended for their benefit, in a hope, that the Indians, with Friends’ instruction,
+would diligently apply themselves to the use of them, that
+by so doing they might come to reap the plentiful fruits of industry;
+and that this was the sole object Friends had in view, having no desire
+for their lands, their skins, their furs, or any other part of their substance.</p>
+
+<p>To these propositions the Indians seemed to express a general assent;
+but took the subjects under serious consideration, until next day, when
+near evening they admitted Friends again to the council house, when
+Cornplanter on behalf of the natives made a reply, from which we extract
+the following.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the Quakers, listen now to what I am going to say to you.
+You know, brothers, the red people are poor; they are not like the
+white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language,
+so that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly, as we
+have no good interpreter.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we suppose the reason you came here was to help the
+poor Indians in some way or other, and you wish the chiefs to tell their
+warriors not to go on so bad as they have done heretofore, and you also
+wish us to take up work like the white people, and cultivate our land.
+Now brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you
+say, and if they do well, then will your young men stay longer amongst
+us, but some others will not mind what you say.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we cannot say a word against you. It is the best way to
+call Quakers brothers. You never wished our lands, therefore we are
+determined to learn your ways, and these young men may stay here
+two years, and then if they like it and we like it, your young men may
+stay longer.”</p>
+
+<p>In reply they were informed, that the young men would want some
+house to live in, and a piece of land to work, in order to set the Indians
+an example and raise something for themselves to live upon; but that
+the land should still be the Indians’, and all the improvements they put
+upon it should be theirs, when Friends left it. They were also informed
+that the tools and implements of husbandry which were intended for
+their use, would be under the care of the young men, to lend to such
+Indians as wanted to use them, rather than to distribute them among
+them as presents; offering this reason, “that if they were given to them
+some of them might barter them away for whiskey,” as divers instances
+of intoxication had been noticed among them.</p>
+
+<p>On the twenty-first of the Fifth month, Friends, with Cornplanter in
+company, and several other Indians, passed up the river about nine
+miles in canoes, in order to look out for a settlement. They came to
+an ancient village called Genesinguhta, which was nearly deserted by
+the Indians&mdash;only three or four families remaining. The bottoms along
+the river side appeared fertile, though much grown over with bushes,
+and covered with abundance of fallen timber. Yet it was considered
+the most eligible place for Friends to settle, in order to be of benefit to
+the Indians, as it was on the land belonging to the nation, and where
+they intended to have a reservation located of forty-two square miles.</p>
+
+<p>This conclusion being proposed to Cornplanter, and he queried with,
+“whether he was willing Friends should start their fence at the river
+side,” and enclose a piece of land they pointed out to him&mdash;to which
+he replied, “I told you, brothers, the land was all before you, to choose
+where you please; but he thought that was the best place for Friends
+to settle, and this man, said he, (in whose house they then were) is very
+glad you are going to settle so near him&mdash;he is very sober man, he is
+like you, he drinks no whiskey.” He was then inquired of whether
+Friends might have liberty to cut timber in the woods for the use of
+the farm, to which he replied, “I wish you would cut all the trees
+down, and I will give you another liberty, if you see a deer you may
+shoot him, and you may catch fish in the river.”</p>
+
+<p>The place being finally agreed upon, several old Indian cabins were
+included in it, and one occupied by a family, which was well situated
+to accommodate Friends; the owners of it were amply compensated.
+The family immediately moved out their goods and chattels, which
+(though apparently some of their best livers,) consisted chiefly in homony
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>
+blocks and pounders, a brass, kettle or two, some wooden bowls,
+and ladles, a leathern sack of bear’s oil, a basket of corn, some blankets,
+and a few deer skins.</p>
+
+<p>On the twenty-third of the month, Friends settled in their new habitation
+and made some preparations for a garden. The women of
+Cornplanter’s village, to show their hearty and good will in the undertaking,
+had previously made a collection of some seed&mdash;corn, potatoes,
+beans, squashes, and a variety of other garden seeds which they presented
+as a present to Friends, observing “that it was very hard to
+come so far and have nothing to begin with.”</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the two Friends of the committee leaving this station,
+another council was had with the Indians, in which they were strongly
+recommended to industry, and reminded of the unreasonableness of their
+present practice of letting their women work all day in the fields and
+woods, either in cultivating with the hoe, all that was raised for their sustenance,
+or in cutting firewood and bringing it home on their backs
+from a considerable distance, while they themselves were spending their
+time in idleness, amusing themselves with their bows and arrows, and
+other useless practices. They were also particularly expostulated with
+on various subjects relative to their civil and moral conduct, and especially
+in regard to their excessive use of strong drink, to which Friends
+in many instances had been eye witnesses. Cornplanter again replied
+to the communications of Friends, and at a subsequent parting opportunity,
+told the two Friends of the committee, that “They might make
+their minds perfectly easy about their young men, for although he could
+not answer for sickness or death, he should look upon it his duty to be
+their friend, and that they might depend upon him as such, and no harm
+should happen to them from any of his people.”</p>
+
+<p>On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh
+with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the
+late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance of
+old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of corn
+and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land
+being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their
+labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of their
+mode of cultivation.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier
+prepared for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing.
+Great numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the
+women, who appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them
+with venison, fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country
+afforded&mdash;and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful
+articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &amp;c. which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span>
+were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives with lively
+marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in gaining
+their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which frequently
+afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.</p>
+
+<p>A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable
+them to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view
+of using them.</p>
+
+<p>From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the
+ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with
+the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life,
+would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends, towards
+ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable opportunity
+was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the necessity
+of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous liquors
+into their villages, as the first effectual step towards their improvement
+in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good degree carried into
+effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a little time, such prohibition
+took place as evidently tended to their advantage, and the great
+encouragement of Friends in their arduous undertaking. A hope was
+entertained that, although their improvement, at first was small, yet as
+they come to taste the sweets of industry, and enjoy the benefit of their
+labours, they would gradually relinquish their former pursuits, and follow
+the example Friends were setting before them.</p>
+
+<p>Divers of the Indians early manifested a disposition to have better
+houses to live in; and being furnished with the necessary tools, they
+were also afforded the requisite assistance and instruction. Several of
+them constructed in the course of this summer, much better houses than
+they had been accustomed to, and manifested a considerable share of
+ingenuity in the use of the carpenter’s tools. And while Friends were
+employed on their farm, the Indians would frequently come about them,
+and sometimes take hold of their tools and work a little&mdash;some of the lads
+were pleased with driving the horses, and every opportunity was embraced
+to prevail on them to love labour; but their natural proneness to idleness
+and trifling diversions soon evinced, that patience and perseverance
+on the part of Friends, were essentially necessary to inculcate in the
+minds of the natives, just ideas of civilized life, the great stimulus thereto
+being yet wanting, as they had not sufficiently acquired ideas of distinct
+propriety, nor tasted the sweets resulting therefrom.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this summer, divers reports were propagated among
+the Indians that Friends had a selfish motive, and in the end meant to
+defraud them of their land. This to a people who had long been subjected
+to suffering by the intrigue of designing men, could not fail of
+making impressions on the minds of some who were rather unfriendly
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span>
+to civilization, and to induce them to scrutinize very narrowly the conduct
+of Friends towards them. These groundless reports, however,
+were contradicted, and Friends were enabled to satisfy the Indians
+generally, that no such design was contemplated; and it rather had the
+effect to increase their confidence in us.</p>
+
+<p>Besides attending to the business of the farm, and the various and
+frequent calls of the Indians, the young men were enabled to build for
+themselves a comfortable house, two stories high, with a cellar under
+it. Being the first of the kind, perhaps some of the natives had ever
+seen, it excited great admiration among them.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian women had raised, in their usual way, a considerable
+quantity of corn this summer, in small patches, interspersed among the
+bushes, wherever they found the most favourable spot to cultivate. In
+the fall, they were busily employed in collecting it with their other
+produce of vegetables, and carrying it home to their dwellings, where
+it was carefully laid by for use.</p>
+
+<p>One of the Friends opened a school at Cornplanter’s village, and remained
+there through the winter. At times, nearly twenty children
+attended, and made some progress in learning to spell and read; but as
+their parents had but little control over them, they were very irregular
+in their attendance, and no great progress in learning was made. The
+Friend was at times otherwise usefully engaged in aiding and assisting
+the Indians of that village.</p>
+
+<p>In the Twelfth month, after a considerable snow had fallen, most of
+the Indians retired to the woods to their hunting grounds, many of them
+taking their families with them. Game was now plentiful. Some of
+their best hunters killed near one hundred deer, and some even more
+than that number; taking off the skins and leaving much of the meat
+scattered about in the woods. What was collected to their camps,
+was through much hardship and fatigue to their poor women, whose
+task it was to carry it on their backs through deep snows, and often
+over hills and mountains.</p>
+
+<p>About the middle of the First month, they generally came home to
+their villages from their hunting excursions, when they made a feast,
+and performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this winter, a chief of the Cattaraugus village, another
+branch of the Seneca nation about forty-five miles distant, called
+on Friends at Alleghany. They had a favourable opportunity of impressing
+his mind with the advantages that would result to his people by
+cultivating their land, as they possessed a country so favourable for
+agriculture, and raising cattle and other useful animals. He informed
+Friends, they were very anxious to have a saw-mill built on their land,
+and wished to have somebody to instruct them how to go on with their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span>
+business; that when they saw and heard what improvements were
+making at Alleghany, it made them anxious to go to work.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after his return home, Friends received a written speech from
+the council at Cattaraugus, signed by six chiefs, in which they strongly
+solicited instructors to be sent among them, and also that they might
+be furnished with a set of saw-mill irons. This address being forwarded
+to the committee at Philadelphia, together with an account of their
+situation, it was concluded to furnish them with a set of saw-mill irons,
+whenever they should be ready to make use of them.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the spring of 1799, more of a spirit of industry seemed to
+exhibit itself among some of the Indians, and several who were settled
+near Friends began to work at splitting rails, and fencing in lots of land,
+as they saw Friends fence in theirs. Some who inclined to work, that
+had no families, were employed at the business of the farm, and seemed
+capable of doing as much in a day as the generality of white people.</p>
+
+<p>The use of whiskey and other strong drink had considerably decreased
+among the Indians, in the course of the last year, and many of
+their chiefs seemed desirous of preventing its introduction into their
+village. Notwithstanding which, as many of them went down the river
+in the spring to Pittsburgh and other places, to dispose of their skins,
+furs, &amp;c. which they had taken during the late winter, they brought
+in return for their peltry, kegs full of this destructive article&mdash;although
+Friends had cautioned them against it, previous to their going away&mdash;with
+this many of them were for a considerable time intoxicated, so
+that little could be done in promoting their improvement while the
+liquor lasted.</p>
+
+<p>It was believed expedient, from this affecting circumstance, to have
+their chiefs and principal men collected in council, and to remonstrate
+against such conduct as well as to encourage them to avail themselves
+of the present opportunity of gaining instruction in the cultivation of
+their land.</p>
+
+<p>At this interview, Friends seriously expostulated with them on various
+subjects relative to their moral conduct, and endeavours were used
+seriously to impress on their minds the evil consequences of introducing
+so much strong liquor into their villages, and that it greatly obstructed
+their improvement in agriculture, because for it they bartered away
+their money and other articles with which they ought to purchase
+horses, and cattle, and implements of husbandry, to enable them to till
+their land; and that this operated as a serious discouragement to Friends
+in their arduous undertaking to instruct them.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians appeared seriously attentive in this council, being convicted
+in their minds of the truth of what had been declared to them,
+and in a few days after, they met in council again, and informed Friends
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>
+that they had seriously considered the subjects proposed to them, and
+that their chiefs had come to a resolution not to permit, for the future,
+any of their people to bring liquor into their villages to sell to one
+another; that they had appointed two young chiefs to watch over the
+rest, and to endeavour to promote good order among them&mdash;and they
+desired Friends to be easy in their minds respecting them, for they were
+determined to take their advice and try to do better; that they had
+made inquiry among themselves, and could find no fault in Friends, or
+discover any fraud in any of their actions, but on the contrary, that the
+fault and bad conduct had all been on their own side, but now they
+were determined to quit those bad practices, and to assist their women
+in the labours of the field.</p>
+
+<p>A set of smith’s tools was procured, and a smith shop erected at
+Friends’ settlement this season, which was found useful in repairing the
+Indians’ tools. In the course of this summer, divers of the men assisted
+their women in the labours of the field. Their crops of corn were
+larger than they had been before; but as yet, none of them had attempted
+to use the plough for themselves, though Friends had ploughed
+some small lots for them with which they were much pleased, and a
+hope was entertained that the next year some of them would take hold
+of the plough and commence farming. A school house was built at
+Cornplanter’s village, and the Friend stationed there, continued through
+the summer, instructing the children, and otherwise affording aid and
+counsel to the Indians&mdash;and two Friends at Genesinguhta, besides setting
+the Indians a proper example in the improvement of their own
+farm, afforded them assistance and instruction in many ways, as convenient
+opportunities presented, and many of the Indians by this time
+had built good log houses, and generally covered them with shingles.
+Cornplanter had a saw-mill of his own, worked on the shares by a white
+man; this afforded the Indians an opportunity of procuring boards to
+complete their houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month this year, the settlement was visited by four of
+the committee, one of whom had been there when the settlement was
+first formed, and was the better qualified to judge of the improvement
+made by the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>They had a council with the Indians, and encouraged them to persevere
+in the attempt they had already made to become farmers; and
+expressed the satisfaction it afforded them, to see the improvement they
+had made, and that their stock of cattle was increased, and especially,
+with the wise resolution they had formed, to prevent strong drink from
+being brought into their villages. The Indians were also informed, that
+the young man who resided at Cornplanter’s village, was desirous of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span>
+leaving them and returning home to his friends before winter&mdash;and it
+was hoped another would come forward and supply his place.</p>
+
+<p>Cornplanter, on behalf of the Indians replied, in substance, that when
+Friends first settled among them, some of his chiefs were averse to it;
+but they had had this summer several councils among themselves, respecting
+the young men, and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct,
+and readiness to assist Indians, were now well satisfied. He hoped that
+several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore,
+and that Friends would not get discouraged, because so little was done;
+but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make
+much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the
+Friend who was about to leave them, and said he had been useful to him
+in keeping whiskey and other strong liquor out of their town; that they
+now drank much less than formerly, but he feared when the Friend
+went away, he should not be able to prevent its use so well as he had
+lately done.</p>
+
+<p>The deputation from the committee went from this place to Cattaraugus,
+the residence of those Indians who had requested a set of saw-mill
+irons, and other aid; but the chiefs being generally from home,
+they were addressed by a letter, giving them suitable advice on various
+subjects, relative to their improvement.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter end of the Tenth month, Cornplanter accompanied the
+Friend who had lived at his village, on his way as far as Canandaigua,
+where the superintendent of Indian affairs resided. At this place, he
+dictated a letter to one of the committee; the superintendent wrote it,
+and Cornplanter signed it with his mark. The following is extracted
+from it.</p>
+
+<p>“I thank the <i>Great Spirit</i> for his protection in preserving me and
+my friend whom I have accompanied to this place. I hope the Great
+Spirit will still preserve my friend on his journey to Philadelphia, and
+every evening when night shall overtake him, that the Great Spirit
+will spread over him the curtain of safety,&mdash;that he may again meet
+the society that sent him among us, for the purpose of teaching us the
+useful arts of the white people; and that he may return to them my
+kind thanks, for the kind offices which they are disposed to bestow on
+us. I cannot omit this favourable opportunity to inform Friends that
+I believe the young men placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the
+trust committed to them, in endeavouring to do the best they could for
+our advantage.</p>
+
+<p>“Dear friends, when I first heard your voice, and learned your kind
+offers to us, I was pleased; as I thought we were apt to transgress the good
+rules of the Great Spirit, and by the aid and advice of your people, the
+Great Spirit would lend us his aid, by which we might become a better
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span>
+people. I hope you will not be discouraged, in still aiding us, although
+we make slow progress in the arts of the white people.”</p>
+
+<p>The two Friends at Alleghany were enabled this fall, for the first
+time, to sow several acres of wheat and rye, and several of the Indians
+manifested a disposition to labour, by aiding them in gathering in their
+summer crops.</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of this year, the two Friends residing among the Indians
+received a letter from the chiefs at Cattaraugus, expressive of
+their great satisfaction, for the advice contained in the letter which had
+been left for them last fall, and the great joy that they felt at the prospect
+of receiving instruction and assistance from the Quakers.</p>
+
+<p>These Indians were much addicted to intemperance, and although
+much more favourably situated than the Alleghany Indians, to make
+progress in the agricultural arts, yet they were in a poor and destitute
+situation, and did not appear to make use of the advantages within their
+power, to assist themselves. It was, therefore, believed right, in reply
+to their letter, to urge the necessity of their abstaining from intemperate
+practices, and of making use of the means in their power to better
+their condition.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Therefore the two Friends wrote to them nearly as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are glad to hear that you have come to a resolution
+to lay up so much of your money, to buy cattle and other useful articles,
+and that you seem determined to quit drinking whiskey, and not
+to allow traders to sell it on your ground. Now brothers, this is a very
+wise resolution, and we hope you will be sincere and keep to it. We
+hope that some of you have got your eyes open, to see that whiskey
+and other strong drink have been the cause of much evil and wickedness
+among you, and that these pernicious things have taken much of
+your money, your skins, and your furs, which the Great Spirit has favoured
+you with, and with which you might buy clothing, and oxen,
+and axes, hoes, and other useful articles to assist you in tilling the field,
+and we fear, in time past, it has taken some of the corn your poor
+women have worked hard at raising, with their hoes.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you know there are many white people who love money,
+and they know that you love whiskey, and this is the way they take
+to get your money and property from you. But if you keep to your
+resolution not to drink it, then there will be no danger. You may then
+have oxen and ploughs, with which you may plough your ground and
+raise a great deal of corn, and you may also buy axes and hoes, and
+other useful implements of husbandry to farm with. And then when
+your friends the Quakers see that you are trying to help yourselves,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span>
+and that you make good use of your money, it will encourage them to
+help you more.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we desire you often to think upon the Great Spirit, and
+pray to him in your hearts, and then he will show you what is good and
+what is evil. And we want you to take up work like the white people,
+for your land is very good, and would produce a great deal of grain if
+properly managed&mdash;and if you get plenty of cattle and sheep, and
+swine, they will afford you plenty of meat, and be much more certain
+than the elk, the deer, and the bear. Then will your old men, your
+wives and your children be happy, and enjoy the comforts of life, and
+you can look on your flocks and your fields with contentment and pleasure.”</p>
+
+<p>These Indians, in addition to the set of saw-mill irons before promised,
+were furnished with some axes, hoes, and a set of plough irons, to encourage
+them in farming.</p>
+
+<p>A school was kept at Genesinguhta, this winter, by one of the Friends,
+where a number of children attended, and made some progress in learning&mdash;also
+a grown person who was debilitated in body, resided with
+Friends throughout the winter, and being able to converse a little in the
+English language, acquired so much learning as to enable him to read and
+write, and afterwards to procure a living, by trading among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1800, the Indians appeared somewhat animated, and
+more of them made preparation for farming, by scattering more from
+their villages, fencing in lots and clearing land; but not yet having
+working animals to plough their ground, Friends ploughed some
+small lots for them, which operated as a stimulus to them; and one Indian
+took hold of the plough, and began to manage it himself, which
+was viewed as a matter of some surprise, and excited great curiosity
+in the beholders.</p>
+
+<p>In the Fifth month, this spring, two of the Friends who had left the
+Oneida settlement the preceding winter, as before stated, being willing
+to spend some more time among the Indians, proceeded to Alleghany,
+to unite with Friends there in promoting the welfare of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after their arrival, the Indians at Cattaraugus requested Friends
+at Alleghany to give them some advice and assistance, about planning
+a saw-mill. Accordingly two Friends proceeded to that settlement, and
+gave such advice on the occasion as seemed to be requisite; the millwrights
+having already arrived, and commenced the building of a saw-mill.</p>
+
+<p>As these Indians will in the sequel constitute an interesting part of the
+narrative of this concern, it seems proper in this place to give a more
+particular account of their situation. The Senecas here possess a reservation
+of forty-two square miles, part of it bounded by lake Erie. It
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>
+is generally composed of land of a superior quality. The bottoms along
+the Cattaraugus river produce black and white walnut and sugar maple
+of a superior size. The higher land, abounds with white oak, white
+pine, bass, poplar, hickory, and other timber. There are, also, exclusive
+of the Indians’ corn fields, large openings like natural meadows,
+containing many hundred acres of excellent land, covered with abundance
+of grass and herbage, affording abundance of food for cattle. The
+Senecas at this place were said to be about one hundred and sixty in number.
+Their houses were made in the usual Indian style, and covered with
+bark, and their situation, in general, as to habits and living, much similar
+to those at Alleghany, when Friends first settled among them. About
+a mile from the Seneca village was a town of the Delawares, (more
+frequently called Munsies) about one hundred and sixty in number,
+who lived on sufferance on the Seneca Indians’ land.</p>
+
+<p>These Indians, as well as the Senecas, had a considerable number of
+cattle, some horses, and abundance of poultry and swine. They had
+small enclosures round their villages, in which they kept their stock
+during the corn season, and sometimes the poor animals had but a scanty
+supply of fodder, notwithstanding the abundance of grass on their lands,
+from which, for want of a little labour to fence off their corn lots, they
+had little or no benefit during the summer.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to leaving them, the two Friends had an interview with a
+number of their chiefs, and principal men and women, in which they
+were encouraged to industry, and to put in practice their good resolutions.
+Being informed by one of the Friends present, that he was
+shortly going to leave their country and return to his friends, one of the
+chiefs replied, “You may tell your old friends, the Quakers at Philadelphia,
+when you go home, that we are exceedingly thankful for the
+kindness you have shown us, and the assistance you have already given
+us. We are now determined to follow your advice as far as we are
+able, and to spill all the whiskey traders bring among us for sale. You
+must not think we are offended at you for trying to make us sensible
+of our weaknesses; for even our young men and young women rejoice
+to hear it, and are in hopes their hands will grow stronger, that they
+may be able to overcome their weaknesses. We are determined to try
+to help ourselves, and to lay up money to purchase useful articles to go
+to farming with. We pity our poor women, and see it is too hard for
+them to work in the hot sun, and do all the labours of the field. And
+although we cannot ask any more favours of you, yet one thing in particular
+we desire you to remember; that is, that we are a poor, ignorant
+people, and for want of learning, in the course of our dealings with
+the white people, we have been greatly wronged, and lost much of our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span>
+property&mdash;we want some of our children instructed, that they may be
+able to do the business of our nation.”</p>
+
+<p>On the fourteenth of the Sixth month, Friends had a council with
+the Indians at Alleghany, in which the two Friends lately came into
+their country, were introduced to them, and also informed that one of
+the Friends who had now been more than two years among them, was
+about to return home to his friends. Several matters were opened to
+encourage them to persevere in habits of industry, and to be strong in
+their resolutions against the use of spirituous liquors, over which they
+had, by this time, gained a great conquest.</p>
+
+<p>A few days after this, Cornplanter and several other chiefs, called to
+see the Friend who was leaving them set out on his journey, and sent
+three of their people to accompany him on his way through the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>In their parting conference, Cornplanter expressed many thanks for
+the Friend’s services among them, and desired the Great Spirit might
+conduct him safely home to his relations, and that on his arrival he
+might inform his old friends, the Quakers in Philadelphia, that he was
+very thankful for their kind endeavours to instruct his people in a life
+of civilization, and he believed the Great Spirit above was pleased with
+it.</p>
+
+<p>During the summer of 1800, the Indians made some further improvements,
+and seemed more disposed to relinquish their old habits. A yoke
+of oxen, which they purchased, were found very useful in drawing their
+firewood, and thereby relieving some of their women from heavy burthens;
+several of them procured cows. By this time many of the Indians
+had built themselves more comfortable houses, and began to assist
+their women in their agricultural labours, so that a gradual improvement
+was evident among them in the habits of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>In the following winter, Red Jacket, a Seneca chief, residing at Buffalo
+creek, with several other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited Philadelphia,
+with whom Friends had a satisfactory interview. Suitable
+presents were given them, among which, was a set of saw-mill irons,
+which were particularly requested by Red Jacket.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1801, a greater spirit of industry seemed to manifest
+itself among the Indians. Divers more of them fenced in lots, and procured
+moreover, some working animals; their increasing attention to
+raising cattle and hogs, afforded a pleasing prospect; and was a strung
+inducement for them to scatter more from their villages, and realize
+the advantages of settling on separate tracts of land.</p>
+
+<p>Circumstances, however, occurred among the Indians, which claimed
+the particular attention of the committee, and three Friends were deputed
+to visit the settlement. They proceeded there in the Ninth
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>
+month, accompanied by a young Friend, a blacksmith, who offered his
+services to instruct some of the Indians in his useful occupation.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to giving a detail of this interview, it seems necessary to
+observe, that some extraordinary ideas respecting witchcraft had prevailed
+among the natives for sometime, which were principally insinuated
+among them by an infirm old man named Connediu, a half brother
+to Cornplanter, who had the appearance of a simple man, and had been
+from his youth very intemperate. He had no influence in the nation
+till about three years before, when, after a long time of sickness, he
+was supposed by the Indians to be several times in a trance. After he
+had recovered therefrom, he asserted that he had seen angels, who
+communicated to him such things as the Great Spirit designed should
+be imparted to the Indians&mdash;that they must all quit drinking whiskey
+and other strong liquors&mdash;that they must revive the custom of their
+forefathers in eating dog’s flesh, and have frequent dances&mdash;performing
+their religious ceremonies, &amp;c. This to a people naturally
+prone to superstition, was like oracles delivered from the <i>Great Spirit</i>,
+and to use their own language, “was the manner in which <i>He</i> was revealing
+his mind and will to the Indians.” Connediu had actually some
+of his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual world
+committed to writing, that they might keep it in remembrance, as the
+will of the Great Spirit concerning them.</p>
+
+<p>Connediu frequently asserted that these heavenly messengers continued
+to favour him with frequent interviews, and he succeeded in
+propagating a belief among the natives, that most of their bodily afflictions
+and disorders arose from witchcraft, and undertook to point out
+the individuals who had the power of inflicting these evils. He was
+said to have wholly declined the practice of drinking to excess, and by
+an artful exercise of his pretended knowledge, he acquired considerable
+influence in the nation, so as to be appointed high priest and chief Sachem
+in things civil and religious.</p>
+
+<p>Some of Cornplanter’s family being in a declining state of health,
+Connediu, (whom they now esteemed a great doctor, as well as a prophet,)
+was applied to for counsel. In his wild reveries he alleged that
+some of the Delaware Indians who lived at Cattaraugus possessed the
+power of witchcraft, and were the cause of their illness.</p>
+
+<p>This brought on a quarrel between the two tribes, and some of the
+Delawares were taken prisoners, and threatened with death if they did
+not remove the disorder.</p>
+
+<p>During the contention, Cornplanter wrote to the governor of
+Pennsylvania on the occasion, and the committee on Indian affairs being
+made acquainted with the circumstances, letters both from the committee
+and government were addressed to both tribes of Indians on the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span>
+subject. A council was called between the contending parties, and
+Friends, with some other well disposed people on the frontier settlements,
+used their influence to have an amicable adjustment, and endeavoured
+to obliterate from the Indians’ minds, those superstitious ideas
+of witchcraft which appeared to have been the ground of their uneasiness.
+The result was, that the Delawares were acquitted, and all
+disputes buried between them and the Senecas. Cornplanter told them
+“that he had swept their beds clean, that they might lie down in peace&mdash;that
+he had swept their houses clean, that they might live comfortably
+in them&mdash;that he had swept clean before their doors, that they
+might go out and in, without molestation.”</p>
+
+<p>About the time that Friends of the committee arrived at Genesinghuta,
+the Indians generally were met in council, about these matters;
+and although Connediu had advised them to quit drinking whiskey, he
+was otherwise endeavouring to propagate notions very inimical to the
+concern in which Friends were engaged, by recommending them to follow
+their old customs, and not allow their children to learn to read and
+write; that they might farm a little, and build houses, but must not
+sell any thing which they raised on their land, but give it away to one
+another, and especially to their old people; and, in short, enjoy all
+things in common.</p>
+
+<p>With this doctrine several of the young chiefs and others were not
+satisfied; and one of them judiciously observed, “they had better hold
+councils about fencing in fields, and clearing land, than about witchcraft,
+and other strange notions of Connediu.”</p>
+
+<p>The committee, who now visited the settlement, were pleased, on
+passing down the river, with the view of fences, where not long before
+there were none to be seen; and instead of the bark cabins, that formerly
+stood in clusters along its banks, there were now good houses,
+with shingled roofs; and the tinkling of cow bells, which they heard in
+various directions, denoted an increase of cattle, and had a cheering
+effect on their minds. It was in the spring of 1801, that the Indians
+first began to use the plough for themselves. They took a very cautious
+method of determining whether it was likely to be an advantageous
+change to them or not. Several parts of a large field were
+ploughed, and the intermediate spaces prepared by their women with
+the hoe, according to former custom. It was all planted with corn;
+and the parts ploughed, (besides the great saving of labour,) produced
+much the heaviest crop; the stalks being more than a foot higher, and
+proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. The corn was
+now gathered in, and as their stock of cattle had much increased, instead
+of leaving their corn fodder to perish, as formerly, they preserved
+it for their cattle in winter&mdash;and several had mown grass, and made
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span>
+small stacks of hay. They had made a fence, about two miles long,
+which enclosed the lower town, and a large body of adjacent land fronting
+on the river, and several other fences were made within it, to separate
+the corn from the pasture ground.</p>
+
+<p>With the exception of houses and fences, the improvements at the
+lower town, (Jenuchshadaga) did not bear a comparison with the upper
+settlement, where the Indians lived more detached from each other.
+Their thus separating, was evidently more to their advantage, than
+crowding together in villages. A chief, who was not ashamed to be
+seen at work by the women of his own family, would probably have
+been much mortified when discovered by a number of other females,
+who on such occasions do not always refrain from ridicule. Yet this
+false shame on the part of the men, and ridicule of the women, gradually
+wore away as they became familiarized to each others’ assistance,
+in their little agricultural labours.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians now became very sober, generally refraining from the
+use of strong liquor, both at home and when abroad among the white
+people. One of them observed to Friends, “no more bark cabins, but
+good houses&mdash;no more get drunk here, now, this two year.”</p>
+
+<p>The blacksmith was introduced to the Indians with a request that
+two of their young men would learn his business, so as to be qualified
+to do their own work; as it was not very likely he should stay long.
+But before they would agree to this proposition, they queried with
+Friends, “whether they would at any future time want land or money
+for the services which they had done, and were doing for them? They
+wished to know very clearly in writing about it. Also, whether they
+would leave the tools for the young men, who might learn the blacksmiths’
+trade, when the smith left them, or whether they would take
+them away?” To which the following answer was given in writing:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we tell you now, plainly, as we told you before, that your
+brothers, the Quakers, do not want any of your land, or any of your
+money, or any of your skins, for any thing they have done for you; and
+they never will bring a charge against you, for any of these things.
+And we give you this writing, to keep forever, to make your minds perfectly
+easy on this account. About the smiths’ tools we cannot say
+much; but think we shall leave them with you, if some of your young
+men will learn the trade.”</p>
+
+<p>At a subsequent interview, Cornplanter made a reply to Friends, in
+which he stated, “We understand the writing which you gave us very
+well, and our minds are now quite easy. Two of our young men will
+learn the smiths’ trade; one from the lower town, and one from the
+upper.”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span></p>
+
+<p>Friends again opened the business respecting the schooling of their
+children, which had for sometime past been impeded by the system of
+Connediu. The chiefs were particularly desired to take this subject
+under consideration, and let Friends know when they were ready.</p>
+
+<p>It was supposed that the quantity of corn raised this year by the
+natives, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first
+formed, and a few of the Indians made the first attempts to raise wheat;
+but those who did something at farming, occasionally went out a hunting;
+and many of the men still adhered to their ancient customs, and
+left the women of their families to cultivate with the hoe, what corn
+and vegetables were necessary for their sustenance.</p>
+
+<p>As one of the young men, who had been there from the time of first
+opening the settlement, was about to return home with the committee,
+Cornplanter expressed the great regard he had for him; saying, “that,
+although he had been so long amongst them, not one of them was able
+to say a word against him, ever since he had been there&mdash;that his words
+and his conduct had been altogether good, and agreeable to them; and
+he hoped the Good Spirit would preserve him on his way home to his
+friends.”</p>
+
+<p>The committee, also, on this visit, had an interview with the Indians
+of Cattaraugus. They arrived at a time when the Indians were performing
+their religious ceremonies&mdash;concerning which, the chief warrior,
+Waun-dun-guh-ta, made the following remark to Friends.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have come at a time which has by us been set apart
+for performing worship to the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs.
+It is our way of worship, and, to us, solemn and serious, and not to be
+made light of, however different it may be from your mode. It is the
+manner our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us
+for not being so attentive to you as we should, had we not been thus
+engaged.”</p>
+
+<p>They had now their saw-mill completed, and one of the Friends from
+Alleghany remained sometime with them, instructing some of the Indians
+in the sawing business.</p>
+
+<p>The spring of 1802, furnished greater marks of improvement, than
+had heretofore been discovered among the natives. Eighteen or twenty
+thousand rails were split, and put up into fences by the Indians, and
+thirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed, most of which were cleared this
+spring. Several families who had not any when this settlement was
+first formed, had got six or seven head of cattle, and other useful animals.
+Whiskey was not knowingly suffered to be brought into the settlement;
+and if any were found out to have been intoxicated, when they
+were out in the white settlements, they were sharply reproved by the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span>
+chiefs on their return, which had nearly the same effect among Indians,
+as committing a man to the workhouse among white people. The Indians
+opened a good road for about five miles up the river from Friends’
+settlement, where before it was very difficult to travel, even on horseback.
+Several of them sowed spring wheat&mdash;and a gradual improvement
+was apparent during this season.</p>
+
+<p>The benefits derived by the Senecas at Alleghany, from their attention
+to agriculture, encouraged other branches of the nation to apply
+for assistance. The chief of the Tonewanta village, about one hundred
+miles distant from Friends’ settlement at the Alleghany, in a pathetic
+speech, applied to Friends to assist them with saw-mill irons, farming
+utensils, &amp;c. which request was granted, with the addition of a yoke of
+oxen, and chains.</p>
+
+<p>The young man who went out as a blacksmith, returned home this
+fall; two of the Indians having acquired such knowledge of his business
+as to answer their necessities.</p>
+
+<p>Although the improvements at this place were gradually progressing,
+obstructive causes at times occurred, difficult to combat. This induced
+Friends, among them, to believe that a change made in their situation,
+so as to render them more independent of the natives, might subject
+them to less difficulty in the further prosecution of the concern. The
+improvement heretofore made on their own land, for a time, had a good
+effect; but their ideas were weak, and for want of more sensibility in
+some of the intentions of Friends towards them, it had led to a dependence,
+which evidently impeded their progress in civilization. This dependence
+seemed to increase, as they saw the increase of produce from
+the land that Friends cultivated. Some of the Indians had increased
+their stock of cattle faster than the means of supporting them through
+a long and rigorous winter. When their hay and other fodder become
+reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some. These requests
+could not be complied with, to an extent proportioned to their necessity,
+without reducing Friends to alike state of want; and fearing, least
+in future winters, a renewal of similar requests, without the means of
+supplying them, might disturb that harmony which had hitherto subsisted
+between Friends and the Indians, it was thought adviseable by the
+committee to embrace an opportunity which now presented, of purchasing
+from a company of white people, an adjoining tract of land, in
+order to make such improvements thereon, as might accommodate a
+family or more, of such, who from time to time, might feel desirous to
+assist in the instruction of the Indians, and thus by making it a more
+permanent establishment, entirely independent of the natives, be enabled
+to extend more efficient aid to other branches of the Seneca
+nation.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span></p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1803, this proposal of a removal of Friends’ settlement
+was communicated to the Indians, and they generally coincided
+with it, provided the move should not be far up the river. They had
+several councils on the occasion, and communicated to Friends their
+views; and although their prophet, Connediu, had, in time back, been
+somewhat opposed to the views of Friends in changing the customs of
+the Indians, he was now entirely friendly, and strongly recommended
+industry and perseverance in the plans which Friends had recommended
+to them. The following paragraphs from one of his speeches on this
+occasion, may be worthy of notice.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“My friends, Quakers, attend.&mdash;It is now a long time since you first
+came amongst us. It has even exceeded the time that was first proposed.
+I now speak the united voice of our chiefs and warriors to you,
+of our women also, and of all our people. Attend, therefore, to what
+I say. We wish you to make your minds perfectly easy&mdash;we are all
+pleased with your living amongst us, and not one of us wants you to
+leave our country. We find no fault with you in any respect, since
+you come amongst us; neither have we any thing to charge you with.
+You have lived peaceably and honestly with us, and have been preserved
+in health, and nothing has befallen you. This we think is proof,
+also, that the Great Spirit is pleased with you living here, and with
+what you have done for us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Friends, Quakers&mdash;we now all agree to leave you at full liberty,
+either to remain where you now are, on our land, or to remove up the
+river and settle on land of your own, only that you settle near us, that
+you may extend further assistance and instruction. For although we
+have received much benefit from you, and some of our people have
+made considerable advancement in useful labour, yet we remain very
+deficient in many things, and numbers of us are yet poor.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>As the important change proposed to be made in conducting the affairs
+at Alleghany, required serious consideration, four of the committee
+proceeded to that settlement, and on conferring with Friends there, were
+satisfied of the propriety of a removal from their present station, to one
+more independent of the Indians, and less subject to their control.</p>
+
+<p>A tract of land adjoining the Indians’ reservation on Tunesassa creek,
+which empties into the river on the east side, about two miles above
+Genesinghuta, was agreed upon, and afterwards purchased, as the most
+eligible place for a settlement; inasmuch as it furnished an ample situation
+for water works, and much of the tract was covered with excellent
+pine timber. The tract included about seven hundred acres.</p>
+
+<p>Friends had free and open conferences with the Indians on the subject
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>
+of their removal, and various other matters; and satisfactory arrangements
+were made respecting the old settlement, the Indians insisting
+on Friends’ occupying the farm until they got suitable accommodations,
+and provender for their stock, at their new settlement.</p>
+
+<p>In one of their conferences, Cornplanter observed:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when your friends first came amongst us, and for a long
+time after, the white people told us, ‘keep a good watch on those Quakers&mdash;they
+are a cunning, designing people; and under pretence of
+doing something for you, want to get hold upon you, to make an advantage
+of you some way or other;’ but of late, finding that all was straight,
+and no advantage was attempted to be taken, they have left off talking
+about it.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, your young men do not talk much to us, but when they
+do they speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us
+from using spirituous liquors.”</p>
+
+<p>Here it may be proper to remark, that in the spring of 1798, an Indian
+lad of the Tuscarora nation, from near the falls of Niagara, had
+been taken to Philadelphia, and placed with a Friend in Chester county,
+to learn the blacksmiths’ business, where he continued till the last
+spring;&mdash;and having acquired a competent knowledge of his trade, and
+made considerable proficiency in school learning, the Friend with whom
+he had been instructed, felt such an interest in his welfare, that he
+accompanied him home to his Indian friends, staid several weeks with
+him, to see him set up in his business, and assisted him therein.</p>
+
+<p>This Friend, on his return, had now been several weeks at Alleghany,
+affording the two Indian blacksmiths there, some further instruction in
+that art. They were very desirous he should tarry longer with them;
+and an old chief observed, “Friends had now sent on a blacksmith, the
+best they had ever seen&mdash;he knows how to make all things we want.”</p>
+
+<p>Considerable improvement among the Indians at this time was observable,
+more particularly up the river. Several families had settled
+about two miles higher up, than where they formerly resided, and had
+cleared and fenced in about sixty acres of land. Seventeen new houses
+with shingled roofs, were observed neatly built, with square logs, most
+of them two stories high, with stone chimneys and glass windows. They
+had about one hundred head of cattle, thirty horses, and several hundred
+hogs. And the Indians had opened a road, about twenty miles
+along the river, and much of it through heavy timber; which was a
+great work for them.</p>
+
+<p>The committee proceeded from thence to Cattaraugus, and noticed
+considerable improvement in that settlement. Several of them were
+building good houses. Their crops of corn were good, and their stock of
+cattle increased; and, generally speaking, they had declined the use of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span>
+strong drink. They had divers requests to make to Friends, some of
+which were granted; especially one, for a set of smith tools and plough
+irons. While Friends were sitting with the chief warrior, he seemed
+in a pensive mood, and said he wished to ask them a question, but hesitated.
+They desired him to say on&mdash;It was, “<i>Do the Quakers keep
+any slaves?</i>”&mdash;He was answered in the negative. He said he was very
+glad to hear it; for if they did, he could not think so well of them as
+he now did&mdash;that he had been at the city of Washington last winter,
+on business of the nation, and found that many white people kept blacks
+in slavery, and used them no better than horses.</p>
+
+<p>The committee on their way home had interviews with the Buffalo
+and Tonewanta Indians, and gave them such advice and encouragement
+as their situation required. It was satisfactory to observe, from
+the account of Red Jacket and others of their chiefs, that some improvement
+was taking place among those Indians.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends at Alleghany built a temporary house at their new settlement
+this fall, to which they removed, which we shall hereafter call Tunesassa.
+The land being heavily timbered, much exertion and labour
+were necessary, to make their situation tolerably comfortable during
+the first winter.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1804, the Indians generally removed from the lower
+town, and settled higher up the river; several of them not far from Tunesassa.
+This removal subjected them to some inconveniences, the first
+year, but eventually proved much to their advantage; especially to
+those who were detached from their little towns.</p>
+
+<p>As it was believed much benefit would result to the Indians from the
+erection of a grist mill on Friends’ farm, there being none nearer than
+about forty miles, measures were adopted to have grist and saw-mills
+erected this summer; and they were so far completed, as to be in operation
+the ensuing winter, when the Indians had considerable grinding
+done, and were much pleased to see the grain reduced to meal so much
+quicker than by pounding it in wooden mortars.</p>
+
+<p>An Indian man, after having a grist of wheat of his own raising ground
+and bolted, said with animation, “I think this will make the Indians
+see day-light.”</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this season, some dissentions took place among the
+Indians with regard to their chiefs. Several young men of considerable
+influence in the nation, and who were anxious to assume the reigns of
+government, became disaffected to Cornplanter, and taking measures to
+subvert his authority, artfully prevailed with the Indians to confer on
+themselves the dignified title of chiefs. This, among men whose rulers
+only hold their authority during the good will of the people, was not
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>
+difficult to effect. In the mean time, Connediu, who had some time before
+been promoted to the highest title in the nation, continued (as he
+said) his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual
+world, so that his fame spread abroad, and visits were paid to him from
+distant tribes. He also travelled to distant parts himself, and promulgated
+his doctrines, (which happily were now become more innocent,)
+throughout the Seneca nation.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter end of the winter and spring of 1805, the Indians experienced
+much damage to their infant settlements, by some unusual
+freshets in the Alleghany river. Nearly all their fences were swept
+away; but instead of being discouraged by their losses, they joined together
+very spiritedly, and soon repaired them; and in the end appeared
+to have been benefitted; for by this exertion, they gradually became
+more accustomed to labour&mdash;a thing, to them, of the greatest consequence.</p>
+
+<p>As it was believed the time had now come when it would be right
+to take some measures to instruct the Indian women in the various
+branches of housewifery, and domestic economy, and as this could not
+be done without female aid, a suitable family were sought for, and a
+man and his wife offering for that service, as well as a single female,
+who had before been at the Oneida settlement, they proceeded to Tunesassa
+in the early part of summer; and the natives expressed much
+satisfaction on their arrival among them.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of the females was no less satisfactory to the Friends residing
+at Tunesassa&mdash;for as from the first settlement to this time, in addition
+to the various calls of the Indians, and their out-door labours, they
+had all their domestic and culinary services to perform,&mdash;except some
+little aid received at times, by hiring some of the Indian women.</p>
+
+<p>Although many of the Indians had constructed comfortable houses,
+very few of their women took any pains to keep them clean and in neat
+order. They manufactured none of their own clothing, except the
+mockasins they wore on their feet. They had no knowledge of making
+soap, and of course their clothes could not be very clean&mdash;and very
+little improvement in domestic affairs had as yet taken place among
+the Indian families. In proportion, however, as the men became more
+accustomed to labour, it released the women from their former drudgery;
+and having now the opportunity of getting all their grain ground, which
+before they had to pound in wooden mortars, it would afford them more
+time to turn their attention to the business of the house, and the concerns
+more properly allotted to females, in all civilized societies.</p>
+
+<p>To aid and assist them in accomplishing this, was the object of our female
+friends; and some of the Indian girls pretty soon began to show a
+willingness to be instructed in knitting and spinning. A house of employment
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span>
+was built at a little distance from Friends’ dwelling, and particularly
+allotted to their use; but for want of the necessary materials,
+not much could be done at these useful employments the first season.
+Our women Friends were, however, enabled to instruct many of them
+in the art of making soap, which enabled them to keep their clothes
+and persons more cleanly; and also by frequently visiting them in their
+families, had opportunities of instructing and encouraging them in habits
+more assimilated to civilized life. The Indian women, also, made frequent
+visits to them, and by observing their industry, economy, and
+superior mode of living, an inclination began soon to manifest itself,
+even among these uncultivated females of the wilderness, to imitate
+the more useful and rational economy of our women Friends.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of
+land cleared on their farm&mdash;their spring crops were productive, and
+they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist and
+saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable purpose.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing
+land, splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the
+more sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have
+more sense, very fast.”</p>
+
+<p>They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and
+seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful
+effects&mdash;and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white
+people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them.
+The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink
+whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany,
+with Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a
+visit to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in
+order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage
+them in habits of industry.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by
+three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and
+having resided more than two years among them at the first opening of
+the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the improvements
+the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians
+at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the
+west side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects
+were discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and
+much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long
+replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this
+narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span>
+noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony
+with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was sometimes
+their practice; but to consider them as companions for life: and
+also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would
+enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were
+endeavouring to promote among them.</p>
+
+<p>Our Friends at Tunesassa had now got about fifty acres of land cleared,
+well enclosed, and in good order. They had built a large and commodious
+dwelling house and barn, which, together with the mills and improvements
+generally, gave it the appearance of a desirable settlement.</p>
+
+<p>It was believed the Indians had built about one hundred new houses
+since the committee visited them three years before. Most of them
+were put up with hewn logs very neatly notched at the corners; many
+of them were covered with shingles, and some had pannel doors and
+glass windows. The carpenter work was chiefly done by the Indians.
+Scarcely a vestige remained of the cabins they occupied when Friends
+first settled among them. Their farms, which were of different dimensions,
+were enclosed with good fences, and much more detached from
+each other than formerly. A much greater proportion of corn was
+planted this season than had been known before, and generally looked
+well. Many of them had raised wheat and oats, and several had raised
+flax and buckwheat, besides potatoes and turnips in abundance. Their
+stock of cattle and horses was increased, and they had a good many
+working oxen, which they found very advantageous to them. Sheep
+were not yet introduced, owing to the danger of their being destroyed
+by wolves.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the whole, it was evident their improvements rather exceeded,
+in divers respects, those made in some new settlements of white people
+on the frontiers, in the same length of time.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the young women had this year learned to spin and knit
+a little; but although the improvement among the females was yet
+small, it was, nevertheless evident, a change in this respect had taken
+place for the better, since our women Friends came among them. Their
+persons and apparel, as well as their houses, appeared in more neat and
+cleanly order. And as Friends approached some of their habitations,
+a pleasing mark of neatness discovered itself among some of their women,
+who would immediately begin to sweep their houses, and appear
+somewhat disconcerted, if Friends entered their doors before they got
+their apartments in good order.</p>
+
+<p>After spending near a week at Alleghany, the committee proceeded
+to Cattaraugus, and had a very satisfactory interview with the Seneca
+Indians at that place. Various matters were opened to them in a written
+communication, tending to incite them to industry, and to encourage
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span>
+them in a life of sobriety. A great reform had taken place among those
+Indians in this respect. The chief warrior in his reply said, “He believed
+the Great Spirit was better pleased with them when they took
+hold of the axe and the hoe and went to work, than when they were
+pursuing their former bad practices of drinking, &amp;c.” “And he was
+very glad Friends had given them their speech upon paper, that they
+would not only advise their young people themselves, but would have
+that speech to apply to, to strengthen their minds.”</p>
+
+<p>Although a considerable change had taken place for the better at
+this settlement within three years past, their stock of cattle and horses
+having considerably increased, (and instead of confining them as formerly
+in small enclosures round their villages, they had, since enclosing their
+cornfields, the advantage of pasturing them on the large plains,) yet they
+appeared very far behind their brethren at Alleghany, in agricultural
+improvements, as well as in buildings and cleanliness of living.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1807, no very important change took place among the
+Indians at Alleghany, except that divers of the young women and girls
+applied themselves to spinning in the course of the winter, under the
+direction of our women Friends, and succeeded so far as to have a piece
+of linen spun and wove into cloth, besides manufacturing a quantity of
+sewing thread with which many of the Indians were well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Some evil disposed persons, and doubtless opposed to the advancement
+of the Indians in civilization, took every opportunity of creating
+suspicions in their minds, of the views of Friends, and artfully insinuated
+that Friends’ saw-mill was erected to accumulate an interest out of
+them, notwithstanding that Friends had given them many thousand feet
+of boards, and also their grain at the grist-mill was then ground free of
+toll.</p>
+
+<p>In order, therefore, to settle the minds of the Indians, to counteract
+the suspicions in circulation, and as a convincing evidence of the disinterested
+views of Friends,&mdash;believing also, that it might redound to
+the Indians’ advantage, they offered to assist them in building a saw-mill
+for themselves; and three hundred dollars, in addition to a set of
+saw-mill irons, were granted for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>This fall Cornplanter was again restored to his former station of chief;
+and from the disposition he had always manifested to the object of
+Friends, there was reason to expect his renewed influence in their
+councils would be useful.</p>
+
+<p>The family at Tunesassa, experienced a great trial by the removal
+of the Friend’s wife residing there, who, after about two weeks illness
+was taken from this transitory scene. She had by her prudent and obliging
+conduct very much endeared herself to the natives, many of whom
+attended her funeral, and a number of them called to see the family some
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>
+days afterwards, and desired them to make their minds easy, seeing it
+was the will of the Great Spirit, and what must happen to all mankind;
+and they were come to sympathize with them, and to wipe away their
+tears that they might sorrow no more.</p>
+
+<p>In the following winter, a number of the Indian women and girls
+were engaged at spinning, and a disposition to industry and manufacturing
+their own clothing, seemed to be gaining ground. A loom was
+provided, and several pieces of their own spinning were made into cloth.</p>
+
+<p>1808. As Friends for sometime past, had been desirous of rendering
+more essential service to the Indians at Cattaraugus, it was now
+believed expedient to purchase a tract of land adjoining their reservation,
+and have a family stationed there, that would more effectually
+accelerate their improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly a large tract of land was agreed for, on Clear creek, which
+furnished a good seat for water-works, within four or five miles of
+the Indian town. The land being heavily timbered, the Indians were
+engaged in opening a road from their villages to it; and considerable
+advances were made towards opening a settlement this season, superintended
+by some of the Friends from Tunesassa.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Alleghany got their saw-mill completed this fall so as
+to be in operation, and the Friends at Tunesassa were joined by another
+family, a Friend with his wife, a single female who accompanied them,
+and several children; the parents offering their services to spend some
+time in the instruction of the Indian natives.</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of this year, and through the succeeding winter, very
+considerable progress was made among the women and girls in learning to
+spin; several purchased wheels and commenced spinning at their own
+houses; and an aged female, of the first influence, named O-yong-go-gas,
+resided sometime with Friends, to be instructed in this employment, and
+made an unexpected progress. Her attention to assist in encouraging
+and superintending the younger women and girls, was a favourable circumstance,
+and tended to promote their improvement. On hearing that
+Friends at Tunesassa were about writing to the committee, she delivered
+the following address, desiring it might be sent also.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, attend&mdash;I wish to speak a few words to you. Since your
+women came here, I have frequently had a prospect of learning to spin;
+but as I was an ancient woman, I was afraid to make a beginning, lest
+I should not make out, and would then have to decline it, without accomplishing
+any thing. I at length concluded to try, and have learned
+so much as to be able to spin flax and tow pretty well.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I am very happy that I have the satisfaction to inform you
+a little of my progress, and also that I can now with more assurance,
+impress the necessity of this valuable improvement on the minds of our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span>
+young women, and I intend in future to recommend it as a most necessary
+employment.</p>
+
+<p>“For my own part, I intend to pursue it as long as my eye-sight will
+continue, and I hope yet to be able to spin wool for a blanket, if the
+Good Spirit will continue my sight. I am very thankful for the knowledge
+I have acquired of your women Friends.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I hope this may find you all well, and I wish the Great
+Spirit may bless you.”</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1809, a Friend, who had spent many years among the
+natives, returned again to his former station at Tunesassa, and being
+acquainted with the weaving business, he was usefully employed in
+manufacturing into cloth the yarn which the Indian women had spun
+in the last winter, and the industry of several of them procured them
+sufficient specimens of domestic manufactures, to stimulate them to
+further exertions.</p>
+
+<p>This spring four of the Friends resident at Tunesassa proceeded to
+Cattaraugus, in order to carry on the improvements at this new station,
+and to instruct the Indians in that settlement.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Alleghany continued to make a satisfactory progress
+in their agricultural labours, seven or eight families sowed flax this
+spring, and other marks of improvement were observable. The settlement
+was visited again by a deputation from the committee, and the
+situation of the Indians fully inspected, and much advice and counsel
+were communicated to them relative to their moral conduct, as well as
+in regard to their temporal concerns.</p>
+
+<p>They were particularly warned of the iniquity of men and their
+wives separating, (a practice which was too common among them,) and
+marrying again with others; the natural consequence of which was,
+leaving their children in poverty and distress, besides being attended
+with a variety of other evils.</p>
+
+<p>The communications of Friends appeared to be well received, and in
+the replies which the Indians made, among many other things, Cornplanter
+remarked, “We are sensible that it is displeasing to the Great
+Spirit for men and their wives to separate, and I am very happy that
+you have now mentioned it, when so many of our young warriors are
+present who have the opportunity of hearing; and I hope they will attend
+to the good counsel you have given us.”</p>
+
+<p>This deputation from the committee also visited Cattaraugus settlement,
+and had satisfactory interviews with those Indians, encouraging
+them to industry and sobriety, and to avail themselves of the opportunity
+they now had of receiving instruction from our Friends, who had
+lately come to settle near them.</p>
+
+<p>In their replies to Friends, the chief warrior observed:&mdash;“You
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span>
+still continue to speak the same language to our nation, and we believe
+your views towards us are the effects of pure friendship, and a desire
+for our welfare; and although we have fallen short in fulfilling your
+former advices, we are still encouraged to follow your counsel, and to
+pursue the path you have set before us. We hope you will continue
+to have patience towards us, as Indians cannot adopt all these habits
+that you recommend at once; but we are convinced that industry in
+cultivating our lands, is the only method by which we can receive lasting
+benefits, and we are determined to pursue it&mdash;and we hope we shall still
+continue to make a gradual advancement.”</p>
+
+<p>During the winter and spring of 1810, the Indian women at Alleghany
+gave increasing attention to spinning. Some elderly females, who
+had acquired sufficient knowledge, and being anxious to promote this
+valuable art, took the superintendence of the young girls, and this season
+they spun sufficient to make one hundred and twenty yards, part of
+which was woollen, and manufactured into blankets.</p>
+
+<p>Some small premiums were offered to such of the men as should sow
+spring wheat, which had a stimulating effect; and sixteen or seventeen
+individuals availed themselves of the offer.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians purchased four yoke of oxen, which enabled them to do
+more ploughing&mdash;and during the course of the season many of the young
+men inclined to hire to work for other Indians, a practice which had
+not been common among them. This, however, was in part produced
+by the embargo system which was now in operation, and had an effect
+to reduce the price of skins and furs, so as to render hunting not
+worth pursuing as an object of profit.</p>
+
+<p>Red Jacket, and three other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited Philadelphia
+this year, and Friends had a satisfactory interview with them.
+Red Jacket in his remarks, stated:</p>
+
+<p>“I am unable to express the thankfulness I feel for the many acts of
+kindness your society have shown to us; particularly when that old
+gentleman, (pointing to an elderly Friend present,) and many others
+now no more, attended at our treaties. And I am happy in observing
+your disposition to pursue the same track of conduct your fathers observed
+towards Indians, now they are removed to the world of spirits.”</p>
+
+<p>Some implements of husbandry were furnished to the Tuscarora Indians,
+residing on the Seneca reservation near Buffalo; and the situation
+of the Delaware Indians residing on the Cattaraugus reservation claiming
+the sympathy of Friends, as being the remnant of a scattered tribe
+who formerly inhabited the parts along the river Delaware, and who
+for many years lived on terms of sincere friendship and reciprocal acts
+of kindness with the early settlers, while the country was then a wilderness;
+it was believed right to make them an offer of purchasing a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span>
+tract of land in the neighbourhood of Cattaraugus, provided they would
+live on, and occupy it. Although the offer was not accepted they gratefully
+acknowledge the kindness of Friends, and their answer on this
+occasion strongly excites our sympathy for the destiny of this once great
+and powerful nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Our nation, say they, seem as if they were scattered over the whole
+world; and we have been desirous, for many years past, of getting together,
+and have now fully concluded to leave the country of the Senecas.
+The land you propose giving us here, if we could take it on our
+backs and set it down in the neighbourhood of our nation to the westward,
+we should be very thankful for; but we don’t feel satisfied to
+remain in this country, and have concluded certainly to leave it as soon
+as we can.”</p>
+
+<p>Considerable progress was made this season by the Cattaraugus Indians.
+Many of them enclosed fields separately, and had plentiful crops
+of corn; and as an incitement to this plan of farming, small premiums
+had been offered by Friends. And as a further encouragement, to accommodate
+the Indians, preparations were made to erect grist and saw-mills
+on the tract of land belonging to Friends, whereby they could
+have their grinding done, and be furnished with boards to enable them
+to build better houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the beginning of the year 1811, the Indian women at Alleghany
+manifested a much earlier attention to the spinning business; and before
+the time they usually began, had sufficient spun for one hundred
+and sixty yards of cloth. Near one half of their women by this time,
+had acquired some knowledge of this business; and though they had
+heretofore, for the most part, attended to it at the house of employment,
+many of them now procured wheels of their own, and attended to it at
+their own houses. Four of them within two years had spun yarn for
+about one hundred and twenty-five yards; and two others, in the last
+season, had spun and wove themselves twenty-one yards of linsey.</p>
+
+<p>The instruction of their children in school learning, had for several
+years past, been but little attended to, owing to the impediments the
+Indians themselves had thrown in the way&mdash;but this year it was again
+revived; and a young man, qualified for that purpose, kept a school
+among them, at their request.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Cattaraugus were also making satisfactory improvement
+this season. The saw-mill was in operation this fall, and the grist
+mill in a considerable state of forwardness.</p>
+
+<p>The progress of improvement had, for many years past, exhibited an
+encouraging prospect&mdash;affording a comfortable hope, that the desirable
+object would be effected, of reclaiming at least a portion of the Indians
+from a savage and rambling life, to enjoy in a plentiful manner, and in
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>
+undisturbed security, the productions of the fruitful field. Yet it now
+seems our painful task to record some circumstances, which for a time
+much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and retarded their progress in
+civilization.</p>
+
+<p>By a company of individuals, claiming what they called the pre-emption
+right, an attempt was now made to purchase from the Seneca
+nation, all their land which they held in the state of New York, and
+under a specious show of benevolence, to give them a large tract of
+country far to the westward, where they might enjoy their native
+forest, away from the intrusions of white people.</p>
+
+<p>The peculiar situation of their land&mdash;being generally of an excellent
+quality, and an increasing white population fast settling round it&mdash;made
+it an object very desirable to this company, who, it is probable, paid a
+large sum of money for this pre-emption right.</p>
+
+<p>From the best information I have received respecting this claim, it
+appears, by the original charter, that the state of Massachusetts had
+this pre-emption right, or privilege of purchasing the Indians’ land in
+this part of the territory; and to satisfy this claim, in 1787, the state of
+New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of soil&mdash;reserving to itself
+the jurisdiction thereof. The state of Massachusetts, in 1792, again sold
+their right of purchase to an individual, who, in the year 1797, at a
+treaty held at Genessee river, in the state of New York, purchased
+of the Indians a large tract of country, as has been already stated&mdash;the
+Indians “<i>nevertheless and always reserving</i>” out of this grant and conveyance,
+such reservations as were therein agreed upon; “<i>to remain
+the property of the said Seneca Indians, in as full and ample a
+manner</i>,” as if the said sale had not been made. This purchase again
+passed into other hands, and finally the pre-emption right to the Indians’
+reservations into the hands of the company now claiming them.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding these were the only persons who had a legal right
+to purchase, it was only when the Indians were disposed to sell: and
+always to be understood, as the original owners of the soil, they had the
+right to refuse to sell, as guaranteed in the most solemn manner by the
+president of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>But notwithstanding their indubitable title to the soil, the attempt
+thus made, in an artful manner, to obtain their land, had the effect to
+produce great commotion and disturbance among them. Nor was it to
+be doubted, but that means, too frequently practised on such occasions,
+would be resorted to. These were, to offer rewards to the chiefs or principal
+men of the nation, to gain their influence, in order to bring about
+the object they had in view.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, however, at this time, did not accede to the proposals
+that had been held out to them, as may be seen from the following
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span>
+extracts of a speech of Red Jacket to an agent, who, it seems, was employed
+by the primitive holders to negotiate this business.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, we opened our ears to the talk you lately delivered to us,
+at our council fire. In doing important business, it is best not to tell
+long stories, but to come to it in a few words&mdash;we shall therefore not
+repeat your talk, which is fresh in our minds. We have well considered
+it, and the advantages and disadvantages of your offers&mdash;we request
+your attention to our answer, which is not from the speaker alone,
+but from all the sachems and chiefs now round our council fire.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, your application for the purchase of our lands is, to our
+minds, very extraordinary. It has been made in a crooked manner.
+You have not walked in the straight path, pointed out by the Great
+Council of your nation. You have no writing from our Great Father the
+president. We have looked back, and remembered how the Yorkers purchased
+our lands in former times. They bought them, piece after piece, for
+a little money, paid to a few men in our nation, and not to all our brethren,&mdash;until
+our planting and hunting grounds have become very small;
+and if we should sell these, we know not where to spread our blankets.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, you tell us your employers have purchased of the council
+of Yorkers, a right to buy our lands. We do not understand how this
+can be. The lands do not belong to the Yorkers. They are ours, and
+were given to us by the Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, you want us to travel with you, and look for other lands.
+If we should sell our lands, and move off into a distant country, towards
+the setting sun, we should be looked upon, in the country to which we
+go, as foreigners and strangers, and be despised by the red, as well as
+the white men. We should soon be surrounded by the white people,
+who would there also kill our game, come upon our lands, and try to
+get them from us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, we are determined not to sell our lands, but to continue
+on them. They are fruitful, and produce us corn in abundance, for the
+support of our women and children, and grass and herbs for our cattle.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, the white people buy and sell false rights to our lands; and
+your employers, you say, have paid a great price for their right. They
+must have plenty of money to spend it buying and selling false rights to
+lands belonging to Indians. The loss of it will not hurt them, but our
+lands are of great value to us; and we wish you to go back to your
+employers, and tell them and the Yorkers, that they have no right to
+buy and sell false rights to our lands.”</p>
+
+<p>Although the inducements held out to Indians at this time were rejected,
+yet the scheme, on the part of the applicants, was by no means
+abandoned; and as a measure like this, so inimical to the cause in
+which Friends were engaged, could not fail of exciting considerable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span>
+alarm, it was reasonable to suppose, their influence would interpose to
+prevent the adoption of a measure so pregnant of evil to the poor Indians.
+Accordingly, an appropriate address was presented to the Seneca
+nation, strongly recommending them to a diligent improvement of
+their land, and to keep strong in their resolution not to part with it&mdash;for
+if they should sell and remove to a distant country, it was not likely
+Friends would go with them, or assist them, as they had heretofore done.</p>
+
+<p>The minds of the Indians appeared to be quieted for the present, and
+they were peculiarly pleased with the communications of Friends on
+this occasion. One of their chiefs observed in council&mdash;“Your words
+reached our hearts, and as though they had been handed down from
+the Great Spirit above, they have satisfied our minds.”</p>
+
+<p>The spring of 1812, commenced with very encouraging prospects of
+improvement at both the settlements. The women were engaged in
+their spinning business, and the men in their agricultural pursuits,
+which relieved the women of much of their former hardships and
+burthens in procuring a livelihood. The measures adopted for their
+improvement had now been in operation at the Alleghany settlement
+for fourteen years, and the advantages resulting therefrom were
+more sensibly felt, and clearly distinguished by the Indians than at
+any former period. The progress of the Indians at Cattaraugus,
+considering the infant state of the establishment of Friends there, afforded
+the most sanguine prospect, that, by a steady perseverance, in
+the course of a few years more, a very important change would be effected
+in their situation and manner of life. But a reverse of circumstances,
+in the course of events, again took place, which it seems proper
+now to mention.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the Sixth month, this year, that war was proclaimed by the
+United States against Great Britain, and her dependencies. This
+circumstance created very considerable alarm amongst the Indians,
+and to use their own expressions, “seemed to turn the world upside
+down.”</p>
+
+<p>Their situation was peculiarly trying. War was a circumstance replete
+with many evils, which would inevitably involve them in serious
+difficulties. Their money, for which they had sold their land in 1797, was
+in the hands of the government. Their remaining lands were nearly all
+within the boundaries of the state of New York, and lying near to the
+British lines, which it was probable would become the seat of war, and
+therefore they would be liable to be much harassed by either party, even
+should they remain neutral. In the next place, there were several
+tribes of their confederates of the Six Nations, whom they had always
+considered as brethren, who resided within the British dominions, and
+called upon to fight their battles; and it was probable they would be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span>
+called upon by the United States to assist in the contest, and thus they
+would be reduced to the sad dilemma, of either being considered, in
+case of a refusal, as enemies to the United States, or otherwise be under
+the necessity of raising the hatchet against their own flesh and blood,
+who had not given the slightest cause of offence or provocation.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were these all the evils that seemed to threaten their repose.
+They were generally represented, in war, as a ferocious, unrelenting
+people; and hence it was natural to conclude, that jealousies would
+exist among their surrounding white neighbours, and prejudices be excited,
+which it would be difficult to remove.</p>
+
+<p>Their fears were not groundless in this respect; for soon after war
+was proclaimed, many of the surrounding inhabitants became very uneasy,
+and divers left their settlements, and removed to places more remote
+from the natives. This circumstance caused some alarm among
+the Indians. They apprehended that their sincerity and friendly dispositions
+were suspected; in consequence whereof, a council was held
+between them and their white neighbours, to endeavour to eradicate
+the fears and jealousies which existed between them. The result of
+this was, that the Indians promised to take no part in the war, and the
+whites agreed not to molest them in their peaceable possessions.</p>
+
+<p>This conclusion, however, did not stand long, on the part of the Indians.
+They were called upon by the United States to engage in the
+contest, and to take up arms against their brethren in Canada, who
+were, no doubt, excited to this unnatural war, by the British government.
+Some of the young warriors, who had never before seen the
+dreadful effects of such a conflict, were anxious to try their valour, and
+gain themselves a name; while many of their elderly people, who retained
+some knowledge of former wars, were more disposed to remain
+quiet at home. But as it is not the design of this work to give a history
+of the war, in all its bearings on the Indians, it is sufficient to say, that
+during the period the war lasted, they were at times engaged therein
+by parties; and in proportion to the part they acted on this occasion,
+their advancement in civilization was impeded.</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of this year, two of the committee visited the settlements
+at Tunesassa and Cattaraugus, by whom a suitable address was
+sent to the Indians. But they found them in a very unsettled situation,
+on account of the war; and said “they could not, at present, attend to
+their improvements&mdash;for, look which way they would, they saw nothing
+but war.”</p>
+
+<p>As the situation of the Friends stationed among the Indians was also
+trying at this period, they were left at liberty either to leave them, and
+return home, or to remain, as they felt best satisfied to do.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1813, although frequent alarms continued to pervade the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>
+Indians’ borders, our Friends did not apprehend it sufficient cause to
+abandon their residence, or to relax their endeavours to establish the
+Indians in a more permanent advantage from the soil. The Indians,
+too, appeared to have a special confidence in Friends, and often consulted
+them on account of their own safety, stating “that if Friends
+removed from them, they would become uneasy, and flee also.”</p>
+
+<p>Although some of the Indians attended to their business, yet the continual
+alarms, and frequent calls on them to assist in the invasion of
+Canada, very much diverted their attention from their domestic concerns;
+and their war excursions had a demoralizing effect, by exposing
+them again to the use of intoxicating liquors, which gained an ascendency
+over some.</p>
+
+<p>Towards the close of this season, at the time Buffalo was attacked
+and burned by the British, the Indians became exceedingly agitated.
+Those of Cattaraugus, lying more contiguous to the scene of action,
+moved a great part of their property to the south side of the river, in
+order to flee in case of an attack. The consternation that prevailed
+among the inhabitants generally, in that country, had a tendency to
+increase their fears; and probably a consciousness of their having taken
+up arms against their brethren in Canada, naturally created apprehensions,
+that, if their enemies proved victorious they would have to
+suffer a retaliation.</p>
+
+<p>The alarm, however, subsided, as there was no attack made on them,
+and they were permitted to remain quiet the succeeding winter, and
+attend somewhat to their necessary concerns.</p>
+
+<p>In the fall of 1814, the settlements were visited again by four of the
+committee. They arrived at Cattaraugus the thirteenth of the Ninth
+month, and had a council on the fifteenth with the Indians. Many of
+them were then absent, being engaged in the war, and more were about
+going. But when they heard of Friends’ arrival, they concluded to stay
+at home.</p>
+
+<p>They stated the many difficulties which they laboured under, on account
+of the war, and the great obstruction it was to their improvement.
+They said the officers often called on them to go to war, and if
+they staid at home, they were not satisfied&mdash;and they did not know
+whether they were safe or not.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, said they, the war has continued for three summers past.
+We have still had time to provide a little for our families; but this year
+we scarcely get home, before another express comes for us. We have
+been in hopes these troubles would subside; but from the present commotions,
+and noise of the great guns on the lines, we have entertained
+doubts how or when it will end.”</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of the council, they remarked the great satisfaction
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span>
+they felt, that the Friends who lived beside them had remained so
+steady with them through their difficulties, that although the great
+guns had roared so loud as to shake the ground whereon they stood,
+yet they remained quiet; which convinced them that they must be under
+the protection of the Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the various interruptions the Indians had met with
+on account of the war, they had made very considerable advances
+in agricultural improvements, at this settlement. The author, being
+one of the deputation who now visited them, had an opportunity of observing
+the great contrast in their situation, since Friends came to settle
+among them. They had enclosed with good fences, and cultivated
+several hundred acres of good land, within three or four years past; a
+great proportion of which was planted with corn and potatoes, or sowed
+with oats, &amp;c. and generally looked well. Many families had raised
+wheat, and were preparing to sow more in the fall. Several had raised
+flax, and about twenty-five of their women had learned to spin. Their
+women, also, appeared more neat and cleanly, in their dress and
+houses. But three or four families remained in their old village, having
+found it much to their advantage to settle more detached from each
+other. They were now scattered along, on the rich bottoms, for several
+miles. Considerable improvement had also taken place in the mode of
+building. Many had good houses, and some had barns, and scarcely any
+of the old cabins were seen standing. The Indians had procured a number
+of wagons and carts, with other farming utensils, as well as several
+yoke of oxen. Their stock of cattle, in general, was much increased;
+and the Indians said, in council, there were but one or two families but
+had cows or horses.</p>
+
+<p>The committee also visited the settlement at Alleghany, and held a
+general council with the Indians at Cold Spring, where they were encouraged
+to perseverance in the path they had for many years been
+pointing out to the Indians, and in which good way they had made considerable
+progress. But it was observed, that they were deficient in
+several respects, and had not made so much improvement as was desirable
+for the opportunity they had had. In their replies, they acknowledged
+the very great benefit they had received in time past, from the
+advice and instruction of Friends, but said they had made less improvement
+since the war commenced; that they were frequently called upon
+by the officers to go to war, and this kept them uneasy, so that they
+could not attend to their business. Some of their people had, also,
+during the war, got into habits of intemperance&mdash;and this tended to
+retard their advancement in the modes of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>The old chief, Cornplanter, not having attended this council, several
+of the company paid him a visit at his own house, about eleven miles
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span>
+distant from Tunesassa. About five or six families remained with the
+old chief, at his settlement, mostly his connexions. The old town of
+Jenuchshadaga, where all the first councils between Friends and the
+Indians were held, was entirely deserted, and so overgrown with young
+timber, as almost to conceal the place where it stood. This strange
+mutation of things at this place, was principally owing to the land being
+Cornplanter’s private property, and to the disposition of the other Indians
+to move higher up the river, and settle on land belonging to the
+nation, where they would have a greater security for the improvements
+they should make.</p>
+
+<p>Cornplanter expressed his great satisfaction at once more seeing his
+friends in his own house, and that he was still preserved alive to talk
+with them. He acknowledged the advice of Friends had always been
+good, and that in consequence of many of the Indians adhering to it,
+their situation had been much improved, but that in consequence of the
+miseries of war, some of his people had again become intemperate.</p>
+
+<p>The too common practice of men and their wives parting, having
+been animadverted upon at the late council, the old chief observed, that
+he also reprobated it, as being attended with many evil effects; and
+that he had often seen children, who had been thus neglected, when
+young, in consequence of their parents’ separation, reflect on their parents,
+when they got old, and charge them with neglect of duty; it
+being generally the practice where separations take place, for the mother
+to take charge of the children, and provide for them as well as she
+can.</p>
+
+<p>“The liquor, said he, has been introduced among us by white people;
+but this evil practice has grown up among ourselves. Our young
+people are too fond of diversions, and not serious enough, in forming
+connexions. I have often advised them to more sobriety and regular
+conduct, and spent much of my time in serving the nation.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, generally, on the Alleghany river, continued to increase
+their stock of cattle, horses, and swine, quite equal to their means of
+supporting them through the winter; although in other respects, since
+the commencement of the war, they had made but little progress in
+agriculture. Many of the women, however, had given considerable
+attention to spinning&mdash;especially in the winter season. They appeared
+more cleanly in their persons and houses than they formerly did; and
+their manners, and general deportment, appeared to be rising from
+that degraded state in which they had formerly lived, and becoming
+more assimilated to the modes and practices of white people.</p>
+
+<p>The spring of 1815, was ushered in with the welcome and consoling
+news of peace, to the poor Indians; an accommodation having taken
+place between the United States and Great Britain in the preceding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span>
+winter. Not only could the Seneca nation participate in the blessings
+of peace, by having their prospects to pursue their agricultural labours
+again brightened, but many of the surrounding tribes, who had been
+more extensively engaged in the late contest, could now lay down the
+hatchet, which had often been stained with the blood of their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>But although peace had now taken place, and hostilities ceased between
+the contending parties, it was doubtful whether the Seneca nation
+would be conciliated, and immediately restored to that mutual
+friendship, which previous to the war had subsisted between them and
+their confederate tribes in Canada, who had, under the banner of Great
+Britain, taken up arms against the United States. It was, therefore,
+believed expedient by the committee at this critical juncture to send
+them a suitable address on the occasion, from which the following is
+extracted.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, since it has pleased the Great Spirit to restore to our
+country the blessing of peace, we have felt our minds concerned to address
+you, in order to encourage you to pursue the path we have long
+been pointing out to you; and likewise to call your attention to the great
+advantages resulting from living in peace with all men.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are sensible that there are two spirits at work in the
+minds of men. The one produces in us a disposition of love and good
+will towards all men, and is a comforter for all good actions. The other
+excites evil thoughts and desires, and influences to bad actions, such as
+lying, swearing, drunkenness, pride, envy, hatred, gaming, and many
+other evils, which, if given way to, often create war between nations.
+So we believe it is in our power to resist the evil spirit, and conquer
+all the evil propensities of our nature, by obeying the Good Spirit,
+and by daily watching, and prayer to him. If we so conduct, he will
+deliver us from evil.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our fathers, and we their children, who profess the same
+principles by which they were guided, have always believed that wars
+and fightings are displeasing to the Great Spirit, who is all love, and
+who made of one blood all nations of men, that they should live in peace
+and love with each other. For this cause, he hath placed his law in
+our hearts, and in the hearts of all men, teaching, not only to love one
+another, but also to forgive injuries, and even to love and do good to
+our enemies.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, where people live in this disposition, and trust in the
+Great Spirit for protection, it has a powerful effect in producing the
+same disposition in the minds of those who wish to do them an injury;
+and instead of hatred, it will produce in their minds love and good will.
+For you must be sensible, brothers, that when a man is angry with
+another, and uses many threatening expressions, if the other returns
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span>
+mild answers, and endeavours to pacify him by acts of kindness and
+good will, it is more likely to restore the angry man to a sober and right
+state of mind, than if he were to quarrel and fight with him&mdash;and this
+would be overcoming evil with good, which is always pleasing to the
+Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are sensible that the late war must have brought you
+into great difficulty and distress&mdash;and we are thankful for the return
+of peace. We hope the Great Spirit will preserve you from again feeling
+the miseries of war. We also wish you to be reanimated, to pursue
+your farming, and the improvement of your land, under the instruction
+of our friends who reside among you, as this is the only sure method
+we can recommend to you to obtain a comfortable living for yourselves
+and families; and the most likely means, as you are industrious and
+become sensible of the value of your property, of securing you in the
+permanent possession of your land.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our desires continue as strong at the present day, as ever
+they were, to promote your happiness in this life, and in that which is
+to come. But this happy state we know can only be attained, by having
+our minds drawn to the Great Spirit, by imploring his protection,
+and by beseeching him that he would preserve us in love towards all
+mankind. If we are sincere in our desires for his assistance, and attentive
+to the voice of his spirit in our hearts, we shall have reason to hope
+for his blessing upon our labours, which is our desire for ourselves, for
+our Indian brethren, and for all men.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were also strongly reminded in this address, of the dangerous
+tendency of introducing strong liquor again into their villages,
+as the late war had exposed them to the use of it more than they had
+been for many years previous&mdash;and if they now become so unwise as
+to fall again in love with it, it would prove their ruin.</p>
+
+<p>This communication had a stimulating effect upon the Indians at both
+the settlements. Those of Alleghany sent a written address to the committee,
+signed by six of their chiefs, in which they expressed in a high
+degree, their sense of gratitude for the continued care of the society of
+Friends over them, and the great advantages they had received from
+their instruction. They also renewed their request that they might be
+furnished with a schoolmaster, as but little attention had been given to
+their improvement in school learning for some time past, owing to
+the general disinclination of the Indians to have their children thus instructed.</p>
+
+<p>At the request of the Indians, also, in the summer of 1816, four lads,
+two from Buffalo, and two from Alleghany, were brought into Chester
+county, within forty miles of Philadelphia, and placed with suitable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span>
+persons under the care of the committee, to be instructed in school
+learning, and some of the mechanic arts.</p>
+
+<p>In the Eighth month this year, a Friend who had formerly devoted
+many years to the instruction of the natives, proceeded again with his
+wife to the Alleghany settlement, accompanied by a young man in the
+capacity of a schoolmaster; and the family who had resided there for
+some years past returned from thence. The school was again opened
+at Cold Spring town, in the Tenth month, where about twenty different
+scholars attended, in an irregular manner, owing, in part, to the scarcity
+of provisions. This scarcity of food was occasioned by unusually early
+frost, which destroyed more than half their corn, and likewise many
+other vegetables. This calamity was felt through all that part of the
+country bordering on the lakes.</p>
+
+<p>Although the Indians had had the fairest prospect of a plentiful supply,
+yet, from the foregoing circumstance, many of them were compelled
+to resort to their former source of dependence, and with their
+families, retire to the woods and hunting encampments, where they
+remained a great part of the winter.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Cattaraugus were conspicuous sufferers by this calamity;
+many of them having their crops of corn entirely cut off, while
+they had as yet scarcely recruited from their sufferings during the
+late war. Friends duly considered their distressed situation, and
+granted five hundred dollars to be applied in supplying them with provisions,
+and three hundred more to be administered to the necessities
+of those on the Alleghany reservation. These donations were gratefully
+received by the Indians, and were peculiarly useful in enabling them,
+the following spring, more generally to attend to their agricultural pursuits,
+without being compelled from necessity to retire to their hunting
+grounds. It was said five hundred and twelve individuals at Alleghany,
+and three hundred and ninety at Cattaraugus, partook of this timely
+donation of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1817, the fears of the committee were strongly excited
+for the safety of the Indians, from the various concurring accounts,
+that plans were again devising to induce a removal of many of them in
+the state of New York, from their present seat, to one very remote
+among the western tribes. A measure of this kind would not only tend
+to unsettle the Indians in their agricultural pursuits, but if carried into
+effect, would entirely frustrate the plan of their civilization, and render
+of little avail the labours of Friends for twenty years past, and the expenditure
+of more than forty thousand dollars in promoting their advancement
+toward a civilized state.</p>
+
+<p>The committee, therefore, being fully impressed with the great loss
+the Indians would inevitably sustain by a removal to a distant clime,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>
+communicated their views by a written address; and with a view of
+setting them in a more permanent possession of the soil, recommended
+a division of their land into lots, suitable to accommodate each family,
+to be held under such regulations, that it might descend from parent
+to children, and other near connexions; and under such restrictions as
+would debar individuals from selling, leasing, or transferring it, in any
+way, to white people.</p>
+
+<p>This measure being of an important character in the disposition of
+Indian affairs, it was believed expedient, by the committee, to present
+a memorial to the President of the United States, in their behalf, by
+which he was fully made acquainted with the plan proposed to the Indians
+for a division of their land; and being visited, also, by a deputation
+from the committee, and furnished with various documents, it
+opened the way for a free communication of sentiment on the subject,
+and the president gave assurance of attentively perusing and duly considering
+the documents and memorial.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month this year, the settlements of Tunesassa and Cattaraugus
+were again visited by four of the committee, who spent several
+weeks among the Indians, in attending to the various services of their
+appointment. They inspected, particularly, the state of improvement
+at both the settlements, and also had divers interviews with the Indians
+in council, at both places.</p>
+
+<p>With respect to the improvements at Cattaraugus, the author being
+one of the deputation now visiting them, had a fair opportunity of judging
+of the advances they had made in three years past. Their settlements
+at this place were now extended about ten miles in length&mdash;and
+they had fenced in many fields and laid out their farms much more detached
+from each other&mdash;and were gradually advancing in agriculture.
+It was supposed they had more than two hundred acres of corn growing,
+(and it generally looked well,) besides one hundred acres more
+under cultivation; spring wheat, oats, potatoes, and a great variety of
+garden vegetables. Their stock of cattle and horses was much increased,
+and divers of them had enclosed lots of grass on which they gathered
+hay for winter. Many of the women had made considerable progress
+in spinning, so as, in the course of the last year, to make about one
+hundred and seventy yards of cloth.</p>
+
+<p>The Alleghany settlement was said to consist of about seventy families,
+all of whom, except four, had horned cattle, amounting in the whole
+to upwards of four hundred.</p>
+
+<p>They had more horses than was any advantage to them. Their corn,
+oats, and buckwheat, were in a prosperous condition, and promised to
+afford them a plentiful supply. And it was pleasing to find, that they
+had generally refrained from the use of spirituous liquors. The women,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span>
+also, continued their attention to spinning and manufacturing their
+clothing.</p>
+
+<p>The school taught by the Friend at this place was also in a more
+prosperous condition than had hitherto been evidenced among those
+Indians. Nearly twenty lads attended, divers of whom could write and
+read the English language, and had otherwise made satisfactory progress
+in learning. The cleanliness of their persons, their order in the
+school, and general deportment, appeared to be encouraging.</p>
+
+<p>A prominent object in this visit was, to encourage the Indians to make
+the experiment of dividing their land into lots, and holding it as private
+property, under certain restrictions. This was suggested to them, in
+separate councils with the different tribes, as the most eligible plan by
+which they could continue to possess the good land which they and their
+fathers had so long enjoyed, and which of late years they had improved
+so much, that “this land, with its valuable improvements, might pass
+to their children, and be inherited by them as long as the Alleghany
+and Cattaraugus rivers should continue to run, and the grass and corn
+to grow.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians in their several settlements, took this matter under serious
+consideration; and, in consequence of an arrangement made for the
+purpose, Friends met the principal chiefs, and many others of the
+Seneca nation, in a general council at Cattaraugus, among whom was
+the noted chief, Red Jacket, and several others from Buffalo. In this
+general council, the subject of dividing their land into lots, was again
+proposed to the Indians, as the most eligible means of accelerating their
+civilization, and securing them more permanently in the possession of
+the remnant of the land they yet occupied; and that these lots should
+be of adequate dimensions to accommodate each family with a farm,
+and be held under such restrictions, that they could not be alienated,
+or leased to any other than their own people, but in such manner as to
+secure to the individuals respectively, the land, with the improvements
+thereon, which should be appropriated to each. It was believed the
+adoption of this measure would prove an additional stimulus to their
+industry and care, in the prospect it presented, of the benefits which
+might result from their agricultural labours descending to, and being
+enjoyed by, their children, and posterity more remote. This important
+subject occupied the deliberate attention of the Indians for several days.
+The result was, a resolution that an experiment should be made on the
+Alleghany reservation by the Indians residing thereon, many of whom
+had for a considerable time been desirous of possessing their property
+more distinct from each other than had heretofore been the case.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning Friends were about to proceed on their way homewards,
+a number of the chiefs called to see them, and expressed their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>
+great satisfaction with the conclusions that had resulted at the late council.
+One of them named Blue-eyes, said, “Brothers, we want you to continue
+your endeavours to strengthen us, that we may not become a lost people,
+but that by persevering in the right path, we may experience
+preservation. We believe it is owing to the favourable disposition of
+the United States, that the Six Nations yet exist. And we are of the
+opinion, from the representations that have been made, that we owe
+much to you&mdash;and we trust to an overruling providence, who has thus
+favoured us, that we may yet experience preservation.”</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the repeated refusals of the Indians to dispose of
+any more of their land, renewed applications were made by those holding
+the pre-emption right in the beginning of the year 1818; and at a
+general council, held at Buffalo, about this time, they again determined
+not to sell; and with a view of making the President of the United
+States more particularly acquainted with their situation, and with the
+difficulties to which they were subjected, by these repeated applications
+for land, they sent forward a talk for that purpose, signed by twenty-one
+chiefs of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago tribes, which was
+published in the Niagara Patriot, and from which, for its simple, natural,
+impassioned, and pathetic eloquence, we shall present to the reader
+a few extracts.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Father, from the fatherly care the presidents of the United States
+have exercised towards their red children, we speak to our father in
+confidence, believing he will not turn away his ears from his red children.
+We are alarmed lest we lose our seats. Those men who say they
+have a right to purchase our lands, have been distressing us for a number
+of years with their plans to possess our lands&mdash;offering us in exchange
+lands to the westward. We declare to you, we desire you to
+publish to all our white brothers, that it is our fixed and determined
+purpose to live and die on our present land. It is sealed to us by the
+bones of our fathers&mdash;they obtained it by their blood. Our bones shall
+lie beside theirs&mdash;it is the heritage of the Almighty&mdash;he gave it us&mdash;he
+it is must take it from us.”</p>
+
+<p>“We mean no threat by this&mdash;we know we are in the hands of our
+white brethren&mdash;they can destroy us with ease&mdash;but they need not
+think to persuade us to part with our lands&mdash;as free men we claim the
+right to choose between being killed outright, or a lingering execution,
+by being driven a thousand miles into the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>“Where, father, where would our white brothers have us to go? The
+Indian claim to land is put out for more than a thousand miles to the
+west&mdash;except little spots for particular nations.</p>
+
+<p>“We have confidence in you. You cannot see your red children,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span>
+with their little ones, driven off by stealth and fraud&mdash;leaving the
+sepulchres of their fathers, their farms, their farming tools, and their
+cattle, and dying by families on the road, through hardships and privation&mdash;exchanging
+all their advances in civilization and its comforts, for
+the hardships of the chase&mdash;without house or friend.</p>
+
+<p>“Father, we have confidence in you, that if you see any device formed
+against us, you will frustrate it, and succour your red children. We
+have deceived no man&mdash;we have wronged no man&mdash;our language has
+been one&mdash;we choose not to part with our land. If we have been
+needlessly alarmed, you will pity our ignorance, and forgive our childish
+fears.</p>
+
+<p>“We trust that you will pardon the multitude of our words. Let
+none deceive you in saying that this is the voice of a few individuals,
+and not the voice of the Six Nations. It is the voice of the Six Nations
+in the state of New York. The chiefs of Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Genessee,
+and Onondago, are now in council. We have the message of Oneida
+and Alleghany with us, desiring we should speak to our father the president&mdash;intreating
+him to consider and help us. Speak, father&mdash;speak
+to your children, that their minds may be at rest. Speak to our council
+fire at this place, and let us hear your own words; send them by safe
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>“May the Great Spirit preserve you many years a blessing to all
+your children.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The Indians also sent a copy of the foregoing talk to the governor
+of New York, accompanied with a short address, from which we make
+the following extracts:</p>
+
+<p>“Father, we thank you that you feel anxious to do all you can to
+the perishing ruins of your red children. We hope, Father, you will
+make a fence strong and high around us, that wicked white men may
+not devour us at once, but let us live as long as we can. We are persuaded
+you will do this for us, because our field is laid waste and trodden
+down by every beast&mdash;we are feeble and cannot resist them.”</p>
+
+<p>“Father, we are persuaded you will do this for the sake of our white
+brothers, lest God, who has appeared so strong in building up white
+men and pulling down Indians, should turn his hand and visit our white
+brothers for their sins, and call them to an account for all the wrongs
+they have done them, and all the wrongs they have not prevented, that
+it was in their power to prevent, to their poor red brothers, who have
+no helper.</p>
+
+<p>“Father, would you be the father of your people and make them
+good and blessed of God, let not the cries of his red children ascend
+into his ears against you.”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span></p>
+
+<p>Without further comment on these impressive communications of the
+Indians, we shall leave the reader to his own reflections, after stating,
+that whatever impressions they might have made on the rulers to whom
+they were addressed, it did not prevent the renewed and persevering
+applications of the pre-emption holders, to obtain the Indians’ land, which,
+although they as often refused to sell, had the effect to keep them in a
+state of agitation and unsettlement; for although they had been repeatedly
+told that their lands were their own, and that they could not be
+compelled to dispose of them without their consent, and that President
+Washington had fully assured them that the United States would protect
+them in the remainder of their lands, which they had not legally
+conveyed away at public treaties, yet there appeared to be a degree of
+jealousy existing with some, as to the sincerity of these professions, and
+a fear lest they might, at some time, be compelled to relinquish their
+rightful possessions and be removed to another clime.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Alleghany, therefore, sent a message to the committee,
+in which they expressed a wish that Friends would endeavour to obtain
+for them a written instrument from the President of the United States,
+to strengthen, as they said, their title to their land, so that they might
+be easy themselves, and their children after them. And as it had been
+concluded in the last fall, to divide the Alleghany reservation into lots,
+they also wished to know whether this plan was agreeable to the President.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of this request of the Alleghany chiefs, as also with
+a view of making the executive department of government more fully
+acquainted with their situation, various documents were prepared and
+committed to the charge of four of the committee, to present to the
+secretary of war, and such other officers of government as seemed to
+be requisite. These documents were calculated to explain the views
+of Friends in the interesting and benevolent design of ameliorating the
+condition, and promoting the civilization of the Indians, and also to impress
+the public mind with the peculiarly distressed situation of the
+aborigines of our country generally.</p>
+
+<p>A surveyor being furnished by Friends, some essay was made, in the
+course of this year, towards dividing the Alleghany reservation into lots,
+as had previously been concluded on in general council. But difficulties
+occurred among the Indians respecting it, which they were not at
+that time able to reconcile; as the division lines would in many instances
+interfere with their present improvements; and their local attachments
+having, in a considerable degree, been increased since they
+become more detached in their settlements and applied themselves to
+the pursuits of an agricultural life, the plan of division was abandoned
+for the present.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span></p>
+
+<p>It may here be proper to state, that in their former practice of locating
+the land they wished to cultivate, they never interfered with each
+other’s boundaries. There was land sufficient for them all. Each family
+possessed the spot upon which they settled, without interruption from
+others; and if they wished to relinquish it, and remove to another, they
+might sell their improvements to other Indians. It is, therefore, not
+surprising, that in effecting so radical a change from their former customs,
+as the one contemplated, difficulties should occur&mdash;and it will
+require time for local prejudices, gradually to give way to the more enlightened
+views of civilization, and for more correct ideas of distinct
+property to be realized.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the state of unsettlement, considerable improvement
+in divers respects, was apparent this year, especially at the Cattaraugus
+settlement. A school for the first time was opened at that
+place, by a young man who offered for that service, and was attended
+by a number of children, with as much regularity as could reasonably
+be expected.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1819, and for some time previous, the Indians on the
+Alleghany river had got much in the practice of cutting and rafting
+pine timber down the river, and selling to white people, which was
+rather an injury to them than otherwise, as it opened an intercourse
+with some of the most profligate of the whites, and exposed them more
+to the use of intoxicating liquors than when at home, engaged in their
+agricultural labours. It also had a tendency to frustrate the plan of
+dividing their land into lots, as they now had liberty to range at large
+in the woods and get timber where they pleased, while the land remained
+as common stock to the nation.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of this year, an Indian, who was a lad when Friends
+first settled amongst them, and who had since been instructed in the
+blacksmith business, dictated a letter to the author, in reply to one sent
+to him sometime before, from which, to show his own views of the improvement
+he had made, we make the following extracts.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“I received thy letter of the eighteenth of last month, much to my
+satisfaction. I was glad to hear that my old friend W&mdash;&mdash; was well,
+and thou may inform him that I have usual health also. I well remember
+the counsel of my friends, the Quakers. I see they want to do me
+good&mdash;I feel strong about it. They told me to work at my trade, and to
+plough, and sow, and raise grain and grass. All this is very good advice.
+I now have plenty of corn, and some other grain, and hay. I
+have worked at my trade so as to earn ninety dollars, and received my
+pay from our agent. Besides this, about thirty dollars for other smithing,
+done last year. I feel glad the Quakers live so near me. I do their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span>
+smithing. They have ploughed several days for me. I have good corn
+in the land they ploughed, and some good wheat, potatoes, and other
+things, so that I have plenty. All this comes from my friends the
+Quakers’ advice.</p>
+
+<p>“Thee mentions about running out our land into lots, and that an
+evil bird has sung us a bad song. We are in hopes that the good
+bird will begin to sing, and in hopes that by next spring, his song
+will be for our good. I want he should sing a good song for us. I myself
+cannot say much, but I want the land divided into lots. Some say
+they do not want it, and are putting it by. I am glad thee has wrote thy
+mind on paper to me on this subject, and sent it here&mdash;I think I can
+see more light by it. I wish thee to make thy mind easy. I will do
+what I can, and speak what I know is for our good. I am in hopes to
+see my friend H&mdash;&mdash; here, whom I remember when I was a boy. I
+intend to keep thy letter by me, that I may see what it says in time to
+come, that I may not forget thy advice. Farewell.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the repeated assurances, from time to time, given
+to the Indians, that Friends were acting towards them from disinterested
+motives, and would never bring any charge against them, yet
+there were still individuals among them, probably instigated by the
+enemies of Friends among white people, who continued to excite
+jealousies and surmises, that Friends would at some future day, bring a
+charge against them. In order, therefore, to make their minds entirely
+easy on this <i>subject</i>, a writing was drawn up on parchment, containing
+the same assurances heretofore given, that Friends <i>never would bring
+any charge against them for their services</i>. This, as also a communication
+obtained from the President of the United States, respecting the
+division of their land, and sanctioning the plan of Friends, was forwarded
+to them, and seemed for the present to have a conciliating effect.</p>
+
+<p>During this summer, an increasing improvement was manifested by
+several of the Indians, clearing themselves new farms, distinct from
+their former fields, and preparing to put in their crops, which they accomplished
+in due season.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1820, circumstances again requiring a visit from
+the committee to the Indian settlements, two other Friends and the
+writer, were deputed for that service. They proceeded to Tunesassa
+in the Ninth month; and after inspecting into the situation of the Indians,
+and their state of improvement, they found, that, although many
+had made considerable advances in agriculture and the modes of civilized
+life, yet there were individuals who probably being instigated by
+designing white men, or from a perverse disposition in themselves, had
+become inimical to their abandoning their former habits, and pursuing
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span>
+the mode of life in which Friends had for many years been endeavouring
+to instruct them. This created jealousy and party spirit in some
+degree among them at this period.</p>
+
+<p>To meet these circumstances, and to endeavour to reconcile the minds
+of the Indians, a council was called, which their chiefs generally, and
+many others of their people, attended, to the number of about seventy.</p>
+
+<p>The following is extracted from the address of Friends, delivered to
+them on this occasion.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, by the permission of the Great and Good Spirit who made
+the world, and is acquainted with all the actions of men, we are permitted
+to meet in council, and we desire that he may help us to come
+to right conclusions.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is now a long time since the Seneca nation became
+sensible that if they continued to exist as a people, they must change
+their mode of living from the hunter state, and engage in agricultural
+pursuits. They were very desirous that their brothers, the Quakers,
+would assist them. They believed it pleasing to the Great Spirit, that
+men should assist and help each other, and that Friends came amongst
+them for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when our Friends first came among you, you had no good
+houses&mdash;very few cattle&mdash;very little land cultivated&mdash;your numbers
+were decreasing, and it appears certain to us, and to yourselves, that
+unless a change were made, you would fast dwindle away, and the
+Seneca nation become as it were dead.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, some of our friends have been engaged in instructing you
+for more than twenty years. You have been taught to build more comfortable
+houses&mdash;you have enclosed and cultivated fields&mdash;you have
+much increased your stock of cattle, and other useful animals. Some
+of your men have been instructed in useful trades. Many of your women
+have learned to spin, and some of your children have been taught
+to read and write.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we love you, and therefore we feel bound to speak plainly
+to you. We hope our words may sink deep into your minds. It is the
+voice of your old and true friends, who have never deceived you. You
+must endeavour to improve in the habits of civilized life, until you
+arrive at the state of some of the best of the white people, or you will
+gradually go back until you lose what you have gained&mdash;your friends
+with mournful hearts will give you up&mdash;your lands will go from you&mdash;and
+the very name of the Seneca nation, like many that have gone before
+you, will only be known in history.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, a man in the habit of taking strong drink to excess sets a
+bad example to his neighbours, and his family, and brings his poor wife
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>
+and innocent children to poverty and distress. This conduct is offensive
+to the Great Spirit; and unless he changes, he becomes one of the most
+wretched of men. We wish you, therefore, to endeavour to reclaim
+such of your people as have fallen into this evil practice, and to warn
+those who may be in danger of contracting the habit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we desire to stimulate you to increased industry. The
+industrious man is always the most comfortable. Labour is good for
+health; it makes the mind cheerful; and by steadily attending to business,
+we have the satisfaction to see every thing improving around us. What
+appeared hard, by perseverance becomes easy.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the greatest kindness a man can do to his children, is to
+begin early, to learn them to be industrious, and to engage them in
+business suitable to their years. The boys ought to help their fathers
+in the fields&mdash;the mothers and daughters to be engaged in spinning&mdash;in
+making clothes, in cooking victuals, and in all the business that is
+suitable to their sex&mdash;their houses, their beds, their clothes, and every
+thing about them, should be kept clean and in good order.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is consistent with the will of the Great Spirit, that men
+and women should be connected in marriage. It is an engagement of
+great importance, and we should not enter into it, until we are of sufficient
+age to think and judge for ourselves; and when marriage is contracted,
+the parties are bound to help and love each other&mdash;to care
+for, and instruct their children&mdash;and while families live in love and
+harmony together, it is very comfortable and very good;&mdash;but when
+division gets in, and differing, it is the work of the evil spirit&mdash;and if man
+and wife separate and marry others, it produces confusion, and must be
+displeasing in the Divine sight, and no people can prosper and grow
+strong who are in such practices.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is the duty of parents to have their children educated.
+The Great Spirit has given us minds capable of improvement, and
+by education children become more capable of learning the various
+trades, which will add to their comfort and happiness; and we believe
+it is right that the girls should be taught as well as the boys.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have been desirous that the lands belonging to you
+might remain firm in your hands, that your children and children’s
+children might possess them. For this end, we advised you to divide to
+every family a farm, so that they might say, “this is mine,” and improve
+it for their own benefit. And although changes are at first subject
+to some difficulties, yet we believe those difficulties may be overcome.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, on this subject you wished to have the mind of your
+father, the President of the United States, to strengthen you in the
+conclusion you had come to in general council, to divide the Alleghany
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span>
+reservation. You requested your friends in Philadelphia to go to the
+President, and obtain his opinion. One of us, who are now present, with
+some others, took a journey to Washington, for the purpose of complying
+with your request, and we found the President fully impressed with
+the necessity of such a measure, and he gave us a paper, in strong
+words, sealed with the great seal of the United States, and directed to
+the Alleghany chiefs, advising and urging that you might carry the
+business into effect, which paper was sent to you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you will keep your minds strong on this subject,
+for we shall hardly know how to go again to the President, and make
+requests on your behalf, if, when they are granted, they are not proceeded
+in.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our talk has been long. Circumstances seemed to require
+it; we hope you will consider it well. We love and desire the prosperity
+of you all; and although you may differ in opinion in some matters,
+yet we desire that the Good Spirit may unite your minds in love,
+and that you may all join in endeavours to promote education and improvement.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The Indians took these matters into serious consideration, and promised
+to make a reply the day following&mdash;and when they assembled
+for that purpose, it was evident they were divided into two parties, and
+divers of them had become opposed to their children’s being instructed
+in school learning, giving this as a reason, “that they were more liable
+to be corrupted by bad white people.”</p>
+
+<p>Much the greater part, however, continued to manifest an attachment
+to Friends, and, in their replies, gave hearty assurances of attending
+to their advice. They appeared to be fully sensible that remaining
+on their land, and pursuing the plan that Friends had pointed out to
+them, were the only means by which they could continue to be a nation.
+The chief sachem, named <i>Blue-Eyes</i>, in the course of his speech,
+remarked, “If we go from here we are a lost people. Look to the east,
+west, north, or south; all is filled up, and there is no place for us.”</p>
+
+<p>On the subject of dividing their land, they appeared to be discouraged,
+owing to their divided state, and the opposition met with from
+some individuals, who no doubt were influenced by interested and <i>designing
+men</i>; as this great object would be the most likely means of
+settling the Indians in a permanent possession of the soil, and thereby
+frustrate <i>the avaricious designs</i> of speculators. The secret insinuations
+of this class of the white people added much to the difficulties of Friends
+in pursuing their plans of civilization; nor was it to be wondered at,
+that individuals, among a people who had long been a prey to designing
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>
+white men, should become alienated from Friends, and cease to
+follow their counsel.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the
+dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages
+that might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially
+by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that,
+“we still considered them as brethren&mdash;that we were not divided in
+our good wishes for them&mdash;that we had always desired, and continued
+to desire, the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell,
+on the present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline
+their minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would
+yet join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing
+in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real
+benefit of man.”</p>
+
+<p>From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement,
+and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians
+at that place. They found that considerable progress had been made
+within three years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on
+the rich fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips,
+and other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful
+supply of provisions.</p>
+
+<p>A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech
+from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the
+following address was delivered to them.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are
+now, by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you
+in council.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you
+are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and
+industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be
+readily obtained.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you
+have already made&mdash;your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain,
+and your cattle&mdash;and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong
+desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the industrious
+man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision for
+his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their support, but
+to train our children to assist in all the business they are capable of&mdash;to
+begin with them young, and thus, while they are useful to their parents,
+it adds greatly to their own real comfort.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, by the united exertions of a family, much may be done.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span>
+The house may be made more comfortable. Out houses may be erected
+to shelter the cattle. Barns may be built to store the grain and hay,
+to prevent injury from the weather. While the boys are engaged in
+assisting their fathers in these things, the girls ought to help their mothers
+in keeping the house clean, in spinning, in making clothes, in
+cooking victuals, and every business that is suitable for their sex.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, by thus uniting in promoting improvements, you would
+soon make your farms to equal some of the best of your white neighbours;
+and if you would fully make the experiment, you would find
+that what we tell you is true.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is
+also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families
+should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ
+and part, and marry to others, it is wrong&mdash;it is an injury to their children,
+and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to
+think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of
+spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it&mdash;we wish you
+to keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your
+people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every
+voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in
+your councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this
+means, the very land that you own may slide from you.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short
+reply, but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of
+Friends’ communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in
+two days, when they would reply more particularly.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of
+the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of
+religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit&mdash;stating
+that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road,
+or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they appeared
+fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was his
+religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”</p>
+
+<p>This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian,
+was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the divine
+principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him what constitutes
+the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of men or
+books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s testimony
+“in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of a devout heart.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span></p>
+
+<p>It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into parties,
+which prevented that free intercourse and conference with each other,
+which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their replies to
+Friends&mdash;and without a design to impeach the sincere natives of any
+religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from the observations
+made, and the information received on this visit, that the introduction
+of these, under the character of missionaries, on their land at
+Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held, had created great
+uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause of their present
+difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the Indians had attached
+themselves to the missionary system, and joined in their modes of worship,
+singing, &amp;c. and these were looked upon as converted to the Christian
+faith. Hence the others, who were opposed to the missionary plans,
+were branded with the epithet of pagans, a term hateful to Indians,
+and which they did not fully understand. Thus a spirit of jealousy was
+excited between the parties, and a fear entertained by some, that the
+introduction of missionaries on their land was designed to obtain a permanent
+possession, and eventually to dispossess them of it.</p>
+
+<p>At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended,
+when the Indians of each party made replies to the former
+communication of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show
+the dilemma in which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge
+me to give at considerable length.</p>
+
+<p>The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council in
+the following manner.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more
+to meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful
+that the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come
+to see us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open
+our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us
+pay attention and observe the sabbath day&mdash;others do not. We wish
+you now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties
+straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the
+reason we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four
+or five who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old
+men observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it.
+We wish you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men
+do, or follow our old customs.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing
+for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one man&mdash;and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span>
+now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to pursue&mdash;whether
+white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other
+hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient
+customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit;
+and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice
+on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to adhere
+to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the
+hand, and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice
+we have heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing
+towards the <i>missionaries</i>, and keeping the First-day.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and
+wish the chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and
+you&mdash;and that you will not be displeased at what we have said to
+you.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted
+to have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother
+proposed the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers,
+we were glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason
+why we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last
+season we went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P&mdash;&mdash;, showed us a
+paper which came from the President, which stated that he wanted his
+brothers, the Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep
+the First-day of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their
+books. He told us that Congress had made an appropriation for the
+purpose of improving the condition of the Indians, and he wished to
+know whether they would accept it. We told the agent we had the
+Quakers living beside us, with whom we were satisfied; and if any help
+came from the President, we wished it to come through the Quakers.
+Our agent told us, the Quakers, he knew were friends to us; they have
+property of their own to help you. Congress has also appropriated
+money to assist you, and you should leave it to the President to dispose
+of that, as he thinks best for your benefit. We, therefore, concluded
+to pay attention to both the Quakers and the President, and have
+friends of both. We saw that many of the different nations of Indians
+were becoming civilized, and that the Seneca nation still remained in
+their old habits. We saw that the Quakers and the ministers, (meaning
+missionaries,) both observed the First-day. We concluded, as they
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span>
+did so, it must be an appointment of the Great Spirit to keep that day
+holy. We then thought, that as he had appointed it we must observe
+it also. Some of our people were wicked. They stole, and committed
+many bad actions. We thought we would endeavour to have our children
+instructed, while young, which would be better for them. We
+have been told, the world had been made a long time, when the
+Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into the world, and wished
+that knowledge might be spread among mankind. Your brothers
+have often told us, there was but one God over all&mdash;we, therefore,
+thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour to
+christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who
+were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased
+with it, and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And
+after a while, a minister came along, and wanted to know if they
+wished to hear him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded
+that when a minister came of his own accord, if he was a good
+man, he ought to be heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst
+us and preach to us steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister
+that our children could not understand. But we rather concluded
+to have some of our own people to give good advice to our children, on
+First-day, that they might improve and grow better. Some of our people
+have often heard of the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought
+it was right for us to keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read
+to, out of the Bible. The ministers who come here are different from
+our friends the Quakers. They are only travellers. Our friends the
+Quakers have given us a writing on parchment, stating that they would
+never bring any charge against us for what they have done.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the
+necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and offered
+to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a school
+house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply, stated, that
+on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing to have their
+children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a house for that
+purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages they had already
+received from the instruction of Friends, and among other things
+said,</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the
+use of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,
+and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious
+habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute
+of many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span>
+in our people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may
+be slowly.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in each
+of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your advices
+put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat with
+their brothers in order to reclaim them.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends
+would retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an
+answer. In about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council
+house, and after informing them that (although they were divided in
+some things,) they were glad they were of one mind about the education
+of their children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness,
+they might inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish
+them with a teacher.</p>
+
+<p>They were then presented with the following observations in writing,
+as the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided
+and critical situation.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their
+design was to improve your condition&mdash;to teach you to build more comfortable
+houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable
+you to raise and support more cattle&mdash;to educate your children,
+and to advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the
+assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship him&mdash;and
+although it is our practice to meet together to worship him, yet
+we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in religion.
+We think it right that every man should follow the teachings of the
+Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would always lead
+him in the right path.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,
+and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you
+back in your improvements, it will make you weak&mdash;it is contrary to
+all right religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”</p>
+
+<table class="table-left">
+  <tr>
+    <td>Signed,</td>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Samuel Bettle</span>.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td />
+    <td><span class="smcap">William Newbold.</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td />
+    <td><span class="smcap">Halliday Jackson.</span></td>
+  </tr></table>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply
+to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation
+of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice
+of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span>
+was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to
+enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly
+to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own
+hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without the
+teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this principle,
+it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by degrees they
+would come to see more light.</p>
+
+<p>This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed
+them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as
+they had ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that their
+difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the missionary
+system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so called, and
+inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could not comprehend,
+and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard to religion
+had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the
+observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and
+fundamental points,&mdash;while others, jealous of the encroachments of missionaries
+on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister motives
+in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the whites
+in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to their old
+Indian customs, in this respect.</p>
+
+<p>From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had
+some further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of
+their children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to
+having a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it,
+and expressed strong desires that a school might again be established
+among them.</p>
+
+<p>While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by
+the son of the ancient <i>Guy-us-hu-ta</i>, mentioned in the early part of this
+narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business&mdash;was fifty-six years
+of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and never
+had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had
+twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.</p>
+
+<p>These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may
+be noted to their credit.</p>
+
+<p>Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of
+their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property, yet the
+practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was becoming
+more frequent among them. In several instances they had applied to
+Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped, would open
+their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions, and in time,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span>
+Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended, of dividing
+their land.</p>
+
+<p>The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced
+teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting them
+in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them instruction
+in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who
+had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest
+progress in the arts of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their principal
+chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of Philadelphia,
+instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s trade, returned
+to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced his
+business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a great
+accommodation to the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to
+be a source of uneasiness to the Indians&mdash;as <i>they</i> urged the necessity
+of having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,
+to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when
+the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as
+well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.</p>
+
+<p>In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account of
+the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the schoolmaster,
+who resided among them, which will exhibit the improvements
+made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause of regret that the
+account was not completed&mdash;there being about forty families more,
+which were not included.</p>
+
+<p>The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account
+was taken.</p>
+
+<p>Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.&mdash;Has about twenty acres of cleared
+land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes&mdash;about
+forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit&mdash;three cows, four
+calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one
+plough, and one wagon.</p>
+
+<p>William Platt, 30 years of age.&mdash;Fifteen acres of cleared land&mdash;a
+considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of potatoes,
+one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Levi Halftown, blacksmith.&mdash;Nine and a half acres of land cleared&mdash;one
+yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox
+chains, seven hogs and eight pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.&mdash;Has twelve
+children by one wife, with whom he still lives&mdash;twenty acres of cleared
+land, seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span>
+of oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number
+of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.</p>
+
+<p>Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient Guy-us-hu-ta.&mdash;Eight
+acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four of mowing
+grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs and pigs, and
+one plough.</p>
+
+<p>John Jemison, 24 years old.&mdash;Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres
+of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen
+hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one
+yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of land,
+twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per acre&mdash;has
+put up a new barn fifty feet long&mdash;made new fence to enclose
+six acres of land the present season.</p>
+
+<p>Big Jacob, 50 years old.&mdash;Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five
+acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three yoke
+of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs; has sown
+one bushel of wheat this fall.</p>
+
+<p>Moses Pierce, aged 32.&mdash;Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a
+half of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half of
+hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five hogs
+and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.</p>
+
+<p>John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.&mdash;Twenty acres of cleared
+land, raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,
+four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.&mdash;Has begun a new improvement
+in the woods, and has about three acres cleared&mdash;parted with his old
+field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half an acre
+of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of steers, one
+cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.</p>
+
+<p>Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.&mdash;Fourteen acres of
+land, five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of
+wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,
+one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Billy, 50 years old.&mdash;Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+one cow, one calf, and three hogs.</p>
+
+<p>William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.&mdash;Eleven acres of
+land, raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,
+one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.&mdash;Eighteen acres
+of land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one
+and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two
+cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.&mdash;Fourteen acres of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span>
+land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of corn,
+three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of potatoes,
+one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two cows,
+one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall five hogs&mdash;one
+plough, one cart and log chains.</p>
+
+<p>John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.&mdash;Had last year two
+acres of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.</p>
+
+<p>Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.&mdash;Ten and a half acres of land,
+three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and killed
+three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three of oats,
+half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.&mdash;Five and a half acres
+of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,&mdash;corn, oats, and
+potatoes, quantity not mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.&mdash;Thirteen and a
+half acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of
+meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains
+and sled.</p>
+
+<p>Blue Eyes.&mdash;Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of
+wheat, three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two
+and a half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves,
+four hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>John Watt, 35 years old.&mdash;Three acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+four hogs, twenty-six pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.&mdash;Three acres of land, two cattle, and
+three pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.&mdash;Five acres of land,
+three acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of
+beans, and four hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.&mdash;Eight acres of land, three of
+corn, two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven
+cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.&mdash;Fourteen acres of land,
+five acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen
+head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.</p>
+
+<p>William Halftown, aged 26.&mdash;Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten of
+which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars per acre
+for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half meadow, one
+yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some bearing apple-trees.</p>
+
+<p>John Bone, 33 years old.&mdash;Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of
+meadow, four cattle, one plough.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span></p>
+
+<p>George Silverheels, 43 years old.&mdash;Ten and a half acres of land,
+eight head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,
+one of oats, one and a half of meadow&mdash;has lately commenced a new
+improvement.</p>
+
+<p>John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.&mdash;Five acres of land,
+mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Bucktooth, 55 years old.&mdash;Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of
+corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.&mdash;Eleven acres of land,
+three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one and a
+half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one plough&mdash;has
+put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.&mdash;Four acres of corn,
+one and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one
+cow, about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.</p>
+
+<p>David Halftown.&mdash;Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats,
+one of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen,
+two cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.</p>
+
+<p>Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.&mdash;Three acres of corn, half an acre
+of potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,
+and one plough.</p>
+
+<p>William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.&mdash;Four acres of
+corn, two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had
+about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and
+fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine
+with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.
+They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one
+hundred and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of
+swine. But little account is given of their improvements in building&mdash;this
+having been heretofore noticed in this work.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by
+Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany
+settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having
+been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several
+years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of
+his time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by
+an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in
+the rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the
+time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory
+evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who
+resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span>
+the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year, notwithstanding
+the existence of various difficulties in relation to the prosecution
+of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and attention to business
+continued to be apparent with many of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,
+whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the
+natives had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further
+instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which
+females are commonly engaged.</p>
+
+<p>The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,
+having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,
+with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and proceeded
+to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with the two
+Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A school was
+established for the instruction of young females, and in 1826 the accounts
+were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian girls in
+their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other employments
+adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also regularly attended,
+and their conduct satisfactory. Between school hours, they
+were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or otherwise in the
+shop at some mechanical business; and the regular industrious habits
+thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it was evident, would
+have a beneficial effect in the formation of their future character.</p>
+
+<p>From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians at
+the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that eighty
+families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals, possessed
+four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight horses, three
+hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine acres of improved
+land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included; two
+hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with corn,
+forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one hundred
+and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and divers sorts
+of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging circumstances
+in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the schools of both
+sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this people might be essentially
+and permanently benefitted by the labour of Friends, yet their
+situation, at this period, was particularly trying, and critical, from the
+great liability to be dispossessed of their possessions. The continued
+applications in various ways of <i>those</i> claiming the pre-emption right,
+and the evident influence <i>they</i> were gradually making on the minds
+of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness to others more considerate
+and reflecting among them, and their fears in this respect soon became
+realized; for the Seneca nation, finally, were induced to part with large
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span>
+bodies of their lands in different places to the pre-emption holders.
+These sales (the amount of which I have not ascertained) were parts
+of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and Tonewanta reservations, and some
+smaller reservations near the Genessee river. The reservation at Alleghany,
+where the greatest improvements in agriculture were made,
+remained in the hands of the Indians; and could this avaricious disposition
+on the part of the whites to obtain their land be here restrained,
+and the natives left in the undisturbed possession of their <i>rightful inheritance</i>,
+the Seneca nation have yet a sufficiency of land to accommodate
+their numbers, and with industry and care, in pursuing their
+agricultural labours, they might obtain all the necessary comforts of life.</p>
+
+<p>The progress made by the Indians at the Cattaraugus settlement,
+and the favourable situation of their land for cultivation, with proper
+attention on their part, had induced Friends to withdraw their aid for
+several years past, as it regarded an instructor among them. And the
+settlement, having been now continued among the Indians at the Alleghany
+for about thirty years, it was believed the time was nearly come
+to withdraw from them; and, accordingly, the Friends residing at Tunesassa,
+returned home in the year 1828, and left the Indians to improve
+on the instructions already received from the long and arduous labours
+of the society of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>Having no official means at command, of obtaining correct information
+of their real situation at present, I am not able to bring this account
+to as satisfactory a close as would be desirable; but from the best
+information I can obtain on the subject, it appears, that the Indians
+continue to progress in agricultural pursuits, and in some of the mechanic
+arts; and some of their own people have kept schools for the instruction
+of the youth.</p>
+
+<p>But it is also said, that the constant pressure upon them to obtain
+their land, affords strong ground to fear, that their former sales were
+only a prelude to their parting with the remainder, at no very distant
+period.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, a consoling reflection to the society of Friends, that
+they have extended a benevolent hand to this poor, degraded, and much
+injured people; and even should they finally be induced to part with,
+and relinquish the remnants of their present possession, and migrate to
+a more distant clime, the instruction they have already received in the
+mechanic arts, together with their knowledge of agriculture, will greatly
+contribute to their happiness and comfort, in the land in which they
+may settle, and not only so, but the benefits resulting from their knowledge
+of civilized habits be extended to more distant and savage tribes.</p>
+
+<p>In concluding this account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly
+Meeting of Philadelphia, it may be proper to state, that many individuals,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span>
+both male and female, from an apprehension of duty, have,
+at different periods, devoted many years of their time to the instruction
+of the natives, and have had the consoling evidence of peace for their
+labours. But as this benevolent work could not be accomplished, without
+very considerable expense to the society, voluntary subscriptions
+were raised, at different periods, to a large amount, in which it is but
+just to acknowledge, that the society of Friends in England, feeling a
+lively interest in this righteous work, liberally contributed to a fund for
+that purpose, which the Yearly Meeting of New York and Baltimore
+partook of, for the purpose of aiding them in extending their benevolent
+views, in promoting civilization among various tribes, and of whose
+proceedings therein, a short account will be here subjoined.</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>A brief account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly Meeting
+of New York, in promoting civilization among the Indians,
+residing in that state.</i></p>
+
+<p>It will be seen in the early part of this narrative, that Friends of the
+Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania, first promoted a settlement among the
+Oneida nation living near the Mohawk river, in the state of New York.
+They also extended some aid to the Stockbridges, and some other tribes
+in that quarter. This attention was continued from the spring of 1796,
+till about the close of the year 1799, when Friends withdrew from
+them; and the Yearly Meeting of New York, being actuated by the
+same benevolent motives to improve the condition of the aboriginal inhabitants,
+appointed a committee for that special purpose, who sent
+instructors among them, and continued to aid and assist them in agricultural
+pursuits, in some of the mechanic arts, and in school learning,
+for many years. But as I have not at command the means of furnishing
+a particular account of the gradual advancement made in the civilized
+arts among those Indians, I can only say, that in the prosecution
+of the work, Friends have had many difficulties to encounter; and the
+Indians have frequently been disturbed and harassed, by the same
+covetous spirit, that so frequently annoyed the Seneca nation, in order
+to dispossess them of their land. In consequence of this many of the
+tribes have been induced to sell and remove far to the westward.</p>
+
+<p>By the kindness of a Friend in New York, I have been furnished with
+an account of some of the more recent transactions of the society of
+Friends, towards the Indians. He states some of the difficulties to which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span>
+the Indians are subjected, by the officious interference of a <i>proselyting
+spirit</i>, which has much agitated several of the tribes, and created parties
+and animosities among them. The ultimate object appears to be, to
+unsettle them in their present possessions, and eventually to induce them
+to abandon the rightful inheritance of their fathers.</p>
+
+<p>It appears from the account, that the Onondaga tribe are the only
+Indians at present under the care of the Yearly Meeting of New York;
+and the only tribe in that state united among themselves, and exempt
+from a party under the influence of a blind missionary zeal&mdash;desirous
+to relinquish their present possessions and emigrate. But a few
+years ago the Onondaga’s were an indolent, drunken people, and desirous
+of moving to the westward, but as they have in a good degree
+embraced the counsel of Friends, become industrious, and availed themselves
+of their local advantages, and tasted the sweets of their labour
+from the produce of the soil, a radical change has been effected among
+them.</p>
+
+<p>This tribe has for seven or eight years past been under the particular
+care and superintendence of Adin T. Corey, as agent for the committee
+of the Yearly Meeting; and being well qualified for the important
+trust, and feeling his mind devoted to it, the Indians have reposed
+great confidence in him, and distinguished him by the name of ‘Oatnus,’
+and consider him as their benefactor, as will be seen in the following
+speech.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p class="author"><i>Onondaga, Fourth mo. 27, 1829.<br />
+“To the committee of the Yearly Meeting of New York, on Indian<br />
+concerns.</i></p>
+
+<p>“Brothers&mdash;Oatnus, our brother, told us he was going to New York
+to attend the great council&mdash;and we thought good to send you a talk,
+to let you know our minds. First, we thank you for all your goodness
+in giving us the many useful things you have given us, for our benefit,
+and we thank the Great Spirit, who in his unspeakable mercy put it
+into your hearts to take us by the hand, and pity our condition; but
+most of all, that he put it into your hearts and the heart of our brother
+Oatnus, to come and live amongst us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, he has been a wall about us, that in a great measure has
+fenced out the encroachments of our white neighbours. When he
+speaks, the white people hear, and they do not cheat us as they used
+to do.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, he has improved our condition much every way. When
+he came among us, we were hungry and almost naked, but now we are
+more comfortable. Our lands lay common, and were running up with
+bushes&mdash;now there are many of them fenced and well cultivated, yielding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span>
+an abundant supply of food for our people. Our young men, women,
+and children were running about doing no good&mdash;now, most of them are
+diligently and profitably employed. One of our young men has learned
+to work pretty well at blacksmithing&mdash;three lads have learned to make
+good shoes&mdash;our young women, most of them, can spin, knit, and sew,
+and some of them can weave. Oatnus has also transacted most of our
+business&mdash;made many bargains, and handled much of our money, and
+done all well&mdash;not one shilling sticks in his pocket&mdash;he has fed our hungry
+children, clothed our naked, and helped us when we were sick&mdash;when
+he came we were divided, now we are united&mdash;when there is war
+he makes peace&mdash;when he speaks our young men hear and keep mostly
+out of bad company&mdash;our farming begins to flourish, and although we
+have made much improvement, we still want a head&mdash;we cannot go
+alone, and if you leave us now, it will be like making us a very valuable
+present, and taking it away again.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, remember, when our brother Oatnus come, we were wild
+and ignorant respecting business, and it must necessarily take a good
+while to tame a whole nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our brother told us, our school was so thinly attended, he
+thought it would be best to drop it till winter, but we are unwilling it
+should stop, for fear our children will go back&mdash;we wish you to keep it
+going&mdash;some of us have been negligent in sending our children, but we
+will endeavour to be more diligent in the future, if we can be favoured
+with it.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our very tried brother is growing old, and through abundance
+of labour and fatigue has grown feeble, having been sick a good
+deal, and cannot do as he used to do, yet we are not willing to part
+with him, we want him to stay enough with us, to oversee our business,
+manage our affairs, and sit with us in council.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we still want to go on in improvement, and as our young
+man that has learned to work at smithing, has taken to farming in the
+summer season, we therefore want to get a sober goodly man, to come
+and set up his trade among us, and take some of our boys and learn
+them the trade. We also want a wagon maker, and a cooper of the
+above description, and for the same purpose, and we believe it might
+be done with very little expense to our brothers, if Oatnus stays with
+us a part of the time, and has the management of our affairs; for we
+have abundance of materials to carry on the two last mentioned trades,
+and part of the first; and our circumstances are very different now from
+what they were when he first came amongst us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have concluded to build a saw-mill this season, among
+ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it makes our hearts sick when we look abroad and see
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>
+our Oneida and Seneca brethren, who have got the blackcoats and hungry
+mouths among them&mdash;for there is nothing but contention, spite, and
+animosity, and no business that is profitable&mdash;and we thank the Great
+Spirit that has sent us peace&mdash;sweet peace and no blackcoats.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, may the Great Spirit preside over your councils&mdash;make
+you love one another, remember your real brethren and do much good.
+Farewell.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">Signed by the chiefs and some of the warriors.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>To the foregoing speech the committee on Indian affairs made the
+following reply:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have received by the hands of brother Oatnus your
+communication to us, and it has made our hearts glad; and, that our
+brothers and sisters of the Great council might hear it, we gave it to
+them to read, and it made their hearts glad also, and greatly to rejoice,
+to hear from you and to hear that Oatnus did well with you&mdash;and that
+you listened to his voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we cannot tell you how much we want you to improve
+in all things&mdash;we know you cannot do every thing at once, but we want
+you to hearken to our counsel&mdash;we love you&mdash;we desire your good, and
+that you may increase and leave a good name behind you, when the
+Great Spirit shall take you away.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, remember we can only counsel you for good&mdash;if you take
+our counsel the Great Spirit will help you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have now witnessed a little of the rewards of the
+Good Spirit, in taking our counsel and the counsel of our brother Oatnus&mdash;our
+counsel to you is, that you continue to improve as you have
+begun.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, be sober, be industrious&mdash;love to improve yourselves, and
+the Great Spirit will bountifully assist you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we want you to mind the Great Spirit, to be industrious&mdash;to
+try to learn yourselves&mdash;to keep out of bad company&mdash;to avoid
+strong drink&mdash;to counsel with brother Oatnus, who will never deceive
+you, but counsel you for your good.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">Signed, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth mo. 29, 1828.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>By a report of the committee on Indian affairs dated the twenty-seventh
+of the Fifth-month, 1830, and presented to the Yearly Meeting
+held in the same month, it appears that during the past year, the Onondaga
+tribe have received their care and attention as heretofore, and
+that those Indians are realizing in an unprecedented manner, the fruits
+of their own industry, being stimulated and encouraged, by the care
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span>
+which Friends have extended towards them, for a few years past, which
+affords great cause for encouragement. There is a striking contrast
+between their situation now, and what it was seven years ago, when
+their only buildings were two small barns, and a few inferior huts. The
+lands which they then had cleared, were very imperfectly cultivated,
+and the state and quality as well as quantity of their stock, as also
+teams and utensils of husbandry of every kind, were correspondent.
+Since that time, they have greatly increased their quantity of cleared
+land; this season they had about three hundred acres of wheat&mdash;their
+crops are more abundant, furnishing more than a supply for their people.
+The fencing and arrangement of their fields are farmer-like and
+judicious. The number of their barns is increased to about twenty&mdash;their
+teams of horses and oxen, are numerous and efficient&mdash;they are
+pretty well supplied with wagons, harness, ploughs, and other farming
+utensils, and these articles are kept in tolerable repair. Many of their
+present dwellings, though small, are comfortable frame buildings, and
+their household furniture consists mostly of useful and plain articles&mdash;such
+as are used in civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>On a good mill stream within their territory, which consists of a reservation
+of about ten thousand acres, the committee’s superintendent,
+during the past year, aided by the individual labour of the Indians,
+raised a substantial dam, and by a discreet dispensation of their resources,
+and by a general economy introduced among them, has collected
+about five hundred dollars, which defrayed the expenses of erecting a
+good saw-mill, which the Indians find to be highly useful and productive.</p>
+
+<p>As the same stream furnished an eligible site for a grist-mill, at no
+great distance from those improvements, and as the reducing of their
+grain into meal for this tribe, was performed by the manual labour of
+the women in a great measure, the committee were encouraged to believe,
+that as they duly appreciated the benefits resulting from their
+newly erected saw-mill, and from the increased display of mechanical
+genius, industry, and method among them, the time was not far distant
+when further and more useful improvements will be made by themselves,
+calculated to raise their habits in domestic and civilized life, and
+elevate their minds to a steady pursuit of their more substantial happiness
+and welfare.</p>
+
+<p>The committee not having been able to comply with the Indians’ request,
+made in their speech two years ago, for a blacksmith, wagon
+maker, and cooper to be placed among them, as no suitable persons had
+offered for that purpose, and also the school having been dropped, that
+had formerly been kept, and in a flourishing condition among them,
+partly for want of sufficient funds to continue a permanent teacher,
+these subjects were again suggested to the Yearly Meeting, with an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>
+earnest wish to inspire in the minds of Friends a feeling that might
+prove beneficial in promoting these desirable objects.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding this concern, to meliorate the condition of the Indians,
+has been prosecuted for many years by the committee, with at
+times, but little evidence of good resulting to these people, from their
+labours, yet from more recent developments evinced from the latter
+experience and research of the committee, though the prospect is an
+arduous one, it presents encouragement, and the field of labour is
+brightening, as the hidden causes of past obstructions present themselves.</p>
+
+<p>The committee say in their report, “It appears that many associations
+are formed in this country, and some of them under the denomination
+of benevolent and religious; all apparently well disposed, and
+even anxious to promote the good and the happiness of these original
+proprietors of the soil. Yet unhappily for these, the means resorted to,
+to advance their prosperity, have (in too many instances) been elevated
+above their comprehensions, and not adapted to their wants, their habits,
+and their religious views. From a zeal beyond knowledge, to benefit
+these people, agents and missionaries have been settled among them,
+patronized by these associations, little qualified to inspire their confidence
+and respect, and in their zealous pretensions to christianize,
+previous to properly instructing in the arts of civilized life, they
+produce discouragement and incalculable injury, divisions and dissentions;
+and in the language of the Indians themselves, ‘quarrelling and
+contention, spite and animosity, and no business that is profitable.’</p>
+
+<p>“Since the Onondaga tribe has been under the care of the committee,
+the missionaries have been inclined to leave them to the care of
+Friends. And this tribe, which a few years ago was divided and full
+of dissention, is restored to union and harmony, and there is a laudable
+feeling springing up among them, and an increased desire to become
+introduced into, and firmly fixed in the habits of civilization.”</p>
+
+<p>The committee, in time past, having extended some care to several
+tribes of the Seneca nation west of the Genessee river, are of the opinion
+that essential and lasting good might, by that care being further
+extended, result to those people. To show the desire of the Indians
+herein, the following speech of a principal chief, on behalf of a large
+majority of the Indians, in the state of New York, presented in the last
+winter, was laid before the Yearly Meeting.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p class="author">
+<i>New York, January</i> 20, 1830.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>To the society of Friends of the city of New York.</i></p>
+
+<p>“At the treaty of Philadelphia with William Penn and the Six Nations,
+we considered William Penn as a friend to us, not wishing to cheat
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span>
+us out of our lands, but to pay us a full value for them. Since that
+time, the society of Friends have treated us very kindly&mdash;they have
+never shown a disposition to wrong us out of our lands, but seemed to
+wish to cultivate friendship with us, and to let us have our rights and
+privileges&mdash;and to enjoy our own religion. But there are certain persons
+residing among us, at present, who we believe have a different
+object. They say they have been sent by the Great Spirit, but we do
+not think the Great Spirit would send people among us, to cheat us out
+of our lands, and to cause disturbance to arise amongst us, which has
+made a division in our nation. No, we do not think the Great Spirit
+sent the blackcoat’s among us for any such purpose. There is at present
+five thousand of our people and upwards, who wish the society of
+Friends to send a suitable person among us, to teach our young men
+how to till the ground, and our young women the art of domestic manufactures,
+and our children to read and write. If our friends feel disposed
+to comply with our wishes, we shall be happy to receive them,
+and will cause all necessary buildings to be erected for their use&mdash;we
+think by having this plan carried into effect, the nation once more
+would be united, and become a happy people.”</p>
+
+<table class="table-left">
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="4">Your friend,</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2" />
+    <td class="tdc">his</td>
+    <td />
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Signed,</td>
+    <td>Red</td>
+    <td class="tdc">X</td>
+    <td>Jacket.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td />
+    <td />
+    <td>mark</td>
+    <td />
+  </tr></table>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Although the way has not yet opened to comply with the request in
+the foregoing communication, the committee were encouraged to persevere
+in their services the present year, in rendering such aid for the
+benefit of this poor afflicted people, as the limited means within their
+power would, under the direction of best wisdom enable them to do.</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<h3><i>Some account of the proceedings of Friends of Baltimore Yearly
+Meeting.</i></h3>
+
+<p>This concern for improving the condition of our red brethren, having
+been opened and spread in the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall
+of 1795, and the minds of Friends being much united, and actuated by
+benevolent motives to promote this desirable object, referred the same
+to a special committee, to proceed therein as way might open, to render
+essential service to these aboriginal inhabitants. Accordingly their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span>
+attention was turned to some of the Indian tribes north-west of the
+river Ohio, and a deputation was delegated to visit the Shawaneese,
+Delawares, Wyandots and such other natives in those parts as they
+might find practicable. They proceeded thereon, in the summer of
+1796, after having first obtained the approbation of the general government.</p>
+
+<p>When they arrived at the forks of the Muskingum river, where they
+had been informed a considerable number of Indians were collected,
+they found to their great disappointment, that the chiefs and hunters
+were dispersed: and it not appearing practicable to convene them at
+that time, to have a suitable conference with them, they returned without
+accomplishing the object of their visit. They, however, saw divers
+hunters and others, who appeared well disposed to receive the instruction
+and assistance which Friends proposed to furnish them.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1797, three Friends again proceeded to that country
+on an embassy, to inquire into the real situation of the Indian tribes;
+in the course of which visit, having passed by a number of their hunting
+camps and several of their towns, they had a large opportunity of
+discovering their destitute condition, often exposed to the inclemency
+of the weather, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply
+of food and clothing. They suffered all the miseries of extreme poverty,
+in a country which from its great fertility, would, with but little cultivation,
+supply them abundantly with all the necessaries of life.</p>
+
+<p>These Friends had opportunities with some of the chiefs and hunters
+of the Wyandot and Delaware nations, in which they informed them of
+the views of the society of Friends, relative to their improvement; and
+endeavoured to impress on their minds the advantages they would derive,
+from permitting to be introduced among their people, a knowledge
+of agriculture, and some of the most useful mechanic arts.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were attentive to their communications, and promised
+to lay these matters before their grand council, and inform Friends of
+their conclusions on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>As no way opened during the year 1798, for carrying the object of
+the Yearly Meeting into effect, but little was done, more than furnishing
+a few implements of husbandry, and some assistance to a few Indian
+families, situated upon the branches of the Tuskarawee’s river.</p>
+
+<p>In the Second month 1799, the committee received a speech and
+belt of wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandot nation,
+delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth month preceding, of which the
+following is an extract.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren Quakers&mdash;you remember we once met at a certain place.
+When we had there met, a great many good things were said, and
+much friendship was professed between us.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span></p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you told us at that time that you not only took us by the
+hand, but that you held us fast by the arm; that you then formed a
+chain of friendship. You said that it was not a chain of iron; but that
+it was a chain of precious metal, a chain of silver that would never
+get rusty; and that this chain would bind us in brotherly affection for
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, listen. We have often heard that you were a good and
+a faithful people&mdash;ever ready to do justice, and good to all men without
+distinction of colour&mdash;therefore, we love you the more sincerely, because
+of the goodness of your hearts, which has been talked of among
+our nation long since.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, listen. You have informed us that you intended to visit
+us. Yes, that even in our tents and cabins you will take us by the hand.
+You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt, but that we would be very happy
+to see you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, listen. It is but proper to inform you at this time, that
+when you do come forward to see us, you will no doubt pass by my
+place of residence, at Sandusky. I will then take you not only by the
+hand, but by the arm, and will conduct you safe to the <i>grand council
+fire</i> of our great Sasteretsey, where all good things are transacted, and
+where nothing bad is permitted to appear. When in the grand council
+of our Sasteretsey we will then sit down together in peace and friendship,
+as brethren are accustomed to do, after a long absence, and remind
+each other, and talk of those things that took place between our good
+grandfathers, when they first met upon our lands&mdash;upon this great
+island.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, may the Great Spirit, the master of light and life, so dispose
+the hearts and minds of all our nations and people, that the calamities
+of war may never more be felt or known by any of them&mdash;that
+our roads and paths may never more be stained with the blood of our
+young warriors&mdash;and that our helpless women and children may live in
+peace and happiness.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>On considering the foregoing communication, some Friends were deputed
+to make them a visit, and to afford such assistance as they might
+be enabled to render. They accordingly proceeded with an intention
+of being at their general council, and arrived on the third of the Sixth
+month at upper Sandusky, the principal village of the Wyandots,
+where they were received by Tarhie (the crane,) and others of that
+nation.</p>
+
+<p>On their arrival there, it appeared a mistake had been made in the
+translation of the speech the Indians had sent to Friends, respecting
+the time of opening their great council, to which Friends had been invited.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>
+They were now informed that it began annually at the full
+moon in the Sixth month.</p>
+
+<p>Finding it would be difficult to procure food for themselves and
+horses there, until that time, the committee concluded it best to have
+a conference with Tarhie and other chiefs who were then in the neighbourhood
+of Sandusky, which was accordingly agreed to. At the time
+appointed they met at Tarhie’s house, with several other chiefs, and a
+number of hunters, when they had a full opportunity with them, on the
+subject of their visit.</p>
+
+<p>Their communication appeared to be received with great satisfaction
+by the Indians, and in their answer, delivered on some strings of
+wampum, they expressed the gratitude they felt for the care and friendship,
+which their beloved brethren the Quakers had always manifested
+for the Indians, and promised as soon as the grand council met, that
+they should communicate fully to it, respecting the concern which the
+society felt for their improvement, and inform Friends by a written
+speech of their conclusion thereon.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst these Friends were at Sandusky and other villages, their
+minds were deeply affected under the sorrowful considerations of the
+baneful effects of spirituous liquors upon the Indians, who were at that
+time supplied with it in almost every village, by Canadian traders, residing
+amongst them&mdash;and they were confirmed in the opinion, that
+unless these traders could be restrained from furnishing them with
+this destructive article, in exchange for their skins and furs, they could
+not easily be persuaded to turn their minds towards agriculture and
+the mechanic arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, the great
+affection they have for the society of Friends, manifested on all occasions
+whilst the committee were with them, induced them to hope that
+Friends would endeavour to keep under the weight of the concern, and
+be prepared to proceed in the benevolent work whenever way might
+open, for further service amongst them.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1800 and 1801, no personal interview was had by
+Friends with those Indians. In the year 1802, the Little Turtle, Five
+Medals, and several other principal chiefs of the Miami and Pottawatomie
+nations passed through Baltimore, on their way to visit the President
+of the United States, when the committee had a conference with
+them, in which the view’s of Friends were fully opened, and they were
+informed of the great discouragement Friends had met with, in carrying
+their benevolent designs into effect, from the intemperate and destructive
+use of spirituous liquor amongst the Indians, which was found
+to be the greatest obstacle in the way of their profiting by the aid which
+the society had been desirous of giving them.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span></p>
+
+<p>The Little Turtle in reply, made a very pathetic and impressive
+speech upon this subject, from which the following is extracted.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends&mdash;When our forefathers first met on this island,
+your red brethren were very numerous. But since the introduction of
+what you call spirituous liquors amongst us, and what we think may
+justly be called <i>poison</i>, our numbers are greatly diminished. It has
+destroyed a great part of your red brethren.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers and friends&mdash;we plainly perceive that you see the very
+evil which destroys your red brethren; it is not an evil of our own
+making; we have not placed it amongst ourselves; it is an evil placed
+amongst us by the white people. We look to them to remove it out of
+our country. We tell them, brethren, fetch us useful things, bring
+goods that will clothe us, our women and our children, and not this evil
+liquor that destroys our reason&mdash;that destroys our health&mdash;that destroys
+our lives. But all we can say on this subject is of no service&mdash;it gives
+no relief to your red brethren.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers and friends&mdash;I rejoice to find that you agree in opinion
+with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of service to us
+in removing this great evil out of our country; an evil which has had
+so much room in it, and has destroyed so many of our lives, that it causes
+our young men to say, ‘we had better be at war with the white people;
+this liquor which they introduce into our country, is more to be
+feared than the gun and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead
+since the treaty of Grenville, than we lost by the six years war before.
+It is all owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us.’</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when our young men have been out hunting and are returning
+home loaded with skins and furs, on their way, if it happens
+that they come along where some of this liquor is deposited, the white
+man who sells it, tells them to take a little drink. Some of them will
+say no, I do not want it; they go on till they come to another house,
+where they find more of the same kind of drink; it is there offered again;
+they refuse, and again the third time; but finally the fourth or fifth
+time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink, and getting one he wants
+another, and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have left him.
+After his reason comes back again to him, when he gets up and finds where
+he is&mdash;he asks for his peltry&mdash;the answer is, ‘You have drank them’&mdash;Where
+is my gun? ‘It is gone’&mdash;Where is my shirt? ‘You have sold it
+for whiskey!’ Now brothers, figure to yourselves what condition this
+man must be in. He has a family at home&mdash;a wife and children who
+stand in need of the profits of his hunting. What must be their wants,
+when he himself is even without a shirt.”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span></p>
+
+<p>These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at the assistance Friends
+proposed to render them, and in reply to that part of their communication,
+observed, ‘that it was their anxious wish to engage in the culture
+of their lands, for although the game was not so scarce but that
+they could get enough to eat, yet they were sensible it was daily diminishing,
+and that the time was not far distant, when they would be
+compelled to take hold of such tools, as they saw in the hands of the
+white people.’</p>
+
+<p>The committee, from their former experience, being of the judgment,
+that no great progress could be made in the civilization of the Indians
+while they were so abundantly supplied with distilled spirits, concluded
+to address congress on the subject. Their memorial was favourably
+received, and a law passed, which in some measure provided a remedy
+for the evil.</p>
+
+<p>As it now appeared to the committee, that the principal obstruction
+to agriculture amongst the Indians was removed, they were encouraged
+to proceed in their undertaking. They accordingly provided a number
+of implements of husbandry, such as ploughs, hoes, axes, &amp;c. &amp;c. which
+were forwarded and immediately distributed, as a present from the
+society of Friends. These things were thankfully received by the
+Indians.</p>
+
+<p>A letter in the summer of 1803, from the agent for Indian affairs at
+Fort Wayne, informed, that ‘since there had been no spirituous liquor in
+the Indian country, they appeared very industrious, and turned their
+attention to raising stock.’ This agent also expressed as his opinion,
+“that the suppression of spirituous liquors in that country, was the most
+beneficial measure which had ever been adopted for them, by the
+United States&mdash;that there had not been one Indian killed in that neighbourhood
+for a year&mdash;and that in no preceding year since the treaty of
+Grenville, had there been less than ten killed, and in some years as
+many as thirty.” The agent further added, “that the Indians appeared
+very desirous of procuring for themselves, the necessaries of life, <i>in our
+way</i>, but say they do not know how to begin. Some of their old men
+say, “the white people want for nothing.” We wish them to show us
+how to provide the many good things we see amongst them, if it is
+their wish to instruct us in their way of living as they tell us it is, we
+wish them to make haste and do it, for we are old and must die soon;
+but we wish to see before we die, our women and children in that path,
+that will lead them to happiness.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, a letter was received from the Little Turtle, and
+Five Medals, in which they expressed a wish that some Friends would
+visit their country. The committee, therefore, deputed some of their
+number for that purpose. They were authorized to procure one or
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span>
+more suitable persons to reside amongst the Indians, for the purpose of
+teaching them agriculture and other useful knowledge, as far as it
+should appear practicable.</p>
+
+<p>In Second month 1804, two of the deputation proceeded to Fort
+Wayne, accompanied by Philip Dennis, who had offered his services to
+go with them, and remain with the Indians during the summer, for the
+purpose of instructing them in husbandry. They took with them two
+horses to be employed in ploughing, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>They arrived at Fort Wayne in the latter end of the Third month,
+and soon after, convened several of their chiefs in a council with them;
+a future day was fixed upon for the committee to meet them, with as
+many of their old men, and their women and children as could be assembled.
+Their chiefs previously requested, that whatever matter
+Friends might have to communicate to the Indians, should be written
+down, in order that they might lay it before the grand council in the
+Sixth month following, to the attendance of which, they pressingly invited
+the committee.</p>
+
+<p>On the day appointed, being met by a considerable number of the
+natives, the committee presented them with a written address, from
+which, though all excellent, and well calculated to impress the Indians’
+minds with the importance of adhering to their counsel, we shall, for
+brevity, content ourselves with extracting some of the most material
+parts, as follows:</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the Great Spirit,
+that he has brought us safely to the country of our red brethren, and
+protected us through our journey. We also rejoice, that he has given us
+this opportunity of seeing you and of taking you by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we had for some time entertained apprehensions that the
+many changes that were taking place in circumstances, must greatly
+change the situation of our red brethren, and that the time was fast
+approaching when it would be necessary for them to alter their mode of
+living.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, after our talk with the chiefs, (alluding to the Little Turtle
+and others whom we have just mentioned,) we were fully convinced
+that the time was come, in which our red brethren ought to begin
+to cultivate their lands. That they ought to raise corn and other grain,
+also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other animals. We then proposed
+to afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of the proposal,
+and informed us, that many of their people were disposed to turn
+their attention to the cultivation of the earth&mdash;they also expressed a
+desire to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is for this purpose that we have now come, and we
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span>
+again repeat, we rejoice that we have this opportunity of seeing you,
+and taking you by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, in coming into the country of our red brethren, we have
+come with our <i>eyes open</i>. And although we are affected with sorrow,
+in believing that many of the red people suffer much for the want of
+food and clothing, yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing that
+it has pleased the Great Spirit to give you a rich and valuable country.
+Because we know, that it is out of the earth that food and clothing
+come. We are sure, brothers, that with but little labour and attention,
+you may raise much more corn and other grain than will be necessary
+for yourselves, your women and children; and that you may also with
+great ease, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs and other valuable
+animals, than will be necessary for your own use. We are also
+confident that if you will pursue our method in the cultivation of your
+land, you will live in much greater ease and plenty, and with much less
+fatigue and toil, than attend hunting for a subsistence.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it will lead you to have fixed homes&mdash;you will build comfortable
+dwelling houses for yourselves, your women and children, where
+you may be sheltered from the rain, the frost and the snow, and where
+you may enjoy in plenty, the rewards of your labour.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we will here mention, that the time was, when the forefather
+of your brothers, the white people, lived beyond the great water,
+in the same manner that our red brethren now live. The winters can
+yet be counted when they went almost naked, when they procured
+their living by fishing, and by the bow and arrow in hunting&mdash;and
+when they lived in houses no better than yours. They were encouraged
+by some who came from towards the sun rising, and lived amongst
+them to change their mode of living. They did change&mdash;they cultivated
+the earth, and we are sure the change was a happy one.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends, we are not ashamed to acknowledge that the
+time was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum tree, or
+at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living on
+the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But brothers, for your
+encouragement we now mention that by turning their attention to the
+cultivation of the earth instead of the plum tree, they soon had orchards
+of many kinds of fruit&mdash;instead of the wild game they soon had
+large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and other valuable animals&mdash;and
+in many places instead of their forests they had large fields of
+corn, and other grain&mdash;also many other valuable productions of the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have spoken plainly, we desire to speak plain&mdash;we
+will now tell you that we have not come merely to <i>talk</i> with you. We
+have come prepared to render you a little assistance. Our beloved
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span>
+brother, Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us.
+His desire is, to cultivate for you, a field of corn, and also to show you
+how to raise some of the other productions of the earth&mdash;he knows how
+to use the plough, the hoe, the axe, and other implements of husbandry.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, he has left a farm&mdash;he has left a wife and five small
+children who are very dear to him&mdash;he has come, from a sincere desire
+to be useful to our red brethren. His motives are pure&mdash;he will ask
+no reward from you for his services&mdash;his greatest reward will be, in the
+satisfaction he will feel, in finding you inclined to take hold of the same
+tools he takes hold of&mdash;to receive from him instruction in the cultivation
+of your lands, and pursue the example he will set you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you will make the situation of our brother as
+comfortable as circumstances will admit. We hope, also, that many
+of your young men will be willing to be taught by him, to use the
+plough, the hoe, and other implements of husbandry&mdash;for we are sure,
+brothers, that as you take hold of such tools as are in the hands of the
+white people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional
+hands. You will also find that by using them they will enable you to
+do many things, which without them, cannot be performed.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the white people, in order to get their land cultivated,
+find it necessary that their young men should be employed in it&mdash;and
+not their women&mdash;women are smaller than men&mdash;they are not as strong
+as men. It is the business of our women to be employed in our houses&mdash;to
+keep them clean&mdash;to sow, knit, spin, and weave&mdash;to dress food for
+themselves and families&mdash;to make clothes for the men and the rest of
+their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to take
+care of their children.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are fully convinced that if you will turn your attention
+to the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of
+grain&mdash;to building comfortable dwelling houses for your families&mdash;to
+raising useful animals&mdash;amongst others, sheep for the advantage of the
+wool, in making clothing&mdash;to raising flax and hemp for your linen&mdash;and
+your women learn to spin and weave&mdash;your lives will be much
+easier and happier than at present&mdash;and your numbers will increase,
+and not continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your
+land is good&mdash;it is far better than the land which the white people near
+the great waters, cultivate. We are persuaded that your land will
+produce double the quantity of any kind of grain, or flax, or hemp, with
+the same labour necessary near the great water.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we shall now end what we had to say, with informing
+you, that all the corn and other productions of the earth which Philip
+Dennis may raise, we wish our red brethren to accept as a token of
+our friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Pottawattamie
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>
+and Miami nations who are now present, added to our brothers the
+Five Medals, Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution
+thereof as they may think proper.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The Indians manifested great decorum, and were very attentive
+during the delivery of this address&mdash;in reply to which, the Little Turtle
+delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which we extract the
+following:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends&mdash;we rejoice that the Great Spirit has appointed,
+that we should meet this day, for we believe this meeting will
+be of the utmost consequence to your red brethren.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the things which you have said to us, require our greatest
+attention: it is really necessary that we should deliberate upon them. In
+order to do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they
+are written, that we may communicate them to our chiefs, when they
+assemble in grand council.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have been very particular in pointing out to us the
+duties of our women, and you have told us that in adopting your mode
+of living, our numbers would increase and not continue to diminish. In
+all this I certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will
+also agree with you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, assure your people who sent you here&mdash;tell your old chiefs
+that we are obliged to them for their friendly offers to assist us in
+changing our present mode of living. Tell them it is a great work that
+cannot be done immediately; but that we are favourably disposed, and
+hope it will take place gradually.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>These Friends remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during
+which time they visited a number of their towns and villages, at all of
+which, they were received in the most friendly and hospitable manner.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the
+Wyandots at Brownstown or the rock. They found that the Indians
+at this place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation in the
+year 1799, advanced considerably, in agriculture, many of them having
+built comfortable houses, and acquired a considerable number of cattle,
+hogs, and other domestic animals. The Wyandots residing at Sandusky
+and the Shawaneese, on the Auglaize river, had likewise, since that
+visit, turned their attention very much towards the cultivation of their
+lands; Friends had, therefore, the satisfaction to remark, that the communication
+from the committee to these nations, and the exertions which
+had been made to turn their attention to agriculture, although limited
+in their effect, had not been altogether unavailing.</p>
+
+<p>They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">107</span>
+Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort
+Wayne, and found its situation to be very advantageous for farming;
+the soil appeared to be equal in fertility to any land in the western
+country.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the return of the Friends, a letter was received by the
+committee, from the Indian agent at Fort Wayne, informing that the
+Indians had held their grand council in the Sixth month, agreeably to
+expectation, at which eight hundred and seventy-four of them attended,
+when the written address of Friends delivered at Fort Wayne in the
+previous spring, was produced&mdash;read and interpreted to all the different
+nations present. In reply to which, divers of their chiefs expressed
+great satisfaction, and amongst others Toethteboxie on behalf of the
+<i>Delawares</i> said, ‘For many years before I came into the world, the
+white people have been offering to do for us what is now mentioned,
+and it appears that our eyes were never opened until this time; we
+will now take hold of it and receive it. I am an old man and want to
+see it before I die; if I once see it, I will die in peace, to think I have
+left my women and children in comfort.’</p>
+
+<p>On the return of Philip Dennis, who remained in the Indian country
+during most of the year 1804, and spent his time agreeably with the
+natives&mdash;he informed that he had raised about four hundred bushels
+of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, potatoes, and a quantity of other
+garden vegetables, which he directed to be divided amongst the Indians
+on their return from their hunting camps. He left with the Indians,
+with whom he had resided, upon the farm he had cultivated, twenty-three
+hogs and pigs, seven of which were in good order to kill; and
+he engaged the agent to attend to killing and salting them. They were
+small when they were brought to the farm in the spring, and had no
+other food than what they gathered in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>With some assistance which he obtained from Fort Wayne, he cleared
+and enclosed under a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and
+built a house thirty-two feet long, and seventeen wide, a story and a
+half high, with floors and partitions.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians who remained with him had been very industrious, and
+attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing
+the ground and in tending the corn; from this he dissuaded them,
+and as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort Wayne, which
+had been sent on by government&mdash;he encouraged them to go there, and
+learn to spin and knit, of a white woman who was at that place;&mdash;this
+they did, and soon learned both to spin and knit; and when he came
+away, he left them knitting yarn of their spinning.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were very desirous of Friends continuing their care towards
+them, and that they should send a person to take the place of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span>
+Philip Dennis, but as no suitable Friend offered for that purpose, it was
+believed best to request the agent of government residing at Fort Wayne,
+(and who appeared to be friendly disposed towards the views of Friends,)
+to procure and employ the most suitable person he could, in that country,
+to plough the land cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last season, and
+plant it in corn, and to endeavour to enlist the service of the Indians in
+the labour of tending it; also to prepare a garden of the most useful
+vegetables for the Indians’ use, which they might afterwards easily
+manage.</p>
+
+<p>In reply to this request, Friends received an account from the agent,
+stating that he would lose no time in complying with their request, and
+that he was ready at all times, to put in execution the benevolent designs
+of Friends towards the Indians, as far as it was in his power.</p>
+
+<p>He also mentioned, that at that time, ‘a spirit of industry existed
+amongst the Indians generally, and that as several of the tribes had
+requested of government to have a part of their annuities expended in
+the employment of men to split rails and make fences for them, the
+Delawares had twenty-three thousand rails put up into fences the last
+winter; and that forty thousand more would be made into fences for the
+Miami and Eel river Indians, by the first of the Sixth month&mdash;that ten
+families of the Miamis had settled adjoining the place cultivated by
+Philip Dennis, and that four men were employed in making rails to
+fence in forty acres for them; also, that three persons more were at
+work for the Eel river Indians, half a mile below Dennis’s station; that
+they had twenty-five acres cleared and ready for the plough, and expected
+to have fifty or sixty fenced in by the first of the Sixth month.
+He expected at least twenty-five families would remove to reside at
+that place the present season, and was confident the settlement would
+increase very fast. The Indian who worked with Philip Dennis during
+the last season, was about building himself a comfortable house, had
+cleared two acres more of ground, and was ploughing the field previously
+cleared by Philip Dennis. The hogs which were left there with
+him had increased to one hundred in number.’</p>
+
+<p>The agent further informed, ‘that there would be one hundred acres of
+land under good fence at the Little Turtle’s town, (eighteen miles north
+of Dennis’s station,) by the first of the Sixth month, where they had also
+obtained a large number of hogs and some cows, and he doubted not,
+the Indians would soon see that it was easier to raise food, than to procure
+it by hunting.’ He also added, ‘that Friends may see from the great
+progress they have made in civilization since Philip Dennis was with
+them, that they only want good and suitable men to reside among them,
+and teach them how to work.’</p>
+
+<p>In the fall of the year 1805, the agent at Fort Wayne informed the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">109</span>
+committee by letter, that agreeably to their directions, he had employed
+a man to assist the Indians in cultivating the field on the Wabash,
+which was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last year. The
+Indians with this man’s assistance, had raised, it was supposed, at least
+six hundred bushels of good corn from this one field, exclusive of what
+they had raised from ground of their own clearing.</p>
+
+<p>“Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians had removed
+and settled at that place, where they would be followed by the younger
+branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.”</p>
+
+<p>He further adds, “Believing as I do that the society of Friends are
+desirous of ameliorating the situation of their red brethren in the country,
+I will take the liberty to observe, that the present is a favourable
+time to put in execution their benevolent views towards the distressed
+natives of the land; and that much good may be done on the Wabash
+by sending one or two suitable men to reside amongst the Indians, and
+teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth. Witness what
+Philip Dennis effected amongst them the last year, at a station where
+he had every thing to begin. There are now at least four hundred hogs,
+and twenty cows, and the Indians at no village in this country live so
+comfortably as those at that place. If this spirit of industry is kept
+alive for a few years, it will certainly have a powerful influence upon
+the minds of the Indians in many of the neighbouring villages.”</p>
+
+<p>An account published by the committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting,
+about this period, has enabled me to furnish so many interesting particulars
+of their proceedings, that I have already exceeded the bounds I
+had prescribed to myself, in this narrative. I shall, therefore, only add,
+that the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore continued for many years to extend
+aid and instruction, to the Indians in that quarter, by personal
+visits, and by teachers frequently stationed among them; and continued
+to have satisfactory proofs of the benefits derived to this people, from
+their benevolent labours. Their progress, however, in this laudable
+work was interrupted by the war of 1812, which much agitated, not
+only those tribes of Indians, but the white people generally, bordering
+on the Indian territory&mdash;this continued while the war lasted. And
+many of the white inhabitants, it was said, went into block houses, the
+better to secure themselves.</p>
+
+<p>It may, however, be noted, that Friends on the frontiers, generally
+remained in their habitations, at least with a few exceptions, and the
+Indians seemed to repose an unlimited confidence in them, and frequently
+visited them. The author having visited a settlement of the
+Indians, (called Lewis’ settlement) in the year 1816, had some opportunity
+of judging of the high estimation in which the Indians held the
+society of Friends, on the frontiers of that country. He also had an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span>
+account from one of the Friends who first settled in those parts (near
+Mad river,) about the year 1800. He said the Indians manifested much
+kindness to them, when the country was all a wilderness, by frequently
+visiting them, and administering to their wants, while they were first
+opening a settlement and preparing something to subsist upon.</p>
+
+<p>I may also here relate another evidence of the Indians’ kindness and
+hospitality to the whites. A surveyor who lived in Chilicothe informed
+me, when at his house in 1816, that being employed by government
+the summer previous, to survey some land in the Michigan territory, he
+and his company composed of seven or eight persons, running scant of
+provisions, were put to their allowance of a spoonful of meal a day, for
+each person, on which, with some little meat they procured from the
+forest, they had subsisted for twenty-three days together. But setting
+out at length towards the settlements in search of provisions, they met
+with an Indian going on a journey very smartly. They made him understand
+they were very hungry and had nothing to eat. He looked
+on them with compassion&mdash;pointed towards his cabin, and making signs
+to them to follow him, struck off in a direction towards it. They pursued
+his track, often having to stop him, to wait for them, and after about
+eight miles travelling, arrived at his solitary abode, where he kindly
+treated them to all the provision at his command, which, though coarse,
+was to them a delicious dainty.</p>
+
+<p>But to return from this digression, it may be proper to state, that
+about the year 1813, a Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in
+the state of Ohio, and being composed of part of the members previously
+constituting the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, they also become,
+as a body, enlisted in the same concern, to improve the condition of the
+Indian natives; and appointed a committee to carry their views into
+execution. Friends of this Yearly Meeting living more contiguous to
+the Indian settlements, unitedly agreed with the Yearly Meeting of
+Baltimore, to make it a joint concern, as it regarded the requisite pecuniary
+aid for promoting the object in view. Friends in Ohio, however,
+became more actively engaged in personal visits, and sending instructors
+among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>When peace took place, and the minds of the Indians became somewhat
+settled, the settlement which had previously been made at
+Waughpaughkannatta was again resumed, and another promoted at
+captain Lewis’, and considerable advancement made by the Indians in
+some of the arts of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>About the years 1817 and 1818, considerable sales of their lands were
+made to the United States&mdash;and in the north-western parts of the state
+of Ohio, which much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and in consequence
+thereof, many of them removed further to the westward.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">111</span></p>
+
+<p>In the rapid settlement of the states of Ohio and Indiana, and the
+emigration of Friends further to the westward, it became necessary to
+establish a Yearly Meeting in Indiana, which event took place about
+the year 1820 or 1821. This Yearly Meeting, also as a body, feeling
+the same deep interest, in the welfare of the aboriginal inhabitants,
+appointed a committee to unite with Ohio Yearly Meeting in promoting
+their civilization and improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Having but scanty means within my reach, of ascertaining the progress
+made by those Yearly Meetings of latter years, I can only state,
+that the concern still continues to engage their attention, and from a
+report to the Yearly Meeting of Indiana, in 1826, it appears, that the
+committee had continued their attention to the object of their appointment.
+“Soon after our last Yearly Meeting,” say they, “the school
+for the education of the Indian children was resumed, and continued
+about two months, to the satisfaction both of the Indians and the committee.
+The children conducted themselves orderly, and made reasonable
+progress in learning. But towards the latter part of winter the
+Indians became unsettled in their minds, and it was found impracticable
+to continue the school to advantage. It was, therefore, dismissed,
+and soon after Isaac Harvey and wife, in consequence of his indisposition,
+returned to their former residence. They took with them an Indian
+lad who remained about three months, during which time he was
+at school.</p>
+
+<p>“About two hundred of the Indians who resided on the Waughpaughkonnatta
+reserve, have removed, and are now on their way to
+join those of their nation settled west of the Mississippi; and it is yet
+uncertain, whether those that remain will shortly be in a situation to
+receive instruction. However that may be, we feel satisfied that the
+labour heretofore bestowed on them will not all be lost. They have
+obtained a sufficient knowledge of agriculture, to enable them to supply
+their more pressing wants, and many of them have acquired habits of
+industry, which we believe they will retain. And should they all eventually
+remove to join their nation in the west, we apprehend the advantages
+they are deriving from the change in their manner of life,
+will be sufficient to prevent them from returning to their former
+habits.”</p>
+
+<p>It appears also, that soon after the Yearly Meeting held in Indiana,
+in the year 1827, “a deputation from the committee in company with
+a like deputation of the committee of Ohio Yearly Meeting, visited
+Friends’ establishment, near Waughpaughkonnatta, who found the farm
+in good order, and the school progressing to satisfaction.”</p>
+
+<p>The minutes of the last Indiana Yearly Meeting of the society of
+Friends, held at Miami, also show, that they continue a committee, to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span>
+act in conjunction with the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Baltimore,
+and to proceed in the further prosecution of this concern as way may
+open.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the society of Friends constituting the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia,
+New York, and Baltimore, have, for more than thirty years,
+and those of Ohio, and Indiana, since their first establishment, been engaged
+in endeavouring to reclaim from savage life, and to meliorate the
+condition of various tribes, of the interesting but much injured aborigines
+of our country; and they have succeeded in instructing many of them
+in agriculture, in school learning, in many of the most useful mechanic
+arts, and the raising of domestic animals, whereby their lives are rendered
+more comfortable, and their domestic engagements increased, as
+well as their moral condition improved&mdash;and, could the Indians have
+been permitted to remain quiet in the possession of their land, and to
+enjoy the fruits of their labours, without interruption from the whites,
+there is reason to believe, that by a continuation and extension of this
+care towards them, a radical change in their character would in a short
+time have been effected; and instead of migrating by families and tribes,
+far to the westward, and traversing the dreary regions of an unknown
+wilderness, in quest of a home, and in search of food, they might have
+become useful citizens of the community, contributing to the wealth,
+the happiness, and national character of the United States. For truly
+it must be acknowledged, that there are among these native sons of the
+forest, men of deep reflection&mdash;men of extraordinary talents&mdash;men of
+superior powers of mind, and men who, considering the means of their
+menial improvement, might rank with the ancient orators of Greece
+and Rome. Added to this, there is sufficient evidence, that they believe
+in the principle operating within them, a measure of which, or the
+grace of God, according to the apostle’s doctrine, is given to every man
+to profit withal, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. And they acknowledge
+in all important transactions, the overruling providence and
+superintending care of one all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent Being,
+who governs the universe; and they believe that they will be rewarded
+in a future state, according as their actions have been in this life, either
+good or evil. Why then should not the policy of the government be
+directed to the protection and preservation of these people, and not to
+their extermination from their native soil? Is it not a doctrine sanctioned
+by the general consent of Christians, that all nations are equally
+free? That one nation has no right to infringe upon the freedom of
+another?</p>
+
+<p>Let us then fulfil the golden rule&mdash;let us then, my fellow citizens,
+exercise that kind of policy towards them, that we would they should
+have done to us, if they had landed on our shores with a superiority of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">113</span>
+strength. Why should not things be equal on both sides? Or is the
+balance of power always to decide the balance of justice, and rob the
+weak and defenceless of their lawful rights&mdash;shall a nation professing
+<i>christianity</i>, and having pledged itself in the most solemn manner to
+<i>protect the Indians in all their rights</i>, be guilty of such injustice?
+Or what part of the gospel will they plead in extenuation of such a
+crime? In what part of the earth did the apostles or first promulgators
+of the gospel assume, to extirpate from their country, or to claim a
+right over the freedom and the substance of the Gentiles? What a
+strange method this would be, of propagating the gospel of peace. And
+can it be expected the natives of America, those keen-eyed observers
+of the actions of men, will be brought to embrace the christian religion
+by such a policy as this! And, while injustice is practised towards them
+instead of the government redressing their wrongs, will they not be induced
+to say as an Indian chief once did, to a missionary, on a certain
+occasion, “We find the christians much more depraved in their morals
+than we are, and we judge of <i>their doctrine</i> by the badness of their
+lives.”</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, the following, taken
+from a Pittsburg Gazette, has been forwarded by a friend,
+and as it gives some recent account of the noted and ancient chief,
+Cornplanter, as well as other of the Seneca Indians, it may prove
+an interesting addition to this work.</i></p>
+
+<p>It appears a trip was performed up the Alleghany river in the Fifth
+month last, as high as Olean, in the state of New York, by a new
+steamboat, and as it was the first that had ever ascended that river,
+as far as the Indian towns, it excited some astonishment. The account
+states, that “On the thirteenth of May, at nine o’clock, she arrived opposite
+the village of Cornplanter. Here a deputation waited on that
+ancient and well known Indian king or chief, and invited him on board
+this new, and to him wonderful visiter, a steamboat. We found him
+in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying on his
+couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins and
+blankets. His habitation, a two story log house, is in a state of decay,
+without furniture, except a few benches, and wooden bowls and spoons
+to eat out of. This convinced us of his determination to retain old habits
+and customs. This venerable old chief was a lad in the first French
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span>
+war, in 1744, and is now nearly one hundred years of age. He is a smart
+active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength of mind, and in perfect
+health, and retains among his nation all that uncontrolled influence
+he has ever done.</p>
+
+<p>“He, with his son Charles, sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came
+on board, and remained until she had passed six miles up, and then
+they returned home in their own canoe, after expressing great pleasure.
+His domain is a delightful bottom of rich land, two miles<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> square,
+nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On
+this, his own family, about fifty in number, in eight or ten houses reside.
+Cornplanter’s wife, and her mother, one hundred and fifteen years
+of age, are in good health.</p>
+
+<p>The lands of this tribe being forty miles long and half a mile wide
+on each side of the river, lie just above, but all in the state of New
+York. They have a number of villages, and are about seven hundred
+in number, scattered all along this reserve. Many of them have good
+dwellings, and, like the whites, some are intelligent, industrious, and
+useful&mdash;while others are the reverse. On the whole they are becoming
+civilized and christianized, as fast as can be expected. The natives
+appeared in great numbers, (we counted four hundred) who were attracted
+to view this unexpected sight on their waters. Their lands
+terminate eight miles below Olean.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<h3><i>A vocabulary of some of the most familiar words and phrases in
+the Seneca language, and the English, in alphabetical order.</i></h3>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <td>All</td>
+    <td>Cock <i>way</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>All gone</td>
+    <td>Ono, cock <i>way</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Any where, any thing, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td>Te caw a <i>noo</i> we</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A quiet mind</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> no <i>sa</i> na to nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Axe</td>
+    <td>At <i>too</i> ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Boy or child</td>
+    <td>Uc <i>shaw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Brother</td>
+    <td><i>Ho</i>gh <i>gee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blood</td>
+    <td>Ot <i>quoon</i> sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Board</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bear</td>
+    <td><i>U qui</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Black</td>
+    <td><i>Gis</i> taa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Beaver</td>
+    <td>Te <i>con</i> ne a ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Big lake</td>
+    <td>Con nu <i>di</i> go <i>wan</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Birds</td>
+    <td>Ge <i>daa</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bread</td>
+    <td><i>Wagh</i> qua<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">115</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Beans</td>
+    <td>Ci <i>daw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Beyond</td>
+    <td><i>Shee qua</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Both</td>
+    <td>De <i>jall</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Book</td>
+    <td>Ki <i>au</i> dau shaw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blanket</td>
+    <td>Ee <i>yuse</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bed</td>
+    <td>Con <i>noch</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Barrel or tub</td>
+    <td>Con <i>noch</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blacksmith</td>
+    <td>Cow <i>wish</i> to nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bad</td>
+    <td><i>Toos</i> coss</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cold</td>
+    <td>Hit <i>too</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cow</td>
+    <td>Tus <i>quan</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cat</td>
+    <td>Dac <i>coos</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Child</td>
+    <td>Uc <i>shaw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cousin</td>
+    <td><i>Kaa</i> say</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Chief</td>
+    <td>Shin e <i>wan</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cannon</td>
+    <td>Ca <i>u</i> da <i>go</i> aw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Coat</td>
+    <td>Ja dau <i>wis</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Chest</td>
+    <td><i>Count</i> sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cup</td>
+    <td>Cow <i>wish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Candle</td>
+    <td>Ogish to <i>taugh</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Canoe</td>
+    <td><i>Cau</i> waugh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Chocolate</td>
+    <td>Nig a <i>di</i> u</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Crane</td>
+    <td>Jo <i>a</i> sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Deer</td>
+    <td>Nea <i>yu</i> ka</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Duck</td>
+    <td>Se <i>wack</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dead</td>
+    <td>A <i>way</i> yu</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Devil</td>
+    <td>Nishe <i>o</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dog</td>
+    <td><i>Gee ah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dish</td>
+    <td><i>Cud gee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Day</td>
+    <td>U<i>daugh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Drink</td>
+    <td><i>Nig</i> ge ah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dark</td>
+    <td>U <i>dagh</i> sin <i>di</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Do you want it</td>
+    <td><i>Ees</i> no wees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Earth</td>
+    <td>U en <i>jau</i> dy</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Elk</td>
+    <td>Je <i>naun</i> de</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eel</td>
+    <td>Con <i>taa</i> na</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eat</td>
+    <td><i>Sutte</i> coo nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eye</td>
+    <td><i>Ka haa</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ear</td>
+    <td><i>Woun</i> tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Evening, or sun down</td>
+    <td><i>Ono</i> gagh qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Father</td>
+    <td><i>Hau</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Field</td>
+    <td>K ion <i>to</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Farmer</td>
+    <td>E <i>yeant</i> has</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fox</td>
+    <td>O nung <i>quat</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fish</td>
+    <td>Kin <i>jugh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fire</td>
+    <td>O <i>gish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Flour or meal</td>
+    <td>Tee <i>sah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fruit</td>
+    <td>O <i>yah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Flea</td>
+    <td>Te <i>was</i> en <i>tas</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fine day</td>
+    <td>O <i>we see</i> ah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fire-fly</td>
+    <td>Gish te <i>noch</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>God, or Great Spirit</td>
+    <td>How <i>wau</i> ne au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Grandmother</td>
+    <td>Uc <i>sute</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Good</td>
+    <td>Scoss</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Grist-mill</td>
+    <td>Cau <i>thish</i> e <i>o</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Gnat</td>
+    <td>O gaw <i>whont</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Gun</td>
+    <td>Ca <i>u</i> da</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Greedy</td>
+    <td><i>Dus</i> ki hau sy</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Gift</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> no</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>House</td>
+    <td>Con ne <i>sute</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Horse</td>
+    <td>Con <i>don</i> nah que</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hungry</td>
+    <td>A <i>dus</i> swa dau nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>High</td>
+    <td><i>Eait</i> kah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Here in this place</td>
+    <td><i>Nich</i> hooh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Him or her</td>
+    <td>Au <i>whau</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hear</td>
+    <td>Gut <i>hoon</i> dy</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Happy</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> no <i>so</i> ne <i>to</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hat or cap</td>
+    <td>Kah <i>e quay</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hand</td>
+    <td>Kas <i>chuch</i> tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Half</td>
+    <td>Sut te <i>wau so</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>How many</td>
+    <td><i>Ton</i> ne yu</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>How many miles</td>
+    <td><i>Ton</i> ne <i>yute</i> cot ho</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hawk</td>
+    <td><i>Swin</i> go <i>dau</i> ge au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Have you any, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td><i>Goih</i> yah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Indians</td>
+    <td>A <i>gue</i> o we</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Indian corn</td>
+    <td>O ne <i>ah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>If</td>
+    <td>Cow a <i>nee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I myself</td>
+    <td>Ee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I don’t know</td>
+    <td>Te <i>quaw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I think</td>
+    <td>E <i>we</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Island</td>
+    <td><i>Cow</i> we <i>naut</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Iron</td>
+    <td>Con ne <i>u sah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ice</td>
+    <td>O <i>we</i> sa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I don’t understand</td>
+    <td>Te <i>gunk</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I want it</td>
+    <td><i>Ic</i> no wees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I am going now</td>
+    <td><i>Ono</i> se <i>gogh</i> tan dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Iron pot</td>
+    <td>Te <i>quosh</i> e naute</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>King</td>
+    <td><i>Co</i> wa <i>co</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Kettle</td>
+    <td>Can <i>naun</i> jau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Knife</td>
+    <td>Ka <i>gun</i> ne au sau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Land</td>
+    <td><i>U</i> aun <i>ja</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Louse</td>
+    <td><i>Gee</i> no <i>e</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lonesome</td>
+    <td>A <i>goon</i> date</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lake, or sea</td>
+    <td>Con nu <i>di</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lie</td>
+    <td>Sun noo <i>aunt</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Large</td>
+    <td>Go <i>wau</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Long ago</td>
+    <td>O <i>nuch</i> chee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Little, or small</td>
+    <td>Nee <i>wau</i>, or <i>wis</i> too</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Little while ago</td>
+    <td><i>Wau</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Linen</td>
+    <td>Con ne <i>ga</i> un sah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">117</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Like this</td>
+    <td><i>Sau</i> gat</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Log</td>
+    <td>Can <i>hagh</i> tau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Man or male</td>
+    <td>Can <i>gee</i> nah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mother</td>
+    <td><i>No</i> yegh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Many</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nong</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Much</td>
+    <td>We <i>sue</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Meat</td>
+    <td>Au <i>wagh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mosquito</td>
+    <td>Ge ne <i>au</i> da sa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mush</td>
+    <td><i>Gis</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mountain</td>
+    <td>Non on <i>dau</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mile</td>
+    <td><i>Yute</i> cot hoo</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Money</td>
+    <td>O <i>wish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Merry, or pleased</td>
+    <td><i>Oon dut</i> ca dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Milk</td>
+    <td><i>Nung</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Moon</td>
+    <td>Gagh qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mouth</td>
+    <td>Kish e <i>gaen</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Morning</td>
+    <td>Se <i>tugh</i> ge au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Make it</td>
+    <td><i>Shish</i> she <i>o</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>New town</td>
+    <td>Can na da <i>say</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Noon</td>
+    <td>Gick ne <i>gah</i> quaw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>No</td>
+    <td>Tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Now</td>
+    <td>Nay <i>wau</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Not many</td>
+    <td><i>Tanty</i> co <i>nong</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Not much</td>
+    <td><i>Tanty</i> we <i>sue</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Not</td>
+    <td>Tanty</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Nose</td>
+    <td>Ka kan <i>dah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Nonsense, trifling, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td><i>Gish</i> nit</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One month</td>
+    <td><i>Swa</i> no dock</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Owl</td>
+    <td><i>E he</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Old</td>
+    <td>Caw <i>cuch</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Over the river</td>
+    <td>Ska <i>hoon</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>On this side</td>
+    <td>Caw <i>oo</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Philadelphia</td>
+    <td>Ca ne <i>di</i> an go au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pittsburg</td>
+    <td>Taun <i>too</i> ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pig</td>
+    <td><i>Quees</i> quees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Provisions</td>
+    <td>A <i>den</i> a sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Potatoes</td>
+    <td><i>Non</i> nun dau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Plenty</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nong</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pipe</td>
+    <td>Se <i>guah</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pretty</td>
+    <td>We <i>u</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pheasant</td>
+    <td><i>Chuc</i> que <i>a</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pigeons</td>
+    <td><i>Jah</i> go au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Presently</td>
+    <td>A ge <i>quash</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>People</td>
+    <td><i>Ung</i> que</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Rain</td>
+    <td>Us <i>taun</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>River</td>
+    <td>Ka <i>hone</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Racoon</td>
+    <td>Jo <i>ah</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Rattlesnake</td>
+    <td>So <i>quant</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Right, or proper</td>
+    <td>Ty wi <i>ye</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Raining, or stormy</td>
+    <td>Onish wy <i>ate</i> kah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sea, or ocean</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> ne la te <i>co</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Shoes, or sandals</td>
+    <td>At <i>tagh</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sun</td>
+    <td><i>Gagh</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Squashes, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td>O <i>nuch</i> sha</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sheep</td>
+    <td><i>Te</i> de ne <i>gen</i> do</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Stone</td>
+    <td>Cos <i>quagh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Spinning wheel</td>
+    <td>See in <i>yeah</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Saw mill</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nish</i> te o nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sick</td>
+    <td><i>Nonk</i> ta nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Strong</td>
+    <td>Cau <i>haus</i> tee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Star</td>
+    <td>O <i>gish</i> un da</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sit down</td>
+    <td>Sut <i>tee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Snow</td>
+    <td>Cun ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Snow falling</td>
+    <td>U <i>gaun</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Spoon</td>
+    <td>At te <i>quot</i> sa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>See, or look</td>
+    <td><i>Sut</i> cot <i>hoo</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Silver</td>
+    <td>O <i>wish</i> ta <i>no</i> e a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Shut the door</td>
+    <td>Se ho <i>tong</i> goo</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Snipe</td>
+    <td>Te <i>ith</i> to we</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Shoemaker</td>
+    <td>At <i>taugh</i> qua <i>nee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Susquehanna</td>
+    <td><i>Cau</i> wa ne <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Turkey</td>
+    <td>Os soo <i>aunt</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Thief</td>
+    <td><i>Nus qus</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Turnips</td>
+    <td><i>Uc</i> te au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Town</td>
+    <td><i>Con</i> na da <i>go</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Tobacco</td>
+    <td><i>Yaun</i> gwa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Turtle</td>
+    <td>Cun ne <i>wau</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>This</td>
+    <td><i>Nick</i> hoo</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Thou</td>
+    <td>Eece</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Tooth, or teeth</td>
+    <td>Ca <i>noo</i> jah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Tell it</td>
+    <td><i>Sat</i> hu e</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Talk</td>
+    <td><i>Gish</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>True, or truth</td>
+    <td><i>To gas</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>To-morrow</td>
+    <td>U <i>haut</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Uncle</td>
+    <td><i>Auh</i> no ze</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ugly</td>
+    <td><i>Wy ate</i> u</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Verily, or very true</td>
+    <td><i>To</i> gas <i>neh</i> hue</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Very large</td>
+    <td><i>Agos</i> go <i>wan</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Very far</td>
+    <td><i>Way</i> uh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Winter</td>
+    <td>Ka <i>unch</i> neh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Water</td>
+    <td><i>Nick</i> a <i>noos</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Woods</td>
+    <td>Ca ha <i>da</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wheat</td>
+    <td>O <i>naun</i> jah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Weeds</td>
+    <td>We <i>aah</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wolf</td>
+    <td>Ty <i>o</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wild geese</td>
+    <td>Hung <i>gawk</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Watch</td>
+    <td>Gah que <i>shawk</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>White people</td>
+    <td>Hit <i>teen</i> yah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Warm</td>
+    <td><i>Di</i> u</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Warm day</td>
+    <td>Con <i>naa</i> no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">119</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Woman</td>
+    <td><i>Yee</i> uh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wife</td>
+    <td><i>Yeak</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wind</td>
+    <td><i>Ga haa</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Work</td>
+    <td>Sutte ye <i>dott</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Want. I want it, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td><i>Ick</i> no <i>eece</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Where</td>
+    <td><i>Cong</i> gwa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yonder</td>
+    <td><i>Ho</i> quaw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>You</td>
+    <td><i>Eece</i> de jal</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yes</td>
+    <td>Naye</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>You want it</td>
+    <td><i>Eece</i> no wees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Year</td>
+    <td><i>Tush shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yesterday</td>
+    <td><i>Tay</i> day</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"><i>Names of some of the Indians, and their signification.</i></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ki on <i>twa</i> ky</td>
+    <td>Cornplanter</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Te <i>ki</i> on da</td>
+    <td>A wager, or money staked</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Con ne <i>di</i> u</td>
+    <td>Hansom lake</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Neh ta <i>go</i> a</td>
+    <td>A large pine tree</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Waun</i> dung <i>guh</i> ta</td>
+    <td>Passed by</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sa go e <i>wah</i> ta</td>
+    <td>Keeper arise</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>O <i>gish</i> quat ta</td>
+    <td>Dried mush</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Tak</i> e wau sah</td>
+    <td>Go to war</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Twa</i> de ac</td>
+    <td>Broken gun</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Yeang</i> gwa haunt</td>
+    <td>Chew tobacco</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Ki</i> an <i>gwah</i> ta</td>
+    <td>Smoke</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"><i>Numerical terms, &amp;c.</i></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One</td>
+    <td>Scote</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two</td>
+    <td><i>Tick</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three</td>
+    <td>Shaugh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Four</td>
+    <td>Keah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Five</td>
+    <td>Wush</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Six</td>
+    <td>Yeah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Seven</td>
+    <td>Chaw tawk</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eight</td>
+    <td>Tick <i>yugh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Nine</td>
+    <td>Tugh tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ten</td>
+    <td><i>Wush</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Twenty</td>
+    <td>Te <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Thirty</td>
+    <td>Sha ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Forty</td>
+    <td>Kea ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fifty</td>
+    <td><i>Wush</i> ne was hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sixty</td>
+    <td>Yea ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Seventy</td>
+    <td>Chaw tawk ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eighty</td>
+    <td>Tick yaugh ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ninety</td>
+    <td>Tugh ta ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One hundred, that is, ten times ten</td>
+    <td>Wush haw ne <i>was</i> haw, or scote de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two hundred</td>
+    <td>Te non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three hundred</td>
+    <td>Sha non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Four hundred</td>
+    <td>Keah non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i>, &amp;c. &amp;c.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120"> 120</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One dollar</td>
+    <td><i>Scow</i> wish taut</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two dollars</td>
+    <td>Te gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three dollars</td>
+    <td>Sha ne gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Four dollars</td>
+    <td>Kea ne gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay, &amp;c.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One penny</td>
+    <td>Quin nish</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One shilling</td>
+    <td><i>Sco</i> ti on <i>shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two shillings</td>
+    <td>Te <i>gash</i> e on se gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three shillings</td>
+    <td>Sha ne <i>gash</i> e on se gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One yard</td>
+    <td>Tu we <i>naut</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two yards</td>
+    <td><i>Tic</i> ne ju we <i>non</i> gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three yards</td>
+    <td><i>Sha</i> ne ju we <i>non</i> gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One pound</td>
+    <td>Cau <i>goon</i> sate</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two pounds</td>
+    <td>Tich ne cou <i>goon</i> se ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three pounds</td>
+    <td>Sha ne cou <i>goon</i> se ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One quart</td>
+    <td>Cus <i>saa</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two quarts</td>
+    <td>Tick ne cus <i>say</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three quarts</td>
+    <td>Shane cus <i>say</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One day</td>
+    <td>Onish <i>shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two days</td>
+    <td>Te ne wa <i>nish</i> a gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three days</td>
+    <td>Sha ne wa <i>nish</i> a gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One month</td>
+    <td><i>Swa</i> ne dock</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two months</td>
+    <td>Te <i>wa</i> ne da gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three months</td>
+    <td>Sha ne wau ne da gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One year</td>
+    <td>Tush <i>shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two years</td>
+    <td>Te <i>ush</i> a gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three years</td>
+    <td>Sha ne <i>ush</i> a gay, &amp;c.</td>
+  </tr></table>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p class="hang"><i>The author not having an opportunity of examining the proof sheets, some typographical
+errors have occurred, especially in the Indian words&mdash;the following errata will be observed
+by the reader.</i></p>
+
+<p>Page 5, line 20 from top, before motives, insert the words <i>natives the</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 8, line 18 from bottom, for retaining read <i>retained</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 9, line 18 from top, read the following <i>speech</i> from.</p>
+
+<p>Page 29, line 14 from top, read Je <i>nuch</i> sha <i>da</i> go.</p>
+
+<p>Page 40, line 13 from top, for Memsies read <i>Munsies</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 42, line 6 from top, for Connedin read Co ne <i>di</i> u; and so through the book.</p>
+
+<p>Same page, line 4 from bottom, for government read <i>governor</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 47, line 7 from bottom, for Junesassa read <i>Tunesassa</i>; and so through the book.</p>
+
+<p>Page 54, line 20 from bottom, for nation read <i>natives</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 80, line 19 from bottom, read the chief warrior’s <i>son</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 110, line 16 from top, for nations read <i>natives</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Same page, line 3 from bottom, for in, read <i>to</i> the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Page 111, line 20 from top, for Harkey read <i>Harvey</i>.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+
+<h2 id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES:</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">1</a>
+ Alluding to an ineffectual attempt made during the war in 1793, when six Friends,
+as before stated, attended with the commissioners of the United States.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">2</a>
+ A British agent for Indian affairs resident in Canada.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">3</a>
+ I apprehend there is some mistake in the account given, of the quantity of land
+possessed by Cornplanter. By the act of assembly, it appears six hundred acres was
+the quantity located at that place.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ed.</span></p></div></div>
+
+<div class="transnote">
+
+<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>
+
+<p>Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 55063 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
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+Project Gutenberg's Civilization of the Indian Natives, by Halliday Jackson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Civilization of the Indian Natives
+       or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn
+       Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania
+
+Author: Halliday Jackson
+
+Release Date: July 7, 2017 [EBook #55063]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CIVILIZATION OF THE INDIAN NATIVES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Wayne Hammond and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber’s Note:
+
+The corrections in the errata on page 120 have been incorporated into
+the original.]
+
+
+
+
+CIVILIZATION
+
+OF THE
+
+INDIAN NATIVES;
+
+OR,
+
+A Brief View
+
+OF THE FRIENDLY CONDUCT
+
+OF
+
+WILLIAM PENN
+
+TOWARDS THEM
+
+IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA;
+
+_The subsequent care of the Society of Friends in endeavouring to
+promote peace and friendship with them by pacific measures_;
+
+AND
+
+_A concise narrative of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of
+Friends, of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts adjacent, since the
+year 1795, in promoting their improvement_
+
+AND GRADUAL CIVILIZATION.
+
+BY HALLIDAY JACKSON.
+
+“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former
+desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of
+many generations.”--_Isaiah_ lxi. 4.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_PHILADELPHIA_: MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET.
+
+_NEW YORK_; ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET.
+
+1830
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+Our readers have, no doubt, perused with satisfaction the numbers which
+have appeared from time to time in this periodical, respecting the
+Seneca Indians--their habits, superstitions, &c. The facts which these
+articles embraced, were rendered the more interesting, by the late
+difficulties which had been manifested between the United States, and
+several southern and western tribes, upon the subject of their lands,
+and the right by which they held them in possession.
+
+Since the conclusion of these interesting numbers, we have been
+favoured by the writer with a more enlarged and particular narration,
+respecting the situation of the Indians, in the early settlement of
+this country--in which a concise view is presented of the proceedings
+of William Penn, in relation to them at the period of the first
+settlement of Pennsylvania. A very particular description is also given
+of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsylvania,
+New Jersey, &c. touching the means adopted to increase their happiness,
+and improve their moral and physical condition. Many speeches, highly
+characteristic and beautiful, delivered by distinguished chiefs, in
+council, will be found interspersed through the narrative.
+
+Having concluded, in our last number, the works of WILLIAM SHEWEN, we
+think we cannot better occupy, for a few weeks, the pages heretofore
+devoted to that work, than by appropriating them to the interesting
+subject, of which the above is an outline, and which the writer has
+kindly given us permission to publish. It may then be preserved in the
+same manner as the works just completed, and will form a small but
+valuable book for all classes.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Believing that some account of the measures pursued by the Society of
+Friends, towards the Indian natives, may prove an auxiliary in the
+cause of humanity, and probably interest the serious and benevolent
+mind in behalf of the aborigines of our country, whom we consider as
+children of one universal parent, who is no respecter of persons, but
+regards with equal care all nations, whether of a fair complexion or
+a tawny skin; I am, therefore, induced to believe that every thing
+relating to their history may prove interesting to posterity, when they
+shall be told that such a race of men, who may then have passed away,
+once inhabited this populous country. And having acquired considerable
+knowledge of some of the Indian tribes, and of the progress some of
+them have made in the arts of civilized life, I am induced to offer a
+concise view of the friendly intercourse that has subsisted between
+the society of Friends and the aborigines of our country, from the
+time the illustrious William Penn, and some of his cotemporaries first
+landed on the American shores, and exhibited to the world, the singular
+spectacle of establishing a new model of government, amidst a mixture
+of persons of different nations, and different civil and religious
+opinions, surrounded by savage tribes of Indians, without recourse to
+any coercive measures--which has since been the wonder and admiration
+of mankind.
+
+His great treaty, too, with the Indians, was also made without the
+solemnity of an oath, and has been immortalized as the only treaty, so
+made, that has never been broken.
+
+In most of the histories, in which we can trace the character of the
+Indian nations, we find them to abound either with romantic tales, or
+scenes of cruelty and barbarity, calculated to excite prejudice in
+the mind of the reader; but in this will be found the conciliating
+language of peace and mutual friendship, and a disposition on the part
+of the Indians, to exchange the tomahawk and scalping knife, for the
+plough and the hoe, and peacefully betake themselves to the innocent
+employments of the pastoral and agricultural life.
+
+Although the author has spent but a small portion of time in a personal
+residence among this people, in comparison with many others, yet he can
+acknowledge, that the short time devoted to that service embraced some
+of the happiest moments of his early life. For, although deprived of
+the social comforts of society, and far removed from all the near and
+tender connexions of his youthful days, yet from a full conviction of
+the rectitude of the work, and the incalculable good, under the divine
+blessing, that might finally result to that people, the wilderness was
+often made as it were an Eden, and the desert as the garden of the
+Lord. “Joy and gladness was found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice
+of melody.”
+
+During the author’s residence among the natives, as well as on several
+visits since that period, he had a fair opportunity of noticing the
+gradual improvement of the Indians, in some of the arts of civilized
+life, by which he is enabled to furnish, he trusts, well authenticated
+accounts of the benefits which have resulted to that people from the
+benevolent exertions of the society of Friends. And, although these
+exertions may appear to be limited in their operation towards a reform,
+yet when we take into view the numerous tribes of Indians within and
+circumjacent to the United States, there is reason to hope, that the
+instruction already afforded to several tribes, and the advancement
+they have made in some of the most useful arts of civilized life, will
+have a stimulating influence on their more distant brethren.
+
+
+
+
+A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS, &c.
+
+
+The benign spirit of the gospel, operating upon the benevolent mind of
+that eminently distinguished character William Penn, induced him, at
+the very commencement of the settlement of Pennsylvania, to cultivate,
+by the exercise of gentleness, kindness, and the love of peace, a good
+understanding with the natives; and in all his transactions with them,
+by scrupulously adhering to the law of universal righteousness, which
+dispenses justice to all, and infringes on the natural rights of none,
+he pursued the best means of establishing harmony between them and the
+new settlers, and thereby ensured their confidence and friendship.
+
+In a letter which he sent them by his deputy, previous to his arrival
+in America, dated Eighth month, 1681, he called their attention to
+the existence of a supremely good, ALL-WISE BEING, and to his law
+written in the heart, by which men are taught to love, help, and do
+good, one to another; and briefly informed them respecting his grant
+from the king, and assured them that he desired to enjoy it with their
+love and consent, that they might always live together as neighbours
+and friends. Then, in allusion to some of the other settlements on
+this continent, which in too many instances having been marked with
+injustice and oppression, were followed by melancholy and distressing
+circumstances, he proceeded more at length to unfold to the natives
+the motives and principles, by which he was actuated towards them,
+adding: “The people I send are of the same mind, and if in any thing
+any shall offend you, or your people, you shall have a full and speedy
+satisfaction for the same, by an equal number of just men on both
+sides, that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended
+against them.”
+
+In the year 1682, William Penn first arrived in this country, and
+began to purchase land of the Indians, exemplifying the sincerity of
+his previous declarations, by giving them full satisfaction for every
+grant, accompanied with the best advice for promoting their comfort and
+happiness.
+
+Thus began that firm and lasting friendship with the natives, which
+continued during the life of William Penn, and with the religious
+society of which he was a member, for the space of seventy years; that
+is, as long as the society retained sufficient influence, effectually
+to interpose between the natives and the other inhabitants, so as to
+prevent misunderstandings, or to redress such grievances as occurred.
+A friendship which to this day remains unobliterated between the
+society of Friends and the Indians who have knowledge of them, and is
+a standing proof that the gentle and upright conduct inculcated by
+the gospel, as exemplified in the practice of William Penn, is a far
+more effectual means of preserving treaties inviolate, and insuring
+the permanent enjoyment of reciprocal benefits, than the system of
+violence, fraud, and oppression too frequently resorted to, on such
+occasions.
+
+By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives, the
+parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as
+brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs,
+ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which
+was not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.
+
+William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians, during
+his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious nature;
+and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the advice he
+gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard to justice
+so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them: hence, the
+name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do the
+society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with much
+veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be advanced
+as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent behaviour
+of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude, but
+the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have on
+the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in the
+early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an entire
+wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a scanty
+supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the new
+settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining
+food--but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were
+much alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in
+supplying their necessities; not only extending their beneficence to
+those of the society of Friends, but generally to such as were under
+the patronage of William Penn--thereby evincing towards them the
+genuine spirit of hospitality--frequently visiting them in their houses.
+
+In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly
+excluded from the proprietory agency to which the management of
+Indian affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians
+became corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of
+their lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in
+some of the tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of
+Pennsylvania. Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered,
+in consequence of a war which continued for several years. But
+notwithstanding the diminished influence which the society of Friends
+now possessed in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties
+with the Indians, they did not relax their endeavours to improve every
+opportunity of cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and
+promoting a peaceable disposition; for which purpose they formed an
+association among themselves, denominated the “friendly association for
+gaining and preserving peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”
+
+To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to
+the amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the
+governor’s permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such
+a discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating
+demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to have
+a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace; which
+desirable event took place in 1775.
+
+About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the
+United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the
+Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the
+purpose of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly
+Meeting, believed it right to address congress on the occasion,
+thereby showing the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had
+heretofore been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and
+friendship with the original owners of the soil for the settlement
+of existing differences: at the same time, suggesting that if their
+religious instruction and civilization were rightly promoted, it
+might essentially contribute to conciliate the minds of the Indians,
+and restore harmony between the contending parties. Although the
+representation was well received, the measures recommended were not
+then adopted, and the calamities of war still continuing to prevail on
+the western frontiers of the states, the Yearly Meeting held in 1792,
+appointed a large committee to unite with the former, (commonly called
+the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate on the momentous subject,
+and, if practicable, to recommend such measures as would be most likely
+to promote peace and friendship with the Indian tribes, and thereby
+prevent the further effusion of human blood.
+
+In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited
+Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the
+United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be
+held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these
+Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some
+Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they
+represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from
+their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence
+to the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In
+accordance with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace,
+the proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to
+accompany the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion,
+after having obtained the president’s approbation.
+
+These Friends were present at several interviews with the
+commissioners, and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand
+council composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many
+different nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the
+minds of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the
+several subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied
+with the conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of
+peace, the treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in
+having an interview with the Indians in general council. They had,
+however, reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted
+with their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient
+attachment to the society was measurably renewed.
+
+Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the
+representatives of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at
+Canandaigua, in the state of New York, and government approving the
+same, four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable
+address was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in
+the language of the address,) for you the descendants of the first
+inhabitants of this land of America, whom our forefathers found here
+after they had crossed the great waters.”
+
+About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion,
+and these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of
+endeavouring to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to
+be derived from living in peace with one another, and with all men,
+and with the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that
+they might draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still
+retained a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their
+forefathers met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued
+to distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his
+descendants, expressing that if _we_ deceived them they should no more
+place confidence in mankind.
+
+The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable
+adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established
+between these nations and the United States.
+
+During this visit, many of the difficulties and sufferings to which the
+Indians were subjected, were brought into view, and their situation
+appeared loudly to claim the sympathy of those who had grown opulent
+on the former inheritance of these poor declining people. Hence these
+Friends suggested the propriety of the society of Friends, pursuing
+some plan of rendering them more essential service than had hitherto
+been rendered.
+
+Again in 1795, a treaty was held with some of the western tribes of
+Indians, and, although Friends did not send a deputation to attend
+it, they nevertheless, forwarded a suitable address, calculated to
+evince their love of peace, and ardent desire for the restoration of
+harmony between the Indians and the government of the United States.
+This letter was accompanied by suitable presents, directed to the
+care of General Anthony Wayne, who informed Friends that they were
+gratefully received by the Indians, and also, that there now was the
+fairest prospect of a lasting peace and friendly intercourse between
+the citizens of the United States, and the aborigines of America.
+
+Peace accordingly once more took place between the United States
+and the Indians, after many years of war and devastation; but this
+cessation of hostilities was purchased, on behalf of the Indians, by
+the relinquishment of a large tract of their country north-west of the
+river Ohio, and they were also otherwise left in a poor and destitute
+situation.
+
+Previous to this period, several of the Indians’ chiefs had, in a
+pathetic manner, applied to the society of Friends to remember them in
+their distressed situation, and also to instruct them in the modes of
+civilized life.
+
+The following speech, from Gay-us-hu-ta, an ancient chief of the Seneca
+nation, on the borders of Pennsylvania, is worthy of preserving on
+record:
+
+“Brothers, the sons of my beloved brother Onas--When I was young and
+strong, our country was full of game, which the great spirit sent for
+us to live upon. The lands which belonged to us, were extended far
+beyond where we hunted. I, and the people of my nation, always had
+plenty to eat, and always something to give to our friends when they
+entered our cabins, and we rejoiced when they received it from us.
+Hunting was then not tiresome. It was diversion--it was a pleasure.
+
+“Brothers, when your fathers asked land of my nation, we gave it to
+them--Gay-us-hu-ta was always among the first to say, “Give land to our
+brother Onas, for he wants it--and he has always been a friend to Onas
+and his children.”
+
+“Brothers, your fathers saw Gay-us-hu-ta when he was young, when he had
+not even thought of old age or of weakness--but you are too far off to
+see him now--he is grown old, he is very old and feeble, and he wonders
+at his own shadow, it has become so little. He has no children to take
+care of him, and the game is driven away by the white people, so that
+the young men must hunt all day to get game for themselves to eat--they
+have nothing left for Gay-us-hu-ta. And it is not Gay-us-hu-ta only
+that is become old and feeble; there yet remains about thirty men of
+your old friends, who, unable to provide for themselves, or to help one
+another, are become poor, and are hungry and naked.
+
+“Brothers, Gay-us-hu-ta sends you a belt, which he received long ago
+from your fathers, and a writing which he received but as yesterday
+from one of you; by these you will remember him and the old friends of
+your father’s in this nation. Look on this belt and this writing, and
+if you remember the old friends of your fathers, consider their former
+friendship and their present distress, and if the good spirit shall put
+it into your hearts to comfort them in their old age, do not disregard
+his counsel. We are men, and therefore need only tell you, that we
+are old and feeble, and hungry, and naked, and that we have no other
+friends but you, the children of our beloved brother Onas.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Cornplanter, a
+chief of the same nation, to Friends in the year 1791.
+
+“Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the great spirit intends they
+should not continue to live by hunting, and they look round on every
+side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them
+to do. Your fathers dealt honestly with our fathers, and they have
+engaged us to remember it: we wish our children to be taught the same
+principles by which your fathers were guided.
+
+“Brothers, we have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach our
+children what we perceive their situation requires them to know. We
+wish them to be taught to read and write, and such other things as you
+teach your children, especially the love of peace.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two Friends visited some of the Indians of the Delaware nation near
+Muskinghum, in the year 1793. The following is a speech of one of their
+chiefs named Neet-wot-willimon, on the occasion.
+
+“Brothers, we are glad, and rejoice in our hearts to see our brothers,
+the Quakers, speaking before us--we feel the grace that is in your
+hearts conveyed to us, and we wish to be of the same religion, but
+we are poor, and weak, and not capable of judging for ourselves--we
+hope you will have pity upon us, and instruct us how to gain a more
+comfortable living--and, also, how we may come to obtain everlasting
+happiness: when we think of our poor children, our hearts are affected
+with sorrow--we hope you will send us teachers.”
+
+These circumstances, together with the remembrance of the kindness
+of the natives to the early settlers in this country, continued to
+interest the feelings of the society of Friends in their behalf, and
+from motives of religious obligation, the Yearly Meeting, held in
+Philadelphia in the Ninth month, 1795, appointed a large committee
+for the special purpose of promoting the improvement and gradual
+civilization of the Indian natives, in such a way and manner, as would
+best tend to meliorate their condition; and to render an account
+annually to the Yearly Meeting of their progress therein. This
+committee promoted liberal subscriptions through the society--appointed
+a clerk and treasurer, and held stated meetings to deliberate on such
+measures, as, under the divine blessing, might best promote the real
+welfare of these inhabitants of the wilderness.
+
+In order more fully to learn the disposition of the several tribes of
+Indians bordering on the state of Pennsylvania, it was an early object
+with the committee, to address to them a circular letter, informing
+them of the objects the society had in view for their benefit--and also
+therein communicating much salutary advice and counsel; which letter
+was also accompanied by one from Timothy Pickering, then secretary of
+state, in which he expresses a hearty co-operation with the views and
+plans of the committee, and the necessity of the Indians’ gradually
+declining their former modes of procuring sustenance, and betaking
+themselves to the cultivation of the soil, and raising domestic animals.
+
+In his letter he says--
+
+“Now, Brothers, I have the great pleasure to inform you, that your
+good friends, the Quakers, have formed a wise plan to show your young
+men and boys the most useful practices of the white people. They will
+choose some prudent, good men to instruct them. These good men will
+do this, only from the love they bear to you, their fellow men, and
+children of the Great Spirit whom they desire to please, and who will
+be pleased with the good they do to you.
+
+“The Quakers, and the good men they employ, will ask nothing from
+you, neither land, nor money, nor skins, nor furs, for all the good
+they will render to you. They will request only your consent, and the
+attention of the young men and boys to learn what will be so useful.
+
+“Brothers, if this first attempt succeed, the way will be open in which
+your young people may learn other useful practices of the white people,
+so as to enable them to supply all their own wants; and such as choose
+it, may learn to read and write.
+
+“Having thus explained to you the plan of your friends the Quakers, I
+conclude, with heartily recommending it to your adoption, as better
+calculated to procure lasting and essential benefits to your nation,
+than any plan ever before attempted.
+
+“Wishing it great success, I remain your friend and brother,
+
+  “TIMOTHY PICKERING.
+
+“_Philadelphia, February 15, 1796._”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Timothy Pickering also wrote to the superintendent of the six nations,
+and to the interpreter for the United States, requesting them to
+prepare the minds of the Indians for the intended plan formed by the
+society of Friends, to introduce among them some of the necessary
+arts of civil life. Those letters were explained to various tribes of
+Indians, who generally expressed their approbation of the measures
+proposed.
+
+The Oneidas, however, and those Indians settled on the Oneida
+reservation, comprehending the Stockbridges--and a part of the
+Tuscaroras, near the sources of the Mohawk river, in the state of New
+York, were most solicitous to co-operate with Friends in the intended
+experiment for a reform in the Indian mode of life.
+
+In the spring of the year 1796, three young men, who offered their
+services to spend some time in the instruction of the natives, were
+accompanied by four of the committee into the Oneida country, and
+provided with implements of husbandry, carpenters’ and smiths’ tools,
+and other necessary accommodations. The Indians received them with
+joyful countenances, and gave them a hearty welcome to their villages.
+Their first council was held with the Stockbridges. These Indians
+are not of the six nations. They were said to consist of about sixty
+families, and three hundred individuals; and possessed upwards of
+twenty-three thousand acres of land, which had been given to them
+by the Oneida nation. They had a saw-mill, three carts, three pair
+of good working oxen, and some other things, which they enjoyed in
+common; but, in general, possessed their improvements and other fruits
+of their industry as private property; and little appeared to be
+wanting, but a spirit of industry, frugality, and sobriety, to make
+their situation comfortable. After giving them such advice as their
+situation required, Friends held a general council with the Oneidas,
+about four miles distant from the Stockbridge settlement. Here they
+fully explained the nature of their embassy, and endeavoured to
+impress the Indians with the necessity of a change in their manner of
+life, and the means whereby it might be accomplished, if they became
+industrious, cultivated their land, and raised cattle, sheep, and other
+domestic animals--also, that their women should learn to spin, knit,
+and manufacture their clothing.
+
+The Indians appeared well satisfied with the offer that had been made
+them, and the prospect of the young men staying among them to assist
+them. The women, especially, who had great reason to coincide with
+the views of Friends in this business, appeared to be well satisfied;
+for in proportion to the rude and uncultivated state of these people,
+are the hardships of their women increased; they having most of the
+drudgery to perform; such as hoeing corn, chopping wood, carrying
+burthens, &c. while their men are sporting with their bows and arrows,
+and other similar diversions.
+
+It was supposed the Oneidas at this time possessed about two hundred
+and forty square miles of land. They were, in number, about six
+hundred and twenty. They had a saw-mill, built by government, and a
+considerable number of cattle, horses, and some working oxen. With
+these, and their annuities from the government, they might, with a
+proper application on their part, have become good livers, abounding
+in the necessary comforts of life. But such were their excessive
+indolence, want of economy, and love of strong drink, that instead of
+improving the means in their power to make themselves comfortable, they
+were poor and wretched; and many of them, a great part of the year,
+almost reduced to a state of starvation. The little corn and other
+produce the women raised with their hoes, were frequently bartered
+for strong drink. The evil effects of this practice, Friends were
+particularly concerned to remark, in their councils; and some exertions
+were said to have been used by their chiefs, to prevent strong liquor
+from being sold in their villages.
+
+Friends also had a council with the Brotherton Indians, about nine
+miles from the Stockbridges, composed of fifty-six families, and
+possessed of about nine thousand nine hundred acres of land. They also
+had a saw-mill, and a considerable number of cattle and other animals.
+They also had an interview with a smaller tribe of the Tuscaroras,
+who lived on the Oneida’s land, and furnished them with some goods,
+and implements of husbandry, encouraging them to industry, and sober
+habits, whereby they might partake plentifully of the blessings of
+the Great Spirit. They had further satisfactory interviews with the
+Stockbridge Indians, and in addition to the implements of husbandry
+they had given them, presented them with a set of smiths’ tools. At
+the close of their communications, an old chief replied to them as
+follows:--
+
+“Brothers, I am glad to see you, in my heart, and to hear your good
+words--you use us just like a father--I am old--have lost all my
+family--and cannot live many days--but all this spring, I think the
+Great Spirit will send me some comfort in my trouble--but nobody say
+any thing to me, till now, you are come,--I wish I was young, then I
+would do what you say--I will go and see your young men at Oneida,
+every two or three days, and tell our young men how you do.”
+
+The principal chief of the nation, on behalf of the rest, expressed
+much satisfaction for the kind offers Friends had made them, especially
+for the smiths’ tools; stating that they had suffered much for the want
+of them, having had to go many miles, and sometimes lose many days, to
+get one link of a chain mended.
+
+The committee who accompanied the young men, now having spent near a
+month in the Indian country, and having obtained a house to accommodate
+them, and got satisfactory arrangements made between them and the
+Indians, set out homewards. On their way, about thirty miles westward
+of Oneida, they called to see a small tribe of the Onondaga Indians.
+They were about one hundred and thirty-five in number, and possessed
+about twelve thousand eight hundred acres of good land, but were in
+a poor and miserable condition, spending their time in idleness, and
+much given to intemperance; even pawning the blankets they received
+from government, for liquor, before they got them home. Friends had an
+interview with them, and endeavoured to impress them with the necessity
+of a change in their manner of life, and the advantage that would arise
+from habits of industry and sobriety; letting them know that they were
+willing to help them a little, but that their main object was to get
+them to help themselves.
+
+They also visited a small tribe of the Cayuga Indians, about seventy
+miles westward from Oneida, said to be about sixty in number, in a
+similar situation to the Onondagas. To these the committee promised to
+send some implements of husbandry, which were afterwards furnished them.
+
+The three young men now stationed at Oneida, began to set before the
+natives an example of industry, and to use endeavours to promote in
+them a like disposition; but they, being unaccustomed to labour, and
+naturally averse to habits of industry, continued in their former
+pursuits. Friends then improved a piece of land, without assistance
+from the natives, hoping some of them would be induced to follow their
+example. They also repaired and worked a saw-mill, belonging to the
+Oneidas, and instructed several of the Indians in the knowledge of
+sawing.
+
+In the fall of this year, one of the young men returned home, and
+another who offered his services, went forward to that station.
+
+The ensuing winter, Friends opened a school for the instruction of the
+children, and an Indian, qualified by an education in New England,
+taught the Stockbridge children, and was allowed a salary by Friends
+for several years.
+
+In the year 1797, but little improvement was made by the Oneida
+Indians. Sickness prevailed among them, which Friends did not wholly
+escape. One of the young men went to distribute some implements of
+husbandry, &c. among the Onondaga, and Cayuga Indians, and to encourage
+them to apply themselves to the use of them, earnestly recommending
+them to sobriety and industry, as the only means of promoting
+their happiness. For while they remained in habits of idleness and
+drunkenness, they would be poor and miserable. They were grateful for
+the presents received, and promised to apply themselves to the use of
+them; but said, that “drinking rum, and getting drunk they were not
+able to keep from, because it was running all round them; that they
+lived on an island, and the white people gave them drams, and then they
+craved more, so that they thought it was impossible to leave it off,
+they had been so long accustomed to it; but they were in hopes the
+young people would learn better.”
+
+In the fore part of this summer, the Oneida Indians, as was their
+usual custom, (to supply themselves with food, being urged thereto by
+necessity,) went on an expedition, about twenty miles, to the other
+side of the Oneida lake, after young pigeons. These they caught in
+great abundance, and after salting them in bark troughs, brought them
+home to their villages.
+
+In the Ninth month, this year, another of the young men returned from
+the Oneida settlement, by whom the principal chiefs of that nation
+addressed a letter to the committee, expressive of their gratitude for
+the favours received, and their satisfaction with the conduct of the
+young man who had resided among them.
+
+The Sachems of the Stockbridge nation also sent a letter, from which
+the following is extracted:
+
+“Brothers and friends, attend. We the Sachems and counsellors of the
+Mohikonick or Stockbridge nation, send our voice to you. We feel
+rejoiced that the great, good Spirit, has put such light and love in
+your hearts, and influenced your minds to such a degree, as to have
+compassionate feelings towards us, the natives of this island. We ever
+have felt the gladness on our hearts, to find and see with our own
+eyes, that you have not only spoke good words from your lips, but have
+been doers of the good work--you have extended your charity towards
+us in this wilderness. You have taken the pains to come up, year ago
+last summer--you have sat with us in council, you have given us many
+good councils--you have raised our heads which were hung down--you have
+directed our eyes to see the good path of life--you have put tools on
+our hands--you have hung a good kettle by the side of our fire-place,
+whereby our food may be cooked without any trouble--you have even put
+a good staff into the hands of our children--that they may be enabled
+to learn the path that leads to good life, and indeed you have done
+much good for us. By these means we have been enabled to avoid many
+difficulties--our young men are greatly encouraged, and our old men
+comforted.
+
+“Brothers, we hope that in a future day, you will rejoice, that what
+you have done for us was not in vain. The kindness which you have
+done to us is by this time sounded in the ears of our allies, the
+different nations towards the setting sun; for it was the custom of our
+forefathers, when any thing was done for them by the white people--all
+their friends and allies must know of it.”
+
+  Signed by six Chiefs.
+
+_Dated New Stockbridge, 9th mo. 1797._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A desire was expressed by the Indians, that some of their daughters
+might be brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia to receive
+instruction. Accordingly six girls, aged from nine to eighteen years
+were received, and placed in the families of Friends in Chester county,
+to be instructed in school-learning, and the usual branches of
+housewifery and domestic economy, where some of them remained several
+years.
+
+In the spring of the year 1798, (in order to induce the Indians to
+labour,) a proposition was made to hire some of them to assist in
+improving the land allotted for a farm; but they were so irregular in
+working, that the plan was abandoned. Some days nearly thirty would
+come to work, and on other days, scarcely one was to be had. They
+therefore engaged a number of lads and young men whom they boarded, and
+allowed a reasonable compensation for their services.
+
+At this time some improvement had taken place. Many of the Indian men
+would assist their wives in working their little lots of land; but they
+experienced some difficulty from the want of a blacksmith, to make and
+repair their tools. A Friend, however, well qualified to instruct them
+in this business, offered his services, who, with his wife, and another
+female, desirous of spending some time in the instruction of the Indian
+women, proceeded to that settlement, and were usefully engaged in the
+benevolent object of improving the condition of the natives.
+
+In the Seventh month, this year, this settlement was visited by two
+of the committee, who assisted the Friends there, in making some
+arrangements with the Indians relative to the smith’s business, and
+otherwise imparting suitable encouragement to them in regard to the
+cultivation of their land.
+
+About this time, and for some time previous, (probably instigated by
+the evil insinuations of some designing white men,) some of the Indians
+had manifested suspicions of the sincerity of Friends’ views. They knew
+that the improvement made on their land, and the various tools and
+implements of husbandry furnished them by Friends, must have cost a
+great deal of money, and they had not been witnesses of any instance,
+where white people had come forward in such a manner to assist Indians,
+but, sooner or later an interested motive discovered itself--therefore,
+some had fear that it was intended to make a permanent establishment,
+and lay claim to a part of their land. And indeed when we advert to
+the many impositions practised upon this much injured people, by those
+who have gone among them, under the character of missionaries, and
+religious instructors, we cannot much marvel that this should be the
+case.
+
+Friends, however, expostulated with them on various subjects, relative
+to their improvement, and reminded them of their ungrateful surmises
+and whisperings in this respect--and told them, that they had never
+asked any of their land--they never should--nor would they take it,
+if offered to them--and that they had no other inducement for staying
+among them, spending their time and their money, but their own good.
+
+In their reply to Friends, the Indians, by way of apology,
+mention--“There are some had people, who have spoke against you, that
+you had a design to take away our land; and sometimes when our minds
+were not right, we believed such talk--and this made us feel very
+ugly--but now we are convinced, and sorry we believed such things. We
+are satisfied that you are a true people, and we will continue to be of
+that mind.”
+
+This visit seemed (to use the Indian term,) to brighten the chain of
+friendship; and the prospect of improvement assumed a more encouraging
+appearance. A comfortable dwelling house and barn were built this
+year, and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed in
+cultivating the farm. A large quantity of grain, hay, and vegetables
+were raised--affording ample proof to the natives, of the beneficial
+effects of cultivating the soil.
+
+Several of them, also, acquired considerable knowledge of the
+blacksmith’s business, and many of their young women and girls received
+instruction in spinning, knitting, sewing, and other domestic affairs,
+and some progress was made in their school learning.
+
+In the spring of 1799, a more encouraging prospect of success, in
+improving the condition of the Indians, was apparent. Several of the
+Indian men improved lots of land for their own benefit, which they
+sowed with wheat, and other grain. The smith’s business continued to
+be attended to by them, and Friends, with the aid of the Indians,
+continued to work their farms; nor were their exertions, either this
+or any former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as
+opportunities for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to
+the various parts of the Indian settlements, and afforded assistance in
+as many ways, as the necessities of the natives required.
+
+As the Indians at this place had now obtained sufficient instruction to
+enable them, by proper application, to procure a comfortable living,
+it was concluded by Friends, that the time was drawing near, when it
+might be right to withdraw from them, and to convince the Indians of
+their disinterested motives, by leaving all their improvements, tools,
+and implements of husbandry for their own use and benefit; and with
+a view of making this arrangement, four of the committee visited the
+settlement in the Ninth month this year. After viewing the progress
+made by the Indians in the agricultural art, and also finding that two
+of them had acquired the knowledge of the blacksmith’s business, so
+fully as to be likely to answer all the work the natives might stand in
+need of, and others having applied themselves to the use of carpenter’s
+tools, so as to be capable of building good houses, barns, and making
+ploughs, harrows, and many other implements of husbandry, it appeared
+that very little was wanting but application on their part, to put
+themselves in a way of living comfortably, and of procuring or raising
+in a plentiful degree, most of the necessaries of life.
+
+Friends now had a free and open conference with the Indians, on the
+subject of relinquishing that settlement, and told them, as they had
+at the first, that they came not among them to make them presents that
+would soon slide away, but to teach them some of the useful practices
+of the white people; that they had now set before them a clear example,
+and showed them what a great deal of produce for the support of life,
+might be raised from a small piece of land; and expressed a hope they
+would take their advice, and follow the example they had set before
+them, informing them that there were a great many more of their Indian
+brethren that stood in need of assistance and instruction--and hoped
+they would be satisfied with what was already done for them.
+
+To the communications of Friends on this occasion, an ancient chief,
+Skenandoah, made the following reply, on behalf of the nation:--
+
+“Brother Onas attend. We know you told us you came not amongst us to
+make us presents that would soon wear away, but to stay some time--to
+instruct us how to gain a comfortable living, by tilling the ground, as
+the white people do. Now you have staid the time you proposed, and have
+fulfilled all your engagements to our nation, and we shall follow the
+good example you have set before us, which we know would be of lasting
+benefit to us; and we thankfully acknowledge your kindness, having
+never heard of any people who have done so much for Indians, without
+any view of advantage to themselves--which is a convincing proof to us
+that you are our real friends. And we are glad the good spirit has put
+it into your minds to assist others of our Indian brethren, in learning
+the same good way of living, for which we also thank you, as well as
+for the good advice you gave us about strong drink; and we will try all
+we can to persuade our young men to do better.
+
+“And now Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you, we
+wish you would tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for now
+we know you are a true people, and we will keep this writing and tell
+our young men and children every year, that they may always remember
+your friendship.”
+
+Near the close of the year, the Friends at Oneida having made the
+necessary arrangements about the distribution of the property, which
+consisted of between two and three hundred bushels of grain, a quantity
+of hay, a cow, a number of hogs, a cart, ploughs, harrows, carpenter’s
+and smith’s tools, household and kitchen furniture, all for the benefit
+of the Indians, they had a parting conference with them, when they
+presented them with the following address in writing.
+
+“Brothers of the Oneida nation. We are now about to leave you, and
+return to our respective homes. We desire to speak to you in a few
+words. You know it is more than three years since your friends, the
+people called Quakers, have been endeavouring to assist and instruct
+you how to gain a comfortable living, by cultivating your land, and
+some of us who are here, have left our near connexions and friends in
+order to be useful to your nation.
+
+“Now, Brothers, we have set before you a clear example, how to till
+your land, so as to raise plenty of wheat, and other good things for
+your support. We wish you, therefore, to improve the opportunity, by
+which means you may come to live happy and plentifully by the fruits of
+your own industry and care. We have often told you that we want nothing
+from you for all our trouble and expense, but the improvement of your
+nation.
+
+“Brothers, you have now the advantage of having most of your smith
+work done by your own people, which is not the case with any of your
+brethren to the westward. If you do not improve the advantages you
+have, you must blame yourselves for your poverty and distress. We
+entreat you, therefore, to be wise for your own interest, and leave
+off the practice of drinking strong drink, (for you know it has been
+the cause of most of your difficulties,) and try to pursue a sober,
+industrious course of life. Then we believe the good spirit will bless
+you with lasting benefits; and as we have endeavoured to live in peace
+among you, we wish you to live in peace one with another, that your
+good example may be a blessing to your children--always remembering,
+that your welfare and happiness as well as the improvement of your
+children will depend much on your sobriety and industry.
+
+“Brothers, we now leave you, hoping your good understanding will
+incline you to pursue the way we have endeavoured to point out to you.
+We now bid you farewell.”
+
+The Indians, both of the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, made replies
+of considerable length to our friends on this parting opportunity, in
+which they expressed their sense of gratitude for the many services
+Friends had rendered them; and, among other things, stated, that “they
+would endeavour to pursue the path Friends had pointed out to them,”
+and further added:--
+
+“Brothers, it is now a long time since the white people have lived on
+this island. They have frequently told us they loved us--but none of
+them have ever tried to instruct us in cultivating our land before. We
+now see, brothers, that your society has manifested more regard for the
+welfare of the Indians, than any other people, for which we thank you.
+We also thank the Great Spirit that he has put it into your hearts to
+love and regard Indians.”
+
+These Friends arrived in Philadelphia in the First month, 1801.--It
+was hoped that the labour bestowed upon those Indians would eventually
+prove a blessing to them, and that the spirit of industry that had
+been discovered in individuals, would gradually progress from family
+to family, and have a powerful and beneficial influence on many of the
+adjacent tribes-and, in time, also, on those more remote.
+
+In the autumn of this year, the Stockbridge girls, who had been placed
+among Friends in the fall of 1797, were returned to their parents.
+They had acquired a considerable knowledge of school learning, and of
+spinning, knitting, sewing, and the different branches of housewifery.
+
+To show a specimen of their improvement in school learning, I will here
+give a copy of a letter written by one of them, the following spring
+after their arrival among Friends, in which time she had acquired so
+much of the English language, as to enable her to convey her ideas by
+writing:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _New Garden, Third mo. 10th, 1798._
+
+“My dear mother: I will try to let thee know how I do so far from
+thee--I have been well ever since I left thee. I would be glad to see
+thee mother--I want to see thee, and brothers and sisters, and all
+Stockbridge friends--I want to see father--I like to live in this
+country pretty well--and dear friends clever--me live in clever house,
+very good man, make clocks--make porringers and spoons--me like to
+see him--I can knit stockings and spin--I have made sampler--I know
+how to mark my clothes, then I know my own--three girls make bonnets
+and do all work--I work a little, play a little--go to meeting a
+little--sometimes walk--sometimes ride on horseback, when roads are
+muddy--the girls’ mother very good old woman--I love her--she learns me
+to work.
+
+  MARY PETERS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My dear Brother--Me live well at very good house. I love thee, and
+sisters, and mother--I want see you all--Friends say, may be we all go
+back to Stockbridge before next winter--I think I have told thee all I
+can now, so bid thee farewell.
+
+  MARY PETERS.
+
+N. B. This letter my own hand writing, so you may see I learn write.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is an extract of a letter written by one of the Indian
+girls after her return home, dated the Ninth month, 1803, to one of
+the women Friends who had engaged in the instruction of the natives at
+Oneida.
+
+“I have spun some flax and wool since I come home, and made some cheese
+to show our Indians how to make cheese--they be very much pleased to
+know how to make cheese--some said they never thought Indians could
+make cheese so well. They began to try to keep cows ever since to make
+cheese and butter. Some of them began to sow some flax, and good many
+of our Indians got sheep--meat good to eat, and wool good for cloth. I
+hope we will do better every year. Good many have left off drinking,
+and some of them drink very hard yet. I have been to see Oneidas not
+long ago--they improve very much since thee come away--good many have
+new frame houses and frame barns--they improve very much ever since
+they left off drinking. I believe three hundred of men and women left
+off drinking this sometime past--I hope they will keep their words
+good.”
+
+By some information received afterwards, it appears some of these
+young women married soon after their return and settled themselves to
+industry, lived well, and some Friends calling to see them, were kindly
+received and hospitably entertained by them.
+
+After the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania withdrew
+their attention from the Oneidas, and those Indians in the vicinity,
+they came more particularly under the notice of Friends of the Yearly
+Meeting of New York, who had formed similar plans for the improvement
+and civilization of the Indian natives.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Friendly intercourse between the Society of Friends, and various
+nations of Indians._
+
+It seems necessary, in this place, to go back a little in the order
+of time, and give some account of the interviews with the chiefs and
+others, of various nations of Indians, who at different times visited
+Philadelphia.
+
+As the minds of Friends were attentively opened to the great object
+of the concern, in promoting the well-being and gradual improvement
+of the Indian natives, every opportunity was embraced of cultivating
+a friendly intercourse with them, and of giving such counsel and
+encouragement as seemed to be adapted to their situation, accompanied
+with some such aid in implements of husbandry and other things, as
+their necessities demanded.
+
+In the Ninth month, 1796, Benjamin Hawkins superintendent of the
+Creek nation, settled in the interior of Georgia, was introduced to
+the committee on Indian affairs. He brought with him four lads of
+that nation to be educated; two of whom were placed with Friends,
+where they remained several years, and were instructed in school
+learning. He also suggested the propriety of furnishing those Indians
+with some mechanical tools, which were procured and forwarded to
+them, accompanied by a suitable address, from which the following is
+extracted:
+
+“Brothers, we feel it in our hearts to tell you that the great and good
+spirit, made all people with a design that they should live in peace
+and good will, and that it is for this end he hath placed his law in
+the hearts of all men, which, if carefully attended to, would keep them
+in love and friendship--and teach them to avoid every thing that would
+lead them to hurt and destroy one another.
+
+“Brothers, are you not sensible that when you are quarrelsome, or have
+done any bad action, that you are made sorrowful and uneasy, and that
+on the contrary when you are serious, and do good actions, your minds
+feel easy, pleasant, and comfortable? This is from the good spirit,
+who is all love, and who hath placed his law in our hearts, to give us
+peace and comfort when we do well, and make us sad and uneasy when we
+do evil.
+
+“Brothers, we are glad in believing that the good spirit has influenced
+the hearts of our great men to do the Indians good; and we earnestly
+desire, that you may be so wise as to follow their good advice in
+trying to improve your fertile land by farming, and raising cattle,
+sheep, and hogs; so that you may have food and clothing for yourselves,
+your wives, and your children.”
+
+About the beginning of the year 1797, Friends had satisfactory
+interviews with deputies from various nations, among whom were some of
+the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians, inhabiting the
+northern and western parts of Georgia; and the Shawanees, Chippewas,
+and Pottawattamies, living on the waters of the Wabash river, and
+bordering on lakes Michigan and Superior.
+
+To these Indians suitable presents were made to a considerable amount.
+In divers conferences had with them, Friends informed them of the
+nature and effect of their peaceable principles, and testimony against
+wars and fightings--their care of the society in first settling
+Pennsylvania, under the patronage of William Penn, whom the Indians
+called brother Onas, not to settle on lands that were not fairly
+purchased and paid for to the satisfaction of the natives, with whom
+friendship, harmony, and mutual kind offices long subsisted. They
+also informed them of their continued desire to maintain this amity,
+by exerting their best endeavours and influence for the healing of
+differences between white people and Indians. They endeavoured to
+explain to their understandings how much the attainment of this happy
+end depends upon cherishing, in ourselves, the benevolent disposition
+inseparable from the true spirit and practice of real Christianity.
+They also recommended them to instruct their youth in modes of living
+more conformable thereto, than had heretofore been customary with
+them, and especially warned them against the pernicious effects of
+using spirituous liquors.
+
+A number of the chiefs expressed great satisfaction with these
+interviews. Some of them said they remembered to have heard of
+such a people as the Quakers; but the account remained with them
+an uncertainty, until now they had witnessed its reality; that the
+sentiments and advice communicated, was such as they had never heard
+before; that it had sunk deep into their hearts, and that they wished
+it conveyed to their people more extensively by personal visits from
+some of the Quakers. One of them remarked particularly on the counsel
+imparted not to revenge injuries, and gave repeated assurances, “that
+although he had heard of two of his people being killed, he was
+determined not to retaliate, but to adhere to peace.”
+
+An ancient chief of the Creek nation, among many other things said,
+“Brothers, I am an old man, yet I have travelled much this year to
+promote peace. I went many hundred miles to the treaty on the frontiers
+of Georgia, held by the commissioners of the United States, and of the
+State of Georgia, with my nation, where several matters were adjusted
+to my satisfaction. I then returned home, but in a short time, came
+by invitation to this city, to make the chain of friendship still
+brighter. On my way, and since coming here, I have met with nothing
+unpleasant; nor do I regret all the toil and fatigue of a long journey
+to establish a firm peace. I believe the Great Spirit above made both
+white and red men; but I suppose it is because we are red men, that the
+white men impose upon us, and try to get our land, which we do not want
+to part with.
+
+“Brothers, I am glad to find there are a people who love peace, and
+give such good advice to red men. I was a stranger to you, till since
+my coming here. You kindly took notice of me. A few days ago one of
+your women delivered a talk which I have hid deep in my heart. I never
+heard such an one before. I want to tell it to my nation, after I get
+home--and for fear I should forget some of it, I should like to have it
+in print that it might be fully explained to them.”
+
+In the First month, 1798, the Little Turtle, a chief of the
+Miami nation, and some other western Indians, were introduced
+to the committee by a letter from General James Wilkinson, then
+commander-in-chief of the army of the United States, to his
+brother-in-law, Owen Biddle, of Philadelphia. In this letter, he wrote
+as follows, “When we contemplate the fortunes of the aborigines of our
+country, the bosom of philanthropy must heave with sorrow. What would
+not that man, or that community merit, who reclaims the untutored
+Indian--opens his mind to sources of happiness unknown, and makes him
+useful to society--since it would be in effect to save a whole race
+from extinction? For, surely, if these people are not brought to
+depend for sustenance on their fields instead of their forests, it will
+be found impossible to reclaim their present habits; and the seeds of
+their extinction already sown, must be matured.
+
+“The bearer of this letter, the Little Turtle, is forcibly impressed
+with these truths, and is anxious to co-operate in a fair experiment on
+his tribe. It is with this view that I introduce him particularly to
+you, in hopes you may think proper to recommend him to the patronage of
+the benevolent society of which you are a member.”
+
+Friends had satisfactory interviews with these Indians, and suitable
+presents were given to them. The Little Turtle expressed a strong
+desire for the improvement of his people, and hoped Friends would use
+their endeavours to promote the work of civilization among them.
+
+The committee embraced this opportunity of addressing a general letter
+to the Miami Indians, and other nations united with them, in which they
+reminded them of the ancient friendship that subsisted between their
+forefathers and Friends, in the early settlement of this country--that
+the chain of friendship had been kept bright for more than one hundred
+years, by mutual acts of kindness to each other, and that while Friends
+had the chief direction of public affairs in Pennsylvania, there was
+no war between the white people and Indians in that state: but since
+those times of brotherly kindness, some men had given way to the
+power of the bad spirit in their hearts, so as to become desperately
+wicked, coveting their neighbours’ goods, and even thirsting for blood.
+This had caused wars and fightings, and produced much misery in the
+world--and that the society of Friends were concerned to persuade their
+rulers to do justly, and maintain peace with the Indians, and with all
+men--and were also very desirous that the Great overruling Spirit of
+love, might so influence and direct the councils of the Indian nations,
+and so dispose their hearts to peace, that the sound of war might no
+more be heard in their land.
+
+They were, also, in this address, especially warned against the
+pernicious effects of spirituous liquors, which concern may be
+understood to have been particularly attended to in most of their
+communications to the Indians.
+
+In the summer of this year, Friends received a letter from the Little
+Turtle, giving them an account of the safe arrival of the articles sent
+to his nation. They also received one from the Creek nation, giving
+an account of the reception of the implements of husbandry forwarded
+to them, for which they expressed a sense of gratitude for the great
+benefit to that nation.
+
+In the Twelfth month, this year, Friends had a satisfactory interview
+in Philadelphia, with two chiefs of the Ottawa nation, two chiefs
+of the Pottawattamies, and the principal chief of the Chippewa
+nation, who were accompanied by Jonathan Sheffelin, agent and Indian
+interpreter, being then on an embassy to the president of the United
+States.
+
+At the conclusion of a speech made by Kekis, (the Sun) the principal
+chief of the Pottawattamies, on behalf of the three nations, he
+presented six strings of white wampum as a token of brotherly regard
+for the society of Friends.
+
+Among other things, in his speech, he says--
+
+“Brothers, we are an ignorant people, and don’t know what is right as
+well as you do. We have often been persuaded by the white people to
+join in their wars against one another. A great while ago, the French
+set us against the English. They should have taught us better things.
+I hope, however, our hearts will become as white as the wampum in my
+hand. The Great Spirit above has made us, as well as you; though we are
+not of one colour. He has put it into our hearts to live in peace with
+the white people. I believe it is his will that we should meet together
+in the centre of this great island. I am sensible your hearts are good
+towards your brothers the red people.
+
+“Brothers, when you came to see us at Detroit,[1] we wanted to see you;
+but other people would not suffer us to take you by the hand. If they
+had been of our minds, you would have had us round you then, as you are
+now round us. Colonel M’K.[2] prevented us. We return you thanks for
+the good you came for. Our wives and children shed tears because they
+could not come to you. When they said we will go, he said, you will
+be disappointed, they will not give you so much as a needle full of
+thread. We believed it--our dependence was on them.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you will continue your friendship to us, and help us
+to keep our lands. I speak from my heart. We know you are not capable
+of giving bad advice. The Great Spirit hears what we say, and it will
+be known among our people, so long as red men shall remain upon this
+island.
+
+“Brothers, these six strings of wampum, in the sight of the Great
+Spirit, are to sweep all the bad things away from between us.
+
+“If the white people should want to spill our blood again, we hope you
+will use your endeavours to preserve peace.”
+
+These Indians also presented a large belt of ten strings of white
+wampum from the Delaware nation, with a speech of considerable length
+in writing, from which we extract the following.
+
+After acknowledging the kindness of Friends, and the good advice
+communicated in the speech which they had received by the hands of the
+Miami chief, the Little Turtle, they say--
+
+“Brothers, you strongly recommend peace--we are much inclined to peace.
+The war axe is long since buried deep in the bottom of the great
+lake--so very deep, that we hope the evil Spirit will never be able
+to take it up again. There we hope it will ever remain, and never be
+thought of by any of us. We hope that the master of life, who disposes
+of all things according to his will and pleasure, may also so dispose
+the hearts and minds of his white brethren, as they used to be at that
+time when our forefathers first met on this great island, and smoked
+the pipe of peace with your grandfather Onas, (Penn) on the very same
+spot where your great village (Philadelphia) now stands.
+
+“Brothers, at that time the hearts and minds of men were white and
+good. The evil spirit who works in the inside of the bodies of men, had
+then no power over them. Our villages were peaceful, and our paths,
+at that time, were covered with flowers, and we knew nothing of war.
+But soon after, the bad spirit fixed himself deep in the hearts and
+minds of our white brethren. They made war against each other, and
+soon taught us to be as wicked as themselves, and, like themselves,
+cruel and unjust. It was them who took the pipe of peace out of our
+hands, and it was them who put the destructive war axe into our hands,
+to strike against their white brethren and their helpless women
+and children. They only are the cause of all our misfortunes--the
+destruction of our villages, the death of our young warriors and
+helpless women and children--the loss of our lands and our happiness.
+
+“Brothers, we are told by you, in your speech to us, that you wish
+to know our situation, and in what manner you could be of service to
+us--we are poor and pitiful indeed--destructive war has caused many
+of our families to be scattered abroad in the wilderness, insomuch,
+that we can scarcely find their places of residence. Our once peaceful
+villages exist no more. Our paths, which once were covered with
+flowers, are now full of thorns, and stained with the blood of our
+young warriors and our helpless women and children. We have almost
+considered ourselves as last men, and thrown our bodies away, but by
+the advice of our brother, Jonathan Shefflin, and the assistance of
+the Great Spirit, we will now assemble ourselves together, and form an
+extensive village on the plains of the White river. Speeches are this
+day sent to our brethren for that purpose, and we hope that by the next
+summer, we shall all be assembled at that place, when we will point out
+the means of your assisting us.
+
+“Brothers, may the great regulator of all things, he who knows the
+hearts and minds of all men, so dispose the hearts and minds of our
+Quaker brethren, that they may never be induced to withdraw their
+friendship and counsel from men who by their ignorance, are easily led
+astray by the songs of the bad birds--men who are real objects of pity,
+and who require the protection of their white brethren more at this
+time than ever.”
+
+Signed by Buckingeheles, and six other Chiefs of the Delaware nation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+These Indian chiefs, before alluded to, were presented with suitable
+presents previous to their leaving Philadelphia, as a token of
+brotherly regard entertained for the natives of the land,--and some
+time after the committee wrote to the Delaware nation, strongly
+recommending them to betake themselves to the cultivation of the earth
+to procure sustenance, and in allusion to the time of their first
+intercourse with Friends in the early settlement of the country, they
+say:
+
+“Brothers, at that time the white inhabitants were few and inclined
+to peace; since then, they have increased to a great number, amongst
+whom we and our brethren are but as a handful. Yet the good Spirit who
+taught our forefathers to cultivate peace with the Indians and all men,
+still teaches us the same; therefore, we can take no part in the war
+with any people, and our influence in the great councils of our nation
+is very small--but we use our endeavours to persuade men to live in
+peace, and have brotherly love towards each other.”
+
+In the First month, 1802, the Little Turtle and several other chiefs of
+the Miami and Pottawattamie nations, again visited Philadelphia, when
+Friends had satisfactory conferences with them, in which the Little
+Turtle renewed in a pathetic manner his request for some assistance to
+be given his nation, to accelerate their improvement in civilization.
+Suitable advice was given them on this subject, accompanied with some
+presents: but these nations lived more within the vicinity of Friends
+of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who had formed similar plans to improve
+the condition of the Indian natives; it was therefore concluded by
+their committee, to extend aid to some of the nations north-west of the
+river Ohio--of which some account may be given hereafter.
+
+Early in the spring of 1802, a number of the Indians of the Delaware
+and Shawaneese nations came to Philadelphia, and in their conferences
+with Friends, renewed their requests for assistance in procuring some
+necessary articles, and particularly that they might be furnished with
+a schoolmaster in their towns to instruct their children.
+
+These people, being the immediate descendants from those tribes who
+were very friendly and kind to our ancestors in the early settlement of
+Pennsylvania, seemed to have a special claim upon Friends. Accordingly,
+they were furnished with a considerable amount in money, and goods
+adapted to their wants. Suitable advice was given them, encouraging
+them to cultivate their land, and raise cattle, hogs, and other useful
+animals. They lived at so remote a distance, that Friends had no
+expectation of any one of their people going among them in the capacity
+of schoolmaster.
+
+In the conclusion of their reply to Friends, they say:
+
+“May the great good Spirit above protect you for the favours you
+have shown us. The present you have made us will put us in grateful
+remembrance of you for ever.”
+
+Thus we see, in this short account of the correspondence with the
+Indians, of various and distant nations to the westward, (of which much
+more might have been said,) not only their strong attachment to the
+society of Friends, but their determination to live in peace with the
+people of the United States. We also may discover their destitute and
+miserable situation, in consequence of the ravages of war, and the wide
+field of labour that opens for the benevolent and philanthropic mind
+to extend the empire of civilization and knowledge, to these untutored
+sons of the forest. It was a pleasing reflection, at that time, that
+the benign influence of the prince of peace had so softened the hearts
+of men, that measures were contemplated by the rulers of our land
+to extend the blessings of civilization to these aborigines of our
+country; to reclaim them from their savage habits and induce them to
+adopt the innocent employments of the pastoral and agricultural life.
+But alas! the subsequent policy of the general government, combined
+with the interested motives of individual states, too sorrowfully
+demonstrate that their fate is inevitably fixed--the decree has gone
+forth--they must recede before the giant march of white population; and
+however strong their attachment to their native soil, and reluctant to
+abandon the homes of their fathers, be compelled to retreat further and
+further into the dreary abodes of an unknown wilderness, and to seek an
+asylum among more savage and barbarous tribes, towards the setting sun.
+
+We cannot but express an ardent desire, that the great controller
+of human affairs may yet so dispose the hearts of the rulers of our
+country to feelings of humanity, towards the miserable remnants of
+the Indian tribes, yet within the state governments--that they may
+preserve inviolate the _faith_ of the United States, solemnly pledged
+at the formation of the federal constitution, to protect them in their
+unalienable rights and privileges, as the aboriginal owners of the
+soil; for it is an incontrovertible truth, “that national evils will
+produce national calamities.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I shall now resume the narrative of the proceedings of Friends in
+improving the condition of the Indians which has been progressing under
+the direction of the committee of the Yearly Meeting, for more than
+thirty years, among the Seneca nation.
+
+
+_First settlement of Friends among the Seneca nation of Indians._
+
+The noted chief Cornplanter, having, as we have already stated, opened
+the way for the introduction of the agricultural arts among his tribe,
+in the spring of the year 1798, three young men, who offered themselves
+to go and instruct them, accompanied by two of the committee, proceeded
+to his settlement. After a long journey, and much of the way through
+(then) a wilderness country, they arrived at Cornplanter’s village,
+on the Alleghany river, the seventeenth of the Fifth month. The chief
+having previous knowledge of their coming, expressed his thankfulness
+to the Great Spirit for their preservation on the way and safe arrival
+among them. They were kindly invited into his house, and inquired of
+whether they could eat Indian’s provisions, and being answered in the
+affirmative, they were hospitably entertained with the best he could
+offer them; but made a very temperate meal.
+
+This village, (which was called in their language) Jenuchshadago,
+(which means burnt house,) stood on the bank of the Alleghany river,
+about four miles south of the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. The
+land had a rich bottom, and appeared favourable for cultivation.
+The village contained about thirty or forty houses and bark cabins,
+scattered along the margin of the river, without any regard to
+a regular arrangement. The venerable chief appeared to live in
+patriarchal style; his house was not distinguished from any of the rest
+by any tokens of magnificence, except by being somewhat larger--near
+it stood a wooden image of a man, round which at stated times they
+performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
+
+The image was about seven feet in height, elevated on a pedestal, of
+the same block, and being painted a variety of colours, it altogether
+exhibited a wild appearance.
+
+The Indians had, perhaps, from two to three hundred acres of land,
+inclosed with a sort of fence round the town, in which inclosure many
+of their women were industriously engaged in clearing off the rubbish
+and planting small patches of corn and beans, while the men were
+standing in companies sporting themselves with their bows and arrows
+and other trifling amusements, but none of them were seen assisting
+their women in the labours of the field.
+
+The Indians appeared to live poor and dirty, and it was said to be
+a time of scarcity among them, and the greater part of them under
+Cornplanter’s superintendence, estimated at about four hundred, had
+deserted their old settlements up the river, and come to live with
+their chief in this place.
+
+As it was necessary for Friends to have a general council with the
+Indians, in order to explain their views and the object of their coming
+among them, the day after their arrival, they assembled in council
+at the chief’s house, about forty of their principal men, with many
+others. Cornplanter opened the council by a short speech, expressing
+his thankfulness for the safe arrival of Friends, and the joy he felt
+when he saw them come out of the bushes the day before, to see their
+Indian brothers, who were poor and living in bad houses, covered with
+bark; and they were not able to build them better.
+
+Friends now made them fully acquainted with the nature of their
+mission, that it was in order to improve the condition of the Indian
+natives, and to teach them the ways of good and honest white people,
+that they, with their wives and children, might be enabled to live
+more comfortably, and be relieved from the distresses and difficulties
+to which they had been subjected by their old habits and modes of
+living--that these young men had concluded to leave their friends and
+comfortable dwellings, and remain for a time in the Indian country, in
+order to instruct them in the cultivation of their land, in the raising
+and managing of cattle, and also to example them in a life of sobriety
+and industry. They were also informed, that Friends had a variety
+of farming utensils, carpenters’ tools, &c. coming up the river, in
+a boat, which were intended for their benefit, in a hope, that the
+Indians, with Friends’ instruction, would diligently apply themselves
+to the use of them, that by so doing they might come to reap the
+plentiful fruits of industry; and that this was the sole object Friends
+had in view, having no desire for their lands, their skins, their furs,
+or any other part of their substance.
+
+To these propositions the Indians seemed to express a general assent;
+but took the subjects under serious consideration, until next day,
+when near evening they admitted Friends again to the council house,
+when Cornplanter on behalf of the natives made a reply, from which we
+extract the following.
+
+“Brothers, the Quakers, listen now to what I am going to say to you.
+You know, brothers, the red people are poor; they are not like the
+white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language, so
+that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly, as we
+have no good interpreter.
+
+“Brothers, we suppose the reason you came here was to help the poor
+Indians in some way or other, and you wish the chiefs to tell their
+warriors not to go on so bad as they have done heretofore, and you also
+wish us to take up work like the white people, and cultivate our land.
+Now brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you
+say, and if they do well, then will your young men stay longer amongst
+us, but some others will not mind what you say.
+
+“Brothers, we cannot say a word against you. It is the best way to
+call Quakers brothers. You never wished our lands, therefore we are
+determined to learn your ways, and these young men may stay here two
+years, and then if they like it and we like it, your young men may stay
+longer.”
+
+In reply they were informed, that the young men would want some house
+to live in, and a piece of land to work, in order to set the Indians
+an example and raise something for themselves to live upon; but that
+the land should still be the Indians’, and all the improvements they
+put upon it should be theirs, when Friends left it. They were also
+informed that the tools and implements of husbandry which were intended
+for their use, would be under the care of the young men, to lend to
+such Indians as wanted to use them, rather than to distribute them
+among them as presents; offering this reason, “that if they were given
+to them some of them might barter them away for whiskey,” as divers
+instances of intoxication had been noticed among them.
+
+On the twenty-first of the Fifth month, Friends, with Cornplanter in
+company, and several other Indians, passed up the river about nine
+miles in canoes, in order to look out for a settlement. They came to an
+ancient village called Genesinguhta, which was nearly deserted by the
+Indians--only three or four families remaining. The bottoms along the
+river side appeared fertile, though much grown over with bushes, and
+covered with abundance of fallen timber. Yet it was considered the most
+eligible place for Friends to settle, in order to be of benefit to the
+Indians, as it was on the land belonging to the nation, and where they
+intended to have a reservation located of forty-two square miles.
+
+This conclusion being proposed to Cornplanter, and he queried with,
+“whether he was willing Friends should start their fence at the river
+side,” and enclose a piece of land they pointed out to him--to which he
+replied, “I told you, brothers, the land was all before you, to choose
+where you please; but he thought that was the best place for Friends
+to settle, and this man, said he, (in whose house they then were) is
+very glad you are going to settle so near him--he is very sober man,
+he is like you, he drinks no whiskey.” He was then inquired of whether
+Friends might have liberty to cut timber in the woods for the use of
+the farm, to which he replied, “I wish you would cut all the trees
+down, and I will give you another liberty, if you see a deer you may
+shoot him, and you may catch fish in the river.”
+
+The place being finally agreed upon, several old Indian cabins were
+included in it, and one occupied by a family, which was well situated
+to accommodate Friends; the owners of it were amply compensated. The
+family immediately moved out their goods and chattels, which (though
+apparently some of their best livers,) consisted chiefly in homony
+blocks and pounders, a brass, kettle or two, some wooden bowls, and
+ladles, a leathern sack of bear’s oil, a basket of corn, some blankets,
+and a few deer skins.
+
+On the twenty-third of the month, Friends settled in their new
+habitation and made some preparations for a garden. The women of
+Cornplanter’s village, to show their hearty and good will in the
+undertaking, had previously made a collection of some seed--corn,
+potatoes, beans, squashes, and a variety of other garden seeds which
+they presented as a present to Friends, observing “that it was very
+hard to come so far and have nothing to begin with.”
+
+Previous to the two Friends of the committee leaving this station,
+another council was had with the Indians, in which they were strongly
+recommended to industry, and reminded of the unreasonableness of their
+present practice of letting their women work all day in the fields and
+woods, either in cultivating with the hoe, all that was raised for
+their sustenance, or in cutting firewood and bringing it home on their
+backs from a considerable distance, while they themselves were spending
+their time in idleness, amusing themselves with their bows and arrows,
+and other useless practices. They were also particularly expostulated
+with on various subjects relative to their civil and moral conduct, and
+especially in regard to their excessive use of strong drink, to which
+Friends in many instances had been eye witnesses. Cornplanter again
+replied to the communications of Friends, and at a subsequent parting
+opportunity, told the two Friends of the committee, that “They might
+make their minds perfectly easy about their young men, for although he
+could not answer for sickness or death, he should look upon it his duty
+to be their friend, and that they might depend upon him as such, and no
+harm should happen to them from any of his people.”
+
+On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh
+with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the
+late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance
+of old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of
+corn and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land
+being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their
+labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of
+their mode of cultivation.
+
+The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier prepared
+for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing. Great
+numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the women, who
+appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them with venison,
+fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country
+afforded--and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful
+articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &c.
+which were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives
+with lively marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in
+gaining their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which
+frequently afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.
+
+A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable them
+to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view of
+using them.
+
+From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the
+ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with
+the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life,
+would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends,
+towards ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable
+opportunity was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the
+necessity of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous
+liquors into their villages, as the first effectual step towards
+their improvement in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good
+degree carried into effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a
+little time, such prohibition took place as evidently tended to their
+advantage, and the great encouragement of Friends in their arduous
+undertaking. A hope was entertained that, although their improvement,
+at first was small, yet as they come to taste the sweets of industry,
+and enjoy the benefit of their labours, they would gradually relinquish
+their former pursuits, and follow the example Friends were setting
+before them.
+
+Divers of the Indians early manifested a disposition to have better
+houses to live in; and being furnished with the necessary tools, they
+were also afforded the requisite assistance and instruction. Several
+of them constructed in the course of this summer, much better houses
+than they had been accustomed to, and manifested a considerable share
+of ingenuity in the use of the carpenter’s tools. And while Friends
+were employed on their farm, the Indians would frequently come about
+them, and sometimes take hold of their tools and work a little--some of
+the lads were pleased with driving the horses, and every opportunity
+was embraced to prevail on them to love labour; but their natural
+proneness to idleness and trifling diversions soon evinced, that
+patience and perseverance on the part of Friends, were essentially
+necessary to inculcate in the minds of the natives, just ideas of
+civilized life, the great stimulus thereto being yet wanting, as they
+had not sufficiently acquired ideas of distinct propriety, nor tasted
+the sweets resulting therefrom.
+
+In the course of this summer, divers reports were propagated among
+the Indians that Friends had a selfish motive, and in the end meant
+to defraud them of their land. This to a people who had long been
+subjected to suffering by the intrigue of designing men, could not fail
+of making impressions on the minds of some who were rather unfriendly
+to civilization, and to induce them to scrutinize very narrowly the
+conduct of Friends towards them. These groundless reports, however,
+were contradicted, and Friends were enabled to satisfy the Indians
+generally, that no such design was contemplated; and it rather had the
+effect to increase their confidence in us.
+
+Besides attending to the business of the farm, and the various and
+frequent calls of the Indians, the young men were enabled to build for
+themselves a comfortable house, two stories high, with a cellar under
+it. Being the first of the kind, perhaps some of the natives had ever
+seen, it excited great admiration among them.
+
+The Indian women had raised, in their usual way, a considerable
+quantity of corn this summer, in small patches, interspersed among the
+bushes, wherever they found the most favourable spot to cultivate. In
+the fall, they were busily employed in collecting it with their other
+produce of vegetables, and carrying it home to their dwellings, where
+it was carefully laid by for use.
+
+One of the Friends opened a school at Cornplanter’s village, and
+remained there through the winter. At times, nearly twenty children
+attended, and made some progress in learning to spell and read; but
+as their parents had but little control over them, they were very
+irregular in their attendance, and no great progress in learning was
+made. The Friend was at times otherwise usefully engaged in aiding and
+assisting the Indians of that village.
+
+In the Twelfth month, after a considerable snow had fallen, most of the
+Indians retired to the woods to their hunting grounds, many of them
+taking their families with them. Game was now plentiful. Some of their
+best hunters killed near one hundred deer, and some even more than that
+number; taking off the skins and leaving much of the meat scattered
+about in the woods. What was collected to their camps, was through much
+hardship and fatigue to their poor women, whose task it was to carry it
+on their backs through deep snows, and often over hills and mountains.
+
+About the middle of the First month, they generally came home to their
+villages from their hunting excursions, when they made a feast, and
+performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
+
+In the course of this winter, a chief of the Cattaraugus village,
+another branch of the Seneca nation about forty-five miles distant,
+called on Friends at Alleghany. They had a favourable opportunity of
+impressing his mind with the advantages that would result to his people
+by cultivating their land, as they possessed a country so favourable
+for agriculture, and raising cattle and other useful animals. He
+informed Friends, they were very anxious to have a saw-mill built on
+their land, and wished to have somebody to instruct them how to go on
+with their business; that when they saw and heard what improvements
+were making at Alleghany, it made them anxious to go to work.
+
+Soon after his return home, Friends received a written speech from the
+council at Cattaraugus, signed by six chiefs, in which they strongly
+solicited instructors to be sent among them, and also that they might
+be furnished with a set of saw-mill irons. This address being forwarded
+to the committee at Philadelphia, together with an account of their
+situation, it was concluded to furnish them with a set of saw-mill
+irons, whenever they should be ready to make use of them.
+
+Early in the spring of 1799, more of a spirit of industry seemed to
+exhibit itself among some of the Indians, and several who were settled
+near Friends began to work at splitting rails, and fencing in lots of
+land, as they saw Friends fence in theirs. Some who inclined to work,
+that had no families, were employed at the business of the farm, and
+seemed capable of doing as much in a day as the generality of white
+people.
+
+The use of whiskey and other strong drink had considerably decreased
+among the Indians, in the course of the last year, and many of their
+chiefs seemed desirous of preventing its introduction into their
+village. Notwithstanding which, as many of them went down the river
+in the spring to Pittsburgh and other places, to dispose of their
+skins, furs, &c. which they had taken during the late winter, they
+brought in return for their peltry, kegs full of this destructive
+article--although Friends had cautioned them against it, previous
+to their going away--with this many of them were for a considerable
+time intoxicated, so that little could be done in promoting their
+improvement while the liquor lasted.
+
+It was believed expedient, from this affecting circumstance, to have
+their chiefs and principal men collected in council, and to remonstrate
+against such conduct as well as to encourage them to avail themselves
+of the present opportunity of gaining instruction in the cultivation of
+their land.
+
+At this interview, Friends seriously expostulated with them on
+various subjects relative to their moral conduct, and endeavours
+were used seriously to impress on their minds the evil consequences
+of introducing so much strong liquor into their villages, and that
+it greatly obstructed their improvement in agriculture, because for
+it they bartered away their money and other articles with which they
+ought to purchase horses, and cattle, and implements of husbandry, to
+enable them to till their land; and that this operated as a serious
+discouragement to Friends in their arduous undertaking to instruct them.
+
+The Indians appeared seriously attentive in this council, being
+convicted in their minds of the truth of what had been declared to
+them, and in a few days after, they met in council again, and informed
+Friends that they had seriously considered the subjects proposed to
+them, and that their chiefs had come to a resolution not to permit, for
+the future, any of their people to bring liquor into their villages to
+sell to one another; that they had appointed two young chiefs to watch
+over the rest, and to endeavour to promote good order among them--and
+they desired Friends to be easy in their minds respecting them, for
+they were determined to take their advice and try to do better; that
+they had made inquiry among themselves, and could find no fault in
+Friends, or discover any fraud in any of their actions, but on the
+contrary, that the fault and bad conduct had all been on their own
+side, but now they were determined to quit those bad practices, and to
+assist their women in the labours of the field.
+
+A set of smith’s tools was procured, and a smith shop erected at
+Friends’ settlement this season, which was found useful in repairing
+the Indians’ tools. In the course of this summer, divers of the men
+assisted their women in the labours of the field. Their crops of corn
+were larger than they had been before; but as yet, none of them had
+attempted to use the plough for themselves, though Friends had ploughed
+some small lots for them with which they were much pleased, and a hope
+was entertained that the next year some of them would take hold of the
+plough and commence farming. A school house was built at Cornplanter’s
+village, and the Friend stationed there, continued through the summer,
+instructing the children, and otherwise affording aid and counsel
+to the Indians--and two Friends at Genesinguhta, besides setting
+the Indians a proper example in the improvement of their own farm,
+afforded them assistance and instruction in many ways, as convenient
+opportunities presented, and many of the Indians by this time had built
+good log houses, and generally covered them with shingles. Cornplanter
+had a saw-mill of his own, worked on the shares by a white man; this
+afforded the Indians an opportunity of procuring boards to complete
+their houses.
+
+In the Ninth month this year, the settlement was visited by four of the
+committee, one of whom had been there when the settlement was first
+formed, and was the better qualified to judge of the improvement made
+by the Indians.
+
+They had a council with the Indians, and encouraged them to persevere
+in the attempt they had already made to become farmers; and expressed
+the satisfaction it afforded them, to see the improvement they had
+made, and that their stock of cattle was increased, and especially,
+with the wise resolution they had formed, to prevent strong drink from
+being brought into their villages. The Indians were also informed, that
+the young man who resided at Cornplanter’s village, was desirous of
+leaving them and returning home to his friends before winter--and it
+was hoped another would come forward and supply his place.
+
+Cornplanter, on behalf of the Indians replied, in substance, that when
+Friends first settled among them, some of his chiefs were averse to
+it; but they had had this summer several councils among themselves,
+respecting the young men, and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct,
+and readiness to assist Indians, were now well satisfied. He hoped that
+several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore, and
+that Friends would not get discouraged, because so little was done;
+but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make
+much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the
+Friend who was about to leave them, and said he had been useful to him
+in keeping whiskey and other strong liquor out of their town; that they
+now drank much less than formerly, but he feared when the Friend went
+away, he should not be able to prevent its use so well as he had lately
+done.
+
+The deputation from the committee went from this place to Cattaraugus,
+the residence of those Indians who had requested a set of saw-mill
+irons, and other aid; but the chiefs being generally from home, they
+were addressed by a letter, giving them suitable advice on various
+subjects, relative to their improvement.
+
+In the latter end of the Tenth month, Cornplanter accompanied the
+Friend who had lived at his village, on his way as far as Canandaigua,
+where the superintendent of Indian affairs resided. At this place, he
+dictated a letter to one of the committee; the superintendent wrote it,
+and Cornplanter signed it with his mark. The following is extracted
+from it.
+
+“I thank the _Great Spirit_ for his protection in preserving me and
+my friend whom I have accompanied to this place. I hope the Great
+Spirit will still preserve my friend on his journey to Philadelphia,
+and every evening when night shall overtake him, that the Great Spirit
+will spread over him the curtain of safety,--that he may again meet
+the society that sent him among us, for the purpose of teaching us the
+useful arts of the white people; and that he may return to them my
+kind thanks, for the kind offices which they are disposed to bestow on
+us. I cannot omit this favourable opportunity to inform Friends that
+I believe the young men placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the
+trust committed to them, in endeavouring to do the best they could for
+our advantage.
+
+“Dear friends, when I first heard your voice, and learned your kind
+offers to us, I was pleased; as I thought we were apt to transgress
+the good rules of the Great Spirit, and by the aid and advice of your
+people, the Great Spirit would lend us his aid, by which we might
+become a better people. I hope you will not be discouraged, in still
+aiding us, although we make slow progress in the arts of the white
+people.”
+
+The two Friends at Alleghany were enabled this fall, for the first
+time, to sow several acres of wheat and rye, and several of the Indians
+manifested a disposition to labour, by aiding them in gathering in
+their summer crops.
+
+Near the close of this year, the two Friends residing among the Indians
+received a letter from the chiefs at Cattaraugus, expressive of their
+great satisfaction, for the advice contained in the letter which had
+been left for them last fall, and the great joy that they felt at the
+prospect of receiving instruction and assistance from the Quakers.
+
+These Indians were much addicted to intemperance, and although much
+more favourably situated than the Alleghany Indians, to make progress
+in the agricultural arts, yet they were in a poor and destitute
+situation, and did not appear to make use of the advantages within
+their power, to assist themselves. It was, therefore, believed right,
+in reply to their letter, to urge the necessity of their abstaining
+from intemperate practices, and of making use of the means in their
+power to better their condition.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Therefore the two Friends wrote to them nearly as follows:
+
+“Brothers, we are glad to hear that you have come to a resolution to
+lay up so much of your money, to buy cattle and other useful articles,
+and that you seem determined to quit drinking whiskey, and not to allow
+traders to sell it on your ground. Now brothers, this is a very wise
+resolution, and we hope you will be sincere and keep to it. We hope
+that some of you have got your eyes open, to see that whiskey and other
+strong drink have been the cause of much evil and wickedness among you,
+and that these pernicious things have taken much of your money, your
+skins, and your furs, which the Great Spirit has favoured you with, and
+with which you might buy clothing, and oxen, and axes, hoes, and other
+useful articles to assist you in tilling the field, and we fear, in
+time past, it has taken some of the corn your poor women have worked
+hard at raising, with their hoes.
+
+“Brothers, you know there are many white people who love money, and
+they know that you love whiskey, and this is the way they take to get
+your money and property from you. But if you keep to your resolution
+not to drink it, then there will be no danger. You may then have oxen
+and ploughs, with which you may plough your ground and raise a great
+deal of corn, and you may also buy axes and hoes, and other useful
+implements of husbandry to farm with. And then when your friends the
+Quakers see that you are trying to help yourselves, and that you make
+good use of your money, it will encourage them to help you more.
+
+“Brothers, we desire you often to think upon the Great Spirit, and
+pray to him in your hearts, and then he will show you what is good and
+what is evil. And we want you to take up work like the white people,
+for your land is very good, and would produce a great deal of grain if
+properly managed--and if you get plenty of cattle and sheep, and swine,
+they will afford you plenty of meat, and be much more certain than the
+elk, the deer, and the bear. Then will your old men, your wives and
+your children be happy, and enjoy the comforts of life, and you can
+look on your flocks and your fields with contentment and pleasure.”
+
+These Indians, in addition to the set of saw-mill irons before
+promised, were furnished with some axes, hoes, and a set of plough
+irons, to encourage them in farming.
+
+A school was kept at Genesinguhta, this winter, by one of the Friends,
+where a number of children attended, and made some progress in
+learning--also a grown person who was debilitated in body, resided with
+Friends throughout the winter, and being able to converse a little in
+the English language, acquired so much learning as to enable him to
+read and write, and afterwards to procure a living, by trading among
+the Indians.
+
+In the spring of 1800, the Indians appeared somewhat animated, and more
+of them made preparation for farming, by scattering more from their
+villages, fencing in lots and clearing land; but not yet having working
+animals to plough their ground, Friends ploughed some small lots for
+them, which operated as a stimulus to them; and one Indian took hold
+of the plough, and began to manage it himself, which was viewed as a
+matter of some surprise, and excited great curiosity in the beholders.
+
+In the Fifth month, this spring, two of the Friends who had left the
+Oneida settlement the preceding winter, as before stated, being willing
+to spend some more time among the Indians, proceeded to Alleghany, to
+unite with Friends there in promoting the welfare of the natives.
+
+Soon after their arrival, the Indians at Cattaraugus requested Friends
+at Alleghany to give them some advice and assistance, about planning
+a saw-mill. Accordingly two Friends proceeded to that settlement,
+and gave such advice on the occasion as seemed to be requisite; the
+millwrights having already arrived, and commenced the building of a
+saw-mill.
+
+As these Indians will in the sequel constitute an interesting part of
+the narrative of this concern, it seems proper in this place to give a
+more particular account of their situation. The Senecas here possess a
+reservation of forty-two square miles, part of it bounded by lake Erie.
+It is generally composed of land of a superior quality. The bottoms
+along the Cattaraugus river produce black and white walnut and sugar
+maple of a superior size. The higher land, abounds with white oak,
+white pine, bass, poplar, hickory, and other timber. There are, also,
+exclusive of the Indians’ corn fields, large openings like natural
+meadows, containing many hundred acres of excellent land, covered
+with abundance of grass and herbage, affording abundance of food for
+cattle. The Senecas at this place were said to be about one hundred and
+sixty in number. Their houses were made in the usual Indian style, and
+covered with bark, and their situation, in general, as to habits and
+living, much similar to those at Alleghany, when Friends first settled
+among them. About a mile from the Seneca village was a town of the
+Delawares, (more frequently called Munsies) about one hundred and sixty
+in number, who lived on sufferance on the Seneca Indians’ land.
+
+These Indians, as well as the Senecas, had a considerable number of
+cattle, some horses, and abundance of poultry and swine. They had small
+enclosures round their villages, in which they kept their stock during
+the corn season, and sometimes the poor animals had but a scanty supply
+of fodder, notwithstanding the abundance of grass on their lands, from
+which, for want of a little labour to fence off their corn lots, they
+had little or no benefit during the summer.
+
+Previous to leaving them, the two Friends had an interview with a
+number of their chiefs, and principal men and women, in which they were
+encouraged to industry, and to put in practice their good resolutions.
+Being informed by one of the Friends present, that he was shortly going
+to leave their country and return to his friends, one of the chiefs
+replied, “You may tell your old friends, the Quakers at Philadelphia,
+when you go home, that we are exceedingly thankful for the kindness you
+have shown us, and the assistance you have already given us. We are now
+determined to follow your advice as far as we are able, and to spill
+all the whiskey traders bring among us for sale. You must not think we
+are offended at you for trying to make us sensible of our weaknesses;
+for even our young men and young women rejoice to hear it, and are in
+hopes their hands will grow stronger, that they may be able to overcome
+their weaknesses. We are determined to try to help ourselves, and to
+lay up money to purchase useful articles to go to farming with. We pity
+our poor women, and see it is too hard for them to work in the hot
+sun, and do all the labours of the field. And although we cannot ask
+any more favours of you, yet one thing in particular we desire you to
+remember; that is, that we are a poor, ignorant people, and for want of
+learning, in the course of our dealings with the white people, we have
+been greatly wronged, and lost much of our property--we want some of
+our children instructed, that they may be able to do the business of
+our nation.”
+
+On the fourteenth of the Sixth month, Friends had a council with the
+Indians at Alleghany, in which the two Friends lately came into their
+country, were introduced to them, and also informed that one of the
+Friends who had now been more than two years among them, was about to
+return home to his friends. Several matters were opened to encourage
+them to persevere in habits of industry, and to be strong in their
+resolutions against the use of spirituous liquors, over which they had,
+by this time, gained a great conquest.
+
+A few days after this, Cornplanter and several other chiefs, called
+to see the Friend who was leaving them set out on his journey, and
+sent three of their people to accompany him on his way through the
+wilderness.
+
+In their parting conference, Cornplanter expressed many thanks for
+the Friend’s services among them, and desired the Great Spirit might
+conduct him safely home to his relations, and that on his arrival he
+might inform his old friends, the Quakers in Philadelphia, that he
+was very thankful for their kind endeavours to instruct his people in
+a life of civilization, and he believed the Great Spirit above was
+pleased with it.
+
+During the summer of 1800, the Indians made some further improvements,
+and seemed more disposed to relinquish their old habits. A yoke of
+oxen, which they purchased, were found very useful in drawing their
+firewood, and thereby relieving some of their women from heavy
+burthens; several of them procured cows. By this time many of the
+Indians had built themselves more comfortable houses, and began to
+assist their women in their agricultural labours, so that a gradual
+improvement was evident among them in the habits of civilized life.
+
+In the following winter, Red Jacket, a Seneca chief, residing at
+Buffalo creek, with several other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited
+Philadelphia, with whom Friends had a satisfactory interview. Suitable
+presents were given them, among which, was a set of saw-mill irons,
+which were particularly requested by Red Jacket.
+
+In the spring of 1801, a greater spirit of industry seemed to manifest
+itself among the Indians. Divers more of them fenced in lots, and
+procured moreover, some working animals; their increasing attention to
+raising cattle and hogs, afforded a pleasing prospect; and was a strung
+inducement for them to scatter more from their villages, and realize
+the advantages of settling on separate tracts of land.
+
+Circumstances, however, occurred among the Indians, which claimed the
+particular attention of the committee, and three Friends were deputed
+to visit the settlement. They proceeded there in the Ninth month,
+accompanied by a young Friend, a blacksmith, who offered his services
+to instruct some of the Indians in his useful occupation.
+
+Previous to giving a detail of this interview, it seems necessary
+to observe, that some extraordinary ideas respecting witchcraft had
+prevailed among the natives for sometime, which were principally
+insinuated among them by an infirm old man named Connediu, a half
+brother to Cornplanter, who had the appearance of a simple man, and had
+been from his youth very intemperate. He had no influence in the nation
+till about three years before, when, after a long time of sickness,
+he was supposed by the Indians to be several times in a trance. After
+he had recovered therefrom, he asserted that he had seen angels, who
+communicated to him such things as the Great Spirit designed should
+be imparted to the Indians--that they must all quit drinking whiskey
+and other strong liquors--that they must revive the custom of their
+forefathers in eating dog’s flesh, and have frequent dances--performing
+their religious ceremonies, &c. This to a people naturally prone to
+superstition, was like oracles delivered from the _Great Spirit_, and
+to use their own language, “was the manner in which _He_ was revealing
+his mind and will to the Indians.” Connediu had actually some of his
+imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual world
+committed to writing, that they might keep it in remembrance, as the
+will of the Great Spirit concerning them.
+
+Connediu frequently asserted that these heavenly messengers continued
+to favour him with frequent interviews, and he succeeded in propagating
+a belief among the natives, that most of their bodily afflictions
+and disorders arose from witchcraft, and undertook to point out the
+individuals who had the power of inflicting these evils. He was said
+to have wholly declined the practice of drinking to excess, and by an
+artful exercise of his pretended knowledge, he acquired considerable
+influence in the nation, so as to be appointed high priest and chief
+Sachem in things civil and religious.
+
+Some of Cornplanter’s family being in a declining state of health,
+Connediu, (whom they now esteemed a great doctor, as well as a
+prophet,) was applied to for counsel. In his wild reveries he alleged
+that some of the Delaware Indians who lived at Cattaraugus possessed
+the power of witchcraft, and were the cause of their illness.
+
+This brought on a quarrel between the two tribes, and some of the
+Delawares were taken prisoners, and threatened with death if they did
+not remove the disorder.
+
+During the contention, Cornplanter wrote to the governor of
+Pennsylvania on the occasion, and the committee on Indian affairs
+being made acquainted with the circumstances, letters both from the
+committee and government were addressed to both tribes of Indians on
+the subject. A council was called between the contending parties,
+and Friends, with some other well disposed people on the frontier
+settlements, used their influence to have an amicable adjustment, and
+endeavoured to obliterate from the Indians’ minds, those superstitious
+ideas of witchcraft which appeared to have been the ground of their
+uneasiness. The result was, that the Delawares were acquitted, and
+all disputes buried between them and the Senecas. Cornplanter told
+them “that he had swept their beds clean, that they might lie down
+in peace--that he had swept their houses clean, that they might live
+comfortably in them--that he had swept clean before their doors, that
+they might go out and in, without molestation.”
+
+About the time that Friends of the committee arrived at Genesinghuta,
+the Indians generally were met in council, about these matters; and
+although Connediu had advised them to quit drinking whiskey, he was
+otherwise endeavouring to propagate notions very inimical to the
+concern in which Friends were engaged, by recommending them to follow
+their old customs, and not allow their children to learn to read and
+write; that they might farm a little, and build houses, but must not
+sell any thing which they raised on their land, but give it away to one
+another, and especially to their old people; and, in short, enjoy all
+things in common.
+
+With this doctrine several of the young chiefs and others were not
+satisfied; and one of them judiciously observed, “they had better
+hold councils about fencing in fields, and clearing land, than about
+witchcraft, and other strange notions of Connediu.”
+
+The committee, who now visited the settlement, were pleased, on passing
+down the river, with the view of fences, where not long before there
+were none to be seen; and instead of the bark cabins, that formerly
+stood in clusters along its banks, there were now good houses, with
+shingled roofs; and the tinkling of cow bells, which they heard in
+various directions, denoted an increase of cattle, and had a cheering
+effect on their minds. It was in the spring of 1801, that the Indians
+first began to use the plough for themselves. They took a very cautious
+method of determining whether it was likely to be an advantageous
+change to them or not. Several parts of a large field were ploughed,
+and the intermediate spaces prepared by their women with the hoe,
+according to former custom. It was all planted with corn; and the
+parts ploughed, (besides the great saving of labour,) produced much
+the heaviest crop; the stalks being more than a foot higher, and
+proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. The corn was now
+gathered in, and as their stock of cattle had much increased, instead
+of leaving their corn fodder to perish, as formerly, they preserved
+it for their cattle in winter--and several had mown grass, and made
+small stacks of hay. They had made a fence, about two miles long, which
+enclosed the lower town, and a large body of adjacent land fronting on
+the river, and several other fences were made within it, to separate
+the corn from the pasture ground.
+
+With the exception of houses and fences, the improvements at the
+lower town, (Jenuchshadaga) did not bear a comparison with the upper
+settlement, where the Indians lived more detached from each other.
+Their thus separating, was evidently more to their advantage, than
+crowding together in villages. A chief, who was not ashamed to be seen
+at work by the women of his own family, would probably have been much
+mortified when discovered by a number of other females, who on such
+occasions do not always refrain from ridicule. Yet this false shame on
+the part of the men, and ridicule of the women, gradually wore away as
+they became familiarized to each others’ assistance, in their little
+agricultural labours.
+
+The Indians now became very sober, generally refraining from the use of
+strong liquor, both at home and when abroad among the white people. One
+of them observed to Friends, “no more bark cabins, but good houses--no
+more get drunk here, now, this two year.”
+
+The blacksmith was introduced to the Indians with a request that two
+of their young men would learn his business, so as to be qualified to
+do their own work; as it was not very likely he should stay long. But
+before they would agree to this proposition, they queried with Friends,
+“whether they would at any future time want land or money for the
+services which they had done, and were doing for them? They wished to
+know very clearly in writing about it. Also, whether they would leave
+the tools for the young men, who might learn the blacksmiths’ trade,
+when the smith left them, or whether they would take them away?” To
+which the following answer was given in writing:--
+
+“Brothers, we tell you now, plainly, as we told you before, that your
+brothers, the Quakers, do not want any of your land, or any of your
+money, or any of your skins, for any thing they have done for you; and
+they never will bring a charge against you, for any of these things.
+And we give you this writing, to keep forever, to make your minds
+perfectly easy on this account. About the smiths’ tools we cannot say
+much; but think we shall leave them with you, if some of your young men
+will learn the trade.”
+
+At a subsequent interview, Cornplanter made a reply to Friends, in
+which he stated, “We understand the writing which you gave us very
+well, and our minds are now quite easy. Two of our young men will learn
+the smiths’ trade; one from the lower town, and one from the upper.”
+
+Friends again opened the business respecting the schooling of their
+children, which had for sometime past been impeded by the system of
+Connediu. The chiefs were particularly desired to take this subject
+under consideration, and let Friends know when they were ready.
+
+It was supposed that the quantity of corn raised this year by the
+natives, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first
+formed, and a few of the Indians made the first attempts to raise
+wheat; but those who did something at farming, occasionally went out a
+hunting; and many of the men still adhered to their ancient customs,
+and left the women of their families to cultivate with the hoe, what
+corn and vegetables were necessary for their sustenance.
+
+As one of the young men, who had been there from the time of first
+opening the settlement, was about to return home with the committee,
+Cornplanter expressed the great regard he had for him; saying, “that,
+although he had been so long amongst them, not one of them was able to
+say a word against him, ever since he had been there--that his words
+and his conduct had been altogether good, and agreeable to them; and
+he hoped the Good Spirit would preserve him on his way home to his
+friends.”
+
+The committee, also, on this visit, had an interview with the Indians
+of Cattaraugus. They arrived at a time when the Indians were performing
+their religious ceremonies--concerning which, the chief warrior,
+Waun-dun-guh-ta, made the following remark to Friends.
+
+“Brothers, you have come at a time which has by us been set apart for
+performing worship to the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs. It is
+our way of worship, and, to us, solemn and serious, and not to be made
+light of, however different it may be from your mode. It is the manner
+our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us for not
+being so attentive to you as we should, had we not been thus engaged.”
+
+They had now their saw-mill completed, and one of the Friends from
+Alleghany remained sometime with them, instructing some of the Indians
+in the sawing business.
+
+The spring of 1802, furnished greater marks of improvement, than had
+heretofore been discovered among the natives. Eighteen or twenty
+thousand rails were split, and put up into fences by the Indians, and
+thirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed, most of which were cleared
+this spring. Several families who had not any when this settlement was
+first formed, had got six or seven head of cattle, and other useful
+animals. Whiskey was not knowingly suffered to be brought into the
+settlement; and if any were found out to have been intoxicated, when
+they were out in the white settlements, they were sharply reproved by
+the chiefs on their return, which had nearly the same effect among
+Indians, as committing a man to the workhouse among white people. The
+Indians opened a good road for about five miles up the river from
+Friends’ settlement, where before it was very difficult to travel,
+even on horseback. Several of them sowed spring wheat--and a gradual
+improvement was apparent during this season.
+
+The benefits derived by the Senecas at Alleghany, from their attention
+to agriculture, encouraged other branches of the nation to apply for
+assistance. The chief of the Tonewanta village, about one hundred
+miles distant from Friends’ settlement at the Alleghany, in a pathetic
+speech, applied to Friends to assist them with saw-mill irons, farming
+utensils, &c. which request was granted, with the addition of a yoke of
+oxen, and chains.
+
+The young man who went out as a blacksmith, returned home this fall;
+two of the Indians having acquired such knowledge of his business as to
+answer their necessities.
+
+Although the improvements at this place were gradually progressing,
+obstructive causes at times occurred, difficult to combat. This
+induced Friends, among them, to believe that a change made in their
+situation, so as to render them more independent of the natives,
+might subject them to less difficulty in the further prosecution of
+the concern. The improvement heretofore made on their own land, for a
+time, had a good effect; but their ideas were weak, and for want of
+more sensibility in some of the intentions of Friends towards them,
+it had led to a dependence, which evidently impeded their progress
+in civilization. This dependence seemed to increase, as they saw the
+increase of produce from the land that Friends cultivated. Some of the
+Indians had increased their stock of cattle faster than the means of
+supporting them through a long and rigorous winter. When their hay and
+other fodder become reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some.
+These requests could not be complied with, to an extent proportioned
+to their necessity, without reducing Friends to alike state of want;
+and fearing, least in future winters, a renewal of similar requests,
+without the means of supplying them, might disturb that harmony which
+had hitherto subsisted between Friends and the Indians, it was thought
+adviseable by the committee to embrace an opportunity which now
+presented, of purchasing from a company of white people, an adjoining
+tract of land, in order to make such improvements thereon, as might
+accommodate a family or more, of such, who from time to time, might
+feel desirous to assist in the instruction of the Indians, and thus by
+making it a more permanent establishment, entirely independent of the
+natives, be enabled to extend more efficient aid to other branches of
+the Seneca nation.
+
+In the spring of 1803, this proposal of a removal of Friends’
+settlement was communicated to the Indians, and they generally
+coincided with it, provided the move should not be far up the river.
+They had several councils on the occasion, and communicated to Friends
+their views; and although their prophet, Connediu, had, in time back,
+been somewhat opposed to the views of Friends in changing the customs
+of the Indians, he was now entirely friendly, and strongly recommended
+industry and perseverance in the plans which Friends had recommended
+to them. The following paragraphs from one of his speeches on this
+occasion, may be worthy of notice.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“My friends, Quakers, attend.--It is now a long time since you first
+came amongst us. It has even exceeded the time that was first proposed.
+I now speak the united voice of our chiefs and warriors to you, of
+our women also, and of all our people. Attend, therefore, to what I
+say. We wish you to make your minds perfectly easy--we are all pleased
+with your living amongst us, and not one of us wants you to leave our
+country. We find no fault with you in any respect, since you come
+amongst us; neither have we any thing to charge you with. You have
+lived peaceably and honestly with us, and have been preserved in
+health, and nothing has befallen you. This we think is proof, also,
+that the Great Spirit is pleased with you living here, and with what
+you have done for us.”
+
+“Friends, Quakers--we now all agree to leave you at full liberty,
+either to remain where you now are, on our land, or to remove up the
+river and settle on land of your own, only that you settle near us,
+that you may extend further assistance and instruction. For although we
+have received much benefit from you, and some of our people have made
+considerable advancement in useful labour, yet we remain very deficient
+in many things, and numbers of us are yet poor.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As the important change proposed to be made in conducting the affairs
+at Alleghany, required serious consideration, four of the committee
+proceeded to that settlement, and on conferring with Friends there,
+were satisfied of the propriety of a removal from their present
+station, to one more independent of the Indians, and less subject to
+their control.
+
+A tract of land adjoining the Indians’ reservation on Tunesassa creek,
+which empties into the river on the east side, about two miles above
+Genesinghuta, was agreed upon, and afterwards purchased, as the most
+eligible place for a settlement; inasmuch as it furnished an ample
+situation for water works, and much of the tract was covered with
+excellent pine timber. The tract included about seven hundred acres.
+
+Friends had free and open conferences with the Indians on the subject
+of their removal, and various other matters; and satisfactory
+arrangements were made respecting the old settlement, the Indians
+insisting on Friends’ occupying the farm until they got suitable
+accommodations, and provender for their stock, at their new settlement.
+
+In one of their conferences, Cornplanter observed:
+
+“Brothers, when your friends first came amongst us, and for a long
+time after, the white people told us, ‘keep a good watch on those
+Quakers--they are a cunning, designing people; and under pretence
+of doing something for you, want to get hold upon you, to make an
+advantage of you some way or other;’ but of late, finding that all was
+straight, and no advantage was attempted to be taken, they have left
+off talking about it.
+
+“Brothers, your young men do not talk much to us, but when they do they
+speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us from using
+spirituous liquors.”
+
+Here it may be proper to remark, that in the spring of 1798, an Indian
+lad of the Tuscarora nation, from near the falls of Niagara, had been
+taken to Philadelphia, and placed with a Friend in Chester county,
+to learn the blacksmiths’ business, where he continued till the last
+spring;--and having acquired a competent knowledge of his trade, and
+made considerable proficiency in school learning, the Friend with whom
+he had been instructed, felt such an interest in his welfare, that he
+accompanied him home to his Indian friends, staid several weeks with
+him, to see him set up in his business, and assisted him therein.
+
+This Friend, on his return, had now been several weeks at Alleghany,
+affording the two Indian blacksmiths there, some further instruction in
+that art. They were very desirous he should tarry longer with them; and
+an old chief observed, “Friends had now sent on a blacksmith, the best
+they had ever seen--he knows how to make all things we want.”
+
+Considerable improvement among the Indians at this time was observable,
+more particularly up the river. Several families had settled about two
+miles higher up, than where they formerly resided, and had cleared and
+fenced in about sixty acres of land. Seventeen new houses with shingled
+roofs, were observed neatly built, with square logs, most of them two
+stories high, with stone chimneys and glass windows. They had about one
+hundred head of cattle, thirty horses, and several hundred hogs. And
+the Indians had opened a road, about twenty miles along the river, and
+much of it through heavy timber; which was a great work for them.
+
+The committee proceeded from thence to Cattaraugus, and noticed
+considerable improvement in that settlement. Several of them were
+building good houses. Their crops of corn were good, and their stock of
+cattle increased; and, generally speaking, they had declined the use
+of strong drink. They had divers requests to make to Friends, some of
+which were granted; especially one, for a set of smith tools and plough
+irons. While Friends were sitting with the chief warrior, he seemed
+in a pensive mood, and said he wished to ask them a question, but
+hesitated. They desired him to say on--It was, “_Do the Quakers keep
+any slaves?_”--He was answered in the negative. He said he was very
+glad to hear it; for if they did, he could not think so well of them as
+he now did--that he had been at the city of Washington last winter, on
+business of the nation, and found that many white people kept blacks in
+slavery, and used them no better than horses.
+
+The committee on their way home had interviews with the Buffalo and
+Tonewanta Indians, and gave them such advice and encouragement as their
+situation required. It was satisfactory to observe, from the account of
+Red Jacket and others of their chiefs, that some improvement was taking
+place among those Indians.
+
+Our friends at Alleghany built a temporary house at their new
+settlement this fall, to which they removed, which we shall hereafter
+call Tunesassa. The land being heavily timbered, much exertion and
+labour were necessary, to make their situation tolerably comfortable
+during the first winter.
+
+In the spring of 1804, the Indians generally removed from the lower
+town, and settled higher up the river; several of them not far from
+Tunesassa. This removal subjected them to some inconveniences, the
+first year, but eventually proved much to their advantage; especially
+to those who were detached from their little towns.
+
+As it was believed much benefit would result to the Indians from the
+erection of a grist mill on Friends’ farm, there being none nearer
+than about forty miles, measures were adopted to have grist and
+saw-mills erected this summer; and they were so far completed, as to
+be in operation the ensuing winter, when the Indians had considerable
+grinding done, and were much pleased to see the grain reduced to meal
+so much quicker than by pounding it in wooden mortars.
+
+An Indian man, after having a grist of wheat of his own raising ground
+and bolted, said with animation, “I think this will make the Indians
+see day-light.”
+
+In the course of this season, some dissentions took place among the
+Indians with regard to their chiefs. Several young men of considerable
+influence in the nation, and who were anxious to assume the reigns of
+government, became disaffected to Cornplanter, and taking measures to
+subvert his authority, artfully prevailed with the Indians to confer
+on themselves the dignified title of chiefs. This, among men whose
+rulers only hold their authority during the good will of the people,
+was not difficult to effect. In the mean time, Connediu, who had some
+time before been promoted to the highest title in the nation, continued
+(as he said) his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the
+spiritual world, so that his fame spread abroad, and visits were paid
+to him from distant tribes. He also travelled to distant parts himself,
+and promulgated his doctrines, (which happily were now become more
+innocent,) throughout the Seneca nation.
+
+In the latter end of the winter and spring of 1805, the Indians
+experienced much damage to their infant settlements, by some unusual
+freshets in the Alleghany river. Nearly all their fences were swept
+away; but instead of being discouraged by their losses, they joined
+together very spiritedly, and soon repaired them; and in the end
+appeared to have been benefitted; for by this exertion, they gradually
+became more accustomed to labour--a thing, to them, of the greatest
+consequence.
+
+As it was believed the time had now come when it would be right to take
+some measures to instruct the Indian women in the various branches
+of housewifery, and domestic economy, and as this could not be done
+without female aid, a suitable family were sought for, and a man and
+his wife offering for that service, as well as a single female, who had
+before been at the Oneida settlement, they proceeded to Tunesassa in
+the early part of summer; and the natives expressed much satisfaction
+on their arrival among them.
+
+The arrival of the females was no less satisfactory to the Friends
+residing at Tunesassa--for as from the first settlement to this
+time, in addition to the various calls of the Indians, and their
+out-door labours, they had all their domestic and culinary services to
+perform,--except some little aid received at times, by hiring some of
+the Indian women.
+
+Although many of the Indians had constructed comfortable houses, very
+few of their women took any pains to keep them clean and in neat order.
+They manufactured none of their own clothing, except the mockasins they
+wore on their feet. They had no knowledge of making soap, and of course
+their clothes could not be very clean--and very little improvement in
+domestic affairs had as yet taken place among the Indian families.
+In proportion, however, as the men became more accustomed to labour,
+it released the women from their former drudgery; and having now the
+opportunity of getting all their grain ground, which before they had to
+pound in wooden mortars, it would afford them more time to turn their
+attention to the business of the house, and the concerns more properly
+allotted to females, in all civilized societies.
+
+To aid and assist them in accomplishing this, was the object of our
+female friends; and some of the Indian girls pretty soon began to show
+a willingness to be instructed in knitting and spinning. A house of
+employment was built at a little distance from Friends’ dwelling,
+and particularly allotted to their use; but for want of the necessary
+materials, not much could be done at these useful employments the first
+season. Our women Friends were, however, enabled to instruct many
+of them in the art of making soap, which enabled them to keep their
+clothes and persons more cleanly; and also by frequently visiting them
+in their families, had opportunities of instructing and encouraging
+them in habits more assimilated to civilized life. The Indian women,
+also, made frequent visits to them, and by observing their industry,
+economy, and superior mode of living, an inclination began soon
+to manifest itself, even among these uncultivated females of the
+wilderness, to imitate the more useful and rational economy of our
+women Friends.
+
+In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of
+land cleared on their farm--their spring crops were productive, and
+they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist
+and saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable
+purpose.
+
+In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing land,
+splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the more
+sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have more
+sense, very fast.”
+
+They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and
+seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful
+effects--and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white
+people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them.
+The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink
+whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.
+
+In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany, with
+Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a visit
+to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in
+order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage
+them in habits of industry.
+
+In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by
+three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and
+having resided more than two years among them at the first opening
+of the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the
+improvements the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians
+at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the west
+side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects were
+discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and
+much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long
+replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this
+narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore
+noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony
+with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was
+sometimes their practice; but to consider them as companions for life:
+and also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would
+enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were
+endeavouring to promote among them.
+
+Our Friends at Tunesassa had now got about fifty acres of land
+cleared, well enclosed, and in good order. They had built a large and
+commodious dwelling house and barn, which, together with the mills
+and improvements generally, gave it the appearance of a desirable
+settlement.
+
+It was believed the Indians had built about one hundred new houses
+since the committee visited them three years before. Most of them were
+put up with hewn logs very neatly notched at the corners; many of
+them were covered with shingles, and some had pannel doors and glass
+windows. The carpenter work was chiefly done by the Indians. Scarcely a
+vestige remained of the cabins they occupied when Friends first settled
+among them. Their farms, which were of different dimensions, were
+enclosed with good fences, and much more detached from each other than
+formerly. A much greater proportion of corn was planted this season
+than had been known before, and generally looked well. Many of them
+had raised wheat and oats, and several had raised flax and buckwheat,
+besides potatoes and turnips in abundance. Their stock of cattle and
+horses was increased, and they had a good many working oxen, which they
+found very advantageous to them. Sheep were not yet introduced, owing
+to the danger of their being destroyed by wolves.
+
+Upon the whole, it was evident their improvements rather exceeded, in
+divers respects, those made in some new settlements of white people on
+the frontiers, in the same length of time.
+
+Several of the young women had this year learned to spin and knit a
+little; but although the improvement among the females was yet small,
+it was, nevertheless evident, a change in this respect had taken place
+for the better, since our women Friends came among them. Their persons
+and apparel, as well as their houses, appeared in more neat and cleanly
+order. And as Friends approached some of their habitations, a pleasing
+mark of neatness discovered itself among some of their women, who
+would immediately begin to sweep their houses, and appear somewhat
+disconcerted, if Friends entered their doors before they got their
+apartments in good order.
+
+After spending near a week at Alleghany, the committee proceeded to
+Cattaraugus, and had a very satisfactory interview with the Seneca
+Indians at that place. Various matters were opened to them in a written
+communication, tending to incite them to industry, and to encourage
+them in a life of sobriety. A great reform had taken place among
+those Indians in this respect. The chief warrior in his reply said,
+“He believed the Great Spirit was better pleased with them when they
+took hold of the axe and the hoe and went to work, than when they were
+pursuing their former bad practices of drinking, &c.” “And he was very
+glad Friends had given them their speech upon paper, that they would
+not only advise their young people themselves, but would have that
+speech to apply to, to strengthen their minds.”
+
+Although a considerable change had taken place for the better at this
+settlement within three years past, their stock of cattle and horses
+having considerably increased, (and instead of confining them as
+formerly in small enclosures round their villages, they had, since
+enclosing their cornfields, the advantage of pasturing them on the
+large plains,) yet they appeared very far behind their brethren at
+Alleghany, in agricultural improvements, as well as in buildings and
+cleanliness of living.
+
+In the year 1807, no very important change took place among the Indians
+at Alleghany, except that divers of the young women and girls applied
+themselves to spinning in the course of the winter, under the direction
+of our women Friends, and succeeded so far as to have a piece of linen
+spun and wove into cloth, besides manufacturing a quantity of sewing
+thread with which many of the Indians were well pleased.
+
+Some evil disposed persons, and doubtless opposed to the advancement
+of the Indians in civilization, took every opportunity of creating
+suspicions in their minds, of the views of Friends, and artfully
+insinuated that Friends’ saw-mill was erected to accumulate an interest
+out of them, notwithstanding that Friends had given them many thousand
+feet of boards, and also their grain at the grist-mill was then ground
+free of toll.
+
+In order, therefore, to settle the minds of the Indians, to counteract
+the suspicions in circulation, and as a convincing evidence of the
+disinterested views of Friends,--believing also, that it might redound
+to the Indians’ advantage, they offered to assist them in building a
+saw-mill for themselves; and three hundred dollars, in addition to a
+set of saw-mill irons, were granted for that purpose.
+
+This fall Cornplanter was again restored to his former station of
+chief; and from the disposition he had always manifested to the object
+of Friends, there was reason to expect his renewed influence in their
+councils would be useful.
+
+The family at Tunesassa, experienced a great trial by the removal of
+the Friend’s wife residing there, who, after about two weeks illness
+was taken from this transitory scene. She had by her prudent and
+obliging conduct very much endeared herself to the natives, many of
+whom attended her funeral, and a number of them called to see the
+family some days afterwards, and desired them to make their minds
+easy, seeing it was the will of the Great Spirit, and what must happen
+to all mankind; and they were come to sympathize with them, and to wipe
+away their tears that they might sorrow no more.
+
+In the following winter, a number of the Indian women and girls were
+engaged at spinning, and a disposition to industry and manufacturing
+their own clothing, seemed to be gaining ground. A loom was provided,
+and several pieces of their own spinning were made into cloth.
+
+1808. As Friends for sometime past, had been desirous of rendering more
+essential service to the Indians at Cattaraugus, it was now believed
+expedient to purchase a tract of land adjoining their reservation, and
+have a family stationed there, that would more effectually accelerate
+their improvement.
+
+Accordingly a large tract of land was agreed for, on Clear creek, which
+furnished a good seat for water-works, within four or five miles of the
+Indian town. The land being heavily timbered, the Indians were engaged
+in opening a road from their villages to it; and considerable advances
+were made towards opening a settlement this season, superintended by
+some of the Friends from Tunesassa.
+
+The Indians at Alleghany got their saw-mill completed this fall so as
+to be in operation, and the Friends at Tunesassa were joined by another
+family, a Friend with his wife, a single female who accompanied them,
+and several children; the parents offering their services to spend some
+time in the instruction of the Indian natives.
+
+Near the close of this year, and through the succeeding winter,
+very considerable progress was made among the women and girls in
+learning to spin; several purchased wheels and commenced spinning at
+their own houses; and an aged female, of the first influence, named
+O-yong-go-gas, resided sometime with Friends, to be instructed in this
+employment, and made an unexpected progress. Her attention to assist
+in encouraging and superintending the younger women and girls, was a
+favourable circumstance, and tended to promote their improvement. On
+hearing that Friends at Tunesassa were about writing to the committee,
+she delivered the following address, desiring it might be sent also.
+
+“Brothers, attend--I wish to speak a few words to you. Since your women
+came here, I have frequently had a prospect of learning to spin; but as
+I was an ancient woman, I was afraid to make a beginning, lest I should
+not make out, and would then have to decline it, without accomplishing
+any thing. I at length concluded to try, and have learned so much as to
+be able to spin flax and tow pretty well.
+
+“Brothers, I am very happy that I have the satisfaction to inform you
+a little of my progress, and also that I can now with more assurance,
+impress the necessity of this valuable improvement on the minds of our
+young women, and I intend in future to recommend it as a most necessary
+employment.
+
+“For my own part, I intend to pursue it as long as my eye-sight will
+continue, and I hope yet to be able to spin wool for a blanket, if
+the Good Spirit will continue my sight. I am very thankful for the
+knowledge I have acquired of your women Friends.
+
+“Brothers, I hope this may find you all well, and I wish the Great
+Spirit may bless you.”
+
+In the spring of 1809, a Friend, who had spent many years among the
+natives, returned again to his former station at Tunesassa, and being
+acquainted with the weaving business, he was usefully employed in
+manufacturing into cloth the yarn which the Indian women had spun in
+the last winter, and the industry of several of them procured them
+sufficient specimens of domestic manufactures, to stimulate them to
+further exertions.
+
+This spring four of the Friends resident at Tunesassa proceeded to
+Cattaraugus, in order to carry on the improvements at this new station,
+and to instruct the Indians in that settlement.
+
+The Indians at Alleghany continued to make a satisfactory progress in
+their agricultural labours, seven or eight families sowed flax this
+spring, and other marks of improvement were observable. The settlement
+was visited again by a deputation from the committee, and the situation
+of the Indians fully inspected, and much advice and counsel were
+communicated to them relative to their moral conduct, as well as in
+regard to their temporal concerns.
+
+They were particularly warned of the iniquity of men and their wives
+separating, (a practice which was too common among them,) and marrying
+again with others; the natural consequence of which was, leaving their
+children in poverty and distress, besides being attended with a variety
+of other evils.
+
+The communications of Friends appeared to be well received, and in the
+replies which the Indians made, among many other things, Cornplanter
+remarked, “We are sensible that it is displeasing to the Great Spirit
+for men and their wives to separate, and I am very happy that you have
+now mentioned it, when so many of our young warriors are present who
+have the opportunity of hearing; and I hope they will attend to the
+good counsel you have given us.”
+
+This deputation from the committee also visited Cattaraugus settlement,
+and had satisfactory interviews with those Indians, encouraging them to
+industry and sobriety, and to avail themselves of the opportunity they
+now had of receiving instruction from our Friends, who had lately come
+to settle near them.
+
+In their replies to Friends, the chief warrior observed:--“You still
+continue to speak the same language to our nation, and we believe your
+views towards us are the effects of pure friendship, and a desire for
+our welfare; and although we have fallen short in fulfilling your
+former advices, we are still encouraged to follow your counsel, and
+to pursue the path you have set before us. We hope you will continue
+to have patience towards us, as Indians cannot adopt all these habits
+that you recommend at once; but we are convinced that industry in
+cultivating our lands, is the only method by which we can receive
+lasting benefits, and we are determined to pursue it--and we hope we
+shall still continue to make a gradual advancement.”
+
+During the winter and spring of 1810, the Indian women at Alleghany
+gave increasing attention to spinning. Some elderly females, who had
+acquired sufficient knowledge, and being anxious to promote this
+valuable art, took the superintendence of the young girls, and this
+season they spun sufficient to make one hundred and twenty yards, part
+of which was woollen, and manufactured into blankets.
+
+Some small premiums were offered to such of the men as should sow
+spring wheat, which had a stimulating effect; and sixteen or seventeen
+individuals availed themselves of the offer.
+
+The Indians purchased four yoke of oxen, which enabled them to do more
+ploughing--and during the course of the season many of the young men
+inclined to hire to work for other Indians, a practice which had not
+been common among them. This, however, was in part produced by the
+embargo system which was now in operation, and had an effect to reduce
+the price of skins and furs, so as to render hunting not worth pursuing
+as an object of profit.
+
+Red Jacket, and three other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited
+Philadelphia this year, and Friends had a satisfactory interview with
+them. Red Jacket in his remarks, stated:
+
+“I am unable to express the thankfulness I feel for the many acts of
+kindness your society have shown to us; particularly when that old
+gentleman, (pointing to an elderly Friend present,) and many others now
+no more, attended at our treaties. And I am happy in observing your
+disposition to pursue the same track of conduct your fathers observed
+towards Indians, now they are removed to the world of spirits.”
+
+Some implements of husbandry were furnished to the Tuscarora Indians,
+residing on the Seneca reservation near Buffalo; and the situation of
+the Delaware Indians residing on the Cattaraugus reservation claiming
+the sympathy of Friends, as being the remnant of a scattered tribe
+who formerly inhabited the parts along the river Delaware, and who
+for many years lived on terms of sincere friendship and reciprocal
+acts of kindness with the early settlers, while the country was then a
+wilderness; it was believed right to make them an offer of purchasing
+a tract of land in the neighbourhood of Cattaraugus, provided they
+would live on, and occupy it. Although the offer was not accepted they
+gratefully acknowledge the kindness of Friends, and their answer on
+this occasion strongly excites our sympathy for the destiny of this
+once great and powerful nation.
+
+“Our nation, say they, seem as if they were scattered over the whole
+world; and we have been desirous, for many years past, of getting
+together, and have now fully concluded to leave the country of the
+Senecas. The land you propose giving us here, if we could take it on
+our backs and set it down in the neighbourhood of our nation to the
+westward, we should be very thankful for; but we don’t feel satisfied
+to remain in this country, and have concluded certainly to leave it as
+soon as we can.”
+
+Considerable progress was made this season by the Cattaraugus Indians.
+Many of them enclosed fields separately, and had plentiful crops of
+corn; and as an incitement to this plan of farming, small premiums had
+been offered by Friends. And as a further encouragement, to accommodate
+the Indians, preparations were made to erect grist and saw-mills on
+the tract of land belonging to Friends, whereby they could have their
+grinding done, and be furnished with boards to enable them to build
+better houses.
+
+In the beginning of the year 1811, the Indian women at Alleghany
+manifested a much earlier attention to the spinning business; and
+before the time they usually began, had sufficient spun for one
+hundred and sixty yards of cloth. Near one half of their women by this
+time, had acquired some knowledge of this business; and though they
+had heretofore, for the most part, attended to it at the house of
+employment, many of them now procured wheels of their own, and attended
+to it at their own houses. Four of them within two years had spun yarn
+for about one hundred and twenty-five yards; and two others, in the
+last season, had spun and wove themselves twenty-one yards of linsey.
+
+The instruction of their children in school learning, had for several
+years past, been but little attended to, owing to the impediments the
+Indians themselves had thrown in the way--but this year it was again
+revived; and a young man, qualified for that purpose, kept a school
+among them, at their request.
+
+The Indians at Cattaraugus were also making satisfactory improvement
+this season. The saw-mill was in operation this fall, and the grist
+mill in a considerable state of forwardness.
+
+The progress of improvement had, for many years past, exhibited an
+encouraging prospect--affording a comfortable hope, that the desirable
+object would be effected, of reclaiming at least a portion of the
+Indians from a savage and rambling life, to enjoy in a plentiful
+manner, and in undisturbed security, the productions of the fruitful
+field. Yet it now seems our painful task to record some circumstances,
+which for a time much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and retarded
+their progress in civilization.
+
+By a company of individuals, claiming what they called the pre-emption
+right, an attempt was now made to purchase from the Seneca nation,
+all their land which they held in the state of New York, and under a
+specious show of benevolence, to give them a large tract of country far
+to the westward, where they might enjoy their native forest, away from
+the intrusions of white people.
+
+The peculiar situation of their land--being generally of an excellent
+quality, and an increasing white population fast settling round
+it--made it an object very desirable to this company, who, it is
+probable, paid a large sum of money for this pre-emption right.
+
+From the best information I have received respecting this claim, it
+appears, by the original charter, that the state of Massachusetts had
+this pre-emption right, or privilege of purchasing the Indians’ land
+in this part of the territory; and to satisfy this claim, in 1787, the
+state of New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of soil--reserving
+to itself the jurisdiction thereof. The state of Massachusetts, in
+1792, again sold their right of purchase to an individual, who, in the
+year 1797, at a treaty held at Genessee river, in the state of New
+York, purchased of the Indians a large tract of country, as has been
+already stated--the Indians “_nevertheless and always reserving_” out
+of this grant and conveyance, such reservations as were therein agreed
+upon; “_to remain the property of the said Seneca Indians, in as full
+and ample a manner_,” as if the said sale had not been made. This
+purchase again passed into other hands, and finally the pre-emption
+right to the Indians’ reservations into the hands of the company now
+claiming them.
+
+Notwithstanding these were the only persons who had a legal right to
+purchase, it was only when the Indians were disposed to sell: and
+always to be understood, as the original owners of the soil, they had
+the right to refuse to sell, as guaranteed in the most solemn manner by
+the president of the United States.
+
+But notwithstanding their indubitable title to the soil, the attempt
+thus made, in an artful manner, to obtain their land, had the effect to
+produce great commotion and disturbance among them. Nor was it to be
+doubted, but that means, too frequently practised on such occasions,
+would be resorted to. These were, to offer rewards to the chiefs or
+principal men of the nation, to gain their influence, in order to bring
+about the object they had in view.
+
+The Indians, however, at this time, did not accede to the proposals
+that had been held out to them, as may be seen from the following
+extracts of a speech of Red Jacket to an agent, who, it seems, was
+employed by the primitive holders to negotiate this business.
+
+“Brother, we opened our ears to the talk you lately delivered to us, at
+our council fire. In doing important business, it is best not to tell
+long stories, but to come to it in a few words--we shall therefore not
+repeat your talk, which is fresh in our minds. We have well considered
+it, and the advantages and disadvantages of your offers--we request
+your attention to our answer, which is not from the speaker alone, but
+from all the sachems and chiefs now round our council fire.
+
+“Brother, your application for the purchase of our lands is, to our
+minds, very extraordinary. It has been made in a crooked manner.
+You have not walked in the straight path, pointed out by the Great
+Council of your nation. You have no writing from our Great Father
+the president. We have looked back, and remembered how the Yorkers
+purchased our lands in former times. They bought them, piece after
+piece, for a little money, paid to a few men in our nation, and not to
+all our brethren,--until our planting and hunting grounds have become
+very small; and if we should sell these, we know not where to spread
+our blankets.
+
+“Brother, you tell us your employers have purchased of the council of
+Yorkers, a right to buy our lands. We do not understand how this can
+be. The lands do not belong to the Yorkers. They are ours, and were
+given to us by the Great Spirit.
+
+“Brother, you want us to travel with you, and look for other lands. If
+we should sell our lands, and move off into a distant country, towards
+the setting sun, we should be looked upon, in the country to which we
+go, as foreigners and strangers, and be despised by the red, as well as
+the white men. We should soon be surrounded by the white people, who
+would there also kill our game, come upon our lands, and try to get
+them from us.
+
+“Brother, we are determined not to sell our lands, but to continue on
+them. They are fruitful, and produce us corn in abundance, for the
+support of our women and children, and grass and herbs for our cattle.
+
+“Brother, the white people buy and sell false rights to our lands; and
+your employers, you say, have paid a great price for their right. They
+must have plenty of money to spend it buying and selling false rights
+to lands belonging to Indians. The loss of it will not hurt them, but
+our lands are of great value to us; and we wish you to go back to your
+employers, and tell them and the Yorkers, that they have no right to
+buy and sell false rights to our lands.”
+
+Although the inducements held out to Indians at this time were
+rejected, yet the scheme, on the part of the applicants, was by no
+means abandoned; and as a measure like this, so inimical to the cause
+in which Friends were engaged, could not fail of exciting considerable
+alarm, it was reasonable to suppose, their influence would interpose
+to prevent the adoption of a measure so pregnant of evil to the poor
+Indians. Accordingly, an appropriate address was presented to the
+Seneca nation, strongly recommending them to a diligent improvement of
+their land, and to keep strong in their resolution not to part with
+it--for if they should sell and remove to a distant country, it was
+not likely Friends would go with them, or assist them, as they had
+heretofore done.
+
+The minds of the Indians appeared to be quieted for the present, and
+they were peculiarly pleased with the communications of Friends on this
+occasion. One of their chiefs observed in council--“Your words reached
+our hearts, and as though they had been handed down from the Great
+Spirit above, they have satisfied our minds.”
+
+The spring of 1812, commenced with very encouraging prospects of
+improvement at both the settlements. The women were engaged in their
+spinning business, and the men in their agricultural pursuits, which
+relieved the women of much of their former hardships and burthens in
+procuring a livelihood. The measures adopted for their improvement had
+now been in operation at the Alleghany settlement for fourteen years,
+and the advantages resulting therefrom were more sensibly felt, and
+clearly distinguished by the Indians than at any former period. The
+progress of the Indians at Cattaraugus, considering the infant state
+of the establishment of Friends there, afforded the most sanguine
+prospect, that, by a steady perseverance, in the course of a few years
+more, a very important change would be effected in their situation
+and manner of life. But a reverse of circumstances, in the course of
+events, again took place, which it seems proper now to mention.
+
+It was in the Sixth month, this year, that war was proclaimed by
+the United States against Great Britain, and her dependencies. This
+circumstance created very considerable alarm amongst the Indians, and
+to use their own expressions, “seemed to turn the world upside down.”
+
+Their situation was peculiarly trying. War was a circumstance replete
+with many evils, which would inevitably involve them in serious
+difficulties. Their money, for which they had sold their land in 1797,
+was in the hands of the government. Their remaining lands were nearly
+all within the boundaries of the state of New York, and lying near to
+the British lines, which it was probable would become the seat of war,
+and therefore they would be liable to be much harassed by either party,
+even should they remain neutral. In the next place, there were several
+tribes of their confederates of the Six Nations, whom they had always
+considered as brethren, who resided within the British dominions, and
+called upon to fight their battles; and it was probable they would be
+called upon by the United States to assist in the contest, and thus
+they would be reduced to the sad dilemma, of either being considered,
+in case of a refusal, as enemies to the United States, or otherwise be
+under the necessity of raising the hatchet against their own flesh and
+blood, who had not given the slightest cause of offence or provocation.
+
+Nor were these all the evils that seemed to threaten their repose. They
+were generally represented, in war, as a ferocious, unrelenting people;
+and hence it was natural to conclude, that jealousies would exist among
+their surrounding white neighbours, and prejudices be excited, which it
+would be difficult to remove.
+
+Their fears were not groundless in this respect; for soon after war was
+proclaimed, many of the surrounding inhabitants became very uneasy, and
+divers left their settlements, and removed to places more remote from
+the natives. This circumstance caused some alarm among the Indians.
+They apprehended that their sincerity and friendly dispositions were
+suspected; in consequence whereof, a council was held between them
+and their white neighbours, to endeavour to eradicate the fears and
+jealousies which existed between them. The result of this was, that the
+Indians promised to take no part in the war, and the whites agreed not
+to molest them in their peaceable possessions.
+
+This conclusion, however, did not stand long, on the part of the
+Indians. They were called upon by the United States to engage in
+the contest, and to take up arms against their brethren in Canada,
+who were, no doubt, excited to this unnatural war, by the British
+government. Some of the young warriors, who had never before seen
+the dreadful effects of such a conflict, were anxious to try their
+valour, and gain themselves a name; while many of their elderly people,
+who retained some knowledge of former wars, were more disposed to
+remain quiet at home. But as it is not the design of this work to
+give a history of the war, in all its bearings on the Indians, it is
+sufficient to say, that during the period the war lasted, they were at
+times engaged therein by parties; and in proportion to the part they
+acted on this occasion, their advancement in civilization was impeded.
+
+In the autumn of this year, two of the committee visited the
+settlements at Tunesassa and Cattaraugus, by whom a suitable address
+was sent to the Indians. But they found them in a very unsettled
+situation, on account of the war; and said “they could not, at present,
+attend to their improvements--for, look which way they would, they saw
+nothing but war.”
+
+As the situation of the Friends stationed among the Indians was also
+trying at this period, they were left at liberty either to leave them,
+and return home, or to remain, as they felt best satisfied to do.
+
+In the year 1813, although frequent alarms continued to pervade the
+Indians’ borders, our Friends did not apprehend it sufficient cause to
+abandon their residence, or to relax their endeavours to establish the
+Indians in a more permanent advantage from the soil. The Indians, too,
+appeared to have a special confidence in Friends, and often consulted
+them on account of their own safety, stating “that if Friends removed
+from them, they would become uneasy, and flee also.”
+
+Although some of the Indians attended to their business, yet the
+continual alarms, and frequent calls on them to assist in the invasion
+of Canada, very much diverted their attention from their domestic
+concerns; and their war excursions had a demoralizing effect, by
+exposing them again to the use of intoxicating liquors, which gained an
+ascendency over some.
+
+Towards the close of this season, at the time Buffalo was attacked and
+burned by the British, the Indians became exceedingly agitated. Those
+of Cattaraugus, lying more contiguous to the scene of action, moved a
+great part of their property to the south side of the river, in order
+to flee in case of an attack. The consternation that prevailed among
+the inhabitants generally, in that country, had a tendency to increase
+their fears; and probably a consciousness of their having taken up arms
+against their brethren in Canada, naturally created apprehensions,
+that, if their enemies proved victorious they would have to suffer a
+retaliation.
+
+The alarm, however, subsided, as there was no attack made on them, and
+they were permitted to remain quiet the succeeding winter, and attend
+somewhat to their necessary concerns.
+
+In the fall of 1814, the settlements were visited again by four of the
+committee. They arrived at Cattaraugus the thirteenth of the Ninth
+month, and had a council on the fifteenth with the Indians. Many of
+them were then absent, being engaged in the war, and more were about
+going. But when they heard of Friends’ arrival, they concluded to stay
+at home.
+
+They stated the many difficulties which they laboured under, on account
+of the war, and the great obstruction it was to their improvement. They
+said the officers often called on them to go to war, and if they staid
+at home, they were not satisfied--and they did not know whether they
+were safe or not.
+
+“Brothers, said they, the war has continued for three summers past. We
+have still had time to provide a little for our families; but this year
+we scarcely get home, before another express comes for us. We have been
+in hopes these troubles would subside; but from the present commotions,
+and noise of the great guns on the lines, we have entertained doubts
+how or when it will end.”
+
+At the conclusion of the council, they remarked the great satisfaction
+they felt, that the Friends who lived beside them had remained so
+steady with them through their difficulties, that although the great
+guns had roared so loud as to shake the ground whereon they stood, yet
+they remained quiet; which convinced them that they must be under the
+protection of the Great Spirit.
+
+Notwithstanding the various interruptions the Indians had met with
+on account of the war, they had made very considerable advances in
+agricultural improvements, at this settlement. The author, being one of
+the deputation who now visited them, had an opportunity of observing
+the great contrast in their situation, since Friends came to settle
+among them. They had enclosed with good fences, and cultivated several
+hundred acres of good land, within three or four years past; a great
+proportion of which was planted with corn and potatoes, or sowed with
+oats, &c. and generally looked well. Many families had raised wheat,
+and were preparing to sow more in the fall. Several had raised flax,
+and about twenty-five of their women had learned to spin. Their women,
+also, appeared more neat and cleanly, in their dress and houses. But
+three or four families remained in their old village, having found
+it much to their advantage to settle more detached from each other.
+They were now scattered along, on the rich bottoms, for several miles.
+Considerable improvement had also taken place in the mode of building.
+Many had good houses, and some had barns, and scarcely any of the old
+cabins were seen standing. The Indians had procured a number of wagons
+and carts, with other farming utensils, as well as several yoke of
+oxen. Their stock of cattle, in general, was much increased; and the
+Indians said, in council, there were but one or two families but had
+cows or horses.
+
+The committee also visited the settlement at Alleghany, and held a
+general council with the Indians at Cold Spring, where they were
+encouraged to perseverance in the path they had for many years been
+pointing out to the Indians, and in which good way they had made
+considerable progress. But it was observed, that they were deficient in
+several respects, and had not made so much improvement as was desirable
+for the opportunity they had had. In their replies, they acknowledged
+the very great benefit they had received in time past, from the advice
+and instruction of Friends, but said they had made less improvement
+since the war commenced; that they were frequently called upon by the
+officers to go to war, and this kept them uneasy, so that they could
+not attend to their business. Some of their people had, also, during
+the war, got into habits of intemperance--and this tended to retard
+their advancement in the modes of civilized life.
+
+The old chief, Cornplanter, not having attended this council, several
+of the company paid him a visit at his own house, about eleven miles
+distant from Tunesassa. About five or six families remained with the
+old chief, at his settlement, mostly his connexions. The old town of
+Jenuchshadaga, where all the first councils between Friends and the
+Indians were held, was entirely deserted, and so overgrown with young
+timber, as almost to conceal the place where it stood. This strange
+mutation of things at this place, was principally owing to the land
+being Cornplanter’s private property, and to the disposition of the
+other Indians to move higher up the river, and settle on land belonging
+to the nation, where they would have a greater security for the
+improvements they should make.
+
+Cornplanter expressed his great satisfaction at once more seeing his
+friends in his own house, and that he was still preserved alive to
+talk with them. He acknowledged the advice of Friends had always been
+good, and that in consequence of many of the Indians adhering to it,
+their situation had been much improved, but that in consequence of the
+miseries of war, some of his people had again become intemperate.
+
+The too common practice of men and their wives parting, having been
+animadverted upon at the late council, the old chief observed, that he
+also reprobated it, as being attended with many evil effects; and that
+he had often seen children, who had been thus neglected, when young,
+in consequence of their parents’ separation, reflect on their parents,
+when they got old, and charge them with neglect of duty; it being
+generally the practice where separations take place, for the mother to
+take charge of the children, and provide for them as well as she can.
+
+“The liquor, said he, has been introduced among us by white people; but
+this evil practice has grown up among ourselves. Our young people are
+too fond of diversions, and not serious enough, in forming connexions.
+I have often advised them to more sobriety and regular conduct, and
+spent much of my time in serving the nation.”
+
+The Indians, generally, on the Alleghany river, continued to increase
+their stock of cattle, horses, and swine, quite equal to their means
+of supporting them through the winter; although in other respects,
+since the commencement of the war, they had made but little progress
+in agriculture. Many of the women, however, had given considerable
+attention to spinning--especially in the winter season. They appeared
+more cleanly in their persons and houses than they formerly did; and
+their manners, and general deportment, appeared to be rising from that
+degraded state in which they had formerly lived, and becoming more
+assimilated to the modes and practices of white people.
+
+The spring of 1815, was ushered in with the welcome and consoling news
+of peace, to the poor Indians; an accommodation having taken place
+between the United States and Great Britain in the preceding winter.
+Not only could the Seneca nation participate in the blessings of
+peace, by having their prospects to pursue their agricultural labours
+again brightened, but many of the surrounding tribes, who had been
+more extensively engaged in the late contest, could now lay down the
+hatchet, which had often been stained with the blood of their enemies.
+
+But although peace had now taken place, and hostilities ceased
+between the contending parties, it was doubtful whether the Seneca
+nation would be conciliated, and immediately restored to that mutual
+friendship, which previous to the war had subsisted between them and
+their confederate tribes in Canada, who had, under the banner of Great
+Britain, taken up arms against the United States. It was, therefore,
+believed expedient by the committee at this critical juncture to send
+them a suitable address on the occasion, from which the following is
+extracted.
+
+“Brothers, since it has pleased the Great Spirit to restore to our
+country the blessing of peace, we have felt our minds concerned to
+address you, in order to encourage you to pursue the path we have long
+been pointing out to you; and likewise to call your attention to the
+great advantages resulting from living in peace with all men.
+
+“Brothers, we are sensible that there are two spirits at work in
+the minds of men. The one produces in us a disposition of love and
+good will towards all men, and is a comforter for all good actions.
+The other excites evil thoughts and desires, and influences to bad
+actions, such as lying, swearing, drunkenness, pride, envy, hatred,
+gaming, and many other evils, which, if given way to, often create war
+between nations. So we believe it is in our power to resist the evil
+spirit, and conquer all the evil propensities of our nature, by obeying
+the Good Spirit, and by daily watching, and prayer to him. If we so
+conduct, he will deliver us from evil.
+
+“Brothers, our fathers, and we their children, who profess the same
+principles by which they were guided, have always believed that wars
+and fightings are displeasing to the Great Spirit, who is all love,
+and who made of one blood all nations of men, that they should live in
+peace and love with each other. For this cause, he hath placed his law
+in our hearts, and in the hearts of all men, teaching, not only to love
+one another, but also to forgive injuries, and even to love and do good
+to our enemies.
+
+“Brothers, where people live in this disposition, and trust in the
+Great Spirit for protection, it has a powerful effect in producing the
+same disposition in the minds of those who wish to do them an injury;
+and instead of hatred, it will produce in their minds love and good
+will. For you must be sensible, brothers, that when a man is angry with
+another, and uses many threatening expressions, if the other returns
+mild answers, and endeavours to pacify him by acts of kindness and good
+will, it is more likely to restore the angry man to a sober and right
+state of mind, than if he were to quarrel and fight with him--and this
+would be overcoming evil with good, which is always pleasing to the
+Great Spirit.
+
+“Brothers, we are sensible that the late war must have brought you into
+great difficulty and distress--and we are thankful for the return of
+peace. We hope the Great Spirit will preserve you from again feeling
+the miseries of war. We also wish you to be reanimated, to pursue your
+farming, and the improvement of your land, under the instruction of
+our friends who reside among you, as this is the only sure method we
+can recommend to you to obtain a comfortable living for yourselves
+and families; and the most likely means, as you are industrious and
+become sensible of the value of your property, of securing you in the
+permanent possession of your land.
+
+“Brothers, our desires continue as strong at the present day, as ever
+they were, to promote your happiness in this life, and in that which is
+to come. But this happy state we know can only be attained, by having
+our minds drawn to the Great Spirit, by imploring his protection,
+and by beseeching him that he would preserve us in love towards all
+mankind. If we are sincere in our desires for his assistance, and
+attentive to the voice of his spirit in our hearts, we shall have
+reason to hope for his blessing upon our labours, which is our desire
+for ourselves, for our Indian brethren, and for all men.”
+
+The Indians were also strongly reminded in this address, of the
+dangerous tendency of introducing strong liquor again into their
+villages, as the late war had exposed them to the use of it more than
+they had been for many years previous--and if they now become so unwise
+as to fall again in love with it, it would prove their ruin.
+
+This communication had a stimulating effect upon the Indians at both
+the settlements. Those of Alleghany sent a written address to the
+committee, signed by six of their chiefs, in which they expressed in
+a high degree, their sense of gratitude for the continued care of
+the society of Friends over them, and the great advantages they had
+received from their instruction. They also renewed their request that
+they might be furnished with a schoolmaster, as but little attention
+had been given to their improvement in school learning for some time
+past, owing to the general disinclination of the Indians to have their
+children thus instructed.
+
+At the request of the Indians, also, in the summer of 1816, four lads,
+two from Buffalo, and two from Alleghany, were brought into Chester
+county, within forty miles of Philadelphia, and placed with suitable
+persons under the care of the committee, to be instructed in school
+learning, and some of the mechanic arts.
+
+In the Eighth month this year, a Friend who had formerly devoted many
+years to the instruction of the natives, proceeded again with his wife
+to the Alleghany settlement, accompanied by a young man in the capacity
+of a schoolmaster; and the family who had resided there for some
+years past returned from thence. The school was again opened at Cold
+Spring town, in the Tenth month, where about twenty different scholars
+attended, in an irregular manner, owing, in part, to the scarcity of
+provisions. This scarcity of food was occasioned by unusually early
+frost, which destroyed more than half their corn, and likewise many
+other vegetables. This calamity was felt through all that part of the
+country bordering on the lakes.
+
+Although the Indians had had the fairest prospect of a plentiful
+supply, yet, from the foregoing circumstance, many of them were
+compelled to resort to their former source of dependence, and with
+their families, retire to the woods and hunting encampments, where they
+remained a great part of the winter.
+
+The Indians at Cattaraugus were conspicuous sufferers by this calamity;
+many of them having their crops of corn entirely cut off, while they
+had as yet scarcely recruited from their sufferings during the late
+war. Friends duly considered their distressed situation, and granted
+five hundred dollars to be applied in supplying them with provisions,
+and three hundred more to be administered to the necessities of
+those on the Alleghany reservation. These donations were gratefully
+received by the Indians, and were peculiarly useful in enabling them,
+the following spring, more generally to attend to their agricultural
+pursuits, without being compelled from necessity to retire to their
+hunting grounds. It was said five hundred and twelve individuals at
+Alleghany, and three hundred and ninety at Cattaraugus, partook of this
+timely donation of Friends.
+
+In the spring of 1817, the fears of the committee were strongly excited
+for the safety of the Indians, from the various concurring accounts,
+that plans were again devising to induce a removal of many of them in
+the state of New York, from their present seat, to one very remote
+among the western tribes. A measure of this kind would not only tend
+to unsettle the Indians in their agricultural pursuits, but if carried
+into effect, would entirely frustrate the plan of their civilization,
+and render of little avail the labours of Friends for twenty years
+past, and the expenditure of more than forty thousand dollars in
+promoting their advancement toward a civilized state.
+
+The committee, therefore, being fully impressed with the great loss
+the Indians would inevitably sustain by a removal to a distant clime,
+communicated their views by a written address; and with a view of
+setting them in a more permanent possession of the soil, recommended a
+division of their land into lots, suitable to accommodate each family,
+to be held under such regulations, that it might descend from parent
+to children, and other near connexions; and under such restrictions as
+would debar individuals from selling, leasing, or transferring it, in
+any way, to white people.
+
+This measure being of an important character in the disposition of
+Indian affairs, it was believed expedient, by the committee, to present
+a memorial to the President of the United States, in their behalf,
+by which he was fully made acquainted with the plan proposed to the
+Indians for a division of their land; and being visited, also, by a
+deputation from the committee, and furnished with various documents, it
+opened the way for a free communication of sentiment on the subject,
+and the president gave assurance of attentively perusing and duly
+considering the documents and memorial.
+
+In the Ninth month this year, the settlements of Tunesassa and
+Cattaraugus were again visited by four of the committee, who spent
+several weeks among the Indians, in attending to the various services
+of their appointment. They inspected, particularly, the state of
+improvement at both the settlements, and also had divers interviews
+with the Indians in council, at both places.
+
+With respect to the improvements at Cattaraugus, the author being one
+of the deputation now visiting them, had a fair opportunity of judging
+of the advances they had made in three years past. Their settlements
+at this place were now extended about ten miles in length--and they
+had fenced in many fields and laid out their farms much more detached
+from each other--and were gradually advancing in agriculture. It
+was supposed they had more than two hundred acres of corn growing,
+(and it generally looked well,) besides one hundred acres more under
+cultivation; spring wheat, oats, potatoes, and a great variety of
+garden vegetables. Their stock of cattle and horses was much increased,
+and divers of them had enclosed lots of grass on which they gathered
+hay for winter. Many of the women had made considerable progress in
+spinning, so as, in the course of the last year, to make about one
+hundred and seventy yards of cloth.
+
+The Alleghany settlement was said to consist of about seventy families,
+all of whom, except four, had horned cattle, amounting in the whole to
+upwards of four hundred.
+
+They had more horses than was any advantage to them. Their corn, oats,
+and buckwheat, were in a prosperous condition, and promised to afford
+them a plentiful supply. And it was pleasing to find, that they had
+generally refrained from the use of spirituous liquors. The women,
+also, continued their attention to spinning and manufacturing their
+clothing.
+
+The school taught by the Friend at this place was also in a more
+prosperous condition than had hitherto been evidenced among those
+Indians. Nearly twenty lads attended, divers of whom could write and
+read the English language, and had otherwise made satisfactory progress
+in learning. The cleanliness of their persons, their order in the
+school, and general deportment, appeared to be encouraging.
+
+A prominent object in this visit was, to encourage the Indians to
+make the experiment of dividing their land into lots, and holding it
+as private property, under certain restrictions. This was suggested
+to them, in separate councils with the different tribes, as the most
+eligible plan by which they could continue to possess the good land
+which they and their fathers had so long enjoyed, and which of late
+years they had improved so much, that “this land, with its valuable
+improvements, might pass to their children, and be inherited by them as
+long as the Alleghany and Cattaraugus rivers should continue to run,
+and the grass and corn to grow.”
+
+The Indians in their several settlements, took this matter under
+serious consideration; and, in consequence of an arrangement made for
+the purpose, Friends met the principal chiefs, and many others of
+the Seneca nation, in a general council at Cattaraugus, among whom
+was the noted chief, Red Jacket, and several others from Buffalo. In
+this general council, the subject of dividing their land into lots,
+was again proposed to the Indians, as the most eligible means of
+accelerating their civilization, and securing them more permanently
+in the possession of the remnant of the land they yet occupied; and
+that these lots should be of adequate dimensions to accommodate each
+family with a farm, and be held under such restrictions, that they
+could not be alienated, or leased to any other than their own people,
+but in such manner as to secure to the individuals respectively, the
+land, with the improvements thereon, which should be appropriated to
+each. It was believed the adoption of this measure would prove an
+additional stimulus to their industry and care, in the prospect it
+presented, of the benefits which might result from their agricultural
+labours descending to, and being enjoyed by, their children, and
+posterity more remote. This important subject occupied the deliberate
+attention of the Indians for several days. The result was, a resolution
+that an experiment should be made on the Alleghany reservation by the
+Indians residing thereon, many of whom had for a considerable time been
+desirous of possessing their property more distinct from each other
+than had heretofore been the case.
+
+On the morning Friends were about to proceed on their way homewards,
+a number of the chiefs called to see them, and expressed their
+great satisfaction with the conclusions that had resulted at the
+late council. One of them named Blue-eyes, said, “Brothers, we want
+you to continue your endeavours to strengthen us, that we may not
+become a lost people, but that by persevering in the right path, we
+may experience preservation. We believe it is owing to the favourable
+disposition of the United States, that the Six Nations yet exist. And
+we are of the opinion, from the representations that have been made,
+that we owe much to you--and we trust to an overruling providence, who
+has thus favoured us, that we may yet experience preservation.”
+
+Notwithstanding the repeated refusals of the Indians to dispose of any
+more of their land, renewed applications were made by those holding the
+pre-emption right in the beginning of the year 1818; and at a general
+council, held at Buffalo, about this time, they again determined not to
+sell; and with a view of making the President of the United States more
+particularly acquainted with their situation, and with the difficulties
+to which they were subjected, by these repeated applications for land,
+they sent forward a talk for that purpose, signed by twenty-one chiefs
+of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago tribes, which was published in the
+Niagara Patriot, and from which, for its simple, natural, impassioned,
+and pathetic eloquence, we shall present to the reader a few extracts.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Father, from the fatherly care the presidents of the United States
+have exercised towards their red children, we speak to our father in
+confidence, believing he will not turn away his ears from his red
+children. We are alarmed lest we lose our seats. Those men who say
+they have a right to purchase our lands, have been distressing us for
+a number of years with their plans to possess our lands--offering us
+in exchange lands to the westward. We declare to you, we desire you to
+publish to all our white brothers, that it is our fixed and determined
+purpose to live and die on our present land. It is sealed to us by
+the bones of our fathers--they obtained it by their blood. Our bones
+shall lie beside theirs--it is the heritage of the Almighty--he gave it
+us--he it is must take it from us.”
+
+“We mean no threat by this--we know we are in the hands of our white
+brethren--they can destroy us with ease--but they need not think to
+persuade us to part with our lands--as free men we claim the right to
+choose between being killed outright, or a lingering execution, by
+being driven a thousand miles into the wilderness.
+
+“Where, father, where would our white brothers have us to go? The
+Indian claim to land is put out for more than a thousand miles to the
+west--except little spots for particular nations.
+
+“We have confidence in you. You cannot see your red children, with
+their little ones, driven off by stealth and fraud--leaving the
+sepulchres of their fathers, their farms, their farming tools, and
+their cattle, and dying by families on the road, through hardships
+and privation--exchanging all their advances in civilization and its
+comforts, for the hardships of the chase--without house or friend.
+
+“Father, we have confidence in you, that if you see any device formed
+against us, you will frustrate it, and succour your red children. We
+have deceived no man--we have wronged no man--our language has been
+one--we choose not to part with our land. If we have been needlessly
+alarmed, you will pity our ignorance, and forgive our childish fears.
+
+“We trust that you will pardon the multitude of our words. Let none
+deceive you in saying that this is the voice of a few individuals, and
+not the voice of the Six Nations. It is the voice of the Six Nations in
+the state of New York. The chiefs of Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Genessee,
+and Onondago, are now in council. We have the message of Oneida
+and Alleghany with us, desiring we should speak to our father the
+president--intreating him to consider and help us. Speak, father--speak
+to your children, that their minds may be at rest. Speak to our council
+fire at this place, and let us hear your own words; send them by safe
+hands.
+
+“May the Great Spirit preserve you many years a blessing to all your
+children.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Indians also sent a copy of the foregoing talk to the governor of
+New York, accompanied with a short address, from which we make the
+following extracts:
+
+“Father, we thank you that you feel anxious to do all you can to the
+perishing ruins of your red children. We hope, Father, you will make a
+fence strong and high around us, that wicked white men may not devour
+us at once, but let us live as long as we can. We are persuaded you
+will do this for us, because our field is laid waste and trodden down
+by every beast--we are feeble and cannot resist them.”
+
+“Father, we are persuaded you will do this for the sake of our white
+brothers, lest God, who has appeared so strong in building up white
+men and pulling down Indians, should turn his hand and visit our white
+brothers for their sins, and call them to an account for all the wrongs
+they have done them, and all the wrongs they have not prevented, that
+it was in their power to prevent, to their poor red brothers, who have
+no helper.
+
+“Father, would you be the father of your people and make them good and
+blessed of God, let not the cries of his red children ascend into his
+ears against you.”
+
+Without further comment on these impressive communications of the
+Indians, we shall leave the reader to his own reflections, after
+stating, that whatever impressions they might have made on the rulers
+to whom they were addressed, it did not prevent the renewed and
+persevering applications of the pre-emption holders, to obtain the
+Indians’ land, which, although they as often refused to sell, had the
+effect to keep them in a state of agitation and unsettlement; for
+although they had been repeatedly told that their lands were their
+own, and that they could not be compelled to dispose of them without
+their consent, and that President Washington had fully assured them
+that the United States would protect them in the remainder of their
+lands, which they had not legally conveyed away at public treaties,
+yet there appeared to be a degree of jealousy existing with some, as
+to the sincerity of these professions, and a fear lest they might, at
+some time, be compelled to relinquish their rightful possessions and be
+removed to another clime.
+
+The Indians at Alleghany, therefore, sent a message to the committee,
+in which they expressed a wish that Friends would endeavour to obtain
+for them a written instrument from the President of the United States,
+to strengthen, as they said, their title to their land, so that they
+might be easy themselves, and their children after them. And as it had
+been concluded in the last fall, to divide the Alleghany reservation
+into lots, they also wished to know whether this plan was agreeable to
+the President.
+
+In consequence of this request of the Alleghany chiefs, as also with
+a view of making the executive department of government more fully
+acquainted with their situation, various documents were prepared and
+committed to the charge of four of the committee, to present to the
+secretary of war, and such other officers of government as seemed to
+be requisite. These documents were calculated to explain the views of
+Friends in the interesting and benevolent design of ameliorating the
+condition, and promoting the civilization of the Indians, and also to
+impress the public mind with the peculiarly distressed situation of the
+aborigines of our country generally.
+
+A surveyor being furnished by Friends, some essay was made, in the
+course of this year, towards dividing the Alleghany reservation into
+lots, as had previously been concluded on in general council. But
+difficulties occurred among the Indians respecting it, which they were
+not at that time able to reconcile; as the division lines would in many
+instances interfere with their present improvements; and their local
+attachments having, in a considerable degree, been increased since they
+become more detached in their settlements and applied themselves to the
+pursuits of an agricultural life, the plan of division was abandoned
+for the present.
+
+It may here be proper to state, that in their former practice of
+locating the land they wished to cultivate, they never interfered with
+each other’s boundaries. There was land sufficient for them all. Each
+family possessed the spot upon which they settled, without interruption
+from others; and if they wished to relinquish it, and remove to
+another, they might sell their improvements to other Indians. It is,
+therefore, not surprising, that in effecting so radical a change from
+their former customs, as the one contemplated, difficulties should
+occur--and it will require time for local prejudices, gradually to give
+way to the more enlightened views of civilization, and for more correct
+ideas of distinct property to be realized.
+
+Notwithstanding the state of unsettlement, considerable improvement in
+divers respects, was apparent this year, especially at the Cattaraugus
+settlement. A school for the first time was opened at that place, by a
+young man who offered for that service, and was attended by a number of
+children, with as much regularity as could reasonably be expected.
+
+In the year 1819, and for some time previous, the Indians on the
+Alleghany river had got much in the practice of cutting and rafting
+pine timber down the river, and selling to white people, which was
+rather an injury to them than otherwise, as it opened an intercourse
+with some of the most profligate of the whites, and exposed them more
+to the use of intoxicating liquors than when at home, engaged in their
+agricultural labours. It also had a tendency to frustrate the plan of
+dividing their land into lots, as they now had liberty to range at
+large in the woods and get timber where they pleased, while the land
+remained as common stock to the nation.
+
+In the spring of this year, an Indian, who was a lad when Friends
+first settled amongst them, and who had since been instructed in the
+blacksmith business, dictated a letter to the author, in reply to one
+sent to him sometime before, from which, to show his own views of the
+improvement he had made, we make the following extracts.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“I received thy letter of the eighteenth of last month, much to my
+satisfaction. I was glad to hear that my old friend W---- was well, and
+thou may inform him that I have usual health also. I well remember the
+counsel of my friends, the Quakers. I see they want to do me good--I
+feel strong about it. They told me to work at my trade, and to plough,
+and sow, and raise grain and grass. All this is very good advice. I
+now have plenty of corn, and some other grain, and hay. I have worked
+at my trade so as to earn ninety dollars, and received my pay from our
+agent. Besides this, about thirty dollars for other smithing, done last
+year. I feel glad the Quakers live so near me. I do their smithing.
+They have ploughed several days for me. I have good corn in the land
+they ploughed, and some good wheat, potatoes, and other things, so that
+I have plenty. All this comes from my friends the Quakers’ advice.
+
+“Thee mentions about running out our land into lots, and that an evil
+bird has sung us a bad song. We are in hopes that the good bird will
+begin to sing, and in hopes that by next spring, his song will be for
+our good. I want he should sing a good song for us. I myself cannot say
+much, but I want the land divided into lots. Some say they do not want
+it, and are putting it by. I am glad thee has wrote thy mind on paper
+to me on this subject, and sent it here--I think I can see more light
+by it. I wish thee to make thy mind easy. I will do what I can, and
+speak what I know is for our good. I am in hopes to see my friend H----
+here, whom I remember when I was a boy. I intend to keep thy letter by
+me, that I may see what it says in time to come, that I may not forget
+thy advice. Farewell.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Notwithstanding the repeated assurances, from time to time, given to
+the Indians, that Friends were acting towards them from disinterested
+motives, and would never bring any charge against them, yet there
+were still individuals among them, probably instigated by the enemies
+of Friends among white people, who continued to excite jealousies
+and surmises, that Friends would at some future day, bring a charge
+against them. In order, therefore, to make their minds entirely easy
+on this _subject_, a writing was drawn up on parchment, containing the
+same assurances heretofore given, that Friends _never would bring any
+charge against them for their services_. This, as also a communication
+obtained from the President of the United States, respecting the
+division of their land, and sanctioning the plan of Friends, was
+forwarded to them, and seemed for the present to have a conciliating
+effect.
+
+During this summer, an increasing improvement was manifested by
+several of the Indians, clearing themselves new farms, distinct from
+their former fields, and preparing to put in their crops, which they
+accomplished in due season.
+
+In the summer of 1820, circumstances again requiring a visit from the
+committee to the Indian settlements, two other Friends and the writer,
+were deputed for that service. They proceeded to Tunesassa in the Ninth
+month; and after inspecting into the situation of the Indians, and
+their state of improvement, they found, that, although many had made
+considerable advances in agriculture and the modes of civilized life,
+yet there were individuals who probably being instigated by designing
+white men, or from a perverse disposition in themselves, had become
+inimical to their abandoning their former habits, and pursuing the
+mode of life in which Friends had for many years been endeavouring to
+instruct them. This created jealousy and party spirit in some degree
+among them at this period.
+
+To meet these circumstances, and to endeavour to reconcile the minds of
+the Indians, a council was called, which their chiefs generally, and
+many others of their people, attended, to the number of about seventy.
+
+The following is extracted from the address of Friends, delivered to
+them on this occasion.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, by the permission of the Great and Good Spirit who made the
+world, and is acquainted with all the actions of men, we are permitted
+to meet in council, and we desire that he may help us to come to right
+conclusions.
+
+“Brothers, it is now a long time since the Seneca nation became
+sensible that if they continued to exist as a people, they must change
+their mode of living from the hunter state, and engage in agricultural
+pursuits. They were very desirous that their brothers, the Quakers,
+would assist them. They believed it pleasing to the Great Spirit, that
+men should assist and help each other, and that Friends came amongst
+them for that purpose.
+
+“Brothers, when our Friends first came among you, you had no good
+houses--very few cattle--very little land cultivated--your numbers
+were decreasing, and it appears certain to us, and to yourselves, that
+unless a change were made, you would fast dwindle away, and the Seneca
+nation become as it were dead.
+
+“Brothers, some of our friends have been engaged in instructing
+you for more than twenty years. You have been taught to build more
+comfortable houses--you have enclosed and cultivated fields--you have
+much increased your stock of cattle, and other useful animals. Some of
+your men have been instructed in useful trades. Many of your women have
+learned to spin, and some of your children have been taught to read and
+write.
+
+“Brothers, we love you, and therefore we feel bound to speak plainly to
+you. We hope our words may sink deep into your minds. It is the voice
+of your old and true friends, who have never deceived you. You must
+endeavour to improve in the habits of civilized life, until you arrive
+at the state of some of the best of the white people, or you will
+gradually go back until you lose what you have gained--your friends
+with mournful hearts will give you up--your lands will go from you--and
+the very name of the Seneca nation, like many that have gone before
+you, will only be known in history.
+
+“Brothers, a man in the habit of taking strong drink to excess sets
+a bad example to his neighbours, and his family, and brings his poor
+wife and innocent children to poverty and distress. This conduct is
+offensive to the Great Spirit; and unless he changes, he becomes one
+of the most wretched of men. We wish you, therefore, to endeavour to
+reclaim such of your people as have fallen into this evil practice, and
+to warn those who may be in danger of contracting the habit.
+
+“Brothers, we desire to stimulate you to increased industry. The
+industrious man is always the most comfortable. Labour is good for
+health; it makes the mind cheerful; and by steadily attending to
+business, we have the satisfaction to see every thing improving around
+us. What appeared hard, by perseverance becomes easy.
+
+“Brothers, the greatest kindness a man can do to his children, is to
+begin early, to learn them to be industrious, and to engage them in
+business suitable to their years. The boys ought to help their fathers
+in the fields--the mothers and daughters to be engaged in spinning--in
+making clothes, in cooking victuals, and in all the business that is
+suitable to their sex--their houses, their beds, their clothes, and
+every thing about them, should be kept clean and in good order.
+
+“Brothers, it is consistent with the will of the Great Spirit, that men
+and women should be connected in marriage. It is an engagement of great
+importance, and we should not enter into it, until we are of sufficient
+age to think and judge for ourselves; and when marriage is contracted,
+the parties are bound to help and love each other--to care for, and
+instruct their children--and while families live in love and harmony
+together, it is very comfortable and very good;--but when division
+gets in, and differing, it is the work of the evil spirit--and if man
+and wife separate and marry others, it produces confusion, and must be
+displeasing in the Divine sight, and no people can prosper and grow
+strong who are in such practices.
+
+“Brothers, it is the duty of parents to have their children educated.
+The Great Spirit has given us minds capable of improvement, and by
+education children become more capable of learning the various trades,
+which will add to their comfort and happiness; and we believe it is
+right that the girls should be taught as well as the boys.
+
+“Brothers, we have been desirous that the lands belonging to you might
+remain firm in your hands, that your children and children’s children
+might possess them. For this end, we advised you to divide to every
+family a farm, so that they might say, “this is mine,” and improve it
+for their own benefit. And although changes are at first subject to
+some difficulties, yet we believe those difficulties may be overcome.
+
+“Brothers, on this subject you wished to have the mind of your
+father, the President of the United States, to strengthen you in the
+conclusion you had come to in general council, to divide the Alleghany
+reservation. You requested your friends in Philadelphia to go to the
+President, and obtain his opinion. One of us, who are now present, with
+some others, took a journey to Washington, for the purpose of complying
+with your request, and we found the President fully impressed with the
+necessity of such a measure, and he gave us a paper, in strong words,
+sealed with the great seal of the United States, and directed to the
+Alleghany chiefs, advising and urging that you might carry the business
+into effect, which paper was sent to you.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you will keep your minds strong on this subject,
+for we shall hardly know how to go again to the President, and make
+requests on your behalf, if, when they are granted, they are not
+proceeded in.
+
+“Brothers, our talk has been long. Circumstances seemed to require it;
+we hope you will consider it well. We love and desire the prosperity of
+you all; and although you may differ in opinion in some matters, yet we
+desire that the Good Spirit may unite your minds in love, and that you
+may all join in endeavours to promote education and improvement.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Indians took these matters into serious consideration, and promised
+to make a reply the day following--and when they assembled for that
+purpose, it was evident they were divided into two parties, and divers
+of them had become opposed to their children’s being instructed in
+school learning, giving this as a reason, “that they were more liable
+to be corrupted by bad white people.”
+
+Much the greater part, however, continued to manifest an attachment to
+Friends, and, in their replies, gave hearty assurances of attending
+to their advice. They appeared to be fully sensible that remaining on
+their land, and pursuing the plan that Friends had pointed out to them,
+were the only means by which they could continue to be a nation. The
+chief sachem, named _Blue-Eyes_, in the course of his speech, remarked,
+“If we go from here we are a lost people. Look to the east, west,
+north, or south; all is filled up, and there is no place for us.”
+
+On the subject of dividing their land, they appeared to be discouraged,
+owing to their divided state, and the opposition met with from
+some individuals, who no doubt were influenced by interested and
+_designing men_; as this great object would be the most likely means
+of settling the Indians in a permanent possession of the soil, and
+thereby frustrate _the avaricious designs_ of speculators. The secret
+insinuations of this class of the white people added much to the
+difficulties of Friends in pursuing their plans of civilization; nor
+was it to be wondered at, that individuals, among a people who had
+long been a prey to designing white men, should become alienated from
+Friends, and cease to follow their counsel.
+
+At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the
+dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages that
+might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially
+by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that, “we
+still considered them as brethren--that we were not divided in our good
+wishes for them--that we had always desired, and continued to desire,
+the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell, on the
+present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline their
+minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would yet
+join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing
+in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real
+benefit of man.”
+
+From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement,
+and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians at that
+place. They found that considerable progress had been made within three
+years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on the rich
+fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips, and
+other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful
+supply of provisions.
+
+A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech
+from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the
+following address was delivered to them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are now,
+by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you in
+council.
+
+“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you
+are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and
+industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be
+readily obtained.
+
+“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you
+have already made--your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain,
+and your cattle--and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong
+desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.
+
+“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the
+industrious man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision
+for his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their
+support, but to train our children to assist in all the business they
+are capable of--to begin with them young, and thus, while they are
+useful to their parents, it adds greatly to their own real comfort.
+
+“Brothers, by the united exertions of a family, much may be done.
+The house may be made more comfortable. Out houses may be erected to
+shelter the cattle. Barns may be built to store the grain and hay,
+to prevent injury from the weather. While the boys are engaged in
+assisting their fathers in these things, the girls ought to help their
+mothers in keeping the house clean, in spinning, in making clothes, in
+cooking victuals, and every business that is suitable for their sex.
+
+“Brothers, by thus uniting in promoting improvements, you would soon
+make your farms to equal some of the best of your white neighbours; and
+if you would fully make the experiment, you would find that what we
+tell you is true.
+
+“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is
+also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families
+should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ
+and part, and marry to others, it is wrong--it is an injury to their
+children, and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to
+think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.
+
+“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of
+spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it--we wish you to
+keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your
+people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.
+
+“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every
+voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in your
+councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this means, the
+very land that you own may slide from you.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short reply,
+but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of Friends’
+communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in two days,
+when they would reply more particularly.
+
+At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of
+the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of
+religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit--stating
+that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road,
+or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they
+appeared fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was
+his religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”
+
+This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian,
+was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the
+divine principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him
+what constitutes the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of
+men or books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s
+testimony “in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of
+a devout heart.
+
+It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into
+parties, which prevented that free intercourse and conference with
+each other, which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their
+replies to Friends--and without a design to impeach the sincere natives
+of any religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from
+the observations made, and the information received on this visit, that
+the introduction of these, under the character of missionaries, on
+their land at Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held,
+had created great uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause
+of their present difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the
+Indians had attached themselves to the missionary system, and joined
+in their modes of worship, singing, &c. and these were looked upon as
+converted to the Christian faith. Hence the others, who were opposed
+to the missionary plans, were branded with the epithet of pagans, a
+term hateful to Indians, and which they did not fully understand.
+Thus a spirit of jealousy was excited between the parties, and a fear
+entertained by some, that the introduction of missionaries on their
+land was designed to obtain a permanent possession, and eventually to
+dispossess them of it.
+
+At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended,
+when the Indians of each party made replies to the former communication
+of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show the dilemma in
+which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge me to give at
+considerable length.
+
+The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council
+in the following manner.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more to
+meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful that
+the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come to
+see us.
+
+“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open
+our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us
+pay attention and observe the sabbath day--others do not. We wish you
+now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties
+straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.
+
+“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the reason
+we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four or five
+who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old men
+observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it. We wish
+you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men do, or
+follow our old customs.
+
+“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing
+for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one
+man--and now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to
+pursue--whether white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other
+hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient
+customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit;
+and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice
+on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to
+adhere to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.
+
+“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the hand,
+and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice we have
+heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing towards the
+_missionaries_, and keeping the First-day.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and wish the
+chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and you--and
+that you will not be displeased at what we have said to you.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as
+follows:
+
+“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted to
+have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother proposed
+the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers, we were
+glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.
+
+“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason why
+we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last season we
+went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P----, showed us a paper which
+came from the President, which stated that he wanted his brothers, the
+Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep the First-day
+of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their books. He told
+us that Congress had made an appropriation for the purpose of improving
+the condition of the Indians, and he wished to know whether they would
+accept it. We told the agent we had the Quakers living beside us, with
+whom we were satisfied; and if any help came from the President, we
+wished it to come through the Quakers. Our agent told us, the Quakers,
+he knew were friends to us; they have property of their own to help
+you. Congress has also appropriated money to assist you, and you should
+leave it to the President to dispose of that, as he thinks best for
+your benefit. We, therefore, concluded to pay attention to both the
+Quakers and the President, and have friends of both. We saw that many
+of the different nations of Indians were becoming civilized, and that
+the Seneca nation still remained in their old habits. We saw that the
+Quakers and the ministers, (meaning missionaries,) both observed the
+First-day. We concluded, as they did so, it must be an appointment
+of the Great Spirit to keep that day holy. We then thought, that as
+he had appointed it we must observe it also. Some of our people were
+wicked. They stole, and committed many bad actions. We thought we
+would endeavour to have our children instructed, while young, which
+would be better for them. We have been told, the world had been made a
+long time, when the Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into
+the world, and wished that knowledge might be spread among mankind.
+Your brothers have often told us, there was but one God over all--we,
+therefore, thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour
+to christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who
+were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased with it,
+and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And after a while,
+a minister came along, and wanted to know if they wished to hear
+him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded that when a
+minister came of his own accord, if he was a good man, he ought to be
+heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst us and preach to us
+steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister that our children
+could not understand. But we rather concluded to have some of our own
+people to give good advice to our children, on First-day, that they
+might improve and grow better. Some of our people have often heard of
+the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought it was right for us to
+keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read to, out of the Bible.
+The ministers who come here are different from our friends the Quakers.
+They are only travellers. Our friends the Quakers have given us a
+writing on parchment, stating that they would never bring any charge
+against us for what they have done.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the
+necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and
+offered to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a
+school house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply,
+stated, that on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing
+to have their children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a
+house for that purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages
+they had already received from the instruction of Friends, and among
+other things said,
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the use
+of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,
+and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious
+habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute of
+many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference in our
+people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may be slowly.
+
+“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in
+each of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your
+advices put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat
+with their brothers in order to reclaim them.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends would
+retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an answer. In
+about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council house, and
+after informing them that (although they were divided in some things,)
+they were glad they were of one mind about the education of their
+children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness, they might
+inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish them with a
+teacher.
+
+They were then presented with the following observations in writing, as
+the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided
+and critical situation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their design
+was to improve your condition--to teach you to build more comfortable
+houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable
+you to raise and support more cattle--to educate your children, and to
+advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.
+
+“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the
+assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship
+him--and although it is our practice to meet together to worship
+him, yet we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in
+religion. We think it right that every man should follow the teachings
+of the Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would
+always lead him in the right path.
+
+“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,
+and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you back in
+your improvements, it will make you weak--it is contrary to all right
+religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”
+
+  Signed, SAMUEL BETTLE.
+          WILLIAM NEWBOLD.
+          HALLIDAY JACKSON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply
+to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation
+of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice
+of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it
+was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to
+enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly
+to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own
+hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without
+the teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this
+principle, it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by
+degrees they would come to see more light.
+
+This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed
+them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as they had
+ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the other.
+
+From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that
+their difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the
+missionary system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so
+called, and inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could
+not comprehend, and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard
+to religion had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the
+observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and
+fundamental points,--while others, jealous of the encroachments of
+missionaries on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister
+motives in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the
+whites in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to
+their old Indian customs, in this respect.
+
+From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had some
+further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of their
+children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to having
+a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it, and
+expressed strong desires that a school might again be established among
+them.
+
+While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by the
+son of the ancient _Guy-us-hu-ta_, mentioned in the early part of this
+narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business--was fifty-six years
+of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and
+never had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had
+twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.
+
+These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may be
+noted to their credit.
+
+Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of
+their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property,
+yet the practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was
+becoming more frequent among them. In several instances they had
+applied to Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped,
+would open their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions,
+and in time, Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended,
+of dividing their land.
+
+The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced
+teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting
+them in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them
+instruction in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who
+had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest
+progress in the arts of civilized life.
+
+In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their
+principal chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of
+Philadelphia, instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s
+trade, returned to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced
+his business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a
+great accommodation to the Indians.
+
+The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to be
+a source of uneasiness to the Indians--as _they_ urged the necessity of
+having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,
+to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when
+the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as
+well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.
+
+In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account
+of the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the
+schoolmaster, who resided among them, which will exhibit the
+improvements made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause
+of regret that the account was not completed--there being about forty
+families more, which were not included.
+
+The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account
+was taken.
+
+Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.--Has about twenty acres of cleared
+land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes--about
+forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit--three cows, four
+calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one
+plough, and one wagon.
+
+William Platt, 30 years of age.--Fifteen acres of cleared land--a
+considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of
+potatoes, one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.
+
+Levi Halftown, blacksmith.--Nine and a half acres of land cleared--one
+yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox chains,
+seven hogs and eight pigs.
+
+Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.--Has twelve children
+by one wife, with whom he still lives--twenty acres of cleared land,
+seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke of
+oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number
+of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.
+
+Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient
+Guy-us-hu-ta.--Eight acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four
+of mowing grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs
+and pigs, and one plough.
+
+John Jemison, 24 years old.--Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres
+of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen
+hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one
+yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of
+land, twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per
+acre--has put up a new barn fifty feet long--made new fence to enclose
+six acres of land the present season.
+
+Big Jacob, 50 years old.--Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five
+acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three
+yoke of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs;
+has sown one bushel of wheat this fall.
+
+Moses Pierce, aged 32.--Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a half
+of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half
+of hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five
+hogs and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.
+
+John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.--Twenty acres of cleared land,
+raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,
+four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.
+
+Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.--Has begun a new improvement in
+the woods, and has about three acres cleared--parted with his old
+field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half
+an acre of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of
+steers, one cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.
+
+Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.--Fourteen acres of land,
+five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of
+wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,
+one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.
+
+Billy, 50 years old.--Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of
+potatoes, one cow, one calf, and three hogs.
+
+William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.--Eleven acres of land,
+raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,
+one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.
+
+Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.--Eighteen acres of
+land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one
+and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two
+cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.
+
+Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.--Fourteen acres of
+land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of
+corn, three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of
+potatoes, one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two
+cows, one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall
+five hogs--one plough, one cart and log chains.
+
+John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.--Had last year two acres
+of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.
+
+Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land,
+three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and
+killed three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three
+of oats, half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.
+
+Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.--Five and a half acres
+of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,--corn, oats, and
+potatoes, quantity not mentioned.
+
+James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.--Thirteen and a half
+acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of
+meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains
+and sled.
+
+Blue Eyes.--Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of wheat,
+three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two and a
+half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves, four
+hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &c.
+
+John Watt, 35 years old.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of
+potatoes, four hogs, twenty-six pigs.
+
+Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.--Three acres of land, two cattle, and
+three pigs.
+
+Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.--Five acres of land, three
+acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of
+beans, and four hogs.
+
+Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.--Eight acres of land, three of corn,
+two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven
+cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.
+
+Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.--Fourteen acres of land, five
+acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen
+head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.
+
+William Halftown, aged 26.--Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten
+of which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars
+per acre for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half
+meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some
+bearing apple-trees.
+
+John Bone, 33 years old.--Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of
+meadow, four cattle, one plough.
+
+George Silverheels, 43 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land, eight
+head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,
+one of oats, one and a half of meadow--has lately commenced a new
+improvement.
+
+John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.--Five acres of land,
+mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.
+
+Bucktooth, 55 years old.--Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of
+corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.
+
+Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.--Eleven acres of land,
+three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one
+and a half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one
+plough--has put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.
+
+Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.--Four acres of corn, one
+and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow,
+about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.
+
+David Halftown.--Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats, one
+of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen, two
+cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.
+
+Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of
+potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,
+and one plough.
+
+William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.--Four acres of corn,
+two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had
+about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and
+fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine
+with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.
+They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one hundred
+and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of swine. But
+little account is given of their improvements in building--this having
+been heretofore noticed in this work.
+
+In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by
+Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany
+settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having
+been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several
+years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of his
+time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by
+an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in the
+rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the
+time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory
+evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who
+resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some
+of the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year,
+notwithstanding the existence of various difficulties in relation to
+the prosecution of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and
+attention to business continued to be apparent with many of the natives.
+
+In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,
+whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the natives
+had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further
+instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which
+females are commonly engaged.
+
+The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,
+having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,
+with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and
+proceeded to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with
+the two Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A
+school was established for the instruction of young females, and in
+1826 the accounts were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian
+girls in their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other
+employments adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also
+regularly attended, and their conduct satisfactory. Between school
+hours, they were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or
+otherwise in the shop at some mechanical business; and the regular
+industrious habits thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it
+was evident, would have a beneficial effect in the formation of their
+future character.
+
+From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians
+at the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that
+eighty families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals,
+possessed four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight
+horses, three hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine
+acres of improved land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included;
+two hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with
+corn, forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one
+hundred and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and
+divers sorts of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging
+circumstances in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the
+schools of both sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this
+people might be essentially and permanently benefitted by the labour of
+Friends, yet their situation, at this period, was particularly trying,
+and critical, from the great liability to be dispossessed of their
+possessions. The continued applications in various ways of _those_
+claiming the pre-emption right, and the evident influence _they_ were
+gradually making on the minds of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness
+to others more considerate and reflecting among them, and their fears
+in this respect soon became realized; for the Seneca nation, finally,
+were induced to part with large bodies of their lands in different
+places to the pre-emption holders. These sales (the amount of which
+I have not ascertained) were parts of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and
+Tonewanta reservations, and some smaller reservations near the Genessee
+river. The reservation at Alleghany, where the greatest improvements
+in agriculture were made, remained in the hands of the Indians; and
+could this avaricious disposition on the part of the whites to obtain
+their land be here restrained, and the natives left in the undisturbed
+possession of their _rightful inheritance_, the Seneca nation have yet
+a sufficiency of land to accommodate their numbers, and with industry
+and care, in pursuing their agricultural labours, they might obtain all
+the necessary comforts of life.
+
+The progress made by the Indians at the Cattaraugus settlement, and
+the favourable situation of their land for cultivation, with proper
+attention on their part, had induced Friends to withdraw their aid
+for several years past, as it regarded an instructor among them. And
+the settlement, having been now continued among the Indians at the
+Alleghany for about thirty years, it was believed the time was nearly
+come to withdraw from them; and, accordingly, the Friends residing at
+Tunesassa, returned home in the year 1828, and left the Indians to
+improve on the instructions already received from the long and arduous
+labours of the society of Friends.
+
+Having no official means at command, of obtaining correct information
+of their real situation at present, I am not able to bring this account
+to as satisfactory a close as would be desirable; but from the best
+information I can obtain on the subject, it appears, that the Indians
+continue to progress in agricultural pursuits, and in some of the
+mechanic arts; and some of their own people have kept schools for the
+instruction of the youth.
+
+But it is also said, that the constant pressure upon them to obtain
+their land, affords strong ground to fear, that their former sales were
+only a prelude to their parting with the remainder, at no very distant
+period.
+
+It is, however, a consoling reflection to the society of Friends, that
+they have extended a benevolent hand to this poor, degraded, and much
+injured people; and even should they finally be induced to part with,
+and relinquish the remnants of their present possession, and migrate
+to a more distant clime, the instruction they have already received in
+the mechanic arts, together with their knowledge of agriculture, will
+greatly contribute to their happiness and comfort, in the land in which
+they may settle, and not only so, but the benefits resulting from their
+knowledge of civilized habits be extended to more distant and savage
+tribes.
+
+In concluding this account of the proceedings of Friends of the
+Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia, it may be proper to state, that many
+individuals, both male and female, from an apprehension of duty,
+have, at different periods, devoted many years of their time to the
+instruction of the natives, and have had the consoling evidence of
+peace for their labours. But as this benevolent work could not be
+accomplished, without very considerable expense to the society,
+voluntary subscriptions were raised, at different periods, to a large
+amount, in which it is but just to acknowledge, that the society of
+Friends in England, feeling a lively interest in this righteous work,
+liberally contributed to a fund for that purpose, which the Yearly
+Meeting of New York and Baltimore partook of, for the purpose of aiding
+them in extending their benevolent views, in promoting civilization
+among various tribes, and of whose proceedings therein, a short account
+will be here subjoined.
+
+    _A brief account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly
+    Meeting of New York, in promoting civilization among the Indians,
+    residing in that state._
+
+It will be seen in the early part of this narrative, that Friends of
+the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania, first promoted a settlement among
+the Oneida nation living near the Mohawk river, in the state of New
+York. They also extended some aid to the Stockbridges, and some other
+tribes in that quarter. This attention was continued from the spring
+of 1796, till about the close of the year 1799, when Friends withdrew
+from them; and the Yearly Meeting of New York, being actuated by the
+same benevolent motives to improve the condition of the aboriginal
+inhabitants, appointed a committee for that special purpose, who
+sent instructors among them, and continued to aid and assist them in
+agricultural pursuits, in some of the mechanic arts, and in school
+learning, for many years. But as I have not at command the means
+of furnishing a particular account of the gradual advancement made
+in the civilized arts among those Indians, I can only say, that in
+the prosecution of the work, Friends have had many difficulties to
+encounter; and the Indians have frequently been disturbed and harassed,
+by the same covetous spirit, that so frequently annoyed the Seneca
+nation, in order to dispossess them of their land. In consequence of
+this many of the tribes have been induced to sell and remove far to the
+westward.
+
+By the kindness of a Friend in New York, I have been furnished with
+an account of some of the more recent transactions of the society of
+Friends, towards the Indians. He states some of the difficulties to
+which the Indians are subjected, by the officious interference of a
+_proselyting spirit_, which has much agitated several of the tribes,
+and created parties and animosities among them. The ultimate object
+appears to be, to unsettle them in their present possessions, and
+eventually to induce them to abandon the rightful inheritance of their
+fathers.
+
+It appears from the account, that the Onondaga tribe are the only
+Indians at present under the care of the Yearly Meeting of New York;
+and the only tribe in that state united among themselves, and exempt
+from a party under the influence of a blind missionary zeal--desirous
+to relinquish their present possessions and emigrate. But a few years
+ago the Onondaga’s were an indolent, drunken people, and desirous of
+moving to the westward, but as they have in a good degree embraced
+the counsel of Friends, become industrious, and availed themselves of
+their local advantages, and tasted the sweets of their labour from the
+produce of the soil, a radical change has been effected among them.
+
+This tribe has for seven or eight years past been under the particular
+care and superintendence of Adin T. Corey, as agent for the committee
+of the Yearly Meeting; and being well qualified for the important
+trust, and feeling his mind devoted to it, the Indians have reposed
+great confidence in him, and distinguished him by the name of ‘Oatnus,’
+and consider him as their benefactor, as will be seen in the following
+speech.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Onondaga, Fourth mo. 27, 1829.
+  “To the committee of the Yearly Meeting of New York, on Indian
+  concerns._
+
+“Brothers--Oatnus, our brother, told us he was going to New York to
+attend the great council--and we thought good to send you a talk, to
+let you know our minds. First, we thank you for all your goodness in
+giving us the many useful things you have given us, for our benefit,
+and we thank the Great Spirit, who in his unspeakable mercy put it into
+your hearts to take us by the hand, and pity our condition; but most
+of all, that he put it into your hearts and the heart of our brother
+Oatnus, to come and live amongst us.
+
+“Brothers, he has been a wall about us, that in a great measure has
+fenced out the encroachments of our white neighbours. When he speaks,
+the white people hear, and they do not cheat us as they used to do.
+
+“Brothers, he has improved our condition much every way. When he
+came among us, we were hungry and almost naked, but now we are more
+comfortable. Our lands lay common, and were running up with bushes--now
+there are many of them fenced and well cultivated, yielding an
+abundant supply of food for our people. Our young men, women, and
+children were running about doing no good--now, most of them are
+diligently and profitably employed. One of our young men has learned
+to work pretty well at blacksmithing--three lads have learned to make
+good shoes--our young women, most of them, can spin, knit, and sew,
+and some of them can weave. Oatnus has also transacted most of our
+business--made many bargains, and handled much of our money, and done
+all well--not one shilling sticks in his pocket--he has fed our hungry
+children, clothed our naked, and helped us when we were sick--when he
+came we were divided, now we are united--when there is war he makes
+peace--when he speaks our young men hear and keep mostly out of bad
+company--our farming begins to flourish, and although we have made much
+improvement, we still want a head--we cannot go alone, and if you leave
+us now, it will be like making us a very valuable present, and taking
+it away again.
+
+“Brothers, remember, when our brother Oatnus come, we were wild and
+ignorant respecting business, and it must necessarily take a good while
+to tame a whole nation.
+
+“Brothers, our brother told us, our school was so thinly attended, he
+thought it would be best to drop it till winter, but we are unwilling
+it should stop, for fear our children will go back--we wish you to
+keep it going--some of us have been negligent in sending our children,
+but we will endeavour to be more diligent in the future, if we can be
+favoured with it.
+
+“Brothers, our very tried brother is growing old, and through abundance
+of labour and fatigue has grown feeble, having been sick a good deal,
+and cannot do as he used to do, yet we are not willing to part with
+him, we want him to stay enough with us, to oversee our business,
+manage our affairs, and sit with us in council.
+
+“Brothers, we still want to go on in improvement, and as our young
+man that has learned to work at smithing, has taken to farming in the
+summer season, we therefore want to get a sober goodly man, to come
+and set up his trade among us, and take some of our boys and learn
+them the trade. We also want a wagon maker, and a cooper of the above
+description, and for the same purpose, and we believe it might be done
+with very little expense to our brothers, if Oatnus stays with us a
+part of the time, and has the management of our affairs; for we have
+abundance of materials to carry on the two last mentioned trades, and
+part of the first; and our circumstances are very different now from
+what they were when he first came amongst us.
+
+“Brothers, we have concluded to build a saw-mill this season, among
+ourselves.
+
+“Brothers, it makes our hearts sick when we look abroad and see our
+Oneida and Seneca brethren, who have got the blackcoats and hungry
+mouths among them--for there is nothing but contention, spite, and
+animosity, and no business that is profitable--and we thank the Great
+Spirit that has sent us peace--sweet peace and no blackcoats.
+
+“Brothers, may the Great Spirit preside over your councils--make
+you love one another, remember your real brethren and do much good.
+Farewell.”
+
+  Signed by the chiefs and some of the warriors.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the foregoing speech the committee on Indian affairs made the
+following reply:
+
+“Brothers, we have received by the hands of brother Oatnus your
+communication to us, and it has made our hearts glad; and, that our
+brothers and sisters of the Great council might hear it, we gave it
+to them to read, and it made their hearts glad also, and greatly
+to rejoice, to hear from you and to hear that Oatnus did well with
+you--and that you listened to his voice.
+
+“Brothers, we cannot tell you how much we want you to improve in all
+things--we know you cannot do every thing at once, but we want you to
+hearken to our counsel--we love you--we desire your good, and that you
+may increase and leave a good name behind you, when the Great Spirit
+shall take you away.
+
+“Brothers, remember we can only counsel you for good--if you take our
+counsel the Great Spirit will help you.
+
+“Brothers, you have now witnessed a little of the rewards of the
+Good Spirit, in taking our counsel and the counsel of our brother
+Oatnus--our counsel to you is, that you continue to improve as you have
+begun.
+
+“Brothers, be sober, be industrious--love to improve yourselves, and
+the Great Spirit will bountifully assist you.
+
+“Brothers, we want you to mind the Great Spirit, to be industrious--to
+try to learn yourselves--to keep out of bad company--to avoid strong
+drink--to counsel with brother Oatnus, who will never deceive you, but
+counsel you for your good.”
+
+  Signed, &c.
+
+_Fifth mo. 29, 1828._
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By a report of the committee on Indian affairs dated the twenty-seventh
+of the Fifth-month, 1830, and presented to the Yearly Meeting held in
+the same month, it appears that during the past year, the Onondaga
+tribe have received their care and attention as heretofore, and that
+those Indians are realizing in an unprecedented manner, the fruits of
+their own industry, being stimulated and encouraged, by the care which
+Friends have extended towards them, for a few years past, which affords
+great cause for encouragement. There is a striking contrast between
+their situation now, and what it was seven years ago, when their only
+buildings were two small barns, and a few inferior huts. The lands
+which they then had cleared, were very imperfectly cultivated, and the
+state and quality as well as quantity of their stock, as also teams
+and utensils of husbandry of every kind, were correspondent. Since
+that time, they have greatly increased their quantity of cleared land;
+this season they had about three hundred acres of wheat--their crops
+are more abundant, furnishing more than a supply for their people. The
+fencing and arrangement of their fields are farmer-like and judicious.
+The number of their barns is increased to about twenty--their teams
+of horses and oxen, are numerous and efficient--they are pretty well
+supplied with wagons, harness, ploughs, and other farming utensils,
+and these articles are kept in tolerable repair. Many of their present
+dwellings, though small, are comfortable frame buildings, and their
+household furniture consists mostly of useful and plain articles--such
+as are used in civilized life.
+
+On a good mill stream within their territory, which consists
+of a reservation of about ten thousand acres, the committee’s
+superintendent, during the past year, aided by the individual labour of
+the Indians, raised a substantial dam, and by a discreet dispensation
+of their resources, and by a general economy introduced among them, has
+collected about five hundred dollars, which defrayed the expenses of
+erecting a good saw-mill, which the Indians find to be highly useful
+and productive.
+
+As the same stream furnished an eligible site for a grist-mill, at no
+great distance from those improvements, and as the reducing of their
+grain into meal for this tribe, was performed by the manual labour of
+the women in a great measure, the committee were encouraged to believe,
+that as they duly appreciated the benefits resulting from their newly
+erected saw-mill, and from the increased display of mechanical genius,
+industry, and method among them, the time was not far distant when
+further and more useful improvements will be made by themselves,
+calculated to raise their habits in domestic and civilized life, and
+elevate their minds to a steady pursuit of their more substantial
+happiness and welfare.
+
+The committee not having been able to comply with the Indians’ request,
+made in their speech two years ago, for a blacksmith, wagon maker, and
+cooper to be placed among them, as no suitable persons had offered
+for that purpose, and also the school having been dropped, that had
+formerly been kept, and in a flourishing condition among them, partly
+for want of sufficient funds to continue a permanent teacher, these
+subjects were again suggested to the Yearly Meeting, with an earnest
+wish to inspire in the minds of Friends a feeling that might prove
+beneficial in promoting these desirable objects.
+
+Notwithstanding this concern, to meliorate the condition of the
+Indians, has been prosecuted for many years by the committee, with at
+times, but little evidence of good resulting to these people, from
+their labours, yet from more recent developments evinced from the
+latter experience and research of the committee, though the prospect
+is an arduous one, it presents encouragement, and the field of labour
+is brightening, as the hidden causes of past obstructions present
+themselves.
+
+The committee say in their report, “It appears that many associations
+are formed in this country, and some of them under the denomination
+of benevolent and religious; all apparently well disposed, and even
+anxious to promote the good and the happiness of these original
+proprietors of the soil. Yet unhappily for these, the means resorted
+to, to advance their prosperity, have (in too many instances) been
+elevated above their comprehensions, and not adapted to their wants,
+their habits, and their religious views. From a zeal beyond knowledge,
+to benefit these people, agents and missionaries have been settled
+among them, patronized by these associations, little qualified to
+inspire their confidence and respect, and in their zealous pretensions
+to christianize, previous to properly instructing in the arts of
+civilized life, they produce discouragement and incalculable injury,
+divisions and dissentions; and in the language of the Indians
+themselves, ‘quarrelling and contention, spite and animosity, and no
+business that is profitable.’
+
+“Since the Onondaga tribe has been under the care of the committee,
+the missionaries have been inclined to leave them to the care of
+Friends. And this tribe, which a few years ago was divided and full of
+dissention, is restored to union and harmony, and there is a laudable
+feeling springing up among them, and an increased desire to become
+introduced into, and firmly fixed in the habits of civilization.”
+
+The committee, in time past, having extended some care to several
+tribes of the Seneca nation west of the Genessee river, are of the
+opinion that essential and lasting good might, by that care being
+further extended, result to those people. To show the desire of the
+Indians herein, the following speech of a principal chief, on behalf of
+a large majority of the Indians, in the state of New York, presented in
+the last winter, was laid before the Yearly Meeting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _New York, January_ 20, 1830.
+
+“_To the society of Friends of the city of New York._
+
+“At the treaty of Philadelphia with William Penn and the Six Nations,
+we considered William Penn as a friend to us, not wishing to cheat
+us out of our lands, but to pay us a full value for them. Since that
+time, the society of Friends have treated us very kindly--they have
+never shown a disposition to wrong us out of our lands, but seemed to
+wish to cultivate friendship with us, and to let us have our rights
+and privileges--and to enjoy our own religion. But there are certain
+persons residing among us, at present, who we believe have a different
+object. They say they have been sent by the Great Spirit, but we do not
+think the Great Spirit would send people among us, to cheat us out of
+our lands, and to cause disturbance to arise amongst us, which has made
+a division in our nation. No, we do not think the Great Spirit sent the
+blackcoat’s among us for any such purpose. There is at present five
+thousand of our people and upwards, who wish the society of Friends to
+send a suitable person among us, to teach our young men how to till
+the ground, and our young women the art of domestic manufactures, and
+our children to read and write. If our friends feel disposed to comply
+with our wishes, we shall be happy to receive them, and will cause all
+necessary buildings to be erected for their use--we think by having
+this plan carried into effect, the nation once more would be united,
+and become a happy people.”
+
+  Your friend,
+             his
+  Signed, Red X Jacket.
+             mark
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Although the way has not yet opened to comply with the request in the
+foregoing communication, the committee were encouraged to persevere in
+their services the present year, in rendering such aid for the benefit
+of this poor afflicted people, as the limited means within their power
+would, under the direction of best wisdom enable them to do.
+
+
+_Some account of the proceedings of Friends of Baltimore Yearly
+Meeting._
+
+This concern for improving the condition of our red brethren, having
+been opened and spread in the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall
+of 1795, and the minds of Friends being much united, and actuated by
+benevolent motives to promote this desirable object, referred the same
+to a special committee, to proceed therein as way might open, to render
+essential service to these aboriginal inhabitants. Accordingly their
+attention was turned to some of the Indian tribes north-west of the
+river Ohio, and a deputation was delegated to visit the Shawaneese,
+Delawares, Wyandots and such other natives in those parts as they might
+find practicable. They proceeded thereon, in the summer of 1796, after
+having first obtained the approbation of the general government.
+
+When they arrived at the forks of the Muskingum river, where they
+had been informed a considerable number of Indians were collected,
+they found to their great disappointment, that the chiefs and hunters
+were dispersed: and it not appearing practicable to convene them at
+that time, to have a suitable conference with them, they returned
+without accomplishing the object of their visit. They, however, saw
+divers hunters and others, who appeared well disposed to receive the
+instruction and assistance which Friends proposed to furnish them.
+
+In the spring of 1797, three Friends again proceeded to that country on
+an embassy, to inquire into the real situation of the Indian tribes; in
+the course of which visit, having passed by a number of their hunting
+camps and several of their towns, they had a large opportunity of
+discovering their destitute condition, often exposed to the inclemency
+of the weather, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply
+of food and clothing. They suffered all the miseries of extreme
+poverty, in a country which from its great fertility, would, with but
+little cultivation, supply them abundantly with all the necessaries of
+life.
+
+These Friends had opportunities with some of the chiefs and hunters of
+the Wyandot and Delaware nations, in which they informed them of the
+views of the society of Friends, relative to their improvement; and
+endeavoured to impress on their minds the advantages they would derive,
+from permitting to be introduced among their people, a knowledge of
+agriculture, and some of the most useful mechanic arts.
+
+The Indians were attentive to their communications, and promised to lay
+these matters before their grand council, and inform Friends of their
+conclusions on the subject.
+
+As no way opened during the year 1798, for carrying the object of the
+Yearly Meeting into effect, but little was done, more than furnishing
+a few implements of husbandry, and some assistance to a few Indian
+families, situated upon the branches of the Tuskarawee’s river.
+
+In the Second month 1799, the committee received a speech and belt
+of wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandot nation,
+delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth month preceding, of which the
+following is an extract.
+
+“Brethren Quakers--you remember we once met at a certain place. When we
+had there met, a great many good things were said, and much friendship
+was professed between us.
+
+“Brothers, you told us at that time that you not only took us by the
+hand, but that you held us fast by the arm; that you then formed a
+chain of friendship. You said that it was not a chain of iron; but that
+it was a chain of precious metal, a chain of silver that would never
+get rusty; and that this chain would bind us in brotherly affection for
+ever.
+
+“Brethren, listen. We have often heard that you were a good and a
+faithful people--ever ready to do justice, and good to all men without
+distinction of colour--therefore, we love you the more sincerely,
+because of the goodness of your hearts, which has been talked of among
+our nation long since.
+
+“Brethren, listen. You have informed us that you intended to visit us.
+Yes, that even in our tents and cabins you will take us by the hand.
+You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt, but that we would be very happy to
+see you.
+
+“Brethren, listen. It is but proper to inform you at this time, that
+when you do come forward to see us, you will no doubt pass by my place
+of residence, at Sandusky. I will then take you not only by the hand,
+but by the arm, and will conduct you safe to the _grand council fire_
+of our great Sasteretsey, where all good things are transacted, and
+where nothing bad is permitted to appear. When in the grand council of
+our Sasteretsey we will then sit down together in peace and friendship,
+as brethren are accustomed to do, after a long absence, and remind
+each other, and talk of those things that took place between our good
+grandfathers, when they first met upon our lands--upon this great
+island.
+
+“Brethren, may the Great Spirit, the master of light and life, so
+dispose the hearts and minds of all our nations and people, that the
+calamities of war may never more be felt or known by any of them--that
+our roads and paths may never more be stained with the blood of our
+young warriors--and that our helpless women and children may live in
+peace and happiness.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On considering the foregoing communication, some Friends were deputed
+to make them a visit, and to afford such assistance as they might be
+enabled to render. They accordingly proceeded with an intention of
+being at their general council, and arrived on the third of the Sixth
+month at upper Sandusky, the principal village of the Wyandots, where
+they were received by Tarhie (the crane,) and others of that nation.
+
+On their arrival there, it appeared a mistake had been made in the
+translation of the speech the Indians had sent to Friends, respecting
+the time of opening their great council, to which Friends had been
+invited. They were now informed that it began annually at the full
+moon in the Sixth month.
+
+Finding it would be difficult to procure food for themselves and
+horses there, until that time, the committee concluded it best to
+have a conference with Tarhie and other chiefs who were then in the
+neighbourhood of Sandusky, which was accordingly agreed to. At the time
+appointed they met at Tarhie’s house, with several other chiefs, and a
+number of hunters, when they had a full opportunity with them, on the
+subject of their visit.
+
+Their communication appeared to be received with great satisfaction by
+the Indians, and in their answer, delivered on some strings of wampum,
+they expressed the gratitude they felt for the care and friendship,
+which their beloved brethren the Quakers had always manifested for
+the Indians, and promised as soon as the grand council met, that they
+should communicate fully to it, respecting the concern which the
+society felt for their improvement, and inform Friends by a written
+speech of their conclusion thereon.
+
+Whilst these Friends were at Sandusky and other villages, their minds
+were deeply affected under the sorrowful considerations of the baneful
+effects of spirituous liquors upon the Indians, who were at that time
+supplied with it in almost every village, by Canadian traders, residing
+amongst them--and they were confirmed in the opinion, that unless these
+traders could be restrained from furnishing them with this destructive
+article, in exchange for their skins and furs, they could not easily
+be persuaded to turn their minds towards agriculture and the mechanic
+arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, the great affection they
+have for the society of Friends, manifested on all occasions whilst
+the committee were with them, induced them to hope that Friends would
+endeavour to keep under the weight of the concern, and be prepared to
+proceed in the benevolent work whenever way might open, for further
+service amongst them.
+
+In the year 1800 and 1801, no personal interview was had by Friends
+with those Indians. In the year 1802, the Little Turtle, Five Medals,
+and several other principal chiefs of the Miami and Pottawatomie
+nations passed through Baltimore, on their way to visit the President
+of the United States, when the committee had a conference with them, in
+which the view’s of Friends were fully opened, and they were informed
+of the great discouragement Friends had met with, in carrying their
+benevolent designs into effect, from the intemperate and destructive
+use of spirituous liquor amongst the Indians, which was found to be the
+greatest obstacle in the way of their profiting by the aid which the
+society had been desirous of giving them.
+
+The Little Turtle in reply, made a very pathetic and impressive speech
+upon this subject, from which the following is extracted.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers and friends--When our forefathers first met on this island,
+your red brethren were very numerous. But since the introduction of
+what you call spirituous liquors amongst us, and what we think may
+justly be called _poison_, our numbers are greatly diminished. It has
+destroyed a great part of your red brethren.
+
+“My brothers and friends--we plainly perceive that you see the very
+evil which destroys your red brethren; it is not an evil of our own
+making; we have not placed it amongst ourselves; it is an evil placed
+amongst us by the white people. We look to them to remove it out of
+our country. We tell them, brethren, fetch us useful things, bring
+goods that will clothe us, our women and our children, and not this
+evil liquor that destroys our reason--that destroys our health--that
+destroys our lives. But all we can say on this subject is of no
+service--it gives no relief to your red brethren.
+
+“My brothers and friends--I rejoice to find that you agree in opinion
+with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of service to us in
+removing this great evil out of our country; an evil which has had so
+much room in it, and has destroyed so many of our lives, that it causes
+our young men to say, ‘we had better be at war with the white people;
+this liquor which they introduce into our country, is more to be feared
+than the gun and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead since the
+treaty of Grenville, than we lost by the six years war before. It is
+all owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us.’
+
+“Brothers, when our young men have been out hunting and are returning
+home loaded with skins and furs, on their way, if it happens that they
+come along where some of this liquor is deposited, the white man who
+sells it, tells them to take a little drink. Some of them will say no,
+I do not want it; they go on till they come to another house, where
+they find more of the same kind of drink; it is there offered again;
+they refuse, and again the third time; but finally the fourth or fifth
+time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink, and getting one he wants
+another, and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have left him.
+After his reason comes back again to him, when he gets up and finds
+where he is--he asks for his peltry--the answer is, ‘You have drank
+them’--Where is my gun? ‘It is gone’--Where is my shirt? ‘You have sold
+it for whiskey!’ Now brothers, figure to yourselves what condition this
+man must be in. He has a family at home--a wife and children who stand
+in need of the profits of his hunting. What must be their wants, when
+he himself is even without a shirt.”
+
+These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at the assistance Friends
+proposed to render them, and in reply to that part of their
+communication, observed, ‘that it was their anxious wish to engage in
+the culture of their lands, for although the game was not so scarce but
+that they could get enough to eat, yet they were sensible it was daily
+diminishing, and that the time was not far distant, when they would be
+compelled to take hold of such tools, as they saw in the hands of the
+white people.’
+
+The committee, from their former experience, being of the judgment,
+that no great progress could be made in the civilization of the
+Indians while they were so abundantly supplied with distilled spirits,
+concluded to address congress on the subject. Their memorial was
+favourably received, and a law passed, which in some measure provided
+a remedy for the evil.
+
+As it now appeared to the committee, that the principal obstruction
+to agriculture amongst the Indians was removed, they were encouraged
+to proceed in their undertaking. They accordingly provided a number
+of implements of husbandry, such as ploughs, hoes, axes, &c. &c.
+which were forwarded and immediately distributed, as a present from
+the society of Friends. These things were thankfully received by the
+Indians.
+
+A letter in the summer of 1803, from the agent for Indian affairs at
+Fort Wayne, informed, that ‘since there had been no spirituous liquor
+in the Indian country, they appeared very industrious, and turned
+their attention to raising stock.’ This agent also expressed as his
+opinion, “that the suppression of spirituous liquors in that country,
+was the most beneficial measure which had ever been adopted for them,
+by the United States--that there had not been one Indian killed in
+that neighbourhood for a year--and that in no preceding year since the
+treaty of Grenville, had there been less than ten killed, and in some
+years as many as thirty.” The agent further added, “that the Indians
+appeared very desirous of procuring for themselves, the necessaries
+of life, _in our way_, but say they do not know how to begin. Some of
+their old men say, “the white people want for nothing.” We wish them to
+show us how to provide the many good things we see amongst them, if it
+is their wish to instruct us in their way of living as they tell us it
+is, we wish them to make haste and do it, for we are old and must die
+soon; but we wish to see before we die, our women and children in that
+path, that will lead them to happiness.
+
+At the same time, a letter was received from the Little Turtle, and
+Five Medals, in which they expressed a wish that some Friends would
+visit their country. The committee, therefore, deputed some of their
+number for that purpose. They were authorized to procure one or more
+suitable persons to reside amongst the Indians, for the purpose of
+teaching them agriculture and other useful knowledge, as far as it
+should appear practicable.
+
+In Second month 1804, two of the deputation proceeded to Fort Wayne,
+accompanied by Philip Dennis, who had offered his services to go with
+them, and remain with the Indians during the summer, for the purpose
+of instructing them in husbandry. They took with them two horses to be
+employed in ploughing, &c.
+
+They arrived at Fort Wayne in the latter end of the Third month, and
+soon after, convened several of their chiefs in a council with them; a
+future day was fixed upon for the committee to meet them, with as many
+of their old men, and their women and children as could be assembled.
+Their chiefs previously requested, that whatever matter Friends might
+have to communicate to the Indians, should be written down, in order
+that they might lay it before the grand council in the Sixth month
+following, to the attendance of which, they pressingly invited the
+committee.
+
+On the day appointed, being met by a considerable number of the
+natives, the committee presented them with a written address, from
+which, though all excellent, and well calculated to impress the
+Indians’ minds with the importance of adhering to their counsel, we
+shall, for brevity, content ourselves with extracting some of the most
+material parts, as follows:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+“Brothers, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the Great Spirit,
+that he has brought us safely to the country of our red brethren, and
+protected us through our journey. We also rejoice, that he has given us
+this opportunity of seeing you and of taking you by the hand.
+
+“Brothers, we had for some time entertained apprehensions that the
+many changes that were taking place in circumstances, must greatly
+change the situation of our red brethren, and that the time was fast
+approaching when it would be necessary for them to alter their mode of
+living.
+
+“Brothers, after our talk with the chiefs, (alluding to the Little
+Turtle and others whom we have just mentioned,) we were fully convinced
+that the time was come, in which our red brethren ought to begin to
+cultivate their lands. That they ought to raise corn and other grain,
+also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other animals. We then proposed to
+afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of the proposal,
+and informed us, that many of their people were disposed to turn their
+attention to the cultivation of the earth--they also expressed a desire
+to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore.
+
+“Brothers, it is for this purpose that we have now come, and we again
+repeat, we rejoice that we have this opportunity of seeing you, and
+taking you by the hand.
+
+“Brothers, in coming into the country of our red brethren, we have come
+with our _eyes open_. And although we are affected with sorrow, in
+believing that many of the red people suffer much for the want of food
+and clothing, yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing that it
+has pleased the Great Spirit to give you a rich and valuable country.
+Because we know, that it is out of the earth that food and clothing
+come. We are sure, brothers, that with but little labour and attention,
+you may raise much more corn and other grain than will be necessary for
+yourselves, your women and children; and that you may also with great
+ease, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs and other valuable
+animals, than will be necessary for your own use. We are also confident
+that if you will pursue our method in the cultivation of your land, you
+will live in much greater ease and plenty, and with much less fatigue
+and toil, than attend hunting for a subsistence.
+
+“Brothers, it will lead you to have fixed homes--you will build
+comfortable dwelling houses for yourselves, your women and children,
+where you may be sheltered from the rain, the frost and the snow, and
+where you may enjoy in plenty, the rewards of your labour.
+
+“Brothers, we will here mention, that the time was, when the forefather
+of your brothers, the white people, lived beyond the great water, in
+the same manner that our red brethren now live. The winters can yet be
+counted when they went almost naked, when they procured their living by
+fishing, and by the bow and arrow in hunting--and when they lived in
+houses no better than yours. They were encouraged by some who came from
+towards the sun rising, and lived amongst them to change their mode of
+living. They did change--they cultivated the earth, and we are sure the
+change was a happy one.
+
+“Brothers and friends, we are not ashamed to acknowledge that the time
+was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum tree, or
+at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living
+on the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But brothers, for
+your encouragement we now mention that by turning their attention to
+the cultivation of the earth instead of the plum tree, they soon had
+orchards of many kinds of fruit--instead of the wild game they soon
+had large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and other valuable
+animals--and in many places instead of their forests they had large
+fields of corn, and other grain--also many other valuable productions
+of the earth.
+
+“Brothers, we have spoken plainly, we desire to speak plain--we will
+now tell you that we have not come merely to _talk_ with you. We have
+come prepared to render you a little assistance. Our beloved brother,
+Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us. His desire
+is, to cultivate for you, a field of corn, and also to show you how to
+raise some of the other productions of the earth--he knows how to use
+the plough, the hoe, the axe, and other implements of husbandry.
+
+“Brothers, he has left a farm--he has left a wife and five small
+children who are very dear to him--he has come, from a sincere desire
+to be useful to our red brethren. His motives are pure--he will ask no
+reward from you for his services--his greatest reward will be, in the
+satisfaction he will feel, in finding you inclined to take hold of the
+same tools he takes hold of--to receive from him instruction in the
+cultivation of your lands, and pursue the example he will set you.
+
+“Brothers, we hope you will make the situation of our brother as
+comfortable as circumstances will admit. We hope, also, that many of
+your young men will be willing to be taught by him, to use the plough,
+the hoe, and other implements of husbandry--for we are sure, brothers,
+that as you take hold of such tools as are in the hands of the white
+people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional hands.
+You will also find that by using them they will enable you to do many
+things, which without them, cannot be performed.
+
+“Brothers, the white people, in order to get their land cultivated,
+find it necessary that their young men should be employed in it--and
+not their women--women are smaller than men--they are not as strong as
+men. It is the business of our women to be employed in our houses--to
+keep them clean--to sow, knit, spin, and weave--to dress food for
+themselves and families--to make clothes for the men and the rest of
+their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to
+take care of their children.
+
+“Brothers, we are fully convinced that if you will turn your attention
+to the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of
+grain--to building comfortable dwelling houses for your families--to
+raising useful animals--amongst others, sheep for the advantage of the
+wool, in making clothing--to raising flax and hemp for your linen--and
+your women learn to spin and weave--your lives will be much easier
+and happier than at present--and your numbers will increase, and not
+continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your land is
+good--it is far better than the land which the white people near the
+great waters, cultivate. We are persuaded that your land will produce
+double the quantity of any kind of grain, or flax, or hemp, with the
+same labour necessary near the great water.
+
+“Brothers, we shall now end what we had to say, with informing you,
+that all the corn and other productions of the earth which Philip
+Dennis may raise, we wish our red brethren to accept as a token of our
+friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Pottawattamie
+and Miami nations who are now present, added to our brothers the Five
+Medals, Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution thereof
+as they may think proper.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Indians manifested great decorum, and were very attentive during
+the delivery of this address--in reply to which, the Little Turtle
+delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which we extract the
+following:
+
+“Brothers and friends--we rejoice that the Great Spirit has appointed,
+that we should meet this day, for we believe this meeting will be of
+the utmost consequence to your red brethren.
+
+“Brothers, the things which you have said to us, require our greatest
+attention: it is really necessary that we should deliberate upon them.
+In order to do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they
+are written, that we may communicate them to our chiefs, when they
+assemble in grand council.
+
+“Brothers, you have been very particular in pointing out to us the
+duties of our women, and you have told us that in adopting your mode of
+living, our numbers would increase and not continue to diminish. In all
+this I certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will also
+agree with you.
+
+“Brothers, assure your people who sent you here--tell your old chiefs
+that we are obliged to them for their friendly offers to assist us in
+changing our present mode of living. Tell them it is a great work that
+cannot be done immediately; but that we are favourably disposed, and
+hope it will take place gradually.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+These Friends remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during which
+time they visited a number of their towns and villages, at all of
+which, they were received in the most friendly and hospitable manner.
+
+In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the
+Wyandots at Brownstown or the rock. They found that the Indians at this
+place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation in the year
+1799, advanced considerably, in agriculture, many of them having built
+comfortable houses, and acquired a considerable number of cattle, hogs,
+and other domestic animals. The Wyandots residing at Sandusky and the
+Shawaneese, on the Auglaize river, had likewise, since that visit,
+turned their attention very much towards the cultivation of their
+lands; Friends had, therefore, the satisfaction to remark, that the
+communication from the committee to these nations, and the exertions
+which had been made to turn their attention to agriculture, although
+limited in their effect, had not been altogether unavailing.
+
+They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip
+Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort
+Wayne, and found its situation to be very advantageous for farming;
+the soil appeared to be equal in fertility to any land in the western
+country.
+
+Soon after the return of the Friends, a letter was received by the
+committee, from the Indian agent at Fort Wayne, informing that the
+Indians had held their grand council in the Sixth month, agreeably
+to expectation, at which eight hundred and seventy-four of them
+attended, when the written address of Friends delivered at Fort Wayne
+in the previous spring, was produced--read and interpreted to all the
+different nations present. In reply to which, divers of their chiefs
+expressed great satisfaction, and amongst others Toethteboxie on behalf
+of the _Delawares_ said, ‘For many years before I came into the world,
+the white people have been offering to do for us what is now mentioned,
+and it appears that our eyes were never opened until this time; we will
+now take hold of it and receive it. I am an old man and want to see it
+before I die; if I once see it, I will die in peace, to think I have
+left my women and children in comfort.’
+
+On the return of Philip Dennis, who remained in the Indian country
+during most of the year 1804, and spent his time agreeably with the
+natives--he informed that he had raised about four hundred bushels
+of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, potatoes, and a quantity of
+other garden vegetables, which he directed to be divided amongst the
+Indians on their return from their hunting camps. He left with the
+Indians, with whom he had resided, upon the farm he had cultivated,
+twenty-three hogs and pigs, seven of which were in good order to kill;
+and he engaged the agent to attend to killing and salting them. They
+were small when they were brought to the farm in the spring, and had no
+other food than what they gathered in the woods.
+
+With some assistance which he obtained from Fort Wayne, he cleared and
+enclosed under a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and built
+a house thirty-two feet long, and seventeen wide, a story and a half
+high, with floors and partitions.
+
+The Indians who remained with him had been very industrious, and
+attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing
+the ground and in tending the corn; from this he dissuaded them, and
+as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort Wayne, which had been
+sent on by government--he encouraged them to go there, and learn to
+spin and knit, of a white woman who was at that place;--this they did,
+and soon learned both to spin and knit; and when he came away, he left
+them knitting yarn of their spinning.
+
+The Indians were very desirous of Friends continuing their care towards
+them, and that they should send a person to take the place of Philip
+Dennis, but as no suitable Friend offered for that purpose, it was
+believed best to request the agent of government residing at Fort
+Wayne, (and who appeared to be friendly disposed towards the views of
+Friends,) to procure and employ the most suitable person he could, in
+that country, to plough the land cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last
+season, and plant it in corn, and to endeavour to enlist the service
+of the Indians in the labour of tending it; also to prepare a garden
+of the most useful vegetables for the Indians’ use, which they might
+afterwards easily manage.
+
+In reply to this request, Friends received an account from the agent,
+stating that he would lose no time in complying with their request,
+and that he was ready at all times, to put in execution the benevolent
+designs of Friends towards the Indians, as far as it was in his power.
+
+He also mentioned, that at that time, ‘a spirit of industry existed
+amongst the Indians generally, and that as several of the tribes had
+requested of government to have a part of their annuities expended in
+the employment of men to split rails and make fences for them, the
+Delawares had twenty-three thousand rails put up into fences the last
+winter; and that forty thousand more would be made into fences for the
+Miami and Eel river Indians, by the first of the Sixth month--that
+ten families of the Miamis had settled adjoining the place cultivated
+by Philip Dennis, and that four men were employed in making rails to
+fence in forty acres for them; also, that three persons more were at
+work for the Eel river Indians, half a mile below Dennis’s station;
+that they had twenty-five acres cleared and ready for the plough, and
+expected to have fifty or sixty fenced in by the first of the Sixth
+month. He expected at least twenty-five families would remove to reside
+at that place the present season, and was confident the settlement
+would increase very fast. The Indian who worked with Philip Dennis
+during the last season, was about building himself a comfortable house,
+had cleared two acres more of ground, and was ploughing the field
+previously cleared by Philip Dennis. The hogs which were left there
+with him had increased to one hundred in number.’
+
+The agent further informed, 'that there would be one hundred acres of
+land under good fence at the Little Turtle’s town, (eighteen miles
+north of Dennis’s station,) by the first of the Sixth month, where they
+had also obtained a large number of hogs and some cows, and he doubted
+not, the Indians would soon see that it was easier to raise food, than
+to procure it by hunting.' He also added, ‘that Friends may see from
+the great progress they have made in civilization since Philip Dennis
+was with them, that they only want good and suitable men to reside
+among them, and teach them how to work.’
+
+In the fall of the year 1805, the agent at Fort Wayne informed the
+committee by letter, that agreeably to their directions, he had
+employed a man to assist the Indians in cultivating the field on the
+Wabash, which was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last
+year. The Indians with this man’s assistance, had raised, it was
+supposed, at least six hundred bushels of good corn from this one
+field, exclusive of what they had raised from ground of their own
+clearing.
+
+“Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians had removed and
+settled at that place, where they would be followed by the younger
+branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.”
+
+He further adds, “Believing as I do that the society of Friends are
+desirous of ameliorating the situation of their red brethren in the
+country, I will take the liberty to observe, that the present is a
+favourable time to put in execution their benevolent views towards
+the distressed natives of the land; and that much good may be done on
+the Wabash by sending one or two suitable men to reside amongst the
+Indians, and teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth.
+Witness what Philip Dennis effected amongst them the last year, at
+a station where he had every thing to begin. There are now at least
+four hundred hogs, and twenty cows, and the Indians at no village
+in this country live so comfortably as those at that place. If this
+spirit of industry is kept alive for a few years, it will certainly
+have a powerful influence upon the minds of the Indians in many of the
+neighbouring villages.”
+
+An account published by the committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting,
+about this period, has enabled me to furnish so many interesting
+particulars of their proceedings, that I have already exceeded the
+bounds I had prescribed to myself, in this narrative. I shall,
+therefore, only add, that the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore continued
+for many years to extend aid and instruction, to the Indians in that
+quarter, by personal visits, and by teachers frequently stationed among
+them; and continued to have satisfactory proofs of the benefits derived
+to this people, from their benevolent labours. Their progress, however,
+in this laudable work was interrupted by the war of 1812, which much
+agitated, not only those tribes of Indians, but the white people
+generally, bordering on the Indian territory--this continued while the
+war lasted. And many of the white inhabitants, it was said, went into
+block houses, the better to secure themselves.
+
+It may, however, be noted, that Friends on the frontiers, generally
+remained in their habitations, at least with a few exceptions, and
+the Indians seemed to repose an unlimited confidence in them, and
+frequently visited them. The author having visited a settlement of
+the Indians, (called Lewis’ settlement) in the year 1816, had some
+opportunity of judging of the high estimation in which the Indians held
+the society of Friends, on the frontiers of that country. He also had
+an account from one of the Friends who first settled in those parts
+(near Mad river,) about the year 1800. He said the Indians manifested
+much kindness to them, when the country was all a wilderness, by
+frequently visiting them, and administering to their wants, while they
+were first opening a settlement and preparing something to subsist upon.
+
+I may also here relate another evidence of the Indians’ kindness and
+hospitality to the whites. A surveyor who lived in Chilicothe informed
+me, when at his house in 1816, that being employed by government the
+summer previous, to survey some land in the Michigan territory, he
+and his company composed of seven or eight persons, running scant of
+provisions, were put to their allowance of a spoonful of meal a day,
+for each person, on which, with some little meat they procured from
+the forest, they had subsisted for twenty-three days together. But
+setting out at length towards the settlements in search of provisions,
+they met with an Indian going on a journey very smartly. They made him
+understand they were very hungry and had nothing to eat. He looked on
+them with compassion--pointed towards his cabin, and making signs to
+them to follow him, struck off in a direction towards it. They pursued
+his track, often having to stop him, to wait for them, and after about
+eight miles travelling, arrived at his solitary abode, where he kindly
+treated them to all the provision at his command, which, though coarse,
+was to them a delicious dainty.
+
+But to return from this digression, it may be proper to state, that
+about the year 1813, a Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in the
+state of Ohio, and being composed of part of the members previously
+constituting the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, they also become, as a
+body, enlisted in the same concern, to improve the condition of the
+Indian natives; and appointed a committee to carry their views into
+execution. Friends of this Yearly Meeting living more contiguous to
+the Indian settlements, unitedly agreed with the Yearly Meeting of
+Baltimore, to make it a joint concern, as it regarded the requisite
+pecuniary aid for promoting the object in view. Friends in Ohio,
+however, became more actively engaged in personal visits, and sending
+instructors among the Indians.
+
+When peace took place, and the minds of the Indians became
+somewhat settled, the settlement which had previously been made at
+Waughpaughkannatta was again resumed, and another promoted at captain
+Lewis’, and considerable advancement made by the Indians in some of the
+arts of civilized life.
+
+About the years 1817 and 1818, considerable sales of their lands were
+made to the United States--and in the north-western parts of the
+state of Ohio, which much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and in
+consequence thereof, many of them removed further to the westward.
+
+In the rapid settlement of the states of Ohio and Indiana, and the
+emigration of Friends further to the westward, it became necessary to
+establish a Yearly Meeting in Indiana, which event took place about
+the year 1820 or 1821. This Yearly Meeting, also as a body, feeling
+the same deep interest, in the welfare of the aboriginal inhabitants,
+appointed a committee to unite with Ohio Yearly Meeting in promoting
+their civilization and improvement.
+
+Having but scanty means within my reach, of ascertaining the progress
+made by those Yearly Meetings of latter years, I can only state, that
+the concern still continues to engage their attention, and from a
+report to the Yearly Meeting of Indiana, in 1826, it appears, that
+the committee had continued their attention to the object of their
+appointment. “Soon after our last Yearly Meeting,” say they, “the
+school for the education of the Indian children was resumed, and
+continued about two months, to the satisfaction both of the Indians
+and the committee. The children conducted themselves orderly, and
+made reasonable progress in learning. But towards the latter part of
+winter the Indians became unsettled in their minds, and it was found
+impracticable to continue the school to advantage. It was, therefore,
+dismissed, and soon after Isaac Harvey and wife, in consequence of his
+indisposition, returned to their former residence. They took with them
+an Indian lad who remained about three months, during which time he was
+at school.
+
+“About two hundred of the Indians who resided on the Waughpaughkonnatta
+reserve, have removed, and are now on their way to join those of their
+nation settled west of the Mississippi; and it is yet uncertain,
+whether those that remain will shortly be in a situation to receive
+instruction. However that may be, we feel satisfied that the labour
+heretofore bestowed on them will not all be lost. They have obtained
+a sufficient knowledge of agriculture, to enable them to supply their
+more pressing wants, and many of them have acquired habits of industry,
+which we believe they will retain. And should they all eventually
+remove to join their nation in the west, we apprehend the advantages
+they are deriving from the change in their manner of life, will be
+sufficient to prevent them from returning to their former habits.”
+
+It appears also, that soon after the Yearly Meeting held in Indiana, in
+the year 1827, “a deputation from the committee in company with a like
+deputation of the committee of Ohio Yearly Meeting, visited Friends’
+establishment, near Waughpaughkonnatta, who found the farm in good
+order, and the school progressing to satisfaction.”
+
+The minutes of the last Indiana Yearly Meeting of the society of
+Friends, held at Miami, also show, that they continue a committee, to
+act in conjunction with the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Baltimore, and
+to proceed in the further prosecution of this concern as way may open.
+
+Thus the society of Friends constituting the Yearly Meetings of
+Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore, have, for more than thirty
+years, and those of Ohio, and Indiana, since their first establishment,
+been engaged in endeavouring to reclaim from savage life, and to
+meliorate the condition of various tribes, of the interesting but
+much injured aborigines of our country; and they have succeeded in
+instructing many of them in agriculture, in school learning, in
+many of the most useful mechanic arts, and the raising of domestic
+animals, whereby their lives are rendered more comfortable, and their
+domestic engagements increased, as well as their moral condition
+improved--and, could the Indians have been permitted to remain quiet
+in the possession of their land, and to enjoy the fruits of their
+labours, without interruption from the whites, there is reason to
+believe, that by a continuation and extension of this care towards
+them, a radical change in their character would in a short time have
+been effected; and instead of migrating by families and tribes, far
+to the westward, and traversing the dreary regions of an unknown
+wilderness, in quest of a home, and in search of food, they might have
+become useful citizens of the community, contributing to the wealth,
+the happiness, and national character of the United States. For truly
+it must be acknowledged, that there are among these native sons of the
+forest, men of deep reflection--men of extraordinary talents--men of
+superior powers of mind, and men who, considering the means of their
+menial improvement, might rank with the ancient orators of Greece and
+Rome. Added to this, there is sufficient evidence, that they believe
+in the principle operating within them, a measure of which, or the
+grace of God, according to the apostle’s doctrine, is given to every
+man to profit withal, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. And they
+acknowledge in all important transactions, the overruling providence
+and superintending care of one all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent
+Being, who governs the universe; and they believe that they will be
+rewarded in a future state, according as their actions have been in
+this life, either good or evil. Why then should not the policy of the
+government be directed to the protection and preservation of these
+people, and not to their extermination from their native soil? Is it
+not a doctrine sanctioned by the general consent of Christians, that
+all nations are equally free? That one nation has no right to infringe
+upon the freedom of another?
+
+Let us then fulfil the golden rule--let us then, my fellow citizens,
+exercise that kind of policy towards them, that we would they should
+have done to us, if they had landed on our shores with a superiority
+of strength. Why should not things be equal on both sides? Or is the
+balance of power always to decide the balance of justice, and rob the
+weak and defenceless of their lawful rights--shall a nation professing
+_christianity_, and having pledged itself in the most solemn manner to
+_protect the Indians in all their rights_, be guilty of such injustice?
+Or what part of the gospel will they plead in extenuation of such a
+crime? In what part of the earth did the apostles or first promulgators
+of the gospel assume, to extirpate from their country, or to claim
+a right over the freedom and the substance of the Gentiles? What a
+strange method this would be, of propagating the gospel of peace. And
+can it be expected the natives of America, those keen-eyed observers of
+the actions of men, will be brought to embrace the christian religion
+by such a policy as this! And, while injustice is practised towards
+them instead of the government redressing their wrongs, will they not
+be induced to say as an Indian chief once did, to a missionary, on a
+certain occasion, “We find the christians much more depraved in their
+morals than we are, and we judge of _their doctrine_ by the badness of
+their lives.”
+
+    _Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, the following,
+    taken from a Pittsburg Gazette, has been forwarded by a friend,
+    and as it gives some recent account of the noted and ancient
+    chief, Cornplanter, as well as other of the Seneca Indians, it
+    may prove an interesting addition to this work._
+
+It appears a trip was performed up the Alleghany river in the Fifth
+month last, as high as Olean, in the state of New York, by a new
+steamboat, and as it was the first that had ever ascended that river,
+as far as the Indian towns, it excited some astonishment. The account
+states, that “On the thirteenth of May, at nine o’clock, she arrived
+opposite the village of Cornplanter. Here a deputation waited on
+that ancient and well known Indian king or chief, and invited him on
+board this new, and to him wonderful visiter, a steamboat. We found
+him in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying
+on his couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins
+and blankets. His habitation, a two story log house, is in a state
+of decay, without furniture, except a few benches, and wooden bowls
+and spoons to eat out of. This convinced us of his determination to
+retain old habits and customs. This venerable old chief was a lad in
+the first French war, in 1744, and is now nearly one hundred years of
+age. He is a smart active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength
+of mind, and in perfect health, and retains among his nation all that
+uncontrolled influence he has ever done.
+
+“He, with his son Charles, sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came
+on board, and remained until she had passed six miles up, and then they
+returned home in their own canoe, after expressing great pleasure.
+His domain is a delightful bottom of rich land, two miles[3] square,
+nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On this,
+his own family, about fifty in number, in eight or ten houses reside.
+Cornplanter’s wife, and her mother, one hundred and fifteen years of
+age, are in good health.
+
+The lands of this tribe being forty miles long and half a mile wide
+on each side of the river, lie just above, but all in the state of
+New York. They have a number of villages, and are about seven hundred
+in number, scattered all along this reserve. Many of them have good
+dwellings, and, like the whites, some are intelligent, industrious, and
+useful--while others are the reverse. On the whole they are becoming
+civilized and christianized, as fast as can be expected. The natives
+appeared in great numbers, (we counted four hundred) who were attracted
+to view this unexpected sight on their waters. Their lands terminate
+eight miles below Olean.”
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_A vocabulary of some of the most familiar words and phrases in the
+Seneca language, and the English, in alphabetical order._
+
+  All                                Cock _way_ go
+  All gone                           Ono, cock _way_ go
+  Any where, any thing, &c.          Te caw a _noo_ we
+  A quiet mind                       _Ska_ no _sa_ na to nee
+  Axe                                At _too_ ga
+  Boy or child                       Uc _shaw_
+  Brother                            _Ho_gh _gee_
+  Blood                              Ot _quoon_ sah
+  Board                              Con _nish_ ta
+  Bear                               _U qui_
+  Black                              _Gis_ taa
+  Beaver                             Te _con_ ne a ga
+  Big lake                           Con nu _di_ go _wan_ nee
+  Birds                              Ge _daa_
+  Bread                              _Wagh_ qua
+  Beans                              Ci _daw_
+  Beyond                             _Shee qua_
+  Both                               De _jall_
+  Book                               Ki _au_ dau shaw
+  Blanket                            Ee _yuse_
+  Bed                                Con _noch_ ta
+  Barrel or tub                      Con _noch_ qua
+  Blacksmith                         Cow _wish_ to nee
+  Bad                                _Toos_ coss
+  Cold                               Hit _too_ a
+  Cow                                Tus _quan_
+  Cat                                Dac _coos_
+  Child                              Uc _shaw_
+  Cousin                             _Kaa_ say
+  Chief                              Shin e _wan_ nee
+  Cannon                             Ca _u_ da _go_ aw
+  Coat                               Ja dau _wis_ a
+  Chest                              _Count_ sah
+  Cup                                Cow _wish_ ta
+  Candle                             Ogish to _taugh_ qua
+  Canoe                              _Cau_ waugh
+  Chocolate                          Nig a _di_ u
+  Crane                              Jo _a_ sah
+  Deer                               Nea _yu_ ka
+  Duck                               Se _wack_
+  Dead                               A _way_ yu
+  Devil                              Nishe _o_ nee
+  Dog                                _Gee ah_
+  Dish                               _Cud gee_
+  Day                                U_daugh_
+  Drink                              _Nig_ ge ah
+  Dark                               U _dagh_ sin _di_ go
+  Do you want it                     _Ees_ no wees
+  Earth                              U en _jau_ dy
+  Elk                                Je _naun_ de
+  Eel                                Con _taa_ na
+  Eat                                _Sutte_ coo nee
+  Eye                                _Ka haa_
+  Ear                                _Woun_ tah
+  Evening, or sun down               _Ono_ gagh qua
+  Father                             _Hau_ nee
+  Field                              K ion _to_
+  Farmer                             E _yeant_ has
+  Fox                                O nung _quat_ qua
+  Fish                               Kin _jugh_
+  Fire                               O _gish_ ta
+  Flour or meal                      Tee _sah_
+  Fruit                              O _yah_
+  Flea                               Te _was_ en _tas_
+  Fine day                           O _we see_ ah
+  Fire-fly                           Gish te _noch_ qua
+  God, or Great Spirit               How _wau_ ne au
+  Grandmother                        Uc _sute_
+  Good                               Scoss
+  Grist-mill                         Cau _thish_ e _o_ ne
+  Gnat                               O gaw _whont_
+  Gun                                Ca _u_ da
+  Greedy                             _Dus_ ki hau sy
+  Gift                               _Ska_ no
+  House                              Con ne _sute_
+  Horse                              Con _don_ nah que
+  Hungry                             A _dus_ swa dau nee
+  High                               _Eait_ kah
+  Here in this place                 _Nich_ hooh
+  Him or her                         Au _whau_
+  Hear                               Gut _hoon_ dy
+  Happy                              _Ska_ no _so_ ne _to_ nee
+  Hat or cap                         Kah _e quay_
+  Hand                               Kas _chuch_ tah
+  Half                               Sut te _wau so_ nee
+  How many                           _Ton_ ne yu
+  How many miles                     _Ton_ ne _yute_ cot ho
+  Hawk                               _Swin_ go _dau_ ge au
+  Have you any, &c.                  _Goih_ yah
+  Indians                            A _gue_ o we
+  Indian corn                        O ne _ah_
+  If                                 Cow a _nee_
+  I myself                           Ee
+  I don’t know                       Te _quaw_
+  I think                            E _we_
+  Island                             _Cow_ we _naut_
+  Iron                               Con ne _u sah_
+  Ice                                O _we_ sa
+  I don’t understand                 Te _gunk_ hau
+  I want it                          _Ic_ no wees
+  I am going now                     _Ono_ se _gogh_ tan dee
+  Iron pot                           Te _quosh_ e naute
+  King                               _Co_ wa _co_ a
+  Kettle                             Can _naun_ jau
+  Knife                              Ka _gun_ ne au sau
+  Land                               _U_ aun _ja_
+  Louse                              _Gee_ no _e_
+  Lonesome                           A _goon_ date
+  Lake, or sea                       Con nu _di_
+  Lie                                Sun noo _aunt_
+  Large                              Go _wau_ nee
+  Long ago                           O _nuch_ chee
+  Little, or small                   Nee _wau_, or _wis_ too
+  Little while ago                   _Wau_ gee
+  Linen                              Con ne _ga_ un sah
+  Like this                          _Sau_ gat
+  Log                                Can _hagh_ tau
+  Man or male                        Can _gee_ nah
+  Mother                             _No_ yegh
+  Many                               Con _nong_ gee
+  Much                               We _sue_
+  Meat                               Au _wagh_
+  Mosquito                           Ge ne _au_ da sa
+  Mush                               _Gis_ qua
+  Mountain                           Non on _dau_ dee
+  Mile                               _Yute_ cot hoo
+  Money                              O _wish_ ta
+  Merry, or pleased                  _Oon dut_ ca dee
+  Milk                               _Nung_ qua
+  Moon                               Gagh qua
+  Mouth                              Kish e _gaen_
+  Morning                            Se _tugh_ ge au
+  Make it                            _Shish_ she _o_ ne
+  New town                           Can na da _say_
+  Noon                               Gick ne _gah_ quaw
+  No                                 Tah
+  Now                                Nay _wau_
+  Not many                           _Tanty_ co _nong_ gee
+  Not much                           _Tanty_ we _sue_
+  Not                                Tanty
+  Nose                               Ka kan _dah_
+  Nonsense, trifling, &c.            _Gish_ nit
+  One month                          _Swa_ no dock
+  Owl                                _E he_
+  Old                                Caw _cuch_ gee
+  Over the river                     Ska _hoon_ dee
+  On this side                       Caw _oo_
+  Philadelphia                       Ca ne _di_ an go au
+  Pittsburg                          Taun _too_ ga
+  Pig                                _Quees_ quees
+  Provisions                         A _den_ a sah
+  Potatoes                           _Non_ nun dau
+  Plenty                             Con _nong_ gee
+  Pipe                               Se _guah_ ta
+  Pretty                             We _u_
+  Pheasant                           _Chuc_ que _a_ ne
+  Pigeons                            _Jah_ go au
+  Presently                          A ge _quash_
+  People                             _Ung_ que
+  Rain                               Us _taun_ dee
+  River                              Ka _hone_ dee
+  Racoon                             Jo _ah_ qua
+  Rattlesnake                        So _quant_
+  Right, or proper                   Ty wi _ye_ a
+  Raining, or stormy                 Onish wy _ate_ kah
+  Sea, or ocean                      _Ska_ ne la te _co_ ne
+  Shoes, or sandals                  At _tagh_ qua
+  Sun                                _Gagh_ qua
+  Squashes, &c.                      O _nuch_ sha
+  Sheep                              _Te_ de ne _gen_ do
+  Stone                              Cos _quagh_
+  Spinning wheel                     See in _yeah_ ta
+  Saw mill                           Con _nish_ te o nee
+  Sick                               _Nonk_ ta nee
+  Strong                             Cau _haus_ tee
+  Star                               O _gish_ un da
+  Sit down                           Sut _tee_
+  Snow                               Cun ne _i_
+  Snow falling                       U _gaun_ dee
+  Spoon                              At te _quot_ sa
+  See, or look                       _Sut_ cot _hoo_
+  Silver                             O _wish_ ta _no_ e a
+  Shut the door                      Se ho _tong_ goo
+  Snipe                              Te _ith_ to we
+  Shoemaker                          At _taugh_ qua _nee_
+  Susquehanna                        _Cau_ wa ne _wy_ ne _i_ ne
+  Turkey                             Os soo _aunt_
+  Thief                              _Nus qus_
+  Turnips                            _Uc_ te au
+  Town                               _Con_ na da _go_
+  Tobacco                            _Yaun_ gwa
+  Turtle                             Cun ne _wau_
+  This                               _Nick_ hoo
+  Thou                               Eece
+  Tooth, or teeth                    Ca _noo_ jah
+  Tell it                            _Sat_ hu e
+  Talk                               _Gish_ nee
+  True, or truth                     _To gas_
+  To-morrow                          U _haut_
+  Uncle                              _Auh_ no ze
+  Ugly                               _Wy ate_ u
+  Verily, or very true               _To_ gas _neh_ hue
+  Very large                         _Agos_ go _wan_ nee
+  Very far                           _Way_ uh
+  Winter                             Ka _unch_ neh
+  Water                              _Nick_ a _noos_
+  Woods                              Ca ha _da_ go
+  Wheat                              O _naun_ jah
+  Weeds                              We _aah_ ta
+  Wolf                               Ty _o_ nee
+  Wild geese                         Hung _gawk_
+  Watch                              Gah que _shawk_ ta
+  White people                       Hit _teen_ yah
+  Warm                               _Di_ u
+  Warm day                           Con _naa_ no
+  Woman                              _Yee_ uh
+  Wife                               _Yeak_ nee
+  Wind                               _Ga haa_
+  Work                               Sutte ye _dott_
+  Want. I want it, &c.               _Ick_ no _eece_
+  Where                              _Cong_ gwa
+  Yonder                             _Ho_ quaw
+  You                                _Eece_ de jal
+  Yes                                Naye
+  You want it                        _Eece_ no wees
+  Year                               _Tush shate_
+  Yesterday                          _Tay_ day
+
+
+_Names of some of the Indians, and their signification._
+
+  Ki on _twa_ ky                     Cornplanter
+  Te _ki_ on da                      A wager, or money staked
+  Con ne _di_ u                      Hansom lake
+  Neh ta _go_ a                      A large pine tree
+  _Waun_ dung _guh_ ta               Passed by
+  Sa go e _wah_ ta                   Keeper arise
+  O _gish_ quat ta                   Dried mush
+  _Tak_ e wau sah                    Go to war
+  _Twa_ de ac                        Broken gun
+  _Yeang_ gwa haunt                  Chew tobacco
+  _Ki_ an _gwah_ ta                  Smoke
+
+
+_Numerical terms, &c._
+
+  One                                Scote
+  Two                                _Tick_ nee
+  Three                              Shaugh
+  Four                               Keah
+  Five                               Wush
+  Six                                Yeah
+  Seven                              Chaw tawk
+  Eight                              Tick _yugh_
+  Nine                               Tugh tah
+  Ten                                _Wush_ hau
+  Twenty                             Te _was_ hau
+  Thirty                             Sha ne _was_ hau
+  Forty                              Kea ne _was_ hau
+  Fifty                              _Wush_ ne was hau
+  Sixty                              Yea ne _was_ hau
+  Seventy                            Chaw tawk ne _was_ hau
+  Eighty                             Tick yaugh ne _was_ hau
+  Ninety                             Tugh ta ne _was_ hau
+  One hundred, that is,              Wush haw ne _was_ haw, or scote
+      ten times ten                      de _wy_ ne _i_
+  Two hundred                        Te non de _wy_ ne _i_
+  Three hundred                      Sha non de _wy_ ne _i_
+  Four hundred                       Keah non de _wy_ ne _i_, &c. &c.
+  One dollar                         _Scow_ wish taut
+  Two dollars                        Te gaw _wish_ tau gay
+  Three dollars                      Sha ne gaw _wish_ tau gay
+  Four dollars                       Kea ne gaw _wish_ tau gay, &c.
+  One penny                          Quin nish
+  One shilling                       _Sco_ ti on _shate_
+  Two shillings                      Te _gash_ e on se gay
+  Three shillings                    Sha ne _gash_ e on se gay
+  One yard                           Tu we _naut_
+  Two yards                          _Tic_ ne ju we _non_ gay
+  Three yards                        _Sha_ ne ju we _non_ gay
+  One pound                          Cau _goon_ sate
+  Two pounds                         Tich ne cou _goon_ se ga
+  Three pounds                       Sha ne cou _goon_ se ga
+  One quart                          Cus _saa_ dee
+  Two quarts                         Tick ne cus _say_ dee
+  Three quarts                       Shane cus _say_ dee
+  One day                            Onish _shate_
+  Two days                           Te ne wa _nish_ a gay
+  Three days                         Sha ne wa _nish_ a gay
+  One month                          _Swa_ ne dock
+  Two months                         Te _wa_ ne da gay
+  Three months                       Sha ne wau ne da gay
+  One year                           Tush _shate_
+  Two years                          Te _ush_ a gay
+  Three years                        Sha ne _ush_ a gay, &c.
+
+
+    _The author not having an opportunity of examining the proof
+    sheets, some typographical errors have occurred, especially in
+    the Indian words--the following errata will be observed by the
+    reader._
+
+Page 5, line 20 from top, before motives, insert the words _natives
+the_.
+
+Page 8, line 18 from bottom, for retaining read _retained_.
+
+Page 9, line 18 from top, read the following _speech_ from.
+
+Page 29, line 14 from top, read Je _nuch_ sha _da_ go.
+
+Page 40, line 13 from top, for Memsies read _Munsies_.
+
+Page 42, line 6 from top, for Connedin read Co ne _di_ u; and so
+through the book.
+
+Same page, line 4 from bottom, for government read _governor_.
+
+Page 47, line 7 from bottom, for Junesassa read _Tunesassa_; and so
+through the book.
+
+Page 54, line 20 from bottom, for nation read _natives_.
+
+Page 80, line 19 from bottom, read the chief warrior’s _son_.
+
+Page 110, line 16 from top, for nations read _natives_.
+
+Same page, line 3 from bottom, for in, read _to_ the United States.
+
+Page 111, line 20 from top, for Harkey read _Harvey_.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Alluding to an ineffectual attempt made during the war in 1793,
+when six Friends, as before stated, attended with the commissioners of
+the United States.
+
+[2] A British agent for Indian affairs resident in Canada.
+
+[3] I apprehend there is some mistake in the account given, of the
+quantity of land possessed by Cornplanter. By the act of assembly, it
+appears six hundred acres was the quantity located at that place.--ED.
+
+
+Transcriber’s Note:
+
+Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Civilization of the Indian Natives, by 
+Halliday Jackson
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+    Civilization of the Indian Natives; or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania, by Halliday Jackson.
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's Civilization of the Indian Natives, by Halliday Jackson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Civilization of the Indian Natives
+       or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn
+              Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania
+
+Author: Halliday Jackson
+
+Release Date: July 7, 2017 [EBook #55063]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CIVILIZATION OF THE INDIAN NATIVES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Wayne Hammond and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="transnote">
+<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>
+
+<p>The corrections in the errata on page 120 have been incorporated into the original.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">1</span></p>
+
+<h1>
+<span class="x-large">CIVILIZATION</span><br />
+
+<small>OF THE</small><br />
+
+INDIAN NATIVES;<br />
+
+<small>OR,</small><br />
+
+<span class="antiqua">A Brief View</span><br />
+
+<span class="large">OF THE FRIENDLY CONDUCT</span><br />
+
+<small>OF</small><br />
+
+WILLIAM PENN<br />
+
+<small>TOWARDS THEM</small><br />
+
+<span class="medium">IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA;</span><br />
+
+<span class="large table"><i>The subsequent care of the Society of Friends in endeavouring to promote<br />
+peace and friendship with them by pacific measures</i>;</span><br />
+
+<span class="medium">AND</span><br />
+
+<span class="medium table"><i>A concise narrative of the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, of<br />
+Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts adjacent, since the year<br />
+1795, in promoting their improvement</i></span><br />
+
+<span class="large">AND GRADUAL CIVILIZATION.</span><br />
+<img class="figcenter" src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" />
+<span class="large">BY HALLIDAY JACKSON.</span><br />
+<img class="figcenter" src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" />
+<span class="medium table">“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and
+they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”&mdash;<i>Isaiah</i> lxi. 4.</span><br />
+
+<img class="figcenter" src="images/colophon.jpg" alt="" /><br />
+
+<span class="large table"><i>PHILADELPHIA</i>:<br />
+<span class="medium">MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET.<br />
+<i>NEW YORK</i>;<br />
+ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET.</span><br />
+<br />
+1830</span></h1>
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">2</span></p>
+
+<h2 id="ADVERTISEMENT">ADVERTISEMENT.</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p>Our readers have, no doubt, perused with satisfaction the numbers which have
+appeared from time to time in this periodical, respecting the Seneca Indians&mdash;their
+habits, superstitions, &amp;c. The facts which these articles embraced, were rendered the
+more interesting, by the late difficulties which had been manifested between the
+United States, and several southern and western tribes, upon the subject of their
+lands, and the right by which they held them in possession.</p>
+
+<p>Since the conclusion of these interesting numbers, we have been favoured by the
+writer with a more enlarged and particular narration, respecting the situation of the
+Indians, in the early settlement of this country&mdash;in which a concise view is presented of
+the proceedings of William Penn, in relation to them at the period of the first settlement
+of Pennsylvania. A very particular description is also given of the proceedings of
+the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, &amp;c. touching the means
+adopted to increase their happiness, and improve their moral and physical condition.
+Many speeches, highly characteristic and beautiful, delivered by distinguished chiefs,
+in council, will be found interspersed through the narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Having concluded, in our last number, the works of <span class="smcap">William Shewen</span>, we think
+we cannot better occupy, for a few weeks, the pages heretofore devoted to that work,
+than by appropriating them to the interesting subject, of which the above is an outline,
+and which the writer has kindly given us permission to publish. It may then be preserved
+in the same manner as the works just completed, and will form a small but
+valuable book for all classes.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">3</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h2 id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p>Believing that some account of the measures pursued by the Society
+of Friends, towards the Indian natives, may prove an auxiliary in the
+cause of humanity, and probably interest the serious and benevolent
+mind in behalf of the aborigines of our country, whom we consider as
+children of one universal parent, who is no respecter of persons, but regards
+with equal care all nations, whether of a fair complexion or a tawny
+skin; I am, therefore, induced to believe that every thing relating to their
+history may prove interesting to posterity, when they shall be told that
+such a race of men, who may then have passed away, once inhabited
+this populous country. And having acquired considerable knowledge
+of some of the Indian tribes, and of the progress some of them have
+made in the arts of civilized life, I am induced to offer a concise view
+of the friendly intercourse that has subsisted between the society of
+Friends and the aborigines of our country, from the time the illustrious
+William Penn, and some of his cotemporaries first landed on the American
+shores, and exhibited to the world, the singular spectacle of establishing
+a new model of government, amidst a mixture of persons of different
+nations, and different civil and religious opinions, surrounded by savage
+tribes of Indians, without recourse to any coercive measures&mdash;which has
+since been the wonder and admiration of mankind.</p>
+
+<p>His great treaty, too, with the Indians, was also made without the
+solemnity of an oath, and has been immortalized as the only treaty, so
+made, that has never been broken.</p>
+
+<p>In most of the histories, in which we can trace the character of the
+Indian nations, we find them to abound either with romantic tales, or
+scenes of cruelty and barbarity, calculated to excite prejudice in the
+mind of the reader; but in this will be found the conciliating language
+of peace and mutual friendship, and a disposition on the part of the
+Indians, to exchange the tomahawk and scalping knife, for the plough
+and the hoe, and peacefully betake themselves to the innocent employments
+of the pastoral and agricultural life.</p>
+
+<p>Although the author has spent but a small portion of time in a personal
+residence among this people, in comparison with many others, yet
+he can acknowledge, that the short time devoted to that service embraced
+some of the happiest moments of his early life. For, although
+deprived of the social comforts of society, and far removed from all the
+near and tender connexions of his youthful days, yet from a full conviction
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">4</span>
+of the rectitude of the work, and the incalculable good, under
+the divine blessing, that might finally result to that people, the wilderness
+was often made as it were an Eden, and the desert as the garden
+of the Lord. “Joy and gladness was found therein, thanksgiving, and
+the voice of melody.”</p>
+
+<p>During the author’s residence among the natives, as well as on several
+visits since that period, he had a fair opportunity of noticing the gradual
+improvement of the Indians, in some of the arts of civilized life, by
+which he is enabled to furnish, he trusts, well authenticated accounts of
+the benefits which have resulted to that people from the benevolent
+exertions of the society of Friends. And, although these exertions may
+appear to be limited in their operation towards a reform, yet when we
+take into view the numerous tribes of Indians within and circumjacent
+to the United States, there is reason to hope, that the instruction already
+afforded to several tribes, and the advancement they have made in some
+of the most useful arts of civilized life, will have a stimulating influence
+on their more distant brethren.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">5</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h2 id="A_BRIEF_ACCOUNT_OF_THE_INDIANS_c">A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS, &amp;c.</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p>The benign spirit of the gospel, operating upon the benevolent mind
+of that eminently distinguished character William Penn, induced him,
+at the very commencement of the settlement of Pennsylvania, to cultivate,
+by the exercise of gentleness, kindness, and the love of peace, a
+good understanding with the natives; and in all his transactions with
+them, by scrupulously adhering to the law of universal righteousness,
+which dispenses justice to all, and infringes on the natural rights of none,
+he pursued the best means of establishing harmony between them and
+the new settlers, and thereby ensured their confidence and friendship.</p>
+
+<p>In a letter which he sent them by his deputy, previous to his arrival
+in America, dated Eighth month, 1681, he called their attention to the
+existence of a supremely good, <span class="smcap">all-wise Being</span>, and to his law written in
+the heart, by which men are taught to love, help, and do good, one to
+another; and briefly informed them respecting his grant from the king,
+and assured them that he desired to enjoy it with their love and consent,
+that they might always live together as neighbours and friends. Then,
+in allusion to some of the other settlements on this continent, which in
+too many instances having been marked with injustice and oppression,
+were followed by melancholy and distressing circumstances, he proceeded
+more at length to unfold to the natives the motives and principles, by which
+he was actuated towards them, adding: “The people I send are of the
+same mind, and if in any thing any shall offend you, or your people, you
+shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same, by an equal number
+of just men on both sides, that by no means you may have just occasion
+of being offended against them.”</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1682, William Penn first arrived in this country, and
+began to purchase land of the Indians, exemplifying the sincerity of his
+previous declarations, by giving them full satisfaction for every grant,
+accompanied with the best advice for promoting their comfort and
+happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Thus began that firm and lasting friendship with the natives, which
+continued during the life of William Penn, and with the religious society
+of which he was a member, for the space of seventy years; that is, as
+long as the society retained sufficient influence, effectually to interpose
+between the natives and the other inhabitants, so as to prevent misunderstandings,
+or to redress such grievances as occurred. A friendship
+which to this day remains unobliterated between the society of Friends
+and the Indians who have knowledge of them, and is a standing proof
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">6</span>
+that the gentle and upright conduct inculcated by the gospel, as exemplified
+in the practice of William Penn, is a far more effectual means
+of preserving treaties inviolate, and insuring the permanent enjoyment
+of reciprocal benefits, than the system of violence, fraud, and oppression
+too frequently resorted to, on such occasions.</p>
+
+<p>By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives,
+the parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as
+brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs,
+ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which was
+not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.</p>
+
+<p>William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians,
+during his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious
+nature; and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the
+advice he gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard
+to justice so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them:
+hence, the name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do
+the society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with
+much veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be
+advanced as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent
+behaviour of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude,
+but the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have
+on the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in
+the early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an
+entire wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a
+scanty supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the
+new settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining
+food&mdash;but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were much
+alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in supplying their
+necessities; not only extending their beneficence to those of the society
+of Friends, but generally to such as were under the patronage of William
+Penn&mdash;thereby evincing towards them the genuine spirit of hospitality&mdash;frequently
+visiting them in their houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly excluded
+from the proprietory agency to which the management of Indian
+affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians became
+corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of their
+lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in some of the
+tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of Pennsylvania.
+Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered, in consequence
+of a war which continued for several years. But notwithstanding
+the diminished influence which the society of Friends now possessed
+in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties with the Indians,
+they did not relax their endeavours to improve every opportunity of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">7</span>
+cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and promoting a peaceable
+disposition; for which purpose they formed an association among
+themselves, denominated the “friendly association for gaining and preserving
+peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”</p>
+
+<p>To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to the
+amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the governor’s
+permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such a
+discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating
+demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to
+have a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace;
+which desirable event took place in 1775.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the
+United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the
+Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the purpose
+of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly Meeting,
+believed it right to address congress on the occasion, thereby showing
+the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had heretofore
+been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and friendship with
+the original owners of the soil for the settlement of existing differences:
+at the same time, suggesting that if their religious instruction and
+civilization were rightly promoted, it might essentially contribute to
+conciliate the minds of the Indians, and restore harmony between the
+contending parties. Although the representation was well received, the
+measures recommended were not then adopted, and the calamities of
+war still continuing to prevail on the western frontiers of the states, the
+Yearly Meeting held in 1792, appointed a large committee to unite with
+the former, (commonly called the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate
+on the momentous subject, and, if practicable, to recommend such measures
+as would be most likely to promote peace and friendship with the
+Indian tribes, and thereby prevent the further effusion of human blood.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited
+Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the
+United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be
+held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these
+Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some
+Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they
+represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from
+their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence to
+the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In accordance
+with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace, the
+proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to accompany
+the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion, after
+having obtained the president’s approbation.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">8</span></p>
+
+<p>These Friends were present at several interviews with the commissioners,
+and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand council
+composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many different
+nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the minds
+of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the several
+subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied with the
+conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of peace, the
+treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in having an
+interview with the Indians in general council. They had, however,
+reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted with
+their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient attachment
+to the society was measurably renewed.</p>
+
+<p>Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the representatives
+of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at Canandaigua,
+in the state of New York, and government approving the same,
+four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable address
+was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in the language
+of the address,) for you the descendants of the first inhabitants of this
+land of America, whom our forefathers found here after they had
+crossed the great waters.”</p>
+
+<p>About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion, and
+these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of endeavouring
+to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to be derived
+from living in peace with one another, and with all men, and with
+the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that they might
+draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still retained
+a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their forefathers
+met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued to
+distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his
+descendants, expressing that if <i>we</i> deceived them they should no more
+place confidence in mankind.</p>
+
+<p>The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable
+adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established
+between these nations and the United States.</p>
+
+<p>During this visit, many of the difficulties and sufferings to which the
+Indians were subjected, were brought into view, and their situation
+appeared loudly to claim the sympathy of those who had grown opulent
+on the former inheritance of these poor declining people. Hence these
+Friends suggested the propriety of the society of Friends, pursuing some
+plan of rendering them more essential service than had hitherto been
+rendered.</p>
+
+<p>Again in 1795, a treaty was held with some of the western tribes of
+Indians, and, although Friends did not send a deputation to attend it,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span>
+they nevertheless, forwarded a suitable address, calculated to evince
+their love of peace, and ardent desire for the restoration of harmony
+between the Indians and the government of the United States. This
+letter was accompanied by suitable presents, directed to the care of
+General Anthony Wayne, who informed Friends that they were
+gratefully received by the Indians, and also, that there now was the
+fairest prospect of a lasting peace and friendly intercourse between
+the citizens of the United States, and the aborigines of America.</p>
+
+<p>Peace accordingly once more took place between the United States
+and the Indians, after many years of war and devastation; but this cessation
+of hostilities was purchased, on behalf of the Indians, by the relinquishment
+of a large tract of their country north-west of the river
+Ohio, and they were also otherwise left in a poor and destitute situation.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to this period, several of the Indians’ chiefs had, in a pathetic
+manner, applied to the society of Friends to remember them in their
+distressed situation, and also to instruct them in the modes of civilized
+life.</p>
+
+<p>The following speech, from Gay-us-hu-ta, an ancient chief of the Seneca
+nation, on the borders of Pennsylvania, is worthy of preserving on record:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the sons of my beloved brother Onas&mdash;When I was young
+and strong, our country was full of game, which the great spirit sent for
+us to live upon. The lands which belonged to us, were extended far beyond
+where we hunted. I, and the people of my nation, always had
+plenty to eat, and always something to give to our friends when they
+entered our cabins, and we rejoiced when they received it from us.
+Hunting was then not tiresome. It was diversion&mdash;it was a pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when your fathers asked land of my nation, we gave it to
+them&mdash;Gay-us-hu-ta was always among the first to say, “Give land to
+our brother Onas, for he wants it&mdash;and he has always been a friend
+to Onas and his children.”</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, your fathers saw Gay-us-hu-ta when he was young, when
+he had not even thought of old age or of weakness&mdash;but you are too
+far off to see him now&mdash;he is grown old, he is very old and feeble, and
+he wonders at his own shadow, it has become so little. He has no children
+to take care of him, and the game is driven away by the white
+people, so that the young men must hunt all day to get game for themselves
+to eat&mdash;they have nothing left for Gay-us-hu-ta. And it is not
+Gay-us-hu-ta only that is become old and feeble; there yet remains
+about thirty men of your old friends, who, unable to provide for themselves,
+or to help one another, are become poor, and are hungry and
+naked.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, Gay-us-hu-ta sends you a belt, which he received long
+ago from your fathers, and a writing which he received but as yesterday
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span>
+from one of you; by these you will remember him and the old friends
+of your father’s in this nation. Look on this belt and this writing, and
+if you remember the old friends of your fathers, consider their former
+friendship and their present distress, and if the good spirit shall put it
+into your hearts to comfort them in their old age, do not disregard his
+counsel. We are men, and therefore need only tell you, that we are
+old and feeble, and hungry, and naked, and that we have no other
+friends but you, the children of our beloved brother Onas.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The following is an extract from a letter addressed by Cornplanter,
+a chief of the same nation, to Friends in the year 1791.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the great spirit intends they
+should not continue to live by hunting, and they look round on every
+side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them
+to do. Your fathers dealt honestly with our fathers, and they have engaged
+us to remember it: we wish our children to be taught the same
+principles by which your fathers were guided.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach
+our children what we perceive their situation requires them to know.
+We wish them to be taught to read and write, and such other things as
+you teach your children, especially the love of peace.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Two Friends visited some of the Indians of the Delaware nation near
+Muskinghum, in the year 1793. The following is a speech of one of
+their chiefs named Neet-wot-willimon, on the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are glad, and rejoice in our hearts to see our brothers,
+the Quakers, speaking before us&mdash;we feel the grace that is in your
+hearts conveyed to us, and we wish to be of the same religion, but we
+are poor, and weak, and not capable of judging for ourselves&mdash;we hope
+you will have pity upon us, and instruct us how to gain a more comfortable
+living&mdash;and, also, how we may come to obtain everlasting happiness:
+when we think of our poor children, our hearts are affected with
+sorrow&mdash;we hope you will send us teachers.”</p>
+
+<p>These circumstances, together with the remembrance of the kindness
+of the natives to the early settlers in this country, continued to interest
+the feelings of the society of Friends in their behalf, and from motives
+of religious obligation, the Yearly Meeting, held in Philadelphia in the
+Ninth month, 1795, appointed a large committee for the special purpose
+of promoting the improvement and gradual civilization of the Indian
+natives, in such a way and manner, as would best tend to meliorate their
+condition; and to render an account annually to the Yearly Meeting of
+their progress therein. This committee promoted liberal subscriptions
+through the society&mdash;appointed a clerk and treasurer, and held stated
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span>
+meetings to deliberate on such measures, as, under the divine blessing,
+might best promote the real welfare of these inhabitants of the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>In order more fully to learn the disposition of the several tribes of
+Indians bordering on the state of Pennsylvania, it was an early object
+with the committee, to address to them a circular letter, informing
+them of the objects the society had in view for their benefit&mdash;and also
+therein communicating much salutary advice and counsel; which letter
+was also accompanied by one from Timothy Pickering, then secretary
+of state, in which he expresses a hearty co-operation with the views and
+plans of the committee, and the necessity of the Indians’ gradually declining
+their former modes of procuring sustenance, and betaking themselves
+to the cultivation of the soil, and raising domestic animals.</p>
+
+<p>In his letter he says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Brothers, I have the great pleasure to inform you, that your
+good friends, the Quakers, have formed a wise plan to show your young
+men and boys the most useful practices of the white people. They will
+choose some prudent, good men to instruct them. These good men will
+do this, only from the love they bear to you, their fellow men, and children
+of the Great Spirit whom they desire to please, and who will be
+pleased with the good they do to you.</p>
+
+<p>“The Quakers, and the good men they employ, will ask nothing from
+you, neither land, nor money, nor skins, nor furs, for all the good they
+will render to you. They will request only your consent, and the attention
+of the young men and boys to learn what will be so useful.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, if this first attempt succeed, the way will be open in which
+your young people may learn other useful practices of the white people,
+so as to enable them to supply all their own wants; and such as
+choose it, may learn to read and write.</p>
+
+<p>“Having thus explained to you the plan of your friends the Quakers,
+I conclude, with heartily recommending it to your adoption, as better
+calculated to procure lasting and essential benefits to your nation, than
+any plan ever before attempted.</p>
+
+<p>“Wishing it great success, I remain your friend and brother,</p>
+
+<p class="author">
+“<span class="smcap">Timothy Pickering</span>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Philadelphia, February 15, 1796.</i>”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Timothy Pickering also wrote to the superintendent of the six nations,
+and to the interpreter for the United States, requesting them to
+prepare the minds of the Indians for the intended plan formed by the
+society of Friends, to introduce among them some of the necessary arts
+of civil life. Those letters were explained to various tribes of Indians,
+who generally expressed their approbation of the measures proposed.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span></p>
+
+<p>The Oneidas, however, and those Indians settled on the Oneida reservation,
+comprehending the Stockbridges&mdash;and a part of the Tuscaroras,
+near the sources of the Mohawk river, in the state of New York,
+were most solicitous to co-operate with Friends in the intended experiment
+for a reform in the Indian mode of life.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of the year 1796, three young men, who offered their
+services to spend some time in the instruction of the natives, were accompanied
+by four of the committee into the Oneida country, and provided
+with implements of husbandry, carpenters’ and smiths’ tools, and
+other necessary accommodations. The Indians received them with joyful
+countenances, and gave them a hearty welcome to their villages. Their
+first council was held with the Stockbridges. These Indians are not of
+the six nations. They were said to consist of about sixty families, and
+three hundred individuals; and possessed upwards of twenty-three thousand
+acres of land, which had been given to them by the Oneida nation.
+They had a saw-mill, three carts, three pair of good working oxen, and
+some other things, which they enjoyed in common; but, in general,
+possessed their improvements and other fruits of their industry as private
+property; and little appeared to be wanting, but a spirit of industry,
+frugality, and sobriety, to make their situation comfortable. After
+giving them such advice as their situation required, Friends held a
+general council with the Oneidas, about four miles distant from the
+Stockbridge settlement. Here they fully explained the nature of their
+embassy, and endeavoured to impress the Indians with the necessity of
+a change in their manner of life, and the means whereby it might be
+accomplished, if they became industrious, cultivated their land, and
+raised cattle, sheep, and other domestic animals&mdash;also, that their women
+should learn to spin, knit, and manufacture their clothing.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians appeared well satisfied with the offer that had been
+made them, and the prospect of the young men staying among them to
+assist them. The women, especially, who had great reason to coincide
+with the views of Friends in this business, appeared to be well satisfied;
+for in proportion to the rude and uncultivated state of these people, are
+the hardships of their women increased; they having most of the
+drudgery to perform; such as hoeing corn, chopping wood, carrying
+burthens, &amp;c. while their men are sporting with their bows and arrows,
+and other similar diversions.</p>
+
+<p>It was supposed the Oneidas at this time possessed about two hundred
+and forty square miles of land. They were, in number, about six hundred
+and twenty. They had a saw-mill, built by government, and a
+considerable number of cattle, horses, and some working oxen. With
+these, and their annuities from the government, they might, with a
+proper application on their part, have become good livers, abounding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span>
+in the necessary comforts of life. But such were their excessive indolence,
+want of economy, and love of strong drink, that instead of improving
+the means in their power to make themselves comfortable, they
+were poor and wretched; and many of them, a great part of the year,
+almost reduced to a state of starvation. The little corn and other
+produce the women raised with their hoes, were frequently bartered for
+strong drink. The evil effects of this practice, Friends were particularly
+concerned to remark, in their councils; and some exertions were
+said to have been used by their chiefs, to prevent strong liquor from
+being sold in their villages.</p>
+
+<p>Friends also had a council with the Brotherton Indians, about nine
+miles from the Stockbridges, composed of fifty-six families, and possessed
+of about nine thousand nine hundred acres of land. They also
+had a saw-mill, and a considerable number of cattle and other animals.
+They also had an interview with a smaller tribe of the Tuscaroras,
+who lived on the Oneida’s land, and furnished them with some goods,
+and implements of husbandry, encouraging them to industry, and sober
+habits, whereby they might partake plentifully of the blessings of the
+Great Spirit. They had further satisfactory interviews with the Stockbridge
+Indians, and in addition to the implements of husbandry they
+had given them, presented them with a set of smiths’ tools. At the close
+of their communications, an old chief replied to them as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I am glad to see you, in my heart, and to hear your good
+words&mdash;you use us just like a father&mdash;I am old&mdash;have lost all my family&mdash;and
+cannot live many days&mdash;but all this spring, I think the Great
+Spirit will send me some comfort in my trouble&mdash;but nobody say any
+thing to me, till now, you are come,&mdash;I wish I was young, then I would
+do what you say&mdash;I will go and see your young men at Oneida, every
+two or three days, and tell our young men how you do.”</p>
+
+<p>The principal chief of the nation, on behalf of the rest, expressed
+much satisfaction for the kind offers Friends had made them, especially
+for the smiths’ tools; stating that they had suffered much for the want
+of them, having had to go many miles, and sometimes lose many days, to
+get one link of a chain mended.</p>
+
+<p>The committee who accompanied the young men, now having spent
+near a month in the Indian country, and having obtained a house to
+accommodate them, and got satisfactory arrangements made between
+them and the Indians, set out homewards. On their way, about thirty
+miles westward of Oneida, they called to see a small tribe of the Onondaga
+Indians. They were about one hundred and thirty-five in number,
+and possessed about twelve thousand eight hundred acres of good
+land, but were in a poor and miserable condition, spending their time in
+idleness, and much given to intemperance; even pawning the blankets
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span>
+they received from government, for liquor, before they got them home.
+Friends had an interview with them, and endeavoured to impress them
+with the necessity of a change in their manner of life, and the advantage
+that would arise from habits of industry and sobriety; letting them
+know that they were willing to help them a little, but that their main
+object was to get them to help themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They also visited a small tribe of the Cayuga Indians, about seventy
+miles westward from Oneida, said to be about sixty in number, in a
+similar situation to the Onondagas. To these the committee promised
+to send some implements of husbandry, which were afterwards furnished
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The three young men now stationed at Oneida, began to set before
+the natives an example of industry, and to use endeavours to promote
+in them a like disposition; but they, being unaccustomed to labour, and
+naturally averse to habits of industry, continued in their former pursuits.
+Friends then improved a piece of land, without assistance from the natives,
+hoping some of them would be induced to follow their example.
+They also repaired and worked a saw-mill, belonging to the Oneidas,
+and instructed several of the Indians in the knowledge of sawing.</p>
+
+<p>In the fall of this year, one of the young men returned home, and
+another who offered his services, went forward to that station.</p>
+
+<p>The ensuing winter, Friends opened a school for the instruction of
+the children, and an Indian, qualified by an education in New England,
+taught the Stockbridge children, and was allowed a salary by Friends
+for several years.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1797, but little improvement was made by the Oneida
+Indians. Sickness prevailed among them, which Friends did not wholly
+escape. One of the young men went to distribute some implements of
+husbandry, &amp;c. among the Onondaga, and Cayuga Indians, and to encourage
+them to apply themselves to the use of them, earnestly recommending
+them to sobriety and industry, as the only means of promoting
+their happiness. For while they remained in habits of idleness and
+drunkenness, they would be poor and miserable. They were grateful
+for the presents received, and promised to apply themselves to the use
+of them; but said, that “drinking rum, and getting drunk they were not
+able to keep from, because it was running all round them; that they
+lived on an island, and the white people gave them drams, and then
+they craved more, so that they thought it was impossible to leave it off,
+they had been so long accustomed to it; but they were in hopes the
+young people would learn better.”</p>
+
+<p>In the fore part of this summer, the Oneida Indians, as was their
+usual custom, (to supply themselves with food, being urged thereto by
+necessity,) went on an expedition, about twenty miles, to the other side
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span>
+of the Oneida lake, after young pigeons. These they caught in great
+abundance, and after salting them in bark troughs, brought them home
+to their villages.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month, this year, another of the young men returned
+from the Oneida settlement, by whom the principal chiefs of that nation
+addressed a letter to the committee, expressive of their gratitude for
+the favours received, and their satisfaction with the conduct of the
+young man who had resided among them.</p>
+
+<p>The Sachems of the Stockbridge nation also sent a letter, from which
+the following is extracted:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends, attend. We the Sachems and counsellors of
+the Mohikonick or Stockbridge nation, send our voice to you. We feel
+rejoiced that the great, good Spirit, has put such light and love in your
+hearts, and influenced your minds to such a degree, as to have compassionate
+feelings towards us, the natives of this island. We ever have
+felt the gladness on our hearts, to find and see with our own eyes, that
+you have not only spoke good words from your lips, but have been doers
+of the good work&mdash;you have extended your charity towards us in this
+wilderness. You have taken the pains to come up, year ago last summer&mdash;you
+have sat with us in council, you have given us many good councils&mdash;you
+have raised our heads which were hung down&mdash;you have
+directed our eyes to see the good path of life&mdash;you have put tools on
+our hands&mdash;you have hung a good kettle by the side of our fire-place,
+whereby our food may be cooked without any trouble&mdash;you have even
+put a good staff into the hands of our children&mdash;that they may be enabled
+to learn the path that leads to good life, and indeed you have done
+much good for us. By these means we have been enabled to avoid
+many difficulties&mdash;our young men are greatly encouraged, and our old
+men comforted.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope that in a future day, you will rejoice, that what
+you have done for us was not in vain. The kindness which you have
+done to us is by this time sounded in the ears of our allies, the different
+nations towards the setting sun; for it was the custom of our forefathers,
+when any thing was done for them by the white people&mdash;all
+their friends and allies must know of it.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">
+Signed by six Chiefs.</p>
+
+<p><i>Dated New Stockbridge, 9th mo. 1797.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>A desire was expressed by the Indians, that some of their daughters
+might be brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia to receive
+instruction. Accordingly six girls, aged from nine to eighteen years were
+received, and placed in the families of Friends in Chester county, to be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span>
+instructed in school-learning, and the usual branches of housewifery
+and domestic economy, where some of them remained several years.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of the year 1798, (in order to induce the Indians to
+labour,) a proposition was made to hire some of them to assist in improving
+the land allotted for a farm; but they were so irregular in
+working, that the plan was abandoned. Some days nearly thirty would
+come to work, and on other days, scarcely one was to be had. They
+therefore engaged a number of lads and young men whom they boarded,
+and allowed a reasonable compensation for their services.</p>
+
+<p>At this time some improvement had taken place. Many of the Indian
+men would assist their wives in working their little lots of land; but they
+experienced some difficulty from the want of a blacksmith, to make
+and repair their tools. A Friend, however, well qualified to instruct
+them in this business, offered his services, who, with his wife, and another
+female, desirous of spending some time in the instruction of the
+Indian women, proceeded to that settlement, and were usefully engaged
+in the benevolent object of improving the condition of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>In the Seventh month, this year, this settlement was visited by two
+of the committee, who assisted the Friends there, in making some arrangements
+with the Indians relative to the smith’s business, and otherwise
+imparting suitable encouragement to them in regard to the cultivation
+of their land.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, and for some time previous, (probably instigated by
+the evil insinuations of some designing white men,) some of the Indians
+had manifested suspicions of the sincerity of Friends’ views. They
+knew that the improvement made on their land, and the various tools
+and implements of husbandry furnished them by Friends, must have
+cost a great deal of money, and they had not been witnesses of any instance,
+where white people had come forward in such a manner to
+assist Indians, but, sooner or later an interested motive discovered itself&mdash;therefore,
+some had fear that it was intended to make a permanent
+establishment, and lay claim to a part of their land. And indeed when
+we advert to the many impositions practised upon this much injured
+people, by those who have gone among them, under the character of
+missionaries, and religious instructors, we cannot much marvel that this
+should be the case.</p>
+
+<p>Friends, however, expostulated with them on various subjects, relative
+to their improvement, and reminded them of their ungrateful surmises
+and whisperings in this respect&mdash;and told them, that they had
+never asked any of their land&mdash;they never should&mdash;nor would they
+take it, if offered to them&mdash;and that they had no other inducement
+for staying among them, spending their time and their money, but their
+own good.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p>
+
+<p>In their reply to Friends, the Indians, by way of apology, mention&mdash;“There
+are some had people, who have spoke against you, that you
+had a design to take away our land; and sometimes when our minds
+were not right, we believed such talk&mdash;and this made us feel very ugly&mdash;but
+now we are convinced, and sorry we believed such things. We
+are satisfied that you are a true people, and we will continue to be of
+that mind.”</p>
+
+<p>This visit seemed (to use the Indian term,) to brighten the chain of
+friendship; and the prospect of improvement assumed a more encouraging
+appearance. A comfortable dwelling house and barn were built
+this year, and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed
+in cultivating the farm. A large quantity of grain, hay, and vegetables
+were raised&mdash;affording ample proof to the natives, of the beneficial effects
+of cultivating the soil.</p>
+
+<p>Several of them, also, acquired considerable knowledge of the blacksmith’s
+business, and many of their young women and girls received
+instruction in spinning, knitting, sewing, and other domestic affairs,
+and some progress was made in their school learning.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1799, a more encouraging prospect of success, in
+improving the condition of the Indians, was apparent. Several of the
+Indian men improved lots of land for their own benefit, which they
+sowed with wheat, and other grain. The smith’s business continued to
+be attended to by them, and Friends, with the aid of the Indians, continued
+to work their farms; nor were their exertions, either this or any
+former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as opportunities
+for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to the various
+parts of the Indian settlements, and afforded assistance in as many ways,
+as the necessities of the natives required.</p>
+
+<p>As the Indians at this place had now obtained sufficient instruction
+to enable them, by proper application, to procure a comfortable living,
+it was concluded by Friends, that the time was drawing near, when it
+might be right to withdraw from them, and to convince the Indians of
+their disinterested motives, by leaving all their improvements, tools, and
+implements of husbandry for their own use and benefit; and with a view
+of making this arrangement, four of the committee visited the settlement
+in the Ninth month this year. After viewing the progress made
+by the Indians in the agricultural art, and also finding that two of them
+had acquired the knowledge of the blacksmith’s business, so fully as to
+be likely to answer all the work the natives might stand in need of, and
+others having applied themselves to the use of carpenter’s tools, so as
+to be capable of building good houses, barns, and making ploughs, harrows,
+and many other implements of husbandry, it appeared that very
+little was wanting but application on their part, to put themselves in a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span>
+way of living comfortably, and of procuring or raising in a plentiful degree,
+most of the necessaries of life.</p>
+
+<p>Friends now had a free and open conference with the Indians, on the
+subject of relinquishing that settlement, and told them, as they had at
+the first, that they came not among them to make them presents that
+would soon slide away, but to teach them some of the useful practices
+of the white people; that they had now set before them a clear example,
+and showed them what a great deal of produce for the support of
+life, might be raised from a small piece of land; and expressed a hope
+they would take their advice, and follow the example they had set
+before them, informing them that there were a great many more of
+their Indian brethren that stood in need of assistance and instruction&mdash;and
+hoped they would be satisfied with what was already done for them.</p>
+
+<p>To the communications of Friends on this occasion, an ancient chief,
+Skenandoah, made the following reply, on behalf of the nation:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brother Onas attend. We know you told us you came not amongst
+us to make us presents that would soon wear away, but to stay some
+time&mdash;to instruct us how to gain a comfortable living, by tilling the
+ground, as the white people do. Now you have staid the time you proposed,
+and have fulfilled all your engagements to our nation, and we
+shall follow the good example you have set before us, which we know
+would be of lasting benefit to us; and we thankfully acknowledge your
+kindness, having never heard of any people who have done so much
+for Indians, without any view of advantage to themselves&mdash;which is a
+convincing proof to us that you are our real friends. And we are glad
+the good spirit has put it into your minds to assist others of our Indian
+brethren, in learning the same good way of living, for which we also
+thank you, as well as for the good advice you gave us about strong
+drink; and we will try all we can to persuade our young men to do
+better.</p>
+
+<p>“And now Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you,
+we wish you would tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for
+now we know you are a true people, and we will keep this writing
+and tell our young men and children every year, that they may always
+remember your friendship.”</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of the year, the Friends at Oneida having made the
+necessary arrangements about the distribution of the property, which
+consisted of between two and three hundred bushels of grain, a quantity
+of hay, a cow, a number of hogs, a cart, ploughs, harrows, carpenter’s
+and smith’s tools, household and kitchen furniture, all for the benefit of
+the Indians, they had a parting conference with them, when they
+presented them with the following address in writing.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers of the Oneida nation. We are now about to leave you,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span>
+and return to our respective homes. We desire to speak to you in a
+few words. You know it is more than three years since your friends,
+the people called Quakers, have been endeavouring to assist and instruct
+you how to gain a comfortable living, by cultivating your land,
+and some of us who are here, have left our near connexions and friends
+in order to be useful to your nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Brothers, we have set before you a clear example, how to till
+your land, so as to raise plenty of wheat, and other good things for your
+support. We wish you, therefore, to improve the opportunity, by which
+means you may come to live happy and plentifully by the fruits of your
+own industry and care. We have often told you that we want nothing
+from you for all our trouble and expense, but the improvement of your
+nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have now the advantage of having most of your smith
+work done by your own people, which is not the case with any of your
+brethren to the westward. If you do not improve the advantages you
+have, you must blame yourselves for your poverty and distress. We
+entreat you, therefore, to be wise for your own interest, and leave off
+the practice of drinking strong drink, (for you know it has been the
+cause of most of your difficulties,) and try to pursue a sober, industrious
+course of life. Then we believe the good spirit will bless you with lasting
+benefits; and as we have endeavoured to live in peace among you,
+we wish you to live in peace one with another, that your good example
+may be a blessing to your children&mdash;always remembering, that your
+welfare and happiness as well as the improvement of your children will
+depend much on your sobriety and industry.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we now leave you, hoping your good understanding will
+incline you to pursue the way we have endeavoured to point out to you.
+We now bid you farewell.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, both of the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, made replies
+of considerable length to our friends on this parting opportunity, in
+which they expressed their sense of gratitude for the many services
+Friends had rendered them; and, among other things, stated, that “they
+would endeavour to pursue the path Friends had pointed out to them,”
+and further added:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is now a long time since the white people have lived
+on this island. They have frequently told us they loved us&mdash;but none
+of them have ever tried to instruct us in cultivating our land before.
+We now see, brothers, that your society has manifested more regard
+for the welfare of the Indians, than any other people, for which we
+thank you. We also thank the Great Spirit that he has put it into your
+hearts to love and regard Indians.”</p>
+
+<p>These Friends arrived in Philadelphia in the First month, 1801.&mdash;It
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span>
+was hoped that the labour bestowed upon those Indians would eventually
+prove a blessing to them, and that the spirit of industry that had
+been discovered in individuals, would gradually progress from family to
+family, and have a powerful and beneficial influence on many of the
+adjacent tribes-and, in time, also, on those more remote.</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of this year, the Stockbridge girls, who had been placed
+among Friends in the fall of 1797, were returned to their parents. They
+had acquired a considerable knowledge of school learning, and of spinning,
+knitting, sewing, and the different branches of housewifery.</p>
+
+<p>To show a specimen of their improvement in school learning, I will
+here give a copy of a letter written by one of them, the following spring
+after their arrival among Friends, in which time she had acquired so
+much of the English language, as to enable her to convey her ideas by
+writing:</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p class="author">
+<i>New Garden, Third mo. 10th, 1798.</i></p>
+
+<p>“My dear mother: I will try to let thee know how I do so far from
+thee&mdash;I have been well ever since I left thee. I would be glad to see
+thee mother&mdash;I want to see thee, and brothers and sisters, and all
+Stockbridge friends&mdash;I want to see father&mdash;I like to live in this country
+pretty well&mdash;and dear friends clever&mdash;me live in clever house, very
+good man, make clocks&mdash;make porringers and spoons&mdash;me like to see
+him&mdash;I can knit stockings and spin&mdash;I have made sampler&mdash;I know
+how to mark my clothes, then I know my own&mdash;three girls make bonnets
+and do all work&mdash;I work a little, play a little&mdash;go to meeting a
+little&mdash;sometimes walk&mdash;sometimes ride on horseback, when roads are
+muddy&mdash;the girls’ mother very good old woman&mdash;I love her&mdash;she learns
+me to work.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="smcap">Mary Peters.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>My dear Brother&mdash;Me live well at very good house. I love thee, and
+sisters, and mother&mdash;I want see you all&mdash;Friends say, may be we all
+go back to Stockbridge before next winter&mdash;I think I have told thee
+all I can now, so bid thee farewell.</p>
+
+<p class="author"><span class="smcap">Mary Peters.</span></p>
+
+<p>N. B. This letter my own hand writing, so you may see I learn write.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The following is an extract of a letter written by one of the Indian
+girls after her return home, dated the Ninth month, 1803, to one of the
+women Friends who had engaged in the instruction of the natives at
+Oneida.</p>
+
+<p>“I have spun some flax and wool since I come home, and made some
+cheese to show our Indians how to make cheese&mdash;they be very much
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span>
+pleased to know how to make cheese&mdash;some said they never thought
+Indians could make cheese so well. They began to try to keep cows
+ever since to make cheese and butter. Some of them began to sow
+some flax, and good many of our Indians got sheep&mdash;meat good to eat,
+and wool good for cloth. I hope we will do better every year. Good
+many have left off drinking, and some of them drink very hard yet. I
+have been to see Oneidas not long ago&mdash;they improve very much since
+thee come away&mdash;good many have new frame houses and frame barns&mdash;they
+improve very much ever since they left off drinking. I believe
+three hundred of men and women left off drinking this sometime past&mdash;I
+hope they will keep their words good.”</p>
+
+<p>By some information received afterwards, it appears some of these
+young women married soon after their return and settled themselves
+to industry, lived well, and some Friends calling to see them, were
+kindly received and hospitably entertained by them.</p>
+
+<p>After the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania withdrew
+their attention from the Oneidas, and those Indians in the vicinity,
+they came more particularly under the notice of Friends of the Yearly
+Meeting of New York, who had formed similar plans for the improvement
+and civilization of the Indian natives.</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<h3><i>Friendly intercourse between the Society of Friends, and various
+nations of Indians.</i></h3>
+
+<p>It seems necessary, in this place, to go back a little in the order of
+time, and give some account of the interviews with the chiefs and others,
+of various nations of Indians, who at different times visited Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>As the minds of Friends were attentively opened to the great object
+of the concern, in promoting the well-being and gradual improvement
+of the Indian natives, every opportunity was embraced of cultivating
+a friendly intercourse with them, and of giving such counsel and encouragement
+as seemed to be adapted to their situation, accompanied
+with some such aid in implements of husbandry and other things, as
+their necessities demanded.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month, 1796, Benjamin Hawkins superintendent of the
+Creek nation, settled in the interior of Georgia, was introduced to the
+committee on Indian affairs. He brought with him four lads of that
+nation to be educated; two of whom were placed with Friends, where
+they remained several years, and were instructed in school learning.
+He also suggested the propriety of furnishing those Indians with some
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span>
+mechanical tools, which were procured and forwarded to them, accompanied
+by a suitable address, from which the following is extracted:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we feel it in our hearts to tell you that the great and
+good spirit, made all people with a design that they should live in peace
+and good will, and that it is for this end he hath placed his law in the
+hearts of all men, which, if carefully attended to, would keep them in
+love and friendship&mdash;and teach them to avoid every thing that would
+lead them to hurt and destroy one another.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, are you not sensible that when you are quarrelsome, or
+have done any bad action, that you are made sorrowful and uneasy,
+and that on the contrary when you are serious, and do good actions,
+your minds feel easy, pleasant, and comfortable? This is from the good
+spirit, who is all love, and who hath placed his law in our hearts, to
+give us peace and comfort when we do well, and make us sad and uneasy
+when we do evil.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are glad in believing that the good spirit has influenced
+the hearts of our great men to do the Indians good; and we earnestly
+desire, that you may be so wise as to follow their good advice in trying
+to improve your fertile land by farming, and raising cattle, sheep, and
+hogs; so that you may have food and clothing for yourselves, your wives,
+and your children.”</p>
+
+<p>About the beginning of the year 1797, Friends had satisfactory interviews
+with deputies from various nations, among whom were some
+of the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians, inhabiting
+the northern and western parts of Georgia; and the Shawanees, Chippewas,
+and Pottawattamies, living on the waters of the Wabash river,
+and bordering on lakes Michigan and Superior.</p>
+
+<p>To these Indians suitable presents were made to a considerable
+amount. In divers conferences had with them, Friends informed them
+of the nature and effect of their peaceable principles, and testimony
+against wars and fightings&mdash;their care of the society in first settling Pennsylvania,
+under the patronage of William Penn, whom the Indians
+called brother Onas, not to settle on lands that were not fairly purchased
+and paid for to the satisfaction of the natives, with whom friendship,
+harmony, and mutual kind offices long subsisted. They also informed
+them of their continued desire to maintain this amity, by exerting their
+best endeavours and influence for the healing of differences between
+white people and Indians. They endeavoured to explain to their understandings
+how much the attainment of this happy end depends upon
+cherishing, in ourselves, the benevolent disposition inseparable from the
+true spirit and practice of real Christianity. They also recommended
+them to instruct their youth in modes of living more conformable thereto,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span>
+than had heretofore been customary with them, and especially
+warned them against the pernicious effects of using spirituous liquors.</p>
+
+<p>A number of the chiefs expressed great satisfaction with these interviews.
+Some of them said they remembered to have heard of such a
+people as the Quakers; but the account remained with them an uncertainty,
+until now they had witnessed its reality; that the sentiments
+and advice communicated, was such as they had never heard before;
+that it had sunk deep into their hearts, and that they wished it conveyed
+to their people more extensively by personal visits from some of
+the Quakers. One of them remarked particularly on the counsel imparted
+not to revenge injuries, and gave repeated assurances, “that
+although he had heard of two of his people being killed, he was determined
+not to retaliate, but to adhere to peace.”</p>
+
+<p>An ancient chief of the Creek nation, among many other things said,
+“Brothers, I am an old man, yet I have travelled much this year to
+promote peace. I went many hundred miles to the treaty on the frontiers
+of Georgia, held by the commissioners of the United States, and of
+the State of Georgia, with my nation, where several matters were adjusted
+to my satisfaction. I then returned home, but in a short time,
+came by invitation to this city, to make the chain of friendship still
+brighter. On my way, and since coming here, I have met with nothing
+unpleasant; nor do I regret all the toil and fatigue of a long journey to
+establish a firm peace. I believe the Great Spirit above made both
+white and red men; but I suppose it is because we are red men, that
+the white men impose upon us, and try to get our land, which we do
+not want to part with.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I am glad to find there are a people who love peace, and
+give such good advice to red men. I was a stranger to you, till since
+my coming here. You kindly took notice of me. A few days ago one of
+your women delivered a talk which I have hid deep in my heart. I
+never heard such an one before. I want to tell it to my nation, after
+I get home&mdash;and for fear I should forget some of it, I should like to have
+it in print that it might be fully explained to them.”</p>
+
+<p>In the First month, 1798, the Little Turtle, a chief of the Miami nation,
+and some other western Indians, were introduced to the committee by
+a letter from General James Wilkinson, then commander-in-chief of
+the army of the United States, to his brother-in-law, Owen Biddle, of
+Philadelphia. In this letter, he wrote as follows, “When we contemplate
+the fortunes of the aborigines of our country, the bosom of philanthropy
+must heave with sorrow. What would not that man, or that
+community merit, who reclaims the untutored Indian&mdash;opens his mind
+to sources of happiness unknown, and makes him useful to society&mdash;since
+it would be in effect to save a whole race from extinction? For,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span>
+surely, if these people are not brought to depend for sustenance on their
+fields instead of their forests, it will be found impossible to reclaim their
+present habits; and the seeds of their extinction already sown, must
+be matured.</p>
+
+<p>“The bearer of this letter, the Little Turtle, is forcibly impressed with
+these truths, and is anxious to co-operate in a fair experiment on his
+tribe. It is with this view that I introduce him particularly to you, in
+hopes you may think proper to recommend him to the patronage of the
+benevolent society of which you are a member.”</p>
+
+<p>Friends had satisfactory interviews with these Indians, and suitable
+presents were given to them. The Little Turtle expressed a strong
+desire for the improvement of his people, and hoped Friends would use
+their endeavours to promote the work of civilization among them.</p>
+
+<p>The committee embraced this opportunity of addressing a general
+letter to the Miami Indians, and other nations united with them, in
+which they reminded them of the ancient friendship that subsisted between
+their forefathers and Friends, in the early settlement of this
+country&mdash;that the chain of friendship had been kept bright for more
+than one hundred years, by mutual acts of kindness to each other, and
+that while Friends had the chief direction of public affairs in Pennsylvania,
+there was no war between the white people and Indians in that
+state: but since those times of brotherly kindness, some men had given
+way to the power of the bad spirit in their hearts, so as to become
+desperately wicked, coveting their neighbours’ goods, and even thirsting
+for blood. This had caused wars and fightings, and produced much
+misery in the world&mdash;and that the society of Friends were concerned
+to persuade their rulers to do justly, and maintain peace with the Indians,
+and with all men&mdash;and were also very desirous that the Great
+overruling Spirit of love, might so influence and direct the councils of
+the Indian nations, and so dispose their hearts to peace, that the sound
+of war might no more be heard in their land.</p>
+
+<p>They were, also, in this address, especially warned against the pernicious
+effects of spirituous liquors, which concern may be understood
+to have been particularly attended to in most of their communications
+to the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of this year, Friends received a letter from the Little
+Turtle, giving them an account of the safe arrival of the articles sent
+to his nation. They also received one from the Creek nation, giving an
+account of the reception of the implements of husbandry forwarded to
+them, for which they expressed a sense of gratitude for the great benefit
+to that nation.</p>
+
+<p>In the Twelfth month, this year, Friends had a satisfactory interview
+in Philadelphia, with two chiefs of the Ottawa nation, two chiefs of the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span>
+Pottawattamies, and the principal chief of the Chippewa nation, who
+were accompanied by Jonathan Sheffelin, agent and Indian interpreter,
+being then on an embassy to the president of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of a speech made by Kekis, (the Sun) the principal
+chief of the Pottawattamies, on behalf of the three nations, he presented
+six strings of white wampum as a token of brotherly regard for
+the society of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>Among other things, in his speech, he says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are an ignorant people, and don’t know what is right
+as well as you do. We have often been persuaded by the white people
+to join in their wars against one another. A great while ago, the French
+set us against the English. They should have taught us better things.
+I hope, however, our hearts will become as white as the wampum in
+my hand. The Great Spirit above has made us, as well as you; though
+we are not of one colour. He has put it into our hearts to live in peace
+with the white people. I believe it is his will that we should meet together
+in the centre of this great island. I am sensible your hearts are
+good towards your brothers the red people.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when you came to see us at Detroit,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">1</a> we wanted to see
+you; but other people would not suffer us to take you by the hand. If
+they had been of our minds, you would have had us round you then, as
+you are now round us. Colonel M’K.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> prevented us. We return you
+thanks for the good you came for. Our wives and children shed tears
+because they could not come to you. When they said we will go, he
+said, you will be disappointed, they will not give you so much as a needle
+full of thread. We believed it&mdash;our dependence was on them.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you will continue your friendship to us, and help
+us to keep our lands. I speak from my heart. We know you are not
+capable of giving bad advice. The Great Spirit hears what we say,
+and it will be known among our people, so long as red men shall remain
+upon this island.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, these six strings of wampum, in the sight of the Great
+Spirit, are to sweep all the bad things away from between us.</p>
+
+<p>“If the white people should want to spill our blood again, we hope you
+will use your endeavours to preserve peace.”</p>
+
+<p>These Indians also presented a large belt of ten strings of white wampum
+from the Delaware nation, with a speech of considerable length
+in writing, from which we extract the following.</p>
+
+<p>After acknowledging the kindness of Friends, and the good advice
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span>
+communicated in the speech which they had received by the hands of
+the Miami chief, the Little Turtle, they say&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you strongly recommend peace&mdash;we are much inclined
+to peace. The war axe is long since buried deep in the bottom of the
+great lake&mdash;so very deep, that we hope the evil Spirit will never be
+able to take it up again. There we hope it will ever remain, and never
+be thought of by any of us. We hope that the master of life, who disposes
+of all things according to his will and pleasure, may also so dispose
+the hearts and minds of his white brethren, as they used to be at
+that time when our forefathers first met on this great island, and smoked
+the pipe of peace with your grandfather Onas, (Penn) on the very same
+spot where your great village (Philadelphia) now stands.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, at that time the hearts and minds of men were white and
+good. The evil spirit who works in the inside of the bodies of men, had
+then no power over them. Our villages were peaceful, and our paths,
+at that time, were covered with flowers, and we knew nothing of war.
+But soon after, the bad spirit fixed himself deep in the hearts and minds
+of our white brethren. They made war against each other, and soon
+taught us to be as wicked as themselves, and, like themselves, cruel
+and unjust. It was them who took the pipe of peace out of our hands,
+and it was them who put the destructive war axe into our hands, to
+strike against their white brethren and their helpless women and children.
+They only are the cause of all our misfortunes&mdash;the destruction
+of our villages, the death of our young warriors and helpless women and
+children&mdash;the loss of our lands and our happiness.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are told by you, in your speech to us, that you wish
+to know our situation, and in what manner you could be of service to us&mdash;we
+are poor and pitiful indeed&mdash;destructive war has caused many of
+our families to be scattered abroad in the wilderness, insomuch, that we
+can scarcely find their places of residence. Our once peaceful villages
+exist no more. Our paths, which once were covered with flowers, are now
+full of thorns, and stained with the blood of our young warriors and our
+helpless women and children. We have almost considered ourselves as
+last men, and thrown our bodies away, but by the advice of our brother,
+Jonathan Shefflin, and the assistance of the Great Spirit, we will now
+assemble ourselves together, and form an extensive village on the plains
+of the White river. Speeches are this day sent to our brethren for that
+purpose, and we hope that by the next summer, we shall all be assembled
+at that place, when we will point out the means of your assisting
+us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, may the great regulator of all things, he who knows the
+hearts and minds of all men, so dispose the hearts and minds of our
+Quaker brethren, that they may never be induced to withdraw their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span>
+friendship and counsel from men who by their ignorance, are easily led
+astray by the songs of the bad birds&mdash;men who are real objects of pity,
+and who require the protection of their white brethren more at this
+time than ever.”</p>
+
+<p>Signed by Buckingeheles, and six other Chiefs of the Delaware nation.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>These Indian chiefs, before alluded to, were presented with suitable
+presents previous to their leaving Philadelphia, as a token of brotherly
+regard entertained for the natives of the land,&mdash;and some time after
+the committee wrote to the Delaware nation, strongly recommending
+them to betake themselves to the cultivation of the earth to procure
+sustenance, and in allusion to the time of their first intercourse with
+Friends in the early settlement of the country, they say:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, at that time the white inhabitants were few and inclined
+to peace; since then, they have increased to a great number, amongst
+whom we and our brethren are but as a handful. Yet the good Spirit
+who taught our forefathers to cultivate peace with the Indians and all
+men, still teaches us the same; therefore, we can take no part in the
+war with any people, and our influence in the great councils of our
+nation is very small&mdash;but we use our endeavours to persuade men to
+live in peace, and have brotherly love towards each other.”</p>
+
+<p>In the First month, 1802, the Little Turtle and several other chiefs
+of the Miami and Pottawattamie nations, again visited Philadelphia,
+when Friends had satisfactory conferences with them, in which the
+Little Turtle renewed in a pathetic manner his request for some assistance
+to be given his nation, to accelerate their improvement in civilization.
+Suitable advice was given them on this subject, accompanied
+with some presents: but these nations lived more within the vicinity of
+Friends of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who had formed similar plans to
+improve the condition of the Indian natives; it was therefore concluded
+by their committee, to extend aid to some of the nations north-west of
+the river Ohio&mdash;of which some account may be given hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the spring of 1802, a number of the Indians of the Delaware
+and Shawaneese nations came to Philadelphia, and in their conferences
+with Friends, renewed their requests for assistance in procuring some
+necessary articles, and particularly that they might be furnished with
+a schoolmaster in their towns to instruct their children.</p>
+
+<p>These people, being the immediate descendants from those tribes who
+were very friendly and kind to our ancestors in the early settlement of
+Pennsylvania, seemed to have a special claim upon Friends. Accordingly,
+they were furnished with a considerable amount in money, and
+goods adapted to their wants. Suitable advice was given them, encouraging
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span>
+them to cultivate their land, and raise cattle, hogs, and other
+useful animals. They lived at so remote a distance, that Friends had
+no expectation of any one of their people going among them in the capacity
+of schoolmaster.</p>
+
+<p>In the conclusion of their reply to Friends, they say:</p>
+
+<p>“May the great good Spirit above protect you for the favours you
+have shown us. The present you have made us will put us in grateful
+remembrance of you for ever.”</p>
+
+<p>Thus we see, in this short account of the correspondence with the
+Indians, of various and distant nations to the westward, (of which much
+more might have been said,) not only their strong attachment to the
+society of Friends, but their determination to live in peace with the
+people of the United States. We also may discover their destitute and
+miserable situation, in consequence of the ravages of war, and the wide
+field of labour that opens for the benevolent and philanthropic mind to
+extend the empire of civilization and knowledge, to these untutored
+sons of the forest. It was a pleasing reflection, at that time, that the
+benign influence of the prince of peace had so softened the hearts of
+men, that measures were contemplated by the rulers of our land to
+extend the blessings of civilization to these aborigines of our country;
+to reclaim them from their savage habits and induce them to adopt the
+innocent employments of the pastoral and agricultural life. But alas!
+the subsequent policy of the general government, combined with the
+interested motives of individual states, too sorrowfully demonstrate
+that their fate is inevitably fixed&mdash;the decree has gone forth&mdash;they
+must recede before the giant march of white population; and however
+strong their attachment to their native soil, and reluctant to abandon
+the homes of their fathers, be compelled to retreat further and further
+into the dreary abodes of an unknown wilderness, and to seek an asylum
+among more savage and barbarous tribes, towards the setting sun.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot but express an ardent desire, that the great controller of
+human affairs may yet so dispose the hearts of the rulers of our country
+to feelings of humanity, towards the miserable remnants of the Indian
+tribes, yet within the state governments&mdash;that they may preserve inviolate
+the <i>faith</i> of the United States, solemnly pledged at the formation
+of the federal constitution, to protect them in their unalienable rights
+and privileges, as the aboriginal owners of the soil; for it is an incontrovertible
+truth, “that national evils will produce national calamities.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>I shall now resume the narrative of the proceedings of Friends in
+improving the condition of the Indians which has been progressing under
+the direction of the committee of the Yearly Meeting, for more than
+thirty years, among the Seneca nation.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span></p>
+
+<p><i>First settlement of Friends among the Seneca nation of Indians.</i></p>
+
+<p>The noted chief Cornplanter, having, as we have already stated,
+opened the way for the introduction of the agricultural arts among his
+tribe, in the spring of the year 1798, three young men, who offered
+themselves to go and instruct them, accompanied by two of the committee,
+proceeded to his settlement. After a long journey, and much
+of the way through (then) a wilderness country, they arrived at Cornplanter’s
+village, on the Alleghany river, the seventeenth of the Fifth
+month. The chief having previous knowledge of their coming, expressed
+his thankfulness to the Great Spirit for their preservation on
+the way and safe arrival among them. They were kindly invited into
+his house, and inquired of whether they could eat Indian’s provisions,
+and being answered in the affirmative, they were hospitably entertained
+with the best he could offer them; but made a very temperate meal.</p>
+
+<p>This village, (which was called in their language) Jenuchshadago,
+(which means burnt house,) stood on the bank of the Alleghany river,
+about four miles south of the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. The
+land had a rich bottom, and appeared favourable for cultivation. The
+village contained about thirty or forty houses and bark cabins, scattered
+along the margin of the river, without any regard to a regular
+arrangement. The venerable chief appeared to live in patriarchal
+style; his house was not distinguished from any of the rest by any tokens
+of magnificence, except by being somewhat larger&mdash;near it stood a
+wooden image of a man, round which at stated times they performed
+their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.</p>
+
+<p>The image was about seven feet in height, elevated on a pedestal,
+of the same block, and being painted a variety of colours, it altogether
+exhibited a wild appearance.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians had, perhaps, from two to three hundred acres of land,
+inclosed with a sort of fence round the town, in which inclosure many
+of their women were industriously engaged in clearing off the rubbish
+and planting small patches of corn and beans, while the men were
+standing in companies sporting themselves with their bows and arrows
+and other trifling amusements, but none of them were seen assisting
+their women in the labours of the field.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians appeared to live poor and dirty, and it was said to be a
+time of scarcity among them, and the greater part of them under Cornplanter’s
+superintendence, estimated at about four hundred, had deserted
+their old settlements up the river, and come to live with their chief in
+this place.</p>
+
+<p>As it was necessary for Friends to have a general council with the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>
+Indians, in order to explain their views and the object of their coming
+among them, the day after their arrival, they assembled in council at
+the chief’s house, about forty of their principal men, with many others.
+Cornplanter opened the council by a short speech, expressing his thankfulness
+for the safe arrival of Friends, and the joy he felt when he saw
+them come out of the bushes the day before, to see their Indian brothers,
+who were poor and living in bad houses, covered with bark; and
+they were not able to build them better.</p>
+
+<p>Friends now made them fully acquainted with the nature of their
+mission, that it was in order to improve the condition of the Indian natives,
+and to teach them the ways of good and honest white people, that
+they, with their wives and children, might be enabled to live more comfortably,
+and be relieved from the distresses and difficulties to which
+they had been subjected by their old habits and modes of living&mdash;that
+these young men had concluded to leave their friends and comfortable
+dwellings, and remain for a time in the Indian country, in order to instruct
+them in the cultivation of their land, in the raising and managing
+of cattle, and also to example them in a life of sobriety and industry.
+They were also informed, that Friends had a variety of farming utensils,
+carpenters’ tools, &amp;c. coming up the river, in a boat, which were
+intended for their benefit, in a hope, that the Indians, with Friends’ instruction,
+would diligently apply themselves to the use of them, that
+by so doing they might come to reap the plentiful fruits of industry;
+and that this was the sole object Friends had in view, having no desire
+for their lands, their skins, their furs, or any other part of their substance.</p>
+
+<p>To these propositions the Indians seemed to express a general assent;
+but took the subjects under serious consideration, until next day, when
+near evening they admitted Friends again to the council house, when
+Cornplanter on behalf of the natives made a reply, from which we extract
+the following.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the Quakers, listen now to what I am going to say to you.
+You know, brothers, the red people are poor; they are not like the
+white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language,
+so that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly, as we
+have no good interpreter.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we suppose the reason you came here was to help the
+poor Indians in some way or other, and you wish the chiefs to tell their
+warriors not to go on so bad as they have done heretofore, and you also
+wish us to take up work like the white people, and cultivate our land.
+Now brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you
+say, and if they do well, then will your young men stay longer amongst
+us, but some others will not mind what you say.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we cannot say a word against you. It is the best way to
+call Quakers brothers. You never wished our lands, therefore we are
+determined to learn your ways, and these young men may stay here
+two years, and then if they like it and we like it, your young men may
+stay longer.”</p>
+
+<p>In reply they were informed, that the young men would want some
+house to live in, and a piece of land to work, in order to set the Indians
+an example and raise something for themselves to live upon; but that
+the land should still be the Indians’, and all the improvements they put
+upon it should be theirs, when Friends left it. They were also informed
+that the tools and implements of husbandry which were intended for
+their use, would be under the care of the young men, to lend to such
+Indians as wanted to use them, rather than to distribute them among
+them as presents; offering this reason, “that if they were given to them
+some of them might barter them away for whiskey,” as divers instances
+of intoxication had been noticed among them.</p>
+
+<p>On the twenty-first of the Fifth month, Friends, with Cornplanter in
+company, and several other Indians, passed up the river about nine
+miles in canoes, in order to look out for a settlement. They came to
+an ancient village called Genesinguhta, which was nearly deserted by
+the Indians&mdash;only three or four families remaining. The bottoms along
+the river side appeared fertile, though much grown over with bushes,
+and covered with abundance of fallen timber. Yet it was considered
+the most eligible place for Friends to settle, in order to be of benefit to
+the Indians, as it was on the land belonging to the nation, and where
+they intended to have a reservation located of forty-two square miles.</p>
+
+<p>This conclusion being proposed to Cornplanter, and he queried with,
+“whether he was willing Friends should start their fence at the river
+side,” and enclose a piece of land they pointed out to him&mdash;to which
+he replied, “I told you, brothers, the land was all before you, to choose
+where you please; but he thought that was the best place for Friends
+to settle, and this man, said he, (in whose house they then were) is very
+glad you are going to settle so near him&mdash;he is very sober man, he is
+like you, he drinks no whiskey.” He was then inquired of whether
+Friends might have liberty to cut timber in the woods for the use of
+the farm, to which he replied, “I wish you would cut all the trees
+down, and I will give you another liberty, if you see a deer you may
+shoot him, and you may catch fish in the river.”</p>
+
+<p>The place being finally agreed upon, several old Indian cabins were
+included in it, and one occupied by a family, which was well situated
+to accommodate Friends; the owners of it were amply compensated.
+The family immediately moved out their goods and chattels, which
+(though apparently some of their best livers,) consisted chiefly in homony
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>
+blocks and pounders, a brass, kettle or two, some wooden bowls,
+and ladles, a leathern sack of bear’s oil, a basket of corn, some blankets,
+and a few deer skins.</p>
+
+<p>On the twenty-third of the month, Friends settled in their new habitation
+and made some preparations for a garden. The women of
+Cornplanter’s village, to show their hearty and good will in the undertaking,
+had previously made a collection of some seed&mdash;corn, potatoes,
+beans, squashes, and a variety of other garden seeds which they presented
+as a present to Friends, observing “that it was very hard to
+come so far and have nothing to begin with.”</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the two Friends of the committee leaving this station,
+another council was had with the Indians, in which they were strongly
+recommended to industry, and reminded of the unreasonableness of their
+present practice of letting their women work all day in the fields and
+woods, either in cultivating with the hoe, all that was raised for their sustenance,
+or in cutting firewood and bringing it home on their backs
+from a considerable distance, while they themselves were spending their
+time in idleness, amusing themselves with their bows and arrows, and
+other useless practices. They were also particularly expostulated with
+on various subjects relative to their civil and moral conduct, and especially
+in regard to their excessive use of strong drink, to which Friends
+in many instances had been eye witnesses. Cornplanter again replied
+to the communications of Friends, and at a subsequent parting opportunity,
+told the two Friends of the committee, that “They might make
+their minds perfectly easy about their young men, for although he could
+not answer for sickness or death, he should look upon it his duty to be
+their friend, and that they might depend upon him as such, and no harm
+should happen to them from any of his people.”</p>
+
+<p>On the thirty-first of the month, the boat arrived from Pittsburgh
+with the goods and implements of husbandry; and notwithstanding the
+late season for planting, and the ground being to clear of abundance of
+old logs and rubbish, Friends were enabled to get a small patch of corn
+and potatoes planted, and a variety of garden vegetables. The land
+being fertile, they soon had a pleasing prospect of the fruits of their
+labour, as well as of showing the natives the beneficial effects of their
+mode of cultivation.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were much pleased to see the ground so much easier
+prepared for seed by the plough, than in their usual way of hoeing.
+Great numbers of them came flocking about Friends, especially the
+women, who appeared kind and respectful, frequently supplying them
+with venison, fish, strawberries, and such other delicacies, as their country
+afforded&mdash;and Friends distributed among them a variety of useful
+articles, such as needles, thread, scissors, combs, spectacles, &amp;c. which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">33</span>
+were sent for that purpose, and were received by the natives with lively
+marks of gratitude. These presents had a powerful effect in gaining
+their confidence, and keeping up a friendly intercourse, which frequently
+afforded suitable opportunities of giving them instruction.</p>
+
+<p>A number of the Indians also borrowed carpenters’ tools, to enable
+them to build better houses, and also some farming utensils, with a view
+of using them.</p>
+
+<p>From the little experience Friends already had, it was evident the
+ruinous effects of spirituous liquors among the Senecas, together with
+the natural propensity of the men to an indolent and improvident life,
+would operate as a serious discouragement in the view of Friends, towards
+ameliorating their condition. Therefore every suitable opportunity
+was embraced to impress upon the minds of their chiefs the necessity
+of prohibiting altogether, the introduction of spirituous liquors
+into their villages, as the first effectual step towards their improvement
+in the domestic arts. This counsel was in a good degree carried into
+effect; and by the exertions of their chiefs in a little time, such prohibition
+took place as evidently tended to their advantage, and the great
+encouragement of Friends in their arduous undertaking. A hope was
+entertained that, although their improvement, at first was small, yet as
+they come to taste the sweets of industry, and enjoy the benefit of their
+labours, they would gradually relinquish their former pursuits, and follow
+the example Friends were setting before them.</p>
+
+<p>Divers of the Indians early manifested a disposition to have better
+houses to live in; and being furnished with the necessary tools, they
+were also afforded the requisite assistance and instruction. Several of
+them constructed in the course of this summer, much better houses than
+they had been accustomed to, and manifested a considerable share of
+ingenuity in the use of the carpenter’s tools. And while Friends were
+employed on their farm, the Indians would frequently come about them,
+and sometimes take hold of their tools and work a little&mdash;some of the lads
+were pleased with driving the horses, and every opportunity was embraced
+to prevail on them to love labour; but their natural proneness to idleness
+and trifling diversions soon evinced, that patience and perseverance
+on the part of Friends, were essentially necessary to inculcate in the
+minds of the natives, just ideas of civilized life, the great stimulus thereto
+being yet wanting, as they had not sufficiently acquired ideas of distinct
+propriety, nor tasted the sweets resulting therefrom.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this summer, divers reports were propagated among
+the Indians that Friends had a selfish motive, and in the end meant to
+defraud them of their land. This to a people who had long been subjected
+to suffering by the intrigue of designing men, could not fail of
+making impressions on the minds of some who were rather unfriendly
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span>
+to civilization, and to induce them to scrutinize very narrowly the conduct
+of Friends towards them. These groundless reports, however,
+were contradicted, and Friends were enabled to satisfy the Indians
+generally, that no such design was contemplated; and it rather had the
+effect to increase their confidence in us.</p>
+
+<p>Besides attending to the business of the farm, and the various and
+frequent calls of the Indians, the young men were enabled to build for
+themselves a comfortable house, two stories high, with a cellar under
+it. Being the first of the kind, perhaps some of the natives had ever
+seen, it excited great admiration among them.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian women had raised, in their usual way, a considerable
+quantity of corn this summer, in small patches, interspersed among the
+bushes, wherever they found the most favourable spot to cultivate. In
+the fall, they were busily employed in collecting it with their other
+produce of vegetables, and carrying it home to their dwellings, where
+it was carefully laid by for use.</p>
+
+<p>One of the Friends opened a school at Cornplanter’s village, and remained
+there through the winter. At times, nearly twenty children
+attended, and made some progress in learning to spell and read; but as
+their parents had but little control over them, they were very irregular
+in their attendance, and no great progress in learning was made. The
+Friend was at times otherwise usefully engaged in aiding and assisting
+the Indians of that village.</p>
+
+<p>In the Twelfth month, after a considerable snow had fallen, most of
+the Indians retired to the woods to their hunting grounds, many of them
+taking their families with them. Game was now plentiful. Some of
+their best hunters killed near one hundred deer, and some even more
+than that number; taking off the skins and leaving much of the meat
+scattered about in the woods. What was collected to their camps,
+was through much hardship and fatigue to their poor women, whose
+task it was to carry it on their backs through deep snows, and often
+over hills and mountains.</p>
+
+<p>About the middle of the First month, they generally came home to
+their villages from their hunting excursions, when they made a feast,
+and performed their religious ceremonies and sacrifices.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this winter, a chief of the Cattaraugus village, another
+branch of the Seneca nation about forty-five miles distant, called
+on Friends at Alleghany. They had a favourable opportunity of impressing
+his mind with the advantages that would result to his people by
+cultivating their land, as they possessed a country so favourable for
+agriculture, and raising cattle and other useful animals. He informed
+Friends, they were very anxious to have a saw-mill built on their land,
+and wished to have somebody to instruct them how to go on with their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span>
+business; that when they saw and heard what improvements were
+making at Alleghany, it made them anxious to go to work.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after his return home, Friends received a written speech from
+the council at Cattaraugus, signed by six chiefs, in which they strongly
+solicited instructors to be sent among them, and also that they might
+be furnished with a set of saw-mill irons. This address being forwarded
+to the committee at Philadelphia, together with an account of their
+situation, it was concluded to furnish them with a set of saw-mill irons,
+whenever they should be ready to make use of them.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the spring of 1799, more of a spirit of industry seemed to
+exhibit itself among some of the Indians, and several who were settled
+near Friends began to work at splitting rails, and fencing in lots of land,
+as they saw Friends fence in theirs. Some who inclined to work, that
+had no families, were employed at the business of the farm, and seemed
+capable of doing as much in a day as the generality of white people.</p>
+
+<p>The use of whiskey and other strong drink had considerably decreased
+among the Indians, in the course of the last year, and many of
+their chiefs seemed desirous of preventing its introduction into their
+village. Notwithstanding which, as many of them went down the river
+in the spring to Pittsburgh and other places, to dispose of their skins,
+furs, &amp;c. which they had taken during the late winter, they brought
+in return for their peltry, kegs full of this destructive article&mdash;although
+Friends had cautioned them against it, previous to their going away&mdash;with
+this many of them were for a considerable time intoxicated, so
+that little could be done in promoting their improvement while the
+liquor lasted.</p>
+
+<p>It was believed expedient, from this affecting circumstance, to have
+their chiefs and principal men collected in council, and to remonstrate
+against such conduct as well as to encourage them to avail themselves
+of the present opportunity of gaining instruction in the cultivation of
+their land.</p>
+
+<p>At this interview, Friends seriously expostulated with them on various
+subjects relative to their moral conduct, and endeavours were used
+seriously to impress on their minds the evil consequences of introducing
+so much strong liquor into their villages, and that it greatly obstructed
+their improvement in agriculture, because for it they bartered away
+their money and other articles with which they ought to purchase
+horses, and cattle, and implements of husbandry, to enable them to till
+their land; and that this operated as a serious discouragement to Friends
+in their arduous undertaking to instruct them.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians appeared seriously attentive in this council, being convicted
+in their minds of the truth of what had been declared to them,
+and in a few days after, they met in council again, and informed Friends
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>
+that they had seriously considered the subjects proposed to them, and
+that their chiefs had come to a resolution not to permit, for the future,
+any of their people to bring liquor into their villages to sell to one
+another; that they had appointed two young chiefs to watch over the
+rest, and to endeavour to promote good order among them&mdash;and they
+desired Friends to be easy in their minds respecting them, for they were
+determined to take their advice and try to do better; that they had
+made inquiry among themselves, and could find no fault in Friends, or
+discover any fraud in any of their actions, but on the contrary, that the
+fault and bad conduct had all been on their own side, but now they
+were determined to quit those bad practices, and to assist their women
+in the labours of the field.</p>
+
+<p>A set of smith’s tools was procured, and a smith shop erected at
+Friends’ settlement this season, which was found useful in repairing the
+Indians’ tools. In the course of this summer, divers of the men assisted
+their women in the labours of the field. Their crops of corn were
+larger than they had been before; but as yet, none of them had attempted
+to use the plough for themselves, though Friends had ploughed
+some small lots for them with which they were much pleased, and a
+hope was entertained that the next year some of them would take hold
+of the plough and commence farming. A school house was built at
+Cornplanter’s village, and the Friend stationed there, continued through
+the summer, instructing the children, and otherwise affording aid and
+counsel to the Indians&mdash;and two Friends at Genesinguhta, besides setting
+the Indians a proper example in the improvement of their own
+farm, afforded them assistance and instruction in many ways, as convenient
+opportunities presented, and many of the Indians by this time
+had built good log houses, and generally covered them with shingles.
+Cornplanter had a saw-mill of his own, worked on the shares by a white
+man; this afforded the Indians an opportunity of procuring boards to
+complete their houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month this year, the settlement was visited by four of
+the committee, one of whom had been there when the settlement was
+first formed, and was the better qualified to judge of the improvement
+made by the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>They had a council with the Indians, and encouraged them to persevere
+in the attempt they had already made to become farmers; and
+expressed the satisfaction it afforded them, to see the improvement they
+had made, and that their stock of cattle was increased, and especially,
+with the wise resolution they had formed, to prevent strong drink from
+being brought into their villages. The Indians were also informed, that
+the young man who resided at Cornplanter’s village, was desirous of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span>
+leaving them and returning home to his friends before winter&mdash;and it
+was hoped another would come forward and supply his place.</p>
+
+<p>Cornplanter, on behalf of the Indians replied, in substance, that when
+Friends first settled among them, some of his chiefs were averse to it;
+but they had had this summer several councils among themselves, respecting
+the young men, and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct,
+and readiness to assist Indians, were now well satisfied. He hoped that
+several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore,
+and that Friends would not get discouraged, because so little was done;
+but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make
+much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the
+Friend who was about to leave them, and said he had been useful to him
+in keeping whiskey and other strong liquor out of their town; that they
+now drank much less than formerly, but he feared when the Friend
+went away, he should not be able to prevent its use so well as he had
+lately done.</p>
+
+<p>The deputation from the committee went from this place to Cattaraugus,
+the residence of those Indians who had requested a set of saw-mill
+irons, and other aid; but the chiefs being generally from home,
+they were addressed by a letter, giving them suitable advice on various
+subjects, relative to their improvement.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter end of the Tenth month, Cornplanter accompanied the
+Friend who had lived at his village, on his way as far as Canandaigua,
+where the superintendent of Indian affairs resided. At this place, he
+dictated a letter to one of the committee; the superintendent wrote it,
+and Cornplanter signed it with his mark. The following is extracted
+from it.</p>
+
+<p>“I thank the <i>Great Spirit</i> for his protection in preserving me and
+my friend whom I have accompanied to this place. I hope the Great
+Spirit will still preserve my friend on his journey to Philadelphia, and
+every evening when night shall overtake him, that the Great Spirit
+will spread over him the curtain of safety,&mdash;that he may again meet
+the society that sent him among us, for the purpose of teaching us the
+useful arts of the white people; and that he may return to them my
+kind thanks, for the kind offices which they are disposed to bestow on
+us. I cannot omit this favourable opportunity to inform Friends that
+I believe the young men placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the
+trust committed to them, in endeavouring to do the best they could for
+our advantage.</p>
+
+<p>“Dear friends, when I first heard your voice, and learned your kind
+offers to us, I was pleased; as I thought we were apt to transgress the good
+rules of the Great Spirit, and by the aid and advice of your people, the
+Great Spirit would lend us his aid, by which we might become a better
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span>
+people. I hope you will not be discouraged, in still aiding us, although
+we make slow progress in the arts of the white people.”</p>
+
+<p>The two Friends at Alleghany were enabled this fall, for the first
+time, to sow several acres of wheat and rye, and several of the Indians
+manifested a disposition to labour, by aiding them in gathering in their
+summer crops.</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of this year, the two Friends residing among the Indians
+received a letter from the chiefs at Cattaraugus, expressive of
+their great satisfaction, for the advice contained in the letter which had
+been left for them last fall, and the great joy that they felt at the prospect
+of receiving instruction and assistance from the Quakers.</p>
+
+<p>These Indians were much addicted to intemperance, and although
+much more favourably situated than the Alleghany Indians, to make
+progress in the agricultural arts, yet they were in a poor and destitute
+situation, and did not appear to make use of the advantages within their
+power, to assist themselves. It was, therefore, believed right, in reply
+to their letter, to urge the necessity of their abstaining from intemperate
+practices, and of making use of the means in their power to better
+their condition.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Therefore the two Friends wrote to them nearly as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are glad to hear that you have come to a resolution
+to lay up so much of your money, to buy cattle and other useful articles,
+and that you seem determined to quit drinking whiskey, and not
+to allow traders to sell it on your ground. Now brothers, this is a very
+wise resolution, and we hope you will be sincere and keep to it. We
+hope that some of you have got your eyes open, to see that whiskey
+and other strong drink have been the cause of much evil and wickedness
+among you, and that these pernicious things have taken much of
+your money, your skins, and your furs, which the Great Spirit has favoured
+you with, and with which you might buy clothing, and oxen,
+and axes, hoes, and other useful articles to assist you in tilling the field,
+and we fear, in time past, it has taken some of the corn your poor
+women have worked hard at raising, with their hoes.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you know there are many white people who love money,
+and they know that you love whiskey, and this is the way they take
+to get your money and property from you. But if you keep to your
+resolution not to drink it, then there will be no danger. You may then
+have oxen and ploughs, with which you may plough your ground and
+raise a great deal of corn, and you may also buy axes and hoes, and
+other useful implements of husbandry to farm with. And then when
+your friends the Quakers see that you are trying to help yourselves,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span>
+and that you make good use of your money, it will encourage them to
+help you more.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we desire you often to think upon the Great Spirit, and
+pray to him in your hearts, and then he will show you what is good and
+what is evil. And we want you to take up work like the white people,
+for your land is very good, and would produce a great deal of grain if
+properly managed&mdash;and if you get plenty of cattle and sheep, and
+swine, they will afford you plenty of meat, and be much more certain
+than the elk, the deer, and the bear. Then will your old men, your
+wives and your children be happy, and enjoy the comforts of life, and
+you can look on your flocks and your fields with contentment and pleasure.”</p>
+
+<p>These Indians, in addition to the set of saw-mill irons before promised,
+were furnished with some axes, hoes, and a set of plough irons, to encourage
+them in farming.</p>
+
+<p>A school was kept at Genesinguhta, this winter, by one of the Friends,
+where a number of children attended, and made some progress in learning&mdash;also
+a grown person who was debilitated in body, resided with
+Friends throughout the winter, and being able to converse a little in the
+English language, acquired so much learning as to enable him to read and
+write, and afterwards to procure a living, by trading among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1800, the Indians appeared somewhat animated, and
+more of them made preparation for farming, by scattering more from
+their villages, fencing in lots and clearing land; but not yet having
+working animals to plough their ground, Friends ploughed some
+small lots for them, which operated as a stimulus to them; and one Indian
+took hold of the plough, and began to manage it himself, which
+was viewed as a matter of some surprise, and excited great curiosity
+in the beholders.</p>
+
+<p>In the Fifth month, this spring, two of the Friends who had left the
+Oneida settlement the preceding winter, as before stated, being willing
+to spend some more time among the Indians, proceeded to Alleghany,
+to unite with Friends there in promoting the welfare of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after their arrival, the Indians at Cattaraugus requested Friends
+at Alleghany to give them some advice and assistance, about planning
+a saw-mill. Accordingly two Friends proceeded to that settlement, and
+gave such advice on the occasion as seemed to be requisite; the millwrights
+having already arrived, and commenced the building of a saw-mill.</p>
+
+<p>As these Indians will in the sequel constitute an interesting part of the
+narrative of this concern, it seems proper in this place to give a more
+particular account of their situation. The Senecas here possess a reservation
+of forty-two square miles, part of it bounded by lake Erie. It
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>
+is generally composed of land of a superior quality. The bottoms along
+the Cattaraugus river produce black and white walnut and sugar maple
+of a superior size. The higher land, abounds with white oak, white
+pine, bass, poplar, hickory, and other timber. There are, also, exclusive
+of the Indians’ corn fields, large openings like natural meadows,
+containing many hundred acres of excellent land, covered with abundance
+of grass and herbage, affording abundance of food for cattle. The
+Senecas at this place were said to be about one hundred and sixty in number.
+Their houses were made in the usual Indian style, and covered with
+bark, and their situation, in general, as to habits and living, much similar
+to those at Alleghany, when Friends first settled among them. About
+a mile from the Seneca village was a town of the Delawares, (more
+frequently called Munsies) about one hundred and sixty in number,
+who lived on sufferance on the Seneca Indians’ land.</p>
+
+<p>These Indians, as well as the Senecas, had a considerable number of
+cattle, some horses, and abundance of poultry and swine. They had
+small enclosures round their villages, in which they kept their stock
+during the corn season, and sometimes the poor animals had but a scanty
+supply of fodder, notwithstanding the abundance of grass on their lands,
+from which, for want of a little labour to fence off their corn lots, they
+had little or no benefit during the summer.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to leaving them, the two Friends had an interview with a
+number of their chiefs, and principal men and women, in which they
+were encouraged to industry, and to put in practice their good resolutions.
+Being informed by one of the Friends present, that he was
+shortly going to leave their country and return to his friends, one of the
+chiefs replied, “You may tell your old friends, the Quakers at Philadelphia,
+when you go home, that we are exceedingly thankful for the
+kindness you have shown us, and the assistance you have already given
+us. We are now determined to follow your advice as far as we are
+able, and to spill all the whiskey traders bring among us for sale. You
+must not think we are offended at you for trying to make us sensible
+of our weaknesses; for even our young men and young women rejoice
+to hear it, and are in hopes their hands will grow stronger, that they
+may be able to overcome their weaknesses. We are determined to try
+to help ourselves, and to lay up money to purchase useful articles to go
+to farming with. We pity our poor women, and see it is too hard for
+them to work in the hot sun, and do all the labours of the field. And
+although we cannot ask any more favours of you, yet one thing in particular
+we desire you to remember; that is, that we are a poor, ignorant
+people, and for want of learning, in the course of our dealings with
+the white people, we have been greatly wronged, and lost much of our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span>
+property&mdash;we want some of our children instructed, that they may be
+able to do the business of our nation.”</p>
+
+<p>On the fourteenth of the Sixth month, Friends had a council with
+the Indians at Alleghany, in which the two Friends lately came into
+their country, were introduced to them, and also informed that one of
+the Friends who had now been more than two years among them, was
+about to return home to his friends. Several matters were opened to
+encourage them to persevere in habits of industry, and to be strong in
+their resolutions against the use of spirituous liquors, over which they
+had, by this time, gained a great conquest.</p>
+
+<p>A few days after this, Cornplanter and several other chiefs, called to
+see the Friend who was leaving them set out on his journey, and sent
+three of their people to accompany him on his way through the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>In their parting conference, Cornplanter expressed many thanks for
+the Friend’s services among them, and desired the Great Spirit might
+conduct him safely home to his relations, and that on his arrival he
+might inform his old friends, the Quakers in Philadelphia, that he was
+very thankful for their kind endeavours to instruct his people in a life
+of civilization, and he believed the Great Spirit above was pleased with
+it.</p>
+
+<p>During the summer of 1800, the Indians made some further improvements,
+and seemed more disposed to relinquish their old habits. A yoke
+of oxen, which they purchased, were found very useful in drawing their
+firewood, and thereby relieving some of their women from heavy burthens;
+several of them procured cows. By this time many of the Indians
+had built themselves more comfortable houses, and began to assist
+their women in their agricultural labours, so that a gradual improvement
+was evident among them in the habits of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>In the following winter, Red Jacket, a Seneca chief, residing at Buffalo
+creek, with several other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited Philadelphia,
+with whom Friends had a satisfactory interview. Suitable
+presents were given them, among which, was a set of saw-mill irons,
+which were particularly requested by Red Jacket.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1801, a greater spirit of industry seemed to manifest
+itself among the Indians. Divers more of them fenced in lots, and procured
+moreover, some working animals; their increasing attention to
+raising cattle and hogs, afforded a pleasing prospect; and was a strung
+inducement for them to scatter more from their villages, and realize
+the advantages of settling on separate tracts of land.</p>
+
+<p>Circumstances, however, occurred among the Indians, which claimed
+the particular attention of the committee, and three Friends were deputed
+to visit the settlement. They proceeded there in the Ninth
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>
+month, accompanied by a young Friend, a blacksmith, who offered his
+services to instruct some of the Indians in his useful occupation.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to giving a detail of this interview, it seems necessary to
+observe, that some extraordinary ideas respecting witchcraft had prevailed
+among the natives for sometime, which were principally insinuated
+among them by an infirm old man named Connediu, a half brother
+to Cornplanter, who had the appearance of a simple man, and had been
+from his youth very intemperate. He had no influence in the nation
+till about three years before, when, after a long time of sickness, he
+was supposed by the Indians to be several times in a trance. After he
+had recovered therefrom, he asserted that he had seen angels, who
+communicated to him such things as the Great Spirit designed should
+be imparted to the Indians&mdash;that they must all quit drinking whiskey
+and other strong liquors&mdash;that they must revive the custom of their
+forefathers in eating dog’s flesh, and have frequent dances&mdash;performing
+their religious ceremonies, &amp;c. This to a people naturally
+prone to superstition, was like oracles delivered from the <i>Great Spirit</i>,
+and to use their own language, “was the manner in which <i>He</i> was revealing
+his mind and will to the Indians.” Connediu had actually some
+of his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual world
+committed to writing, that they might keep it in remembrance, as the
+will of the Great Spirit concerning them.</p>
+
+<p>Connediu frequently asserted that these heavenly messengers continued
+to favour him with frequent interviews, and he succeeded in
+propagating a belief among the natives, that most of their bodily afflictions
+and disorders arose from witchcraft, and undertook to point out
+the individuals who had the power of inflicting these evils. He was
+said to have wholly declined the practice of drinking to excess, and by
+an artful exercise of his pretended knowledge, he acquired considerable
+influence in the nation, so as to be appointed high priest and chief Sachem
+in things civil and religious.</p>
+
+<p>Some of Cornplanter’s family being in a declining state of health,
+Connediu, (whom they now esteemed a great doctor, as well as a prophet,)
+was applied to for counsel. In his wild reveries he alleged that
+some of the Delaware Indians who lived at Cattaraugus possessed the
+power of witchcraft, and were the cause of their illness.</p>
+
+<p>This brought on a quarrel between the two tribes, and some of the
+Delawares were taken prisoners, and threatened with death if they did
+not remove the disorder.</p>
+
+<p>During the contention, Cornplanter wrote to the governor of
+Pennsylvania on the occasion, and the committee on Indian affairs being
+made acquainted with the circumstances, letters both from the committee
+and government were addressed to both tribes of Indians on the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span>
+subject. A council was called between the contending parties, and
+Friends, with some other well disposed people on the frontier settlements,
+used their influence to have an amicable adjustment, and endeavoured
+to obliterate from the Indians’ minds, those superstitious ideas
+of witchcraft which appeared to have been the ground of their uneasiness.
+The result was, that the Delawares were acquitted, and all
+disputes buried between them and the Senecas. Cornplanter told them
+“that he had swept their beds clean, that they might lie down in peace&mdash;that
+he had swept their houses clean, that they might live comfortably
+in them&mdash;that he had swept clean before their doors, that they
+might go out and in, without molestation.”</p>
+
+<p>About the time that Friends of the committee arrived at Genesinghuta,
+the Indians generally were met in council, about these matters;
+and although Connediu had advised them to quit drinking whiskey, he
+was otherwise endeavouring to propagate notions very inimical to the
+concern in which Friends were engaged, by recommending them to follow
+their old customs, and not allow their children to learn to read and
+write; that they might farm a little, and build houses, but must not
+sell any thing which they raised on their land, but give it away to one
+another, and especially to their old people; and, in short, enjoy all
+things in common.</p>
+
+<p>With this doctrine several of the young chiefs and others were not
+satisfied; and one of them judiciously observed, “they had better hold
+councils about fencing in fields, and clearing land, than about witchcraft,
+and other strange notions of Connediu.”</p>
+
+<p>The committee, who now visited the settlement, were pleased, on
+passing down the river, with the view of fences, where not long before
+there were none to be seen; and instead of the bark cabins, that formerly
+stood in clusters along its banks, there were now good houses,
+with shingled roofs; and the tinkling of cow bells, which they heard in
+various directions, denoted an increase of cattle, and had a cheering
+effect on their minds. It was in the spring of 1801, that the Indians
+first began to use the plough for themselves. They took a very cautious
+method of determining whether it was likely to be an advantageous
+change to them or not. Several parts of a large field were
+ploughed, and the intermediate spaces prepared by their women with
+the hoe, according to former custom. It was all planted with corn;
+and the parts ploughed, (besides the great saving of labour,) produced
+much the heaviest crop; the stalks being more than a foot higher, and
+proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. The corn was
+now gathered in, and as their stock of cattle had much increased, instead
+of leaving their corn fodder to perish, as formerly, they preserved
+it for their cattle in winter&mdash;and several had mown grass, and made
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span>
+small stacks of hay. They had made a fence, about two miles long,
+which enclosed the lower town, and a large body of adjacent land fronting
+on the river, and several other fences were made within it, to separate
+the corn from the pasture ground.</p>
+
+<p>With the exception of houses and fences, the improvements at the
+lower town, (Jenuchshadaga) did not bear a comparison with the upper
+settlement, where the Indians lived more detached from each other.
+Their thus separating, was evidently more to their advantage, than
+crowding together in villages. A chief, who was not ashamed to be
+seen at work by the women of his own family, would probably have
+been much mortified when discovered by a number of other females,
+who on such occasions do not always refrain from ridicule. Yet this
+false shame on the part of the men, and ridicule of the women, gradually
+wore away as they became familiarized to each others’ assistance,
+in their little agricultural labours.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians now became very sober, generally refraining from the
+use of strong liquor, both at home and when abroad among the white
+people. One of them observed to Friends, “no more bark cabins, but
+good houses&mdash;no more get drunk here, now, this two year.”</p>
+
+<p>The blacksmith was introduced to the Indians with a request that
+two of their young men would learn his business, so as to be qualified
+to do their own work; as it was not very likely he should stay long.
+But before they would agree to this proposition, they queried with
+Friends, “whether they would at any future time want land or money
+for the services which they had done, and were doing for them? They
+wished to know very clearly in writing about it. Also, whether they
+would leave the tools for the young men, who might learn the blacksmiths’
+trade, when the smith left them, or whether they would take
+them away?” To which the following answer was given in writing:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we tell you now, plainly, as we told you before, that your
+brothers, the Quakers, do not want any of your land, or any of your
+money, or any of your skins, for any thing they have done for you; and
+they never will bring a charge against you, for any of these things.
+And we give you this writing, to keep forever, to make your minds perfectly
+easy on this account. About the smiths’ tools we cannot say
+much; but think we shall leave them with you, if some of your young
+men will learn the trade.”</p>
+
+<p>At a subsequent interview, Cornplanter made a reply to Friends, in
+which he stated, “We understand the writing which you gave us very
+well, and our minds are now quite easy. Two of our young men will
+learn the smiths’ trade; one from the lower town, and one from the
+upper.”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span></p>
+
+<p>Friends again opened the business respecting the schooling of their
+children, which had for sometime past been impeded by the system of
+Connediu. The chiefs were particularly desired to take this subject
+under consideration, and let Friends know when they were ready.</p>
+
+<p>It was supposed that the quantity of corn raised this year by the
+natives, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first
+formed, and a few of the Indians made the first attempts to raise wheat;
+but those who did something at farming, occasionally went out a hunting;
+and many of the men still adhered to their ancient customs, and
+left the women of their families to cultivate with the hoe, what corn
+and vegetables were necessary for their sustenance.</p>
+
+<p>As one of the young men, who had been there from the time of first
+opening the settlement, was about to return home with the committee,
+Cornplanter expressed the great regard he had for him; saying, “that,
+although he had been so long amongst them, not one of them was able
+to say a word against him, ever since he had been there&mdash;that his words
+and his conduct had been altogether good, and agreeable to them; and
+he hoped the Good Spirit would preserve him on his way home to his
+friends.”</p>
+
+<p>The committee, also, on this visit, had an interview with the Indians
+of Cattaraugus. They arrived at a time when the Indians were performing
+their religious ceremonies&mdash;concerning which, the chief warrior,
+Waun-dun-guh-ta, made the following remark to Friends.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have come at a time which has by us been set apart
+for performing worship to the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs.
+It is our way of worship, and, to us, solemn and serious, and not to be
+made light of, however different it may be from your mode. It is the
+manner our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us
+for not being so attentive to you as we should, had we not been thus
+engaged.”</p>
+
+<p>They had now their saw-mill completed, and one of the Friends from
+Alleghany remained sometime with them, instructing some of the Indians
+in the sawing business.</p>
+
+<p>The spring of 1802, furnished greater marks of improvement, than
+had heretofore been discovered among the natives. Eighteen or twenty
+thousand rails were split, and put up into fences by the Indians, and
+thirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed, most of which were cleared this
+spring. Several families who had not any when this settlement was
+first formed, had got six or seven head of cattle, and other useful animals.
+Whiskey was not knowingly suffered to be brought into the settlement;
+and if any were found out to have been intoxicated, when they
+were out in the white settlements, they were sharply reproved by the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span>
+chiefs on their return, which had nearly the same effect among Indians,
+as committing a man to the workhouse among white people. The Indians
+opened a good road for about five miles up the river from Friends’
+settlement, where before it was very difficult to travel, even on horseback.
+Several of them sowed spring wheat&mdash;and a gradual improvement
+was apparent during this season.</p>
+
+<p>The benefits derived by the Senecas at Alleghany, from their attention
+to agriculture, encouraged other branches of the nation to apply
+for assistance. The chief of the Tonewanta village, about one hundred
+miles distant from Friends’ settlement at the Alleghany, in a pathetic
+speech, applied to Friends to assist them with saw-mill irons, farming
+utensils, &amp;c. which request was granted, with the addition of a yoke of
+oxen, and chains.</p>
+
+<p>The young man who went out as a blacksmith, returned home this
+fall; two of the Indians having acquired such knowledge of his business
+as to answer their necessities.</p>
+
+<p>Although the improvements at this place were gradually progressing,
+obstructive causes at times occurred, difficult to combat. This induced
+Friends, among them, to believe that a change made in their situation,
+so as to render them more independent of the natives, might subject
+them to less difficulty in the further prosecution of the concern. The
+improvement heretofore made on their own land, for a time, had a good
+effect; but their ideas were weak, and for want of more sensibility in
+some of the intentions of Friends towards them, it had led to a dependence,
+which evidently impeded their progress in civilization. This dependence
+seemed to increase, as they saw the increase of produce from
+the land that Friends cultivated. Some of the Indians had increased
+their stock of cattle faster than the means of supporting them through
+a long and rigorous winter. When their hay and other fodder become
+reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some. These requests
+could not be complied with, to an extent proportioned to their necessity,
+without reducing Friends to alike state of want; and fearing, least
+in future winters, a renewal of similar requests, without the means of
+supplying them, might disturb that harmony which had hitherto subsisted
+between Friends and the Indians, it was thought adviseable by the
+committee to embrace an opportunity which now presented, of purchasing
+from a company of white people, an adjoining tract of land, in
+order to make such improvements thereon, as might accommodate a
+family or more, of such, who from time to time, might feel desirous to
+assist in the instruction of the Indians, and thus by making it a more
+permanent establishment, entirely independent of the natives, be enabled
+to extend more efficient aid to other branches of the Seneca
+nation.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span></p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1803, this proposal of a removal of Friends’ settlement
+was communicated to the Indians, and they generally coincided
+with it, provided the move should not be far up the river. They had
+several councils on the occasion, and communicated to Friends their
+views; and although their prophet, Connediu, had, in time back, been
+somewhat opposed to the views of Friends in changing the customs of
+the Indians, he was now entirely friendly, and strongly recommended
+industry and perseverance in the plans which Friends had recommended
+to them. The following paragraphs from one of his speeches on this
+occasion, may be worthy of notice.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“My friends, Quakers, attend.&mdash;It is now a long time since you first
+came amongst us. It has even exceeded the time that was first proposed.
+I now speak the united voice of our chiefs and warriors to you,
+of our women also, and of all our people. Attend, therefore, to what
+I say. We wish you to make your minds perfectly easy&mdash;we are all
+pleased with your living amongst us, and not one of us wants you to
+leave our country. We find no fault with you in any respect, since
+you come amongst us; neither have we any thing to charge you with.
+You have lived peaceably and honestly with us, and have been preserved
+in health, and nothing has befallen you. This we think is proof,
+also, that the Great Spirit is pleased with you living here, and with
+what you have done for us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Friends, Quakers&mdash;we now all agree to leave you at full liberty,
+either to remain where you now are, on our land, or to remove up the
+river and settle on land of your own, only that you settle near us, that
+you may extend further assistance and instruction. For although we
+have received much benefit from you, and some of our people have
+made considerable advancement in useful labour, yet we remain very
+deficient in many things, and numbers of us are yet poor.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>As the important change proposed to be made in conducting the affairs
+at Alleghany, required serious consideration, four of the committee
+proceeded to that settlement, and on conferring with Friends there, were
+satisfied of the propriety of a removal from their present station, to one
+more independent of the Indians, and less subject to their control.</p>
+
+<p>A tract of land adjoining the Indians’ reservation on Tunesassa creek,
+which empties into the river on the east side, about two miles above
+Genesinghuta, was agreed upon, and afterwards purchased, as the most
+eligible place for a settlement; inasmuch as it furnished an ample situation
+for water works, and much of the tract was covered with excellent
+pine timber. The tract included about seven hundred acres.</p>
+
+<p>Friends had free and open conferences with the Indians on the subject
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>
+of their removal, and various other matters; and satisfactory arrangements
+were made respecting the old settlement, the Indians insisting
+on Friends’ occupying the farm until they got suitable accommodations,
+and provender for their stock, at their new settlement.</p>
+
+<p>In one of their conferences, Cornplanter observed:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when your friends first came amongst us, and for a long
+time after, the white people told us, ‘keep a good watch on those Quakers&mdash;they
+are a cunning, designing people; and under pretence of
+doing something for you, want to get hold upon you, to make an advantage
+of you some way or other;’ but of late, finding that all was straight,
+and no advantage was attempted to be taken, they have left off talking
+about it.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, your young men do not talk much to us, but when they
+do they speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us
+from using spirituous liquors.”</p>
+
+<p>Here it may be proper to remark, that in the spring of 1798, an Indian
+lad of the Tuscarora nation, from near the falls of Niagara, had
+been taken to Philadelphia, and placed with a Friend in Chester county,
+to learn the blacksmiths’ business, where he continued till the last
+spring;&mdash;and having acquired a competent knowledge of his trade, and
+made considerable proficiency in school learning, the Friend with whom
+he had been instructed, felt such an interest in his welfare, that he
+accompanied him home to his Indian friends, staid several weeks with
+him, to see him set up in his business, and assisted him therein.</p>
+
+<p>This Friend, on his return, had now been several weeks at Alleghany,
+affording the two Indian blacksmiths there, some further instruction in
+that art. They were very desirous he should tarry longer with them;
+and an old chief observed, “Friends had now sent on a blacksmith, the
+best they had ever seen&mdash;he knows how to make all things we want.”</p>
+
+<p>Considerable improvement among the Indians at this time was observable,
+more particularly up the river. Several families had settled
+about two miles higher up, than where they formerly resided, and had
+cleared and fenced in about sixty acres of land. Seventeen new houses
+with shingled roofs, were observed neatly built, with square logs, most
+of them two stories high, with stone chimneys and glass windows. They
+had about one hundred head of cattle, thirty horses, and several hundred
+hogs. And the Indians had opened a road, about twenty miles
+along the river, and much of it through heavy timber; which was a
+great work for them.</p>
+
+<p>The committee proceeded from thence to Cattaraugus, and noticed
+considerable improvement in that settlement. Several of them were
+building good houses. Their crops of corn were good, and their stock of
+cattle increased; and, generally speaking, they had declined the use of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span>
+strong drink. They had divers requests to make to Friends, some of
+which were granted; especially one, for a set of smith tools and plough
+irons. While Friends were sitting with the chief warrior, he seemed
+in a pensive mood, and said he wished to ask them a question, but hesitated.
+They desired him to say on&mdash;It was, “<i>Do the Quakers keep
+any slaves?</i>”&mdash;He was answered in the negative. He said he was very
+glad to hear it; for if they did, he could not think so well of them as
+he now did&mdash;that he had been at the city of Washington last winter,
+on business of the nation, and found that many white people kept blacks
+in slavery, and used them no better than horses.</p>
+
+<p>The committee on their way home had interviews with the Buffalo
+and Tonewanta Indians, and gave them such advice and encouragement
+as their situation required. It was satisfactory to observe, from
+the account of Red Jacket and others of their chiefs, that some improvement
+was taking place among those Indians.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends at Alleghany built a temporary house at their new settlement
+this fall, to which they removed, which we shall hereafter call Tunesassa.
+The land being heavily timbered, much exertion and labour
+were necessary, to make their situation tolerably comfortable during
+the first winter.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1804, the Indians generally removed from the lower
+town, and settled higher up the river; several of them not far from Tunesassa.
+This removal subjected them to some inconveniences, the first
+year, but eventually proved much to their advantage; especially to
+those who were detached from their little towns.</p>
+
+<p>As it was believed much benefit would result to the Indians from the
+erection of a grist mill on Friends’ farm, there being none nearer than
+about forty miles, measures were adopted to have grist and saw-mills
+erected this summer; and they were so far completed, as to be in operation
+the ensuing winter, when the Indians had considerable grinding
+done, and were much pleased to see the grain reduced to meal so much
+quicker than by pounding it in wooden mortars.</p>
+
+<p>An Indian man, after having a grist of wheat of his own raising ground
+and bolted, said with animation, “I think this will make the Indians
+see day-light.”</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this season, some dissentions took place among the
+Indians with regard to their chiefs. Several young men of considerable
+influence in the nation, and who were anxious to assume the reigns of
+government, became disaffected to Cornplanter, and taking measures to
+subvert his authority, artfully prevailed with the Indians to confer on
+themselves the dignified title of chiefs. This, among men whose rulers
+only hold their authority during the good will of the people, was not
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>
+difficult to effect. In the mean time, Connediu, who had some time before
+been promoted to the highest title in the nation, continued (as he
+said) his imaginary interviews with the inhabitants of the spiritual
+world, so that his fame spread abroad, and visits were paid to him from
+distant tribes. He also travelled to distant parts himself, and promulgated
+his doctrines, (which happily were now become more innocent,)
+throughout the Seneca nation.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter end of the winter and spring of 1805, the Indians experienced
+much damage to their infant settlements, by some unusual
+freshets in the Alleghany river. Nearly all their fences were swept
+away; but instead of being discouraged by their losses, they joined together
+very spiritedly, and soon repaired them; and in the end appeared
+to have been benefitted; for by this exertion, they gradually became
+more accustomed to labour&mdash;a thing, to them, of the greatest consequence.</p>
+
+<p>As it was believed the time had now come when it would be right
+to take some measures to instruct the Indian women in the various
+branches of housewifery, and domestic economy, and as this could not
+be done without female aid, a suitable family were sought for, and a
+man and his wife offering for that service, as well as a single female,
+who had before been at the Oneida settlement, they proceeded to Tunesassa
+in the early part of summer; and the natives expressed much
+satisfaction on their arrival among them.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of the females was no less satisfactory to the Friends residing
+at Tunesassa&mdash;for as from the first settlement to this time, in addition
+to the various calls of the Indians, and their out-door labours, they
+had all their domestic and culinary services to perform,&mdash;except some
+little aid received at times, by hiring some of the Indian women.</p>
+
+<p>Although many of the Indians had constructed comfortable houses,
+very few of their women took any pains to keep them clean and in neat
+order. They manufactured none of their own clothing, except the
+mockasins they wore on their feet. They had no knowledge of making
+soap, and of course their clothes could not be very clean&mdash;and very
+little improvement in domestic affairs had as yet taken place among
+the Indian families. In proportion, however, as the men became more
+accustomed to labour, it released the women from their former drudgery;
+and having now the opportunity of getting all their grain ground, which
+before they had to pound in wooden mortars, it would afford them more
+time to turn their attention to the business of the house, and the concerns
+more properly allotted to females, in all civilized societies.</p>
+
+<p>To aid and assist them in accomplishing this, was the object of our female
+friends; and some of the Indian girls pretty soon began to show a
+willingness to be instructed in knitting and spinning. A house of employment
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span>
+was built at a little distance from Friends’ dwelling, and particularly
+allotted to their use; but for want of the necessary materials,
+not much could be done at these useful employments the first season.
+Our women Friends were, however, enabled to instruct many of them
+in the art of making soap, which enabled them to keep their clothes
+and persons more cleanly; and also by frequently visiting them in their
+families, had opportunities of instructing and encouraging them in habits
+more assimilated to civilized life. The Indian women, also, made frequent
+visits to them, and by observing their industry, economy, and
+superior mode of living, an inclination began soon to manifest itself,
+even among these uncultivated females of the wilderness, to imitate
+the more useful and rational economy of our women Friends.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this summer, Friends had got about thirty acres of
+land cleared on their farm&mdash;their spring crops were productive, and
+they sowed fourteen or fifteen acres with winter grain. The grist and
+saw-mills were kept in operation, and found to answer a valuable purpose.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1806, the Indians were much engaged in clearing
+land, splitting rails, and carrying on various improvements. One of the
+more sagacious observed to Friends, “Our Indians are getting to have
+more sense, very fast.”</p>
+
+<p>They continued strongly opposed to the use of spirituous liquors, and
+seldom held a council without some animadversions on their baneful
+effects&mdash;and nothing excited more wonder among the surrounding white
+people, than to find them entirely refuse liquor when offered to them.
+The Indians said, that when the white people urged them to drink
+whiskey, they would ask for bread or provisions in its stead.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of this summer, a company of Indians from Alleghany,
+with Connediu (whom they called their prophet,) at their head, paid a
+visit to several villages of their brethren, near the Genessee river, in
+order to dissuade them from the use of strong drink, and to encourage
+them in habits of industry.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month, this year, the settlement was again visited by
+three of the committee. The writer being one of the number, and
+having resided more than two years among them at the first opening of
+the settlement, was afforded a full opportunity of judging of the improvements
+the Indians had made. A council was held with the Indians
+at Cold Spring, which was a new town the Indians had built on the
+west side of the river, a few miles above Tunesassa. Various subjects
+were discussed in this council, relative to the Indians’ improvement, and
+much advice communicated relative to their moral conduct, and long
+replies again made by the Indians, which the limits prescribed for this
+narrative will not admit in detail. One thing, however, not heretofore
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span>
+noticed, was earnestly pressed upon them; to live in peace and harmony
+with their wives, and not to let trifling matters part them, as was sometimes
+their practice; but to consider them as companions for life: and
+also to live in peace and friendship one with another, which would
+enable them to make a greater progress in the good work Friends were
+endeavouring to promote among them.</p>
+
+<p>Our Friends at Tunesassa had now got about fifty acres of land cleared,
+well enclosed, and in good order. They had built a large and commodious
+dwelling house and barn, which, together with the mills and improvements
+generally, gave it the appearance of a desirable settlement.</p>
+
+<p>It was believed the Indians had built about one hundred new houses
+since the committee visited them three years before. Most of them
+were put up with hewn logs very neatly notched at the corners; many
+of them were covered with shingles, and some had pannel doors and
+glass windows. The carpenter work was chiefly done by the Indians.
+Scarcely a vestige remained of the cabins they occupied when Friends
+first settled among them. Their farms, which were of different dimensions,
+were enclosed with good fences, and much more detached from
+each other than formerly. A much greater proportion of corn was
+planted this season than had been known before, and generally looked
+well. Many of them had raised wheat and oats, and several had raised
+flax and buckwheat, besides potatoes and turnips in abundance. Their
+stock of cattle and horses was increased, and they had a good many
+working oxen, which they found very advantageous to them. Sheep
+were not yet introduced, owing to the danger of their being destroyed
+by wolves.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the whole, it was evident their improvements rather exceeded,
+in divers respects, those made in some new settlements of white people
+on the frontiers, in the same length of time.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the young women had this year learned to spin and knit
+a little; but although the improvement among the females was yet
+small, it was, nevertheless evident, a change in this respect had taken
+place for the better, since our women Friends came among them. Their
+persons and apparel, as well as their houses, appeared in more neat and
+cleanly order. And as Friends approached some of their habitations,
+a pleasing mark of neatness discovered itself among some of their women,
+who would immediately begin to sweep their houses, and appear
+somewhat disconcerted, if Friends entered their doors before they got
+their apartments in good order.</p>
+
+<p>After spending near a week at Alleghany, the committee proceeded
+to Cattaraugus, and had a very satisfactory interview with the Seneca
+Indians at that place. Various matters were opened to them in a written
+communication, tending to incite them to industry, and to encourage
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span>
+them in a life of sobriety. A great reform had taken place among those
+Indians in this respect. The chief warrior in his reply said, “He believed
+the Great Spirit was better pleased with them when they took
+hold of the axe and the hoe and went to work, than when they were
+pursuing their former bad practices of drinking, &amp;c.” “And he was
+very glad Friends had given them their speech upon paper, that they
+would not only advise their young people themselves, but would have
+that speech to apply to, to strengthen their minds.”</p>
+
+<p>Although a considerable change had taken place for the better at
+this settlement within three years past, their stock of cattle and horses
+having considerably increased, (and instead of confining them as formerly
+in small enclosures round their villages, they had, since enclosing their
+cornfields, the advantage of pasturing them on the large plains,) yet they
+appeared very far behind their brethren at Alleghany, in agricultural
+improvements, as well as in buildings and cleanliness of living.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1807, no very important change took place among the
+Indians at Alleghany, except that divers of the young women and girls
+applied themselves to spinning in the course of the winter, under the
+direction of our women Friends, and succeeded so far as to have a piece
+of linen spun and wove into cloth, besides manufacturing a quantity of
+sewing thread with which many of the Indians were well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Some evil disposed persons, and doubtless opposed to the advancement
+of the Indians in civilization, took every opportunity of creating
+suspicions in their minds, of the views of Friends, and artfully insinuated
+that Friends’ saw-mill was erected to accumulate an interest out of
+them, notwithstanding that Friends had given them many thousand feet
+of boards, and also their grain at the grist-mill was then ground free of
+toll.</p>
+
+<p>In order, therefore, to settle the minds of the Indians, to counteract
+the suspicions in circulation, and as a convincing evidence of the disinterested
+views of Friends,&mdash;believing also, that it might redound to
+the Indians’ advantage, they offered to assist them in building a saw-mill
+for themselves; and three hundred dollars, in addition to a set of
+saw-mill irons, were granted for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>This fall Cornplanter was again restored to his former station of chief;
+and from the disposition he had always manifested to the object of
+Friends, there was reason to expect his renewed influence in their
+councils would be useful.</p>
+
+<p>The family at Tunesassa, experienced a great trial by the removal
+of the Friend’s wife residing there, who, after about two weeks illness
+was taken from this transitory scene. She had by her prudent and obliging
+conduct very much endeared herself to the natives, many of whom
+attended her funeral, and a number of them called to see the family some
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>
+days afterwards, and desired them to make their minds easy, seeing it
+was the will of the Great Spirit, and what must happen to all mankind;
+and they were come to sympathize with them, and to wipe away their
+tears that they might sorrow no more.</p>
+
+<p>In the following winter, a number of the Indian women and girls
+were engaged at spinning, and a disposition to industry and manufacturing
+their own clothing, seemed to be gaining ground. A loom was
+provided, and several pieces of their own spinning were made into cloth.</p>
+
+<p>1808. As Friends for sometime past, had been desirous of rendering
+more essential service to the Indians at Cattaraugus, it was now
+believed expedient to purchase a tract of land adjoining their reservation,
+and have a family stationed there, that would more effectually
+accelerate their improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly a large tract of land was agreed for, on Clear creek, which
+furnished a good seat for water-works, within four or five miles of
+the Indian town. The land being heavily timbered, the Indians were
+engaged in opening a road from their villages to it; and considerable
+advances were made towards opening a settlement this season, superintended
+by some of the Friends from Tunesassa.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Alleghany got their saw-mill completed this fall so as
+to be in operation, and the Friends at Tunesassa were joined by another
+family, a Friend with his wife, a single female who accompanied them,
+and several children; the parents offering their services to spend some
+time in the instruction of the Indian natives.</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of this year, and through the succeeding winter, very
+considerable progress was made among the women and girls in learning to
+spin; several purchased wheels and commenced spinning at their own
+houses; and an aged female, of the first influence, named O-yong-go-gas,
+resided sometime with Friends, to be instructed in this employment, and
+made an unexpected progress. Her attention to assist in encouraging
+and superintending the younger women and girls, was a favourable circumstance,
+and tended to promote their improvement. On hearing that
+Friends at Tunesassa were about writing to the committee, she delivered
+the following address, desiring it might be sent also.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, attend&mdash;I wish to speak a few words to you. Since your
+women came here, I have frequently had a prospect of learning to spin;
+but as I was an ancient woman, I was afraid to make a beginning, lest
+I should not make out, and would then have to decline it, without accomplishing
+any thing. I at length concluded to try, and have learned
+so much as to be able to spin flax and tow pretty well.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I am very happy that I have the satisfaction to inform you
+a little of my progress, and also that I can now with more assurance,
+impress the necessity of this valuable improvement on the minds of our
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span>
+young women, and I intend in future to recommend it as a most necessary
+employment.</p>
+
+<p>“For my own part, I intend to pursue it as long as my eye-sight will
+continue, and I hope yet to be able to spin wool for a blanket, if the
+Good Spirit will continue my sight. I am very thankful for the knowledge
+I have acquired of your women Friends.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I hope this may find you all well, and I wish the Great
+Spirit may bless you.”</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1809, a Friend, who had spent many years among the
+natives, returned again to his former station at Tunesassa, and being
+acquainted with the weaving business, he was usefully employed in
+manufacturing into cloth the yarn which the Indian women had spun
+in the last winter, and the industry of several of them procured them
+sufficient specimens of domestic manufactures, to stimulate them to
+further exertions.</p>
+
+<p>This spring four of the Friends resident at Tunesassa proceeded to
+Cattaraugus, in order to carry on the improvements at this new station,
+and to instruct the Indians in that settlement.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Alleghany continued to make a satisfactory progress
+in their agricultural labours, seven or eight families sowed flax this
+spring, and other marks of improvement were observable. The settlement
+was visited again by a deputation from the committee, and the
+situation of the Indians fully inspected, and much advice and counsel
+were communicated to them relative to their moral conduct, as well as
+in regard to their temporal concerns.</p>
+
+<p>They were particularly warned of the iniquity of men and their
+wives separating, (a practice which was too common among them,) and
+marrying again with others; the natural consequence of which was,
+leaving their children in poverty and distress, besides being attended
+with a variety of other evils.</p>
+
+<p>The communications of Friends appeared to be well received, and in
+the replies which the Indians made, among many other things, Cornplanter
+remarked, “We are sensible that it is displeasing to the Great
+Spirit for men and their wives to separate, and I am very happy that
+you have now mentioned it, when so many of our young warriors are
+present who have the opportunity of hearing; and I hope they will attend
+to the good counsel you have given us.”</p>
+
+<p>This deputation from the committee also visited Cattaraugus settlement,
+and had satisfactory interviews with those Indians, encouraging
+them to industry and sobriety, and to avail themselves of the opportunity
+they now had of receiving instruction from our Friends, who had
+lately come to settle near them.</p>
+
+<p>In their replies to Friends, the chief warrior observed:&mdash;“You
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span>
+still continue to speak the same language to our nation, and we believe
+your views towards us are the effects of pure friendship, and a desire
+for our welfare; and although we have fallen short in fulfilling your
+former advices, we are still encouraged to follow your counsel, and to
+pursue the path you have set before us. We hope you will continue
+to have patience towards us, as Indians cannot adopt all these habits
+that you recommend at once; but we are convinced that industry in
+cultivating our lands, is the only method by which we can receive lasting
+benefits, and we are determined to pursue it&mdash;and we hope we shall still
+continue to make a gradual advancement.”</p>
+
+<p>During the winter and spring of 1810, the Indian women at Alleghany
+gave increasing attention to spinning. Some elderly females, who
+had acquired sufficient knowledge, and being anxious to promote this
+valuable art, took the superintendence of the young girls, and this season
+they spun sufficient to make one hundred and twenty yards, part of
+which was woollen, and manufactured into blankets.</p>
+
+<p>Some small premiums were offered to such of the men as should sow
+spring wheat, which had a stimulating effect; and sixteen or seventeen
+individuals availed themselves of the offer.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians purchased four yoke of oxen, which enabled them to do
+more ploughing&mdash;and during the course of the season many of the young
+men inclined to hire to work for other Indians, a practice which had
+not been common among them. This, however, was in part produced
+by the embargo system which was now in operation, and had an effect
+to reduce the price of skins and furs, so as to render hunting not
+worth pursuing as an object of profit.</p>
+
+<p>Red Jacket, and three other chiefs of the Seneca nation, visited Philadelphia
+this year, and Friends had a satisfactory interview with them.
+Red Jacket in his remarks, stated:</p>
+
+<p>“I am unable to express the thankfulness I feel for the many acts of
+kindness your society have shown to us; particularly when that old
+gentleman, (pointing to an elderly Friend present,) and many others
+now no more, attended at our treaties. And I am happy in observing
+your disposition to pursue the same track of conduct your fathers observed
+towards Indians, now they are removed to the world of spirits.”</p>
+
+<p>Some implements of husbandry were furnished to the Tuscarora Indians,
+residing on the Seneca reservation near Buffalo; and the situation
+of the Delaware Indians residing on the Cattaraugus reservation claiming
+the sympathy of Friends, as being the remnant of a scattered tribe
+who formerly inhabited the parts along the river Delaware, and who
+for many years lived on terms of sincere friendship and reciprocal acts
+of kindness with the early settlers, while the country was then a wilderness;
+it was believed right to make them an offer of purchasing a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span>
+tract of land in the neighbourhood of Cattaraugus, provided they would
+live on, and occupy it. Although the offer was not accepted they gratefully
+acknowledge the kindness of Friends, and their answer on this
+occasion strongly excites our sympathy for the destiny of this once great
+and powerful nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Our nation, say they, seem as if they were scattered over the whole
+world; and we have been desirous, for many years past, of getting together,
+and have now fully concluded to leave the country of the Senecas.
+The land you propose giving us here, if we could take it on our
+backs and set it down in the neighbourhood of our nation to the westward,
+we should be very thankful for; but we don’t feel satisfied to
+remain in this country, and have concluded certainly to leave it as soon
+as we can.”</p>
+
+<p>Considerable progress was made this season by the Cattaraugus Indians.
+Many of them enclosed fields separately, and had plentiful crops
+of corn; and as an incitement to this plan of farming, small premiums
+had been offered by Friends. And as a further encouragement, to accommodate
+the Indians, preparations were made to erect grist and saw-mills
+on the tract of land belonging to Friends, whereby they could
+have their grinding done, and be furnished with boards to enable them
+to build better houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the beginning of the year 1811, the Indian women at Alleghany
+manifested a much earlier attention to the spinning business; and before
+the time they usually began, had sufficient spun for one hundred
+and sixty yards of cloth. Near one half of their women by this time,
+had acquired some knowledge of this business; and though they had
+heretofore, for the most part, attended to it at the house of employment,
+many of them now procured wheels of their own, and attended to it at
+their own houses. Four of them within two years had spun yarn for
+about one hundred and twenty-five yards; and two others, in the last
+season, had spun and wove themselves twenty-one yards of linsey.</p>
+
+<p>The instruction of their children in school learning, had for several
+years past, been but little attended to, owing to the impediments the
+Indians themselves had thrown in the way&mdash;but this year it was again
+revived; and a young man, qualified for that purpose, kept a school
+among them, at their request.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Cattaraugus were also making satisfactory improvement
+this season. The saw-mill was in operation this fall, and the grist
+mill in a considerable state of forwardness.</p>
+
+<p>The progress of improvement had, for many years past, exhibited an
+encouraging prospect&mdash;affording a comfortable hope, that the desirable
+object would be effected, of reclaiming at least a portion of the Indians
+from a savage and rambling life, to enjoy in a plentiful manner, and in
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>
+undisturbed security, the productions of the fruitful field. Yet it now
+seems our painful task to record some circumstances, which for a time
+much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and retarded their progress in
+civilization.</p>
+
+<p>By a company of individuals, claiming what they called the pre-emption
+right, an attempt was now made to purchase from the Seneca
+nation, all their land which they held in the state of New York, and
+under a specious show of benevolence, to give them a large tract of
+country far to the westward, where they might enjoy their native
+forest, away from the intrusions of white people.</p>
+
+<p>The peculiar situation of their land&mdash;being generally of an excellent
+quality, and an increasing white population fast settling round it&mdash;made
+it an object very desirable to this company, who, it is probable, paid a
+large sum of money for this pre-emption right.</p>
+
+<p>From the best information I have received respecting this claim, it
+appears, by the original charter, that the state of Massachusetts had
+this pre-emption right, or privilege of purchasing the Indians’ land in
+this part of the territory; and to satisfy this claim, in 1787, the state of
+New York ceded to Massachusetts the right of soil&mdash;reserving to itself
+the jurisdiction thereof. The state of Massachusetts, in 1792, again sold
+their right of purchase to an individual, who, in the year 1797, at a
+treaty held at Genessee river, in the state of New York, purchased
+of the Indians a large tract of country, as has been already stated&mdash;the
+Indians “<i>nevertheless and always reserving</i>” out of this grant and conveyance,
+such reservations as were therein agreed upon; “<i>to remain
+the property of the said Seneca Indians, in as full and ample a
+manner</i>,” as if the said sale had not been made. This purchase again
+passed into other hands, and finally the pre-emption right to the Indians’
+reservations into the hands of the company now claiming them.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding these were the only persons who had a legal right
+to purchase, it was only when the Indians were disposed to sell: and
+always to be understood, as the original owners of the soil, they had the
+right to refuse to sell, as guaranteed in the most solemn manner by the
+president of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>But notwithstanding their indubitable title to the soil, the attempt
+thus made, in an artful manner, to obtain their land, had the effect to
+produce great commotion and disturbance among them. Nor was it to
+be doubted, but that means, too frequently practised on such occasions,
+would be resorted to. These were, to offer rewards to the chiefs or principal
+men of the nation, to gain their influence, in order to bring about
+the object they had in view.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, however, at this time, did not accede to the proposals
+that had been held out to them, as may be seen from the following
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span>
+extracts of a speech of Red Jacket to an agent, who, it seems, was employed
+by the primitive holders to negotiate this business.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, we opened our ears to the talk you lately delivered to us,
+at our council fire. In doing important business, it is best not to tell
+long stories, but to come to it in a few words&mdash;we shall therefore not
+repeat your talk, which is fresh in our minds. We have well considered
+it, and the advantages and disadvantages of your offers&mdash;we request
+your attention to our answer, which is not from the speaker alone,
+but from all the sachems and chiefs now round our council fire.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, your application for the purchase of our lands is, to our
+minds, very extraordinary. It has been made in a crooked manner.
+You have not walked in the straight path, pointed out by the Great
+Council of your nation. You have no writing from our Great Father the
+president. We have looked back, and remembered how the Yorkers purchased
+our lands in former times. They bought them, piece after piece, for
+a little money, paid to a few men in our nation, and not to all our brethren,&mdash;until
+our planting and hunting grounds have become very small;
+and if we should sell these, we know not where to spread our blankets.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, you tell us your employers have purchased of the council
+of Yorkers, a right to buy our lands. We do not understand how this
+can be. The lands do not belong to the Yorkers. They are ours, and
+were given to us by the Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, you want us to travel with you, and look for other lands.
+If we should sell our lands, and move off into a distant country, towards
+the setting sun, we should be looked upon, in the country to which we
+go, as foreigners and strangers, and be despised by the red, as well as
+the white men. We should soon be surrounded by the white people,
+who would there also kill our game, come upon our lands, and try to
+get them from us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, we are determined not to sell our lands, but to continue
+on them. They are fruitful, and produce us corn in abundance, for the
+support of our women and children, and grass and herbs for our cattle.</p>
+
+<p>“Brother, the white people buy and sell false rights to our lands; and
+your employers, you say, have paid a great price for their right. They
+must have plenty of money to spend it buying and selling false rights to
+lands belonging to Indians. The loss of it will not hurt them, but our
+lands are of great value to us; and we wish you to go back to your
+employers, and tell them and the Yorkers, that they have no right to
+buy and sell false rights to our lands.”</p>
+
+<p>Although the inducements held out to Indians at this time were rejected,
+yet the scheme, on the part of the applicants, was by no means
+abandoned; and as a measure like this, so inimical to the cause in
+which Friends were engaged, could not fail of exciting considerable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span>
+alarm, it was reasonable to suppose, their influence would interpose to
+prevent the adoption of a measure so pregnant of evil to the poor Indians.
+Accordingly, an appropriate address was presented to the Seneca
+nation, strongly recommending them to a diligent improvement of
+their land, and to keep strong in their resolution not to part with it&mdash;for
+if they should sell and remove to a distant country, it was not likely
+Friends would go with them, or assist them, as they had heretofore done.</p>
+
+<p>The minds of the Indians appeared to be quieted for the present, and
+they were peculiarly pleased with the communications of Friends on
+this occasion. One of their chiefs observed in council&mdash;“Your words
+reached our hearts, and as though they had been handed down from
+the Great Spirit above, they have satisfied our minds.”</p>
+
+<p>The spring of 1812, commenced with very encouraging prospects of
+improvement at both the settlements. The women were engaged in
+their spinning business, and the men in their agricultural pursuits,
+which relieved the women of much of their former hardships and
+burthens in procuring a livelihood. The measures adopted for their
+improvement had now been in operation at the Alleghany settlement
+for fourteen years, and the advantages resulting therefrom were
+more sensibly felt, and clearly distinguished by the Indians than at
+any former period. The progress of the Indians at Cattaraugus,
+considering the infant state of the establishment of Friends there, afforded
+the most sanguine prospect, that, by a steady perseverance, in
+the course of a few years more, a very important change would be effected
+in their situation and manner of life. But a reverse of circumstances,
+in the course of events, again took place, which it seems proper
+now to mention.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the Sixth month, this year, that war was proclaimed by the
+United States against Great Britain, and her dependencies. This
+circumstance created very considerable alarm amongst the Indians,
+and to use their own expressions, “seemed to turn the world upside
+down.”</p>
+
+<p>Their situation was peculiarly trying. War was a circumstance replete
+with many evils, which would inevitably involve them in serious
+difficulties. Their money, for which they had sold their land in 1797, was
+in the hands of the government. Their remaining lands were nearly all
+within the boundaries of the state of New York, and lying near to the
+British lines, which it was probable would become the seat of war, and
+therefore they would be liable to be much harassed by either party, even
+should they remain neutral. In the next place, there were several
+tribes of their confederates of the Six Nations, whom they had always
+considered as brethren, who resided within the British dominions, and
+called upon to fight their battles; and it was probable they would be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span>
+called upon by the United States to assist in the contest, and thus they
+would be reduced to the sad dilemma, of either being considered, in
+case of a refusal, as enemies to the United States, or otherwise be under
+the necessity of raising the hatchet against their own flesh and blood,
+who had not given the slightest cause of offence or provocation.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were these all the evils that seemed to threaten their repose.
+They were generally represented, in war, as a ferocious, unrelenting
+people; and hence it was natural to conclude, that jealousies would
+exist among their surrounding white neighbours, and prejudices be excited,
+which it would be difficult to remove.</p>
+
+<p>Their fears were not groundless in this respect; for soon after war
+was proclaimed, many of the surrounding inhabitants became very uneasy,
+and divers left their settlements, and removed to places more remote
+from the natives. This circumstance caused some alarm among
+the Indians. They apprehended that their sincerity and friendly dispositions
+were suspected; in consequence whereof, a council was held
+between them and their white neighbours, to endeavour to eradicate
+the fears and jealousies which existed between them. The result of
+this was, that the Indians promised to take no part in the war, and the
+whites agreed not to molest them in their peaceable possessions.</p>
+
+<p>This conclusion, however, did not stand long, on the part of the Indians.
+They were called upon by the United States to engage in the
+contest, and to take up arms against their brethren in Canada, who
+were, no doubt, excited to this unnatural war, by the British government.
+Some of the young warriors, who had never before seen the
+dreadful effects of such a conflict, were anxious to try their valour, and
+gain themselves a name; while many of their elderly people, who retained
+some knowledge of former wars, were more disposed to remain
+quiet at home. But as it is not the design of this work to give a history
+of the war, in all its bearings on the Indians, it is sufficient to say, that
+during the period the war lasted, they were at times engaged therein
+by parties; and in proportion to the part they acted on this occasion,
+their advancement in civilization was impeded.</p>
+
+<p>In the autumn of this year, two of the committee visited the settlements
+at Tunesassa and Cattaraugus, by whom a suitable address was
+sent to the Indians. But they found them in a very unsettled situation,
+on account of the war; and said “they could not, at present, attend to
+their improvements&mdash;for, look which way they would, they saw nothing
+but war.”</p>
+
+<p>As the situation of the Friends stationed among the Indians was also
+trying at this period, they were left at liberty either to leave them, and
+return home, or to remain, as they felt best satisfied to do.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1813, although frequent alarms continued to pervade the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>
+Indians’ borders, our Friends did not apprehend it sufficient cause to
+abandon their residence, or to relax their endeavours to establish the
+Indians in a more permanent advantage from the soil. The Indians,
+too, appeared to have a special confidence in Friends, and often consulted
+them on account of their own safety, stating “that if Friends
+removed from them, they would become uneasy, and flee also.”</p>
+
+<p>Although some of the Indians attended to their business, yet the continual
+alarms, and frequent calls on them to assist in the invasion of
+Canada, very much diverted their attention from their domestic concerns;
+and their war excursions had a demoralizing effect, by exposing
+them again to the use of intoxicating liquors, which gained an ascendency
+over some.</p>
+
+<p>Towards the close of this season, at the time Buffalo was attacked
+and burned by the British, the Indians became exceedingly agitated.
+Those of Cattaraugus, lying more contiguous to the scene of action,
+moved a great part of their property to the south side of the river, in
+order to flee in case of an attack. The consternation that prevailed
+among the inhabitants generally, in that country, had a tendency to
+increase their fears; and probably a consciousness of their having taken
+up arms against their brethren in Canada, naturally created apprehensions,
+that, if their enemies proved victorious they would have to
+suffer a retaliation.</p>
+
+<p>The alarm, however, subsided, as there was no attack made on them,
+and they were permitted to remain quiet the succeeding winter, and
+attend somewhat to their necessary concerns.</p>
+
+<p>In the fall of 1814, the settlements were visited again by four of the
+committee. They arrived at Cattaraugus the thirteenth of the Ninth
+month, and had a council on the fifteenth with the Indians. Many of
+them were then absent, being engaged in the war, and more were about
+going. But when they heard of Friends’ arrival, they concluded to stay
+at home.</p>
+
+<p>They stated the many difficulties which they laboured under, on account
+of the war, and the great obstruction it was to their improvement.
+They said the officers often called on them to go to war, and if
+they staid at home, they were not satisfied&mdash;and they did not know
+whether they were safe or not.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, said they, the war has continued for three summers past.
+We have still had time to provide a little for our families; but this year
+we scarcely get home, before another express comes for us. We have
+been in hopes these troubles would subside; but from the present commotions,
+and noise of the great guns on the lines, we have entertained
+doubts how or when it will end.”</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of the council, they remarked the great satisfaction
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span>
+they felt, that the Friends who lived beside them had remained so
+steady with them through their difficulties, that although the great
+guns had roared so loud as to shake the ground whereon they stood,
+yet they remained quiet; which convinced them that they must be under
+the protection of the Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the various interruptions the Indians had met with
+on account of the war, they had made very considerable advances
+in agricultural improvements, at this settlement. The author, being
+one of the deputation who now visited them, had an opportunity of observing
+the great contrast in their situation, since Friends came to settle
+among them. They had enclosed with good fences, and cultivated
+several hundred acres of good land, within three or four years past; a
+great proportion of which was planted with corn and potatoes, or sowed
+with oats, &amp;c. and generally looked well. Many families had raised
+wheat, and were preparing to sow more in the fall. Several had raised
+flax, and about twenty-five of their women had learned to spin. Their
+women, also, appeared more neat and cleanly, in their dress and
+houses. But three or four families remained in their old village, having
+found it much to their advantage to settle more detached from each
+other. They were now scattered along, on the rich bottoms, for several
+miles. Considerable improvement had also taken place in the mode of
+building. Many had good houses, and some had barns, and scarcely any
+of the old cabins were seen standing. The Indians had procured a number
+of wagons and carts, with other farming utensils, as well as several
+yoke of oxen. Their stock of cattle, in general, was much increased;
+and the Indians said, in council, there were but one or two families but
+had cows or horses.</p>
+
+<p>The committee also visited the settlement at Alleghany, and held a
+general council with the Indians at Cold Spring, where they were encouraged
+to perseverance in the path they had for many years been
+pointing out to the Indians, and in which good way they had made considerable
+progress. But it was observed, that they were deficient in
+several respects, and had not made so much improvement as was desirable
+for the opportunity they had had. In their replies, they acknowledged
+the very great benefit they had received in time past, from the
+advice and instruction of Friends, but said they had made less improvement
+since the war commenced; that they were frequently called upon
+by the officers to go to war, and this kept them uneasy, so that they
+could not attend to their business. Some of their people had, also,
+during the war, got into habits of intemperance&mdash;and this tended to
+retard their advancement in the modes of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>The old chief, Cornplanter, not having attended this council, several
+of the company paid him a visit at his own house, about eleven miles
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span>
+distant from Tunesassa. About five or six families remained with the
+old chief, at his settlement, mostly his connexions. The old town of
+Jenuchshadaga, where all the first councils between Friends and the
+Indians were held, was entirely deserted, and so overgrown with young
+timber, as almost to conceal the place where it stood. This strange
+mutation of things at this place, was principally owing to the land being
+Cornplanter’s private property, and to the disposition of the other Indians
+to move higher up the river, and settle on land belonging to the
+nation, where they would have a greater security for the improvements
+they should make.</p>
+
+<p>Cornplanter expressed his great satisfaction at once more seeing his
+friends in his own house, and that he was still preserved alive to talk
+with them. He acknowledged the advice of Friends had always been
+good, and that in consequence of many of the Indians adhering to it,
+their situation had been much improved, but that in consequence of the
+miseries of war, some of his people had again become intemperate.</p>
+
+<p>The too common practice of men and their wives parting, having
+been animadverted upon at the late council, the old chief observed, that
+he also reprobated it, as being attended with many evil effects; and
+that he had often seen children, who had been thus neglected, when
+young, in consequence of their parents’ separation, reflect on their parents,
+when they got old, and charge them with neglect of duty; it
+being generally the practice where separations take place, for the mother
+to take charge of the children, and provide for them as well as she
+can.</p>
+
+<p>“The liquor, said he, has been introduced among us by white people;
+but this evil practice has grown up among ourselves. Our young
+people are too fond of diversions, and not serious enough, in forming
+connexions. I have often advised them to more sobriety and regular
+conduct, and spent much of my time in serving the nation.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, generally, on the Alleghany river, continued to increase
+their stock of cattle, horses, and swine, quite equal to their means of
+supporting them through the winter; although in other respects, since
+the commencement of the war, they had made but little progress in
+agriculture. Many of the women, however, had given considerable
+attention to spinning&mdash;especially in the winter season. They appeared
+more cleanly in their persons and houses than they formerly did; and
+their manners, and general deportment, appeared to be rising from
+that degraded state in which they had formerly lived, and becoming
+more assimilated to the modes and practices of white people.</p>
+
+<p>The spring of 1815, was ushered in with the welcome and consoling
+news of peace, to the poor Indians; an accommodation having taken
+place between the United States and Great Britain in the preceding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span>
+winter. Not only could the Seneca nation participate in the blessings
+of peace, by having their prospects to pursue their agricultural labours
+again brightened, but many of the surrounding tribes, who had been
+more extensively engaged in the late contest, could now lay down the
+hatchet, which had often been stained with the blood of their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>But although peace had now taken place, and hostilities ceased between
+the contending parties, it was doubtful whether the Seneca nation
+would be conciliated, and immediately restored to that mutual
+friendship, which previous to the war had subsisted between them and
+their confederate tribes in Canada, who had, under the banner of Great
+Britain, taken up arms against the United States. It was, therefore,
+believed expedient by the committee at this critical juncture to send
+them a suitable address on the occasion, from which the following is
+extracted.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, since it has pleased the Great Spirit to restore to our
+country the blessing of peace, we have felt our minds concerned to address
+you, in order to encourage you to pursue the path we have long
+been pointing out to you; and likewise to call your attention to the great
+advantages resulting from living in peace with all men.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are sensible that there are two spirits at work in the
+minds of men. The one produces in us a disposition of love and good
+will towards all men, and is a comforter for all good actions. The other
+excites evil thoughts and desires, and influences to bad actions, such as
+lying, swearing, drunkenness, pride, envy, hatred, gaming, and many
+other evils, which, if given way to, often create war between nations.
+So we believe it is in our power to resist the evil spirit, and conquer
+all the evil propensities of our nature, by obeying the Good Spirit,
+and by daily watching, and prayer to him. If we so conduct, he will
+deliver us from evil.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our fathers, and we their children, who profess the same
+principles by which they were guided, have always believed that wars
+and fightings are displeasing to the Great Spirit, who is all love, and
+who made of one blood all nations of men, that they should live in peace
+and love with each other. For this cause, he hath placed his law in
+our hearts, and in the hearts of all men, teaching, not only to love one
+another, but also to forgive injuries, and even to love and do good to
+our enemies.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, where people live in this disposition, and trust in the
+Great Spirit for protection, it has a powerful effect in producing the
+same disposition in the minds of those who wish to do them an injury;
+and instead of hatred, it will produce in their minds love and good will.
+For you must be sensible, brothers, that when a man is angry with
+another, and uses many threatening expressions, if the other returns
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span>
+mild answers, and endeavours to pacify him by acts of kindness and
+good will, it is more likely to restore the angry man to a sober and right
+state of mind, than if he were to quarrel and fight with him&mdash;and this
+would be overcoming evil with good, which is always pleasing to the
+Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are sensible that the late war must have brought you
+into great difficulty and distress&mdash;and we are thankful for the return
+of peace. We hope the Great Spirit will preserve you from again feeling
+the miseries of war. We also wish you to be reanimated, to pursue
+your farming, and the improvement of your land, under the instruction
+of our friends who reside among you, as this is the only sure method
+we can recommend to you to obtain a comfortable living for yourselves
+and families; and the most likely means, as you are industrious and
+become sensible of the value of your property, of securing you in the
+permanent possession of your land.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our desires continue as strong at the present day, as ever
+they were, to promote your happiness in this life, and in that which is
+to come. But this happy state we know can only be attained, by having
+our minds drawn to the Great Spirit, by imploring his protection,
+and by beseeching him that he would preserve us in love towards all
+mankind. If we are sincere in our desires for his assistance, and attentive
+to the voice of his spirit in our hearts, we shall have reason to hope
+for his blessing upon our labours, which is our desire for ourselves, for
+our Indian brethren, and for all men.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were also strongly reminded in this address, of the dangerous
+tendency of introducing strong liquor again into their villages,
+as the late war had exposed them to the use of it more than they had
+been for many years previous&mdash;and if they now become so unwise as
+to fall again in love with it, it would prove their ruin.</p>
+
+<p>This communication had a stimulating effect upon the Indians at both
+the settlements. Those of Alleghany sent a written address to the committee,
+signed by six of their chiefs, in which they expressed in a high
+degree, their sense of gratitude for the continued care of the society of
+Friends over them, and the great advantages they had received from
+their instruction. They also renewed their request that they might be
+furnished with a schoolmaster, as but little attention had been given to
+their improvement in school learning for some time past, owing to
+the general disinclination of the Indians to have their children thus instructed.</p>
+
+<p>At the request of the Indians, also, in the summer of 1816, four lads,
+two from Buffalo, and two from Alleghany, were brought into Chester
+county, within forty miles of Philadelphia, and placed with suitable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span>
+persons under the care of the committee, to be instructed in school
+learning, and some of the mechanic arts.</p>
+
+<p>In the Eighth month this year, a Friend who had formerly devoted
+many years to the instruction of the natives, proceeded again with his
+wife to the Alleghany settlement, accompanied by a young man in the
+capacity of a schoolmaster; and the family who had resided there for
+some years past returned from thence. The school was again opened
+at Cold Spring town, in the Tenth month, where about twenty different
+scholars attended, in an irregular manner, owing, in part, to the scarcity
+of provisions. This scarcity of food was occasioned by unusually early
+frost, which destroyed more than half their corn, and likewise many
+other vegetables. This calamity was felt through all that part of the
+country bordering on the lakes.</p>
+
+<p>Although the Indians had had the fairest prospect of a plentiful supply,
+yet, from the foregoing circumstance, many of them were compelled
+to resort to their former source of dependence, and with their
+families, retire to the woods and hunting encampments, where they
+remained a great part of the winter.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Cattaraugus were conspicuous sufferers by this calamity;
+many of them having their crops of corn entirely cut off, while
+they had as yet scarcely recruited from their sufferings during the
+late war. Friends duly considered their distressed situation, and
+granted five hundred dollars to be applied in supplying them with provisions,
+and three hundred more to be administered to the necessities
+of those on the Alleghany reservation. These donations were gratefully
+received by the Indians, and were peculiarly useful in enabling them,
+the following spring, more generally to attend to their agricultural pursuits,
+without being compelled from necessity to retire to their hunting
+grounds. It was said five hundred and twelve individuals at Alleghany,
+and three hundred and ninety at Cattaraugus, partook of this timely
+donation of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1817, the fears of the committee were strongly excited
+for the safety of the Indians, from the various concurring accounts,
+that plans were again devising to induce a removal of many of them in
+the state of New York, from their present seat, to one very remote
+among the western tribes. A measure of this kind would not only tend
+to unsettle the Indians in their agricultural pursuits, but if carried into
+effect, would entirely frustrate the plan of their civilization, and render
+of little avail the labours of Friends for twenty years past, and the expenditure
+of more than forty thousand dollars in promoting their advancement
+toward a civilized state.</p>
+
+<p>The committee, therefore, being fully impressed with the great loss
+the Indians would inevitably sustain by a removal to a distant clime,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>
+communicated their views by a written address; and with a view of
+setting them in a more permanent possession of the soil, recommended
+a division of their land into lots, suitable to accommodate each family,
+to be held under such regulations, that it might descend from parent
+to children, and other near connexions; and under such restrictions as
+would debar individuals from selling, leasing, or transferring it, in any
+way, to white people.</p>
+
+<p>This measure being of an important character in the disposition of
+Indian affairs, it was believed expedient, by the committee, to present
+a memorial to the President of the United States, in their behalf, by
+which he was fully made acquainted with the plan proposed to the Indians
+for a division of their land; and being visited, also, by a deputation
+from the committee, and furnished with various documents, it
+opened the way for a free communication of sentiment on the subject,
+and the president gave assurance of attentively perusing and duly considering
+the documents and memorial.</p>
+
+<p>In the Ninth month this year, the settlements of Tunesassa and Cattaraugus
+were again visited by four of the committee, who spent several
+weeks among the Indians, in attending to the various services of their
+appointment. They inspected, particularly, the state of improvement
+at both the settlements, and also had divers interviews with the Indians
+in council, at both places.</p>
+
+<p>With respect to the improvements at Cattaraugus, the author being
+one of the deputation now visiting them, had a fair opportunity of judging
+of the advances they had made in three years past. Their settlements
+at this place were now extended about ten miles in length&mdash;and
+they had fenced in many fields and laid out their farms much more detached
+from each other&mdash;and were gradually advancing in agriculture.
+It was supposed they had more than two hundred acres of corn growing,
+(and it generally looked well,) besides one hundred acres more
+under cultivation; spring wheat, oats, potatoes, and a great variety of
+garden vegetables. Their stock of cattle and horses was much increased,
+and divers of them had enclosed lots of grass on which they gathered
+hay for winter. Many of the women had made considerable progress
+in spinning, so as, in the course of the last year, to make about one
+hundred and seventy yards of cloth.</p>
+
+<p>The Alleghany settlement was said to consist of about seventy families,
+all of whom, except four, had horned cattle, amounting in the whole
+to upwards of four hundred.</p>
+
+<p>They had more horses than was any advantage to them. Their corn,
+oats, and buckwheat, were in a prosperous condition, and promised to
+afford them a plentiful supply. And it was pleasing to find, that they
+had generally refrained from the use of spirituous liquors. The women,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span>
+also, continued their attention to spinning and manufacturing their
+clothing.</p>
+
+<p>The school taught by the Friend at this place was also in a more
+prosperous condition than had hitherto been evidenced among those
+Indians. Nearly twenty lads attended, divers of whom could write and
+read the English language, and had otherwise made satisfactory progress
+in learning. The cleanliness of their persons, their order in the
+school, and general deportment, appeared to be encouraging.</p>
+
+<p>A prominent object in this visit was, to encourage the Indians to make
+the experiment of dividing their land into lots, and holding it as private
+property, under certain restrictions. This was suggested to them, in
+separate councils with the different tribes, as the most eligible plan by
+which they could continue to possess the good land which they and their
+fathers had so long enjoyed, and which of late years they had improved
+so much, that “this land, with its valuable improvements, might pass
+to their children, and be inherited by them as long as the Alleghany
+and Cattaraugus rivers should continue to run, and the grass and corn
+to grow.”</p>
+
+<p>The Indians in their several settlements, took this matter under serious
+consideration; and, in consequence of an arrangement made for the
+purpose, Friends met the principal chiefs, and many others of the
+Seneca nation, in a general council at Cattaraugus, among whom was
+the noted chief, Red Jacket, and several others from Buffalo. In this
+general council, the subject of dividing their land into lots, was again
+proposed to the Indians, as the most eligible means of accelerating their
+civilization, and securing them more permanently in the possession of
+the remnant of the land they yet occupied; and that these lots should
+be of adequate dimensions to accommodate each family with a farm,
+and be held under such restrictions, that they could not be alienated,
+or leased to any other than their own people, but in such manner as to
+secure to the individuals respectively, the land, with the improvements
+thereon, which should be appropriated to each. It was believed the
+adoption of this measure would prove an additional stimulus to their
+industry and care, in the prospect it presented, of the benefits which
+might result from their agricultural labours descending to, and being
+enjoyed by, their children, and posterity more remote. This important
+subject occupied the deliberate attention of the Indians for several days.
+The result was, a resolution that an experiment should be made on the
+Alleghany reservation by the Indians residing thereon, many of whom
+had for a considerable time been desirous of possessing their property
+more distinct from each other than had heretofore been the case.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning Friends were about to proceed on their way homewards,
+a number of the chiefs called to see them, and expressed their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>
+great satisfaction with the conclusions that had resulted at the late council.
+One of them named Blue-eyes, said, “Brothers, we want you to continue
+your endeavours to strengthen us, that we may not become a lost people,
+but that by persevering in the right path, we may experience
+preservation. We believe it is owing to the favourable disposition of
+the United States, that the Six Nations yet exist. And we are of the
+opinion, from the representations that have been made, that we owe
+much to you&mdash;and we trust to an overruling providence, who has thus
+favoured us, that we may yet experience preservation.”</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the repeated refusals of the Indians to dispose of
+any more of their land, renewed applications were made by those holding
+the pre-emption right in the beginning of the year 1818; and at a
+general council, held at Buffalo, about this time, they again determined
+not to sell; and with a view of making the President of the United
+States more particularly acquainted with their situation, and with the
+difficulties to which they were subjected, by these repeated applications
+for land, they sent forward a talk for that purpose, signed by twenty-one
+chiefs of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago tribes, which was
+published in the Niagara Patriot, and from which, for its simple, natural,
+impassioned, and pathetic eloquence, we shall present to the reader
+a few extracts.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Father, from the fatherly care the presidents of the United States
+have exercised towards their red children, we speak to our father in
+confidence, believing he will not turn away his ears from his red children.
+We are alarmed lest we lose our seats. Those men who say they
+have a right to purchase our lands, have been distressing us for a number
+of years with their plans to possess our lands&mdash;offering us in exchange
+lands to the westward. We declare to you, we desire you to
+publish to all our white brothers, that it is our fixed and determined
+purpose to live and die on our present land. It is sealed to us by the
+bones of our fathers&mdash;they obtained it by their blood. Our bones shall
+lie beside theirs&mdash;it is the heritage of the Almighty&mdash;he gave it us&mdash;he
+it is must take it from us.”</p>
+
+<p>“We mean no threat by this&mdash;we know we are in the hands of our
+white brethren&mdash;they can destroy us with ease&mdash;but they need not
+think to persuade us to part with our lands&mdash;as free men we claim the
+right to choose between being killed outright, or a lingering execution,
+by being driven a thousand miles into the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>“Where, father, where would our white brothers have us to go? The
+Indian claim to land is put out for more than a thousand miles to the
+west&mdash;except little spots for particular nations.</p>
+
+<p>“We have confidence in you. You cannot see your red children,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span>
+with their little ones, driven off by stealth and fraud&mdash;leaving the
+sepulchres of their fathers, their farms, their farming tools, and their
+cattle, and dying by families on the road, through hardships and privation&mdash;exchanging
+all their advances in civilization and its comforts, for
+the hardships of the chase&mdash;without house or friend.</p>
+
+<p>“Father, we have confidence in you, that if you see any device formed
+against us, you will frustrate it, and succour your red children. We
+have deceived no man&mdash;we have wronged no man&mdash;our language has
+been one&mdash;we choose not to part with our land. If we have been
+needlessly alarmed, you will pity our ignorance, and forgive our childish
+fears.</p>
+
+<p>“We trust that you will pardon the multitude of our words. Let
+none deceive you in saying that this is the voice of a few individuals,
+and not the voice of the Six Nations. It is the voice of the Six Nations
+in the state of New York. The chiefs of Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Genessee,
+and Onondago, are now in council. We have the message of Oneida
+and Alleghany with us, desiring we should speak to our father the president&mdash;intreating
+him to consider and help us. Speak, father&mdash;speak
+to your children, that their minds may be at rest. Speak to our council
+fire at this place, and let us hear your own words; send them by safe
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>“May the Great Spirit preserve you many years a blessing to all
+your children.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The Indians also sent a copy of the foregoing talk to the governor
+of New York, accompanied with a short address, from which we make
+the following extracts:</p>
+
+<p>“Father, we thank you that you feel anxious to do all you can to
+the perishing ruins of your red children. We hope, Father, you will
+make a fence strong and high around us, that wicked white men may
+not devour us at once, but let us live as long as we can. We are persuaded
+you will do this for us, because our field is laid waste and trodden
+down by every beast&mdash;we are feeble and cannot resist them.”</p>
+
+<p>“Father, we are persuaded you will do this for the sake of our white
+brothers, lest God, who has appeared so strong in building up white
+men and pulling down Indians, should turn his hand and visit our white
+brothers for their sins, and call them to an account for all the wrongs
+they have done them, and all the wrongs they have not prevented, that
+it was in their power to prevent, to their poor red brothers, who have
+no helper.</p>
+
+<p>“Father, would you be the father of your people and make them
+good and blessed of God, let not the cries of his red children ascend
+into his ears against you.”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span></p>
+
+<p>Without further comment on these impressive communications of the
+Indians, we shall leave the reader to his own reflections, after stating,
+that whatever impressions they might have made on the rulers to whom
+they were addressed, it did not prevent the renewed and persevering
+applications of the pre-emption holders, to obtain the Indians’ land, which,
+although they as often refused to sell, had the effect to keep them in a
+state of agitation and unsettlement; for although they had been repeatedly
+told that their lands were their own, and that they could not be
+compelled to dispose of them without their consent, and that President
+Washington had fully assured them that the United States would protect
+them in the remainder of their lands, which they had not legally
+conveyed away at public treaties, yet there appeared to be a degree of
+jealousy existing with some, as to the sincerity of these professions, and
+a fear lest they might, at some time, be compelled to relinquish their
+rightful possessions and be removed to another clime.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians at Alleghany, therefore, sent a message to the committee,
+in which they expressed a wish that Friends would endeavour to obtain
+for them a written instrument from the President of the United States,
+to strengthen, as they said, their title to their land, so that they might
+be easy themselves, and their children after them. And as it had been
+concluded in the last fall, to divide the Alleghany reservation into lots,
+they also wished to know whether this plan was agreeable to the President.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of this request of the Alleghany chiefs, as also with
+a view of making the executive department of government more fully
+acquainted with their situation, various documents were prepared and
+committed to the charge of four of the committee, to present to the
+secretary of war, and such other officers of government as seemed to
+be requisite. These documents were calculated to explain the views
+of Friends in the interesting and benevolent design of ameliorating the
+condition, and promoting the civilization of the Indians, and also to impress
+the public mind with the peculiarly distressed situation of the
+aborigines of our country generally.</p>
+
+<p>A surveyor being furnished by Friends, some essay was made, in the
+course of this year, towards dividing the Alleghany reservation into lots,
+as had previously been concluded on in general council. But difficulties
+occurred among the Indians respecting it, which they were not at
+that time able to reconcile; as the division lines would in many instances
+interfere with their present improvements; and their local attachments
+having, in a considerable degree, been increased since they
+become more detached in their settlements and applied themselves to
+the pursuits of an agricultural life, the plan of division was abandoned
+for the present.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span></p>
+
+<p>It may here be proper to state, that in their former practice of locating
+the land they wished to cultivate, they never interfered with each
+other’s boundaries. There was land sufficient for them all. Each family
+possessed the spot upon which they settled, without interruption from
+others; and if they wished to relinquish it, and remove to another, they
+might sell their improvements to other Indians. It is, therefore, not
+surprising, that in effecting so radical a change from their former customs,
+as the one contemplated, difficulties should occur&mdash;and it will
+require time for local prejudices, gradually to give way to the more enlightened
+views of civilization, and for more correct ideas of distinct
+property to be realized.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the state of unsettlement, considerable improvement
+in divers respects, was apparent this year, especially at the Cattaraugus
+settlement. A school for the first time was opened at that
+place, by a young man who offered for that service, and was attended
+by a number of children, with as much regularity as could reasonably
+be expected.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1819, and for some time previous, the Indians on the
+Alleghany river had got much in the practice of cutting and rafting
+pine timber down the river, and selling to white people, which was
+rather an injury to them than otherwise, as it opened an intercourse
+with some of the most profligate of the whites, and exposed them more
+to the use of intoxicating liquors than when at home, engaged in their
+agricultural labours. It also had a tendency to frustrate the plan of
+dividing their land into lots, as they now had liberty to range at large
+in the woods and get timber where they pleased, while the land remained
+as common stock to the nation.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of this year, an Indian, who was a lad when Friends
+first settled amongst them, and who had since been instructed in the
+blacksmith business, dictated a letter to the author, in reply to one sent
+to him sometime before, from which, to show his own views of the improvement
+he had made, we make the following extracts.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“I received thy letter of the eighteenth of last month, much to my
+satisfaction. I was glad to hear that my old friend W&mdash;&mdash; was well,
+and thou may inform him that I have usual health also. I well remember
+the counsel of my friends, the Quakers. I see they want to do me
+good&mdash;I feel strong about it. They told me to work at my trade, and to
+plough, and sow, and raise grain and grass. All this is very good advice.
+I now have plenty of corn, and some other grain, and hay. I
+have worked at my trade so as to earn ninety dollars, and received my
+pay from our agent. Besides this, about thirty dollars for other smithing,
+done last year. I feel glad the Quakers live so near me. I do their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span>
+smithing. They have ploughed several days for me. I have good corn
+in the land they ploughed, and some good wheat, potatoes, and other
+things, so that I have plenty. All this comes from my friends the
+Quakers’ advice.</p>
+
+<p>“Thee mentions about running out our land into lots, and that an
+evil bird has sung us a bad song. We are in hopes that the good
+bird will begin to sing, and in hopes that by next spring, his song
+will be for our good. I want he should sing a good song for us. I myself
+cannot say much, but I want the land divided into lots. Some say
+they do not want it, and are putting it by. I am glad thee has wrote thy
+mind on paper to me on this subject, and sent it here&mdash;I think I can
+see more light by it. I wish thee to make thy mind easy. I will do
+what I can, and speak what I know is for our good. I am in hopes to
+see my friend H&mdash;&mdash; here, whom I remember when I was a boy. I
+intend to keep thy letter by me, that I may see what it says in time to
+come, that I may not forget thy advice. Farewell.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the repeated assurances, from time to time, given
+to the Indians, that Friends were acting towards them from disinterested
+motives, and would never bring any charge against them, yet
+there were still individuals among them, probably instigated by the
+enemies of Friends among white people, who continued to excite
+jealousies and surmises, that Friends would at some future day, bring a
+charge against them. In order, therefore, to make their minds entirely
+easy on this <i>subject</i>, a writing was drawn up on parchment, containing
+the same assurances heretofore given, that Friends <i>never would bring
+any charge against them for their services</i>. This, as also a communication
+obtained from the President of the United States, respecting the
+division of their land, and sanctioning the plan of Friends, was forwarded
+to them, and seemed for the present to have a conciliating effect.</p>
+
+<p>During this summer, an increasing improvement was manifested by
+several of the Indians, clearing themselves new farms, distinct from
+their former fields, and preparing to put in their crops, which they accomplished
+in due season.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1820, circumstances again requiring a visit from
+the committee to the Indian settlements, two other Friends and the
+writer, were deputed for that service. They proceeded to Tunesassa
+in the Ninth month; and after inspecting into the situation of the Indians,
+and their state of improvement, they found, that, although many
+had made considerable advances in agriculture and the modes of civilized
+life, yet there were individuals who probably being instigated by
+designing white men, or from a perverse disposition in themselves, had
+become inimical to their abandoning their former habits, and pursuing
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span>
+the mode of life in which Friends had for many years been endeavouring
+to instruct them. This created jealousy and party spirit in some
+degree among them at this period.</p>
+
+<p>To meet these circumstances, and to endeavour to reconcile the minds
+of the Indians, a council was called, which their chiefs generally, and
+many others of their people, attended, to the number of about seventy.</p>
+
+<p>The following is extracted from the address of Friends, delivered to
+them on this occasion.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, by the permission of the Great and Good Spirit who made
+the world, and is acquainted with all the actions of men, we are permitted
+to meet in council, and we desire that he may help us to come
+to right conclusions.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is now a long time since the Seneca nation became
+sensible that if they continued to exist as a people, they must change
+their mode of living from the hunter state, and engage in agricultural
+pursuits. They were very desirous that their brothers, the Quakers,
+would assist them. They believed it pleasing to the Great Spirit, that
+men should assist and help each other, and that Friends came amongst
+them for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when our Friends first came among you, you had no good
+houses&mdash;very few cattle&mdash;very little land cultivated&mdash;your numbers
+were decreasing, and it appears certain to us, and to yourselves, that
+unless a change were made, you would fast dwindle away, and the
+Seneca nation become as it were dead.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, some of our friends have been engaged in instructing you
+for more than twenty years. You have been taught to build more comfortable
+houses&mdash;you have enclosed and cultivated fields&mdash;you have
+much increased your stock of cattle, and other useful animals. Some
+of your men have been instructed in useful trades. Many of your women
+have learned to spin, and some of your children have been taught
+to read and write.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we love you, and therefore we feel bound to speak plainly
+to you. We hope our words may sink deep into your minds. It is the
+voice of your old and true friends, who have never deceived you. You
+must endeavour to improve in the habits of civilized life, until you
+arrive at the state of some of the best of the white people, or you will
+gradually go back until you lose what you have gained&mdash;your friends
+with mournful hearts will give you up&mdash;your lands will go from you&mdash;and
+the very name of the Seneca nation, like many that have gone before
+you, will only be known in history.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, a man in the habit of taking strong drink to excess sets a
+bad example to his neighbours, and his family, and brings his poor wife
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>
+and innocent children to poverty and distress. This conduct is offensive
+to the Great Spirit; and unless he changes, he becomes one of the most
+wretched of men. We wish you, therefore, to endeavour to reclaim
+such of your people as have fallen into this evil practice, and to warn
+those who may be in danger of contracting the habit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we desire to stimulate you to increased industry. The
+industrious man is always the most comfortable. Labour is good for
+health; it makes the mind cheerful; and by steadily attending to business,
+we have the satisfaction to see every thing improving around us. What
+appeared hard, by perseverance becomes easy.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the greatest kindness a man can do to his children, is to
+begin early, to learn them to be industrious, and to engage them in
+business suitable to their years. The boys ought to help their fathers
+in the fields&mdash;the mothers and daughters to be engaged in spinning&mdash;in
+making clothes, in cooking victuals, and in all the business that is
+suitable to their sex&mdash;their houses, their beds, their clothes, and every
+thing about them, should be kept clean and in good order.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is consistent with the will of the Great Spirit, that men
+and women should be connected in marriage. It is an engagement of
+great importance, and we should not enter into it, until we are of sufficient
+age to think and judge for ourselves; and when marriage is contracted,
+the parties are bound to help and love each other&mdash;to care
+for, and instruct their children&mdash;and while families live in love and
+harmony together, it is very comfortable and very good;&mdash;but when
+division gets in, and differing, it is the work of the evil spirit&mdash;and if man
+and wife separate and marry others, it produces confusion, and must be
+displeasing in the Divine sight, and no people can prosper and grow
+strong who are in such practices.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is the duty of parents to have their children educated.
+The Great Spirit has given us minds capable of improvement, and
+by education children become more capable of learning the various
+trades, which will add to their comfort and happiness; and we believe
+it is right that the girls should be taught as well as the boys.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have been desirous that the lands belonging to you
+might remain firm in your hands, that your children and children’s
+children might possess them. For this end, we advised you to divide to
+every family a farm, so that they might say, “this is mine,” and improve
+it for their own benefit. And although changes are at first subject
+to some difficulties, yet we believe those difficulties may be overcome.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, on this subject you wished to have the mind of your
+father, the President of the United States, to strengthen you in the
+conclusion you had come to in general council, to divide the Alleghany
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span>
+reservation. You requested your friends in Philadelphia to go to the
+President, and obtain his opinion. One of us, who are now present, with
+some others, took a journey to Washington, for the purpose of complying
+with your request, and we found the President fully impressed with
+the necessity of such a measure, and he gave us a paper, in strong
+words, sealed with the great seal of the United States, and directed to
+the Alleghany chiefs, advising and urging that you might carry the
+business into effect, which paper was sent to you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you will keep your minds strong on this subject,
+for we shall hardly know how to go again to the President, and make
+requests on your behalf, if, when they are granted, they are not proceeded
+in.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our talk has been long. Circumstances seemed to require
+it; we hope you will consider it well. We love and desire the prosperity
+of you all; and although you may differ in opinion in some matters,
+yet we desire that the Good Spirit may unite your minds in love,
+and that you may all join in endeavours to promote education and improvement.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The Indians took these matters into serious consideration, and promised
+to make a reply the day following&mdash;and when they assembled
+for that purpose, it was evident they were divided into two parties, and
+divers of them had become opposed to their children’s being instructed
+in school learning, giving this as a reason, “that they were more liable
+to be corrupted by bad white people.”</p>
+
+<p>Much the greater part, however, continued to manifest an attachment
+to Friends, and, in their replies, gave hearty assurances of attending
+to their advice. They appeared to be fully sensible that remaining
+on their land, and pursuing the plan that Friends had pointed out to
+them, were the only means by which they could continue to be a nation.
+The chief sachem, named <i>Blue-Eyes</i>, in the course of his speech,
+remarked, “If we go from here we are a lost people. Look to the east,
+west, north, or south; all is filled up, and there is no place for us.”</p>
+
+<p>On the subject of dividing their land, they appeared to be discouraged,
+owing to their divided state, and the opposition met with from
+some individuals, who no doubt were influenced by interested and <i>designing
+men</i>; as this great object would be the most likely means of
+settling the Indians in a permanent possession of the soil, and thereby
+frustrate <i>the avaricious designs</i> of speculators. The secret insinuations
+of this class of the white people added much to the difficulties of Friends
+in pursuing their plans of civilization; nor was it to be wondered at,
+that individuals, among a people who had long been a prey to designing
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>
+white men, should become alienated from Friends, and cease to
+follow their counsel.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the
+dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages
+that might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially
+by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that,
+“we still considered them as brethren&mdash;that we were not divided in
+our good wishes for them&mdash;that we had always desired, and continued
+to desire, the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell,
+on the present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline
+their minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would
+yet join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing
+in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real
+benefit of man.”</p>
+
+<p>From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement,
+and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians
+at that place. They found that considerable progress had been made
+within three years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on
+the rich fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips,
+and other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful
+supply of provisions.</p>
+
+<p>A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech
+from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the
+following address was delivered to them.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are
+now, by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you
+in council.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you
+are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and
+industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be
+readily obtained.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you
+have already made&mdash;your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain,
+and your cattle&mdash;and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong
+desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the industrious
+man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision for
+his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their support, but
+to train our children to assist in all the business they are capable of&mdash;to
+begin with them young, and thus, while they are useful to their parents,
+it adds greatly to their own real comfort.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, by the united exertions of a family, much may be done.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span>
+The house may be made more comfortable. Out houses may be erected
+to shelter the cattle. Barns may be built to store the grain and hay,
+to prevent injury from the weather. While the boys are engaged in
+assisting their fathers in these things, the girls ought to help their mothers
+in keeping the house clean, in spinning, in making clothes, in
+cooking victuals, and every business that is suitable for their sex.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, by thus uniting in promoting improvements, you would
+soon make your farms to equal some of the best of your white neighbours;
+and if you would fully make the experiment, you would find
+that what we tell you is true.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is
+also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families
+should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ
+and part, and marry to others, it is wrong&mdash;it is an injury to their children,
+and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to
+think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of
+spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it&mdash;we wish you
+to keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your
+people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every
+voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in
+your councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this
+means, the very land that you own may slide from you.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short
+reply, but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of
+Friends’ communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in
+two days, when they would reply more particularly.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of
+the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of
+religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit&mdash;stating
+that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road,
+or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they appeared
+fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was his
+religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”</p>
+
+<p>This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian,
+was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the divine
+principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him what constitutes
+the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of men or
+books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s testimony
+“in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of a devout heart.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span></p>
+
+<p>It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into parties,
+which prevented that free intercourse and conference with each other,
+which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their replies to
+Friends&mdash;and without a design to impeach the sincere natives of any
+religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from the observations
+made, and the information received on this visit, that the introduction
+of these, under the character of missionaries, on their land at
+Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held, had created great
+uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause of their present
+difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the Indians had attached
+themselves to the missionary system, and joined in their modes of worship,
+singing, &amp;c. and these were looked upon as converted to the Christian
+faith. Hence the others, who were opposed to the missionary plans,
+were branded with the epithet of pagans, a term hateful to Indians,
+and which they did not fully understand. Thus a spirit of jealousy was
+excited between the parties, and a fear entertained by some, that the
+introduction of missionaries on their land was designed to obtain a permanent
+possession, and eventually to dispossess them of it.</p>
+
+<p>At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended,
+when the Indians of each party made replies to the former
+communication of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show
+the dilemma in which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge
+me to give at considerable length.</p>
+
+<p>The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council in
+the following manner.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more
+to meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful
+that the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come
+to see us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open
+our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us
+pay attention and observe the sabbath day&mdash;others do not. We wish
+you now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties
+straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the
+reason we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four
+or five who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old
+men observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it.
+We wish you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men
+do, or follow our old customs.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing
+for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one man&mdash;and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span>
+now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to pursue&mdash;whether
+white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other
+hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient
+customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit;
+and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice
+on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to adhere
+to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the
+hand, and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice
+we have heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing
+towards the <i>missionaries</i>, and keeping the First-day.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and
+wish the chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and
+you&mdash;and that you will not be displeased at what we have said to
+you.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted
+to have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother
+proposed the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers,
+we were glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason
+why we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last
+season we went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P&mdash;&mdash;, showed us a
+paper which came from the President, which stated that he wanted his
+brothers, the Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep
+the First-day of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their
+books. He told us that Congress had made an appropriation for the
+purpose of improving the condition of the Indians, and he wished to
+know whether they would accept it. We told the agent we had the
+Quakers living beside us, with whom we were satisfied; and if any help
+came from the President, we wished it to come through the Quakers.
+Our agent told us, the Quakers, he knew were friends to us; they have
+property of their own to help you. Congress has also appropriated
+money to assist you, and you should leave it to the President to dispose
+of that, as he thinks best for your benefit. We, therefore, concluded
+to pay attention to both the Quakers and the President, and have
+friends of both. We saw that many of the different nations of Indians
+were becoming civilized, and that the Seneca nation still remained in
+their old habits. We saw that the Quakers and the ministers, (meaning
+missionaries,) both observed the First-day. We concluded, as they
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span>
+did so, it must be an appointment of the Great Spirit to keep that day
+holy. We then thought, that as he had appointed it we must observe
+it also. Some of our people were wicked. They stole, and committed
+many bad actions. We thought we would endeavour to have our children
+instructed, while young, which would be better for them. We
+have been told, the world had been made a long time, when the
+Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into the world, and wished
+that knowledge might be spread among mankind. Your brothers
+have often told us, there was but one God over all&mdash;we, therefore,
+thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour to
+christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who
+were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased
+with it, and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And
+after a while, a minister came along, and wanted to know if they
+wished to hear him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded
+that when a minister came of his own accord, if he was a good
+man, he ought to be heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst
+us and preach to us steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister
+that our children could not understand. But we rather concluded
+to have some of our own people to give good advice to our children, on
+First-day, that they might improve and grow better. Some of our people
+have often heard of the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought
+it was right for us to keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read
+to, out of the Bible. The ministers who come here are different from
+our friends the Quakers. They are only travellers. Our friends the
+Quakers have given us a writing on parchment, stating that they would
+never bring any charge against us for what they have done.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the
+necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and offered
+to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a school
+house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply, stated, that
+on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing to have their
+children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a house for that
+purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages they had already
+received from the instruction of Friends, and among other things
+said,</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the
+use of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,
+and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious
+habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute
+of many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span>
+in our people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may
+be slowly.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in each
+of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your advices
+put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat with
+their brothers in order to reclaim them.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends
+would retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an
+answer. In about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council
+house, and after informing them that (although they were divided in
+some things,) they were glad they were of one mind about the education
+of their children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness,
+they might inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish
+them with a teacher.</p>
+
+<p>They were then presented with the following observations in writing,
+as the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided
+and critical situation.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their
+design was to improve your condition&mdash;to teach you to build more comfortable
+houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable
+you to raise and support more cattle&mdash;to educate your children,
+and to advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the
+assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship him&mdash;and
+although it is our practice to meet together to worship him, yet
+we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in religion.
+We think it right that every man should follow the teachings of the
+Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would always lead
+him in the right path.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,
+and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you
+back in your improvements, it will make you weak&mdash;it is contrary to
+all right religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”</p>
+
+<table class="table-left">
+  <tr>
+    <td>Signed,</td>
+    <td><span class="smcap">Samuel Bettle</span>.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td />
+    <td><span class="smcap">William Newbold.</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td />
+    <td><span class="smcap">Halliday Jackson.</span></td>
+  </tr></table>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply
+to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation
+of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice
+of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span>
+was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to
+enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly
+to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own
+hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without the
+teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this principle,
+it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by degrees they
+would come to see more light.</p>
+
+<p>This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed
+them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as
+they had ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that their
+difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the missionary
+system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so called, and
+inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could not comprehend,
+and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard to religion
+had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the
+observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and
+fundamental points,&mdash;while others, jealous of the encroachments of missionaries
+on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister motives
+in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the whites
+in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to their old
+Indian customs, in this respect.</p>
+
+<p>From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had
+some further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of
+their children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to
+having a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it,
+and expressed strong desires that a school might again be established
+among them.</p>
+
+<p>While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by
+the son of the ancient <i>Guy-us-hu-ta</i>, mentioned in the early part of this
+narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business&mdash;was fifty-six years
+of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and never
+had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had
+twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.</p>
+
+<p>These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may
+be noted to their credit.</p>
+
+<p>Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of
+their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property, yet the
+practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was becoming
+more frequent among them. In several instances they had applied to
+Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped, would open
+their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions, and in time,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">85</span>
+Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended, of dividing
+their land.</p>
+
+<p>The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced
+teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting them
+in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them instruction
+in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who
+had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest
+progress in the arts of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their principal
+chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of Philadelphia,
+instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s trade, returned
+to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced his
+business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a great
+accommodation to the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to
+be a source of uneasiness to the Indians&mdash;as <i>they</i> urged the necessity
+of having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,
+to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when
+the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as
+well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.</p>
+
+<p>In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account of
+the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the schoolmaster,
+who resided among them, which will exhibit the improvements
+made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause of regret that the
+account was not completed&mdash;there being about forty families more,
+which were not included.</p>
+
+<p>The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account
+was taken.</p>
+
+<p>Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.&mdash;Has about twenty acres of cleared
+land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes&mdash;about
+forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit&mdash;three cows, four
+calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one
+plough, and one wagon.</p>
+
+<p>William Platt, 30 years of age.&mdash;Fifteen acres of cleared land&mdash;a
+considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of potatoes,
+one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Levi Halftown, blacksmith.&mdash;Nine and a half acres of land cleared&mdash;one
+yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox
+chains, seven hogs and eight pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.&mdash;Has twelve
+children by one wife, with whom he still lives&mdash;twenty acres of cleared
+land, seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span>
+of oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number
+of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.</p>
+
+<p>Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient Guy-us-hu-ta.&mdash;Eight
+acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four of mowing
+grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs and pigs, and
+one plough.</p>
+
+<p>John Jemison, 24 years old.&mdash;Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres
+of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen
+hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one
+yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of land,
+twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per acre&mdash;has
+put up a new barn fifty feet long&mdash;made new fence to enclose
+six acres of land the present season.</p>
+
+<p>Big Jacob, 50 years old.&mdash;Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five
+acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three yoke
+of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs; has sown
+one bushel of wheat this fall.</p>
+
+<p>Moses Pierce, aged 32.&mdash;Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a
+half of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half of
+hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five hogs
+and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.</p>
+
+<p>John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.&mdash;Twenty acres of cleared
+land, raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,
+four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.&mdash;Has begun a new improvement
+in the woods, and has about three acres cleared&mdash;parted with his old
+field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half an acre
+of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of steers, one
+cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.</p>
+
+<p>Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.&mdash;Fourteen acres of
+land, five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of
+wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,
+one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Billy, 50 years old.&mdash;Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+one cow, one calf, and three hogs.</p>
+
+<p>William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.&mdash;Eleven acres of
+land, raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,
+one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.&mdash;Eighteen acres
+of land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one
+and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two
+cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.&mdash;Fourteen acres of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">87</span>
+land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of corn,
+three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of potatoes,
+one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two cows,
+one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall five hogs&mdash;one
+plough, one cart and log chains.</p>
+
+<p>John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.&mdash;Had last year two
+acres of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.</p>
+
+<p>Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.&mdash;Ten and a half acres of land,
+three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and killed
+three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three of oats,
+half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.&mdash;Five and a half acres
+of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,&mdash;corn, oats, and
+potatoes, quantity not mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.&mdash;Thirteen and a
+half acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of
+meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains
+and sled.</p>
+
+<p>Blue Eyes.&mdash;Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of
+wheat, three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two
+and a half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves,
+four hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>John Watt, 35 years old.&mdash;Three acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
+four hogs, twenty-six pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.&mdash;Three acres of land, two cattle, and
+three pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.&mdash;Five acres of land,
+three acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of
+beans, and four hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.&mdash;Eight acres of land, three of
+corn, two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven
+cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.</p>
+
+<p>Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.&mdash;Fourteen acres of land,
+five acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen
+head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.</p>
+
+<p>William Halftown, aged 26.&mdash;Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten of
+which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars per acre
+for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half meadow, one
+yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some bearing apple-trees.</p>
+
+<p>John Bone, 33 years old.&mdash;Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of
+meadow, four cattle, one plough.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span></p>
+
+<p>George Silverheels, 43 years old.&mdash;Ten and a half acres of land,
+eight head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,
+one of oats, one and a half of meadow&mdash;has lately commenced a new
+improvement.</p>
+
+<p>John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.&mdash;Five acres of land,
+mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Bucktooth, 55 years old.&mdash;Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of
+corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.&mdash;Eleven acres of land,
+three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one and a
+half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one plough&mdash;has
+put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.&mdash;Four acres of corn,
+one and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one
+cow, about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.</p>
+
+<p>David Halftown.&mdash;Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats,
+one of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen,
+two cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.</p>
+
+<p>Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.&mdash;Three acres of corn, half an acre
+of potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,
+and one plough.</p>
+
+<p>William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.&mdash;Four acres of
+corn, two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had
+about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and
+fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine
+with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.
+They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one
+hundred and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of
+swine. But little account is given of their improvements in building&mdash;this
+having been heretofore noticed in this work.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by
+Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany
+settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having
+been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several
+years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of
+his time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by
+an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in
+the rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the
+time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory
+evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who
+resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">89</span>
+the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year, notwithstanding
+the existence of various difficulties in relation to the prosecution
+of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and attention to business
+continued to be apparent with many of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,
+whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the
+natives had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further
+instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which
+females are commonly engaged.</p>
+
+<p>The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,
+having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,
+with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and proceeded
+to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with the two
+Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A school was
+established for the instruction of young females, and in 1826 the accounts
+were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian girls in
+their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other employments
+adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also regularly attended,
+and their conduct satisfactory. Between school hours, they
+were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or otherwise in the
+shop at some mechanical business; and the regular industrious habits
+thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it was evident, would
+have a beneficial effect in the formation of their future character.</p>
+
+<p>From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians at
+the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that eighty
+families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals, possessed
+four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight horses, three
+hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine acres of improved
+land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included; two
+hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with corn,
+forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one hundred
+and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and divers sorts
+of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging circumstances
+in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the schools of both
+sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this people might be essentially
+and permanently benefitted by the labour of Friends, yet their
+situation, at this period, was particularly trying, and critical, from the
+great liability to be dispossessed of their possessions. The continued
+applications in various ways of <i>those</i> claiming the pre-emption right,
+and the evident influence <i>they</i> were gradually making on the minds
+of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness to others more considerate
+and reflecting among them, and their fears in this respect soon became
+realized; for the Seneca nation, finally, were induced to part with large
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span>
+bodies of their lands in different places to the pre-emption holders.
+These sales (the amount of which I have not ascertained) were parts
+of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and Tonewanta reservations, and some
+smaller reservations near the Genessee river. The reservation at Alleghany,
+where the greatest improvements in agriculture were made,
+remained in the hands of the Indians; and could this avaricious disposition
+on the part of the whites to obtain their land be here restrained,
+and the natives left in the undisturbed possession of their <i>rightful inheritance</i>,
+the Seneca nation have yet a sufficiency of land to accommodate
+their numbers, and with industry and care, in pursuing their
+agricultural labours, they might obtain all the necessary comforts of life.</p>
+
+<p>The progress made by the Indians at the Cattaraugus settlement,
+and the favourable situation of their land for cultivation, with proper
+attention on their part, had induced Friends to withdraw their aid for
+several years past, as it regarded an instructor among them. And the
+settlement, having been now continued among the Indians at the Alleghany
+for about thirty years, it was believed the time was nearly come
+to withdraw from them; and, accordingly, the Friends residing at Tunesassa,
+returned home in the year 1828, and left the Indians to improve
+on the instructions already received from the long and arduous labours
+of the society of Friends.</p>
+
+<p>Having no official means at command, of obtaining correct information
+of their real situation at present, I am not able to bring this account
+to as satisfactory a close as would be desirable; but from the best
+information I can obtain on the subject, it appears, that the Indians
+continue to progress in agricultural pursuits, and in some of the mechanic
+arts; and some of their own people have kept schools for the instruction
+of the youth.</p>
+
+<p>But it is also said, that the constant pressure upon them to obtain
+their land, affords strong ground to fear, that their former sales were
+only a prelude to their parting with the remainder, at no very distant
+period.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, a consoling reflection to the society of Friends, that
+they have extended a benevolent hand to this poor, degraded, and much
+injured people; and even should they finally be induced to part with,
+and relinquish the remnants of their present possession, and migrate to
+a more distant clime, the instruction they have already received in the
+mechanic arts, together with their knowledge of agriculture, will greatly
+contribute to their happiness and comfort, in the land in which they
+may settle, and not only so, but the benefits resulting from their knowledge
+of civilized habits be extended to more distant and savage tribes.</p>
+
+<p>In concluding this account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly
+Meeting of Philadelphia, it may be proper to state, that many individuals,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span>
+both male and female, from an apprehension of duty, have,
+at different periods, devoted many years of their time to the instruction
+of the natives, and have had the consoling evidence of peace for their
+labours. But as this benevolent work could not be accomplished, without
+very considerable expense to the society, voluntary subscriptions
+were raised, at different periods, to a large amount, in which it is but
+just to acknowledge, that the society of Friends in England, feeling a
+lively interest in this righteous work, liberally contributed to a fund for
+that purpose, which the Yearly Meeting of New York and Baltimore
+partook of, for the purpose of aiding them in extending their benevolent
+views, in promoting civilization among various tribes, and of whose
+proceedings therein, a short account will be here subjoined.</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>A brief account of the proceedings of Friends of the Yearly Meeting
+of New York, in promoting civilization among the Indians,
+residing in that state.</i></p>
+
+<p>It will be seen in the early part of this narrative, that Friends of the
+Yearly Meeting of Pennsylvania, first promoted a settlement among the
+Oneida nation living near the Mohawk river, in the state of New York.
+They also extended some aid to the Stockbridges, and some other tribes
+in that quarter. This attention was continued from the spring of 1796,
+till about the close of the year 1799, when Friends withdrew from
+them; and the Yearly Meeting of New York, being actuated by the
+same benevolent motives to improve the condition of the aboriginal inhabitants,
+appointed a committee for that special purpose, who sent
+instructors among them, and continued to aid and assist them in agricultural
+pursuits, in some of the mechanic arts, and in school learning,
+for many years. But as I have not at command the means of furnishing
+a particular account of the gradual advancement made in the civilized
+arts among those Indians, I can only say, that in the prosecution
+of the work, Friends have had many difficulties to encounter; and the
+Indians have frequently been disturbed and harassed, by the same
+covetous spirit, that so frequently annoyed the Seneca nation, in order
+to dispossess them of their land. In consequence of this many of the
+tribes have been induced to sell and remove far to the westward.</p>
+
+<p>By the kindness of a Friend in New York, I have been furnished with
+an account of some of the more recent transactions of the society of
+Friends, towards the Indians. He states some of the difficulties to which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span>
+the Indians are subjected, by the officious interference of a <i>proselyting
+spirit</i>, which has much agitated several of the tribes, and created parties
+and animosities among them. The ultimate object appears to be, to
+unsettle them in their present possessions, and eventually to induce them
+to abandon the rightful inheritance of their fathers.</p>
+
+<p>It appears from the account, that the Onondaga tribe are the only
+Indians at present under the care of the Yearly Meeting of New York;
+and the only tribe in that state united among themselves, and exempt
+from a party under the influence of a blind missionary zeal&mdash;desirous
+to relinquish their present possessions and emigrate. But a few
+years ago the Onondaga’s were an indolent, drunken people, and desirous
+of moving to the westward, but as they have in a good degree
+embraced the counsel of Friends, become industrious, and availed themselves
+of their local advantages, and tasted the sweets of their labour
+from the produce of the soil, a radical change has been effected among
+them.</p>
+
+<p>This tribe has for seven or eight years past been under the particular
+care and superintendence of Adin T. Corey, as agent for the committee
+of the Yearly Meeting; and being well qualified for the important
+trust, and feeling his mind devoted to it, the Indians have reposed
+great confidence in him, and distinguished him by the name of ‘Oatnus,’
+and consider him as their benefactor, as will be seen in the following
+speech.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p class="author"><i>Onondaga, Fourth mo. 27, 1829.<br />
+“To the committee of the Yearly Meeting of New York, on Indian<br />
+concerns.</i></p>
+
+<p>“Brothers&mdash;Oatnus, our brother, told us he was going to New York
+to attend the great council&mdash;and we thought good to send you a talk,
+to let you know our minds. First, we thank you for all your goodness
+in giving us the many useful things you have given us, for our benefit,
+and we thank the Great Spirit, who in his unspeakable mercy put it
+into your hearts to take us by the hand, and pity our condition; but
+most of all, that he put it into your hearts and the heart of our brother
+Oatnus, to come and live amongst us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, he has been a wall about us, that in a great measure has
+fenced out the encroachments of our white neighbours. When he
+speaks, the white people hear, and they do not cheat us as they used
+to do.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, he has improved our condition much every way. When
+he came among us, we were hungry and almost naked, but now we are
+more comfortable. Our lands lay common, and were running up with
+bushes&mdash;now there are many of them fenced and well cultivated, yielding
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">93</span>
+an abundant supply of food for our people. Our young men, women,
+and children were running about doing no good&mdash;now, most of them are
+diligently and profitably employed. One of our young men has learned
+to work pretty well at blacksmithing&mdash;three lads have learned to make
+good shoes&mdash;our young women, most of them, can spin, knit, and sew,
+and some of them can weave. Oatnus has also transacted most of our
+business&mdash;made many bargains, and handled much of our money, and
+done all well&mdash;not one shilling sticks in his pocket&mdash;he has fed our hungry
+children, clothed our naked, and helped us when we were sick&mdash;when
+he came we were divided, now we are united&mdash;when there is war
+he makes peace&mdash;when he speaks our young men hear and keep mostly
+out of bad company&mdash;our farming begins to flourish, and although we
+have made much improvement, we still want a head&mdash;we cannot go
+alone, and if you leave us now, it will be like making us a very valuable
+present, and taking it away again.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, remember, when our brother Oatnus come, we were wild
+and ignorant respecting business, and it must necessarily take a good
+while to tame a whole nation.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our brother told us, our school was so thinly attended, he
+thought it would be best to drop it till winter, but we are unwilling it
+should stop, for fear our children will go back&mdash;we wish you to keep it
+going&mdash;some of us have been negligent in sending our children, but we
+will endeavour to be more diligent in the future, if we can be favoured
+with it.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, our very tried brother is growing old, and through abundance
+of labour and fatigue has grown feeble, having been sick a good
+deal, and cannot do as he used to do, yet we are not willing to part
+with him, we want him to stay enough with us, to oversee our business,
+manage our affairs, and sit with us in council.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we still want to go on in improvement, and as our young
+man that has learned to work at smithing, has taken to farming in the
+summer season, we therefore want to get a sober goodly man, to come
+and set up his trade among us, and take some of our boys and learn
+them the trade. We also want a wagon maker, and a cooper of the
+above description, and for the same purpose, and we believe it might
+be done with very little expense to our brothers, if Oatnus stays with
+us a part of the time, and has the management of our affairs; for we
+have abundance of materials to carry on the two last mentioned trades,
+and part of the first; and our circumstances are very different now from
+what they were when he first came amongst us.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have concluded to build a saw-mill this season, among
+ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it makes our hearts sick when we look abroad and see
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>
+our Oneida and Seneca brethren, who have got the blackcoats and hungry
+mouths among them&mdash;for there is nothing but contention, spite, and
+animosity, and no business that is profitable&mdash;and we thank the Great
+Spirit that has sent us peace&mdash;sweet peace and no blackcoats.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, may the Great Spirit preside over your councils&mdash;make
+you love one another, remember your real brethren and do much good.
+Farewell.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">Signed by the chiefs and some of the warriors.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>To the foregoing speech the committee on Indian affairs made the
+following reply:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have received by the hands of brother Oatnus your
+communication to us, and it has made our hearts glad; and, that our
+brothers and sisters of the Great council might hear it, we gave it to
+them to read, and it made their hearts glad also, and greatly to rejoice,
+to hear from you and to hear that Oatnus did well with you&mdash;and that
+you listened to his voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we cannot tell you how much we want you to improve
+in all things&mdash;we know you cannot do every thing at once, but we want
+you to hearken to our counsel&mdash;we love you&mdash;we desire your good, and
+that you may increase and leave a good name behind you, when the
+Great Spirit shall take you away.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, remember we can only counsel you for good&mdash;if you take
+our counsel the Great Spirit will help you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have now witnessed a little of the rewards of the
+Good Spirit, in taking our counsel and the counsel of our brother Oatnus&mdash;our
+counsel to you is, that you continue to improve as you have
+begun.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, be sober, be industrious&mdash;love to improve yourselves, and
+the Great Spirit will bountifully assist you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we want you to mind the Great Spirit, to be industrious&mdash;to
+try to learn yourselves&mdash;to keep out of bad company&mdash;to avoid
+strong drink&mdash;to counsel with brother Oatnus, who will never deceive
+you, but counsel you for your good.”</p>
+
+<p class="author">Signed, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p><i>Fifth mo. 29, 1828.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>By a report of the committee on Indian affairs dated the twenty-seventh
+of the Fifth-month, 1830, and presented to the Yearly Meeting
+held in the same month, it appears that during the past year, the Onondaga
+tribe have received their care and attention as heretofore, and
+that those Indians are realizing in an unprecedented manner, the fruits
+of their own industry, being stimulated and encouraged, by the care
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span>
+which Friends have extended towards them, for a few years past, which
+affords great cause for encouragement. There is a striking contrast
+between their situation now, and what it was seven years ago, when
+their only buildings were two small barns, and a few inferior huts. The
+lands which they then had cleared, were very imperfectly cultivated,
+and the state and quality as well as quantity of their stock, as also
+teams and utensils of husbandry of every kind, were correspondent.
+Since that time, they have greatly increased their quantity of cleared
+land; this season they had about three hundred acres of wheat&mdash;their
+crops are more abundant, furnishing more than a supply for their people.
+The fencing and arrangement of their fields are farmer-like and
+judicious. The number of their barns is increased to about twenty&mdash;their
+teams of horses and oxen, are numerous and efficient&mdash;they are
+pretty well supplied with wagons, harness, ploughs, and other farming
+utensils, and these articles are kept in tolerable repair. Many of their
+present dwellings, though small, are comfortable frame buildings, and
+their household furniture consists mostly of useful and plain articles&mdash;such
+as are used in civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>On a good mill stream within their territory, which consists of a reservation
+of about ten thousand acres, the committee’s superintendent,
+during the past year, aided by the individual labour of the Indians,
+raised a substantial dam, and by a discreet dispensation of their resources,
+and by a general economy introduced among them, has collected
+about five hundred dollars, which defrayed the expenses of erecting a
+good saw-mill, which the Indians find to be highly useful and productive.</p>
+
+<p>As the same stream furnished an eligible site for a grist-mill, at no
+great distance from those improvements, and as the reducing of their
+grain into meal for this tribe, was performed by the manual labour of
+the women in a great measure, the committee were encouraged to believe,
+that as they duly appreciated the benefits resulting from their
+newly erected saw-mill, and from the increased display of mechanical
+genius, industry, and method among them, the time was not far distant
+when further and more useful improvements will be made by themselves,
+calculated to raise their habits in domestic and civilized life, and
+elevate their minds to a steady pursuit of their more substantial happiness
+and welfare.</p>
+
+<p>The committee not having been able to comply with the Indians’ request,
+made in their speech two years ago, for a blacksmith, wagon
+maker, and cooper to be placed among them, as no suitable persons had
+offered for that purpose, and also the school having been dropped, that
+had formerly been kept, and in a flourishing condition among them,
+partly for want of sufficient funds to continue a permanent teacher,
+these subjects were again suggested to the Yearly Meeting, with an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>
+earnest wish to inspire in the minds of Friends a feeling that might
+prove beneficial in promoting these desirable objects.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding this concern, to meliorate the condition of the Indians,
+has been prosecuted for many years by the committee, with at
+times, but little evidence of good resulting to these people, from their
+labours, yet from more recent developments evinced from the latter
+experience and research of the committee, though the prospect is an
+arduous one, it presents encouragement, and the field of labour is
+brightening, as the hidden causes of past obstructions present themselves.</p>
+
+<p>The committee say in their report, “It appears that many associations
+are formed in this country, and some of them under the denomination
+of benevolent and religious; all apparently well disposed, and
+even anxious to promote the good and the happiness of these original
+proprietors of the soil. Yet unhappily for these, the means resorted to,
+to advance their prosperity, have (in too many instances) been elevated
+above their comprehensions, and not adapted to their wants, their habits,
+and their religious views. From a zeal beyond knowledge, to benefit
+these people, agents and missionaries have been settled among them,
+patronized by these associations, little qualified to inspire their confidence
+and respect, and in their zealous pretensions to christianize,
+previous to properly instructing in the arts of civilized life, they
+produce discouragement and incalculable injury, divisions and dissentions;
+and in the language of the Indians themselves, ‘quarrelling and
+contention, spite and animosity, and no business that is profitable.’</p>
+
+<p>“Since the Onondaga tribe has been under the care of the committee,
+the missionaries have been inclined to leave them to the care of
+Friends. And this tribe, which a few years ago was divided and full
+of dissention, is restored to union and harmony, and there is a laudable
+feeling springing up among them, and an increased desire to become
+introduced into, and firmly fixed in the habits of civilization.”</p>
+
+<p>The committee, in time past, having extended some care to several
+tribes of the Seneca nation west of the Genessee river, are of the opinion
+that essential and lasting good might, by that care being further
+extended, result to those people. To show the desire of the Indians
+herein, the following speech of a principal chief, on behalf of a large
+majority of the Indians, in the state of New York, presented in the last
+winter, was laid before the Yearly Meeting.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p class="author">
+<i>New York, January</i> 20, 1830.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>To the society of Friends of the city of New York.</i></p>
+
+<p>“At the treaty of Philadelphia with William Penn and the Six Nations,
+we considered William Penn as a friend to us, not wishing to cheat
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">97</span>
+us out of our lands, but to pay us a full value for them. Since that
+time, the society of Friends have treated us very kindly&mdash;they have
+never shown a disposition to wrong us out of our lands, but seemed to
+wish to cultivate friendship with us, and to let us have our rights and
+privileges&mdash;and to enjoy our own religion. But there are certain persons
+residing among us, at present, who we believe have a different
+object. They say they have been sent by the Great Spirit, but we do
+not think the Great Spirit would send people among us, to cheat us out
+of our lands, and to cause disturbance to arise amongst us, which has
+made a division in our nation. No, we do not think the Great Spirit
+sent the blackcoat’s among us for any such purpose. There is at present
+five thousand of our people and upwards, who wish the society of
+Friends to send a suitable person among us, to teach our young men
+how to till the ground, and our young women the art of domestic manufactures,
+and our children to read and write. If our friends feel disposed
+to comply with our wishes, we shall be happy to receive them,
+and will cause all necessary buildings to be erected for their use&mdash;we
+think by having this plan carried into effect, the nation once more
+would be united, and become a happy people.”</p>
+
+<table class="table-left">
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="4">Your friend,</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2" />
+    <td class="tdc">his</td>
+    <td />
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Signed,</td>
+    <td>Red</td>
+    <td class="tdc">X</td>
+    <td>Jacket.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td />
+    <td />
+    <td>mark</td>
+    <td />
+  </tr></table>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Although the way has not yet opened to comply with the request in
+the foregoing communication, the committee were encouraged to persevere
+in their services the present year, in rendering such aid for the
+benefit of this poor afflicted people, as the limited means within their
+power would, under the direction of best wisdom enable them to do.</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<h3><i>Some account of the proceedings of Friends of Baltimore Yearly
+Meeting.</i></h3>
+
+<p>This concern for improving the condition of our red brethren, having
+been opened and spread in the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall
+of 1795, and the minds of Friends being much united, and actuated by
+benevolent motives to promote this desirable object, referred the same
+to a special committee, to proceed therein as way might open, to render
+essential service to these aboriginal inhabitants. Accordingly their
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span>
+attention was turned to some of the Indian tribes north-west of the
+river Ohio, and a deputation was delegated to visit the Shawaneese,
+Delawares, Wyandots and such other natives in those parts as they
+might find practicable. They proceeded thereon, in the summer of
+1796, after having first obtained the approbation of the general government.</p>
+
+<p>When they arrived at the forks of the Muskingum river, where they
+had been informed a considerable number of Indians were collected,
+they found to their great disappointment, that the chiefs and hunters
+were dispersed: and it not appearing practicable to convene them at
+that time, to have a suitable conference with them, they returned without
+accomplishing the object of their visit. They, however, saw divers
+hunters and others, who appeared well disposed to receive the instruction
+and assistance which Friends proposed to furnish them.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1797, three Friends again proceeded to that country
+on an embassy, to inquire into the real situation of the Indian tribes;
+in the course of which visit, having passed by a number of their hunting
+camps and several of their towns, they had a large opportunity of
+discovering their destitute condition, often exposed to the inclemency
+of the weather, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply
+of food and clothing. They suffered all the miseries of extreme poverty,
+in a country which from its great fertility, would, with but little cultivation,
+supply them abundantly with all the necessaries of life.</p>
+
+<p>These Friends had opportunities with some of the chiefs and hunters
+of the Wyandot and Delaware nations, in which they informed them of
+the views of the society of Friends, relative to their improvement; and
+endeavoured to impress on their minds the advantages they would derive,
+from permitting to be introduced among their people, a knowledge
+of agriculture, and some of the most useful mechanic arts.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were attentive to their communications, and promised
+to lay these matters before their grand council, and inform Friends of
+their conclusions on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>As no way opened during the year 1798, for carrying the object of
+the Yearly Meeting into effect, but little was done, more than furnishing
+a few implements of husbandry, and some assistance to a few Indian
+families, situated upon the branches of the Tuskarawee’s river.</p>
+
+<p>In the Second month 1799, the committee received a speech and
+belt of wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandot nation,
+delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth month preceding, of which the
+following is an extract.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren Quakers&mdash;you remember we once met at a certain place.
+When we had there met, a great many good things were said, and
+much friendship was professed between us.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">99</span></p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you told us at that time that you not only took us by the
+hand, but that you held us fast by the arm; that you then formed a
+chain of friendship. You said that it was not a chain of iron; but that
+it was a chain of precious metal, a chain of silver that would never
+get rusty; and that this chain would bind us in brotherly affection for
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, listen. We have often heard that you were a good and
+a faithful people&mdash;ever ready to do justice, and good to all men without
+distinction of colour&mdash;therefore, we love you the more sincerely, because
+of the goodness of your hearts, which has been talked of among
+our nation long since.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, listen. You have informed us that you intended to visit
+us. Yes, that even in our tents and cabins you will take us by the hand.
+You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt, but that we would be very happy
+to see you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, listen. It is but proper to inform you at this time, that
+when you do come forward to see us, you will no doubt pass by my
+place of residence, at Sandusky. I will then take you not only by the
+hand, but by the arm, and will conduct you safe to the <i>grand council
+fire</i> of our great Sasteretsey, where all good things are transacted, and
+where nothing bad is permitted to appear. When in the grand council
+of our Sasteretsey we will then sit down together in peace and friendship,
+as brethren are accustomed to do, after a long absence, and remind
+each other, and talk of those things that took place between our good
+grandfathers, when they first met upon our lands&mdash;upon this great
+island.</p>
+
+<p>“Brethren, may the Great Spirit, the master of light and life, so dispose
+the hearts and minds of all our nations and people, that the calamities
+of war may never more be felt or known by any of them&mdash;that
+our roads and paths may never more be stained with the blood of our
+young warriors&mdash;and that our helpless women and children may live in
+peace and happiness.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>On considering the foregoing communication, some Friends were deputed
+to make them a visit, and to afford such assistance as they might
+be enabled to render. They accordingly proceeded with an intention
+of being at their general council, and arrived on the third of the Sixth
+month at upper Sandusky, the principal village of the Wyandots,
+where they were received by Tarhie (the crane,) and others of that
+nation.</p>
+
+<p>On their arrival there, it appeared a mistake had been made in the
+translation of the speech the Indians had sent to Friends, respecting
+the time of opening their great council, to which Friends had been invited.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>
+They were now informed that it began annually at the full
+moon in the Sixth month.</p>
+
+<p>Finding it would be difficult to procure food for themselves and
+horses there, until that time, the committee concluded it best to have
+a conference with Tarhie and other chiefs who were then in the neighbourhood
+of Sandusky, which was accordingly agreed to. At the time
+appointed they met at Tarhie’s house, with several other chiefs, and a
+number of hunters, when they had a full opportunity with them, on the
+subject of their visit.</p>
+
+<p>Their communication appeared to be received with great satisfaction
+by the Indians, and in their answer, delivered on some strings of
+wampum, they expressed the gratitude they felt for the care and friendship,
+which their beloved brethren the Quakers had always manifested
+for the Indians, and promised as soon as the grand council met, that
+they should communicate fully to it, respecting the concern which the
+society felt for their improvement, and inform Friends by a written
+speech of their conclusion thereon.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst these Friends were at Sandusky and other villages, their
+minds were deeply affected under the sorrowful considerations of the
+baneful effects of spirituous liquors upon the Indians, who were at that
+time supplied with it in almost every village, by Canadian traders, residing
+amongst them&mdash;and they were confirmed in the opinion, that
+unless these traders could be restrained from furnishing them with
+this destructive article, in exchange for their skins and furs, they could
+not easily be persuaded to turn their minds towards agriculture and
+the mechanic arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, the great
+affection they have for the society of Friends, manifested on all occasions
+whilst the committee were with them, induced them to hope that
+Friends would endeavour to keep under the weight of the concern, and
+be prepared to proceed in the benevolent work whenever way might
+open, for further service amongst them.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1800 and 1801, no personal interview was had by
+Friends with those Indians. In the year 1802, the Little Turtle, Five
+Medals, and several other principal chiefs of the Miami and Pottawatomie
+nations passed through Baltimore, on their way to visit the President
+of the United States, when the committee had a conference with
+them, in which the view’s of Friends were fully opened, and they were
+informed of the great discouragement Friends had met with, in carrying
+their benevolent designs into effect, from the intemperate and destructive
+use of spirituous liquor amongst the Indians, which was found
+to be the greatest obstacle in the way of their profiting by the aid which
+the society had been desirous of giving them.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">101</span></p>
+
+<p>The Little Turtle in reply, made a very pathetic and impressive
+speech upon this subject, from which the following is extracted.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends&mdash;When our forefathers first met on this island,
+your red brethren were very numerous. But since the introduction of
+what you call spirituous liquors amongst us, and what we think may
+justly be called <i>poison</i>, our numbers are greatly diminished. It has
+destroyed a great part of your red brethren.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers and friends&mdash;we plainly perceive that you see the very
+evil which destroys your red brethren; it is not an evil of our own
+making; we have not placed it amongst ourselves; it is an evil placed
+amongst us by the white people. We look to them to remove it out of
+our country. We tell them, brethren, fetch us useful things, bring
+goods that will clothe us, our women and our children, and not this evil
+liquor that destroys our reason&mdash;that destroys our health&mdash;that destroys
+our lives. But all we can say on this subject is of no service&mdash;it gives
+no relief to your red brethren.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers and friends&mdash;I rejoice to find that you agree in opinion
+with us, and express an anxiety to be, if possible, of service to us
+in removing this great evil out of our country; an evil which has had
+so much room in it, and has destroyed so many of our lives, that it causes
+our young men to say, ‘we had better be at war with the white people;
+this liquor which they introduce into our country, is more to be
+feared than the gun and the tomahawk. There are more of us dead
+since the treaty of Grenville, than we lost by the six years war before.
+It is all owing to the introduction of this liquor amongst us.’</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, when our young men have been out hunting and are returning
+home loaded with skins and furs, on their way, if it happens
+that they come along where some of this liquor is deposited, the white
+man who sells it, tells them to take a little drink. Some of them will
+say no, I do not want it; they go on till they come to another house,
+where they find more of the same kind of drink; it is there offered again;
+they refuse, and again the third time; but finally the fourth or fifth
+time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink, and getting one he wants
+another, and then a third, and a fourth, till his senses have left him.
+After his reason comes back again to him, when he gets up and finds where
+he is&mdash;he asks for his peltry&mdash;the answer is, ‘You have drank them’&mdash;Where
+is my gun? ‘It is gone’&mdash;Where is my shirt? ‘You have sold it
+for whiskey!’ Now brothers, figure to yourselves what condition this
+man must be in. He has a family at home&mdash;a wife and children who
+stand in need of the profits of his hunting. What must be their wants,
+when he himself is even without a shirt.”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span></p>
+
+<p>These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at the assistance Friends
+proposed to render them, and in reply to that part of their communication,
+observed, ‘that it was their anxious wish to engage in the culture
+of their lands, for although the game was not so scarce but that
+they could get enough to eat, yet they were sensible it was daily diminishing,
+and that the time was not far distant, when they would be
+compelled to take hold of such tools, as they saw in the hands of the
+white people.’</p>
+
+<p>The committee, from their former experience, being of the judgment,
+that no great progress could be made in the civilization of the Indians
+while they were so abundantly supplied with distilled spirits, concluded
+to address congress on the subject. Their memorial was favourably
+received, and a law passed, which in some measure provided a remedy
+for the evil.</p>
+
+<p>As it now appeared to the committee, that the principal obstruction
+to agriculture amongst the Indians was removed, they were encouraged
+to proceed in their undertaking. They accordingly provided a number
+of implements of husbandry, such as ploughs, hoes, axes, &amp;c. &amp;c. which
+were forwarded and immediately distributed, as a present from the
+society of Friends. These things were thankfully received by the
+Indians.</p>
+
+<p>A letter in the summer of 1803, from the agent for Indian affairs at
+Fort Wayne, informed, that ‘since there had been no spirituous liquor in
+the Indian country, they appeared very industrious, and turned their
+attention to raising stock.’ This agent also expressed as his opinion,
+“that the suppression of spirituous liquors in that country, was the most
+beneficial measure which had ever been adopted for them, by the
+United States&mdash;that there had not been one Indian killed in that neighbourhood
+for a year&mdash;and that in no preceding year since the treaty of
+Grenville, had there been less than ten killed, and in some years as
+many as thirty.” The agent further added, “that the Indians appeared
+very desirous of procuring for themselves, the necessaries of life, <i>in our
+way</i>, but say they do not know how to begin. Some of their old men
+say, “the white people want for nothing.” We wish them to show us
+how to provide the many good things we see amongst them, if it is
+their wish to instruct us in their way of living as they tell us it is, we
+wish them to make haste and do it, for we are old and must die soon;
+but we wish to see before we die, our women and children in that path,
+that will lead them to happiness.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, a letter was received from the Little Turtle, and
+Five Medals, in which they expressed a wish that some Friends would
+visit their country. The committee, therefore, deputed some of their
+number for that purpose. They were authorized to procure one or
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">103</span>
+more suitable persons to reside amongst the Indians, for the purpose of
+teaching them agriculture and other useful knowledge, as far as it
+should appear practicable.</p>
+
+<p>In Second month 1804, two of the deputation proceeded to Fort
+Wayne, accompanied by Philip Dennis, who had offered his services to
+go with them, and remain with the Indians during the summer, for the
+purpose of instructing them in husbandry. They took with them two
+horses to be employed in ploughing, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>They arrived at Fort Wayne in the latter end of the Third month,
+and soon after, convened several of their chiefs in a council with them;
+a future day was fixed upon for the committee to meet them, with as
+many of their old men, and their women and children as could be assembled.
+Their chiefs previously requested, that whatever matter
+Friends might have to communicate to the Indians, should be written
+down, in order that they might lay it before the grand council in the
+Sixth month following, to the attendance of which, they pressingly invited
+the committee.</p>
+
+<p>On the day appointed, being met by a considerable number of the
+natives, the committee presented them with a written address, from
+which, though all excellent, and well calculated to impress the Indians’
+minds with the importance of adhering to their counsel, we shall, for
+brevity, content ourselves with extracting some of the most material
+parts, as follows:</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>“Brothers, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the Great Spirit,
+that he has brought us safely to the country of our red brethren, and
+protected us through our journey. We also rejoice, that he has given us
+this opportunity of seeing you and of taking you by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we had for some time entertained apprehensions that the
+many changes that were taking place in circumstances, must greatly
+change the situation of our red brethren, and that the time was fast
+approaching when it would be necessary for them to alter their mode of
+living.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, after our talk with the chiefs, (alluding to the Little Turtle
+and others whom we have just mentioned,) we were fully convinced
+that the time was come, in which our red brethren ought to begin
+to cultivate their lands. That they ought to raise corn and other grain,
+also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other animals. We then proposed
+to afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of the proposal,
+and informed us, that many of their people were disposed to turn
+their attention to the cultivation of the earth&mdash;they also expressed a
+desire to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it is for this purpose that we have now come, and we
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span>
+again repeat, we rejoice that we have this opportunity of seeing you,
+and taking you by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, in coming into the country of our red brethren, we have
+come with our <i>eyes open</i>. And although we are affected with sorrow,
+in believing that many of the red people suffer much for the want of
+food and clothing, yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing that
+it has pleased the Great Spirit to give you a rich and valuable country.
+Because we know, that it is out of the earth that food and clothing
+come. We are sure, brothers, that with but little labour and attention,
+you may raise much more corn and other grain than will be necessary
+for yourselves, your women and children; and that you may also with
+great ease, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs and other valuable
+animals, than will be necessary for your own use. We are also
+confident that if you will pursue our method in the cultivation of your
+land, you will live in much greater ease and plenty, and with much less
+fatigue and toil, than attend hunting for a subsistence.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, it will lead you to have fixed homes&mdash;you will build comfortable
+dwelling houses for yourselves, your women and children, where
+you may be sheltered from the rain, the frost and the snow, and where
+you may enjoy in plenty, the rewards of your labour.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we will here mention, that the time was, when the forefather
+of your brothers, the white people, lived beyond the great water,
+in the same manner that our red brethren now live. The winters can
+yet be counted when they went almost naked, when they procured
+their living by fishing, and by the bow and arrow in hunting&mdash;and
+when they lived in houses no better than yours. They were encouraged
+by some who came from towards the sun rising, and lived amongst
+them to change their mode of living. They did change&mdash;they cultivated
+the earth, and we are sure the change was a happy one.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends, we are not ashamed to acknowledge that the
+time was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum tree, or
+at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living on
+the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But brothers, for your
+encouragement we now mention that by turning their attention to the
+cultivation of the earth instead of the plum tree, they soon had orchards
+of many kinds of fruit&mdash;instead of the wild game they soon had
+large numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and other valuable animals&mdash;and
+in many places instead of their forests they had large fields of
+corn, and other grain&mdash;also many other valuable productions of the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we have spoken plainly, we desire to speak plain&mdash;we
+will now tell you that we have not come merely to <i>talk</i> with you. We
+have come prepared to render you a little assistance. Our beloved
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">105</span>
+brother, Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us.
+His desire is, to cultivate for you, a field of corn, and also to show you
+how to raise some of the other productions of the earth&mdash;he knows how
+to use the plough, the hoe, the axe, and other implements of husbandry.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, he has left a farm&mdash;he has left a wife and five small
+children who are very dear to him&mdash;he has come, from a sincere desire
+to be useful to our red brethren. His motives are pure&mdash;he will ask
+no reward from you for his services&mdash;his greatest reward will be, in the
+satisfaction he will feel, in finding you inclined to take hold of the same
+tools he takes hold of&mdash;to receive from him instruction in the cultivation
+of your lands, and pursue the example he will set you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we hope you will make the situation of our brother as
+comfortable as circumstances will admit. We hope, also, that many
+of your young men will be willing to be taught by him, to use the
+plough, the hoe, and other implements of husbandry&mdash;for we are sure,
+brothers, that as you take hold of such tools as are in the hands of the
+white people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional
+hands. You will also find that by using them they will enable you to
+do many things, which without them, cannot be performed.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the white people, in order to get their land cultivated,
+find it necessary that their young men should be employed in it&mdash;and
+not their women&mdash;women are smaller than men&mdash;they are not as strong
+as men. It is the business of our women to be employed in our houses&mdash;to
+keep them clean&mdash;to sow, knit, spin, and weave&mdash;to dress food for
+themselves and families&mdash;to make clothes for the men and the rest of
+their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to take
+care of their children.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we are fully convinced that if you will turn your attention
+to the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of
+grain&mdash;to building comfortable dwelling houses for your families&mdash;to
+raising useful animals&mdash;amongst others, sheep for the advantage of the
+wool, in making clothing&mdash;to raising flax and hemp for your linen&mdash;and
+your women learn to spin and weave&mdash;your lives will be much
+easier and happier than at present&mdash;and your numbers will increase,
+and not continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your
+land is good&mdash;it is far better than the land which the white people near
+the great waters, cultivate. We are persuaded that your land will
+produce double the quantity of any kind of grain, or flax, or hemp, with
+the same labour necessary near the great water.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, we shall now end what we had to say, with informing
+you, that all the corn and other productions of the earth which Philip
+Dennis may raise, we wish our red brethren to accept as a token of
+our friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Pottawattamie
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>
+and Miami nations who are now present, added to our brothers the
+Five Medals, Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution
+thereof as they may think proper.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>The Indians manifested great decorum, and were very attentive
+during the delivery of this address&mdash;in reply to which, the Little Turtle
+delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which we extract the
+following:</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers and friends&mdash;we rejoice that the Great Spirit has appointed,
+that we should meet this day, for we believe this meeting will
+be of the utmost consequence to your red brethren.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, the things which you have said to us, require our greatest
+attention: it is really necessary that we should deliberate upon them. In
+order to do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they
+are written, that we may communicate them to our chiefs, when they
+assemble in grand council.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, you have been very particular in pointing out to us the
+duties of our women, and you have told us that in adopting your mode
+of living, our numbers would increase and not continue to diminish. In
+all this I certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will
+also agree with you.</p>
+
+<p>“Brothers, assure your people who sent you here&mdash;tell your old chiefs
+that we are obliged to them for their friendly offers to assist us in
+changing our present mode of living. Tell them it is a great work that
+cannot be done immediately; but that we are favourably disposed, and
+hope it will take place gradually.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>These Friends remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during
+which time they visited a number of their towns and villages, at all of
+which, they were received in the most friendly and hospitable manner.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the
+Wyandots at Brownstown or the rock. They found that the Indians
+at this place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation in the
+year 1799, advanced considerably, in agriculture, many of them having
+built comfortable houses, and acquired a considerable number of cattle,
+hogs, and other domestic animals. The Wyandots residing at Sandusky
+and the Shawaneese, on the Auglaize river, had likewise, since that
+visit, turned their attention very much towards the cultivation of their
+lands; Friends had, therefore, the satisfaction to remark, that the communication
+from the committee to these nations, and the exertions which
+had been made to turn their attention to agriculture, although limited
+in their effect, had not been altogether unavailing.</p>
+
+<p>They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">107</span>
+Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort
+Wayne, and found its situation to be very advantageous for farming;
+the soil appeared to be equal in fertility to any land in the western
+country.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the return of the Friends, a letter was received by the
+committee, from the Indian agent at Fort Wayne, informing that the
+Indians had held their grand council in the Sixth month, agreeably to
+expectation, at which eight hundred and seventy-four of them attended,
+when the written address of Friends delivered at Fort Wayne in the
+previous spring, was produced&mdash;read and interpreted to all the different
+nations present. In reply to which, divers of their chiefs expressed
+great satisfaction, and amongst others Toethteboxie on behalf of the
+<i>Delawares</i> said, ‘For many years before I came into the world, the
+white people have been offering to do for us what is now mentioned,
+and it appears that our eyes were never opened until this time; we
+will now take hold of it and receive it. I am an old man and want to
+see it before I die; if I once see it, I will die in peace, to think I have
+left my women and children in comfort.’</p>
+
+<p>On the return of Philip Dennis, who remained in the Indian country
+during most of the year 1804, and spent his time agreeably with the
+natives&mdash;he informed that he had raised about four hundred bushels
+of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, potatoes, and a quantity of other
+garden vegetables, which he directed to be divided amongst the Indians
+on their return from their hunting camps. He left with the Indians,
+with whom he had resided, upon the farm he had cultivated, twenty-three
+hogs and pigs, seven of which were in good order to kill; and
+he engaged the agent to attend to killing and salting them. They were
+small when they were brought to the farm in the spring, and had no
+other food than what they gathered in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>With some assistance which he obtained from Fort Wayne, he cleared
+and enclosed under a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and
+built a house thirty-two feet long, and seventeen wide, a story and a
+half high, with floors and partitions.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians who remained with him had been very industrious, and
+attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing
+the ground and in tending the corn; from this he dissuaded them,
+and as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort Wayne, which
+had been sent on by government&mdash;he encouraged them to go there, and
+learn to spin and knit, of a white woman who was at that place;&mdash;this
+they did, and soon learned both to spin and knit; and when he came
+away, he left them knitting yarn of their spinning.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were very desirous of Friends continuing their care towards
+them, and that they should send a person to take the place of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span>
+Philip Dennis, but as no suitable Friend offered for that purpose, it was
+believed best to request the agent of government residing at Fort Wayne,
+(and who appeared to be friendly disposed towards the views of Friends,)
+to procure and employ the most suitable person he could, in that country,
+to plough the land cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last season, and
+plant it in corn, and to endeavour to enlist the service of the Indians in
+the labour of tending it; also to prepare a garden of the most useful
+vegetables for the Indians’ use, which they might afterwards easily
+manage.</p>
+
+<p>In reply to this request, Friends received an account from the agent,
+stating that he would lose no time in complying with their request, and
+that he was ready at all times, to put in execution the benevolent designs
+of Friends towards the Indians, as far as it was in his power.</p>
+
+<p>He also mentioned, that at that time, ‘a spirit of industry existed
+amongst the Indians generally, and that as several of the tribes had
+requested of government to have a part of their annuities expended in
+the employment of men to split rails and make fences for them, the
+Delawares had twenty-three thousand rails put up into fences the last
+winter; and that forty thousand more would be made into fences for the
+Miami and Eel river Indians, by the first of the Sixth month&mdash;that ten
+families of the Miamis had settled adjoining the place cultivated by
+Philip Dennis, and that four men were employed in making rails to
+fence in forty acres for them; also, that three persons more were at
+work for the Eel river Indians, half a mile below Dennis’s station; that
+they had twenty-five acres cleared and ready for the plough, and expected
+to have fifty or sixty fenced in by the first of the Sixth month.
+He expected at least twenty-five families would remove to reside at
+that place the present season, and was confident the settlement would
+increase very fast. The Indian who worked with Philip Dennis during
+the last season, was about building himself a comfortable house, had
+cleared two acres more of ground, and was ploughing the field previously
+cleared by Philip Dennis. The hogs which were left there with
+him had increased to one hundred in number.’</p>
+
+<p>The agent further informed, ‘that there would be one hundred acres of
+land under good fence at the Little Turtle’s town, (eighteen miles north
+of Dennis’s station,) by the first of the Sixth month, where they had also
+obtained a large number of hogs and some cows, and he doubted not,
+the Indians would soon see that it was easier to raise food, than to procure
+it by hunting.’ He also added, ‘that Friends may see from the great
+progress they have made in civilization since Philip Dennis was with
+them, that they only want good and suitable men to reside among them,
+and teach them how to work.’</p>
+
+<p>In the fall of the year 1805, the agent at Fort Wayne informed the
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">109</span>
+committee by letter, that agreeably to their directions, he had employed
+a man to assist the Indians in cultivating the field on the Wabash,
+which was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis, the last year. The
+Indians with this man’s assistance, had raised, it was supposed, at least
+six hundred bushels of good corn from this one field, exclusive of what
+they had raised from ground of their own clearing.</p>
+
+<p>“Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians had removed
+and settled at that place, where they would be followed by the younger
+branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.”</p>
+
+<p>He further adds, “Believing as I do that the society of Friends are
+desirous of ameliorating the situation of their red brethren in the country,
+I will take the liberty to observe, that the present is a favourable
+time to put in execution their benevolent views towards the distressed
+natives of the land; and that much good may be done on the Wabash
+by sending one or two suitable men to reside amongst the Indians, and
+teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth. Witness what
+Philip Dennis effected amongst them the last year, at a station where
+he had every thing to begin. There are now at least four hundred hogs,
+and twenty cows, and the Indians at no village in this country live so
+comfortably as those at that place. If this spirit of industry is kept
+alive for a few years, it will certainly have a powerful influence upon
+the minds of the Indians in many of the neighbouring villages.”</p>
+
+<p>An account published by the committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting,
+about this period, has enabled me to furnish so many interesting particulars
+of their proceedings, that I have already exceeded the bounds I
+had prescribed to myself, in this narrative. I shall, therefore, only add,
+that the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore continued for many years to extend
+aid and instruction, to the Indians in that quarter, by personal
+visits, and by teachers frequently stationed among them; and continued
+to have satisfactory proofs of the benefits derived to this people, from
+their benevolent labours. Their progress, however, in this laudable
+work was interrupted by the war of 1812, which much agitated, not
+only those tribes of Indians, but the white people generally, bordering
+on the Indian territory&mdash;this continued while the war lasted. And
+many of the white inhabitants, it was said, went into block houses, the
+better to secure themselves.</p>
+
+<p>It may, however, be noted, that Friends on the frontiers, generally
+remained in their habitations, at least with a few exceptions, and the
+Indians seemed to repose an unlimited confidence in them, and frequently
+visited them. The author having visited a settlement of the
+Indians, (called Lewis’ settlement) in the year 1816, had some opportunity
+of judging of the high estimation in which the Indians held the
+society of Friends, on the frontiers of that country. He also had an
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span>
+account from one of the Friends who first settled in those parts (near
+Mad river,) about the year 1800. He said the Indians manifested much
+kindness to them, when the country was all a wilderness, by frequently
+visiting them, and administering to their wants, while they were first
+opening a settlement and preparing something to subsist upon.</p>
+
+<p>I may also here relate another evidence of the Indians’ kindness and
+hospitality to the whites. A surveyor who lived in Chilicothe informed
+me, when at his house in 1816, that being employed by government
+the summer previous, to survey some land in the Michigan territory, he
+and his company composed of seven or eight persons, running scant of
+provisions, were put to their allowance of a spoonful of meal a day, for
+each person, on which, with some little meat they procured from the
+forest, they had subsisted for twenty-three days together. But setting
+out at length towards the settlements in search of provisions, they met
+with an Indian going on a journey very smartly. They made him understand
+they were very hungry and had nothing to eat. He looked
+on them with compassion&mdash;pointed towards his cabin, and making signs
+to them to follow him, struck off in a direction towards it. They pursued
+his track, often having to stop him, to wait for them, and after about
+eight miles travelling, arrived at his solitary abode, where he kindly
+treated them to all the provision at his command, which, though coarse,
+was to them a delicious dainty.</p>
+
+<p>But to return from this digression, it may be proper to state, that
+about the year 1813, a Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in
+the state of Ohio, and being composed of part of the members previously
+constituting the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, they also become,
+as a body, enlisted in the same concern, to improve the condition of the
+Indian natives; and appointed a committee to carry their views into
+execution. Friends of this Yearly Meeting living more contiguous to
+the Indian settlements, unitedly agreed with the Yearly Meeting of
+Baltimore, to make it a joint concern, as it regarded the requisite pecuniary
+aid for promoting the object in view. Friends in Ohio, however,
+became more actively engaged in personal visits, and sending instructors
+among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>When peace took place, and the minds of the Indians became somewhat
+settled, the settlement which had previously been made at
+Waughpaughkannatta was again resumed, and another promoted at
+captain Lewis’, and considerable advancement made by the Indians in
+some of the arts of civilized life.</p>
+
+<p>About the years 1817 and 1818, considerable sales of their lands were
+made to the United States&mdash;and in the north-western parts of the state
+of Ohio, which much unsettled the minds of the Indians, and in consequence
+thereof, many of them removed further to the westward.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">111</span></p>
+
+<p>In the rapid settlement of the states of Ohio and Indiana, and the
+emigration of Friends further to the westward, it became necessary to
+establish a Yearly Meeting in Indiana, which event took place about
+the year 1820 or 1821. This Yearly Meeting, also as a body, feeling
+the same deep interest, in the welfare of the aboriginal inhabitants,
+appointed a committee to unite with Ohio Yearly Meeting in promoting
+their civilization and improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Having but scanty means within my reach, of ascertaining the progress
+made by those Yearly Meetings of latter years, I can only state,
+that the concern still continues to engage their attention, and from a
+report to the Yearly Meeting of Indiana, in 1826, it appears, that the
+committee had continued their attention to the object of their appointment.
+“Soon after our last Yearly Meeting,” say they, “the school
+for the education of the Indian children was resumed, and continued
+about two months, to the satisfaction both of the Indians and the committee.
+The children conducted themselves orderly, and made reasonable
+progress in learning. But towards the latter part of winter the
+Indians became unsettled in their minds, and it was found impracticable
+to continue the school to advantage. It was, therefore, dismissed,
+and soon after Isaac Harvey and wife, in consequence of his indisposition,
+returned to their former residence. They took with them an Indian
+lad who remained about three months, during which time he was
+at school.</p>
+
+<p>“About two hundred of the Indians who resided on the Waughpaughkonnatta
+reserve, have removed, and are now on their way to
+join those of their nation settled west of the Mississippi; and it is yet
+uncertain, whether those that remain will shortly be in a situation to
+receive instruction. However that may be, we feel satisfied that the
+labour heretofore bestowed on them will not all be lost. They have
+obtained a sufficient knowledge of agriculture, to enable them to supply
+their more pressing wants, and many of them have acquired habits of
+industry, which we believe they will retain. And should they all eventually
+remove to join their nation in the west, we apprehend the advantages
+they are deriving from the change in their manner of life,
+will be sufficient to prevent them from returning to their former
+habits.”</p>
+
+<p>It appears also, that soon after the Yearly Meeting held in Indiana,
+in the year 1827, “a deputation from the committee in company with
+a like deputation of the committee of Ohio Yearly Meeting, visited
+Friends’ establishment, near Waughpaughkonnatta, who found the farm
+in good order, and the school progressing to satisfaction.”</p>
+
+<p>The minutes of the last Indiana Yearly Meeting of the society of
+Friends, held at Miami, also show, that they continue a committee, to
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span>
+act in conjunction with the Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Baltimore,
+and to proceed in the further prosecution of this concern as way may
+open.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the society of Friends constituting the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia,
+New York, and Baltimore, have, for more than thirty years,
+and those of Ohio, and Indiana, since their first establishment, been engaged
+in endeavouring to reclaim from savage life, and to meliorate the
+condition of various tribes, of the interesting but much injured aborigines
+of our country; and they have succeeded in instructing many of them
+in agriculture, in school learning, in many of the most useful mechanic
+arts, and the raising of domestic animals, whereby their lives are rendered
+more comfortable, and their domestic engagements increased, as
+well as their moral condition improved&mdash;and, could the Indians have
+been permitted to remain quiet in the possession of their land, and to
+enjoy the fruits of their labours, without interruption from the whites,
+there is reason to believe, that by a continuation and extension of this
+care towards them, a radical change in their character would in a short
+time have been effected; and instead of migrating by families and tribes,
+far to the westward, and traversing the dreary regions of an unknown
+wilderness, in quest of a home, and in search of food, they might have
+become useful citizens of the community, contributing to the wealth,
+the happiness, and national character of the United States. For truly
+it must be acknowledged, that there are among these native sons of the
+forest, men of deep reflection&mdash;men of extraordinary talents&mdash;men of
+superior powers of mind, and men who, considering the means of their
+menial improvement, might rank with the ancient orators of Greece
+and Rome. Added to this, there is sufficient evidence, that they believe
+in the principle operating within them, a measure of which, or the
+grace of God, according to the apostle’s doctrine, is given to every man
+to profit withal, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. And they acknowledge
+in all important transactions, the overruling providence and
+superintending care of one all-wise, omnipotent, and omnipresent Being,
+who governs the universe; and they believe that they will be rewarded
+in a future state, according as their actions have been in this life, either
+good or evil. Why then should not the policy of the government be
+directed to the protection and preservation of these people, and not to
+their extermination from their native soil? Is it not a doctrine sanctioned
+by the general consent of Christians, that all nations are equally
+free? That one nation has no right to infringe upon the freedom of
+another?</p>
+
+<p>Let us then fulfil the golden rule&mdash;let us then, my fellow citizens,
+exercise that kind of policy towards them, that we would they should
+have done to us, if they had landed on our shores with a superiority of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">113</span>
+strength. Why should not things be equal on both sides? Or is the
+balance of power always to decide the balance of justice, and rob the
+weak and defenceless of their lawful rights&mdash;shall a nation professing
+<i>christianity</i>, and having pledged itself in the most solemn manner to
+<i>protect the Indians in all their rights</i>, be guilty of such injustice?
+Or what part of the gospel will they plead in extenuation of such a
+crime? In what part of the earth did the apostles or first promulgators
+of the gospel assume, to extirpate from their country, or to claim a
+right over the freedom and the substance of the Gentiles? What a
+strange method this would be, of propagating the gospel of peace. And
+can it be expected the natives of America, those keen-eyed observers
+of the actions of men, will be brought to embrace the christian religion
+by such a policy as this! And, while injustice is practised towards them
+instead of the government redressing their wrongs, will they not be induced
+to say as an Indian chief once did, to a missionary, on a certain
+occasion, “We find the christians much more depraved in their morals
+than we are, and we judge of <i>their doctrine</i> by the badness of their
+lives.”</p>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>Since the foregoing was prepared for the press, the following, taken
+from a Pittsburg Gazette, has been forwarded by a friend,
+and as it gives some recent account of the noted and ancient chief,
+Cornplanter, as well as other of the Seneca Indians, it may prove
+an interesting addition to this work.</i></p>
+
+<p>It appears a trip was performed up the Alleghany river in the Fifth
+month last, as high as Olean, in the state of New York, by a new
+steamboat, and as it was the first that had ever ascended that river,
+as far as the Indian towns, it excited some astonishment. The account
+states, that “On the thirteenth of May, at nine o’clock, she arrived opposite
+the village of Cornplanter. Here a deputation waited on that
+ancient and well known Indian king or chief, and invited him on board
+this new, and to him wonderful visiter, a steamboat. We found him
+in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying on his
+couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins and
+blankets. His habitation, a two story log house, is in a state of decay,
+without furniture, except a few benches, and wooden bowls and spoons
+to eat out of. This convinced us of his determination to retain old habits
+and customs. This venerable old chief was a lad in the first French
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span>
+war, in 1744, and is now nearly one hundred years of age. He is a smart
+active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength of mind, and in perfect
+health, and retains among his nation all that uncontrolled influence
+he has ever done.</p>
+
+<p>“He, with his son Charles, sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came
+on board, and remained until she had passed six miles up, and then
+they returned home in their own canoe, after expressing great pleasure.
+His domain is a delightful bottom of rich land, two miles<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> square,
+nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On
+this, his own family, about fifty in number, in eight or ten houses reside.
+Cornplanter’s wife, and her mother, one hundred and fifteen years
+of age, are in good health.</p>
+
+<p>The lands of this tribe being forty miles long and half a mile wide
+on each side of the river, lie just above, but all in the state of New
+York. They have a number of villages, and are about seven hundred
+in number, scattered all along this reserve. Many of them have good
+dwellings, and, like the whites, some are intelligent, industrious, and
+useful&mdash;while others are the reverse. On the whole they are becoming
+civilized and christianized, as fast as can be expected. The natives
+appeared in great numbers, (we counted four hundred) who were attracted
+to view this unexpected sight on their waters. Their lands
+terminate eight miles below Olean.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<h3><i>A vocabulary of some of the most familiar words and phrases in
+the Seneca language, and the English, in alphabetical order.</i></h3>
+
+<table>
+  <tr>
+    <td>All</td>
+    <td>Cock <i>way</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>All gone</td>
+    <td>Ono, cock <i>way</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Any where, any thing, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td>Te caw a <i>noo</i> we</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A quiet mind</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> no <i>sa</i> na to nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Axe</td>
+    <td>At <i>too</i> ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Boy or child</td>
+    <td>Uc <i>shaw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Brother</td>
+    <td><i>Ho</i>gh <i>gee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blood</td>
+    <td>Ot <i>quoon</i> sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Board</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bear</td>
+    <td><i>U qui</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Black</td>
+    <td><i>Gis</i> taa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Beaver</td>
+    <td>Te <i>con</i> ne a ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Big lake</td>
+    <td>Con nu <i>di</i> go <i>wan</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Birds</td>
+    <td>Ge <i>daa</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bread</td>
+    <td><i>Wagh</i> qua<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">115</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Beans</td>
+    <td>Ci <i>daw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Beyond</td>
+    <td><i>Shee qua</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Both</td>
+    <td>De <i>jall</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Book</td>
+    <td>Ki <i>au</i> dau shaw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blanket</td>
+    <td>Ee <i>yuse</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bed</td>
+    <td>Con <i>noch</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Barrel or tub</td>
+    <td>Con <i>noch</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blacksmith</td>
+    <td>Cow <i>wish</i> to nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Bad</td>
+    <td><i>Toos</i> coss</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cold</td>
+    <td>Hit <i>too</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cow</td>
+    <td>Tus <i>quan</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cat</td>
+    <td>Dac <i>coos</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Child</td>
+    <td>Uc <i>shaw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cousin</td>
+    <td><i>Kaa</i> say</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Chief</td>
+    <td>Shin e <i>wan</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cannon</td>
+    <td>Ca <i>u</i> da <i>go</i> aw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Coat</td>
+    <td>Ja dau <i>wis</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Chest</td>
+    <td><i>Count</i> sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cup</td>
+    <td>Cow <i>wish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Candle</td>
+    <td>Ogish to <i>taugh</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Canoe</td>
+    <td><i>Cau</i> waugh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Chocolate</td>
+    <td>Nig a <i>di</i> u</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Crane</td>
+    <td>Jo <i>a</i> sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Deer</td>
+    <td>Nea <i>yu</i> ka</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Duck</td>
+    <td>Se <i>wack</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dead</td>
+    <td>A <i>way</i> yu</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Devil</td>
+    <td>Nishe <i>o</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dog</td>
+    <td><i>Gee ah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dish</td>
+    <td><i>Cud gee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Day</td>
+    <td>U<i>daugh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Drink</td>
+    <td><i>Nig</i> ge ah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dark</td>
+    <td>U <i>dagh</i> sin <i>di</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Do you want it</td>
+    <td><i>Ees</i> no wees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Earth</td>
+    <td>U en <i>jau</i> dy</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Elk</td>
+    <td>Je <i>naun</i> de</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eel</td>
+    <td>Con <i>taa</i> na</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eat</td>
+    <td><i>Sutte</i> coo nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eye</td>
+    <td><i>Ka haa</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ear</td>
+    <td><i>Woun</i> tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Evening, or sun down</td>
+    <td><i>Ono</i> gagh qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Father</td>
+    <td><i>Hau</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Field</td>
+    <td>K ion <i>to</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Farmer</td>
+    <td>E <i>yeant</i> has</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fox</td>
+    <td>O nung <i>quat</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fish</td>
+    <td>Kin <i>jugh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fire</td>
+    <td>O <i>gish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Flour or meal</td>
+    <td>Tee <i>sah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fruit</td>
+    <td>O <i>yah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Flea</td>
+    <td>Te <i>was</i> en <i>tas</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fine day</td>
+    <td>O <i>we see</i> ah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fire-fly</td>
+    <td>Gish te <i>noch</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>God, or Great Spirit</td>
+    <td>How <i>wau</i> ne au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Grandmother</td>
+    <td>Uc <i>sute</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Good</td>
+    <td>Scoss</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Grist-mill</td>
+    <td>Cau <i>thish</i> e <i>o</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Gnat</td>
+    <td>O gaw <i>whont</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Gun</td>
+    <td>Ca <i>u</i> da</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Greedy</td>
+    <td><i>Dus</i> ki hau sy</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Gift</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> no</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>House</td>
+    <td>Con ne <i>sute</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Horse</td>
+    <td>Con <i>don</i> nah que</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hungry</td>
+    <td>A <i>dus</i> swa dau nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>High</td>
+    <td><i>Eait</i> kah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Here in this place</td>
+    <td><i>Nich</i> hooh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Him or her</td>
+    <td>Au <i>whau</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hear</td>
+    <td>Gut <i>hoon</i> dy</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Happy</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> no <i>so</i> ne <i>to</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hat or cap</td>
+    <td>Kah <i>e quay</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hand</td>
+    <td>Kas <i>chuch</i> tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Half</td>
+    <td>Sut te <i>wau so</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>How many</td>
+    <td><i>Ton</i> ne yu</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>How many miles</td>
+    <td><i>Ton</i> ne <i>yute</i> cot ho</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hawk</td>
+    <td><i>Swin</i> go <i>dau</i> ge au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Have you any, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td><i>Goih</i> yah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Indians</td>
+    <td>A <i>gue</i> o we</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Indian corn</td>
+    <td>O ne <i>ah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>If</td>
+    <td>Cow a <i>nee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I myself</td>
+    <td>Ee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I don’t know</td>
+    <td>Te <i>quaw</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I think</td>
+    <td>E <i>we</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Island</td>
+    <td><i>Cow</i> we <i>naut</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Iron</td>
+    <td>Con ne <i>u sah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ice</td>
+    <td>O <i>we</i> sa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I don’t understand</td>
+    <td>Te <i>gunk</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I want it</td>
+    <td><i>Ic</i> no wees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I am going now</td>
+    <td><i>Ono</i> se <i>gogh</i> tan dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Iron pot</td>
+    <td>Te <i>quosh</i> e naute</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>King</td>
+    <td><i>Co</i> wa <i>co</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Kettle</td>
+    <td>Can <i>naun</i> jau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Knife</td>
+    <td>Ka <i>gun</i> ne au sau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Land</td>
+    <td><i>U</i> aun <i>ja</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Louse</td>
+    <td><i>Gee</i> no <i>e</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lonesome</td>
+    <td>A <i>goon</i> date</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lake, or sea</td>
+    <td>Con nu <i>di</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lie</td>
+    <td>Sun noo <i>aunt</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Large</td>
+    <td>Go <i>wau</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Long ago</td>
+    <td>O <i>nuch</i> chee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Little, or small</td>
+    <td>Nee <i>wau</i>, or <i>wis</i> too</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Little while ago</td>
+    <td><i>Wau</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Linen</td>
+    <td>Con ne <i>ga</i> un sah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">117</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Like this</td>
+    <td><i>Sau</i> gat</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Log</td>
+    <td>Can <i>hagh</i> tau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Man or male</td>
+    <td>Can <i>gee</i> nah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mother</td>
+    <td><i>No</i> yegh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Many</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nong</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Much</td>
+    <td>We <i>sue</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Meat</td>
+    <td>Au <i>wagh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mosquito</td>
+    <td>Ge ne <i>au</i> da sa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mush</td>
+    <td><i>Gis</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mountain</td>
+    <td>Non on <i>dau</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mile</td>
+    <td><i>Yute</i> cot hoo</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Money</td>
+    <td>O <i>wish</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Merry, or pleased</td>
+    <td><i>Oon dut</i> ca dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Milk</td>
+    <td><i>Nung</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Moon</td>
+    <td>Gagh qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Mouth</td>
+    <td>Kish e <i>gaen</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Morning</td>
+    <td>Se <i>tugh</i> ge au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Make it</td>
+    <td><i>Shish</i> she <i>o</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>New town</td>
+    <td>Can na da <i>say</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Noon</td>
+    <td>Gick ne <i>gah</i> quaw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>No</td>
+    <td>Tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Now</td>
+    <td>Nay <i>wau</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Not many</td>
+    <td><i>Tanty</i> co <i>nong</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Not much</td>
+    <td><i>Tanty</i> we <i>sue</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Not</td>
+    <td>Tanty</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Nose</td>
+    <td>Ka kan <i>dah</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Nonsense, trifling, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td><i>Gish</i> nit</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One month</td>
+    <td><i>Swa</i> no dock</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Owl</td>
+    <td><i>E he</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Old</td>
+    <td>Caw <i>cuch</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Over the river</td>
+    <td>Ska <i>hoon</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>On this side</td>
+    <td>Caw <i>oo</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Philadelphia</td>
+    <td>Ca ne <i>di</i> an go au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pittsburg</td>
+    <td>Taun <i>too</i> ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pig</td>
+    <td><i>Quees</i> quees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Provisions</td>
+    <td>A <i>den</i> a sah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Potatoes</td>
+    <td><i>Non</i> nun dau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Plenty</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nong</i> gee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pipe</td>
+    <td>Se <i>guah</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pretty</td>
+    <td>We <i>u</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pheasant</td>
+    <td><i>Chuc</i> que <i>a</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pigeons</td>
+    <td><i>Jah</i> go au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Presently</td>
+    <td>A ge <i>quash</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>People</td>
+    <td><i>Ung</i> que</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Rain</td>
+    <td>Us <i>taun</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>River</td>
+    <td>Ka <i>hone</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Racoon</td>
+    <td>Jo <i>ah</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Rattlesnake</td>
+    <td>So <i>quant</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Right, or proper</td>
+    <td>Ty wi <i>ye</i> a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Raining, or stormy</td>
+    <td>Onish wy <i>ate</i> kah<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sea, or ocean</td>
+    <td><i>Ska</i> ne la te <i>co</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Shoes, or sandals</td>
+    <td>At <i>tagh</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sun</td>
+    <td><i>Gagh</i> qua</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Squashes, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td>O <i>nuch</i> sha</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sheep</td>
+    <td><i>Te</i> de ne <i>gen</i> do</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Stone</td>
+    <td>Cos <i>quagh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Spinning wheel</td>
+    <td>See in <i>yeah</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Saw mill</td>
+    <td>Con <i>nish</i> te o nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sick</td>
+    <td><i>Nonk</i> ta nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Strong</td>
+    <td>Cau <i>haus</i> tee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Star</td>
+    <td>O <i>gish</i> un da</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sit down</td>
+    <td>Sut <i>tee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Snow</td>
+    <td>Cun ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Snow falling</td>
+    <td>U <i>gaun</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Spoon</td>
+    <td>At te <i>quot</i> sa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>See, or look</td>
+    <td><i>Sut</i> cot <i>hoo</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Silver</td>
+    <td>O <i>wish</i> ta <i>no</i> e a</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Shut the door</td>
+    <td>Se ho <i>tong</i> goo</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Snipe</td>
+    <td>Te <i>ith</i> to we</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Shoemaker</td>
+    <td>At <i>taugh</i> qua <i>nee</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Susquehanna</td>
+    <td><i>Cau</i> wa ne <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i> ne</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Turkey</td>
+    <td>Os soo <i>aunt</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Thief</td>
+    <td><i>Nus qus</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Turnips</td>
+    <td><i>Uc</i> te au</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Town</td>
+    <td><i>Con</i> na da <i>go</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Tobacco</td>
+    <td><i>Yaun</i> gwa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Turtle</td>
+    <td>Cun ne <i>wau</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>This</td>
+    <td><i>Nick</i> hoo</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Thou</td>
+    <td>Eece</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Tooth, or teeth</td>
+    <td>Ca <i>noo</i> jah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Tell it</td>
+    <td><i>Sat</i> hu e</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Talk</td>
+    <td><i>Gish</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>True, or truth</td>
+    <td><i>To gas</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>To-morrow</td>
+    <td>U <i>haut</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Uncle</td>
+    <td><i>Auh</i> no ze</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ugly</td>
+    <td><i>Wy ate</i> u</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Verily, or very true</td>
+    <td><i>To</i> gas <i>neh</i> hue</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Very large</td>
+    <td><i>Agos</i> go <i>wan</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Very far</td>
+    <td><i>Way</i> uh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Winter</td>
+    <td>Ka <i>unch</i> neh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Water</td>
+    <td><i>Nick</i> a <i>noos</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Woods</td>
+    <td>Ca ha <i>da</i> go</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wheat</td>
+    <td>O <i>naun</i> jah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Weeds</td>
+    <td>We <i>aah</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wolf</td>
+    <td>Ty <i>o</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wild geese</td>
+    <td>Hung <i>gawk</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Watch</td>
+    <td>Gah que <i>shawk</i> ta</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>White people</td>
+    <td>Hit <i>teen</i> yah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Warm</td>
+    <td><i>Di</i> u</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Warm day</td>
+    <td>Con <i>naa</i> no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">119</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Woman</td>
+    <td><i>Yee</i> uh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wife</td>
+    <td><i>Yeak</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wind</td>
+    <td><i>Ga haa</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Work</td>
+    <td>Sutte ye <i>dott</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Want. I want it, &amp;c.</td>
+    <td><i>Ick</i> no <i>eece</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Where</td>
+    <td><i>Cong</i> gwa</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yonder</td>
+    <td><i>Ho</i> quaw</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>You</td>
+    <td><i>Eece</i> de jal</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yes</td>
+    <td>Naye</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>You want it</td>
+    <td><i>Eece</i> no wees</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Year</td>
+    <td><i>Tush shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yesterday</td>
+    <td><i>Tay</i> day</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"><i>Names of some of the Indians, and their signification.</i></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ki on <i>twa</i> ky</td>
+    <td>Cornplanter</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Te <i>ki</i> on da</td>
+    <td>A wager, or money staked</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Con ne <i>di</i> u</td>
+    <td>Hansom lake</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Neh ta <i>go</i> a</td>
+    <td>A large pine tree</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Waun</i> dung <i>guh</i> ta</td>
+    <td>Passed by</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sa go e <i>wah</i> ta</td>
+    <td>Keeper arise</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>O <i>gish</i> quat ta</td>
+    <td>Dried mush</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Tak</i> e wau sah</td>
+    <td>Go to war</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Twa</i> de ac</td>
+    <td>Broken gun</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Yeang</i> gwa haunt</td>
+    <td>Chew tobacco</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td><i>Ki</i> an <i>gwah</i> ta</td>
+    <td>Smoke</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <th colspan="2"><i>Numerical terms, &amp;c.</i></th>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One</td>
+    <td>Scote</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two</td>
+    <td><i>Tick</i> nee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three</td>
+    <td>Shaugh</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Four</td>
+    <td>Keah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Five</td>
+    <td>Wush</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Six</td>
+    <td>Yeah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Seven</td>
+    <td>Chaw tawk</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eight</td>
+    <td>Tick <i>yugh</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Nine</td>
+    <td>Tugh tah</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ten</td>
+    <td><i>Wush</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Twenty</td>
+    <td>Te <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Thirty</td>
+    <td>Sha ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Forty</td>
+    <td>Kea ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Fifty</td>
+    <td><i>Wush</i> ne was hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sixty</td>
+    <td>Yea ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Seventy</td>
+    <td>Chaw tawk ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eighty</td>
+    <td>Tick yaugh ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Ninety</td>
+    <td>Tugh ta ne <i>was</i> hau</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One hundred, that is, ten times ten</td>
+    <td>Wush haw ne <i>was</i> haw, or scote de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two hundred</td>
+    <td>Te non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three hundred</td>
+    <td>Sha non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Four hundred</td>
+    <td>Keah non de <i>wy</i> ne <i>i</i>, &amp;c. &amp;c.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120"> 120</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One dollar</td>
+    <td><i>Scow</i> wish taut</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two dollars</td>
+    <td>Te gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three dollars</td>
+    <td>Sha ne gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Four dollars</td>
+    <td>Kea ne gaw <i>wish</i> tau gay, &amp;c.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One penny</td>
+    <td>Quin nish</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One shilling</td>
+    <td><i>Sco</i> ti on <i>shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two shillings</td>
+    <td>Te <i>gash</i> e on se gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three shillings</td>
+    <td>Sha ne <i>gash</i> e on se gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One yard</td>
+    <td>Tu we <i>naut</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two yards</td>
+    <td><i>Tic</i> ne ju we <i>non</i> gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three yards</td>
+    <td><i>Sha</i> ne ju we <i>non</i> gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One pound</td>
+    <td>Cau <i>goon</i> sate</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two pounds</td>
+    <td>Tich ne cou <i>goon</i> se ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three pounds</td>
+    <td>Sha ne cou <i>goon</i> se ga</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One quart</td>
+    <td>Cus <i>saa</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two quarts</td>
+    <td>Tick ne cus <i>say</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three quarts</td>
+    <td>Shane cus <i>say</i> dee</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One day</td>
+    <td>Onish <i>shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two days</td>
+    <td>Te ne wa <i>nish</i> a gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three days</td>
+    <td>Sha ne wa <i>nish</i> a gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One month</td>
+    <td><i>Swa</i> ne dock</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two months</td>
+    <td>Te <i>wa</i> ne da gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three months</td>
+    <td>Sha ne wau ne da gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>One year</td>
+    <td>Tush <i>shate</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Two years</td>
+    <td>Te <i>ush</i> a gay</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Three years</td>
+    <td>Sha ne <i>ush</i> a gay, &amp;c.</td>
+  </tr></table>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p class="hang"><i>The author not having an opportunity of examining the proof sheets, some typographical
+errors have occurred, especially in the Indian words&mdash;the following errata will be observed
+by the reader.</i></p>
+
+<p>Page 5, line 20 from top, before motives, insert the words <i>natives the</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 8, line 18 from bottom, for retaining read <i>retained</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 9, line 18 from top, read the following <i>speech</i> from.</p>
+
+<p>Page 29, line 14 from top, read Je <i>nuch</i> sha <i>da</i> go.</p>
+
+<p>Page 40, line 13 from top, for Memsies read <i>Munsies</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 42, line 6 from top, for Connedin read Co ne <i>di</i> u; and so through the book.</p>
+
+<p>Same page, line 4 from bottom, for government read <i>governor</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 47, line 7 from bottom, for Junesassa read <i>Tunesassa</i>; and so through the book.</p>
+
+<p>Page 54, line 20 from bottom, for nation read <i>natives</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 80, line 19 from bottom, read the chief warrior’s <i>son</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Page 110, line 16 from top, for nations read <i>natives</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Same page, line 3 from bottom, for in, read <i>to</i> the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Page 111, line 20 from top, for Harkey read <i>Harvey</i>.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+
+<h2 id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES:</h2>
+
+<p class="figcenter"><img src="images/hr.jpg" alt="" /></p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">1</a>
+ Alluding to an ineffectual attempt made during the war in 1793, when six Friends,
+as before stated, attended with the commissioners of the United States.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">2</a>
+ A British agent for Indian affairs resident in Canada.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">3</a>
+ I apprehend there is some mistake in the account given, of the quantity of land
+possessed by Cornplanter. By the act of assembly, it appears six hundred acres was
+the quantity located at that place.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ed.</span></p></div></div>
+
+<div class="transnote">
+
+<h3>Transcriber’s Note:</h3>
+
+<p>Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Civilization of the Indian Natives, by 
+Halliday Jackson
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+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
+
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