Chapter III: Part 3

"I once saw the aged and venerable Chief, and had an interesting interview with him about a year and a half before his death. I thought of many things, when seated near him beneath the wide spreading shade of an old sycamore, on the banks of the Allegheny; many things to ask him; the scenes of the revolution; the generals that fought its battles and conquered the Indians; his tribe; the Six Nations, and himself. He was constitutionally sedate; was never observed to smile, much less to indulge in the luxury of a laugh. When I saw him he estimated his age to be over one hundred years. I think one hundred and three was about his reckoning of it. This would make him near one hundred and five years old at the time of his decease. His person was much stooped, and his stature was far short of what it once had been--not being over five feet six inches at the time I speak of Mr. JOHN STRUTHERS, of Ohio, told me, some years since, that he had seen him near fifty years ago, and at that period he was about his height, viz: six feet, one inch. Time and hardship had made dreadful impressions upon that ancient form. The chest was sunken and his shoulders were drawn forward, making the upper part of his body resemble a trough. His limbs had lost their symmetry, and become crooked. His feet, too, (for he had taken off his moccasins,) were deformed and haggard by injury. I would say that most of his fingers on one hand were useless; the sinews had been severed by a blow of the tomahawk or scalping-knife. How I longed to ask him what scene of blood and strife had thus stamped the enduring evidence of its existence upon his person. But to have done so, would, in all probability, have put an end to all further conversation on any subject. The information desired, would certainly not have been received, and I had to forego my curiosity. He had but one eye, and even the socket of the lost organ was hid by the overhanging brow resting upon the high cheek bone. His remaining eye was of the brightest and blackest hue. Never have I seen one, in young or old, that equalled it in brilliancy. Perhaps it had borrowed lustre from the eternal darkness that rested on its neighboring orbit. His ears had been dressed in the Indian mode, all but the outside had been cut away; on the one ear the ring had been torn asunder near the top, and hung down his neck like a useless rag. He had a full head of hair, white as the driven snow, which covered a head of ample dimensions and admirable shape. His face was not swarthy, but this may be accounted for from the fact, that he was but half Indian. He told me that he had been at Franklin, more than eighty years before the period of our conversation, on his passage down the Ohio and Mississippi, with the warriors of his tribe, on some expedition against the Creeks or Osages. He had long been a man of peace, and I believe his great characteristics were humanity and truth.

"It is said that BRANT and THE CORNPLANTER were never friends after the massacre of Cherry valley. Some have alleged, because the Wyoming massacre was, in part, perpetrated by the Senecas, that THE CORNPLANTER, was there. Of the justice of this suspicion, there are many reasons for doubt. It is certain that he was not the Chief of the Senecas at that time.

"As he stood before me--the ancient Chief in ruins--how forcibly was I struck with the truth of the beautiful figure of the old aboriginal Chieftain, who, in describing himself, said 'he was like an aged hemlock, dead at the top, and whose branches alone were green.' After more than one hundred years of most varied life--of strife--of danger--of peace--he at last slumbers in deep repose on the banks of his own beloved Allegheny."

Pennsylvania has acted with liberality and kindness to this venerated Chief. She granted to him three valuable tracts of land; on one of which he had fixed his residence. It is the place where he now rests in the quietude of the grave.

The first report on the subject of these grants to CORNPLANTER, is dated March 24, 1789. It is contained in a communication from General MIFFLIN, then President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, to RICHARD PETERS, Speaker of the General Assembly, in which he encloses General RICHARD BUTLER'S letter, recommending the grant of fifteen hundred acres of land to THE CORNPLANTER, a Seneca Chief.[AA] General BUTLER'S letter is dated March 23, 1789. In it he says: "I beg leave to mention, that Captain ABEEL, _alias_ THE CORNPLANTER, one of the principal Chiefs of the Seneca tribe of the Six Nations, has been very useful in all the treaties since 1784, inclusive, and particularly to the State of Pennsylvania; this he has demonstrated very fully, and his attachment, at present, to the State, appears very great. This has induced me to suggest to your Excellency and Council, whether it may not be good policy to fix this attachment by making it his interest to continue it. This, from the ideas he possesses of civilization, induces me to think if the State would be pleased to grant him a small tract of land within the late purchase, it would be very grateful to him, and have that effect. This may be done in a manner that would render him service without lessening his influence with his own people. The quantity need not be large; perhaps one thousand or fifteen hundred acres. My wishes for the quiet and interest of the State, as well as the merits of the man, induced me to mention this matter."[AB]

[AA] Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, volume I, p. 37.

[AB] Pennsylvania Archives, 1786-90, p. 562.

The Great Founder of Pennsylvania established his government on "deeds of peace." He has the unquestioned pre-eminence of having treated the aboriginal inhabitants with greater justice and rectitude than any other Proprietor or Founder of an American State.--"The settlement of this Province (Pennsylvania) was founded on the principles of truth, equity and mercy, and the blessings of divine Providence attended the early care of the first founders to impress these principles on the minds of the native inhabitants; so that when their numbers were great, and their strength vastly superior, they received our ancestors with gladness, relieved their wants with open hearts, granted them peaceable possession of the land, and for a long course of time gave constant and frequent proofs of a cordial friendship."[AC] It is, therefore, an appropriate testimonial to the character of PENN, as well as to that of CORNPLANTER, that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should, by her constituted authorities, cause the erection of this monument to the memory of this worthy and distinguished Indian Chief. And it is the only monument, so far as my knowledge extends, erected by public authority in the United States, either national, or sub-national, to the memory of an Indian Chief.

[AC] Address to Governor MORRIS by the "people called Quakers," April 12, 1756. Manuscript Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

The character of the venerable CORNPLANTER has been exhibited, though I fear imperfectly, in this sketch of his life and services. We have seen that he was a brave warrior and chieftain, an able statesman and an eloquent orator. In the latter part of his life, especially, his prominent characteristics were a love of peace and temperance. And it is believed by those who knew him best, that the Truths of Christianity had made a deep impression on his mind. A circumstance which occurred about the year 1822, has been cited by several writers as an evidence of his return to the superstitions of his race. I refer to his destroying a sword and pistols, and some other military accoutrements which had been presented to him by WASHINGTON, and a gold laced hat which was given him by Governor MIFFLIN; also a French flag and superb belt of wampum, trophies of valor, which had been for several generations in his family, in honor of some of his mother's ancestors, who won them in battle from the French. It is alleged that he did this act in a moment of alarm, as if the Great Spirit had moved him to destroy the memorials of his friendly relations with the whites. On the contrary, it clearly appears that under the influence of Christianity, particularly as evinced in the teachings of the Society of Friends, who had established schools in his nation, he became so firm an advocate of peace, that he wished to remove from him all the memorials that re-called to his recollection the scenes of war and blood through which he had passed. He carefully preserved the memorials of peace of which he was in possession. I myself noticed, for he exhibited them to me, how great a regard he had for the parchment documents which he possessed, that were subscribed by WASHINGTON; and with what scrupulous care and painstaking he had preserved them. These papers, and others of a like character, are now in the possession of the family of CORNPLANTER, and are most interesting historical memorials. Their preservation, in such manner as may be agreeable to the descendants of the Chief, is a matter of interest and solicitude to all persons who properly appreciate such materials of history.

Those who knew CORNPLANTER personally, had the greatest respect for him. Dr. IRVINE, of Brokenstraw, a son of General C. IRVINE, an intimate friend of the Chief, in a letter to me, says: "I frequently heard my father say, that CORNPLANTER was one of the most honest and truthful men he ever knew, whether white or red." Judge JOHNSON, of Warren, under whose direction this (CORNPLANTER) monument is erected, states to me, "so far as he was personally known to residents in this section of country, he was regarded as a living example of integrity, truthfulness, purity, temperance, fatherly affection for his tribe and race, and a generous Indian hospitality to all. He possessed the universal affection and veneration of his tribe and of all men who knew him."

Such was the life and career of CORNPLANTER; and such his character as shown from history, from the testimony of contemporaries, and of living witnesses. He died in this Indian village, (Jennesadaga,) on the 18th of February, 1836, aged about one hundred and five years.

This is no ordinary occasion. A great Commonwealth, by a solemn act of legislation, and by her agents here this day, honors the memory of the distinguished Indian Chief, whose mortal remains lie mouldering in this grave. We this day dedicate this monument to the memory of CORNPLANTER, an Indian Chief of the Seneca tribe and of the Six Nations--and may we, both white men and red men, and our children's children, as long as this beautiful river bears its waters to the ocean, venerate his memory and emulate his virtues.

ADDENDUM.

I have recently examined Mr. KETCHUM'S history of Buffalo and the Senecas. The _facts_ he presents corroborate the views I have presented of the character and services of CORNPLANTER. I am surprised, however, to notice that he expresses an _opinion_ adverse to our Chief. He does him great injustice when he says; "There is no doubt that CORNPLANTER was at heart in the British interest, up to the period of WAYNE'S victory in 1794." He also makes the extraordinary assertion, that CORNPLANTER acted in concert with BRANT, during the period of the Indian troubles in Ohio, after the Revolutionary war!

The contrary most clearly appears by the whole course of conduct of our Chief; as well as by his speeches, his letters and his participation in treaties. With BRANT, CORNPLANTER never was on friendly terms, and after the war of the Revolution, their policy, and even personal relations, were adverse and hostile. Mr. KETCHUM, himself, shows that there existed between these Chiefs "a personal dislike."

While CORNPLANTER was aiding WASHINGTON and his agents, Colonels PROCTOR and PICKERING, and others, to preserve peace with the hostile Indians of the west, and conciliate the Six Nations, BRANT was the agent of the British to keep up the war, and he even sent some of his warriors to join the enemy, when they took up the hatchet; he made his home with the British, and was in constant communication with Colonels GORDON and M'KEE, the commanders at Niagara and Detroit, and with other British officers.

The writer referred to adds the following: "As a warrior, whatever may be thought or said by whites, CORNPLANTER, in the estimation of the Indians who were their contemporaries, was the superior of BRANT. The Senecas were a nation of warriors; and it will be admitted that they did the most of the fighting for the Six Nations, during nearly two centuries of their history, with which we are conversant. From the time CORNPLANTER came on the stage, (and he entered upon the war path early,) down to the close of the Revolutionary war, he had no superior, and few equals as a warrior. His other qualifications will be judged by the record he has left in his speeches and letters, and in the archives of our State and National Government."--Vol. 1, p. 411.

I am content to let the personal and political character of our Chief be judged by the records thus referred to. And I think I have shown in this MEMORIAL, _from these records_, that CORNPLANTER was not only a distinguished warrior, statesman and orator, but that he was, after the close of the Revolutionary war, the active, faithful and devoted friend of the government and people of the United States. And that he also well deserves the inscription on the monument erected by Pennsylvania to his memory, "Distinguished for talent, courage, eloquence, sobriety and love for his tribe and race, to whose welfare he devoted his time, his energies and his means, during a long and eventful life."

There is one trait in the character of CORNPLANTER, not heretofore noticed, which is referred to by Colonel PROCTOR in his narrative, and which I think ought to be presented here. Colonel PROCTOR was sent by WASHINGTON, to visit CORNPLANTER, to engage him and other Chiefs, to go on an embassy of peace to the Western Indians. He traveled by way of Wyoming and the Susquehanna. I quote from his narrative, under the date of March 20, 1791.

"This day we set forward for Captain Waterman Baldwin's, above Wilkesbarre; arrived there in the evening, halted for him part of two days, as I had orders to take him with me to the residence of THE CORNPLANTER, at which place he was intended to act as instructor to the Indian youth, as also a director in the mode and management of agriculture, for the use and benefit of the Indians. This gentleman was made prisoner by CORNPLANTER during the late war, (Revolution,) _and was treated by him with remarkable tenderness, until legally exchanged_."

ADDRESSES

OF

JOHN LUKE AND STEPHEN S. SMITH.

The following addresses were then made by the Indians herein mentioned; they were translated by HARRISON HALFTOWN and BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, both Senecas. Mr. SNOWDEN took notes of these addresses, and has written them out as follows:

JOHN LUKE, a councillor of the Seneca nation, said: Brothers! White men and Indians:--It has been laid upon me to say a few words. We were well pleased when we heard that the State of Pennsylvania had directed that a monument should be put up to the memory of CORNPLANTER, at his grave. And we were pleased when word came to us that the white people and Indians should be here to-day to see the monument set in its proper place, and to hear what our white brothers should say on the occasion. We are thankful for what has been done by Pennsylvania, and for the good words we have heard this beautiful day. The occasion will long be remembered by us. This monument, more enduring than the wampum which our forefathers used to record events and keep them in remembrance, will remind us of the kindness of Pennsylvania to our great and good Chief, and keep bright the chain whose links have united us to the Quaker State even from the time of ONAS (WILLIAM PENN) to the present day. Brothers! THE CORNPLANTER was known to us to be an honest man, and without deceit, and we are glad to hear, by the words spoken this day, that our white brethren so regard him, and respect his memory. He made the treaties and speeches referred to this day, and I now say that it is proper that all the people should remember that every word that has been said, so far as I understand them, are words of truth. We always understood that CORNPLANTER desired his children, and his nation, to follow the example of the white people in cultivating the land. It lies upon our hearts that we should remember the words of THE CORNPLANTER.

Friendship was established between the red men and the white men by treaties, and we wish them to stand permanent. This is all I have to say in behalf of my people. Farewell!

STEPHEN S. SMITH, a Seneca Indian, and a Chief of the Six Nations, then rose and said: Friends and Brothers! We are grateful for what is done and said here this beautiful day. The sun shines upon us, and we are here as brothers to do honor to the memory of old CORNPLANTER. It is in accordance with the laws and customs of the Six Nations that the people should meet to commemorate the memory of the dead.

Brothers! We are now a feeble people in numbers and in power; our forefathers were strong and powerful. This is known to us, and it is grateful to our hearts to hear the history of the Six Nations described to us to-day. It is gratifying to us to hear the words we have heard this day, so true and plain, delivered by our brother, from Philadelphia, who so well depicted the life and character of CORNPLANTER. And here at his grave, where his bones are buried, it is our duty to remember his instructions to his people, to work, and also, to plant our land; and now it is our duty to prosecute that work as his children. Brothers! We have been told that the Indians are like the leaves which fall at this season of the year. The leaves do fall, but we live in hope that the next summer will bring them forth again. My wish is, that what remains of the Six Nations, and their children's children, should continue to live on the lands which they now own by means of reservations secured to them by the States of New York and Pennsylvania. I am not willing to see the day when these hills will no longer look down upon the cabins of our people. I hope they will live here, and on the New York reservations, neighbors of our friends, the white people, until we and they are called away unto the place of everlasting rest; where there is but one people, one mind and one tongue. I hope our children, to the remotest generations, will come here and look at this monument to old CORNPLANTER, and read what is inscribed upon it; and my desire is that the Indians of the Seneca nation should continue to live here, not only as long as this handsome monument stands, but as long as these hills and valleys remain, and the waters of the Allegheny mingle with the Ohio and Mississippi. And now, on behalf of my nation, I return thanks to the State of Pennsylvania, and to our white brethren present, for what has been so well done this day; and say to all farewell.

NOTE BY J. R. SNOWDEN.

The following is a brief statement of the present location and population of the Six Nations of Indians:

SENECAS.

1. Senecas on the Allegheny river, in Pennsylvania,
fifteen miles above Warren, at CORNPLANTER'S
town, (Jennesadaga.)
Population 80
Acres of land owned 300
2. Senecas on the Allegheny reservation, in New York,
a few miles above the Pennsylvania line.
Population about 900
Acres of land 26,600
3. Senecas on Cattaraugus reservation, in Erie and
Cattaraugus counties, New York.
Population about 1,700
Acres of land under cultivation 5,000
4. Senecas at Tonnawandas, in New York.
Population about 700
Acres of land 7,000

ONEIDAS.

1. Oneidas, in Oneida and Madison counties N. York.
Population about 250
Acres of land 400
2. The largest remnant of this tribe, (Oneidas,)
reside in Brown county, Wisconsin.
Population about 800
They possess a large body of land.

ONONDAGOS.

The residence of this tribe is about six miles
south of the city of Syracuse, in the State
of New York.
Population about 350
Acres of land owned 7,600

TUSCARORAS.

Their residence is about seven miles north-east
of Niagara Falls.
Population about 350
Acres of laud held by them 6,250

RECAPITULATION OF POPULATION.

Senecas 3,380
Oneidas 1,050
Onondagos 350
Tuscaroras 350
-----
Total 5,130

The present condition of these remnants of the Six Nations is quite respectable. In most of the reservations they have schools and places of public worship. Many of them belong to the Methodist and Baptist churches. The Chief of the Six Nations, STEPHEN S. SMITH, who made a speech at the inauguration of the CORNPLANTER monument, is a minister in the Baptist church. He is a man of intelligence and respectability, I here insert a letter I have recently received from him, which will doubtless be interesting to our readers.

"AKRON, N Y., _July 10, 1867_.

"DEAR SIR:--I am very desirous of obtaining a copy of the history of the life of CORNPLANTER. If you have a copy of the history that you spoke at the raising of the monument on the CORNPLANTER reservation last October, and will send it to me for the use and benefit of our young men, you will confer a favor upon me and them that I shall be most grateful to re-pay, when an opportunity is presented. And if you have a copy of the minutes of the addresses delivered that day, and taken by yourself, I should be most happy to receive a copy of the same also.

"If your noble State saw fit to appropriate money to fence the grave of the deceased CORNPLANTER, I shall be most happy to meet you there and assist you in surrounding the last resting place of our departed brother, with the respectful barricade furnished by a grateful people.

"I am sorry, that it is necessary, in speaking of our honored brother, JOHN LUKE, who was with us at the monument meeting last October, that he will be with us no more at our meetings this side of the setting sun. He took his departure for the great spiritual hunting ground last April.

"Yours truly,
"STEPHEN S. SMITH,
"_Chief of Six Nations_.

"TO JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN, Philadelphia."

An appropriation having been made for that object, by the Legislature at its last session, a substantial and appropriate fence was placed around the grave and monument of CORNPLANTER on the 20th of September, 1867. It consists of marble posts with carved caps; iron rails with chains and tassels, and presents a very handsome appearance.

In honor of the completion of the monument, and to express their thanks to the Great Spirit, and their gratitude to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and her agents, the Senecas had a "green corn feast," on the 23d, 24th and 25th of September. It was a great occasion, and was largely attended. Their ceremonies had relation not only to the completion of the monument, but to express their thanks to the Great Spirit for the abundant crops which have this year rewarded their agricultural labors. The erection of the CORNPLANTER monument, and the proceedings relating to it, have had an excellent and benign influence upon these Indians. A friend writes to me: "The natives are greatly pleased with all that has been done; they have better crops than usual, and act more civilized. These proceedings have increased their self-respect, and made an enduring mark upon their grateful hearts."

APPENDIX.

JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CORNPLANTER MONUMENT.

The Joint Resolution of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, authorizing the erection of the monument to CORNPLANTER, is in the following words:

WHEREAS, SOLOMON O'BAIL, a grandson of CORNPLANTER, an Indian, who rendered eminent services to the State and Nation, during the Revolutionary war and the early history of Pennsylvania, and MARK PIERCE, his interpreter, have just had a hearing before the Senate:

AND WHEREAS, A recognition of the eminent services of CORNPLANTER, is due from the government of Pennsylvania; therefore.

_Be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met_, That the State Treasurer shall pay to SOLOMON O'BAIL, the sum of five hundred dollars out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the further sum of five hundred dollars to SAMUEL P. JOHNSON, to be expended in erecting and enclosing a suitable monument in memory of CORNPLANTER.

(Signed)

JAMES E. KELLEY,

_Speaker of the House of Representatives_.

DAVID FLEMING,

_Speaker of the Senate_.

APPROVED--The twenty-fifth day of January, Anno Domini
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

A. G. CURTIN.

SPEECH OF CORNPLANTER,

TO PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, AT PHILADELPHIA, IN THE YEAR 1790.

Father! The voice of the Seneca nation speaks to you, the great councillor, in whose heart the wise men of all the Thirteen Fires have placed their wisdom. It may be very small in your ears, and we therefore entreat you to hearken with attention, for we are about to speak of things which are to us very great. When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, we called you the Town Destroyer; and to this day, when that name is heard, our women look behind them and turn pale, and our children cling to the necks of their mothers. Our councillors and warriors are men, and cannot be afraid; but their hearts are grieved with the fears of our women and children, and desire it may be buried so deep as to be heard no more. When you gave us peace, we called you father, because you promised to secure us in the possession of our lands. Do this, and so long as the lands shall remain, that beloved name shall live in the heart of every Seneca.

Father! We mean to open our hearts before you, and we earnestly desire that you will let us clearly understand what you resolve to do. When our Chiefs returned from the treaty at Fort Stanwix, and laid before our council what had been done there, our nation was surprised to hear how great a country you had compelled them to give up to you without your paying, to us, anything for it. Every one said that your hearts were yet swelled with resentment against us for what had happened during the war, but that one day you would re-consider it with more kindness. We asked each other, "What have we done to deserve such severe chastisement?"

Father! When you kindled your Thirteen Fires separately, the wise men assembled at them told us that you were all brothers, the children of one great father, who regarded, also, the red people as his children. They called us brothers, and invited us to his protection; they told us that he resided beyond the great water where the sun first rises; that he was a King, whose power no people could resist, and that his goodness was as bright as that sun. What they said went to our hearts, we accepted the invitation, and promised to obey him. What the Seneca nation promise they faithfully perform, and when you refused obedience to that King, he commanded us to assist his beloved men in making you sober. In obeying him, we did no more than yourselves had led us to promise. The men that claimed this promise told us you were children and had no guns; that when they had shaken you, you would submit. We hearkened to them, and were deceived, until your army approached our towns. We were deceived; but your people, in teaching us to confide in that King, helped to deceive us, and we now appeal to your heart--is the blame all ours?

Father! When we saw that we were deceived, and heard the invitation which you gave us to draw near to the fire which you had kindled, and talk with you concerning peace, we made haste towards it. You then told us that we were in your hand, and that by closing it you could crush us to nothing, and you demanded from us a great country as the price of that peace which you had offered us--as if our want of strength had destroyed our rights. Our Chiefs had felt your power, and were unable to contend against you, and they, therefore, gave up that country. What they agreed to has bound our nation, but your anger against us must by this time be cooled, and although our strength has not increased, nor your power become less, we ask you to consider calmly, were the terms dictated to us by your commissioners reasonable and just?

Father! Your commissioners, when they drew the line which separated the land then given up to you, from that which you agreed should remain to be ours, did most solemnly promise that we should be secured in the peaceable possession of the lands which we inhabited east and north of that line. Does this promise bind you?

Hear now, we beseech you, what has happened concerning that land. On the day in which we finished the treaty at Fort Stanwix, commissioners from Pennsylvania told our Chiefs that they had come there to purchase all the lands belonging to us within the lines of their State, and they told us that their line would strike the river Susquehanna, below Tioga Branch. They then left us to consider of the bargain till next day. On the next day, we let them know that we were unwilling to sell all the lands within their State, and proposed to let them have part of it, which we pointed out to them in their map. They told us that they must have the whole; that it was already ceded to them by the great King, at the time of making peace with you, and was _their own_; but they said that they would not take advantage of that, and were willing to pay us for it--after the manner of their ancestors. Our Chiefs were unable to contend at that time, and, therefore, they sold the lands up to the line which was then shown to them as the line of that State. What the commissioners had said about the land having been ceded to them at the peace, our Chiefs considered as intended only to lessen the price, and they passed it by with very little notice; but since that we have heard so much from others, about the right to our lands, which the King gave when you made peace with him, that it is our earnest desire that you will tell us what it means.

Father! Our nation empowered JOHN LIVINGSTON to let out part of our lands on rent, to be paid to us. He told us that he was sent by Congress to do this for us, and we fear he has deceived us in the writing he has obtained from us. For since the time of our giving that power, a man of the name of PHELPS has come among us, and claimed our whole country, northward of the line of Pennsylvania, under purchase from that LIVINGSTON, to whom he said he had paid twenty thousand dollars for it. He said, also, that he had bought, likewise, from the Council of the Thirteen Fires, and paid them twenty thousand dollars more for the same. And he said, also, that it did not belong to us, for the great King had ceded the whole of it when you made peace with him. Thus he claimed the whole country north of Pennsylvania, and west of the lands belonging to the Cayugas. He demanded it; he insisted on his demand, and declared that he would have it _all_. It was impossible for us to grant him this, and we immediately refused it. After some days, he proposed to run a line at a small distance east-ward of our western boundary, which we refused to agree to. He then threatened us with immediate war if we did not comply.

Upon this threat, our Chiefs held a council, and they agreed that no event of war could be worse than to be driven, with our wives and children, from the only country which we had any right to, and, therefore, weak as our nation was, they determined to take the chance of war, rather than submit to such unjust demands, which seemed to have no bounds. STREET, the great trader to Niagara, was then with us, having come at the request of PHELPS, and as he always professed to be our great friend, we consulted him upon this subject. He also told us that our lands had been ceded by the King, and that we must give them up.

Astonished at what we heard from every quarter, with hearts aching with compassion for our women and children, we were thus compelled to give up all our country north of the line of Pennsylvania, and east of the Genesee river, up to the fork, and east of a south line drawn from that fork to the Pennsylvania line.

For this land, PHELPS agreed to pay us ten thousand dollars in hand, and one thousand forever. He paid us two thousand dollars, and five hundred dollars in hand, part of the ten thousand, and he sent for us to come last spring and receive our money, but instead of paying us the remainder of the ten thousand, and the one thousand dollars due for the first year, he offered us no more than five hundred dollars, and insisted that he agreed with us for that sum, to be paid yearly. We debated with him for six days, during which time he persisted in refusing to pay us our just demand, and he insisted that we should receive the five hundred dollars; and STREET, from Niagara, also insisted on our receiving the money as it was offered to us. The last reason he assigned for continuing to refuse paying was, _that the King had ceded all the lands to the Thirteen Fires_, and that he had bought them from you, and _paid you for them_.

We could bear this confusion no longer; and determined to press through every difficulty, and lift up our voice that you might hear us, and to claim that security in the possession of our lands, which your commissioners promised us. And we now entreat you to inquire into our complaints, and redress our wrongs.

Father! Our writings were lodged in the hands of STREET, of Niagara, as we supposed him to be our friend; but when we saw PHELPS consulting with STREET, on every occasion, we doubted of his honesty towards us, and we have since heard that he was to receive, for his endeavors to deceive us, a piece of land ten miles in width, west of the Genesee river, and near forty miles in length, extending to Lake Ontario; and the lines of this tract have been run accordingly, although no part of it is within the bounds which limits his purchase. No doubt he meant to deceive us.

Father! You have said that we are in your hand, and that by closing it you could crush us to nothing. Are you determined to crush us? If you are, tell us so; that those of our nation who have become your children, and have determined to die so, may know what to do.

In this case, one Chief has said he would ask you to put him out of pain. Another, who will not think of dying by the hand of his father or his brother, has said he will retire to the Chatauque, eat of the fatal root, and sleep with his fathers in peace.

Before you determine on a measure so unjust, look up to God, who has made _us_ as well as _you_. We hope he will not permit you to destroy the whole of our nations.

Father! Hear our case; many nations inhabited this country, but they had no wisdom, and therefore they warred together. The Six Nations were powerful, and compelled them to peace; the lands, for a great extent, were given up to them, but the nations which were not destroyed, all continued on those lands, and claimed the protection of the Six Nations, as the brothers of their fathers. They were men, and when at peace, had a right to live on the earth. The French came among us and built Niagara; they became our fathers, and took care of us. Sir WILLIAM JOHNSON came and took that Fort from the French; he became our father, and promised to take care of us, and did so, until you were too strong for his King. To him we gave four miles around Niagara, as a place of trade. We have already said how we came to join against you; we saw that we were wrong; we wished for peace; you demanded a great country to be given up to you; it was surrendered to you, as the price of peace, and we ought to have peace, and possession of the little land which you then left us.

Father! When that great country was given up, there were but few Chiefs present, and they were compelled to give it up, and it is not the Six Nations, only, that reproach these Chiefs with having given up that county, the Chippewas, and all the nations who lived on those lands westward, call to us, and ask us "Brothers of our fathers, where is the place you have reserved for us to lie down upon?"

Father! You have compelled us to do that which has made us ashamed. We have nothing to answer to the children of the brothers of our fathers. When, last spring, they called upon us to go to war to secure them a bed to lie upon, the Senecas entreated them to be quiet, till we had spoken to you. But on our way down, we heard that your army had gone toward the country which those nations inhabit, and if they meet together, the best blood on both sides will stain the ground.

Father! We will not conceal from you that the Great God and not man has preserved THE CORNPLANTER from the hands of his own nation. For they ask continually "where is the land which our children, and their children after them, are to lie down upon." You to us say, that the line drawn from Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario would mark it forever on the east, and the line running from Buffalo creek to Pennsylvania would mark It on the west, and we see that it is not so. For first one, and then another, comes and takes it away by order of that people which you tell us promises to secure it to us. He is silent, for he has nothing to answer. When the sun goes down, he opens his heart before God, and earlier than that sun appears upon the hills he gives thanks for his protection during the night; for he feels that among men, become desperate by their danger, it is God only that can preserve him. He loves peace, and all that he had in store he has given to those who have been robbed by your people lest they should plunder the innocent to re-pay themselves. The whole season which others have employed in providing for their families, he has spent in his endeavors to preserve peace; at this moment his wife and children are lying on the ground, and in want of food; his heart is in pain for them, but he perceives that the Great God will try his firmness in doing what is right.

Father! The game which the Great Spirit sent into our country for us to eat is going from among us. We thought that he intended we should till the ground with the plough, as the white people do, and we talked to one another about it. But before we speak to you concerning this, we must know from you, whether you mean to leave us and our children any land to till. Speak plainly to us concerning this great business.

All the lands we have been speaking of belonged to the Six Nations, and no part of it ever belonged to the King of England, and he could not give it to you.

The land we live on, our fathers received from God, and they transmitted it to us for our children, and we cannot part with it.

Father! We told you that we would open our hearts to you. Hear us once more.

At Fort Stanwix, we agreed to deliver up those of our people who should do you any wrong, that you might try them, and punish them according to your law. We delivered up two men accordingly, but instead of trying them according to your laws, the lowest of your people took them from your magistrate and put them immediately to death. It is just to punish murder with death; but the Senecas will not deliver up their people to men who disregard the treaties of their own nation.

Father! Innocent men of our nation are killed one after another, and our best families; but none of your people who have committed the murders have been punished.

We recollect that you did not promise to punish those who killed our people, and we now ask, was it intended that your people should kill the Senecas, and not only remain unpunished by you, but be protected by you against the revenge of the next of kin?

Father! These are to us very great things. We know that you are very strong, and we have heard that you are wise, and we wait to hear your answer to what we said, that we may know that you are just.

ADDRESS

OF

PRESIDENT WASHINGTON TO CORNPLANTER, DEC. 29, 1790.

_The reply of the President of the United States, to the Speech of_
THE CORNPLANTER, HALF-TOWN _and_ GREAT TREE, _Chiefs
and Counsellors of the Seneka Nations of Indians_.

I, the President of the United States, by my own mouth, and by a written Speech, signed by own hand and sealed with the seal of the United States, speak to the Seneka nation, and desire their attention, and that they would keep this Speech in remembrance of the friendship of the United States.

I have received your Speech with satisfaction, as a proof of your confidence in the justice of the United States--and I have attentively examined the several objects which you have laid before me, whether delivered by your Chiefs at Tioga Point, in the last month, to Colonel PICKERING, or laid before me, in the present month, by THE CORNPLANTER, and the other Seneka Chiefs, now in Philadelphia.

In the first place, I observe to you, and I request it may sink deep in your minds, that it is my desire, and the desire of the United States, that all the miseries of the late war should be forgotten and buried forever. That in future the United States and the Six Nations should be truly brothers, promoting each other's prosperity by acts of mutual friendship and justice.

I am not uninformed that the Six Nations have been led into some difficulties with respect to the sale of their lands since the peace. But I must inform you that these evils arose before the present government of the United States was established, when the separate States and individuals under their authority, undertook to treat with the Indian tribes respecting the sale of their lands.

But the case is now entirely altered--the general government only has the power to treat with the Indian nations, and any treaty formed and held without its authority, will not be binding.

Here then is the security for the remainder of your lands.--No State, nor person, can purchase your lands, unless at some public treaty held under the authority of the United States. The general government will never consent to your being defrauded. But it will protect you in all your rights.

Hear well and let it be heard by every person in your nation, that the President of the United States declares, that the general government considers itself bound to protect you in all the lands secured you by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, the twenty-second of October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, excepting such parts as you may since have fairly sold to persons properly authorized to purchase of you.

You complain that JOHN LIVINGSTON and OLIVER PHELPS have obtained your lands, assisted by Mr. STREET, of Niagara, and they have not complied with their agreement.

It appears, upon inquiry of the Governor of New York, that JOHN LIVINGSTON is not legally authorized to treat with you, and that every thing he did with you has been declared null and void, so that you may rest easy on that account.

But it does not appear from any proofs yet in the possession of government, that OLIVER PHELPS has defrauded you.

If, however, you should have any just cause of complaint against him, and can make satisfactory proof hereof, the Federal Courts will be open to you for redress, as to all other persons.

But your great object seems to be the security of your remaining lands, and I have, therefore, upon this point, meant to be sufficiently strong and clear.

That in future you cannot be defrauded of your lands.--That you possess the right to sell, and the right of refusing to sell your lands.

That, therefore, the sale of your lands, in future, will depend entirely upon yourselves.

But that when you may find it for your interest to sell any parts of your lands, the United States must be present by their agent, and will be your security, that you shall not be defrauded in the bargain you may make.

It will, however, be important that before you make any farther sales of your land, that you should determine among yourselves who are the persons among you that shall give such conveyances thereof as shall be binding upon your nation, and forever preclude all disputes relative to the validity of the sale.

That, besides the before-mentioned security for your land, you will perceive by the law of Congress for regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes--the fatherly care the United States intend to take of the Indians. For the particular meaning of this law I refer you to the explanations given thereof by Colonel PICKERING, at Tioga, which, with the law, are herewith delivered to you.

You have said in your Speech, "That the game is going away from among you, and that you thought it the design of the Great Spirit that you till the ground;--but before you speak upon this subject, you want to know whether the United States means to leave you any land to till?"

You now know that the lands secured to you by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, excepting such parts as you may since have fairly sold, are yours, and that only your own acts can convey them away. Speak, therefore, your wishes on the subject of tilling the ground. The United States will be happy to afford you every assistance in the only business which will add to your numbers and happiness.

The murders which have been committed upon some of your people by the bad white men, I sincerely lament and reprobate, and I earnestly hope that the real murderers will be secured, and punished as they deserve. This business has been sufficiently explained to you here, by the Governor of Pennsylvania, and by Colonel PICKERING, on behalf of the United States, at Tioga.

The Senekas may be assured, that the rewards offered for apprehending the murderers will be continued until they are secured for trial, and that when they shall be apprehended, that they will be tried and punished as if they had killed white men.

Having answered the most material parts of your Speech, I shall inform you, that some bad Indians, and the outcast of several tribes who reside at the Miamee Village, have long continued their murders and depredations upon the frontiers lying along the Ohio. That they have not only refused to listen to my voice inviting them to peace, but that upon receiving it they renewed their incursions and murders with greater violence than ever. I have, therefore, been obliged to strike those bad people, in order to make them sensible of their madness. I sincerely hope they will hearken to reason, and not require to be further chastised. The United States desire to be the friends of the Indians, upon terms of justice and humanity.--But they will not suffer the depredations of the bad Indians to go unpunished.

My desire is that you would caution all the Senekas and Six Nations, to prevent their rash young men from joining the Miamee Indians.--For the United States cannot distinguish the tribes to which bad Indians belong, and every tribe must take care of their own people.

The merits of THE CORNPLANTER, and his friendship for the United States, are well known to me, and shall not be forgotten, and as a mark of the esteem of the United States, I have directed the Secretary of War to make him a present of two hundred and fifty dollars, either in money or goods, as THE CORNPLANTER shall Like best--and he may depend upon the future continued kindness of the United States;--and I have also directed the Secretary of War to make suitable presents to the other Chiefs present in Philadelphia;--and also, that some further tokens of friendship to be forwarded to the other Chiefs, now in their nation.

Remember my words, Senekas--continue to be strong in your friendship for the United States, as the only rational ground of your future happiness, and you may rely upon their kindness and protection.

An agent shall soon be appointed to reside in some place convenient to the Senekas and Six Nations. He will represent the United States. Apply to him on all occasions.

If any man brings you evil reports of the intentions of the United States, mark that man as your enemy, for he will mean to deceive you and lead you into trouble. The United States will be true and faithful to their engagements.

Given under my Hand and the Seal of the United States, at Philadelphia, this twenty-ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and in the fifteenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States.

GO. WASHINGTON

BY THE PRESIDENT:
TH. JEFFERSON.

SPEECH OF CORNPLANTER,

IN REPLY TO PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S ADDRESS.

Father:--Your speech, written on the great paper, is to us like the first light of the morning to a sick man, whose pulse beats too strongly in his temples and prevents him from sleep. He sees it and rejoices, but is not cured. You say that you have spoken plainly on the great point. That you will protect us in the lands secured to us at Fort Stanwix, and that we have the right to _sell_, or to _refuse_ to sell it. This is very good. But our nation complain that you compelled us at that treaty to give up too much of our lands. We confess that our nation is bound by what was there done; and acknowledging your power, we have now appealed to yourselves against that treaty, as made while you were too angry at us, and therefore unreasonable and unjust. To this you have given us no answer.

Father! That treaty was not made with a single State--it was with the Thirteen States. We never would have given all that land to one State. We know it was before you had the great authority, and as you have more wisdom than the commissioners who forced us into that treaty, we expect that you have also more regard to justice, and will now, at our request, re-consider that treaty, and restore to us a part of that land.

Father! The land which lies between the line running south from Lake Erie to the boundary of Pennsylvania, as mentioned at the treaty at Fort Stanwix, and the eastern boundary of the land which you sold, and the Senecas confirmed to Pennsylvania, is the land in which Half Town and all his people live, with other Chiefs who always have been and still are dissatisfied with the treaty at Fort Stanwix. They grew out of this land, and their fathers grew out of it, and they cannot be persuaded to part with it. We, therefore, entreat you to restore to us this little piece.