American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
|
1792.] |
235 |
That we have, also, lately, allowed the Five Nations, to wit: the Senecas,
Cayugas, Oneidas, including the Stockbridge tribe, Onondagas, and Tuscaroras,
the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, annually.
That the United States are highly desirous of imparting to all the Indian tribes the blessings of civilization, as the only mean of perpetuating them on the earth.
That we are willing to be at the expense of teaching them to read and write, to plough, and to sow, in order to raise their own bread and meat, with certainty, as the white people do.
In short, that the United States, willing to believe that the conduct of the hostile Indians hitherto, has been more the effect of misrepresentation of bad people, than any hardened malignity of the human heart, are desirous of forgetting and burying deep forever, all the evils which have passed, and to administer such good things to the said Indians, as will make them rejoice forever, at the annual return of the day on which they may conclude a treaty with the United States.
You will inform the hostile Indians, that these sentiments are not the offspring of the defeat of the 4th of November last; but that they arise from the purest desires to avoid the further effusion of blood.
That our dispositions for peace are not the consequence of any apprehensions of the issue of the war, may be made apparent to the Indians by a comparison of the strength and resources of the United States and the Indians.
That we entertained these dispositions for peace early in the last year, and attempted to send various messengers accordingly, but who were prevented by unforeseen circumstances.
The Senecas, whom Colonel Procter persuaded to accompany him to the Miami village, will be a good witness to the truth of this; as will Captain Hendricks, the chief of the Stockbridge Indians, who also made considerable progress in his journey, but was stopped at the Grand river, north of lake Erie.
Two persons were engaged, in January last, to repair to the Miami village, and actually proceeded as far as Niagara, where they were stopped- their business not being known.
|
February 10th. |
Brigadier General Wilkinson was directed, as you will particularly observe by the extract (A) of my letter, herewith delivered, to intimate, by himself and Major Hamtramck, our desire for peace.
Doctor Brown was chosen to repair to the Miami village, for this purpose, and it is probable that he is on his mission accordingly.
Major Hamtramck, in his letter of the 31st of March, a copy of which you have delivered you, states, that, besides making peace with the Wea and Eel River Indians, he has despatched agents to most of the hostile Indians west of the Wabash and Omee rivers.
You have, also, herewith delivered you, copies of the instructions to Major Trueman, and the speech with which he was charged to the hostile Indians, dated the 3d of April. Every thing which can be effected by an ardent zeal, may be expected from the major's mission; and you will please to confide in, and employ him in your business, agreeably to my letter to him, herewith delivered to you.
The chiefs of the Five Nations who were lately in this city, have agreed to repair to the Great Council about being held. They departed this city, apparently well impressed with the justice and humanity of the United States, and stipulated to use their highest exertions to effect a peace.
Colonel Louis _____, of the Caynawagas, also came here to inform the Government that the Seven Castles, so called, in Canada, had been invited to the council to be held at the Miami river of lake Erie. He being also convinced of the justice of the United States, promised to use his influence towards a peace.
Captain Hendrick Aupauniut, chief of the Stockbridge Indians, and his brother, have also gone specially charged to prepare the way for your reception, and to meet you at fort Jefferson. His instructions you have also delivered to you.
The recital of these several measures are made, in order to show you that the business is in a considerable degree matured.
I have written to Mr. John Heckenwelder, of Bethlehem, to accompany you, which he has promised to do, but he cannot set out from Bethlehem, until the 25th instant; but he will probably overtake you at Pittsburg or Marietta. This person superintended one of the Moravian towns in the Muskingum, and has a general acquaintance with, and influence over, the Wyandots and Delawares.
Much good may be expected from the agreement made by Major Hamtramck with the Wabash Indians. It is hoped it will be a happy introduction to a general peace. Their influence and agency may be expected with the other Indians; and you may obtain from them escorts and messengers to the hostile Indians.
You have herewith delivered to you an invoice of Indian goods, at fort Washington, and an order for the same. These goods, or part thereof, may be presented to the Wabash Indians, who have agreed with Major Hamtramck, provided it should be the joint judgment of Brigadier General Wilkinson and yourself, but under such restrictions as to preclude all abuses.
Besides these goods, you have delivered you twenty sets of silver ornaments for such of the principal chiefs as shall come to a pacific agreement, and also nose and ear jewels.
Besides the above, a further provision of goods will be made immediately, and forwarded to fort Pitt, to a considerable amount; the disposition of which will be hereafter directed.
your first great object, upon meeting the Indians, will be to convince them that the United States require none of their lands.
The second, that we shall guaranty all that ___ (illeg. copy) and take the Indians under our protection.
Thirdly. They must agree to a truce, and immediately to call in all their war parties. It will be in vain to be negotiating with them while they shall be murdering the frontier citizens.
Having happily effected a truce, founded on the above assurances, it will then be your primary endeavor to obtain from each of the hostile and neighboring tribes two of the most respectable chiefs, to repair to the seat of the Government, and there conclude a treaty with the President of the United States, in which all causes of difference should be buried forever.
You will give the chiefs every assurance of personal protection while on their journey to Philadelphia, and, should they insist upon it, hostages of officers for the safe return of the chiefs, and, in case of their compliance, you will take every precaution by the troops for the protection of the said chiefs, which the nature of the case may require.
But if, after having used your utmost exertions, the chiefs should decline the journey to Philadelphia, then you will agree with them on a plan for a general treaty.
In considering upon this plan, perhaps Pittsburg, or its vicinity, would be as proper a place as could be decided upon. Provisions could be procured in abundance, and it would be the point to which the goods could be easily transported.
In this event, it will be necessary that I should be informed by the earliest opportunity, in order that the principles of, and arrangements for, the treaty, should be fixed.
It will also be of the highest importance that you keep General Wayne constantly informed of your progress and prospects, as his movements will be governed by your information.
As it may be necessary for you to conciliate some chiefs by money, and also obtain runners, you have delivered you a warrant on the treasurer for one thousand dollars, for which you will be held accountable.
Of all your disbursements, either of money or goods, you will keep fair accounts, supported by vouchers, in all possible cases, or of witnesses as evidence of the delivery of goods.
As this will be considered as an extra service from your military employment, your expenses will be paid by the public; and, if you succeed in effecting a peace, you are hereby promised, in behalf of the United States, a handsome pecuniary reward.
in case any accident should happen to you, while employed in this mission, you may rest assured the Government will make a suitable provision for your family.
It has been conceived, that were you to repair to fort Washington, and thence to fort Jefferson, you would, more readily than from any other point, find a communication with the hostile Indians. Upon a nearer approach,
American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
|
1792.] |
239 |
to you in a former letter, tells me that Kaweshatta is a very sensible man;
that the British account him the best speaker among all the Indian nations;
that he is the greatest chief, and has more influence than any other man in the
Wabash country; that when he, Mr. Wells, left Eel river, in June last, this
chief was gone to the council on the Omee; but Mr. Wells thinks he is disposed
for peace, although he declined to come down to the Post when invited by Major
Hamtramck. He has two sisters, and other relations among the prisoners, and Mr.
Wells thinks there is no doubt but on this message he will come down. Through
the influence of this man, I am yet in some hopes to be admitted to speak with
their high mightinesses the Shawanese, and other hostile chiefs.
|
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
|
Major General KNOX, Secretary of War.
__________
From the same to the same.
|
FORT WASHINGTON, 22d July, 1792. |
SIR:
Jean Krouch, the principal Wea chief, who arrived here the 3d instant with Mr. Vego, on a visit to his family, died on the 16th. The prisoners I mentioned in my letter of the 14th instant, having made their escape from the Indians, and being then at fort Hamilton, have since arrived here; and by the information they give, especially Schaffer, whose deposition General Wilkinson forwards to you by this conveyance, there is the highest reason to believe, that Freeman, Trueman, and Hardin, are all murdered, with all the people who went with them, except one, who they considered as a servant, or person of no consequence, and for that reason spared. And if the squaw told true, it appears that Trueman must be murdered by order of the council, as a confirmation of their resolution not to make peace. When I add to this the circumstance that I hear nothing of Captain Hendrick, I conclude the Indians met on the Omee, or Tawa river, have rejected the overtures made them by the United States, in the several speeches sent to them; and that the prospect of my speaking with them through the channel first proposed, is now at an end. That, from the information received from the Wabash, mentioned in my former letters, together with the information received form Mr. Wells, the interpreter, and the two old Wea men, who came with Jean Krouch on a visit to their families, I conceive there is very little reason to expect any more of the chiefs form that quarter; or if any should arrive, it will be only such as have relations among the prisoners, who are of the inferior grades, and a treaty with them will be of no consequence; wherefore, I conceive that my tarrying here much longer, can be of no service whatever, except to receive your further orders, which I should certainly wait for, or return up the river, but for the following reasons, viz: It appearing highly probably that the principal chiefs from nearly all the Western tribes, with a great number of warriors, and others, may be collected at Post Vincent, if the business is seasonably attended to, that by a proper management, there is a prospect that most, if not all the Western tribes, may be detached form those nations who have originated the war, and return to, or be kept in a state of peace. That this is the only remaining channel by which there is the least prospect of my being able to speak with the more hostile tribes. That it is essential to the success of the business, that these Western Indians be met as soon as possible; at all events, before their hunting season commences. That, if the day should not be fixed on, and the Indians advertised of it, without waiting your further orders, so much time will probably elapse before an answer to my letters on this subject, or any orders in consequence of them, can arrive in this quarter, as may render the whole business abortive.
For these reasons, sir, I have been induced to form the resolution of going to Post Vincent, for the purpose of holding a treaty with the Western tribes, about the 20th of September, and shall take measures to have them invited to meet there for the purpose about that time.
Having communicated my resolution to General Wilkinson, and requested that an escort might be provided, and other arrangements made to enable me to prosecute the object, he has very politely assured me, that he "shall, with the utmost alacrity, make every practicable exertion for the accommodation of the movement."
I propose to leave this with Indian goods, Indian prisoners, &c. about the 15th of August. This delay is partly on the idea of a bare possibility that Captain Hendrick, or some other messengers of peace, may yet arrive from the north, and partly from the probability that some new orders may arrive from the War Office, as I find by some letters from Pittsburg, that you have been advertised of the murder of Trueman, and by a Pittsburg paper, I find Mr. Brandt has been with you in Philadelphia.
I hope that an answer to my letters respecting the business of the Wabash Indians, will arrive before the time proposed for holding the treaty; in which case, if Major Hamtramck is appointed commissioner, I shall feel myself perfectly satisfied in being excused, and, at the same time, shall cheerfully afford him all the assistance in my power. But if I should be disappointed, and no further instructions or commission arrive, I shall, notwithstanding, prosecute the business of a truce, or peace, as far as circumstances and my present instructions will warrant me.
|
I have the honor to be, with the highest possible
esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
|
Major General KNOX, Secretary of War.
__________
Indian Speech to General Putnam, and his answer.
The following speech was delivered by one of
the Wea men to General Putnam, at fort Washington, July 19th, 1792:
COMPANION, OR CONFIDENT FRIEND:
I call you so, because brothers may sometimes differ, but companions never do. I am no chief, nor do I know well how to speak. This man (pointing to one sitting by) is a chief, but not a great chief; nor can he speak. The man who is dead was a chief, but not the greatest chief, and could speak well.
I fear these women and children will all die, if they remain here much longer. I pray you will take us along to the O. Post as soon as possible. I fear very few of our chiefs, if any, will come to this place; but a great many chiefs will meet you there, who can speak well. I pray, therefore, that you will go along with us to the O. Post as soon as possible.- [A string of wampum with two branches.]
On the 20th of July, General Putnam made the following speech in answer to the foregoing:
BROTHER:
You call me confident friend, which name is very good, but I wish us to retain the name of brother, since we were born on one island, and are of one family. 'Tis true, brothers sometimes differ, yet they soon unite again.
BROTHER: I feel very sorry for the loss of your chief, who was a great man, and a good speaker, and who was to transact the business between you and me. You spoke to me yesterday with tears in your eyes; yet I understood you. I can't say all to you at this time that I wish to say; but when our mourning shall have ceased a little, I shall be able to speak cheerfully.
BROTHER: I wish to make you happy in every respect; your women and children are under my care and protection, and I am making the necessary arrangements for our journey to the O. Post, where I hope and expect to see all your chiefs and great men, there to consult on, and make a lasting, peace between the Indian tribes inhabiting the Wabash country, and the people of the United States (or the Thirteen Great Fires.)
In thirty days I shall be ready to set out with you.- [A string of wampum of two branches.]
American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
|
1792.] |
319 |
|
2d CONGRESS.] |
No. 30. |
[2d SESSION. |
SPANISH INTERFERENCE WITH THE CREEKS.
COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE 7TH, AND TO THE SENATE ON THE 21ST NOVEMBER, 1792
Gentlemen of the Senate
and of the
House of Representatives
I lay before you copies of certain papers relative to the Spanish interference in the execution of the treaty entered into, in the year 1790, between the United States and the Creek nation of Indians, together with a letter from the Secretary of State to the President of the United States on the same subject.
|
GEO. WASHINGTON. |
UNITED STATES, November 7, 1792.
NOTE. The papers referred to are inserted in No. 63, "Foreign Relations," Vol. 1.
_____________________________________
|
2d CONGRESS.] |
No. 31. |
[2d SESSION. |
WABASH AND ILLINOIS TRIBES.
COMMUNICATED TO THE SENATE, NOVEMBER 8, 1792.
|
WAR DEPARTMENT, 8th November, 1792. |
SIR:
The President of the United States has directed me to inform the honorable the Senate, that, yesterday afternoon an express arrived, with information from Major Hamtramck, dated at Post Vincennes, on the 4th of October, that Brigadier General Putnam, who then was sick, had, on the 27th day of September, concluded a treaty of peace with the Wabash and Illinois Indians, consisting of the following tribes, to wit: Eel river Indians, Ouiatanons, Pattawatamies of the Illinois river, Musquitoes, the Kickapoos of the Wabash, Piankeshaws, Kaskaskias, and Peorians; and that Brigadier General Putnam was to forward to the hostile Indians, by certain chiefs of the Wabash, the messages, of which copies are herewith submitted.
Lieutenant Prior also writes, on the sixteenth ultimo, from Louisville, on the Ohio, that he has arrived there with sixteen chiefs of the Wabash Indians, who are proceeding to Philadelphia by the way of Pittsburg.
|
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect,
your most ob't humble servant,
|
The Honorable the PRESIDENT of the Senate of the United States.
________
The Speech of Rufus Putnam, Agent to General Washington, for the purpose of
treating with the Indians North-
west of the Ohio, and concluding a peace with the same.
BROTHERS of the Delawares, Shawanese, Miamies, Wyandotts, and all other tribes inhabiting the country on the
Miami and Sandusky rivers, and on the lake:
The Great Chief of the United States, General Washington, has sent, since early in the spring, messages of peace to you; and I, who have come from this Great Chief and his council, more than four months ago, have also sent a speech to you for that purpose.
BROTHERS: After waiting a long time for your answer, and not receiving any; I was encouraged to speak to the nations on the Wabash and Illinois rivers, and finding their ears open, I held a treaty with them at Tshubhicking, (Post Vincennes) where we have buried the hatchet; wiped off all the stains of blood; and concluded a firm and everlasting peace.
BROTHERS: I believe, were you but once agreed to hear what I have to say to you, and should meet, see, and hear me, you would find that it would be for your good. As long as we don't see and hear one another, but listen to the singing birds, which fly to and fro, we are carried away with every story, and not only remain strangers to one another, but enemies also.
BROTHERS: Open your ears to the truth. I speak from my heart, not with my lips only. I wish to see you happy. I wish a peace established between you and the United States. I wish to see your women and children go to rest without fear, and your young men become industrious hunters, so that you all, young and old, may live comfortably.
BROTHERS: All this can be the case if you choose it. The United States don't mean to wrong you out of your lands. They don't want to take away your lands by force. They want to do you justice.
Now, Brothers, I send you this my speech by some of those who have been here at this treaty. They have seen and heard me, and are witnesses to all that has passed between us, and they will tell you the truth.
BROTHERS: When you have heard my speech, and all that my messengers have to say to you, I desire your wise men to consider it well. The great and good spirit will then convince them of the good intentions of the United States, and that the road is yet open to them to become a happy people.
BROTHERS: I desire you to send some of your wise men with my messengers to meet me at the mouth of Muskingum, that we may see one another, and speak together, before I return again to our Great Chief, General Washington. I shall direct every thing so that you will have nothing to fear. Arise then, come and see me, and let us shake hands with one another. [A belt.]
POST VINCENNES, Oct. 5th, 1792.
________
In addition to the above speech, of Brigadier General Putnam, the following was addressed to the Delawares, in particular, viz: the Delaware chiefs and captains, Walendauwechen, Pachgantschihillas, Huchingwe, Pushees, Captain Pipe, &c.
BROTHERS: I am come from Bethlehem to assist in establishing a peace between you and the United States. You know I have lived with you many years, and love you. I sincerely wish your nation well and happy.
American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
320 |
INDIAN AFFAIRS. |
[1792. |
BROTHERS: The Great Chief who has spoke to you is a good man; he loves you, and
will always speak the truth to you; I wish you to listen to his words, and do
as he desires you. If you do so, you will find it will be good for your women
and children.
BROTHERS: It is true many things have happened which were bad; but these things were the consequences of the war.
BROTHERS: I desire you not to look to what has passed, but to come forth and speak to this Great Chief, who will, with your assistance, remove all that is bad, and make every thing clear and light again. Rise, therefore, and don't lost this fine opportunity. Consider your nation; you are their wise men; they look to you to do what is good.
BROTHERS: If you come to the mouth of Muskingum, I shall see you and assist you in your business.
|
JOHN HECKEWELDER. |
POST VINCENNES, October 5, 1792.
__________
General Putnam's speech to the Indians, inviting a deputation to Philadelphia.
BROTHERS: I thank the Great Spirit, who has inclined our hearts to do good, and to establish a good peace between you and the United States.
BROTHERS: Let us endeavor to restore peace and happiness to all, as far as lies in our power, and for this purpose I request that you will send a speech to your neighbors, Miamies, Delawares, Shawanese, and other tribes, who have hitherto stopped their ears, and refused to speak with the United States about peace; although many speeches have been sent to them for that purpose.
BROTHERS: I propose to send one speech more, requesting them to open a road to some place or other, where we may meet and speak to one another; and I trust, with your assistance, that the Great Spirit will cause the good work to succeed.
BROTHERS: Our Great Chief, General Washington, is very desirous to see a number of your chiefs; to take them by the hand, and smoke the pipe of peace with them, at his council fire- there to brighten the chain of friendship, and personally convince them of the goodness of his heart, and show how strong he and all the great chiefs of the United States hold you.
BROTHERS: If you agree that one or two chiefs from each tribe should visit the Great Chief, General Washington, as I propose, I shall provide for every expense of the journey, and a safe convoy and accommodation, both going and returning. The route will be from here to the falls of the Ohio, by land, thence by water to Pittsburg, and from thence by land to Philadelphia.
BROTHERS: If you listen to me in this, I have no doubt but you will find the interest and happiness of your tribes greatly increased, by the good things which the Great Chiefs will do further for you.
BROTHERS: I wish you to take my words into consideration, and return me an answer as soon as you have determined.
_____________________
|
2d CONGRESS.] |
No. 32. |
[2d SESSION. |
SOUTHERN TRIBES.
COMMUNICATED TO THE SENATE, NOVEMBER 15, 1792.
|
WAR DEPARTMENT, November, 15th 1792. |
SIR:
I have the honor to submit to the honorable the Senate, by order of the President of the United States, an extract of a letter from James Seagrove Esq, temporary agent to the Creek Nation, dated the 28th ultimo, containing further information relative to Indian affairs in the Southern department.
|
I have the honor to be, sir, with perfect respect,
your most obedient servant |
THE PRESIDENT of the Honorable the Senate of the United States.
_______
Extract of a letter from James Seagrove, Esq. to the Secretary of War, dated
|
ST. MARY'S, 28th October, 1792. |
My last respect were under date of the 17th instant, per the sloop Polly, via Savannah. Since then, I have received frequent accounts from the Creek nation, all of which are favorable for our country.
The greatest part of the chiefs, and many of their people, are on their way to me. In four days from this time, I expect part of them in.
Yesterday, my interpreter, Mr. Bryant, arrived from the nation, and brought me a letter from General McGillivray, a copy of which I now enclose. I know not how you may like this letter of the General's; I confess it does not by any means please me. It is, however, as I expected; that, if matters did not succeed to the wish of his Spanish friends, that we should see him back in the nation, acting with the same duplicity he ever hath done. His pretensions as to being the means of bringing the Indians to meet me at this time, are fallacious, as on a review of matters will plainly appear.
The Cowetas and Cussetahs were the first to request it, at the Rock Landing, in July last. At that time, he was not in the nation, and his absence since must have prevented, not having had any intercourse with the people. Their different talks to me, plainly show it was their own act. The favorable change of sentiment, as well as conduct of the Creek nation, since his absence, is conspicuous in a great degree. Would to God he had continued a few months longer with his friends in West Florida; but no, that would not answer their purpose; he is sent back to distract our measures, and, if possible, prevent any thing being done. His assertions with respect to the Indians being averse to running the line, are absolutely false. I am confident that all those interested in the event, are anxious to have it done, which doubtless you have observed in their communications with me.
Unfortunate man! I really pity him. He must now feel severe stings for his want of integrity to the United States, and gratitude to his benefactors, and is extremely hard driven to keep his head above water, and carry on his scene of deception toward them.
I have reason to dread that he comes determined to undermine and injure our cause all in his power; but I hope the Indians are, or will be convinced, that the United States are their best friends, and will not be led by him.
Observe again, we have his frivolous excuse, want of horses to attend our meeting. It is saying very little for his influence or consequence in the nation, that he cannot command a horse to ride. He can find plenty for any
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