Return to Def

Return to Def. Ex. 96, Part 10.
Return to page 341.
Return to page 349.
Return to page 350.

American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.

1793.]

359

Letter to Major General Wayne, Fort Washington.

FORT ERIE, 23d August, 1793.

SIR:

We are on our return home from the mouth of Detroit river, where we lay four weeks, waiting for the Indians to close their private councils at the Rapids of the Miami, that we might all remove to Sandusky, and open the treaty. But, after sending repeated deputations to us, to obtain answers to particular questions, they finally determined not to treat at all. This final answer we received on the 16th instant, when we immediately began to embark to recross Lake Erie.

Although we did not effect a peace, yet we hope that good may hereafter arise from the mission.
The tranquillity of the country Northwest of the Ohio, during the (supposed) continuance of the treaty, evinced your care of our safety, and we could not leave this quarter, without returning you our unfeigned thanks.

We are, sir, yours, &c.

B. L.
B. R.
T. P.

Letter to General Knox.

ON LAKE ERIE, 21st August, 1793.

SIR:

The Indians have refused to make peace. We have not been admitted to an interview with them, except by their deputations. The transactions with the first deputation at Niagara have been transmitted to you. Immediately afterwards we returned to fort Erie, and embarked for the mouth of Detroit river, where we arrived on the 21st July, and expected in a few days to receive notice from the Indians that they were ready to meet us at Sandusky. Captain Matthew Elliot, Colonel McKee's assistant, at whose house we were furnished with quarters, was at home, waiting for a wind to sail to the Miami. He departed the next morning, taking a letter from us to Colonel McKee, advising him of our arrival, and requesting that our meeting with the Indians might be hastened.

On the 29th, Elliot returned with another deputation of Indians, at the head of which were Packonchehelas, head warrior of the Delawares, Kakiapalathy, head warrior of the Shawanese, and Sâ-wâgh-dà-wunk, who is said to be the head-man of the Wyandots. The next day, they presented a written message, in the name of the confederacy, demanding an explicit answer to this question: "Are you fully authorized by the United States, to continue and firmly to fix on the Ohio river, as the boundary between your people and ours?" The next day we answered the question explicitly; previously stating the reasons why the United States could not now make the Ohio the boundary. We also mentioned the principal concessions, and the ample compensations we were ready to make, and stipulate, expressing the prompt and annual compensations, not in precise sums, but in terms which we thought would forcibly strike them with ideas of their magnitude. The next morning they met us, and after making some observations on the subject, said they would lay our speech before their warriors. The speaker indeed told us we might go home; but this seemed to be a mistake, and contrary to what our interpreters heard other chiefs say, as they sat in this council. As soon as the speaker had done, Captain Elliot spoke to the Shawanese chief, mentioning the mistake; and explanation took place, and we were desired to remain where we were for an answer; this we requested to have forwarded without delay.

On the 8th of August, two of Captain Hendricks' men arrived to obtain some necessaries; by their information there seemed to be a fair prospect of peace. Some Munsees and Chippewas, who arrived the 9th, confirmed their account. On the 11th some Senecas arrived; they had come from the council by the way of Detroit, in order to go home, most of them being sick; their information corresponded with the former, in respect to all the nations, except the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese, and Miamies, who remained obstinate; yet, they said, that even of these nations, near one half were for peace. They said, also, that the Six Nations, including Captain Brandt and his Mohawks, held fast together, and strongly urged the hostile nations to make peace.

We find that our speech of July 31st was well understood, having been interpreted to the Shawanese, &c. by Colonel McKee, to the Six Nations, by Captain Brandt, and to the Delawares, &c. by Captain Hendricks.

Having waited till the 12th of August without receiving an answer, we proposed going, in the vessel assigned for our use, to the Miami Bay, or to the mouth of the Miami river, that we might with more ease and expedition, communicate with the Indian council; but this we were not permitted to do. So, the next day, we sent two runners, of the Six Nations, (a few being with us) with a letter to Colonel McKee, a written message to the Indian council, and verbal messages to Captain Brandt and Captain Hendricks, to advise them of the written one. The object of the letter and messages, was to obtain a decisive answer from the Indian council, whether a treaty was to be held or not, and to bring the business to a speedy issue.

On Friday, the 16th, in the afternoon, two Wyandot runners arrived, with a final answer from the Indian council. We made, immediately a short reply, and began to embark our effects. On Saturday morning, we completed the embarkation of our stores and baggage, and in the afternoon sailed for fort Erie.

On Friday evening our own two runners returned. According to their information, the Six Nations knew nothing of the contents of the final answer of the Indian council. Their names are not subscribed to it. They had heard, indeed, of an answer, but were told it was to invite the commissioners to meet the Indian nations on the Miamies (instead of Sandusky) about five miles below the Rapids, to which place the Six Nations proposed to remove, the day or the day after our runners left them. From the same information, it seemed probable that the Six Nations were not made acquainted with our written message of the 13th, nor the letter to Colonel McKee; so we made our copies of them, of the final answer of the Indians, and of our last reply, and on Saturday morning sent them off by our runners, with directions to deliver them to Captain Brandt, and to inform the other Six Nation chiefs thereof. A letter was also written to Hendricks, referring him, for information, to those copies. We verbally directed the runners to tell those chiefs to be of good heart, and to assure them of the strong and unalterable friendship of the United States for the Six Nations.

We had thought it a matter of no small moment, that the chiefs of the Six Nations should be seen and consulted, on their return from the Miami; and our runners told us that the chiefs wished us to stay for them at Buffalo creed. This did not seem expedient; but we directed the runners to tell them, that, on their return, General Chapin would meet them at any place which they should appoint, and, without delay, transmit their information, and the result of their deliberations, to the President.

Enclosed is a copy of our letter to General Wayne; we shall send the same to him by other conveyances, and all by the way of Fort Pitt. We have written to the commanding officer there, desiring him to give Major Craig, to whose care we shall send all the letters for General Wayne, every requisite aid in forwarding them, and we have also written to the commanding officer at Fort Franklin to afford his aid in conveying them, by land and by water, to Major Craig. In all these intermediate letters, we have mentioned the fact, simply, "that the Western Indians refused to make peace." We have desired Major Craig to forward the first letter to General Wayne, in that way which shall promise the utmost speed and certainty, sparing no expense to effect it, and the others in succession, one by one, as fast as conveyances shall present; but, we added, that, if you should have given any orders about the conveyance of our letters to General Wayne, he was to observe them.

If the wind had permitted, we should have set Sylvester Ash ashore at Presqu'Isle, and prepared letters accordingly to go by him. He will now proceed from Buffalo creek. We expect General Chapin will procure two Seneca runners, to go with him as far as Fort Franklin: from thence he will proceed, by land or by water, as he and the commanding officer shall think best. But, whichever route he pursues, we have desired the commanding officer to send some trusty Indians by the other, to afford the greater certainty of conveyance. We enclose him duplicate letters for Major Craig and General Wayne, for that purpose.

American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.

564

INDIAN AFFAIRS.

[1795.

Extract of a letter from Major General Anthony Wayne to the Secretary of War, dated Head Quarters, Greenville

9th August, 1795.

It is with infinite pleasure I now inform you, that a treaty of peace between the United States of America and all the late hostile tribes of Indians northwest of the Ohio, was unanimously and voluntarily agreed to, and cheerfully signed, by all the sachems and war chiefs of the respective nations, on the 3d, and exchanged on the 7th instant.

____________

Minutes of a Treaty with the tribes of Indians called the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pattawatamies, Miamies, Eel River, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and Kaskaskias, begun at Greenville, on the 16th day of June, and ended on the 10th day of August, 1795.

A considerable number of Delawares, Ottawas, Pattawatamies, and Eel River Indians, having arrived at Greenville since the beginning of June, General Wayne caused them to be assembled together on Tuesday, the 16th, and, for the first time, met them in general council. They were presented with and smoked the calumet of peace; after which the General arose, and addressed them as follows:

I take you all by the hand as brothers, assembled for the good work of peace. I thank the Great Spirit for this glorious sun, (who appears to rejoice at our meeting) and for permitting so many of us to assemble here this day, the first of that moon appointed for holding the intended treaty. The Great Spirit has favored us with a clear sky and a refreshing breeze for the happy occasion.

I have cleared this ground of all brush and rubbish, and opened roads to the east, to the west, to the north, and to the south, that all nations may come in safety and ease to meet me. The ground on which this council house stands is unstained with blood, and is as pure as the heart of General Washington, the great chief of America, and of his great council- as pure as my heart- which now wishes for nothing so much as peace and brotherly love.

I have this day kindled the council fire of the United States; we will now cover it up, and keep it alive, until the remainder of the different tribes assemble, and form a full meeting and representation.

I now deliver to each tribe present a string of white wampum, to serve as records of the friendship that is this day commenced between us. [Wampum delivered.]

The heavens are bright, the roads are open; we will rest in peace and love, and wait the arrival of our brothers. In the interim, we will have a little drink, to wash the dust out of our throats. We will, on this happy occasion, be merry, without, however, passing the bounds of temperance and sobriety.

Te-ta-boksh-ke, King of the Delawares, rose, and spoke as follows:

Our meeting this day affords me infinite pleasure. I thank the Great Spirit, and I thank you, for bestowing on us so great a happiness. All my people shall be informed of, and will rejoice in , the commencement of our friendship, which, I hope, will never end. [A white string of wampum.]

The fire was raked up, and the council adjourned.

June 17.

Forty Pattawatamies arrived, and had audience.

The New Corn, one of their chiefs, addressing the General, said:

I have come here on the good work of peace; no other motive could have induced me to undertake so long a journey as I have now performed, in my advance age and infirm state of health. I come from lake Michigan. I hope, after our treaty, you will exchange our old medals, and supply us with General Washington's. My young men will no longer listen to the former; they wish for the latter. They have thrown off the British, and henceforth will view the Americans as their only true friends. We come with a good heart, and hope you will supply us with provision.

The General replied:

I give you all a hearty welcome. I am particularly pleased with the presence of so venerable a man as New Corn. You, young warriors, will, I am persuaded, pay the highest respect to the counsels of this aged chief. Your friend, the Sun, (a Pattawatamy chief) will tell you, that yesterday we kindled the council fire; that the roads are all clear, and that we only wait the arrival of the other expected chiefs, to begin the good work. You must be fatigued. I will not detain you at present. You will be supplied with provision, and some drink to refresh you, and to make your hearts glad.

June 21.

Buck-on-ge-he-las, with a party of Delawares, and Asi-me-the, with a party of Pattawatamies, arrived, and was received in the council-house.

Te-ta-boksh-ke, the Delaware king, for the former party, addressed the General as follows:

BROTHER, LISTEN! We are here met, by permission of the Great Spirit. Our forefathers used soft cloths to dry up their tears: we use this, (wampum) and hope by its influence to do away with all past misfortunes. We have now opened our eyes and ears, and hope to settle all differences. [A white string.]

A-si-me-the, a Pattawatamy chief, spoke as follows:

I have nothing to observe; our grandfathers, the Delawares, have said what is necessary. Excuse my not presenting you with wampums. Why should we, elder brother, be of a different opinion with our grandfathers, the Delawares? The Great Spirit has been equally kind to us in this meeting. You see us all here. You sent for us. The remainder of us are dead, or incapable of coming to see you. In compliance with your requisition for the surrender of prisoners, and as a proof of our sincere wishes for peace, I now present you two- all in our possession.

The General arose, and spoke thus:

BROTHERS: I take you all by the hand, and welcome you to Greenville. The great council fire has already been kindled, and the calumet of peace has been smoked by the different nations already here. This old chief (Te-ta-boksh-ke) has been witness to and joined in this solemn act, in the presence of the Great Spirit. We have raked up the fire until the chiefs generally assemble. Last night I had accounts from the Wyandots of Sandusky and Detroit, and all the Indians in that quarter. This day they rise upon their feet, to come and join in council with us; the roads being all clear, they will arrive, without difficulty, in ten days. We will then add fresh wood to our fire, whose pure flame shall be seen from the rising to the setting sun. We will postpone entering on business until that period. In the mean time, I will give you, my brothers, what will make your hearts glad. I have already given wampum to all the tribes present; I now present you with a little more, to evince that my mind and heart are always the same. [Wampum.]

June 23.

Le Gris, the Little Turtle, and seventeen Miamies, arrived, and were presented.

Le Gris merely observed, that he was very happy to see the General; that he had nothing particular to say at this time; he wished to encamp, and prepare for bad weather; and added, that the Miamies were united with him in friendly sentiments and wishes for peace.

The General spoke thus to them:

I feel much satisfaction in taking you all by the hand; my pleasure is equally great with yours in this interview. The council fire was kindled in this house on the first day of this moon; we covered it up, and have preserved it clear, waiting for your arrival and the appearance of our brothers the Wyandots, Shawanese, and a part of the Five

American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.

1795.]

TREATY OF GREENVILLE.

565

Nations, among us; they are now three days on their way hither. I will not now detain you; you must require rest, and I will order you to be provided with proper refreshments. This belt testifies the sincerity of the welcome with which I receive you. [A belt.]

June 25.

The Indian chiefs present were assembled. The General thus addressed them:

BROTHERS: I take you all by the hand. I have invited you to this meeting to inform you of some measures I have taken for your convenience. I now give you up my exterior redoubts, to accommodate the different nations with council houses; my people are called in from them, and you will allot them amongst you, as you may think proper. I take this opportunity to make you acquainted with some customs which we observe; Upon firing our evening gun, all our men repair to their quarters; I wish your people to act in the same manner; I am persuaded you will perceive the propriety of this measure. If you find any of my foolish young men troubling your camps after that signal, I would thank you to tie them, and send them to me. I wish to preserve good order and harmony.

I will now explain, what yesterday might have had a strange appearance.

It is a standing rule, in all our armies, upon any alarm or accident whatever, for our warriors to repair instantly to their posts. I mention this to you, to prevent, for the future, any misapprehensions. It is by my invitation you are here, and I stand pledged for your safety and security. It is also our practice to parade our men, morning and evening, and call every man by his name. An accident occurred yesterday, in the explosion of some of our firework-; it will have no other effect than to delay, for a few days, the exhibition intended for the 4th of July, the anniversary of the independence of America. I have nothing further to mention to you at this time; I called you together, merely to acquaint you with these things, to repeat my sentiments of care and regard for you, and to assure you again, that you may rest as easy, and are as safe here, as if you were in your own villages.

The council fire remains covered, until the arrival of the rest of our brothers. General Washington and his great council have sent you large presents, whose arrival I expect about the same time. Your friends (Onas) the Quakers, have also sent you a message, and some small presents, as a token of their regard for you.

Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish (or Bad-bird) a Chippewa chief, arose and said-

ELDER BROTHER:

I thank you, in the name of the Ottawas, Chippewas, and Pattawatamies, for what you have this day told us; it is all very right and good.

The Delawares signified their concurrence in opinion with their grand children, the Chippewas, &c.

The General rose and said-

I have never yet, in a public capacity, told a lie. You will not be deceived, by placing the utmost confidence in what I shall tell you. I again repeat, that your own towns and villages could not afford you greater liberty, safety, and security, than you will enjoy, whilst you choose to remain with me.

Meeting adjourned.

June 26.- Thirty-four Chippewas and Pattawatamies arrived.

Michi-mang, a Pattawatamy, briefly observed-

That, as soon as they heard his (the General's) words, they rose to come and see him; that they had no old chiefs, or they would have come forward on this great occasion- they were all dead; that they came in expectation of being supplied with provisions, to refresh them after their fatigues.

June 30.- The chiefs were assembled, at their own request.

Le Gris, chief of the Miamies, addressed the General as follows:

BROTHER:

I have only come this day to see you; the other chiefs present have no other object than that pleasure. I hope every thing hitherto, appears well to you; I now express our perfect satisfaction. Our young warriors are glad to meet and see yours, and I hope no suspicions have existence with either. You have told us, we should share your provisions whilst we stayed with you, and in consequence, depend upon receiving it; as you have promised, and do give us these things, we now visit you with real pleasure. The chiefs present are happy in the belief of their perfect safety; and I am persuaded, the other chiefs, when they arrive, will be equally satisfied of their situation. When brothers meet, they always experience pleasure. As it is a cool day, we would hope you would give us a little drink; you promised to treat us will, and we expect to be treated as warriors; we wish you to give your brothers a glass of wine. I hope your are pleased with this visit of your brothers. You have some things of which we have not yet had any; we would like some mutton and pork, occasionally.

The New Corn, a Pattawatamy chief, rose and said-

I agree perfectly in sentiment with my brother, Le Gris. I hope you will comply with his request; our hearts are sorry and afflicted, at seeing the graves of our brothers, who died here last winter.

The Sun, a Pattawatimy chief, rose and said-

When I came to your house, you told me I should have what I wanted. We get but a small allowance; we eat it in the morning, and are hungry at night. The days are long; we have nothing to do; we become weary, and wish for home.

The General answered thus:

I am pleased to see you all here, and happy to find you think yourselves secure in this camp; I wish you to think yourselves perfectly at home. The chiefs on their way, I am persuaded, will also think themselves safe when they arrive; they are now ten days on their journey towards us, and we may with certainty expect them. I have received a speech from their nations to this effect. Blue Jacket comes by the Miami villages; the others may, perhaps, arrive by a different route. You say, that when you came forward, I promised you plenty; it is my wish and intention you should have sufficient. The Sun, alone, complains of scarcity. I wish you to consult generally, and let me know if you really do not receive enough. Pork, we have none; the few sheep we have, are for the comfort of our sick, and occasionally for our officers; your sick shall, most cheerfully, share with mine; and I will, with pleasure, participate with your chiefs. The New Corn has observed, that your hearts were troubled for the loss of your brothers, who died here last winter; grief is unavailing, and ought not to be indulged. I will give the chiefs, of each nation present, a sheep for their use, and some drink for them and their people, this afternoon, to make their hearts glad, and to dry up their tears; at present, we will have a glass of wine together. I wish to see you all happy and contented.

Council adjourned.

July 3.- The chiefs of the different nations present were assembled.

The General addressed them as follows:

Continue to next page.
Continue to Dft. Ex. 97
Return to Docket 317 Table of Contents
Return to Ohio Valley - Great Lakes Ethnohistory Archive Menu
Return to Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology List of Publications
Return to Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology Home

Last updated: 26 September 2000
Comments: webmaster@www.gbl.indiana.edu
Copyright 1997, Glen Black Laboratory of Archaeology and The Trustees of Indiana University.