Journal of the
Proceedings
INDIAN TREATY
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
CONNERSVILLE,
INDIANA
1910
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
(page 3).
In publishing "The Twelve Mile Purchase," a historical monograph of the treaty of 1809, earlier in the year, the generosity of the Knights of Columbus touched an untilled and somewhat forgotten field of research in early Indiana history, and a further exploration of it will be found in the present print, "The Journal of the Proceedings," which is a reproduction without typographical alteration, of the diary kept by Peter Jones, Secretary to Governor Harrison, Commissioner of the United States.
It seems truly deserving of preservation in the popular form here given to it, and of an honored place amid any collection of original data of those early days.
As the search for the facts set forth in the first mentioned work started the inquiry that resulted in the finding of the diary it is altogether fitting to have them published under a like patronage. It is hoped that taken jointly, they will be more than doubly helpful in the promotion of accurate knowledge of the event that opened the way for white settlers in a portion of the Wabash region and in the White Water Valley.
Besides the local appreciation attached to its every detail, in a wider sense, the treaty is likewise not without some value to every student of Indiana history in general, because of the subsequent events that arose from it. The Indians under the influence of the Prophet and Tecumseh were somewhat advanced in the formation of their plans at this time, but it was only in the progression of events that their real designs were uncovered. With the new treaty in existence, evasion ceased to be possible, and their hostile sentiments and their determination to fight were made manifest in the conduct that followed.
What transpired after the treaty of Fort Wayne can be indicated by a few brief extracts from Dillon's History. This book was written at a time when the local atmosphere of the pioneer days still surrounded our ancestors, and, consequently, the emphasis of events as found there, is quite likely a very true picture of one view of the pioneer period of our commonwealth.
We quote from the edition of 1859:
"Tecumseh clearly intimated that he would resist any attempt that might be made to survey the lands which had been ceded to the United States by the treaty of Fort Wayne." P. 431.
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
4 |
PREFACE. |
"Throughout the course of the year 1810, various rumors of the growing power and the hostile intentions of the Shawnee Prophet, produced a state of some alarm among the people, and retarded the progress of settlements and improvements in several counties of the Indiana territory."
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P. 439. |
"In an interview with one of the messengers (of Governor Harrison), who visited the Prophet's Town in the month of June, 1810, the prophet declared that it was not his intention to make war on the white people; and he said that some of the Delaware, and some other Indians, 'had been bribed with whiskey, to make false charges against him.' When pressed by the messenger, Mr. Dubois, to state the grounds of his complaints against the United States, the prophet said that 'the Indians had been cheated out of their lands; that no sale was good unless made by all the tribes; that he had settled near the mouth of the Tippecanoe, by order of the Great Spirit; and that he was, likewise, ordered to assemble as many Indians as he could collect at that place.'"
|
P. 440. |
(From speech of Tecumseh to Gov. Harrison.)
"Brother: this land that was sold, and the goods that were given for it, was only done by a few. . . . The treaty at Fort Wayne was made through the threats of Winamac; but in the future, we are prepared to punish those chiefs who may come forward to propose to sell land . . . . Those that did sell, did not own it. It was me. These tribes set up a claim: but the tribes with me will not agree to their claim. If the land is not restored to us, you will see, when we return to our homes, how it will be settled. We shall have a great council, at which all of the tribes shall be present, when we shall show to those that sold, that they had no right to the claim they set up; and we shall see what will be done
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P. 443. |
"Brother: I wish you would take pity on the red people, and do what I have requested. If you do not give up the land, and do cross the boundary of our present settlement, it will be very hard, and produce great troubles among us. . . . As we intend to hold our council at the Huron village, that is near the British, we may probably make them a visit. Should they offer us
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
|
PREFACE. |
5 |
any presents of goods, we will not take them; but should they offer us powder and the tomahawk, we will take the powder and refuse the tomahawk."
|
P. 444. |
"The governor then requested Tecumseh to state, plainly, whether the surveyors who might be sent to survey the lands- purchased by the treaty of Fort Wayne, in 1809- would be interrupted by the Indians; and whether the Kickapoos would, or would not, receive their annuities. Tecumseh, in reply, said: 'Brother: when you speak of annuities to me, I look at the land, and pity the women and children. I am authorized to say that they will not receive them. Brother, we want to save that piece of land. We do not wish you to take it. It is small enough for our purpose. If you take it, you must blame yourself as the cause of trouble between us and the tribes who sold it to you. I want the present boundary line to continue. Should you cross it, I assure you it will be productive of bad consequences.' The council, which was held in a small grove that stood near the dwelling house of the governor, was then brought to a close.
"On the next day Governor Harrison, attended only by his interpreter, visited the camp of Tecumseh, where he was received politely. In the course of a long interview Tecumseh repeated the principal declaration and sentiments which he has previously uttered and avowed in open council; and when Governor Harrison told him that his claims and pretensions would not be acknowledged by the President of the United States- 'Well,' said Tecumseh, 'as the great chief is to determine the matter, I hope the Great Spirit will put sense enough into his head to induce him to direct you to give up this land. It is true, he is so far off he will not be injured by the war. He may sit still in his town, and drink his wine, while you and I will have to fight it out."
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P. 446. |
To enumerate further in the happenings that followed, would be entering into the history of the military campaigns that culminated at Tippecanoe in 1812, and even to the battles of Malden and the river Thames, in 1813, where Tecumseh in a forlorn hope laid down his life, wearing a British uniform.
For some unknown reason, The Journal of the Proceedings, printed herewith, was omitted from the government publications in the last century, when these matters were first collected in American State Papers, and it remained hidden away for a hun-
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
6 |
PREFACE. |
dred years, as a manuscript in the files of the Department of War at
Washington.
How it was brought to light is shown by a letter and its several answers, which follow; and their publication, also will render credit for the part performed by the eminent Indianian, Senator Beveridge, through whose influence the search, by the War Department officials, for the missing diary was undertaken.
|
J. L. H. |
A LETTER AND ITS SEVERAL ANSWERS.
|
Connersville, Indiana, June 18th, 1909. |
HON. ALBERT J. BEVERIDGE,
Senate, Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR:- In the authorization from the War Department to William Henry Harrison, July 15th, 1809, to proceed with a further treaty with the Indians, occurs this instruction:
"A diary of the proceedings,
should be kept by the commissioner or the secretary,
and a carefully certified copy thereof forwarded with the treaty to this
Department."
|
American State Papers, Vol I, p. 761. |
The treaty was concluded Sept. 30th, 1809, and is printed in full in the volume quoted above, and also in Vol. II Indian Affairs, Treaties, Senate Documents. But I can find no account of the diary required by the official instructions.
Are the minutes of the proceedings preserved in the archives of the Department of War, and are they accessible to the general public? To the best of my knowledge, the state library, at Indianapolis, contains no reference to them except that to be found in the volume referred to, and if the minutes still exist, but have never been put into print, I should be exceedingly favored by whatever interest you manifest in this belated exploration into Indiana history.
The copying of the same by a suitable stenographer is an expense which I shall gladly defray, if you see fit to use your superior opportunities in locating the original manuscript.
With the assurance that whatever aid you give will be very greatly appreciated, and thanking you in advance for overlooking whatever trouble or inconvenience this letter gives you, I beg to remain very respectfully,
|
Yours
truly,
|
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
|
PREFACE. |
7 |
Department of the Interior
Office of Indian Affairs.
|
Washington, June 30th, 1909. |
HON. ALBERT J. BEVERIDGE,
United States
Senate.
SIR:- The office is in receipt, by your reference of June 23rd, of a letter addressed to you by the War Department returning a communication from Mr. J. L. Heinemann, Connersville, Indiana, relative to his desire to obtain a copy of the Journal of Proceedings of the Commission that concluded a treaty with the Delaware, Pottawatomie, Miami and Eel River Indians at Ft. Wayne on Sept. 30, 1809 (7 Stat. L., 113-115).
The Journal referred to which was found recently in the files of the War Department, was referred to this office by that Department on June 23, 1909, and a certified copy thereof is being prepared and will be forwarded to you for Mr. Heinemann's use as soon as it is completed.
|
Very respectfully,
|
|
Indianapolis, Ind., August 10, 1909. |
DEAR MR. HEINEMANN:
I have your letter of August 5th, enclosing draft for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in payment of certified copy of Journal of the Proceedings of the Indian Treaty of 1809. I am returning the draft to you, and beg to suggest that you have the same made payable to Mr. Abbott, Acting Commissioner, and forward it to him at Washington direct.
Assuring that I was very pleased to do what I could in this matter, I am,
|
Very truly yours,
|
MR. J. L. HEINEMANN,
Connersville, Ind.
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
(page 8).
_____
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
|
Washington, July, 1909. |
I, F. H. Abbott, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, do hereby certify that the paper hereto attached is a true copy of the original as the same appears on file in this Office.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of this Office to be affixed, on the day and year first above written.
|
F. H. ABBOTT, |
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
|
JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS. |
9 |
|
Vincennes 15th Nov. 1809. |
SIR
I have now the honor to enclose the sketch of the lands lately ceded by the Indians to the United States and the Journal kept by Captain Jones the Secretary. There appears to be much more land in these tracts than I expected being upwards of 2,900,000 acres. I believe there are two or three excellent salt springs on the tract near this. General William Clarke who is now at Washington can give you some information on this subject. The one marked in the sketch has been visited since the Treaty by some of our citizens who say that it promises well.
The sketch is principally intended to show the advantages which would arise from opening a Road to Dayton in the State of Ohio it would bring us 120 miles nearer the seat of Government. I believe that the Indians would consent to have the road opened through that part of their country which it must necessarily pass through.
|
|
I have Honor to be
with |
On Friday the 1st of September Governor Harrison as Commissioner for Treating with the Indian Tribes set out from Vincennes for Fort Wayne accompanied by his Secretary Peter Jones one Interpreter a French Man as a guide a Servant of the Governor & two Indians. After leaving the Settlement of Knox County our route was along the road newly cut out by the orders of the Government in the direction of the North Bend to its termination, & then along the frontier of the County of Dearborn to Fort Wayne, at which place we arrived the fifteenth. Directions had been given to Mr. John Johnston the Indian Agent to assemble the Indians, against that time. The Deliware Tribe with their Interpreter) Mr. John Conner reached Fort Wayne
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
10 |
JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS. |
at the very moment of our arrival. Two principal Chiefs Hockingpomscon and the
Beaver were however absent on a visit to Detroit.
16th. Part of the Putawatimies arrived under their Chief Winemack.
The Governor learned with regret that the head Chief Tipinipe of the Putawatimies & Five Medals were not returned from Detroit but authorized their son & nephew to act for them. In the evening the Eel River Tribe arrived & more of the Putawatimies.
17th. The Miami Chief Peccan Oul Osage and some Inferior ones arrived. A messenger was sent for the little Turtle who returned for answer that he would come in on the 19th Inst. A mischievous report was circulated amongst the Indians that a Detachment of American Troops were marching against them. Some of the young men were much frightened but the Chiefs treated it with the ridicule it deserved. The Putawatimies waited on the Governor & requested a little liquor which was refused. The Governor observed that he was determined to shut up the liquor casks until all the business was finished. 18th. An express was dispatched to Detroit to hasten the arrival of the Deliware & Putawatimie Chiefs who had gone to that place & whose presence was very much desired by the Governor. Mr. Barron the Interpreter was also sent to the Miami Towns sixty miles distant to bring Richardville the Principal Chief of that Tribe who had excused himself under pretence of real or pretended sickness from comeing in withe the other Chiefs.
The Governor had a conference with a Deputation from the Deliwares who reside west of the Mississippi who came for the purpose of prevailing on those of that Tribe who reside in this Territory to join their brethren in Louisiana. A reciprocal promise was made by the Governor to promote the above object as much as possible and by the Chiefs to aid his views in respect to the proposed Treaty. Measures were taken also to explain the wished of the Government to the Putawatimies & to engage their cooperation. More of the Putawatimies & Miamies arrived the whole number on the ground this day was eight hundred and ninety-two.
19th. The Turtle arrived this day with a number of Miamies & Putawatimies. The Governor visited the Putawatimies in their Camp as had previously done the Deliwares. Measures were
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
|
JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS. |
11 |
also taken to sound several of the most influential Chiefs on the subject of
the proposed Treaty. Captain Hendricks the Mohecan Chief informed the Governor that
the British Agent of Indian affairs had advised all the Indian Tribes never to
listen to any proposition to sell their lands to the United States. Pinnewa a
Putawatimie Chief arrived with one hundred Indians of his Tribe.
20th. The Governor had a conference with all the Miami & Eel River Chiefs & explained to them at great length the object of his visit to this place and the great advantage which they would derive from causeing the Weas to move from the neighborhood of our Settlements and join their brethren the Miamies & Eel River Tribes) these three tribes are all properly speaking Miamies see the Treaty of Grouseland) Their Nation would then become much more respectable and they would be enabled greatly to increase their annuity by selling a Tract of land which was exausted of game and which was no longer useful to them. They were desired to take the Governor's proposal into consideration & Coolly & deliberately to weigh all the arguments he had used to adopt his advice. Mr. Wells remained with them at their conference and in the evening reported to the Governor that they had determined on no account ever to part from another foot of their lands. There is some reason to believe however that this was a mere finesse to enhance the price of their land. This evening Mr. Barron returned from the Mississinway & reported that the Chief Richardville was confined to his Bed & observed that it was impossible for him to attend at present but he requested the Governor to be informed that he would come up in a few days if he should find himself able & that he had advised the other Chiefs by all means to comply with Governor's wishes.
21st. The Governor had determined not to assemble the Chiefs in a General Council until the arrival of the Five Medals, the Putawatimie Chief, but finding that his object had been very much misrepresented to them, he commenced on this day both to the Deliwares & Putawatimies the wishes of the Government in relation to a further cession of Lands.
In the evening the Putawatimie Chiefs sent a message to the Governor to inform him that they had determined that the other Tribes should agree to make the proposed cession.
22nd. In Council present, Governor Harrison as Commissioner Plenipotentiary on the part of the United States and a full rep-
Journal of the Proceedings
Indian Treaty
Fort Wayne, September 30th, 1809
12 |
JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS. |
resentation of the Deliware, Miami, Eel River & Putawatimie Tribes of
Indians by their Chiefs & Head Men.
William Wells Joseph Barron John Conner and Abraham Ash were sworn Interpreters. The Governor addressed the Chiefs in a speech of considerable length showing the propriety of their agreeing to his proposition to sell a tract of Country binding on the Wabash the Vincennes tract and the boundary established by the Treaty of Grouseland and another bounded by the latter on the south & the old boundary line running from Mouth of Kentucky River on the East. He urged the vast benefit which they derived from their annuities without which they would not be able to cloathe their woman & children. The great advance in the price of Goods and the depression of the value of their peltries from the troubles in Europe to which their was no probability of a speedy termination. The little game which remained in their country particularly in that part of it which he proposed to purchase. The usurpation of it by a Banditti of Muscoes & other Tribes that the sale of it would not prevent them from hunting upon it as long as any game remained. But that it was absolutely necessary that they should adopt some other plan for their support. That the raising of Cattle & Hogs required little labor and would be the surest resource as a substitute for the wild animals which they had so unfortunately destroyed for the sake of their skins. Their fondness for hunting might still be gratified if they would prevent their young men from hunting at improper seasons of the year. But to do this effectually it will be will be necessary that they should find a certain support in their Villages in the summer season. That the proposed addition to their annuities would enable them to procure the Domestic Animals necessary to commence raising them on a large scale. He observed also that they were too apt to impute their poverty and the scarsity of Game to the encroachments of the White Settlers. But this is not the true cause. It is owing to their improvidence & the advice of the British Traders by whom they were stimulated to kill the wild animals for the skins alone when the flesh was not wanted. That this was the cause of their scarsity is evident from their being found in much greater quantity on the south than on the north side of the Wabash where no white man but traders were ever seen.
The remnant of the Weas who inhabit the Tract of Country which was wanted were from the vicinity to the Whites poor &
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