Wyandot County, Ohio - Chapter 4, 1884 (part 2 of 2)

"Our fathers have ranged this valley with your fathers in peace and friendship, and we wished your people to know that we have the same kind feelings that existed in times past, and we wish you to know that we wish to perpetuate and keep alive the same brotherly feelings. In other States and Territories the Indians have lived, surrounded by white men, with whom they had occasional outbreaks, wars and difficulties; but between us and your people the chain of peace and friendship has always continued to be bright, smooth, and free from rusty or bloody spots. You are the representative of your people; therefore be so good as to tell your people what we say on this final parting occasion, and say to them to believe us to be always hereafter - what we always have been - the friends of the people of Ohio."

From the report of the United States Commissioner of Indian afifairs for the year 1843, we learn that the number of Wyandots who removed to their new reservation in July and August of that year, was 664, and that 50 still remained in Ohio who were expected to emigrate the next spring. The following year (1844), the sub- agent reported only 585 W^yandots on the new reserve. During the year 1855, another treaty was concluded with that nation, wherein it was stipulated that in lieu of the 148,000 acres (less the 24,960 acres purchased for the Wyandots from the Delawares in 1842), granted by the treaty of Upper Sandusky, the Wyandots were to receive $380,- 000, in three annual payments. By this treaty, also, all provisions of former treaties guaranteeing permanent annuities, etc., were annulled. The Wyan-

We conclude this chapter, likewise our account of the Indians, by adding the following poem, which, whatever its merits or demerits as a literary production, has been widely copied, frequently in works, where its mention of localities obtained for it no special significance. It was written, we believe, by a resident of Wyandot County, and was first published in The Democratic Pioneer, of Upper Sandusky, under date of October 24, 1845.

THE Wyandot's farewell song. "Adieu to the graves where my fathers now rest! For I must be going afar to the West. I've sold my possessions; my heart's filled with woe To think I must lose them. Alas! I must go.

" Farewell, ye tall oaks, in whose pleasant green shade In childhood I rambled, in innocence played! My dog and my hatchet, my arrows and bow, Are still in remembrance. Alas! I must go.

" Adieu, ye loved scenes, which bind me like chains! Where on my gay pony, I chased o'er the plains The deer and the turkey I tracked in the snow. But now I must leave them. Alas! I must go.

I have traveled to spy out the turkey and deer! The hills, trees and flowers, that pleased me so, I must leave now forever. Alas! I must go.

" Sandusky, Tymochtee and Broken Sword streams. Never more shall I see you except in my dreams. Adieu to the marshes, where the cranberries grow; O'er the great Mississippi, alas! I must go.

"Adieu to the road, which for many a year, I travel'd each Sabbath, the Gospel to hear; The news was so joyful, and pleased me so. From hence where I heard it, it grieves me to go.

" Farewell, my white friends, who first taught me to pray. And worship my Maker and Savior each day. Pray for the poor native, whose eyes overflow With tears at our parting. Alas! I must go."