Clinton Township (part 5 of 18)

Monday, July 20th. In council. Present as before, with the addition of the Shawanees and Chippeways, who arrived on the evening of the 1 8th. The General rose and spoke as follows: -

Brothers of all the nations present I I take you by the hand. When we were last in council, two days since, the Little Turtle observed : "We came with an intention to hear you - we expect your wish is for peace with all the world - we would be glad to hear your sentiments upon the subject." I did hope and expect that every man among you would be perfectly acquainted with my sentiments on this subject as I have for a long time past, taken pains to diffuse them throughout your nations. I will read you a message, which I sent amongst you, by Mr. Miller, now present, on the 13th of August last, and which I am persuaded, from the best authority, bad been fully explained to, and perfectly understood by your chief and warriors. [Here the General read his message of 13th August, 1794.]

I likewise told you that the ears and the heart of the President, General Washington, were ever open to the voice of peace, and that he had instructed me, his principal warrior, to listen to that welcome voice, from whatever quarter it might come, provided it came from proper authority and from the heart.

Six moons since, The Crane (Wyandots) and a number of Chippeways, Ottawas, and Sacs, came here in consequence of this invitation. They were also accompanied by the Miamis. I received them with great pleasure and informed them that I thanked the Great Spirit for opening their eyes to see, and their ears to bear the happy dawn of peaoe. I told them that peace was like that glorious sun which diffused joy, health, and happiness to all the nations of this earth who had wisdom to embrace it; and that I therefore, in behalf, and in the name of the President of the United States of America, took them all by the hand with that strong bold of friendship which time could never break.

These have been the sentiments of my heart with regard to peace, and I think may be considered as a full answer to the wishes expressed by Little Turtle. To prove that my sentiments are still the same, I present to Maah-i-pi-naeh-i-uneh, and to the Little Turtle, these strings of wampum, which are not purer nor whiter than the heart that gives them. These wilt be considered as presented to the whole, for the same purpose. [White wampum to the Chippeways and Miamis.]

The Little Turtle observes: "You have informed us that the treaty of Muskingum shall be the foundation on which the present treaty shall be founded. That treaty was held by the Six Nations, and by a few young men of the Chippeways, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies. We, Miamis and Wabash tribes, are totally unacquainted with it." And Mash-i-pl-nash-i-wish, has also remarked, that the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies, knew nothing of the treaty - it had never reached as far as Michilimackinac.

Younger brothers 1 In order to refresh your memories, and to bring every article of that treaty fully to your recollection, I will now read and explain it to you. These are the articles of that treaty, made more than six years ago, between the United States of America, and the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, and Sauckeys. [Here he read and explained the treaty of Fort Harmar made in 1789.]

Younger brothers! You have now heard the treaty of Muskingum read and explained to you. It has been for more than six years, well understood by many of the chiefs now present of those nations who concluded it. And I am persuaded that those who were present, and those who signed it, will have candor sufficient, when they hear their names called over to acknowledge it as their act and deed, ns Masass has freely and sincerely done the day before yesterday; by which he proved himself to be possessed of a manly, and undisguised heart.

Younger brothers! I have now fully explained to you the treaty of Fort McIntosh, which was concluded ten years ago, and the treaty of Muskingum, which took place six years since. The boundaries agreed on by the former are the same that are stipulated by the latter. I have also pointed out a number of chiefs in this house, who were present at, and signed those treaties. As I have refreshed their memories in this matter, and read them a few passages of their own speeches and proceedings on those occasions, it is probable they will be able to inform you of everything relating thereto, and give you full satisfaction on the subject. I have no more to say at present I wish you to consider well what I have said to you, that we may be enabled to form a treaty that shall continue unbroken as long as the woods grow and waters run. Think seriously on the great business before you. Consult among yourselves, and when we meet again, speak your thoughts freely. I am persuaded we shall agree in opinion ; and when we return home, all nations will have cause to rejoice in the good work we have been doing.

Elder brother ! We are happy to meet you here this day. The Great Spirit is kind in permitting us to meet as brothers. We agree with what you have this day said to us. Five days ago you told us what you said last winter to our uncles, the Wyandots. It is true, brother, they were the first who came in to you. We were happy to hear their words, when they returned. We sent forward immediately a deputation to you with our grandchildren, the Shawanees, and with them two prisoners.

Brother ! When our king returned and proclaimed the happy news from you, we rejoiced to. hear it and prepared to come in and fulfil what we had promised. We brought in all our prisoners agreeably to your desire, and in oonformity to our chief's engagements.

Elder brother! I am very glad you hare pointed out those of my nation who were at and signed the treaty of Muskingum. I did not know them before. That treaty did not reach us who lire in Miohigan. I am happy in haring it now explained. I thank you for expediting our good work. We wish to return to our families, many of whom hare died sinoe we left home.

Tuesday, the 21st of July. In council. Present as before. Masass, a Chippeway chief, rose and spoke as follows, in behalf of the three fires, Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies : -

Elder brother! I hare heard what you said yesterday and know it to be the same that was said at the treaty of Muskingum. I remember it perfeotly well and thought whilst I heard you speak it that it was again renewed. My eyes were open and I listened with attention.

I now tell yon that some words of that treaty we did not perfectly understand at the time we made it. The Wyaodots were foremost at that treaty; we, the three fires, followed them. You there told us that it was not in your name that you treated; but in behalf of the thirteen fires, which lie along the great water. You told ns you would throw the tomahawk into the river; but you know the waters in our woods are not deep; and some foolish yonng men have had arms long enough to reach the bottom, and take it out. This day we will try to wipe away their bad actions; and to open their hearts to the voice of peaee.

Elder brother! I live at the gate leading to all those nations, and to the Pottawattamies, and those living in the prairies; and we, the three fires, will do our utmost to bury the hatchet so deep that it oan never be found; for it is this hatohet which has reduced us to misery and wretchedness. I tell you this as the true sentiments of the three nations for whom I speak. I cannot answer for the others.

Elder brother! You see the wampum I hold is small. Our three fires, it would appear, are also small, as the other nations have told you. They have also told you, that they were masters of the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies, and of their terri-* tory. Notwithstanding I am so small a man I do now, in the name of the three nations throw the hatchet into the middle of the great lake, where it will be so covered as never to be again found as long as white people and Indians live.

Elder brother! This is all these three fires and the tribe of the Little Turtle who unite with us in sentiment, have at present to say. The hatchet is now buried forever and we now expect your assistance. Your offioers and our warriors are now around us, let us join sincerely in making a solid and lasting peace. Peaoe with our three fires is now established. [A string of blue and white wampum.]

Elder brother! You do not forget any of your words and I show you this belt which yon gave a great many years ago, to Warning, one of our nation. You told him at that time, that upon this road he should always come and see you - that he would always find it free from thorns. [Presented a road belt.]

Elder brother! When you yesterday read to us the treaty of Muskingum I understood you dearly. At that treaty we had not good interpreters and we were left partly unacquainted with many particulars of it. I was surprised when I heard your voioe, through a good interpreter, say that we had received presents and compensation for those lands which were thereby oeded. I tell you now, that we, the three fires, never were informed of it. If our uncles, the Wyandots, and grandfathers, the Delawares, have received such presents they have kept them to themselves. I always thought that we, the Ottaways, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies were the true owners of those lands ; but now I find that new masters have undertaken to dispose of them ; so that at this day we do not know to whom they of right belong. We never received any compensation for them. I don't know how it is, but ever sinoe that treaty we have become objects of pity, and our fires have been retiring from this country. Now elder brother, you see we are objects of compassion. Have pity on our weakness and misfortune ; and since you have purchased these lands, we cede them to you ; they are yours. Perhaps at a future day your younger brothers may be made happy by becoming your children should you extend to us your paternal protection. This is all your younger brothers, the three fires, have to say to you our elder brother. Now the great men will address you.

Brothers of the fifteen fires, listen 1 And you, my nephews, the Delawares and Six Nations, younger brothers, Sbawanese and Miamls, and elder brothers, Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies, we are here assembled this. day, in the presence of Ood above. Brothers, Americans! Our brothers, the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies, have related to you a little of what happened at the treaty of Muskingnm and observe that we have sold the lands to you without their consent or knowledge. However, elder brother, I hope you will explain to them how the country was first disposed of into your hands. These people now claim the land and must establish their right with you. We had yesterday some counsel among ourselves on this subject We feel much alarmed at these words of our brothers, claiming in this manner these lands. This is all I have at present to say, brothers.

Eider brothers of all nations! We have ail assembled to effect a good work. My nephews and I have been talking together, concerning the speeoh of Masass. We were a little oonfused by it, and now leave it to our brothers, the fifteen fires, to Bay whether we shall now speak in answer to it or consider of it until to-morrow.

Younger brothers 1 As I am called upon by the Wyandots to give my opinion whether they shall this day answer the speech of Masass or consider of it till to-morrow, I will give it freely. I do think it will be better to postpone until to-morrow; because, after reflecting coolly, and sleeping, the answer may be more dispassionate and pleasing to all. I am convinced that Masass had no intention to hurt the feelings of his unde and grandfather ; he only meant to inform me, that he had not received any goods or compensation for the lands oeded by the treaty of Muskingum. When we come into articles, presently, for a permanent peaoe, all those nations who have any right to the land in question, shall reoeive yet farther compensation, I hope to the satisfaction of all parties.

Elder brother ! I take you by the hand ; I now tell you I am not come here to take umbrage at trifles but to accomplish the great and serious work in which we are engaged. My heart is good and I will not be interrupted by little things. I now wish to know in the name of our three fires, how long we may have to remain here on this business. When I first entered this house my mind was prepared and made up. We live at a great distanoe from here and feel anxious to return.

Younger brothersl It is rather difficult for me to see how many days it may require to finally settle this good work. I will to-morrow listen to what our brothers, the Wyandots and others, have to say upon the speech of Masass, and then I shall be perfectly ready to enter upon the main object of this meeting, and lay before you the articles of the treaty which may establish the happiness and peace of the fifteen fires, and of the Indian nations now assembled.

I have heard the words of my elder brother. He has heard mine. I have reflected coolly; I approve of them, and wbat I have said I will never retraot

Elder brother I I wish to ask of you and my brothers present one question. I would be glad to know what lands have been oeded to you, as I am uninformed in this particular. I expect that the lands on the Wabash, and in this country, belong to me and my people. I now take the opportunity to inform my brothers of the United States and others present, that there are men of sense and understanding among my people, as well as among theirs, and that these lands were disposed of without our knowledge and consent. I was yesterday surprised when I heard from our grandfathers, the Delawares, that these lands had been ceded by the British to the Americans, when the former were beaten by, and we made peace with, the latter ; because you had before told ns that it was the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, and Sauckeys, who had made this cession.

General Wayne! I hope you will pay attention to what I now say to you. I wish to inform you where your younger brothers, the Miamis, live, and also the Pottawattamies of St. Joseph, together with the Wabash Indians. You have pointed out to us the boundary between the Indians and the United States ; but I now take the liberty to inform you, that that line outs off from the Indians a large portion of oountry, whioh has been enjoyed by my forefather, times immemorial, without molestation or dispute. The prints of my ancestors' houses are everywhere to be seen in this portion. I was a little astonished at hearing you and my brothers who are now present, telling each other what business you had transacted together heretofore, at Muskingum, concerning this oonntry. It is well known by all my brothers present, that my forefather kindled the first fire at Detroit ; from thenoe he extended his lines to the headwaters of the Scioto; from thence to its mouth; from thence down the Ohio to the mouth of the Wabash; and from thence to Chioago on Lake Michigan. At this place I first saw my elder brothers, the Shawanees. I have now informed you of the boundaries of the Miami nation, where the Great Spirit placed my forefather a long time ago, and charged him not to sell or part with bis lands, but to preserve them for his posterity. This charge has been handed down to me. I was much surprised to find that my other brothers differed so much from me on this subject; for their conduct would lead me to suppose that the Great Spirit and their forefathers had not given them the same charge that was given to me ; but on the contrary had directed them to sell their lands to any white man who wore a hat, as soon as he should ask it of them. Now, elder brother, your younger brothers, the Miamis, have pointed out to you their oountry, and also to our brothers present. When I hear your remarks and proposals on this subjeot I will be ready to give you an answer. I came with an expecta-, tion of hearing you say good things but I have not yet beard what I had expected.

Brothers, the Indians 1 I expected in this council that our minds would have been made up, and that we should speak with one voice. I am sorry to observe that you are rather unsettled and hasty in your oonduet

Elder brother! Now listen to me. The Great Spirit above has appointed this day for us to meet together. I shall now deliver my sentiments to you, the fifteen fires. I view you lying in a gore of blood. It is me, an Indian, who has caused it Our tomahawk yet remains in your head - the English gave it to me to place there.

Elder brother! I now take the tomahawk out of your head; but with so much care that you shall not feel pain or iqjury. I will now tear a big tree up by the roots and throw the hatchet into the cavity which they oconpy ; where the waters will wash it away to where it can never be found. Now, I have buried the hatchet and I expect that none of my color will ever again find it out. I now tell you that no one in particular can justly claim this ground - it belongs in common to ns all. No earthly being has exclusive right to it. The Great Spirit above is the true and only owner of the soil ; and he has given us ail an equal right to it. [Spoken on a blue belt.]

Brothers, the fifteen fires, listen ! You now see that we have buried the hatchet. We still see blood around ; and in order to clear away all grief we now wipe away the blood from around you, which together with the dirt that comes away with it we bury with the hatchet in the hole we have made for them ; and replace the great tree as it stood before; so that our children nor our children's children can ever again discover it. [Spoken on a blue string attached and both delivered.]

Brothers, listen ! I now wipe your body clean from all blood with this white, soft linen (a white wampum), and I do it with as much tenderness ns I am capable of. You have appointed this house for the chiefs of the different tribes to sit in with you, and none but good words ought to be spoken in it. I have swept it clean - nothing impure remains in it.

Brothers, listen 1 We are both placed on this ground. I now wipe the tears from your eyes and open your ears. I see your throat is so stopped that you are nearly suffocated. I now open your throat and make it quite clean that whatever the Great Spirit may think proper for you to swallow may go down without any obstruction. I see, also, that your heart is not in its true situation. I now place it in its proper position that anything you may hear from us, your brothers, may descend directly to it; and what yon shall say may come with truth and ease from it

Brother 1 I clear away yon hovering clouds that we may enjoy a clear, bright day and easily see the sun which the Great Spirit has bestowed on us to rise and set continually. [A white string ]

Brother 1 Listen to ns Indians, who now speak to you. The bones which lie scattered of your ancient warriors, who fell in defence of the present cause we gather all together and bury them now, and place this white board over them that they may never again be seen by our posterity. [A white and bine belt and string.]

Brother! We speak not from our lips, but from our hearts, when we are resolved upon good works. I always told you that I never intended to deceive you when we entered upon this business. It was never the intention of us Indians to do so. I speak from my heart what I now say to you. The Great Spirit is now viewing us, and did he discover any baseness or treachery it would excite his just anger against us.

Brother! Listen to me. We are all of one mind who are here assembled. This is a business not to be trifled with - it is a matter of the utmost concern to us. We happily so far agree in handling our ancestors' records, who always worked for peace.

Brother! You have proposed to ns to build our good work on the treaty of Muskingum. That treaty I have always considered as formed upon the fairest principles. Yon took pity on us Indians - you did not do as our fathers, the British, agreed you should. You might by that agreement have taken all our lands; but you pitied us, and let us hold part. I always looked upon that treaty to be binding upon the United States and us Indians.

Brother! Listen to us Indians. I told you just now that we were upon business of the greatest moment. I now conclude the great good work we have been employed in ; and with Mi i I cover the whole earth, that it may appear white and shine all over the world. I hope the Great Spirit will have pity on ns and make this work lasting. [Four large mixed belts presented. ]

Brother ! I am going to relate to you the treaty made at Muskingum in a few words. I have not forgotton that treaty; neither have you. At that time we settled a peace between the Delawares, Six Nations, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, and us Wyandots. It is very true there were not so many different nations then assembled as are now present. We now establish a general, permanent, and lasting peace, forever.

Brothers! We are all sensible that when you struck, the boundary at that time, it run from Tuscarawas to a little below Loramies, where the fort stood which was destroyed in 1752. I understand the line has since been moved a little towards us. Be strong, brothers, and fulfil your engagements.

Brothers, listen ! I have told you that I speak from my heart - you see the speeches I have delivered. Peruse them and see whether or not I have spoken with sincerity. This is all yonr brothers of the different nations present have this day to say to you. [-A large belt.]

Younger brothers ! I have listened with great attention to everything yon have said this day. I find the hatchet has been buried by all the nations present. I shall peruse these belts, speeches, and boundaries now laid before me with great attention, and I am convinced they will agree with the reoords in my possession. The day is far spent, and we will now separate to meet again to-morrow morning, and proceed in this good work.

Brothers I I hope you will not take amiss my changing my seat in this council. You all know the Wyandots are our uncles, and the Delawares our grandfathers ; and that the Shawanees are the elder brothers of the other nations present. It is therefore proper I should sit next my grandfathers and uncles. I hope, younger brothers, you

Brothers, the Indians ! When I last had my calumet of pence, our elder brothers, the Shawanees, were not present. I now offer it to them, that the sentiment of their hearts may be similar to ours. All you nations present know this to be the calumet of the three fires. It is six years since it was sent from the north to Michilimackinac, to the three fires who live at the gate, to be presented by them to the Wyandots, Delawares, and Shawanees, with an injunction always to bide it when anything bad was in motion; but to display it when anything good was contemplated. You all know the importance of this sacred token of peace among us Indians.

Brother! I do not consider you as a brother - I view you as a friend. I present you this calumet that cnme far from the north, and has gone round all the lakes. When it was sent to us the stem pointed towards you (the east). Now, my friend, you may do with this pipe what you please. If you think proper, you may point it towards the fifteen fires, and afterwards turn it towards us. It is entirely at your disposal - I am ordered to deliver it into your hands. [Delivers the pipe ]

Friend ! I now present you with a belt, which has been given to us by the Hurons, who received it from our brothers, the Americans, as a seat in which we all should sit and rest. Our father at Detroit has always endeavored to lead us off from this seat; but we never listened to him - we consider it as a carpet spread for our use; and we now show it to you that you may recognize it. [A large belt with men and a house designated upon it.]

Elder brother! This great calumet comes, not from the little lake near us, but from the great Lake Superior to the north ; from whence our great chiefs and warriors come.

Elder brother ! When I returned from the treaty of Muskingum I repeated the substance of ita proceedings to my nation. You therefore see that your words have gone a great way ; even to Lake Superior.

* Brother ! 1 live at a great distance from you ; but when you call a council I hear your voice immediately, and I come without delay. You now see all your brothers around you. We are well acquainted with what we are now doing, and what we have done heretofore. The white beads on this belt denote the number of large villages from the north who have heard yonr word. [A belt with nine white squares.]

Elder brother, and all present, listen to me with attention 1 When the Great Spirit made the world, he put me at Michilimackinac, where I first drew my breath. At first I was entirely naked and destitute ; and as if he had compassion on me, he pointed out to me the way to the white people. I followed his path and found them below Quebec, at the Falls of Montmorenci. I was satisfied the Great Spirit pitied us, for your whites had all pity on us, and hence we always loved you. The Great Spirit has blessed you with greater knowledge than we are possessed of - you are, therefore, entitled to great respect. When we first found the French whites we took them to our fires, and they have lived among us ever since. [A white string.]

Elder brother 1 You see all your brothers assembled here in oonsequence of your messages lost winter. At that time the Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, some who call themselves Sauckeys, and the Miamies, heard your words. You remember, brother, I then told you that I wonld withdraw the dark cloud from your eyes that you might know us again. You see I have done so, for you now behold us all clearly. At the same time I told you I would open both your ears and my own, that we might hear each other clearly. Our ears are opened aooordingly, and we hear and understand accurately. I now speak to you with a pure henrt. This white wampum testifies our sincerity and unanimity in sentiment. I now put your heart in its right place, as you did mine; that yoa may make known to the fifteen fires what I now tell yon. [A blue and white string.] Elder brother 1 When I view my situation, I consider myself as an object of compassion.

Elder brother, listen to me ! As I told you last winter, if we Indians have acted wrong we are not entirely to blame. It was our father, the British, who urged us to bad deeds and reduced us to our present state of misery. Be persuaded us to shed all the blood we have spilled. You, this day, see me fulfil my promise. W'ith this belt I cover all the slain, together with our evil actions. [A white belt.]

Elder brother, listen to me with attention! I speak in the name of all present. You see that I am worthy of your compassion. When I look upward I see the sky serene and happy, and when I look on the earth, I see all my children wandering in the utmost misery and distress. I tell you this to inform you I have never moved my fire - that I still live where the Great Spirit first placed me. [A belt.]

Elder brother, listen! The Great Spirit above hears us and I trust we shall not endeavor to deceive each other. I expeot what we are about to do shall never be forgotten as long as we exist. When I show you this belt I point out to you your children at one end of it, and mine at the other ; and I would solicit the fifteen fires, and their women and children, to have pity on my helpless offspring. I now tell you that we will assist you, to the utmost of our power to do what is right Remember we have taken the Great Spirit to witness our present notions. We will make a new world and leave nothing on it to incommode our ohildren. [A white belt.]

Elder brother! I was not disposed to take np the hatchet against you; it was forced into my hands by the white people. I now throw it into the middle of the deepest lake from whehoe no mortal oan bring it back.

Brother! I have thrown my hatchet into a bottomless lake, from whence it never will return. I hope yon will also throw yours so far that it may never again be found. [A string blue and white.]

Brother! After bearing all your words my heart feels easy and in its proper place. I do not speak to you about lands; for why should U You have told us we might bunt upon your lands. You need not apprehend any injury from us - we will for the future live and hunt in peace and happiness.

Elder brother! You see before you all my war-chiefs. They never go ahead of their commander; they ever obey and follow his orders. When I was here last winter you expressed a desire to see4bem. You told me you would treat them well, but they say they have not seen this treatment and inquire the cause of this alteration. [A blue string.]

Elder brother! Had you seen me in former days you would have beheld a great and brave chief, but now I am old and burdened with the weight of years.

Elder brother! .1 take you and the fifteen fires by the hand with the lively feelings of a brother. I am old but age does not prevent me from assisting in good works. I am happy and satisfied with the words you have spoken, and those delivered by my brother Indians. Our satisfaction is general ; - when a chief rises to speak I wish him to speak nothing but truth; because I feel for my young men, women, and children, whose happiness I have deep at heart. I must observe that I never received any part of the compensation given at the treaty of Muskingum. Our chiefs are all well disposed and I hope everything that passes between you and them may be marked with sincerity and truth. My nation consists of one thousand men who live at, and between Detroit and Lake Michigan. We have the Miamies for our allies, and we mutually assist each other. I am by birth a Sao ; I married a Pottawattamie and have- resided amongst them. Twenty-three chiefs of that nation are inferior to me in command. [A belt.]

Younger brothers! 1 have heard with due attention all that you this day have said. To morrow I will reply fully to you. My plate and my table are not very large. They could not entertain all present at one time but I hope to see all your obiefs in person, and in due rotation before we part. In the mean time you must acknowledge that I have helped your plates pretty well, and kept them full all around me. I will send you a little liquor this evening; but I hope you will keep your heads clear to attend to what I shall say to-morrow.

Brothers! You know that we, the Seven Nations, have always been of one opinion. You know also that our unoles have always taken care of the great fire, they being the oldest nation. Our elder brother will therefore address his words to our unole, the Wyandot, who will hand them round through the different nations.

Brothers, the Ottawas, Cbippeways, and Pottawattamies 1 Open your ears and be attentive 1 I have heard with very great pleasure, the sentiments delivered by Masass, as the unanimous voioe of your three nations. When Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, your uncle, came to me last winter, I took him to my bosom and delivered him the key of all my forts and garrisons ; and my heart rejoices when I look around me and see so many of your obiefs and warriors assembled here in consequence of that happy meeting. It will give Infinite pleasure to General Washington, the great chief of the fifteen fires, when I inform him you have thrown the hatchet with so strong an arm that it has reached the middle, and sunk to the bottom of the great lake, and that it is now so oovered with sand that it can never again be found. The belt which was given to Wassung many years since, establishing a road between you and the fifteen fires, I now return, renewed and oleared of all the brush and brambles with which time had surrounded it.

Brothers of the three great fires ! You say you thought you were the proper owners of the land that was sold to the fifteen fires at the treaty of Muskingum ; but you say also that you never received any compensation for those lands. It was always the wish and intention of the fifteen fires that the true owners of those lands should reoeive a full compensation for them. If you did not reoeive a due proportion of the goods, as original proprietors, it was not the fault of the United States; on the contrary, the United States have paid twice for those lands; first at the treaty of McIntosh, ten years ago, and next at that of Muskingum, six years since.

Younger brothers! Notwithstanding that these lands have been twice paid for by the fifteen fires, at the places I have mentioned, yet suoh is the justioe and liberality of the United 8tates, that they will now, a third time, make compensation for them. [A large string to the three fires.]

Brothers, the Miamies! I have paid attention to what the Little Turtle said, two days since, concerning the lands which he claims. He said his father first kindled the fire at Detroit, and stretched his line from thence to the head- waters of Soioto ; thence down the same to the Ohio ; thenoe down that river to the mouth of the Wabash, and from thence to Chicago, on the southwest end of Lake Michigan ; and observed that his forefathers had enjoyed that country undisturbed, from time immemorial.

Brothers! These boundaries inctose a very large space of country indeed; they embrace, if I mistake not, all the lands on wbioh all the nations now present live, as well as those which have been ceded to the United States. The lands which have been ceded have within these three days been acknowledged by the Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, Wyandots, Delawares, and Shawanees. The Little Turtle says, the prints of his forefathers' bouses are everywhere to be seen within these boundaries. Younger brothers! it is true these prints are to be observed, but at the same time we discover the marks of Frenoh possessions throughout the country which were established long before we were born. These have since been in the possession of the British, who must in their turn, relinquish them to the United States, when they, the French, and the Indians, will be all as one people. [A white string.]

I will point out to you a few places where I discover strong traces of these establishments ; and first of all, I find at Detroit a very strong print, where the fire was first kindled by your forefathers; next at Vincennes on the Wabash; again at Musquiton, on the same river; a little higher up on that stream they are to be seen at Ouitanon. I discover another strong trace at Chioago ; another on the St Joseph's of Lake Michigan.

I have seen distinctly the prints of a French and of a British post, at the Miami villages, and of a British post at the foot of the Rapids, now in their possession. Prints, very conspicuous, are on the Great Miami, which were possessed by the French forty-five years ago; and another trace is very distinctly to be seen at Sandusky.

It appears to me that if the Great Spirit, as you say, charged your forefathers to preserve their lands entire for their posterity, they have paid very little regard to the saored injunction, for I see they have parted with those lands to your fathers the French - and the English are now, or have been, in possession of them all ; therefore, I think the charge urged against the Ottawas, Chippeways, and other Indians, comes with a bad graoe indeed, from the very people who, perhaps, set them the example. The English and French both wore hats ; and yet your forefathers sold them, at various times, portions of your lands. However, as I have already observed, you shall now reoeive from the United States further valuable compensation for the lands you have ceded to them by former treaties. i

Younger brothers! I will now inform you who it was who gave us these lands in the first instanoe: it was your fathers the British, who did not discover that care for your interests which you ought to have experienced. This is the treaty of peace made between the United States of America and Great Britain twelve years ago, at the end of a long and bloody war, when the French and Americans proved too powerful for the British: on these terms they obtained peaoe. [Here part of the treaty of 1788 was read.] nere you perceive that all the country south of the great lakes has been given up to America ; but the United States never intended to take that advantage of you whiob the British placed in their bands; they wish you to enjoy your just rights without interruption, and to promote your happiness. The British stipulated to surrender to us all the posts on this side of the boundary agreed on. I told you some days ago, that treaties should ever be sacredly fulfilled by those who make them; but the British, on their part, did not find it convenient to relinquish those posts os soon as they should have done : however, they now find it so, and a precise period is fixed for their delivery. I have now in my hand the copy of a treaty, made eight months since, between them and us, of which I will read you a little. [First and second articles of Mr. Jay's treaty read.] By this solemn agreement they promise to retire from Miohilimackinac, Fort St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara, and all other places on this side of the lakes, in ten moons from this period, and leave the same to the full and quiet possession of the United States. Brothers ! All nations present, now listen to me !

Having now explained those matters to you, and informed you of all things I judged necessary for your information, we have nothing to do but to bury the hatchet and draw a veil over past misfortunes. As you have buried our dead with the concern of brothers, so I now colleot the bones of your slain warriors, put them into a deep pit which I have dug, and eover them carefully over with this large belt, there to remain undisturbed.

I also dry the tears from your eyes and wipe the blood from your bodies with this soft white linen. No bloody traoes will ever lead to the graves of your departed heroes; with this I wipe all suoh away. I deliver it to your uncle, the Wyandot, who will send it round amongst you. [A large belt with a white string attaohed.]

I now take the hatchet out of your heads, and with a strong arm throw it into the centre of the great ooean, where no mortal can ever find it ; and 1 now deliver to you the wide and straight path to the fifteen fires, to be used by you and your posterity forever. So long as you oontinue to follow this road, so long will you continue to be a happy people. You see it is straight and wide, and they will be blind indeed who deviate from it. I place it also in your uncle's hands that he may preserve it for you. [A large road belt.]

I will, the day after to-morrow, show you the cessions whioh you have made to the United States, and point out to you the lines which may for the future, divide your lands from theirs ; and as you will have to-morrow to rest, I will order you a double allowance of drink, because we have now buried the hatchet and performed every necessary ceremony to render propitious our renovated friendship.

Brothers, the fifteen fires, listen ! and all you chiefs and warriors present. This is a day appointed by the Great Spirit above, for us; he has taken pity on us all and disposed us to perfect this good work. You have all heard wbat our elder brother has said on these two belts. We will all now return thanks to this great chief, and to the great chief of the fifteen fires, for their goodness towards us; and we wilt at the same time, offer our acknowledgments to the Great Spirit, for it is he alone who, has brought ns together and caused us to agree in the good works which have been done. My thanks are also due to you, chiefs and warriors present.

Ratification Of Treaty

Younger brothers I When we were last in council I informed you that I would on this day, describe the general boundary line that shall be proposed to divide the lands of the United States, or fifteen great fires of America, from those belonging to the Indian nations, which I will now proceed to do, in such a manner as to prevent mistakes or disputes in future respecting that boundary. I will therefore read and explain to you the several articles of a treaty, upon which a permanent peace shall be established between the United States of America and all the Indian tribes northwest of the Ohio.

You will therefore, younger brothers, open your ears to hear, and your hearts to understand the articles of agreement which I hold in my hand.

Younger brothers I I wish you dearly to understand the object of these reservations. They are not intended to annoy you, or impose the smallest degree of restraint on you, in the quiet and full possession of your lands, but to oonnect the settlements of the people of the United States, by rendering a passage from one to the other more practicable and convenient, and to supply the necessary wants of those who shall reside on them. They are intended at the same time, to prove convenient and advantageous to the different Indian tribes residing and hunting In their vicinity, as trading posts will he established at them, to the end that you may be furnished with goods in exchange for your furs and skins at a reasonable rate.

You will consider that the principal part of the now proposed reservations were made and ceded by the Indians at an early period to the French ; the French, by the treaty of peace of 1763, ceded them to the British, who, by the treaty of 1788, ceded all the posts and possessions they then held, or to which they had any claim, south of the great lakes, to the United States of America. The treaty of Muskingum embraced almost alt these reservations, and has been recognised by the representatives of all the nations now present, during the course of last winter, as the basis upon which this treaty should be founded.

Younger brothers 1 I have now proposed to you articles of a treaty calculated to insure our future friendship and happiness; and which may continue till time shall be no more. I present this belt, emblematio of the ten articles which compose it, to your uncles the Wyandots. [A belt.]

Brothers, the fifteen United States, listen 1 and you, my nephews, the Delawares, brothers Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawatamies, Shawanees, and Miamies! This is the day the Great Spirit has appointed for us, wherein we have completed the good work of peace. We have opened our ears and we all understand well what has just now been said. We have paid the utmost attention to all your words in describing the boundary between the United States and us Indians, and the roads you have made which shall lead through our country to the different posts and reservations you have mentioned. We thank you for your information, and we are persuaded you have acted with great equity and moderation in dividing the oountry as you have done ; we are highly pleased with your humanity towards us.

Listen, you chiefs and warriors present 1 Our elder brother has made proposals to us which require the greatest deliberation among us all. I do now request of you to consult upon this business -without delay, that we may be enabled to return an answer to our brother to-morrow. Make no delay in deciding. This is all I have to say.

Listen, you chiefs and warriors, to what I am about to say to you 1 To you I am speaking. We have heard what our elder brother has said to us this day. I expected to have heard him deliver these words ever since v>e have been here ; for which reason I observed that you were precipitate on your part. This is a business of the greatest consequence to us all ; it is an affair to which no one among us can give an answer. Therefore I hope that we will take time to consider the subject; that we will unite in opinion and express it unanimously. Perhaps our brothers the Shawanees, from Detroit, may arrive in time to give us their assistance. You, chiefs present, are men of sense and understanding: this occasion calls for your serious deliberation ; and you, my uncles the Wyandots, and grandfathers the Delawares, view our situation in its true point of consideration.

Elder brother 1 You told us yesterday to deliberate seriously on the subject of your communications to us. We, the Wyandots, Delawares, and Shawanees, have not yet formed our opinions ; more time is required to consider of so important a matter. Tomorrow morning we will be prepared to answer you ; our minds will by that time be made up.

Elder brother! If my old chiefs were living, I should not presume to speak in this assembly; but as they are dead, I now address you in the name of the Pottawattamies; as Masass has spoken in the name of the three fires, of which we are one, I have to express my concurrence in sentiment with him. It is two years since I assisted at the treaty of Vincennes. My voice there represented the three fires. I then said it would require three years to accomplish a general peace ; I am now of a different opinion, for I am confident it will be completed at this meeting. -

Elder brother! I now bury the hatchet forever, and tell you that all the bad and imprudent actions which have been committed were not done by me, the Indian.

Elder brother! You now see why I have done wrong. This war-belt caused us to spill much blood through this country. The Great Spirit has at length put a period to the influence of this pernicious belt. You must know that it was presented to us by the British, and has involved us for four years past in misery and misfortunes. I am rejoiced to think it can never again lead us astray, even if a fresh war should break out with redoubled fury. We have already the loss of too many chiefs and warriors to lament, who fell a sacrifice in this destructive contest.

Elder brother! You have been told that the Pottawattamies are always foremost in mischief. 1 now tell you, that was not a true representation. The Pottawattamie sits in the centre; nothing takes its beginning from thence. It is the three people who lived at the Miami villages who assumed to themselves the privilege of going before. But this oannot be unknown to you.

Elder brother! I shall now dispose of this belt. I live too far from the lakes, and my arm is not long enough to throw it into the centre of any of them ; neither have I strength sufficient to tear up a big tree and bury it beneath its root; hut I will put it from me as effectually by surrendering it into your hands, as by doing with it anything else. You may burn it if you please, or transform it into a necklace for some handsome squaw, and thus change its original design and appearance, and prevent forever its future recognition. It has caused us much misery, and I am happy in parting with it. [A war belt.]

Elder brother 1 I have now made you acquainted with the determined resolution of the three fires, and if any other nation should pretend to tell you that their strength and influence can hereafter stir us up to war, do not believe them ; for I now tell you that we, the three fires, are not only immovable in our determination, but being the most powerful people, have nothing to dread from their compulsion.

All you nations present, I must tell you that I am much surprised that you cannot agree in opinion on the good work now before you. You do not act well ; you undo today what you did yesterday. It would appear as if you were ashamed to come forward with one voioe. Why do you hesitate? You know good works are always better when executed with decision. I now entreat yon all to join hand and heart and finish this good work with our elder brother.

All you present must know that every kind of business, especially such as we are at present engaged in, exhibits difficulties which require patience to remove, and consideration to adjust. Your younger brothers, the Miamies, again light the calumet of peace, and present it to the Shawanees who have not yet smoked out of it.

Elder brother! Your younger brothers, the Miamies, now thank you for the sentiments you have expressed, and for burying the hatchet; they offer at the same time, their acknowledgments to their elder brother of the fifteen fires for throwing his tomahawk with so strong an arm into the great ocean. We are convinced of the sincerity with which these actions were performed. I do not believe the hatchet was ever before buried so deep. I fancy it has always heretofore been cast into shallow running water, which has washed it up on dry land, where some of our foolish young men have always found It, and used it to involve their people in trouble.

Elder brother! I wish we could all unite and give our elder brother at once a final answer to his propositions. I am surprised that you, my uncles, the Wyandots, and you, my grandfathers, the DelawareB, and you, Shawanees, should say you were not ready. Your younger brothers expect that you will call them all together and make them acquainted with your sentiments first, as elder brothers ought to do, and afterwards to listen to the opinion of your younger brothers.

Elder brother, listen to me 1 My mind has long been made up ; it is not necessary for me to consider npon what I am already resolved upon : we have been here a long time, and ought without further delay, to finish this good work. We, the three nations, have been long united in opinion ; we fully agree to your proposition ; we want no further private counsel. We should lay aside trifling ; our tardy brothers have got their wives with them ; they are content and easy ; ours are at home, and we are anxious to be with them.

Elder brother of the fifteen fires, listen to us 1 All you that are assembled here, brother Indians, listen also. We are now come forward to give you an answer to wbat you proposed to us the other day, as my nephews, the Delawares, and my younger brothers, the Shawanees, have agreed upon what they will say to you. We request you, brother, to relate this answer to our brother Indians, after I have delivered it to you.

Brothers of the fifteen united fires, listen to the voice of the Wyandots, and their confederates of Sandusky! We take the Delawares, our nephews, and our younger brothers, the Shawanees, by the hand, as their sentiments agree with ours, and have one heart and Toice to speak. I now speak, brothers, in the name of the before-mentioned tribes in answer to your proposals made to us two days ago. As we hare said before that you had done the greatest justioe to us, we do now again acknowledge it a second time.

Brothers, listen well! We hare only the following objections to make; yon mentioned in one of the articles that you would not protect us from the mischief that might take place amongst ourselves. Remember well, brothers, the speech you sent us, dated the 1st January, 1795. We shall only give part of the contents, and these are the words:

" Your father, General Washington, the President of the Fifteen Great Fires of America, will take you under his protection, and has ordered me to defend his dutiful children from any injury that may be attempted against them on aocount of their peaceable disposition towards the United States; for which purpose he witl order a fort or fortification to be built at the foot of the Rapids of the Sandusky, on the reserved lands, as soon as the season and circumstances will permit."

Brothers 1 Reconsider this beneficial part of the articles - don't change your sentiments - hold fast to General Washington's orders, as we do. We shall never be happy or contented if you do not take us under your powerful wings ; we are sensible that no one dare pluck a feather from your body; if they do, the fifteen speared arrows in your daws will display in every direction.

Brothers, listen 1 You have requested of us all, to give you an account of the nation or nations, the true owners of the soil northwest of the Ohio, of the boundaries you have laid off two days ago. We will ask you a few questions. Did you not in the last war between you and the British, divide the country? He gave one part to you, the other he reserved for himself. We are well acquainted that you are master of the lands, and you have now thought proper to return a large tract of the oountry to us again.

Brothers! We leave the disposal of the country wholly in your breast. Make out the boundaries that shall divide the land between our nations, as we, the Wyandots, Delawares, and Shawanees, wish to know if we are entitled to any part of it. We wish to inform you of the impropriety of not fixing the bounds of every nation's rights, for the manner it now lies in would bring on disputes forever between the different tribes of Indians ; and we wish to be by ourselves, that we may be acquainted how far we might extend our claims, that no one may intrude on us, nor we on them.

Brothers ! This speech we deliver you is the unanimous opinion of the chiefs, the Wyandots, Ottawas, Delawares, and Six Nations of Sandusky, and the Delawares and Shawanees from the waters of the Miami River.

My nephews the Delawares, and my younger brothers the Shawanees, have further added to this speech ; it is their wish from their hearts that the present proposed plan should be left to your consideration, as you had pity on us in settling the present business in such a manner as you thought proper. You may rest assured, brothers, that these are our sentiments.

Elder brother! and all you present! I am going to say a few words in the name of the Pottawattamies, Weas, and Kickapoos. It is well known to you all, that people are appointed on these occasions to Bpeak the sentiments of others; therefore am I appointed for those three nations.

Elder brotherl You told your younger brothers when we first assembled, that peace was your object. You swore your interpreters before us to the faithful discharge of their duty and told them the Great Spirit would punish them did they not perform it. You told us it was not you, but the President of the Fifteen Fires of the United States, who spoke to us; that whatever he should say should be firm and lasting; that it was impossible ho should say what was not true. Rest assured that your younger brothers, the Miamies, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, Shawanees, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and Kaskaskias, are well pleased with your words, and are persuaded of their sincerity. You have told us to consider of the boundaries you showed us : your younger brothers have done so, and now proceed to give you their answer. [A white string.]

Elder brotherl Your younger brothers do not wish to hide their sentiments from you. I wish them to be the same with those of the Wyandots and Delawares. You have told us that most of the reservations you proposed to us, belonged to our fathers the French and British. Permit your younger brothers to make a few observations on this subject.

Elder brother 1 We wish you to listen with attention to our words. You have told your younger brothers that the British imposed falsehoods on us when they said the United States wished to take our lands from us, and that the United States had no such design. Y'ou pointed out to us the boundary line, which crossed a little below Loramie's store and struck Fort Recovery, and ran thence to the Ohio River, opposite the mouth of Kentucky River.

Elder brother 1 You have told us to speak oar minds freely, and we now do it. This line takes in the greater and the best parts of your brothers' hunting-ground; therefore your younger brothers are of opinion you take too much of their lands away, and confine the hunting-grounds of our young men within limits too contracted. Your brothers the Miamies, the proprietors of those lands, and all your younger brethren present, wish you to run the line, as you mentioned, to Fort Reoovery, and to continue it along the road from thence to Fort Hamilton, on the Great Miami River. This is what your brothers request you to do ; and you may rest assured of the free navigation of that river, from thence to its mouth, forever.

Brother ! Here is the road we wish to be the boundary between us. What lies to the east, we wish to be yours ; that to the west, we would desire to be ours. [Presenting a road belt ]

Elder brother! In speaking of the reservations, you say they are designed for the same purpose as those for which our fathers, the French and English, occupied them. Your younger brothers now wish to make some observations on them.

Elder brother! Listen to me with attention. You told ns you discovered on the Great Miami traces of an old fort. It was not a French fort, brother ; it was a fort built by me. You perceived another at Loramie's; 'tis true a Frenchman once lived there for a year or two. The Miami villages were occupied as you remarked; but it was unknown to your younger brothers until you told them, that we had sold land there to the French or English. I was much surprised to hear you say it was my forefathers had set the example to the other Indians in selling their lands. I will inform you in what manner the French and English occupied those places.

Elder brother! These people were seen by our forefathers first at Detroit; afterwards we saw them at the Miami village - that glorious gate which your younger brothers had the happiness to own, and through which all the good words of our chiefs had to pass from the north to the south, and from the east to the west. Brothers, these people never told us they wished to purchase our lands from us.

Elder brother! I now give you the true sentiments of your younger brothers the Miamies with respect to the reservation at the Miami villages. We thank you for kindly contracting the limits you at first proposed. We wish you to take this six miles square on the side of the river where your fort now stands, as your younger brothers wish to inhabit that beloved spot again. You shall cut hay for your cattle wherever you please, and you shall never require in vaip the assistance of your younger brothers at that place.

Elder brother ! The next place you pointed to was the Little River, and said you wanted two miles square at that place. This is a request that our fathers the French or British never made us - it was always ours. This carrying place has heretofore proved, in a great degree, the subsistence of your younger brothers. That plaoe has brought to us in the course of one day, the amount of one hundred dollars. Let us both own this place, and enjoy in common the advantages it affords. You told us at Chicago the French possessed a fort; we have never heard of it. We thank you for the trade you promised to open in our country ; and permit us to remark that we wish our former traders may be continued and mixed with yours. [A belt.]

Elder brother 1 On the subject of hostages, I have only to observe that I trust all my brothers present are of my opinion with regard to peaoe and our future happiness. I expect to be with you every day when you settle on your reservations, and it will be impossible forme or my people to withhold from you a single prisoner; therefore we don't know why any of us should remain here. These are the sentiments of your younger brothers present on these particulars. [A white string.]

Elder brother ! Y'ou have heard the voice of your younger brothers present. I have nothing to add to what has been said. Where could I find a oontrary opinion ? I have only to hope that we may all experience the truth of what you have told us in the name of General Washington who sent you. All our treaties hitherto have failed ; this, I am confident, will be lasting. These words come from the three fires, and we hope the Great Spirit may witness our sincerity. [A white string.]

Elder brother! What I am about to say is the voice of all present. You know the Great Spirit witnesses onr words - I am afraid to tell an untruth. 1 have nothing to add to what has been said; it meets the full approbation of all your younger brothers. You know we have all buried the hatchet together with our bad actions. Why, therefore, do you wish to detain hostages from among us ? You may depend upon our sincerity. We cannot but be sincere as your forts will be planted thick among us. Although an Indian, I respect the words of a good man ; and when I pledge my faith, I do not deviate from my engagements. Your people with us will undoubtedly be restored as soon as possible ; I cannot fix any precise period for their delivery, for perhaps I oould not exactly fulfil my promises and I should be sorry to give you cause to doubt my veracity.

The Shawanees, Miamies, and Delawares, who lived at the ga(p, and who caused all our misfortunes have wisely buried the hatchet forever ; they wish to return to their former situation and enjoy again their favorite abode.

I am sent by my nation to hear what the assembled nations should say at this treaty ; together with the words of our elder brother. I shall now speak a few words through the Little Turtle. [Presents a pipe to smoke.]

Elder brother! The United States and your elder brothers present, look at this oalumet - you see it is white. It is an instrument given to us Indians by the Great Spirit to assist in communicating our sentiments to each other.

Elder Brotherl I return you thanks for the good words you sent among us; in consequence of which we are here this day. We, the Kickapoos and Kaskaskias, are happy in perceiving your humanity towards us. We see with great pleasure all our elder brothers now take you by the hand ; and we sinoerely hope your words to each other may never be violated. We present this calumet as a token of our lasting friendship towards yon, and of our anxious desire that this good work may last forever. [A pipe - delivered.]

Elder brother, listen to what I now say ! Tour younger brothers, that is, the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies, hare told you that they were but one people and had but one voice. They have said the truth and what I now say is in the name of the three fires. You have asked of tw, tbe island of Michilimackiuac, and its dependencies, on the main, where the fort formerly stood ; they are ceded to you forever, with the utmost cheerfulness. You have also asked a piece of ground at the entrance of the straits to out your wood on and for other necessary purposes; this is also granted to you; and I further add to it the hit dt Boit Blanc, as an instance of our sincere disposition to serve and accommodate you.

You know, brother, when the French formerly possessed this country we were but one people and had but one fire between us ; we now entertain the hope of enjoying the same happy relations with you, the United States. Your brothers present, of the three fires, are gratified in seeing and bearing you ; those who are at home will not experience that pleasure until you come and live among us: you will then learn our title to that land ; you will then be convinced of my sincerity, and of our friendship and strength of our nations.

This, elder brother, is all I have to say at present We all know that the good work of peace is accomplished : I only address these few words to you that all nations present may again hear the sentiments of the three fires, and understand them perfectly. [A blue and white string.]

Elder brother 1 You already know what I am about to say. I have got a cold; I cannot speak well at present; my brother, the Little Turtle, will speak for me.

Elder brother ! Here are papers which have been given to me by Qeneral Washington, the great chief of the United States. He told me they should protect us in the possession of our lands, and that no white person should interrupt us in the enjoyment of our bunting grounds, or be permitted to purchase any of our towns or lands from us ; that he would place traders among us who would deal fairly. I wish you to examine these papers.

Elder brother ! You have asked for a reservation at the Ouiatanon ; I hope you will put a trader there on the spot formerly occupied by one. We would wish Captain Prior to be our trader. I oan't give you any lands there, brother ; I will lend you some as long as you want it.

Elder brother 1 You have told us of a place possessed by the French, oalled Musquiton. We have lived at our village a long time, and it is very surprising that we should never know anything about it. The French live at Yinoenues, where they were permitted to settle by my forefathers, who told them they should have a small quantity of land for the cattle, etc., on the east, but none on the west side of the Wabash. [A white string.]

All you my brothers present! When the chiefs of my village sent me hither to hear your proceedings in council, they told me I could not see the extent of the American fires; that they believed their elder brother had called them together in pity to them, their women and children, and they enjoined the three fires to speak with one voice and do their utmost to forward the good work ; saying, that they had seen several treaties, heretofore made with the United States, which the Indians had always violated, by taking up the hatchet.

Elder brother 1 I have listened to all your words, and to those of my brothers. It would be very wrong in me to raise objections to what has been done, as you have explained to us your treaty with Britain.

Elder brotherl You say, at the Fort of Detroit, 'you intend to take a piece of land six miles deep, from the river Racine to Lake St. Clair. I now ask you what is to become of our brothers, the French, who live on this land. We look on them as our brothers and friends, who treated us well, when abused by the British. We wish to know your sentiments on this subject. We think, brother, you could find land enough between the rivers Raisin and Rouge. We have no objection to your reservation at the foot of the rapids. We have no objection to any other proposition you have made; and we sincerely wish we cquld now take you among us, beoause the British, on our return, will renew their old songs.

Elder brother! My children must have suffered since I left home; perhaps I myself may be made unhappy on my return to them ; for the British may probably say, Why don't you seek relief from your new friends? This makes me uneasy and urges me to entreat you to come immediately and live nearer to us. You might then assist us and it would be more convenient for tbe surrender of our prisoners. I hope you pity my situation. When I returned from the treaty of Muskingum, MoKee threatened to kill me ; I have not now less cause to fear him, as he endeavored to prevent my coming hither.

Elder brother! You asked who were the true owners of tbe lands now ceded to the United States. In answer, I tell you, that if any nations should call themselves the owners of it they would be guilty of a falsehood ; our claim to it is equal ; our elder .brother has conquered it.

Elder brotherl If I can escape the snares of McKee and his bad birds, I shall ascend as high as the Falls of St. Marys, and proclaim the good tidings to all your distant brothers in that quarter. [A belt.]

Younger brothers, all of yon, listen with attention I I shall now reply to what was said yesterday by the Wyandots. I will then answer the observations of the Little Turtle, made in behalf of the Miamies and Wabash tribes.

Younger brothers, the Wyandots, Delawares and Shawanees! I am pleased to hear you say with one voice, for the second time, that I have done the greatest justice to you in dividing the lands of the United States from those of the Indian nations by the boundary line which I have proposed. You request me to fix the boundaries that shall divide the lands between tbe respective tribes of Indians now present.

Younger brothers! A moment's reflection will show you the impropriety as well as the impossibility of my acting in this business. You Indians best know your respective boundaries.

I particularly recommend to all you nations present, to continue friendly and just to eaoh other; let no nation or nations, invade, molest or disturb, any other nation or nations in tbe hunting-grounds they have heretofore been accustomed to live and hunt upon within the boundary which shall be now agreed on. And, above all, I enjoin that no injury be offered to any nation or nations, in consequence of the part any or either of them may have pursued, to establish a permanent and happy peace with the United States of America.

Younger brothers, the Wyandots and othea Indians of Sandusky, make your hearts and mindB easy. Be assured that as soon as circumstances will permit a fort shall be established on the reserved lands, near tbe entrance of Sandusky Lake, which will always afford you protection against the oommon enemy, should any such presume to disturb our peace and mutual friendship.

Younger brothers, the Miamies! I have listened to you with attention and have heard your observations upon the general boundary line proposed by me, as well as upon the proposed reservations. If my ears did not deceive me I have heard all the other nations give their assent to the general boundary line and to the reservations generally ; I therefore address you, the Miamies : You say that the general boundary line as proposed by me will take away some of your best hunting-grounds, and you propose to alter it, and run it from Fort Recovery, through the centre of this piaoe, and along the road to the Miami River, opposite Fort Hamilton.

Younger brothers! This would be a very crooked, as well as a very difficult line to follow, because there are several roads between this and Fort Hamilton, some of them several miles apart, which might oertainly be productive of unpleasant mistakes and differences. That which I propose will be free from all difficulty and uncertainty. You all know Fort Recovery, as well as the mouth of Kentucky River. A straight line drawn from one to the other, will never vary ; they are two points which will ever be remembered, not only by all present, but by bur children's children, to the end of time. Nor will this line prevent your hunters, or young men in the smallest degree from pursuing all tbe advantages which the chase affords, because, by the seventh article, the United States of America grant liberty to all the Indian tribes, to hunt within the territory ceded to the United States, without hindrance or molestation, so long as they demean themselves peaceably, and offer no injury to the people of the United States.

I find there is some objection to the reservation at Fort Wayne. Tbe Little Turtle observes, he never heard of any cessions made at that place, to the French. I hare traoed the lines of two forts at that point; one stood near the junction of the St. Josephs and the St. Marys; and the other not far removed, on the St. Marys ; and it is ever an established rule, among Europeans, to reserve as much ground around their forts sb their oannon can command; - this is a rule, as well known as any other fact.

Objection has also been made respecting the portage between Fort Wayne and Little River ; and the reasons produced are, that the road has been to the Miamies a source of wealth - that it has heretofore produced them one hundred dollars per day. R may be so ; but let us inquire who in fact paid this heavy contribution. It is true, the traders bore it in the first instance, but they laid it on their goods, and the Indians of the Wabash really and finally paid it; therefore, it is the Little Beaver - the Soldier - the Sun, and their tribes, who have actually been so highly taxed. The United States will always be their own carriers, to, and from, their different posts. Why should the United States pay the large sum of eight thousand dollars, annually, if they were not to enjoy the privilege of open roads, to, and from their reservations? This sum of money the United States agree to pay for this, and other considerations ; and the share which the Miamies will receive of this annuity, shall be one thousand dollars.

I will then inquire, of alt the nations present, whether the United States are not acting tbe part of a tender father, to them and their children, in thus providing for them ; not only at present, but forever ?

The Miamies shall be at liberty, as usual, to employ themselves for private traders whenever their assistance may be required, and those people who have lived at that glorious gate (the Miami villages) may now rekindle their fires at that favorite spot, and henceforth, as in their happiest days, be at full liberty to receive from, and send to, all quarters, the speeches of their chiefs as usual - and here is the road tbe Miamies will remember. [A road belt.]

Now, all ye chiefs and warriors, of every nation present, open your ears, that you may clearly hear the articles of treaty, now in my hand, again read, and a second time explained to you, that we may proceed to have them engrossed on parchment which may preserve them forever.

I did not expect any objections to this particular; for I see no reason why yon should hesitate at leaving ten of your people with me, until the return of our people from among you. The promise of a mutual exchange of prisoners made last winter when we met at this place, you have not performed on your part : I have kept none of your flesh and blood ; nor would General Washington, the Great Chief of the United States, suffer me so to do. The period will be short and those who remain shall be kindly treated.

The Little Bearer has asked for Captain Prior, to reside as a trader at Ouiatanon ; he shall reside at that plaoe. But Captain Prior is a warrior, not a trader ; he shall have a few warriors with him to protect the trade and the Indians in that quarter.

Masass has asked, what will become of the French ? The United States consider the French and themselves as one people ; and it is partly for them, and their accommodation that this reservation is made, whenever they beoome oitixens thereof, as well as for the people of the Fifteen Fires.

In addition to the cessions whioh the three fires hare made with snch cheerfulness, of the reservations in their country, Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish has, in their name, made a voluntary gift to the United States, of the Isle de Bois Blano, in Lake Michigan. The Fifteen Fires aocept of this unasked-for grant from the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies, according to their intentions ; and will always view it as an unequivocal mark of their sincere friendship. ,

The Little Turtle yesterday expressed a wish that some of their former traders might be continued among them, as a part of the number to be licensed by the United States. This is very fair and reasonable, and a certain number will be licensed accordingly, when properly recommended as good and honest men.

Brothers! All you nations now present, listen ! Ton have now had, for a seoond time, the proposed articles of treaty read and explained to you. It is now time for the negotiation to draw to a conclusion. I shall, therefore, ask eaoh nation, individually, if they approve of, and are prepared to sign, those articles, in their present form, that they may be immediately engrossed for that purpose. I shall begin with the Chippeways.

The treaty shall be engrossed; and as it will require two or three days to do it properly, on parchment, we will now part, to meet on the 2d of August. In the interim, we will eat, drink, and rejoice, and thank the Great Spirit for the happy stage this good work has arrived at.

July 31st. The Red Pole, with eighty-eight Shawanees, and Teyyagh-taw, with seven Wyandots, nine of the Six Nations, and ten Delawares, arrived from the vicinity of Detroit, and were received.

August 2d. In council. Present as before, with the addition of the Shawanees, Wyandots, etc., who arrived on the 31st ultimo. The Red Pole, a Shawanee chief, arose and spoke as follows : -

I am very happy to see you all, my brothers, here assembled. I am come late, but I oome with a good heart. I am well pleased to hear of the good work you have agreed upon, with our elder brother, the Fifteen Fires, and thank you for the pity you have shown for our helpless women and ohildren, whom we have left behind.

Younger brothers! I hare received a letter from your ancient friends and brothers, the people called Quakers, with a message to all the nations here assembled. The Quakers are a people, whom I much lore and esteem, for the goodness of heart, and sincere love of peace, with all nations. Listen then to their voice, and let it sink deep into your hearts.

Their present, yon peroeire, is small; but being designed with the benevolent view of promoting the peaoe and happiness of mankind, it beoomes of important valne. They . wish it to be regarded merely as a token of their regard for you, and a testimony of their brotherly affection, and kind remembrance of yon.

Younger brother ! The articles of treaty are not yet completely engrossed ; they will be ready by eight o'clock to-morrow morning, when we will again meet here, read the treaty once more, and proceed to the act of mutually signing, and exchanging it. The Shawanees and Wyandots, who arrived the day before yesterday, will then hear what we have all agreed upon, and be equally convinced with all the others, of the liberality of the articles.

Elder brother, and you my brothers present ! You see me now present myself, as a war chief, to lay down that commission, and place myself in the rear of my village chiefs, who, for the future, will command me. Remember, brothers, you have all buried your war-hatchets; your brothers, the Shawanees, now do the same good act. We must think of war no more.

Elder brother! You now see that all the chiefs and warriors aronnd yon, have joined in the good work of peace, which is now accomplished. We now request you to inform our elder brother, General Washington, of it, and of the cheerful unanimity which has marked their determinations. We wish you to inquire of him if it would be agreeable that two chiefs from eaoh nation should pay him a visit, and take him by the hand ; for your younger brothers have a stroog desire to see that great man, and to enjoy the pleasure of conversing with him. [A blue string.]

Brothers, the Shawanees, and all yon other nations 1 I am confident the heart of the great ohief, General Washington, will be rejoiced when he hears that yon have unanimously joined in the good work of peace. The instrument we will sign to-morrow shall be an everlasting reoord of the good action - one part of which I will immediately transmit to him. I will, with pleasure, make the inquiries yon desire, and communicate the answer to you whenever I receive it.

Younger brothers! When this eounoil fire was first kindled, my commissions and authority for holding this treaty were read and explained to all then preseot; but as several chiefs had not at that time arrived, I shall now read them a seoond time for the perfect satisfaction of all.

That I have strictly performed my duty in fulfilling those instructions, and that they were manifestly calculated to establish the peaoe and happiness of all the ludian nations now present, will appear by the engrossed articles of treaty, unanimously agreed to, and now before us. They shall be read a third time, that all may be perfectly acquainted with them. Therefore listen.

Younger brothers I Having completed the signing of this treaty, one part of it shall be delivered to the Wyandots, who will preserve it as a sacred pledge of the establishment of our future friendship; the other, or counterpart, I will send to the great chief, General Washington. In addition, one oopy on paper shall be delivered to each nation, for their frequent and particular information. We will now proceed to apportion the goods designed to be given to yon, and I hope to be prepared for their delivery in a day or two. Some assistance mnst be afforded to the Chippeways, and other remote tribes, to facilitate the transportation of their proportions. We will, for the present, retire, and we will have a little drink this evening.

Elder brother 1 I now see that all is settled. It affords us a great deal of pleasure. I hope yon feel equally gratified. I repeat our entire satisfaction, that all present may know it. We, the three fires, have never done you any harm. With the same good heart I met you here, I will depart and return home. You will find the truth of these words, when you come and live among us. You mnst not believe ill of me.

Elder brother! I hope you will listen with attention to my words, and have pity on me. I have a request to make of you. Yon know I have come a great distanoe to assist in this good work, and as it is now happily completed, I hope you will deliver to us our friend, whom you sent from hence into confinement. We wonld be grieved to leave him in duranoe behind us, for he has been friendly to us. This is the request of your brothers, the three fires.

Brothers, all nations now present! You have all smoked out of this calnmet, when we first opened council at this plaoe, except the Shawanees. I will therefore smoke with the Shawanees, and with some of the Wyandots who arrived late.

Listen, all you sachems, chiefs, and warriors 1 Lift up your eyes, and behold these instruments of writing, to which the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanees, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, Miamies, Eel Rivers, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and Kaskaskias, have set their hands and seals, that they may be handed down to your children's children, as a memorial of the happy peace thereby established. When your posterity shall hereafter view these records, they will be informed that you were the great people that accomplished this blessed work, to insure to them, peace and happiness forever. One of these 1 shall transmit to General Washington ; the other, I shall deposit agreeably to your own desires, with your uncles, the Wyandots. A true copy, on paper, shall now be given to eaoh nation. This large belt, and this seal, will accompany the original instrument, and will declare its sacred and important value.

The next business will be the distribution of the goods and presents promised by treaty. To-morrow, the Wyandots shall reoeive their proportion ; the other nations will be sent for in order, as they signed, as soon as we are ready to deliver them. It will make no difference to any, who is first served, or who last ; all shall have their due proportion. 1 have only to reoommend a just and equal distribution among your respective nations.

Independent of this general delivery and as a reward for the good disposition to peace, of some chiefs and nations, early evinced, 1 shall make some further presents, which must be considered as private property, to those who shall receive them, and as testimonies of particular regard. In return for the generous and unasked for present of the Chippeways, of the Isle de Bois Blanc, the Fifteen Fires will make them an acknowledgment to show that they will never be outdone in kindness.

I have to exhort you to take every measure to restrain your young men from the bad practice of stealing horses from those who are their friends. Some Frenchmen, who accompanied you to this place, have complained to me of having bad their horses stolen since their arrival. This is ungrateful and disgraceful.

Be all now attentive i This letter in my hand, informs me, that some very bad Indians indeed, regardless of the good work we have been engaged in, have barbarously surprised and murdered an innocent family, who thought themselves secure from harm, whilst negotiations for peaoe engnged your attention. This grieves me very much. By an article of the agreement entered into last winter, we were mutually to inform each other of any harm intended, which should come to our knowledge, and do our utmost to prevent it. And it is expressly stipulated in this treaty, that similar conduot shall be pursued by both parties; - that for injuries done, no private or personal retaliation shall take place, but complaint shall be made by the party injured, to the other, eto.

I do, accordingly, at this time, complain to you of the bad conduct of those bad people, anddesiro you, who live nearest to them, to exert your powers to restrain their practices, and oorrect their lives. I fear if they are permitted to continue uncontrolled, much mischief will ensue. They ere a small lawless banditti, who insult your authority, at the same time they injure the United States by their savage and inhuman practices. Our people, roused and provoked by their depredations and cruelties, will follow them into their country, to punish them as they merit ; and should they, in their pursuit, fall in with any of you or your people who are our sincere friends, they might not be able to distinguish one from the other, and would probably wreak their vengeance on their innocent brothers, and hurt them, when they meant to chastise those guilty aggressors only.

Brothers, listen, and you also, brothers of the different nations present. The Great Spirit above, has appointed this day for us to complete all the good work, in which we have been engaged. Tou remember, that some time ago, our brother, the American, rose up and thanked the Great Spirit above, for conducting the good work so far as it then was; and he desired of us to know whether we would acknowledge him, the Fifteen United States, to be our father; but we have not yet returned him an answer. Now, this day the good work is completed. I inform you all, brother Indians, that we do now, and will henceforth, acknowledge the Fifteen United States of America to be our father, and you will all for the future look upon them as such - you must call them brothers no more. The Great Spirit has crowned them with success in all their undertakings.

Father I Tou see we all now acknowledge you to be our father. I take you by the hand, which I offer as a pledge of our sincerity, and of our happiness, in becoming your children.

Father 1 Listen to your children here assembled ; be strong now, and take care of all your little ones. See wbat a number you have suddenly acquired. Be careful of them and do not suffer them to be imposed upon. Don't show favor to one to the injury of any. An impartial father, equally regards all his chitdren ; as well those who are ordinary, as those who are more handsome; therefore, should any of your ohildren come to you crying and in distress, have pity on them and relieve their wants.

Now, all my brothers present, you see that we have acknowledged and called on the United States, as our father. Be strong, brothers, and obedient to our father; ever listen to him when he speaks to you, and follow his advice. 1 now deliver this wampum in presence of you all, as a token of our being now the children of the Fifteen Fires. [A large string, blue and white.]