USA > New York > Erie County > Buffalo > An authentic and comprehensive history of Buffalo : with some account of its early inhabitants, both savage and civilized ; comprising historic notices of the Six Nations or Iroquois Indians, including a sketch of the life of Sir William Johnson, and of other prominent white men, long resident among the Senecas ; arranged in chronologial order > Part 32
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Brother :- If war should take place, we hope you will inform us of it through your agents, and we will use our influence with all the Indians with whom we are acquainted, that they shall conduct according to your wishes.
MR. GRANGER'S MEMORANDUM OF A COUNCIL AT BUFFALO.
At a council held at Buffalo May 25th, 1812, with the chiefs of the Six Nations-after a congratulatory speech by the agent-Red Jacket, in be- half of the chiefs, spoke as follows:
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BROTHER :- We thank you for your speech. We thank you for advis- ing our young warriors to listen to the counsels of the old chiets. and not to listen to inexperienced young men.
Brother :- I wish the interpreter to be very particular and listen to what I say, that no mistakes may be made. The appearances now are the same they were at the beginning of the last war. We were told that the Great King would punish his disobedient children. We were invited to assist him, and were promised many good things if we would do so. Each one of our warriors was promised a new suit of clothes and a large sum in gold, and abundance of rum, as long as the grass should grow and water run. A great council was held. An ox was roasted. Sir Guy Johnson took the head and threw it into the fire, saying -.. This is
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the way we shall punish the rebels." A belt was then prodneed, repre- senting the British and the Indians-a heart in the middle. The Mo- hawks first took it up, and abused the rest; at last they all took, and danced the war dance. The Senecas were invited to go with the British, for "amusement," to see them punish their rebellious children, and were at length drawn into the war.
We have related what took place in the last war. You spoke then as you speak now. The British now speak as they spoke before. We are now determined to listen to your words. We have appointed a dep- utation to go to Canada, to speak to our brothers on that side of the river. This deputation is before you. This is not private; we wish the British to know it-the sooner the better for us. The British have tried to persuade us to cross. They showed us a map of the country; offered us great seats if we would come over and take an active part. We have refused. We like our seats among you, and are determined to remain with you. The men we have selceted to visit our brethren at Grand River, to persuade them to agree with us, are wise men. Their voice will be strong. It will be heard not only by our brothers there, but by others to the westward; they will listen to us. It is true, we have re- ceived a message from the Mohawks that they have agreed to take up the hatchet, but we hope they will listen to us. Our deputies have received instructions. They have family connections on that side. Some of them may come here to live, if they are not prevented from getting over.
If war takes place, we hope you will be candid with us; let us know all your mind; what regulations yon adopt. Let it be written down, that our delegates may take it to Grand River.
Brother-We want the money received from Phelps placed where it will bring us interest; take land as security, and be sure to take enough.
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL HELD AT BUFFALO,
SEPTEMBER 8th, 1812.
Council opened, and the war-chief Little Billy spoke -- first a compli- ment to the agent; thanks to the Great Spirit for health, and for bring- ing them together; is glad that the chiefs from a distance are present, prepared to attend a protracted council, &c.
BROTHER (addressing himself to the agent) :-- You recollect, after we were collected as a body, you made a communication to us, upon which we then deliberated. You sent us a letter from the President. This gave us a new subject for our deliberation, and now we come forward to reply to that communication.
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Brother :-- At the council at the village, you told us you should have further to say. We considered this council important. We, the Sene- cas, took up the business separately. * * * * We are now prepared to give an answer.
Brother :- You must be sensible we have been for a number of years in the path of peace. Our exertions have been great to keep in this path. We tried to keep peace. We thought the western Indians would listen to our voice, but they would not. Perhaps you are to blame. Your commander gave up Detroit before the western Indians had time to decide.
Brother :-- I have spoken of the pains we have taken to preserve peace. Your agents have done the same, but in vain. We went to Grand River (in Canada) lately, to keep peace, but in vain. The path of peace is broken in every part. We find no place to flee to, where there is peace, now. Upon this subject we have been deliberating.
Brother :- I have said we have come with all the others to seek the path of peace. We find there is no path left for us but between us and the United States. It is cut off in every other direction. Agreeably to your communication, we, the Senecas, shall now prepare to defend our- selves against the common enemy. It is true, we have friends on the other side, but we are exposed to the blow as well as you, and must pre- pare to meet it. We know of no other way to preserve peace but to rise from our seats and defend our own fire-sides, our wives and our children. We hope you will not ask us to cross over. Those that go over must go at their own risk. If our men go, they must go voluntarily. We wish to act only on the defensive. Part of the Onondagas and Cayugas who live amongst us, agree with us. We volunteer; we must act under our own chiefs, according to our own customs; be at liberty to take our own course in fighting; we cannot conform to your discipline in camp. So far as we can, we will conform to your customs. When you see a boat with a white flag, you do not fire; we shall do the same; but when a boat comes over without, we shall then begin the attack.
Brother :- We have no secrets; let the enemy know what we have done. Our council on the other side began privately; we are willing our position should be known. The deputation we sent over after war was declared, were not permitted to go up the country. We did not have an interview with our Canada friends. We were told that friend- ship was at an end. We hope, if you take Canada, we should enjoy our land on that side.
Brother :- If the British should come over and make a stand. we that
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are on the lines want you to point out a place where our women and children can retreat to, as you own the country to the eastward; for it will be necessary that our women and children should have refuge, and what provision will be made for the women and children of those who fall.
Brother :- You have told us you were strong, and could conquer them. You have said they would not fight you; that you had friends among them, &c., How shall we distinguish between friends and enemies.
Brother :- We volunteer for this service. We wish you not to place us in forts, where we cannot act. You know what took place at Detroit; an army was sold; we wish not to be sold.
PAPERS RELATING TO THE CONNECTION OF THE SENECAS, &C., WITH THE WAR OF 1812.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
BROTHER :- The undersigned, chiefs and warriors of the Oneida, On- ondaga, Stockbridge and Tuscarora tribes of Indians, as far west as Tonawanda, regularly deputed by our respective tribes, have this day lighted up a council fire at Onondaga, the ancient council ground of the Sfx Confederate Nations of Indians, and have invited our white brothers- of Onondaga to meet with us and hear what we have to say.
Brother :- We see that the tomahawk is lifted up between you and the British; we are uneasy about it, and, therefore, we have met and de- termined to tell you our minds about it.
Brother :- At the close of the late war, Gen. Washington told us to be sober, and attend to agriculture, and to refrain from shedding blood; this advice was good. Our good prophet* of the Seneca tribe, who is now with us in this council, has given ns the same advice, and our tribes have entered into a league to follow that advice. We wish to hold fast to it, and not to take any part in the contest between your people and the British.
We have been repeatedly told, by your agents, that it was your wish that we should remain neutral, and, therefore, we are much surprised and disappointed in the council lately held at Buffalo Creek, at being invited to take up the tomahawk.
Brother :- You must not suppose, from what we have now told you, that we are unfriendly to you, or your people. We are your decided friends. We reside among your people. Your friends are our friends; and your enemies are our enemies.
*Brother of Cornplanter.
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In the former war between your people and the British, some of us took up the tomahawk on their side. When the peace took place, we buried it deep, and it shall never again be raised against you and your people.
Brother :- We are few in number, and can do but little; but our hearts are good, and we are willing to do what we can; and if you want our assistance, say so, and we will go with your people to battle.
We are anxious to know your wishes respecting us, as soon as possible. because some of our young men are uneasy, and we fear they may dis- perse among different tribes and be hostile to you. Pray direct your communication to the chiefs and warriors of the respective tribes, to be left at Onondaga Postoffice.
ONONDAGA, Sept. 28th. 1812. Signed by sixteen chiefs and warriors.
We, the subscribers, do certify that we were present at the council herein before mentioned; that the same is as interpreted, and that the same was subscribed in our presence.
ONONDAGA, 29th September, 1812.
EPIIRAIM WEBSTER, Interpreter and agent for the Onondagas. JOSEPH HOPPER, Clerk of Onondaga County.
THADDEUS PATCHIN. Captain of Artillery. POLASKI KING, Justice of the Peace.
ANSWER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Oct. 12th. 1812.
SIR :- Your letter of the 30th September, addressed to the President, has been received and transmitted, with the enclosed talk to Erastus Granger, Esq., agent for the Six Nations, with directions to inquire into the facts therein stated, and instructions to keep the Indians quiet, if possible. Should this be impracticable, he is authorized to organize and report them to the commanding officer at Niagara.
Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
W. EUSTIS.
EPHRAIM WEBSTER, Esq.
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HISTORY OF BUFFALO.
MEMORANDUM OF A COUNCIL HELD WITH THE CHIEFS OF THE SIX NATIONS, at Buffalo, February 2d, 1813, by Erastus Granger, agent, &c.,-Lit- tle Billy, speaker.
BROTHER :- Pay attention to what I say. It is the voice of the Six Nations that speaks to you. I am appointed to speak.
Brother :- I feel inadequate to the task, but shall proceed. We now are about to reply to your talk some days since, on the subject of your going to Washington. We are unanimous in the answer we are about to give.
Brother :- Perhaps you will not be pleased with the manner in which our minds are made up. We have been told that all communications be- tween us and your government must be made through the agent. At the same time, we were told that in any business of an important nature we might be permitted to send a deputation to Washington.
Brother :- What the President meant, we know not; but we believe this is one of those cases in which we are permitted to go. What can be more important than our present situation? Since the declaration of war, we have received nothing direct from the President. We think we ought to be permitted to go, and have a full understanding as to the course we shall pursue if the war continues.
Brother :- It would be more satisfactory to those who remain if we could see the President. We do not doubt but you will do all you can for ns; but if a few chiefs go, the warriors will be better satisfied.
Brother :- Since the declaration of war, your exertions have kept us all united. Your measures have kept us bound to the United States. The enemy are near; we do not think proper for you to leave here.
Brother :- Another reason: you are unwell; it is a long journey; we fear that you are unable to perform it-and your loss to us would be great. Capt. Parish lives at Canandaigua; there is less danger there. He can be better spared to go with us.
Brother :- We have selected three from the Seneca Nation, one from the Onondaga, one from the Oneida, and one from the Tuscarora Nation. We think we can raise money for the expense of taking us to Washing- ton, which we think the government will refund.
Red Jacket, in reply to my answer, said: We have agreed to post- pone going to Washington, under the idea suggested by you that a com- missioner will be appointed to meet us and come to a firm understanding
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APPENDIX.
between us and the United States. Let a man be appointed who is ac- quainted with Indian customs and with us.
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE SIX NATIONS.
BROTHERS OF THE SIX NATIONS :- Through your sub-agent and in- terpreter, Jasper Parish, you have expressed some uneasiness in regard to the attacks of the British upon your wives and children. Be not dis- quieted. Should the enemy cross the Niagara river, you will be re- moved to a place of safety. Others of your brothers have been removed. They were honest to us, and therefore were hated and menaced by the British. They are now cating our bread in the State of Ohio and in places of safety.
My Brothers :- While upon this subject, let me offer to you my advice. that during the war you should gather yourselves together and remove to your reserved tract, on the head-waters of the Alleghany, where you may work and sleep in safety.
Brothers :- You have also expressed some fears lest your annuities and the interest on your bank stock would not be punctually paid. Bad men have raised in your minds these doubts. Listen to such no longer. Have not your claims upon us been punctually paid hitherto? And can you have a better assurance of our conduct towards you than what is furnished by your own experience of that which is past? It is true that this year's list of goods, payable as part of your annuity. is somewhat less than formerly, but this is the effect of the war forced upon us by the British. They, therefore, are the true cause of this evil.
My Brothers :- Continue your good faith to the United States, and be true to their justice and kindness.
By order of the President.
JOHN ARMSTRONG. Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT. April 8th, 1813.
LETTER OF JAASPER PARISH TO GEN. LEWIS.
CANANDAIGUA, May 20. 1$13.
SIR :- I received your letter of the 27th ult. At the time of delivering your letter to the Secretary of War. I had some conversation with him on the subject of the war. and of employing such of the Indians as have fire-arms, and were offering their services to the United States last fall.
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HISTORY OF BUFFALO.
He observed that they may be of service to our army, and he would refer the matter to the President.
The President has given no permission to employ the Indians, or even to accept of their services. He has sent a speech to the Six Nations by me, in writing, giving his advice to them to retire from the lines, during the war, to Alleghany, where they may sleep in safety.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
JASPER PARISH.
Gen. LEWIS.
LETTER OF MR. GRANGER TO THE CHIEFS AT ALLEGHANY.
BUFFALO, June 22d, 1813.
BROTHERS :- I have just received a speech, in a letter from Gen. Dearborn, the commander-in-chief at Niagara, requesting one hundred and fifty of the young warriors of the Six Nations to meet him at Fort George. It is therefore my request that forty or fifty of the young men of your village should turn out and come to this place as soon as possi- ble. Let a suitable number of chiefs come with them. Bring your guns along with you, and come prepared to stay one or two months. When you get to this council fire, the business shall be more fully explained. Call on the Cattaraugus Indians, and get as many of their young war- riors to turn out as you can. I wish you to be here immediately.
Your friend and brother,
ERASTUS GRANGER.
To the chiefs of the Alleghany village.
REPLY OF THE CHIEFS.
CATTARAUGUS, 30th June, 1813.
BROTHER :- We received yours of the 22d instant, two days after date, requesting us to turn out and come to Buffalo, in order to aid in the present contest. We have turned out and come as far as Cattaraugus, where we are requested, by the runner sent by Mr. Parish, to return home. This is twice that we have been called from our business, and traveled near one hundred miles at our own expense, and leaving our own business, in obedience to your calls, and when we arrive here, di- rected to return home, without any explanation on the business, or any reward for our troubles.
We feel ourselves injured with the treatment we receive at your hands,
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and shall return home to our business, and there remain until we receive some explanation of the cause of such trouble and disappointment. We feel ourselves ready to turn out and defend our country, but cannot be treated in this way, as your brothers,
HENRY O'BEAL, BLACK A SNAKE. MARK.
JOHNSTON A SILVERHEELS.
MARK.
BIG JOHN. MARK.
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL HELD AT BUFFALO BY ERASTU'S GRANGER,
JULY 25th. 1813.
Farmers Brother opened the council by an address to the Indians, and one to me by way of compliment. He then addressed himself to the Indians, and said that as it respected the great question before them of peace or war, each village must speak for themselves.
Red Jacket spoke for the Senecas, as follows:
We are once more met in council to give an answer to the speeches made by you and Gen. Porter. It has taken time, the subject being im- portant.
Brother :- We have heard your speeches. Your wanted us to assist end watch to the edge of the water. We of Buffalo have agreed to what yon requested. You will now hear the decision of the okl men. I speak for the Indians of Buffalo; a part will be here for a time; others will then take their places. We count the whole at Buffalo village. We count all who are to be on guard. We cannot designate numbers. Those who live in the little village will be on the ground in case of an alarm. The pay will be distributed among the whole, and be divided according to the number employed. We, the old men, who have seen war, will from time to time instruct and regulate the young warriors. We, the «chiefs of Buffalo, (Seneca-) turn out one hundred and sixty-two warriors
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to be under arms. This is all I have to say. The next who speak are the Cattaragus.
A Cattaragus chief spoke :
Brother :- You will now hear what the Senecas and Delawares from Cattaragus have to say. We have always been ready to assist in defend- ing your boats upon the lake. We are not deceitful. We hope you will not suspect us of any want of friendship to you. We of the Cattaragus, under Capt. Half Town, have for some time been in your service, watch- ing at the mouth of Cattaragus Creek. You will now hear how many we have turned out from our village, including Delawares. The num- ber is twenty-one. If we hear you are in danger, we will all rise from our seats and come forward to your defence. We expect to add to our numbers when we return home and let our young men know. We shall continue to protect your boats as they go up the lake, and we wish to know if we shall be paid for this.
Capt. Shongo, from Canakedea, on Genesee River, spoke, &c. He said that eleven from their village intended to stay and fight. We have been here almost one month, and we mean to stay one month longer. Sharp Shins, from Squakie Hill, will stay alone.
John Sky, from Tonawanda, spoke as follows:
We turn out none at present, but will return to-morrow and consult the rest of the chiefs. Our friendship is great for the United States.
Cornplanter spoke for the Indians at Alleghany :
We turn out seven. We have a great deal of work to do in our vil- lage. If the danger increases, we will turn out more.
He then addressed himself to those who are to stay, which was not in- terpreted. He then add.essed himself to me, and said:
You must pay well. You must open your purse. You must pay some now; and do not let your taverns supply our warriors with spirituons liquor. We feel some anxiety that there is no provision made for the families of our men who fall in this war. There is no promise of com- pensation. Brother, we expect you to do your best in our behalf.
Red Jacket again spoke:
Brother :- You are now writing what has taken place this day. The part we take in this war is not voluntary on our part; you have persuaded
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APPENDIX.
us into it. We hope you will say so to the President. You must not be displeased with what we say. Your voice was for us to sit still, when the war began, but yon have beat us-you have got us into the war.
Brother :- If any of our friends of the Six Nations, except the Mohawks, fall into your hands, we hope you will treat them well; de- liver them up to us; we will do the same by white persons we take. Write to the commander-in-chief, and let him know this.
LETTER FROM E. GRANGER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
BUFFALO, Aug. 9th, 1813.
SIR :- A letter from Gen. Dearborn, dated at Fort George, June 21st. 1813, was received by me, and in it a request was contained that I would immediately bring forward to Fort George one hundred and fifty Indians, on condition they were willing to join our army and enter into the service of the United States. The Indians did not choose to give a positive answer as to what part they would take in the war until they had seen the General. A few of the principal chiefs, with some warri- ors, repaired with me to Fort George. The General wished them to stay, but as they had, at the request of our government, taken a neutral part, and the unfortunate affairs at Stoney Creek and the Beaver Dams had recently taken place, the Indians thought their safest course was to continue their neutrality. They urged, in their private councils, that the invitation for them to go to war did not come through the right channel i that it was necessary that it should come from the great war chief of the United States, meaning the Secretary of War. They, however, agree to return home and call a council of the confederacy and take up the question, and let Gen. Dearborn know the result.
In the communications which I had heretofore received from the War Department, I had been instructed to use my influence in keeping the Indians quiet, by telling them that they had nothing to do with the war: that the quarrel was ours, &c.
In the situation I was placed, anything I would say in favor of their taking an active part in the war, would come with an ill grace from me; unless I had something to show from you on the subject. Believing, however, that Gen. Dearborn was authorized to accept their services, I was determined to promote his wishes.
The Indians returned and sent runners to the distant villages, inviting them here, with their arms, to attend a council for the purpose of de- ciding the question of peace or war.
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HISTORY OF BUFFALO.
Soon after my return from Fort George, I was informed from deserters and others who came from Canada, that an attack was meditated on Black Rock and Buffalo, and that my person and property were threat- ened by the British-a reward offered for my head, &c.
The evening before the attack was made at Black Rock, I invited a few Indians to come to my house, being convinced the British would be over the next morning. As our force was small, and a large quantity of pub- lic property at Buffalo and its vicinity, I thought the step a prudent one. Thirty-seven Indians, with Farmers Brother at their head, came to my house on Saturday evening at eleven o'clock. So confident was I of a visit from the enemy the next morning, that I got the Indians armed that night.
About sunrise the next morning, Major Wm. King came to my house through the woods from Black Rock, and informed me that the enemy had landed a considerable force. My residence is three miles from Buffalo and two from Black Rock.
Farmers Brother, on being informed that the enemy were on our shores, told the warriors they must go and fight the red-coats. He told them that our country was invaded; that they had one common interest with the people of the United States; that they had everything dear at stake; that the time had arrived for them to show their friendship for their brethren of the United States, not only in words, but in deeds. He led off his little band, and when they came in sight of the enemy they pre- pared for action, and he directed the warriors to follow his example. Hc was instantly obeyed; and the action was commeneed and continued on the part of the Indians with the greatest coolness and intrepidity. Their personal bravery greatly contributed in routing and defeating the enemy. They showed no disposition to commit any improper acts on the field of battle-not offering any abuse to the wounded prisoners.
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