History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 16

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 16
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 16

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

made to understand that the white people were so numerous that they could bring into the fick! fifty warriors, to their one; and that, sooner or later, they must be destroyed if the contest was continued. Though this impression was not general, it occupied the minds of a sufficient number of the more intelligent and influential chiefs and warriors to dis- appoint the hopes and frustrate the plans of Simcoe and his associates.

"The Indians were evidently divided in opinion, as to the course they ought to pursue. A majority were disposed to continue the war, but were afraid the British agents would not redeem their pledges, by which . they might be again defeated. They remembered the solemn promises of co-operation which had been made to them in times past. They recol- leeted that when the fort was built at the foot of the Rapids they were told it was intended for their protection, and as a place of refuge to which they might retreat should they be unexpectedly defeated by the Ameri- can troops. They knew, also, that in violation of those assurances the gates of that strong fortress had been shut against them after their defeat on the 20th of August, and that neither chief nor warrior was permitted to enter it.

Some of the chiefs were decidedly in favor of commencing a negotia- tion for peace without further delay ; while others, under the influence of ambition and pride, had partly determined to abandon the country, and remove their families to the Mississippi, rather than submit to the humiliation of suing for peace. This diversity of feeling and opinion, produced in part by the judicious measures pursued by General Wayne, accomplished in the end the great object he had in view from the begin- ning.

It did not require the spirit of prophecy to foresee that, if a diversity of opinion could be produced and kept up among the tribes, and their minds could be continued in a vacillating state, no serious immediate danger was to be apprehended. This proved to be the case, for although they were in a state of great excitement they remained quiet during the winter and spring; and early in June began to collect at Greenville, apparently without any previous agreement or concert, and as they severally arrived gave notice that they had come to negotiate a peace.

On the 16th of June a considerable number of Delawares. Ottawas. Pottawattamies, and Eel River Indians having arrived, the General caused them to be assembled on that day, and for the first time met them in general council. After they had received and smoked the calumet of peace, he rose and thus addressed them :-

I take you all by the hand, as brothers, assembled for the good work of pence. I thank the Great Spirit for this glorious sun, who appears to rejoice at our meeting; and also for permitting so many of us to assemble here this day, being the first of the moon, for the purpose of holding a treaty. The Great Spirit has favored us with a clear sky, and a refreshing breeze for the happy occasion. I have cleared this ground of all brush and rubbish, aud have opened ronds to the east, the west, the north, and the south, that all your nations may come in safety and with ease to meet me. The ground on which this council-house stands is unstained with blood, and is pure as the heart of General Washington, the great chief of America, and of his great council-as pure as my heart, which now wishes for nothing so much as peace and brotherly love. I have this day kindled the council-fire of the United States; and I now deliver to each tribe present a string of white wampum, to serve as a record of the friendship this day commenced be- tween us. [Wampum delivered. ]

The heavens are bright, the roads are open, we will rest in peace and love, and wait the arrival of our brothers. In the interimn we will have a little refreshment to wash the dust from our throats -- we will, on this happy occasion, be merry, but without passing the boundIs of temperance and sobriety. We will now cover up the council-fire, and keep it alive till the remainder of the different tribes assemble and form a full meeting and representation.

Te-ta-boksh-ke, king of the Delawares, rose and said :-

Our inceting this day affords mo infuite pleasure. I thank the Great Spirit, and I thank you, for bestowing on us so great a happiness. All my people shall be informed of the commencement of our friendship, and they will rejoice in it, and I hope it will never end. [A string of white wawpum. ]

The fire was then raked up, and the Council adjourned.

On the next day, Juno 17th, forty Pottawattamies arrived and had atlience. New Corn, one of the old chiefs, addressed the General aud Mil :-

I have enme here on the good work of pence. No other motive could have induced me to undertake so long a journey as I have now performed in my advanced nge and lufirm stile of health. I come from Lake Michigan. I hope after our treaty is over you will fichange our old medals and supply us with General Washington's. My young men

will no longer nuhere to the old ones -- they wish for the new. They have thrown off the British, and henceforth will view the Americans as their only true friends. We come with a good heart, and hope you will supply us with provisions.

The General replied :-

I give you all a hearty welcome. I am particularly pleased with the appearance of so venerable a man as New Corn. You, young warriors, will, I am pursunded, pay the highest respect to the counsels of this nged chief. Your friend, The Sun, a Pottawattamie ebief, will tell you that yesterday we kindled the council-fire-that the roads are all clear, and that we only wait the arrival of the other expected chiefs to begin the good work.

You must be fatigued ; I will not, therefore, detain you at present. You will be sup- plied with provisions and some drink to refresh you aud to make your hearts glad.

On the 21st of June, Buck-on-ge-he-las with a party of Delawares, and Asi-me-the with a party of Pottawattamies arrived, and were received in the council house.

Te-ta-boksh-ke, the Delaware king, on behalf of his people addressed the General as follows :-

Brothers, listen! We are bere met by permission of the Great Spirit. Our forefathers used soft cloths to dry up their tears; we use this wampuin, and hope by its influence to do away all past misfortunes. We have now opened our eyes and our ears, and hope to settle all difficulties. [A white string.]

Asi-me-the, the Pottawattamie chief, spoke as follows :-

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

The General rose and spoke thus :-

Brothers! I take you all by the hand and welcome you to Greenville. The great council-fire has already been kindled, and the calumet of peace has been smoked by the different nations who are here. This old chief, Te-ta-boksh-ke, has witnessed and joined in the solemio act in the presence of the Great Spirit.

We have raked up the fire until the chiefs generally assemble. Last night I bad accounts from the Wyandlots of Sandusky and Detroit, and all the Indians in that quar- ter. This day they rise upon their feet to come and join in council with us. The roads being all clear they will arrive withont difficulty in ten days. We will then add fresh wood to our fire, whose pure flame shall be seen from the rising to the setting sun. We will postpone entering on business until that period. In the mean time I will give you, my brothers, what will make your hearts glad. I have already given wampum to all the tribes present. I now present you with a little more to evince that my mind and heart are always the same. [Wampum. ]

On the 23d of June Le Gris, the Little Turtle, and seventeen Miamis arrived and were presented.

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

The General said in reply :-

I feel much satisfaction in taking you all by the hand. My pleasure is equally great with yours in this interview. The council-fire was kindled in this house on the first day of this mnoon. We covered it up and have preservel it clear waiting for your arrival, and the appearance of our brothers, the Wyandots, Shawanees, and a part of the Five Nations among us; they are now three days on their way hither. I will not detain you; you must require rest, and I will order you to be provided with proper refresh- ments. Tiris belt testifies the sincerity of the welcome with which I receive you. [A belt. ]

On the 25th of June the Indian chiefs present were assembled. The General thus addressed them :-

Brothers! I take you all by the hand. I have invited you to this meeting to inform you of some measures I bare tiken for your convenience. I now give you up my exte- rior redoubts to accommodate the different nations with council houses. My people have all come in from them, and you will allot them among you as you may think proper. I take this opportunity to make you acquainted with some customs we observe. On firing the evening gun all our men repair to their quarters. I wish your people to act in the samo miner. I am persuaded you will perceive the propriety of this measure. If you find any of my foolish young men troubling your camp after that signal, I will thouk you to tie them and send them to me. I wish to preserve good order and harmony.

I will now explain what yesterday might have had a strange appearance. It is a standing rule in our armies upon uny aların or accident whatever, for our warriors to repair just.intly to their posta. I mention this to you to prevent for the future wny suis. apprehension. It is by my invitation you are here ; and I stand ploiced for your safety and security. It is also our practice to parade our men muruiug und evcuiug, wod call

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

every man by his name. An Rcchlent occurred yesterday in the explosion of some of our fireworks. It will have no other effect than to delay for a few days the exhibition intended for the 4th of July, the anniversary of the independence of America. I have nothing more to mention to you at this time. I call you together merely to acquaint you with these things, to repent my sentiments of regard, and my care for you ; and to assure you, again, that you may rest as easy, and are no safe here, as if you were in your own villages. The council-fire remains covered till the arrival of the rest of our brothers. General Washington and his great council have sent you large presents, the arrival of which I expect about the same time. Your friends Onas, the Quakers, have also sent you a message, and some small presents as a token of their reg ird for you.

Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, or Bad Bird, a Chippeway chief, rose and said :- Elder brother ! I thank you in the name of all the Ottawns, Chippeways, and Potta- wattamies, for what you have this day told us. It is all very right and good.

The Delawares signified their concurrence in opinion with their grand- children, the Chippeways.

The General then rose and said :-

I bave never yet, in a public capacity toll a lie. You will not be deceived by placing the utmost confidence in what I shall tell you. I again repent, that your own towns and villages could not afford you greater liberty, safety, and security, than you will en- joy, while you choose to remain with te.

Meeting adjourned.

On the 26th of June, thirty-four Chippewas, and Pottawattamies, ar- rived. Mi-chi-mang, a Pottawattamie, said to the General, that as soon as they heard his words, they rose to come and see him. He said they had no old chiefs, or they would have come, on this great occasion -- " they are all dead." He further observed that they came in expectation of being supplied with provisions to refresh them after their fatigue.

On the 30th of June, the chiefs were assembled at their own request. Le Gris, chief of the Miamis, addressed the General as follow-

Brother! I have come this day only to see you. The other chiefs present have no other object than to partake of the same pleasure. I hope everything hitherto has been satisfactory to you. I now express our perfect satisfaction.

Our young warriors are glad to meet and see you and your warriors, and I hope no suspicions have existed with either. You have told us we should share your provisions, whilst we staid with you; and in consequence, we depend on receiving what you have promised. The chiefs present are all happy in the belief of their perfect safety ; and I am pursuaded the other chiefs, when they arrive will be equally satisfied with their situ- ation. When brothers meet, they always experience pleasure. As it is a cool day, we hope you will give us some drink. You promised to treat us well, and we expect to be treated as warriors. We wish you to give your brothers a glass of wine; and we should like some mutton and pork, occasionally. I hope you will be pleased with this vieit.

New Corn, a Pottawattamie chief, rose and said :-

I agree perfectly in sentiment with my brother Le Gris. I hope you will comply with his request. Our bearts are sorry and afflicted, to see the graves of our brothers, who fell bere last winter.

The Sun, a Pottawattamie chief, rose and said :-

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

The General answered thus :-

I am pleased to see you all here, and happy to find you think yourselves secure in this camp. I wish you to think yourselves perfectly at home. The chiefs who are on their way, I am persuaded, will also think themselves safe when they arrive. They are now ten days on their journey towards ua, and we may, with certainty, expect them. I have received a speech from their nations to that effect. Blue Jacket comes by the Miami villages. The others may arrive by a different route.

You say, that when you came here, I promised you plenty; it is my wish and inten- tion that you should have enough. The Sun alone complains of scarcity. I wish you to consult together generally, and let me know if you really do not receive enough. Pork we have noue. The few sheep we bave are for the comfort of our sick, and occasionally for our officers. Your sick shall most cheerfully share with mine, and I will, with plen -. sure share with your chiefs. New Corn hay observed that your hearts were troubled for the loss of your brothers who died here last winter. Grief is wuavailing, andl ought not to be indulged. I will give the chiefs of each nation present a sheep for their use, and some drink for themselves and their prople this afternoon to make their hearts glad and to dry up their tears. At present we will have a glass of wine together-i wish to see you all happy and contented.

Council then adjourned.

Ou the 3d of July the General addressed the chiefs as follows :-

Brothers! I take you all by the hand with that strong hold with which brothers ought to salute each other. To-morrow will be the anniversary of the day which give peace, happiness, and independence to America-to morrow all the people of the Sliven Eres,

with shouts of joy, and peals of artillery, will celebrate the period which gave them free- dom. Nineteen times have the United States already hailed the return of that auspicious morn. To-morrow we shall for the twentieth time salute the return of that happy day. rendered still tore dear by the brotherly union between the Americans and the red people. To-morrow, all the people within these lines will rejoice. You, my brothers, shall also rejoice in your respectivo encamipiments.

I call you together to explain these matters. Do not, therefore, be alarmed at the report of our big guns. They will do no harm-they will be the harbingers of peace and gladness, and their roar will ascend into the heavens. The flag of the United States, and the colors of this Legion shall be given to the wind, to be fanned by its gentle breeze, in honor of the birthday of American freedom. I will now show you our colors, that you may know them to- morrow. Formerly they were displayed as eusigns of war and battle; now they will be exhibited as emblems of peace and happiness. This engle, you see, holds his arrows close, while he stretches forth, as a more valuable offering, the olive branch of pence. The Great Spirit seems disposed to incline us all for the future to repose under its grateful shade, and wisely enjoy the blessings which attend it.

Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, chief of the Chippeways, rose and addressed the General thus :-

Elder brother! I have heard your words, and have received great pleasure from them. I never make long speeches; what I have to say, I eny in a few words. Look at your warriors around you, and view ours. Does it not give you pleasure to see us all met here in brotherly love ?

Elder brother! You may believe what I say, and what I am going to say. As we are here on good business, our bearts must dictate what our tongues express. The Great Spirit knows when we speak truth, and punishes falsehood. As you have told us, we are to rejoice. I have a favor to ask of you, compliance with which will prepare our hearts for the occasion. We would wish to rescue from death, two of your young warriors, whom we brought in to you, who, ns we hear, are to die. I entreat you in the name of all present to spare their lives, and pray you to indulge us in this respect. [A white and blue string. ]

Te-ta-boksh-ke, king of the Delawares, thus spoke :-

Elder brother! I thank you for having kindly explained to us what will take place to-morrow. Our young men shall all be informed of it. We thank you for your atten- tion to us. We will sincerely rejoice in the happy occasion.

The General replied :-

Brothers! I have heard your words, and will answer you presently. As I never speak without deliberation, you may depend on what I say.

Brothers! I have considere'l your request, respecting the two warriors condemned to die. I will now answer you. The two men condemned to death, are not those whom you brought to me ; but two very bad men, from another quarter. I desire this good man (Dr. Jones the Chaplin) to prepare the minds of these men for the awful change they are about to experience. We put no man to death, without giving him time to repent, and to whitea his heart. The lives of the two men whoin you brought in, although very culpable, are now granted to your humane entreaties. That you may all remember that the Americans rejoice to-morrow, and on every succeeding anniversary of it, I present each nation with a string of white wampuin. We will now retire and hope to-morrow's dawn may be propitions. [Wampum.]

On the 4th of July, A-goosh-a-way, and twenty-three Ottawas, from the vicinity of Detroit, arrived and had audience. The General addressed them :-

Brothers! I take you all by the hand. I am happy to see you. You must be hungry and dry. I will order you refreshments to make your hearts glad. The hearts of your brothers are also made glad this day. I will no longer detxin you from taking that re- . pose of which you seem to stand in so much need. I deliver this string as a proof of my happiness in seeing you. [A white string. ]

A-goosh-a-way spoke as follows :-

Brother! Those natious who are now represented at this meeting are probably all you may reasonably expect. As for the Shawances, and Wyandots of Detroit, I do not believe they will come. I frequently toll them they ought to nurance without hesitation, but they still continue irresolute, and hover nroutel their enemies the British. I cannot discover the motives which netuate the Wyandots. The Six Nations sent two letters prevailing on me to await their junction : but finding they delayed, and suspecting their sincerity, I came away without waiting long for them.

July 9th. In council. Present, the chiefs of the Delawares, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, Miami, and Wabash tribes.

The General rose and addressed them as follows ;-

Younger brother"! I take you all by the hand, and welcome you to this council-fire. Viewing the number of antions who last winter signe I the preliminary articles, I perceive all are present, except the Wyandots of San-lusky, and the Shawanees. Itishow twenty. fre days since the council-fire wus kindle.I at this place. It has continued to burn bright; and it has happily dissipated the clouds, which have hung over the people of San lusky They now sco that the sky Is clear and serene ; that the roads are open, and free of thorna. Four runners arriveil from them Inst evening, to announce to me, the Bear aj" proach of all the chiefs of the Wyandots, and others of Sandusky. . The iuteiligeuce

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

which these messengery have brought to me, is this: That the dirk cloud which envel- oped the Shawances in the neighborhood of the British posts, (for that, my brother, is a very cloudy place), has also been dispelled; that they have at length avolte from their intoxicated clamber, and mie new on their feet coming to this place. They, and the Wyandots, etc., of Sandu-ky, may be expected to arrive here in the course of three days. The question then is: Shall we now name the day on which to begin the great and good work, or shall we wait the arrival of those chiefs, and have their, united voice on the sub- jest? This is all I shall propose at present until I hear your respective opinions.

The Little Turtle made some remarks to the other chiefs, on the Gene- raf's speech, and gave them some reasons why the fixing of the day should be postponed.

A-goosh-a-way, an Ottawa chief, rose and said :-

Elder brother! I am much obliged to you for requiring our opinions on this matter. 'Tis true, as the Little Turtle hay observed to us, that we have been here a long time waiting ; but it will be best to remain contented a few days longer that we may begin the good work all together. I now present you our pipe, and hope that you and your warriors will smoke it.

Elder brother! You see that all your chiefs as well as ours, have smoked out of this enlumet of peace; and the firent Spirit is well pleased to see it. The calumet does not now speak ; it remains silent until the arrival of our brothers who are on their way.

. The General rose and said :--

Younger brother ! Twenty-five days ago the calumet of peace of the fifteen fires, of the United States, was smoked in this house. It did not then speak ; and it yet remains silent. 1 tun pleased to hear you all concur in opinion with the Little Turtle, that we should wait the arrival of our brothers, the Wyandlots and Shawauees. I, therefore, propose that we shall meet again at this place on Monday ucst.

[A white string to each nation present.] Council adjourned to Monday the 13th.

On Monday, July 13th, at the request of the Wyandot chiefs, who arrived on the 12th, and others, the meeting proposed for that ( , was postponed until Wednesday the 15th, some necessary regulations among them not having been decided on.

PROCEEDINGS IN FULL COUNCIL.

On Wednesday, July 15th, the council assembled agreeably to adjourn- ment. Present, the chief's of the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chip- peways, Pottawattamies, Miamis, and Wabash tribes. The council being opened, and the council-fire uncovered, interpreters were sworn in; after which the General addressed the Indians thus :-

Younger brothers! These interpreters whom you have now seen sworn, have called the Great Spirit to witness that they will faithfully interpret all the speeches made by me to you, and by you to me; and the Great Spirit will punish them severely hereafter, if they do not religiously fulhl their sacred promise.

This is the caluinet of peace of the fifteen fires of the United States of America. I shall first present it to The Soldier (Wabash tribe), who first took us by the hand, as I do not know yet which nation among you is in future to have the precedence. The next were the Wyandots, who came forward last fall, early ; the next were the Ottawas, Chip- peways, Pottawattamies, and Sauckeys ; and the next were the Delawarea.

Younger brothers! All the chiefs aud warriory of the different nations present ! I now take you all by the hand. It was my with to have waited for the arrival of the Shawanees, Wyandots of Detroit, and some Chippeways, who, I learn, are on their way ; but as it is the desire of the chief's pre-ent, to commence the business generally, I will now show them by what nuthority [ hold this treaty.

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History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 16

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878