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 17
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 17
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Treaties made by all nations on this earth ought to be hell sacred and bin ling, between the contracting parties; hence, it is the practice, to commission certain persous with powers to make aud conclude stipulated articles of treaties accordingly. These books contain treaties which have been bebl with all the Indian nations in North America, and show what has been said and doue at each, without the smallest alteration. In the first place, this is a commission, appointing me commander-in-chief of the American Legion, presented to me by General Washington and the Gifteen fires, three years since. On the 4th day of April, 1791, I received a entumissiou from the same authority for settling a peace with all the tribes of lutions northwest of the Ohio. (Here the General read the renewal of his powers ay conumissioner to treat with the In hins. )
Having thus produced my authority, given me by General Washington, and the fifteen fires, I will now proceed to review tifo preliminary articles which we mutually entered into and exchanged during the past winter.
Younger brothers! Open your ears and listen to the questions asked me by the Wynndots of Sandusky, on the 20th of September last. This was the voice of the Byan- doty and other tribes of Saudu ky. "Brother ! Bring forth from the bottom of your heart, your sentiments respecting making a definite treaty of peace, and upon what terms. We shall deliver our prayers diity to the Great Spint above, our Maker, that he will open your hearts and sentiments to us." This was a strong and serious question upou which the happiness of the United States and the ladin nations mutually depended. The answer made to that question re quired some explanations which are tedious, and do But seem at present necessary to be repeated; but I will read that par: which explains the principles upon which a peace could the place.
"Brothers! You desire we to bring forth from the bottom of my heart, iny semvincenta respecting a peace, and upon what terms it could be obtained.
" Brothers! I now call upon you to exert your utmost powers of attention, and listen to what I Hay to you. It is now near six years since the chiefs of the Wyandlots, Delawares, Ottaway, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, and See nations, concluded a treaty at the mouth. of the Mu-Lingum, with Governor St. Clair, for removing ull c cuses of controversy and settling the boundary between them and the United States, That treaty appeared to be founded upon principles of equity and justice, und to be perfectly satisfactory to all par- ties at that time. I therefore propose that treity, as a foundation for a lasting treaty of pence, between the United States, and your nations of Itelians. Should you Lave quy well-grounded objectiony to these principles nud to this proposition, come forward and speak your minds freely; and rest assured of a sincere welcome and safe conluct in coming hither and returning to your homes. From your friend and brother, ANTHONY WAYNE."
This was my answer to the Wyandots. They are here present and can testify to the truth of it. In consequence of this answer, the Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies. Sauckeys, Miamis, Delaware, and Shawanses, come forward and signed the e prelimi- unry articles of which you have all, respectively, copies. Having now shown you that I stand bere in the place of General Washington, and represent the fifteen fires of America, and having shown the manner in which this happy meeting came about by un exp.Lina- tion, first from the Wyandots, whose good example was followed by the other nations, I shall forbear to say more, as the day is far speut, but to request you to consider what I have said.
Brothers! I wish you all clearly to understand that we have progressed so far in the good work, ns to explain these preliminary steps. I would advise you to appropriate two or three days, to revolve, coolly and attentively, these matters, and those which will naturally follow them. I take you all by the hand. We will now rake up the council- fire, and as we have talked a long time, we must be dry, and have a little drink.
Council adjourned.
Saturday, July 18th. In council. Present as before. The Little Turtle, a Miami chief, addressed the General as follows :-
Brother! We have heard and considered what you have said to us. You have shown, and we have seen, your power to treat with us. I came here for the purpose of be iring you. I suppose it to be your wish that peace should take place throughout the world. When we hear you say so, we will be prepared to answer you. You have told me that the present treaty should be founded upon that of Muskingum. I beg leave to observe to you, that, that treaty was effected, altogether, by the Six Nations, who seduce.l some of our young men to attend it, together with a few of the Chippewass, Wyandots, Ottawas, Delawares, and Pottawattamies. I her leave to tell you that I am entirely igne mat of what was done at that treaty. I hope those who held it, may give you their opinions, whether or not, it was agreeable to them.
The Sun, a Pottawattamie chief, rose and said :-
Brother! The Master of Life had pity on me when he permitted me to come and take you first by the hand. With the same hand and heart I then possessed, I now salute you. When I gave you my hand, you said, " I thank you, and am glad to take your hand, Pottawattamie ;" and you thanked the other Indiany niso, andI told them you had opened a road for them to come and see you. When I got this helt from the Americans. they told me the roads were open and clear, and that no obstruction should prevent our coming to see you. I was happy when you give me the road [a belt], and so are we all, for we have all travelle lit. I hope it will remain free of bushes and thorns, As long as Americans and Indians live. You yourself, have told me it should be so, aud that this (meaning the olive branch, held by the eagle ) was a leaf of that great tree, under whose sbade we, and all our posterity should repose in safety and happiness.
Elder brother ! We have followed the road you gave us in safety. I now present it to your view, as your gift, [preseuting a road-belt, with the eugle of the United States attached.]
Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, rose and said :-
Brothers of the different nations preseut ! Listen to what our elder brother tells us, with attention. I am batissed it is the truth. Listen to me niso, cider brother! Last winter I heard your words when you stretched your hands to us, and asked us to come and see you. I never heard before, what The Sun has been observing. When I heard what you said last winter I took you by the hand, and now when I returned, I found your gates open to receive me, and that you told me the truth. I was then dej used by the chiefs of my uationy to hear your wur ls, and am happy that they are now convine d of the truth of the:u. You now also find the truth of my words: that I then came on !: to carry back your words, and the other chiefs would como to see you. You now see them present, the representatives of their untions. Here are the chiefs of the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawattamies. We three aro faithful alites, and one of us speaks for the whole, when in council. The words you spoke last winter, are fresh on my memory. I know nothing of the treaty in question, which took place at My-kingum Tuy proph who made it are present, and will be able to speak of it. My remoto situation, ou I. she Michigan, prevented me from being acquainted with it.
Tar-kee, or Crane, chief of the Wyandots, rose and said :-
Brothers of all nations present, listen! Eller brother! I don't think it proper to select any particular nation to speak for the whole. You have killed the council-fire. I wish you to determine what nation shall speck, and appoint a day when we shall will be collected, and when those who are on their way sh ill have joined us.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
The General rose and said :-
Brothers! I have paid very great attention to what has been observed by the Miamis, Pottawattamies, Chippeways, and Wyandoty, and the day after to-morrow I will endeavor to explain fully the treaty of Muskingum of which so many plead ignorance. I will bring to the recollection of the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawat- tamies, aud Sac Nations, what they did at that treaty, and show them anew, their names who witness it. There are some Chippeways approaching, who, perhaps, were at the treaty; aud when I look around me, I imagine I see some faces who were present at it. This road, (alluding to The Sun's road belt) is the true rond. I have a branch similar to this, at my breast. I know them to be of the same tree, and of equal value. This is all I shall say at present. I thank the Great Spirit for assembling so many of us to- gether on this good work ; and I hope we shall have all things perfectly understood and explained to our mutual satisfaction before we part.
Council adjourned to meet on the 20th.
In the evening of the 18th, Blue Jacket and thirteen Shawances, and Masass, with twenty Chippeways, arrived, and were received in the coun- cil house. Masass spoke as follows :-
I am very happy to be bere this day. I was at the treaty of Muskingum, and have it now in my hand to show it you. Nothing but my having it in my possession could have brought me here at this time, for I came voluntarily and unasked. We should have come in great numbers but for Brandt's endeavors to prevent us. The Wyandots and Six Nations are counselling. I do not kuow what may be the result of their conference. I am happy to find so many of my brothers with you. I hope for the future they will walk in the right way and be sincere in their engagements. I again repeat my knowl- edge of the treaty of Muskingum. As far as I understand it, I have been faithful to it. I have brought these Frenchman with me that I may be well acquainted with everything that shall take place. This is all I have to say at present. llaving travelled far I am fatigued and require refreshment. [A white string. ]
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Blue Jacket spoke as follows :-
Brother ! When I came here last winter I did not mean to deceive y. "; what I pro- mised you I did intend to perform. My wish to conclude a firm peace with you being sincere, my uneasiness has been great, that my people have not come forward so soon as you would wish or might expect; but you must not be discouraged by these unfavor- able appearances. Some of our chiefs and warriors are here; more will arrive in a few days. You must not, however, expect to see a great number, yet notwithstanding, our nation will be well represented. Our hearts are open and void of deceit.
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The General spoke as follows :-
Brother, the Chippeway ! I am happy to see you and your people. The open and generous manner iu which you have acknowledged being present at, and acquainted with, the treaty of Muskingum, displays an honest, open, and manly heart. I, therefore, take you by the hand with the warmth and friendship of a brother. I know you have come a great way-provision shall be furnished you and your people, to appease your hunger; and you shall have some liquor also, to quench your thirst and to enable you to rejoice with your friends and brothers present.
. Brother, the Shamanee! I am well convinced of the integrity of your hearts, and that your exertions have not been wanting to bring hither a full representation of your nation at an early hour. I therefore bid you, and my friends with you a sincere welcome.
On the 10th of July, Blue Jacket had a private conference with the General, in which he spoke as follows :-
Brother and ally ! It is a long time since I left you. I believe it is about five months. Many things have occurred since that time, which I will inform you of, as you may be unacquainted with them. I visited the British and was kindly received at their garrison, on the Miami. I was asked for news; I had none for them except that of my kind recep- tion from you. Mr. Magdalen wrote from theuce to Detroit that he had taken off my blue coat which I had received from the American, and broke my gun, which he also falsely suit, was presented to me by General Wayne. I did not rest until I had exposed this mau and refute I his n-sertions. I informed all the Indians of my full persuasion of the truth, of the bind and benevolent intention you expressed to me, ami that they, in due time would be convinced of the goodness of your motives. Mr. Mckee invited me to his house aud told me he was very sorry to find I had acted with such little regard for my people-that he nscribel my strange conduct to the instigitions of some evil spirit who had led me astray from the plain good road, and put me in the path which led to the Americans. "The commission you received from Jelinson," said be, " was not given you to carry to the Americans. I am grieved to find that you had taken is to them. It was with much regret I learned that you had deserted your friends who niways oareused you and treated you as a great man. You have der ingel, by your imprudent conduct, all our plans for protecting the lo liane an I keeping them with us. They bare always looked up to you for advice and direction iu war, aul you have now broken the strong ties which bell them all together, un ler your an l our direction. You must now be viewed as the enemy of your people and the other Julians, whom you nro seducing into the snares the Americans have forme I for their ruin; and the massacre and destruction of these people by the Americans, must be laid to your charge."
Brother 1 I am happy that notwithstanding all the difficulties and obstructions I had to encounter fro n my relations aud others, nt Detroit, I have succeeded so far in bringing my people to you at this time. I expect intelligence this day, of the approach of more of them. I have briefly acquainted you with those things. I repeat my assurances of
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the sincerity of my sentiments and resolution, to be for the future, a steady friend to the United States.
Monday, July 20th. In council. Present as before, with the addition of the Shawances and Chippeways, who arrived on the evening of the Istb. The General rose and spoke as follows :-
Brothers of all the nations present! 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 heat 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 titue past, taken pains to diffuse them throughout your nations. I will read you a messige. which I sent amongst you, by Mr. Miller, now present, on the 13th of August last, AL 1 which I am persuaded, from the best authority, had been fully explained to, and perfectly understood by your chief and warriors. {Here the General read his message of 15tt August, 1794.]
I likewise told you that the cars and the heart of the President, General Washington, were ever open to the voice of peace, and that he had instructed me, his principal wir- rior, to listen to that welcome voice, from whatever quarter it might come, provided i: came from proper authority and from the heart.
Six moons since, The Crane (Wyandots) and a number of Chippeways, Ottawas, and Sacs, came bere in consequence of this invitation. They were also accompanied by the Miamis. I received them with great pleasure and informed them that I thanke I the Great Spirit for opening their eyes to see, and their ears to hear the happy Jaw. of peace. 1 told them that peace was like that glorious sun which diffused joy, health, n.n.] 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 hold 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 Mash-i-pi-naxh-i-wish, and to the Little Turtle, these strings of wampuin, which are not purer nor whiter than the heart that gives them. These will be considered as presented to the whole, for the same purpose. [White wam- puin 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 w held by the Six Nations, and by a few young men of the Chippeways, Ottawas, and l'o :- tawattamies. We, Miamis and Wabash tribes, are totally unacquainted with it." And Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, has also remarked, that the Ottawas, Chippeways, and Pottawatta- mies, knew nothing of the treaty-it had never reached as far as Michilimackinac.
Younger brothers! 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 :.-. the articles of that treaty, munde more than six years ago, between the United States of America, and the Wyandlots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippeways, Pottawattamies, and Sauc- keys. [Here be read and explained the treaty of Fort Harmar made in 1780. ]
Younger brothers ! You have now heard the treaty of Muskingum read andl explainei to you. It has been for more than six years, well understood by many of the chiefs n. present of those nations who concluded it. And I am persuaded that those who wer: present, and those who signed it, will have candor sufficient, when they hear their naties enlled over to acknowledge it as their act and deed, as Masass has freely an I smeere ;. done the day before yesterday ; by which be proved himself to be possessed of a man's. 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 sime that are stipulate! by the latter. I have also pointed out a number of chiefs in this house, who were pre- sent at, and signed those treaties. As I have refreshed their memories in this in itte ;. and read them a few passages of their own speeches and proceedings on those occasion4. it is probable they will be able to inform you of everything relating thereto, and give ya full satisfaction on the subject. I have no more to say at present. I wish you to c = sider well what I have said to you, that we may be enabled to form a treaty thit sha.i continue unbroken as long as the woods grow and waters run. Think seriously out . great business before you. Consult atuong yourselves, and when we meet again, spe ... your thoughts freely. I am persuaded we shall agree in opinion; and when we retur home, all nations will have cause to rejoice in the good work we have been doing
Pe-ke-te-le-mund, a Delaware chief, rose and said :-
Elder brother! We are happy to meet you hero this day. The Great Spirit is kinlia permitting us to meet as brothers. We agree with what you have this day said to u. 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 the . words, when they returned. We sent forward immediately a deputation to you with our grandchildren, the Shawances, and with them two prisoners.
Brother ! When our king returned nad prochimed the happy news from you, we re- joiced to hear it and prepared to come in and fuifl what we bal promised. We brongit in all our prisoners agrecally to your desire, and in confortuity to our chiefs engife meutg.
Brother! So far we have evinced our disposition ; when we meet again we shall have more to may upon the good work before us.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, a Chippeway chief, rose and said :-
Elder brother! I am very glut you have 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 live in Michigan. I am happy in having it now explained. I thank you for expediting our good work. We wish to return to our families, mauy of whom have died since 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 :-
Eller brother! I have heard what you said yesterday and know it to be the same that was said at the treaty of Mu-Singum. I remember it perfectly well and thought whilst I heard you speak it that it was again renewed. My eyes were open and I listened with attention.
Eller brother! I now address myself to you. You see the fire kindled at Muskingum. I now tell you that some words of that treaty we did not perfectly understand at the time we made it. The Wyandlots were foremost at that treaty; we, the three fires, fol- lowed them. You there told us that it was not in your name that you treated; but in behalf of the thirteen fres, which lie along the great water. You told us you would throw the tomahawk into the river; but you know the waters in our woods are not deep; and some foolish young 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 peace.
Elder brother! I live at the gate leading to all those nations, and to the Pottawatta- mies, and those living in the prairies; and we, the three fires, will do our utmost to bury the hatchet so deep that it can never be found; for it is this batchet 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 Gres, it would ap- pear, are also small, as the other nations bave 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 Indi ins 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 officers and our warriors are now around us, let us join sincerely in making a solid and Insting peace. Peace with our three fires is now established. [A string of blue and white wompum. ]
Elder brother! You do not forget muy of your words and I sbow you this belt which you gave a great many years ago, to Wartung, 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 n road belt. ]
Eller brother! When you yesterday read to us the treaty of Muskingum I understood you clearly. At that treaty we had not good interpreters and we were left partly un- acquainted with many particulars of it. I was surprised when I heard your voice, through a good interpreter, say that we had received prevents and compensation for those lands which were thereby ceded. 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 Ottawnys, 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 since that treaty we have become objects of pity, and our fires have been retiring from this country. Now elder brother, you sce we are objects of compassion. Ilive pity on our weakness and misfortune ; and since you have purchased these landy, 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 sny to you our eller brother. Now the great men will address you.
Tarkee, chief of the Wyandots, rose and said :-
Brothers of the fifteen fires, listen! And you, my nephews, the Delawares and Six Nations, younger brother-, Shawanese and Miamis, and eller brothers, Ottawas, Chip- peways, and Pottawattamie-, we are here assembled this day, in the presence of God above. Brothers, Americans! Our brothers, the Ottawas, Chippewaye, and Pottawat- tamies, have related to you a little of what happened at the treaty of Muskingums and observe that we have soll the lands to you without their consent or knowledge. How- ever, elder brother, I hope you will explain to them how the country was first disposed of into your hands. These people now chum the land and must establish their right with you. We bind yesterday some counsel among ourselves on this subject. We feel much alarmed nt these words of our brothers, claiming in this manner these luuds. This is all I have at present to say, brothers.
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