1816

My warriors and my children! Hear! It is cruel, it is very cruel! A heavy burden lies on my heart, it is very sick. This is a dark day.  The clouds are black and heavy over the Oneida nation and a strong arm is heavy upon us, and our hearts groan under it.  Our fires are put out, and our beds are removed from under us.  The graves of our fathers are destroyed, and their children are driven away.  The Almighty is angry with us; for we have been very wicked: therefore his arm does not keep us.  Where are the Chiefs of the rising Sun?  White Chiefs now kindle their ancient fires!

Brother: We understand that you have been appointed by our great father the president to make these communications to us.  We thank the Great Spirit for this pleasant day given us for our reply, and we beg you to listen.

Brothers: We have been preserved in health, strength and spirit, to meet you again at our council fire. The Great Spirit has protected us, and we are thankful again to meet you.  You will recollect, brothers, that we listened with attention to what the com missioner said, and to the words of our great father through his mouth.  As this council was called by the voice of our great father, you barely told us of his care for his red children.  You further promised us that the Yorkers (meaning the preemptioners), had communications for us.

Brothers: We are happy to meet you both at our council. We of the Six Nations transact all our business openly, and not under the curtain.  I have observed with what attention you have listened to me. I hope you will be willing to unite with us in bringing back our friends from beyond the water, and making us one band.  Then we shall become one great family of children, under our great father, the president.

Brothers of the Council — Listen!  You must recollect that a few years since some delegates from your elder brethren, the Six Nations, came to you.  That council fire was kindled at Browns-town, by the mutual consent of the Six Nations; but we then requested that all important business should thereafter be transacted at this place.  A few years after this, another delegation came to this council fire from your elder brethren, the Six Nations.  We then thought appearances looked squally.

Brothers of the Six Nations: We heard you yesterday.  You shall soon hear our reply.  We are pleased that the council fire is established at this place by our friends the Wyandots, and that our brothers, the Six Nations, have agreed to unite with us.

Brothers of the Wyandots: You have invited me to this council, and you see me standing before you. I address myself to all present.  I have heard all that has been said, and am well pleased with it.  I agree with my brothers the Wyandots, in all they have said.