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Corporation.	Digital file copyright by
Cornell University Library 1993.DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
385
DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
I. THE FIRST BUFFALO BOOK.
On page 340 of this volume allusion is made to the “ Public Speeches ”
by Judge Erastus Granger and Red Jacket, as probably the first book pub-
lished in Buffalo. A facsimile reproduction of one of the two copies known to
exist, follows. Its reproduction here may be the'means of discovering other
copies, or, if such there be, of a yet earlier Buffalo imprint. One of the copies
referred to, is owned by the Buffalo Historical Society; the' other by Col.
James N. Granger, Jr., of Buffalo, a grandson of Erastus Granger, who came
to Buffalo in 1804, the accredited representative of the Government in all
political matters. In an admirable sketch of the Granger family in Buffalo,*
Col. Granger has related how Judge Granger reached Buffalo Creek, traveling
on horseback, on the 30th of March, 1804, to find it a village of sixteen huts,
its streets filled with stumps and its inhabitants the usual class found in a
frontier town. It was not even a postoffice, but as part of the agreement he
had made with the Government was that a post-office should be located there,
he was soon (September 3, 1804), commissioned “ Postmaster at Buffaloe
Creek.” He resigned this office May 6, 1818. On December 9, 1803,
before leaving Washington, he was confirmed by the United States Senate as
Surveyor of the Port of Buffalo Creek, and on December 20, 1805, confirmed
as Collector of the Port. These last two offices he resigned March 17, 1812.
The duties of these three offices he performed by deputy. “ During the War
of 1812, the post-office at Buffalo was the most important in the newer West.
A line of expresses had been established by the Government between Wash-
ington and Buffalo and dispatches were sent forward on horseback at the
swift speed of ten miles an hour. All communications to the commanding
generals in the West came to Buffalo, and orders for Gen. Harrison at San-
dusky, to Commodore Perry on the lake and to the officer on the Niagara
River came to the office here and were forwarded by the postmaster by the
most expeditious manner possible.”
In 1807 Mr. Granger was appointed one of the judges of the County of
Genesee, then comprising all the territory between the Genesee River and
Lake Erie, and when the western part was set off, in 1808, as Niagara County,
he was appointed judge of that new county. He presided at the first term of
court ever held in Buffalo (June, 1808), and continued on the bench until
1817. In 1816 and 1817 he was Supervisor of Buffalo, then the highest town
office. He was one of the founders of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and its
first senior warden.
* The Illustrated Buffalo Express, Oct. 25, 1891.
25386
APPENDIX.
It was as Indian Agent, however, that his principal work was done,
“The half dozen years preceding the War of 1812,” writes Col. Granger,
“ were full of alarms and suspicions of danger. Judge Granger’s dispatches
from Washington urged the utmost diligence on his part. British agents were
constantly crossing from Canada seeking to stir up the Six Nations and form
treaties with them, enlisting their aid when war should come. Council after
council was held at Buffalo, at which the subtle yet eloquent speeches of Red
Jacket, Cornplanter, Farmer’s Brother and other silver-tongued orators were
heard. News of the declaration of war reached Buffalo on the 27th of June,
1812, and the question of what the Indians would do was not settled. Judge
Granger called a final council at Buffalo, and the chieftains met their agent on
July 6,1812.” The Senecas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, the Tuscaroras,
and the Oneidas were present; only the Mohawks; who at the close of the
Revolution had fled to Canada, were absent. Red Jacket made the opening
speech, after which Judge Granger delivered his messages of friendship.
Then, Indian fashion, the Council adjourned, that an answer might be made
without unseemly haste. On re-assembling, July 8th, Red Jacket replied to
Judge Granger’s speech of July 6th, with his usual masterly eloquence. He
reviewed the various treaties which the Government had made with the Six
Nations, and did not hesitate to point out the transgression of the whites.
“ Finally he brought forward a large belt, and asked the agent to look at it
and observe that it was the same presented to them by Gen. Washington.
As the Indians had no writings, when a treaty was made belts were ex-
changed, and retained till the treaty was repealed; the terms of the treaty
were committed to memory. So trained had the Senecas become in memoriz-
ing what they heard (it is said), that not only could they years afterwards
give a treaty complete, but it was their custom to listen all day in council to
the long speeches made and, adjourning the hearing for a few days, return to
their villages and there repeat verbatim all the orations, and learn the opinions
of their neighbors as to what should be said in answer.”
“The importance of this treaty,” justly observes Col. Granger, “can
hardly be overestimated. It closed the door to all danger of the Six Nations
becoming the allies of the British, and saved the whole frontier, even then
sparsely settled, from the horrors of Indian warfare. Had these leaders of the
Indians taken up the hatchet, hardly a tribe but would have followed suit, and
the worst results would have been forthcoming. As it was, the Nations
remained neutral until, by good fortune, some of the Canadian Indians crossed
the Niagara and invaded the Senecas’ country, when at once the Nations
sprang to arms and voluntarily joined the Americans.”
The speeches in full follow, in our facsimile reproduction, which not only
presents anew the record of this important event, but helps to preserve from
total disappearance, the image if not the actual pages of “ The First Buffalo
Book.”—Ed.DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
387
PUBLIC
PEECHES,
DELIV EBED
At the Village of Buffalo, on the 6th and 8th days
of July, 1812,
BY
Hon. ERASTUS GRANGER,
Indian Agent*
a nd
RED JACKET,
One of the Principal Chiefs and Speakers
of the Senaca Nation,
RESPECTING THE PART THE SlK NjTlONS WOULD
TAKE IS THE PRESENT
1$ at
AGAINST GREAT BRITAIN.
BUFFALO :
Printed and sold by S H & H A. SALISBURY
—sold also at the Canandaigua and Geneva
Bookstores.
1813.APPENDIX.
[This Council was convened at the request of the
Hon E Granger, Esq. Indian Agent. The
Sachems, Chiefs, and Warriors of the Six Na-
tions of Indians, residing in the United States,
were present.]
Monday, July 6, 1812.
Red Jacket,
•Addressing himself to the Agents sfioke as follows.
Brother,
W E are glad of having an
opportunity once more of meeting
you in council. We thank the Great
Spirit that has again brought us to-
gether. This is a full meeting. All
our head men are present. Every
village is represented in this coun-
cil. We are pleased to find Mr.
Parrish, our interpreter, is present.
He has attended all our councils sinceDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
6
the last war, and is well acquainted
with all the treaties we have made
with the United States.
The voice of war has reached our
ears, and made our minds gloomy.
We now wish you to communicate
to us every thing which your gov-
ernment has charged you to tell us
concerning this war. We shall lis-
ten with attention to what you have
to say.
MR. GRANGER'S SPEECH,
Brothers* of the Six Nations,
1 AM happy to behold so ma-
ny of you assembled together at this
time. I observe that the chiefs of
the Seneca, Onondaga, Cayuga, and
Tusearora nations, and some of the
Delawares, are present. The Mo-
hawks, who live in Canada, are not390
APPENDIX.
V
represented, and the Oneidas, living
at a distance could not attend
Brothers—You will now listen to
what 1 say :—
At the close of the revolutionary
war the U. States held a treaty with
the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix.
They restored to you the country of
land which they had conquered from
you and the British, and set you
down once more on your old seats.
Several treatiesliave since been made
with you ; but that which particular-
ly binds us together, was made at
Canandaigua about sixteen years
since.
The chain of friendship then for-
med, has been kept bright until this
time.
In this great length of time notli-
ingmaterial has happened to disturb
the peace and harmony subsisting
between us. Any momentary in-
terruptions of peace which have ta-DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
8
ken place, have been happily settled
without injury to either party. Our
friendship has remained unbroken.
Brothers—The prosperity 65 hap-
piness of the Six Nations have al-
ways been objects which the United
States have had in view.
You have enjoyed with us all the
blessings which the country afforded,
consistent with your mode and ha-
bits of living. We have grown up
together on this great Island. The
United States are strong and power-
ful ; you are few in numbers and
weak ; but as our friends, we consi-
der you, and your women and chil-
dren, under our protection.
Brothers-—You have heretofore
been told that the conduct of Great
Britain, towards us. might eventual-
ly lead to war. That event has at
length taken place War now ex-
ists between the United States and
the British nation. The injuries we392
APPENDIX.
9
have received from the British, have,
at length, forced us into a war.
I will now proceed to state to you
the reasons why we have been com-
pelled to take up arms.
For a number of years past, the
British and French, who live on the
other side of the great waters, have
been at war with each other, shed-
ding each other's blood. These na-
tions wished us to take a part in their
war. France wanted us to fight a-
gainst Great Britain. Great Britain
wanted us to join against France...
But the United States did not wish
to take any part in their quarrels.
Our object was to live in peace, and
trade with both nations. Notwit-
standing our endeavors to maintain
friendship with them, both France
and Great Britain have broken their
treaties with us. They have taken
our vessels and property, and refus-
ed to restore them, or make eompen-
BDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
393
10
sation for the losses we sustained.
But the British have done us the
• greatest injury. They have taken
out of our vessels at least six thous-
and of our own people, put them on
board their ships of war, and com-
pelled them to fight their battles.....
In this situation,our friends and con-
nexions are confined, obliged to fight
for the British.
Brothers—If you consider the sit-
uation in which we are placed, you
cannot blame us for going to war. I
will ask you a question. Suppose
that the Mohawk Nation, who live in
Canada, were at war with a nation
of Indians at the westward. Both
those nations being your friends, you
were determined to take no part hi
their disputes,but to be at peace with
both—-to visit them, and trade with
them as usual. In consequence of
this determination, you should send
messengers with speeches to informAPPENDIX.
11
them of the system you had adopted.
But the Mohawks not satisfied in see-
ing you in prosperity, enjoying the
blessings of peace, visiting and trad-
ing with their enemy—determine to
make you feel the evils of war, un-
less you agree to give up all inter-
course with those they are at war
with. This you cannot consent to:
yon want the privilege of selling your
furs and skins where you can find
the best market. The Mohawks still
continue to flatter you—say they are
your friends—put on smiling faces
and speak good words. But in the
mean time, while professing friend*
ship towards you, they fall upon your
hunting and trading parties, as they
travel back and forth—strip them of
their property—leave them naked in
the world, and refuse to make satis-
faction. Not only this, but they come
near your villages, and there murder
ypur people—others they take, whenDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
395
13
found from home,bind them fast and
compel them to go and fight their
battles.
Brothers—Could you for a mo-
ment submit to such treatment...
Would you not, all as one, rise from
your seats, and let the enemy feel
your vengeance ? If you are "war-
riors, if you are brave men, you cer-
tainly would. What I have stated
is exactly bur case. The British
have done us all these injuries, and
still continue to do us wrong without
a cause. The United States have
risen from their seats—they have
raised their strong arm, and will
cause it to be felt.
Brothers—I feel it my duty,at this
present time, to point out to you the
straight path in which you ought to
walk. Yon well recollect the advice
given you, by the people of the Uni-
ted States, at the commencement of
the revolutionary war against Great396
APPENDIX.
13
Britain. You were then requested
to stay at home—to sit upon your
seats at your own council fires, and
to take no part in the war.
It would have been happy for you
had you followed this good advice.
But the presents and fair speeches
of the British, poisoned your ininds.
You took up the hatchet against us,
and become our enemies. At the
close of the war with Britain, (the e-
vent you well know), the U. States
had it in their power to have cut you
off as a people, but they took pity on
you, and let your return to your for-
mer seats.
Your great father, the President
of the Seventeen Fires,now gives his
Red Children the same advice that
was given you at the beginning of the
last war: that is—That you take no
part in the quurrels of the white peo-
ple. He stands in no need of your
assistance. His warriors are nurner-DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
14
ous,like the sand on the shores of the
great lakes, whieh cannot be counted.
He is able to fight his own battles,
and requests you to stay at home, cul-
tivate your fields andtake care of your
property. If you have any regard
for your women and children—If
you have any respect for the country
in whoso soil repose the bones of
your fathers—you will listen to his
advice, and keep bright the chain of
friendship between us.
You have been invited to join the
British in this war. Reflect for a
moment on the consequence of com-
plying with their request. You will
lose your property in the U. States.
We shall soon take possession of Ca-
nada. They will have no land to sit
you down upon. You will have no-
thing to expect from our mercy......
You will deservedly, as a people, he
cut off from the face of the earth.
The late delegation which you sentAPPENDIX.
15
to Canada, was told, that they ought
not to put any confidence in the U-
nited States—that, if you did, we
should deceive you—that the United
States kept no promises made to In-
dians.
Brothers—I now ask,in what have
the United States deceived you?......
Have they not punctually paid your
annuities as they became due ? Have
not the Seneca’s received annually
the interest of their money in the
public funds ? Has ndt the state of
New-'York honestly fulfilled her en-
gagements with the Oneida’s,.Onon-
daga’s, and Cayuga’s ? Have not the
Tuscurora’s been assisted in the sale
of their property in North Carolina,
and in obtaining a pleasant seat,
purchased of the Holland land com-
pany ? 1 again ask, have not the U.
States observed good faith towards
you ? Have they deceived you in any
one thing ? I answer, they have notDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
16
Knowing, as you do, that we are
yonr friends. Will yon act like chil-
dren and suffer yourselves to be im*
posed upon at this time by our ene-
mies ?
Brothers—It was our wish that
the Six Nations should all be agreed
as one man, but the Mohawks and
some few others, living on the Brit-
ish side, have been so foolish as to
declare in favor of war. The good
advice you lately gave them,.has not
been attended to. They are now at
Newark in arms against the United
States. I am sorry they have not
listened to good counsel. "You how-
ever have done your duty, and you
are notto blame for their folly. They
will soon find they hare done wrong,
and must suffer die consequence.
Brothers—continue to listen.
You have been frequently told,
that in case we went to war, we
did not want your assistance. The400
APPENDIX.
17
same thing has this day been repeat-
ed. But I find some of your young
men are restless and uneasy. They
wish te be with our warriors, and 1
am sensible the Chiefs have not pow-
or to control them. As I observed
before, we want not their aid, but we
believe it better for them to be our
friends than our enemies.
If they will not be contented to
stay atliome,but must see something
of a war; perhaps 150, or 300 will
be permitted to stand by the side of
our warriors, and receive the same
pay and provisions which our soldiers
receive.
If they should be permitted to
join our troops, they must conform
to our regulations. Your mode of
carrying on a war is different from
ours. We never attack, and make
war upon women and children, nor
on those who are peaceably inclined,
and have nothing to defend them-
cDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
18
selves with. Such conduct we con-
sider as cowardly, and not becoming
a warrior
Brothers—If you have not suffi-
cient time this evening to deliberate
on what I have said, I will meet you
to-morrow, or next day and receive
your answer.
RED JACKET'S ANSWER,
TO
Mr. Granger’s Speech.
Wednesday, July 8, 1812.
Brother,
W E are now prepared to
give an answer to the speech you de-
livered to us in council the other day.
We are happy to find so many of the
white people present. We are not
accustomed to transact important bu-402
APPENDIX.
19
siness in the dark !....we are willing
that the light should shine upon what-
ever we do. When we speak, we do
it with sincerity, and in a manner
that cannot be misunderstood.
You have been appointed by the
United States an Agent for the Six
Nations. We have been requested
to make you acquainted with the sen-
timents of those nations we repre-
sent. None of the Mohawks, Onei-
das, or Cayugas. it is well known, are
present. The number of treaties
that has passed between the Six Na-
tions and the United States, appeal's
to be fresh in your memory. We
shall only mention to you somethings
that were agreed upon in the treaty
made at Canandaigua.
We were a long time in forming
that treaty, but we at length made
up our minds and spoke freely. Mr.
Pickering, who was then agent for
the United States, declared to us thatDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
SO
no breach should ever be made in
that treaty. We replied to him, If
it should ever be broken, you will be
the first to do it. We are weak...
You are strong. You are a great
people. You can, if you are so dis-
posed, place yourselves under it and
overturn it—or, by getting upon it,
you can crush it with your weight!
Mr. Pickering again declared, that
this treaty would ever remain firm
and unshaken,that it would be as du-
rable as the largest rock to be found
in our country.
This treaty was afterwards shown
to Gen. Washington. He said that
he was satisfied and pleased with
what the agent had done. He told
us that no treaty could be formed
that would be more binding. He
then presented us with a chain which
he assured us, would never rust, but
always remain bright. Upon this
belt of wampum, (koldingup a belt of404
APPENDIX.
2t
wampum, vu/r'wusly wrought)hepla-
ced a silver seal—[upon which an
eagle was engraved,representing the
United States.] This belt we always
have and always wish to look upon as
sacred.
In the treaty, it was agreed that
the Six Nations shouldreceive a small
annuity, to show the intention of the
United States to continue friendly
with them. This has been compli-
ed with. It was also agreed that, if
any inj ury or damage should be done
on either side, satisfaction should be
made to the party injured. We were
a long time in conference before we
could make up our minds upon one
article of the treaty—What punish-
ment should be inflicted for the
crime of murder? Mr. Pickering
said it should be hanging. We told
him that would never do : that if a
white man killed an Indian, the In-
dians would not be permitted to hangDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.	405
22
the white man.....the sacrifice would
be considered too great for killing an
Indian ! We at length agreed, that
conciliatory measnres should be re-
sorted to, such as would give satis-
faction to all parties.
In cases of theftas in stealing hor-
ses, cattle,^c. it was agreed that res-
titution should be made. In this ar-
cle, the whites have transgressed
twice, where the Indians have once.
....As often as you will mention one
instance in which we have wronged
you, we will tell you of two in which
you have defrauded us !
I have related these articles of the
treaty to show you that it still re-
mains clear in our recollection, and
we now declare to you, in presence
of all here assembled, that we will
continue to hold fast the chain which
connects us together. Some who
first took hold of it, are gone l but
others will supply their place.406
APPENDIX.
23
We regret, extremely, that any dis-
turbance should have taken place a-
mong the white people. Mischief
has commenced. We are now told
that war has been declared against
Great Britain...the reasons for it are
unknown to us. The Six Nation s are
placed in an unpleasant situation. A
part of them are in Canada, and the
remainder in the United States.
Whilst we were endeavoring to
persuade those who live in Canada
to remain peaceable and quiet, the
noise of war suddenly sounded in our
ears. We were told that all commu-
nication, between us and them would
be prevented. We have since heard
that they have taken up arms. We
are very sorry to hear of this. They
are our brothers and relations, and
we do not wish that their blood
should be spilt, when there is so lit-
tle occasion for it. We hope that
the passage is not so closely stopped,DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
407
24
but that a small door may still be
open by which we may again have
an opportunity of seeing our bro-
thers, and of cunvincingthem to take
no part in a war in which they have
nothing to gain.
We know the feelings of the great-
er portion of them. We therefore
believe, that if we have another op-
portunity, we can persuade them to
have nothing to do with this war.—
Our minds are fully made up on
this subject, and we repeat, that it is
our wish to see them once more, and
to give them our advice about the
path they ought to travel.
You (Mr. Parrish) are goingto the
eastward, vou will visit the Oneidas
and Cayugas—Relate to them faith-
fully wliat has taken place in this
council; tell them all we have said,
and request that a deputation of their
chiefs may be sent to attend our
council here. We wish that you
would return with them.408
APPENDIX.
25
[He then brought forward the belt
which he had before held up in his
hand, and requested Mr. Granger,
and the others present, to look at it
and observe, whether it was not the
one that had been presented to the
Six Nations by Gen. Washington.
Red Jacket then held up another
belt, much larger, of different colors,
which appeared to be very ancient.
He continued.]
Brother—I will now state to you
the meaning of this belt. A long
time ago the Six Nations had form-
ed an union. They had no means
of writing their treaties on paper,and
of preserving them in the manner
the white people do. We therefore
made this belt, which shows, that
the Six* Nations have bound them-
selves firmly together; that it is
their determination to remain u-
nited; that they will never do any
thing, contrary to the interests ofDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
409
26
the tv hole ; but that they will always
act towards each other like broth-
ers.
Whenever for the future, you see
a small number of our people meet-
ing together to consult about any
matter of trifling account, we desire
that you would pay no attention to it.
It may give you uneasiness, when
we have no intention to injure you.
This happened but a few days ago :
It seems that a white man and two
or three Indians, living on the same
creek,had a small conversation,which
the mischievous talked about until
the whole country was in an uproar,
and many families left their country
and homes in consequence!
The council held some time since
at Batavia, was unauthorized by us,
and we now declare to you, that none
have a right to hold council anywhere
except at this place, around the great
council fire of the Six Nations.APPENDIX.
27
We hope that you will not accept
of any of our warriors, unless they
are permitted by our great council
to offer themselves to you. And we
should be sorry indeed, if any of the
whites should entice our young war-
riors to take up arms. We mention
these things to showyou thatwe wish
to guard against everything that may
interrupt our good understanding.
Brother—We hope that what has
been said will be generally known to
the white people. Let every one re-
collect and give a faithful account of
it. We wish them to know that we
are peaceably disposed towards the
United States, and thatwe are deter-
mined to keep bright the chain of
friendship that we formed with them
at Canandaigua.
Brother—We have one thing more
to which we would wish to call your
attention. We present you the pa-
pers. (handing to the agent a smallDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
411
28
bundle of papers), which secure to
us our annuities from the U. States.
We would be glad to know if this
war would affect our interests in that
quarter. We also desire that you
would inform us, whether the mon-
ies we have deposited in the [late]
hank of the United States, will he
less secure, than if this war had not
taken place.
Reply of the Agent.
MB. Granger, after thanking
them for their general and punctu-
al attendance, replied as follows :—
Brothers—You have this day
brought forward the large white belt,
given you at Canandaigua. Your
speaker has explained the leading
particulars of the treaty made at that
time. I am much pleased to find
your minds so deeply impressed with412
APPENDIX.
29
them. I now repeat to yon that the
United States wUi,on their part, hold
fast to the treaty ; they wish you to
do the same. Should it he broken
on your part, the United States will
no longer consider themselves bound
by it.
Brothers—It appears that you are
still desirous of sending to Grand
River to endeavor to prevail on your
brethren, in that quarter to remain
at peace. An undertaking of this
kind will be of little use. They will
only fill your heads with idle talk,
and poison your minds against the
U.States. Perhaps after crossing Nia-
gara river, you will not be permittedto
go any further. Should you, how-
ever, insist upon it, permission will
be granted to four or five of your
chiefs to go over, with such instruc-
tions as you shall think proper to
give them.
But should your young men crossDOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANY.
413
30
over and join our enemies, they must
never expect to be allowed to set
their feet on our shores again as
.friends. Rest assured they will be
severely punished for it.
With respect to the property you
have placed in the hands of the U-
nited States you have nothing to fear,
it will be fully as secure as if this
war had not happened. Your an-
nuities will be paid you as formerly,
and your bank stock be as product-
ive as usual.
I now return you my thanks for
the good attendance you have given
at this council. I feel pleased that
you have again come forward and
renewed the covenant of friendship,
that you have once more declared
your steady attachment to the Unit-
ed States.
Your friend, Mr. Parrish, will
soon go to the eastward, where he
will see such of your brethren as414
APPENDIX.
31
were not present at this council. In
a short time he will return, and re-
main here, if he should be wanted,
through the summer.
pn consequence of the permis-
sion of the Agent, several of the
chiefs repaired to Lewiston for the
purpose of crossing. Application
was made to General Brock, (who
has the command of the troops in
the Upper Province) that they might
be suffered to land on the Canada
shore. After two days General
Brock sent them word that two of
their chiefs would be permitted to
come over and converse for a few
minutes with such of die chiefs, be-
longing to Canada, as would be au-
thorized to meet them. They ac-
cordingly went over, and after a few
minutes conversation with some of
the Canadian chiefs, without effect-
ing their object, they were ordered
to return.]