OLIN 
 E 
 
 99 
 .D2 
 
 A16 
 1904 
 
 -J 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924097755494 
 
RICHARD C. ADAMS. 
 
I A 
 
 
Author's Statement. 
 
 The reluctancy of the Indian to give the 
 world a full view of his religion and faith is, 
 perhaps, the chief reason why he is greatly 
 misunderstood. He holds these things so sacred 
 that he will say but little about them outside 
 of his place of worship, and less to one not of 
 his own blood. 
 
 Were it not for the fact that the blood of my 
 race is fast disappearing, and that if these 
 things are not recorded now, they may be lost 
 forever, and for the further reason that I believe 
 they are worthy of careful consideration, I 
 would not attempt to write this book. 
 
 The Delaware Indians have kept no written 
 records, but have from time immemorial trained 
 certain young men as teachers, who are to suc- 
 ceed the older men as they die, and at the an- 
 nual meetings these young men assist in 
 conducting the ceremonies, and finally take 
 their places as leaders themselves. 
 
 I have been collecting the data for this book 
 
for a number of years. I have talked with 
 many of the old people, who are now dead, and 
 have had some of them review my manuscript- 
 I have attended their meetings, and have taken 
 notes while they were going on, and, try as 
 hard as I may, I feel that I can not do them 
 justice in my effort to translate their orations 
 and songs, for it is almost impossible for me 
 to find words in the English language to con- 
 vey to you the beautiful thoughts our orators 
 express in their native tongue. 
 
 One of our teachers of this faith, after being 
 persuaded to assist me in this work, said: "Yes, 
 I will help, because I am afraid there are so 
 few of us that our meetings will soon be a 
 thing of the past. Our people are becoming 
 too much like the white men now; interested 
 in making money, so much so, that even 
 brothers and sisters today do not take as much 
 interest in each other as members of different 
 clans did years ago. This is the result of the 
 teaching of the white man, which appeals more 
 to the selfish interest of the individual, and 
 suits many of our young people better. In 
 following the white man's faith you can do as 
 you please until you are ready to die, then, by 
 repenting, can escape all responsibility for your 
 acts, and go to Heaven without any efforts of 
 your own. According to our faith you must 
 follow the dictates df your guardian spirit, or 
 conscience, which is the connecting link with 
 
 6 
 
the Great Spirit, and thus improve yourself in 
 each sphere you pass through until you have 
 finally reached the Happy Hunting Ground) 
 and have in some manner merited a reward 
 yourself." 
 
 There are now living in the Cherokee Nation 
 about 1,150 Delaware Indians. Perhaps two- 
 thirds of them can read and write. About 2CX) 
 are full bloods, one-half of whom adhere to the 
 old faith, while about one-third of the tribe 
 profess the Christian faith ; which to me is a 
 most remarkable thing, considering the mas- 
 sacre of the Christian Indians in Gnadenhut- 
 ten, Pa., and Gnadenhutten, Ohio, and the 
 further persecution of them after that, at the 
 hands of the race who taught them that faith. 
 
 At some future time I may attempt to pub- 
 lish the twelve opening orations, and as many 
 of the others as I can obtain. 
 
THANKSGIVING DANCE. 
 
 Traditions of our people as far back as the 
 memories of our tribe are that we always bad a 
 Thanksgiving Dance. That many, many 
 generations ago we came from a far-off country 
 in the northwest; came across a land of ice and 
 snow, until we reached the Great Fish River, 
 or Mississippi River, where we found many 
 people living in that valley who fiercely op- 
 posed our progress, but, after a long war, we 
 completely overcame them, and proceeded on 
 our journey until we finally settled in that 
 country watered by the Susquehanna and the 
 Delaware Rivers, our territory extending from 
 the mountains to the tide water. Here all the 
 Algonquin Tribes lived near them, and they 
 became powerful and rich, so much so that 
 they forgot to give thanks to the Great Spirit. 
 
 About that time there was a great famine or 
 drouth. Following this great earthquakes 
 came, rivers went dry, streams and springs 
 started up in places where water had scarcely 
 been seen before. Mountains came and dis- 
 appeared and great fear prevailed among the 
 people. 
 
About this time there came to the head chief, 
 or sachem, of the Delawares a little boy, who 
 told the chief that his people had treated him 
 very badly; that they would make him do more 
 work than he was able to do and would give 
 him but little to eat; that he had felt very 
 badly about the way he was treated, but had put 
 up with it. Finally, one day his people told him 
 to go out and gather some wild sweet potatoes, 
 which were considered a great delicacy. He 
 went, and, to show that he was industrious, and 
 thinking to get a little praise, or if not that, at 
 least, to escape blame by bringing home a 
 bountiful supply, he worked hard and got all 
 he could carry. 
 
 He reached home as early as possible, and 
 his people put the potatoes on to cook in a 
 large kettle at noon. They cooked them until 
 the evening star went down, but before this 
 time they made the little boy go to bed with- 
 out any supper. After he had been in bed some 
 time they began to eat the potatoes and other 
 food. They called the boy, and he answered, 
 and jumped quickly from the bed, thinking he 
 was invited to take part in the feast. He was 
 only abused, however, called a glutton and told 
 to go away. So, heart-broken and in despair, 
 he left the house and wandered aimlessly until 
 he was utterly exhausted. He then went to 
 sleep. Before this he was moaning to himself 
 over his unfortunate lot. He cried out to the 
 
Great Spirit to give him relief. He began Ms 
 supplication with O-oo and heard twelve voices 
 with the same sound. 
 
 When he went to sleep there came to him a 
 man with his face painted red, and as he 
 emerged from the darkness only half of his 
 face showed. This man talked to him and 
 told of the great things there were in the 
 world beyond; that his people were wicked, 
 not only his own family but all his tribe; 
 that they had forgotten the Great Spirit, which 
 was the reason why the earthquakes and other 
 trouble had been visited upon them, and that 
 more would follow, if they did not repent. The 
 boy asked why he heard twelve voices answer his 
 prayer, and the spirit to whom he was talking 
 replied that he would have to pass through 
 twelve worlds or spheres before he could get to 
 the home of the Great Spirit; that in each 
 sphere there was a Manitou ruling, and that no 
 prayer could reach the Great Spirit that did 
 not come through the twelve spheres ; that his 
 cry had reached the first, who transmitted it 
 to the second, and he in turn to the third, and 
 so on until the twelfth delivered it to the Great 
 Spirit himself. 
 
 He was told to go to the head chief or sachem 
 and tell him that the people should return 
 thanks each autumn to the Great Spirit, and 
 when the people all met he should say that the 
 Great Spirit sent him to talk to them ; that he 
 
 10 
 
was a medicine man, made so this night ; that 
 he had received the gift of the Great Medicine 
 from the Great Spirit himself. He was to tell 
 the people they should never be discouraged 
 when trials and tribulations came to them, for 
 it was under those circumstances, and when in 
 that condition, that the Great Spirit took com- 
 passion upon mortals, and made them superior 
 and possessed of great influence over their 
 fellow men ; that none of the tribe had gone 
 through as great trials as he had. 
 
 The chief or sachem called the people 
 together, and renewed the Thanksgiving Dance 
 of the Delawares. The little boy told what he 
 had seen. He told them that they were to pre- 
 pare a long, large house, and inside this house 
 were to be twelve posts, each with a face carved 
 on it, half the face to be painted red and the 
 other half black. There should also be a center 
 post with four faces carved on it. These posts 
 were to represent the twelve Manitous who 
 guarded the twelve spheres through which the 
 people should pass to reach the Happy Hunt- 
 ing Ground. The center post represented the 
 Great Spirit, who saw and knew all things. 
 
 Bvery year after that they were to return 
 thanks to the Great Spirit in the time of the 
 autumn full moon, when nature had painted 
 the forest in brilliant hues and the harvest 
 was over. The dance was to last twelve days, 
 which was the time it would take the twelve 
 
 11 
 
Manitous to convey their thanks an^d prayers 
 to the Great Spirit. 
 
 All the people are to enter at the east and 
 retire the same way. When they come in they 
 are to pass to the right of the fire and each 
 clan takes its place, sitting on the ground 
 (skins or robes are thrown down for them to 
 sit on) next to the wall. 
 
 The Turtle clan on the south, the Turkey on 
 the west, and the Wolf on the north, and, in no 
 case, shall any one pass between the center 
 post and the east door, but must go around the 
 center post to go to the north side of the dance 
 house. The medicine man shall lead the 
 dance. A tortoise shell, dried and polished, 
 and containing several pebbles, is to be placed 
 in the southeast corner, near the door, in front 
 of the first person, known as the orator. If he 
 has anything to say, he will take the shell and 
 rattle it, and an answer shall come from the 
 south of the dance house from the singers who 
 hit on a dry deer hide. Then the parties who 
 had the tortoise shell shall make a talk to the 
 people, and thank the Great Spirit for their 
 blessings, and then proceed to dance, going to 
 the right and around the fire, followed by all 
 who wished to dance, and, finally, coming to 
 the center post, stop there. All the people shall 
 shake hands with him, and return to their seats. 
 Then the shell should be passed to the next 
 person, who shall either pass it on or rattle it, as 
 
 12 
 
he chooses. They shall have a doorkeeper and 
 a leader, and twelve oshkosh to sweep the 
 ground with turkey wings, make fires, and 
 serve as messengers. The ashes should always 
 be taken out of the west door. In front of the 
 east door, outside, should be a high pole, on 
 which venison should hang. The oshkosh 
 shall distribute food among the people. The 
 ofl&cers and oshkosh are to be paid in wampum 
 for their services. In no case shall they allow 
 a dog to enter the dance house, and no one 
 should laugh inside or in any way be rude. 
 The orators repeat the traditions, but each 
 party is allowed to speak and tell his dream or 
 give advice. Kvery one has a guardian spirit. 
 Sometimes representations of it come in the 
 form of some bird, animal, or anything; at 
 times we see it in dreams, and at other times 
 by impression ; and it tells us what to do or 
 what will happen, etc. The guardian spirit is 
 sent from the Great Spirit. It is the inward voice. 
 
 The last thing, when the dance is over, all 
 the people are to go out and stand in a line 
 east and west, with their faces south, and bow 
 down and thank the Great Spirit, and then go 
 home. 
 
 Some of the Delaware Indians still keep up 
 this dance, but the dance house is not so large 
 as it used to be, and the attendance now is not 
 more than one hundred. Any Indian of any 
 tribe can participate in the dance. 
 
 13 
 
At the dance all wlio take part repeat what the 
 leader says, both the song and the exhortation. 
 The leader often repeats the story of the little 
 boy, comparing our trials to that of the little 
 boy who had met with disappointments, but tell- 
 ing that after a while the Great Spirit sent him 
 gifts, by which he was enabled to overcome 
 these disappointments, or be strong enough to 
 bear them. 
 
 Sometimes in their dreams or visions they 
 see men, sometimes birds or animals, and in 
 telling of them they do not say they had a 
 dream, but say: "There came to me this," etc. 
 
 These dreams and impressions are sometimes 
 used as illustrations by the orator before repeat- 
 ing the orations that have been handed down 
 from memory. There are quite a number of 
 these orations. On the following pages are some 
 expressed as nearly as can well be translated. 
 
 The historical or opening oration gives one 
 a fair idea of what their faith is. Each night 
 the orations are different, and each night 
 several dances take place ; and preceding the 
 dance will be an oration of instructions, an 
 oration of thanks, an oration of praise and 
 encouragement, or an address in which the 
 speaker gives his impressions, and speaks 
 generally for the good of the assembly. 
 
 Before the dance closes each night hominy 
 is passed around, and all partake of it and say: 
 "For this we are thankful." 
 
 14 
 
Fire is made with the use of fire sticks by- 
 friction, which they call pure fire. Smoking 
 is permissible in the dance house, but the 
 smoker must use the fire that is burning in the 
 center, and made by the oshkosh, which is 
 called pure fire. No matches are allowed to be 
 used. 
 
 When the Manitou appeared to the little boy 
 his face was painted red, but as he emerged 
 from utter darkness only one-half of his face 
 showed, and he was singing — 
 
 ^^PPPPir'P l ^^il 
 
 Ah nah adee loo- hoi la na pa 
 
 ^^^^^^^ 
 
 Nah an dee loo hoi la ua pe 
 
 PJ n r' p i ^^ ^ 
 
 1. Wan nee la na pa wee ta Wa na la-- 
 
 2. U het mah no la loma coop u het mah - 
 
 ^ I J' IJ [ J II P P ^ ^ 
 
 b: 
 
 na 
 ho 
 
 pe wee ta Kat tunah Ka- 
 
 la lom a coop Wan e ka Sha 
 
 IS 
 
'^^ fir IP ^^}s \ pmk 
 
 lum muck a Kat turn ah Ka lum muck a 
 lum oh kung Wan e ka Sha lum oh kung. 
 
 The above, translated in Knglish, means : 
 "These Delawares are my own people, and 
 here is where I bring them in their days of 
 tribulation that they make supplications to 
 my Maker, the Creator." 
 
 SONG OF THANKSGIVING DANCE. 
 
 f iMPppfr l PP ^ 
 
 A hu mah too mah Kan nee na 
 
 ipIp f fi^ jJ>rir^ 
 
 op A hu mah too mah Kanneena op Yuh pa mee 
 
 3 
 
 P P P f I P P ^^ 
 
 ton uk nun nee Yuh pa mee 
 
 16 
 
1^ p P } i 1^ I p P p r r 
 
 ton uk nun nee A lung goo mung 
 
 3 
 
 P'-j? p r IP M ^ I" 
 
 wa nee la na pa A lung goo mungwa 
 
 r|i p ^ > r I I 
 
 nee 
 
 la na 
 
 There are many songs they sing at this 
 dance, and the following is the English trans- 
 lation of the words with music above :* 
 
 " There's a highway over there, 
 There's a highway over there, 
 Flowing fast towards us, 
 Flowing fast towards us, 
 Calling to the Delawares, 
 Calling to the Delawares." 
 
 *This song refers to the Milky Way, which is supposed to 
 be the road to the Happy Hunting Ground. 
 
 17 
 
HISTORICAL OR OPENING ORATION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 THANKSGIVING DANCE OF THE 
 DELAWARES. 
 
 lyong before our greatgrandfathers 
 
 Heard the story I now tell you, 
 
 We were once a nation great, 
 
 Who from out the west of north came 
 
 Through a land of ice and snow. 
 
 Came unto the great fish river, 
 
 Where fierce warriors there did meet us 
 
 And quite vainly did oppose us, 
 
 In the course we did pursue. 
 
 When at last we settled firmly. 
 
 In a country rich with game. 
 
 And began to grow and prosper, 
 
 We forgot then to be grateful 
 
 For the blessings that came to us. 
 
 Then there was a little boy. 
 Who with sorrow deep was burdened; 
 For his father and his mother 
 From this life had both departed. 
 He with strangers was then living, 
 Who abused him without mercy; 
 He was forced to many hardships, 
 18 
 
And with hunger did he suffer. 
 But the Manitou who rules us 
 With compassion looked upon him, 
 And at night he came unto him, 
 For he heard his cry of sorrow. 
 
 Thus the Manitou spoke to him. 
 
 To the chieftain of the nation, 
 
 Do proceed when comes the morning; 
 
 Say to him that I have called you 
 
 For my people, the Lenape; 
 
 And unless they harken to me, 
 
 Mighty earthquakes will I send them — 
 
 Then will follow other troubles 
 
 Fast to make them feel their weakness. 
 
 Say to them to build a long house, 
 I/cngthwise from the east to westward, 
 And when the moon is bright in autumn. 
 All the clans should there assemble. 
 From the east door they shall enter. 
 To the right must they pass forward, 
 'Round the fire that's in the center 
 'Till the clans all take their places. 
 There shall be twelve oshkosh ready. 
 Six of men and six of women, 
 Who shall keep the fires burning 
 And the dust sweep from the dance ground. 
 They shall be paid well in wampum 
 For their service to the people. 
 
 As the oshkosh makes the fire. 
 With the fire sticks in his hand. 
 By the constant, tireless rubbing, 
 'Till the burning embers come. 
 So must we have so much friction 
 And must suffer so much pain, 
 19 
 
That our spirits glow more brightly, 
 By the test of each ordeal. 
 
 When the clans are well assembled 
 On the south shall sit the singers; 
 On the north shall sit the speaker, 
 And a tortoise shell with pebbles 
 Shall be placed before the speaker. 
 He who feels it is his duty 
 To address his fellow creatures 
 And give thanks to the Great Spirit 
 May attract them with the rattle. 
 As from left to right it passes. 
 
 And when all are well assembled 
 
 They should send their thanks with pleasure 
 
 To the greatest of the spirits. 
 
 By the Manitou who greets him; 
 
 For twelve Manitous are ruling. 
 
 One in each sphere you must pass through 
 
 Ere you reach the great hereafter. 
 
 Where abides the Great, Great Spirit. 
 
 On the wall of the long dance house 
 Shall twelve faces there be carven. 
 And the post that's in the center 
 Carve four faces there upon it; 
 This reminds you as you see them 
 That e'en Manitous look to him. 
 But the Spirit who is greater 
 Watches each and all together, 
 So to Him you must be thankful 
 For each blessing you're receiving; 
 And to Him, when you're in trouble. 
 Send a cry of tribulation. 
 For, the best of all the greetings. 
 Said he this, " they are my people." 
 
 20 
 
And if we will but remember 
 
 The Great Spirit hears our cry, 
 
 As with the right hand thus extended, 
 
 Twelve times call we forth Oh-o-o; 
 
 And no other message send Him, 
 
 Save a cry of sore distress. 
 
 Who would dare presume to mention 
 
 To his Maker what is needed ? 
 
 What to you would be most pleasing, 
 
 May your brother greatly grieve. 
 
 Thus in singing, dance, and feasting. 
 For twelve nights and days assembled, 
 Show him you are glad and happy. 
 That you thus have been remembered. 
 And are promised greater blessings 
 In the lives that come hereafter; 
 'Till at last you've reached the station 
 Where the Great Spirit abideth 
 And you'll hear the best of greetings, 
 ' ' Welcome here, you are my people. ' ' 
 
 You must always help each other 
 
 And respect the older people; 
 
 You must always teach your children 
 
 To be grateful to their Maker, 
 
 And to try always to please Him 
 
 Daily by their thoughts and actions; 
 
 That at last when they have passed through 
 
 All the lives that are before them. 
 
 They will fear not then to meet Him, 
 
 And will know that he will greet them 
 
 With the best of all the greetings, 
 
 " Welcome here, you are my people." 
 
 Why should we have been created 
 If our existence here is ended ? 
 
 21 
 
Why have we ambition here, then, 
 If no progress is beyond this ? 
 Who is here contented fully. 
 Be his station high or low ? 
 This to you should be convincing. 
 There is much we have to gather 
 In the life we now are living, 
 And much more to be accomplished 
 In the lives that come hereafter, 
 E'er we pass the last divide. 
 And shall hear the best of greetings, 
 " Welcome here, you are my people. ' ' 
 
 There's no person who's so humble, 
 There's no person who's so low, 
 But who yet may freely enter 
 In that chamber where now dwells 
 Those who speak to the Great Spirit; 
 But he long may go astray, 
 And in darkness may he wander, 
 'Til at last he finds the way there. 
 Thus we are now here assembled 
 In obedience to the call. 
 While I now repeat the teachings 
 You have often heard before. 
 How to hear the best of greetings, 
 " Welcome here, you are my people." 
 
 On the twelfth day of the meeting. 
 Just before you do disband. 
 All shall march in single file 
 To the eastward from the door, 
 And when all are well outside 
 To the south must you look forth. 
 And while standing thus in line 
 Twelve times then with reverence bow 
 To acknowledge your dependence, 
 
 22 
 
On the Spirit who is greatest, 
 Who, we're promised, yet will greet us 
 With the best of all the greetings, 
 " Welcome here, you are my people." 
 
 You should never shirk a danger. 
 
 You should never shun a duty; 
 
 But should always move with caution 
 
 And defend yourselves with vigor. 
 
 Your Creator hates a coward; 
 
 Your Creator hates a liar, 
 
 And he does not love a boaster 
 
 Or a person seeking quarrels. 
 
 If you follow well these teachings 
 
 All the nations will respect you. 
 
 And when you've passed the twelve divisions 
 
 That the future has before you, 
 
 And have reached the final station. 
 
 Where the past and where the future 
 
 Have been blended all together. 
 
 And where mystery can not baffle 
 
 Those who hear the best of greetings 
 
 From the greatest of the spirits, 
 
 "Welcome here, you are my people." 
 
 There you'll move with perfect freedom, 
 Space and time no more a barrier. 
 And the distant starry highway 
 You will know and travel often. 
 Helping weaker kindred spirits 
 To the limit of the journey 
 'Till they reach the height of knowledge, 
 'Till they hear the best of greetings 
 By the greatest of the spirits, 
 "Welcome here, you are my people." 
 
 23 
 
THANKSGIVING ORATION. 
 
 There's a Spirit of whose greatness 
 
 Far excels all other spirits, 
 
 Who neglects not e'en the smallest 
 
 Or the greatest of events; 
 
 Who ordained the starry highway, 
 
 The sun, the moon, the earth, the sea. 
 
 And for His glory we're created, 
 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 There are Manitous who serve Him, 
 
 Each have duties of their own. 
 
 In the spheres they are controlling. 
 
 As the Great Spirit wills they should. 
 
 But not the least of all their duties 
 
 Is to hear our humble cry. 
 
 And convey it without waiting 
 
 To the Spirit who is'greatest, 
 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 We've had chiefs and teachers with us 
 Who were faithful, brave, and true, 
 And the lessons they have taught us 
 Our recorders oft' repeat. 
 We have those who are inspired 
 And who tell us what they see. 
 And their teachings often cheer us, 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 We have warriors brave and skillful. 
 We have mothers good and true, 
 And their children are attentive 
 
 24 
 
And with reverence seek to learn, 
 By each example set before them, 
 That they, too, may be respected. 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 We have wives who are devoted 
 And their husbands do adore them; 
 We have children born unto us, 
 Who with pride we look upon, 
 And who yet will make the nation 
 What it once has been before. 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 We have guardian spirits with us 
 Who, without our knowing guide us 
 Past much danger in our way, 
 And who often have enticed us 
 To the pleasures that we find; 
 Of the voice that speaks within us 
 We may learn which is our friend, 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 We have friends that have departed 
 
 To the life to us unknown; 
 
 While we grieve much and we miss them, 
 
 Yet we know they are progressing, 
 
 Nearer to the final station, 
 
 Where their knowledge will be perfect 
 
 And their happiness completed. 
 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 We belong unto a nation 
 
 Which now shattered, wrecked, and severed. 
 
 Still belongs to the Great Spirit, 
 
 Who announces us His own. 
 
 And has pointed out a highway 
 
 We may travel to his realm. 
 
 And for this we're very thankful. 
 
 25 
 
EXALTING ORATION. 
 
 Forget not this where'er you travel, 
 
 Forget not this whate'er your danger, 
 
 Your heart may well be strong within you, 
 
 For you are of the I/enape; 
 
 For better still of all the greetings 
 
 Brought us by the good Manitou, 
 
 Said the spirit who is greatest, 
 
 " These are my people, the I/enape." 
 
 Tho' you meet with daily trials 
 And your burdens seem most heavy. 
 Great temptations may ensnare you. 
 You may fail to do your duty. 
 But do children walk from child-birth ? 
 Do not strong men even stumble ? 
 Let no failure leave you doubting, 
 For you are of the I^enape. 
 
 If you see a tribesman falter, 
 Even tho' he's much discouraged 
 And he seems to be unworthy 
 Of the help of even humans, 
 Turn not from him, don't forsake him, 
 For the Spirit who is greatest 
 lyOoks upon us with compassion, 
 And has said this in his greeting, 
 " These are my people, the Lenape." 
 
 Go and cheer your fallen comrade, 
 Tell him none can here be perfect; 
 
 26 
 
If each life reflected to us, 
 All their errors and omissions, 
 His may yet be far the brighter, 
 For he has hidden from us nothing, 
 And he yet may reach the station 
 Where we are to be made perfect. 
 In advance of those who shun him, 
 If he only will remember 
 That he's of the I,enni I^enape. 
 
 When we think much of the future, 
 Of the mysteries that surround us, 
 Of the earth on which we're living, 
 Of ourselves as we are born, 
 Of ourselves as we are dying, 
 Then we must be truly happy 
 That the spirit who ordained this, 
 Has remembered us with greetings, 
 " These are my people, the Lenape." 
 
 tet your spirit then be cheerful 
 And your efforts do not slacken. 
 To perform your daily duty; 
 Hearken to your guardian spirit. 
 As impressions it will give you. 
 You will know when it is speaking. 
 For vibrations come unto you, 
 From the greatest of the spirits. 
 Who has sent to us this greeting, 
 " These are my people, the I^enape." 
 
 27 
 
THANKSGIVING 
 ORATION OF COLONEL JACKSON, 
 
 AT THE DANCE HOUSE, 
 NOVEMBER, 1903. 
 
 Thankful now I am we meet liere tonight, 
 again to assemble as our forefathers worshiped, 
 as our grandfathers taught us what their 
 grandfathers taught, and, as I am impressed, is 
 the true way to worship. And each one must 
 feel in his own heart sincere, that our meeting 
 may be pleasing to Him who has made us. This 
 place is made sacred, and we must keep it pure, 
 that the blessings we've received may continue 
 to follow. 
 
 Many friends are missing who last season 
 were present, but with the Great Spirit their 
 spirits are roaming, and for this we're thankful. 
 
 Many now are with us who enjoy many 
 blessings ; children have been sent us to 
 strengthen the nation, and for this we're 
 thankful. 
 
 Our crops have been gathered, our fields 
 have been fruitful ; as winter approaches our 
 
 28 
 
wants are supplied, and for this we're thankful. 
 
 When trials and tribulations on every side 
 confront us ; when our hearts are most sad and 
 our spirits most heavy ; when our homes were 
 threatened to be taken from us, we were told 
 in the east that great men befriend us, and for 
 this we're thankful. 
 
 While some yet were doubting, and others 
 were fearful, there came to our meeting true 
 friends of our people. Great men from the 
 east who were known to be mighty, and who 
 pledged us their friendship, and for this we're 
 thankful. 
 
 In the hearts of every one present, and in 
 the hearts of our children. Senator Quay and 
 Senator Clark will long be remembered, and 
 for this we're thankful. 
 
 And there comes to me now an impression 
 most certain that the Great Spirit smiles on 
 these true friends now with us, and in their 
 own hearts they will feel the reflection, the 
 greatest reward that can yet be granted, and 
 for this we're thankful. 
 
 29 
 
THE AUTHOR'S 
 OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
THE VIEWS OF LIFE HEREAFTER. 
 
 The Indian's faith hath taught him 
 
 That beyond this life on earth, 
 A paradise is waiting 
 
 For those who prove their worth; 
 There a happy hunting ground 
 
 Abounds with fish and game, 
 And only those can enter 
 
 That do his faith proclaim. 
 
 The Moslem has a Heaven 
 
 Where maidens wait with glee, 
 With flowers and caresses 
 
 To deck him eternally. 
 And in this blissful Heaven 
 
 Are harems set apart 
 For each one of the faithful 
 
 With maidens true in heart. 
 
 The white man has a Heaven 
 
 For those who heed the laws, 
 And threatens with dire vengeance 
 
 All who deny his cause; 
 But to make Heav'n enticing. 
 
 His fellow men are told. 
 The very streets of Heaven 
 
 Are paved with bricks of gold. 
 
 So each and every nation, 
 From every clime and zone, 
 31 
 
Does picture out their Heaven 
 
 With visions of their own; 
 But all expect those pleasures 
 
 Their hearts do most desire, 
 And the less they are deserving 
 
 Their rewards will be the higher. 
 
 But I myself feel doubtful 
 
 As to what there may be, 
 Where space is without limit 
 
 And time eternity; 
 Where spheres without number, 
 
 Driven by a force unkown, 
 Explored by immortal spirits 
 
 Who knows, perhaps, our own. 
 
 Are we, then, here receiving. 
 
 While in this mortal life, 
 A kindergarten lesson 
 
 To prepare us for the strife; 
 Where chances will be boundless. 
 
 And pleasures all depend. 
 Upon how much we profit 
 
 By the lessons at this end ? 
 
 And when we cross the river 
 
 Where God's judgment may decree, 
 That we shall fill such places 
 
 As our values there shall be? 
 And in the scale of justice 
 
 That is held by Him above, 
 Will there be virtue equal 
 
 To true brotherhood and love ? 
 
 32 
 
THE SECRET OF THE EYES. 
 
 Of all the secrets I would know, 
 
 There's none I'd prize so high, 
 As that which could be told to me 
 
 By friend's or stranger's eye; 
 But could they tell me, if they would, 
 
 The reason how and why. 
 There is an understanding shown 
 
 In glances of the eye ? 
 
 Have we in other spheres or times 
 
 Lived, loved, and then grown cold. 
 And through the eyes do recognize 
 
 Acquaintance of the soul ? 
 While though as strangers now we meet. 
 
 We knew each other well. 
 And recognize that instantly 
 
 But when we can not tell. 
 
 Some strangers whom I meet at times 
 
 Have eyes that seem to say, 
 "I've known you always, even though 
 
 We've only met today." 
 While others whom I've always known. 
 
 And bound by friendship's ties. 
 Do seem to ask me who I am. 
 
 When I look in their eyes. 
 
 And then we find some other eyes 
 Repulsive to our view, 
 33 
 
While they are strangers to us, though, 
 
 We feel we know them, too; 
 And oft we hate them at first sight. 
 
 What can the reason be ? 
 Have they wronged us in times gone by 
 
 And do this wrong we see ? 
 
 And some we've known through all our lives, 
 
 Their eyes so questioning are. 
 Are they then seeking for a soul, 
 
 Now is some distant star ? 
 And questioning all that come along, 
 
 That soul, where can it be? 
 Or waiting, sighing for the time 
 
 When it shall yet be free. 
 
 And when from bondage of this life, 
 
 At last it soars away, 
 Will this attraction draw it on 
 
 To where those spirits play, 
 That loved each other in this life 
 
 Or at some other time. 
 And will the meeting of them be 
 
 Their happiness sublime ? 
 
 Can you tell me the reason why 
 
 Some eyes responsive are 
 To some, while others in them see 
 
 A blank and vacant stare ? 
 Do our souls hold a secret, then. 
 
 They can not, will not, tell. 
 But can not hide from certain souls 
 
 That share it just as well ? 
 
 34 
 
""^"y ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ -y y TyyyTTVTTyTT'T f w y w t TTTyyrr r - y -v^ 
 
 -*--*--*■■*■■*--*■■*--*■-*--*■ ,-*--*-i3 
 
 LENNI LENAPE. 
 
 (Indian name of Delaware Indians, meaning "Men of Men.") 
 
 While the blood of proud ancestors 
 
 Still courses in the vein, 
 And our souls glow with ambition, 
 
 Our position to regain 
 That in wealth and honor equalled, 
 
 Once our people standing, when 
 All the tribes and nations knew them 
 
 By the title "Men of Men." 
 
 Still we feel our nation's weakness, 
 
 As we see the great array 
 Of the grasping, surging numbers 
 
 Stand defiant in our way. 
 With designs of every manner, 
 
 Some e'en posing as a friend. 
 Oh! my people, we must rally 
 
 For the title "Men of Men." 
 
 It is said of our ancestors. 
 
 Who were warriors brave and true, 
 (As our record keepers tell it 
 
 I relate it now to you) , 
 That in strife and battle always 
 
 Each would on himself depend. 
 While they always stood together — 
 
 Thus the title "Men of Men." 
 
 And from youth they were in training. 
 Eager, faithful each to learn, 
 
 35 
 
All the arts of craft and warfare, 
 
 That a title each might earn. 
 So today in bloodless battle 
 
 The strife is raging fierce as then, 
 And each should train his mind and muscle. 
 
 To keep the title "Men of Men." 
 
 You have often heard it spoken. 
 
 Fifty men with hearts all true 
 Can repel a host of foemen, 
 
 If they only dare to do. 
 So if now we stand together, 
 
 As our rights we do defend. 
 Then the world in speaking of us 
 
 Still will call us "Men of Men." 
 
 36 
 
TO THE DELAWARE INDIANS. 
 
 I have traveled o'er the country that once was our 
 
 domain, 
 Saw the rivers and the mountains, the broad and 
 
 fertile plain, 
 Where the Indian chased the buffalo, the antelope, 
 
 and deer, 
 When the smoke from Indian wigwams arose from 
 
 far and near; 
 Saw the lovely Susquehanna, where our council fire 
 
 would bum, 
 And all the tribes and warriors would gather there to 
 
 learn 
 The wise teachings of our chieftains and their tra- 
 ditions old, 
 And to tell it to their children as to them it had been 
 
 told. 
 
 A PROPHECY. 
 
 Once, many thousand moons ago, to the dancing house 
 
 there came 
 All the tribes and warriors from the forest, hill, and 
 
 plain; 
 And while they were assembled there a young man 
 
 rose to say, 
 The Manitou had shown him in a vision on that day 
 From afar a huge canoe, with pinions spreading wide, 
 
 37 
 
Coming o'er the waters from across the sunrise side; 
 And in that huge canoe were people strange of dress, 
 All were armed as warriors, though they peacefulness 
 
 professed. 
 They told them of their God, ' 'who came and died 
 
 for men," 
 And they were messengers from Him to save them 
 
 from their sin. 
 But first, they said, they must have land, and thus a 
 
 home prepare. 
 Then they would teach them truth, and Heaven with 
 
 them share. 
 The young man to the warriors old his vision further 
 
 told, 
 And prophesied that from that day these strangers 
 
 would grow bold; 
 That each would have a difiEerent creed to teach a 
 
 different tribe, 
 And when one told another each would think the 
 
 other lied. 
 The young man for his people lamented loud and 
 
 long; 
 He saw the friendship broken that always had been 
 
 strong; 
 Dissension, war, and trouble, their happiness succeed. 
 Tribes rise against each other, their warriors die and 
 
 bleed. 
 At last, their faith all shattered, home, game, and 
 
 country gone. 
 Dejected, broken-hearted, he saw them westward 
 
 roam. 
 The Manitou was sorrowful that they should faith- 
 less be, 
 "And now where is the Heaven the stranger promised 
 
 thee?" 
 
 38 
 
THE COURSE OF EVENTS. 
 And some of the young warriors did live to see the day, 
 When across the sea from sunrise, with pinions flying 
 
 gay, 
 Came great canoes with strangers who soon did boldly 
 
 land, 
 And with a friendly gesture, extended the glad right 
 
 hand. 
 Forgetful of the warning, they received them all as 
 
 friends, 
 And made the sacred pledges to share with them their 
 
 lands. 
 The Indians, true and faithful, their promise did fulfill, 
 And eager sought the teachings of the white man's 
 
 God and will. 
 The white man gave his promise, they would lead us 
 
 on to light. 
 And "in Heaven we'll be rewarded" they say, for 
 
 doing right; 
 For there the Bible teaches "our treasures we should 
 
 store;" 
 "If our rights are there established, we need for 
 
 nothing more. 
 "And Christians will gladly show us the path the 
 
 pilgrims trod, 
 "That leads unto eternal joy in paradise with God." 
 So we gave close attention to their actions, one by one, 
 And this, as we have found it, is part that they have 
 
 done. 
 
 THE INDIANS' VERSION. 
 They took with pious gratitude the land that was 
 
 our own. 
 They killed the buffalo and deer and drove us from 
 
 our home! 
 
 Some of our people plead with them, our country to 
 
 retain, 
 
 39 
 
While others did contest our rights with arms, but all 
 
 in vain. 
 With sorrow, grief, and suffering, we were forced at 
 
 last to go 
 From the graves of our forefathers to a land we did 
 
 not know. 
 But this was now guaranteed to us, ' 'as long as water 
 
 shall run," 
 Yet on they pushed us, on and on toward the setting 
 
 sun! 
 "And this will be the last move," they tell us, if 
 
 we go; 
 "You will hold the country this time as long as grass 
 
 shall grow, 
 "For the good Great Father's promise is a very sacred 
 
 pledge, 
 "And to all his children does he give the greatest 
 
 privilege;" 
 That is, to all children he adopts from every race of 
 
 man, 
 Except the rightful owners of this broad and bounteous 
 
 land! 
 They must in meek submission bow unto the hand of 
 
 might. 
 To them the courts of law are barred, they can make 
 
 no legal fight! 
 And when the Indian to the white man makes com- 
 plaint about his land. 
 He is told with solemn gestures, ' 'Seek the Govern- 
 ment — not the man. 
 ' 'He will be your good, great father and adopt you as 
 
 his child, 
 "He knows better what you need, and will protect 
 
 you all the while. ' ' 
 But the father was forgetful of his foster children's 
 
 care, 
 
 40 
 
So the Indian, thus discouraged, finds relief not any- 
 where. 
 Will a nation for its actions have to pass the judgment 
 
 bar, 
 Or will God excuse the people, if the deeds the nation's 
 
 are? 
 If the Indian seeks the Government, there his griev- 
 ance to relate. 
 He must first obtain permission from those who rule 
 
 the State! 
 If his rights are there denied him and an attorney he 
 
 would seek. 
 He is sternly then reminded that he has no right to 
 
 speak! 
 ' 'For under section so and so, which guides your legal 
 
 move, 
 "You see no attorney can appear for you, except if 
 
 we approve; 
 ' 'And if, in our opinion, your claim does not adhere 
 ' 'To the interests of the public, then your cause we 
 
 can not hear." 
 "This is a Christian nation," they oft' with pride 
 
 maintain, 
 And even on their money their faith they do proclaim. 
 And none can hold an office here in this Christian land, 
 Unless he believes in Heaven and the future state of 
 
 man. 
 In every town are churches, God's word is everywhere, 
 K'en legislation, good or bad, begins each day with 
 
 prayer. 
 "This is the home of freedom, where justice rules the 
 
 land! 
 "And all (save Indian people) their rights may here 
 
 demand! " 
 The foreigner from Europe's shore, or the ignorant 
 
 African, 
 
 41 
 
Has the right to sit in Congress' halls and legislation 
 
 plan! 
 Turning the treaty records o'er, in the first that comes 
 
 to view, 
 I see this gracious Government guaranteed these 
 
 rights to you, 
 And why you're treated as children, or ruled with an 
 
 iron hand. 
 Nor allowed to be politically free, is more than I 
 
 understand. 
 Unless it be "in Heaven you are to find your treas- 
 ures dear," 
 And your pious Christian teachers are to take ' 'their 
 
 treasures" here. 
 When on the day of judgment, their records there to see. 
 As God turns o'er the pages, who will the braver be ? 
 For one is just a savage, his simple faith applies; 
 The other one, a white man, very highly civilized. 
 And should they be together long enough to treat. 
 Do you suppose the white man the Indian there would 
 
 cheat ? 
 Or if the chance is given when the judgment's handed 
 
 down, 
 Would the white man take his Heaven or the Indians' 
 
 Hunting Ground ? 
 
 HIS PLEA. 
 
 Why should we be a separate people, the target of 
 
 every man ? 
 We, who owned this country once, should be right in 
 
 the van. 
 No one would objections raise, and surely Congress can 
 Declare all Indians vested with the rights of every man; 
 And grant us prompt permission to prove our every 
 
 claim, 
 And pay us the obligations the Government has made 
 
 in vain. 
 
 42 
 
Then to our oppressors will we prove, who deny our 
 
 right to live, 
 That Indians will make good citizens, if to them a 
 
 chance you give. 
 I,et the Indian have some duties, treat him as a 
 
 worthy man; 
 Give him a voice in the elections, give him title to 
 
 his land; 
 Give him place of trust and honor, let him feel this 
 
 yet his home; 
 Let him use his mind and muscle, let his actions be 
 
 his own; 
 Pay him what is justly due him, let your Government 
 
 be his, too, 
 He will battle with each problem just as faithfully as 
 
 you. 
 One who proves himself a warrior, and of danger 
 
 knows no fear, 
 Surely can find ways to master each new problem that 
 
 draws near. 
 
 43