DUKE UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL LIBRARY George Washington Flowers Memorial Collection DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ESTABLISHED BY THE FAMILY OF COLONEL FLOWERS ¥ ts paar a3 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2023 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/accountsoftwoatt01 soci "7 7 ee ae ET Aa a Y ‘ Bier iy a ae 3 ACCOUNTS QF TWO ATTEMPTS TOWARDS THE CIVILIZATION OF SOME INDIAN NATIONS, IN NORTH AMERICA.°. ¥ La Ty A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, APPOINTED IN THE YEAR 1795 | BY THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS , So Or rhilad al gn <5 nee PENNSYLVANIA, NEW-JERSEY, &c. FOR PROMOTING THE Jmprovement and gradual Civilization OF THE INDIAN NATIVES. ~ PHILADELPHIA PRINTED: LONDON REPRINTED, AND SOLD BY PHILLIPS & FARDON, GEORGE-¥YARD, LOMBARD-STREET. =i 1806. ™ wna hk THE following report is faithfully reprinted from the Philadelphian edition. Nevertheless it has seemed proper, now its publicity is en~ creased, to make a few slight corrections in the language, and to add a few notes, which were not wanted in Pennsylvania, where the _ transactions related bad long been familiarly known. ‘The corrections are chiefly grammati- cal, with now and then the addition of the | date of the year, where it could be clearly inferred from the context. Where absolute certainty is not found, the superadded date is laced in the margin. The English reader might better estimate the ' Jabours of the Committee, and of the resident young men, if he knew the situation and cir- cumstances of the Indian natives on which this experiment of civilization has been made. The places mentioned lie N.W. of Philadel- _ phia at the distance of about 250 or 300 miles, but it would be difficult to ascertain with any cographical precision, the boundaries of any | -¥odian. nation. — an P ra The Oneidas and Senecas are part of an ancient league called the Five Nations, who inhabited the country N. and N.E. of New York, and bordering wpon Canada; but the contentions of their civilized neighbours have often made alterations.in the territories of the indians, as their vices have planted among them the principle of decay. eC oy An extract of a letter from an American. General, written to a Friend about eight years. ago, and which forms an appendix to this little pamphlet, may at once give information as to the condition, of the Indians, and confirm: the propricty of what the Committee has done. The records of mankind afford but few ac- counts of travels where benevolence was the sole object. The conferring of benefits has indeed been attempted by our late citcumnavi-- gators; but the advancement of geographical knowledge, or the extension of trade has been ‘more often the motive of the enterprize, thar an endeavour to add to the sum of human, happiness: and some savage tribes may pro- bably already deplore their acquaintance with Etropeans, The attempt related in the following-pages,, is on a small scale, planned without parade, and: executed without noise, but at a considerable charge. Nevertheless, as. the Indians are a communicative people, its success is likely to attract lias and provoke imitation. © ‘Re z benevolent Society, with which it originated,. will probably pursue the undertaking; but sven without taking a further step, it will have the satisfaction of having sown, im a promising soil, the seeds of civilization and its attendant comforts. _If the Indians. can, with the-increas- ing comforts of life, retain their simplicity, ‘reject their habits of ebriety, and lose their esteem for the warlike character, they. may be,. in no very distant period, a pattern of felicity. - It is probable that some readers may think every scheme of civilization defective, that does not immediately attempt to plant Christianity. —Of the infinite value of Christianity, our Pennsylvanians are doubtless aware; but here, though they are not directly acting ‘thie part of _ missionaries, they are preaching religion by ex-- ample; and are probably preparing the Indians, ‘By. more means than one, for the reception: and acknowledgment. of the gospel, Exiract from the minutes of the Yearly Meet- ing, held in Philadelphia, 4th Mo. 1805. — ‘THE Committee appointed to promote the civilization and well-being of the Indian natives, mentioning in their report, read yesterday, that they had prepared a summary of their proceed- ings from their first nomination to the present time, this, together with a statement of their accounts, being now read, afforded general sa- tisfaction; and the Committee. on this concern are left at liberty to print as many of them for the information of Friends, as, on solid con- sideration, they may judge expedient. - The funds raised by the liberal contributions of Friends for carrying on this benevolent work, being so far exhausted that the remaining re lance appearing inadequate to the various dis- bursements which the further prosecution of the business will consequently occasion, it is desired that Quarterly and Montlily meetings would en- courage and circulate subscriptions among their members, that renewed aid may be obtained ; and forward the amount to John Elliott, Trea- surer of that Committee. A: BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE ~ PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, ‘APPOINTED IN THE YEAR 1795, : BY THE YEARLY MEETING: OF FRIENDS. OF PENNSYLVANIA, NEW-FERSEY, &c. For promoting. the improvement and gradual Civilization of the Indian Natives... —— -THE Committee, after freely- conferring on: the objects of: their appointment, and carefully: considering the means most likely to promote them, believed it proper to learn the disposition of the various tribes in the vicinity of this: state, and prepare their minds for the reception of the intended aid. With this view circular: letters from the Committee were, in 1796, ad- dressed to various tribes; accompanied with one from the Secretary of State, expressive of the approbation of the Executive government of the: United States. These letters, in a guarded. AS 10 manner, communicated to the Indians our inten- tion of aiding and encouraging such as should early apply to us. The Oneidas, and those Indians settled on the Oneida reservation, com- prehending the Stockbridge, and a part of the Tuscaroras, were the only tribes who, at that time, appeared willing to be instructed in hus- bandry, &c. In the summer of 1796, three friends, ap- proved by the Committee, settled among the Oneidas. They were’accompanied by a few of the members of the Committee, who made sundry propositions which they thought most likely to stimulate and encourage the Indians to cultivate their land. To these the nation generally agreed; but it was soon found that the Indians, eitls a very few exceptions, were not only unaceustomed, but averse to labour. Those who began to work grew weary of it, and gave out. ‘The friends then proceeded to _ Improve a piece of land without assistance from the natives; hoping some of them would be induced to follow the example: they. also re- paired and worked a saw-mill belonging to the ~Oneidas, and several of the Indians acquired a competent knowledge of that business. They opened a school for the instruction of “the children the succeeding winter; and con “tinued it through every ‘winter whilst they re- joes amongst them. ~ An Indian, well qualified by*an education in > 11 New-En gland, taught the Stockbridge children; -and was allowed a salary by the Committe, for several years. In 1797 but little improvement was made by the Oneidas, sickness prevailing much among them, which the friends did not wholly escape 5 yet they were enabled to instruct and assist the Stockbridge Indians in erecting-a grist-mill. They also distributed a considerable number > of implements of husbandry among the Onan-- dago and Cayuga nations. In the spring of 1798, one of the friends be--: ing disqualified by sickness for much labour, a proposition was made to hire some Indians to assist in. improving the Jand allotted for a farm’;.. but they were so irregular in working that the plan was abandoned. Some days, near thirty” ‘would come to work, and other days scarcely one was to be had. ‘They therefore engaged a ‘number of Indian lads and young men, whom’ they boarded, and allowed a reasonable com-- pensation for ee labour. At this time some im- provement had taken place. Many of the Indian _ men would assist their wives in working their | ‘little lots of land; but they experienced some _ difficulty from the want of a blacksmith to make and repair their farming tools. A friend well qualified to instruct them in that business, offer-- ing his service to the Committee, it was ac-- cepted; and ‘his wife being disposed to go with d A6- J 12 him, another woman-friend, who also felt a con- cern to go, Was encouraged to accompany her: under a hope that the two women-friends might — be usefully employed, in instructing the Indian women and girls. A commodious dwelling- house, barn, &c. were built this year on the farm; and the Indian lads and young men were usefully employed in cultivating it. A large quantity of grain, hay, &c. was. raised there- from, affording ample proof to the natives of the beneficial effects of cultivation. Several of them acquired considerable knowledge of the blacksmith-business; and many of their young women and girls were instructed in spinning, Knitting, sewing, school-learning, &c. In the year 1799, several of the Indians im- proved lots of land for their own benefit, which they sowed with wheat. ‘The smith’s business continued to be attended to, and the friends, with the ‘aid of the Indian lads, continued to work their farms. Nor were their exertions either during this, or any former year, confined to their immediate residence; but as opportu- nities for usefulness presented, they extended their labours to the various parts of the settle- ment; and-afforded assistance many ways, as the necessities of the natives seemed to demand... Ir may be proper, here to remark that some suspicion and mistrust of Friends’ views, became manifest in several of the Indians, ‘They knew that the improvements made, and the’ various 13 tools and implements of husbandry distributed among them, must have cost a large sum of money; and they knew of no instance where white people had stepped forward in such a Manner to assist Indians, but that, sooner or later, an interested motive discovered itself: therefore some had fears it was meant to make _ @ permanent establishment among them, and lay claim to a part of their land Believing the instruction already afforded this people was such, that they were enabled to procure a comfortable subsistence, it was ton- cluded to withdraw from them; and that leav- ing all the improvements, tools and implements of husbandry, for their use and benefit, would be a convincing testimony among the various tribes of Indians, that their good was our mo- tive for thus liberally aiding them. Therefore in the Ninth month, 1799, four of the Committee went to Oneida; and after some friendly conferences, closed the affairs re- lating to the settlement there. The Indians, on this occasion, expressed themselves as fol- lows, in reply to a written address: ** Brothers Onas, attend,* _. We know you told us you came no amongst us to make us presents that would * Onas is the name which the Indians gave to W. Penn. hey consider Friends as W. Penn’s people : but the zppellation has been generally considered as thei name for the Governor of Penn‘yl- Vania, 14 soen wear away; but to stay some time” to int: struct us how to'gain a comfortable living by: tilling the ground, : as the white people'do.. Now you have staid the time you proposed, and’ have fulfilled all your engagements to our na- tion; and we hope we shall follow the good: example ‘you have set before us, which we: know would be of lasting benefit tous; and we thankfuily acknowledge your kindness, having never heard of any people’ that had‘ done so much for Indians without any view of advair ‘tage to themselves; which is‘a convincing proof to us that you are our real friends: and we are glad the Good Spirit * has put iato your minds to assist others of our Indian brethren in learn- ‘ing the same good way of living, for which we also thank you, as well as for the good advice you gave us about the-strong drink; and we ‘will try all we can to persiane’ our young men. to do better: << And now, Brothers, if we have done any thing that displeases you, we wish you would ‘tell us, that our friendship may remain bright; for we know you are~a true people, and we will keep this writing ;} and will tell our young men and children every year, that they may al- “ways remember your friendship ; and we wish » %* This, or Great Spirit, has Jong been the Indian appellation ef: the Almighty. ~ + The written address of the Committec-men., . 15 you may often remember and visit us, to see whether they grow better or worse.” In addition to the assistance afforded this people at their own settlement, several of their girls and young women were brought into the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, and placed in friends’ families ; where, besides learning to read and write, they received such other instruction as was likely to be most useful to them on their return home: they were from the three nations ‘of Stockbridge, Oneida, and Tuscarora. A letter from one of these young women, ‘written by herself, in the Ninth month, 1803, ‘to one of the womien-friends who had resided ‘at Oneida, contains the following. *¢ | have spun some flaxe and woole since 1 *e< came home and made some cheese, to show <* our Indians how to make cheese. They been ““ very much pleas’d to know how to make “ chees. Some said they never thought Indians ‘could make cheese so well. They ‘been try to -“* keep thear cows ever since, to make cheese - and butter. Some of them begin to sewe some ve flax, and good many of our Indian got sheepe, © and they found very good to keep sheep, meat <* good to eat, and wool good for cloth. I hope ‘« we will do better ever year, Good many has «© left off drinking; and some of them drink very **€ heard yet. I have been to see Oneidas, not ‘Jonge go. I found they improve very much ‘& since thee come away... Good many has-new 16 *“« frame-houses, and frame-barns, They im- ‘* proves very much, ever since they left of *¢ drinking. 1 believe three hundred, of man ** and women both,, left of drinking this some ** time. FY hope they will keep their words “° good,’” &c, ) The beneficial effects of the labonrsat Oneida, having been observed by the Seneca Indians, it opened the way for an introduction among them, and Friends were invited into their coun- try. Three. friends, who offered their services to go and instruct them, being accompanied by two of the Committee, arrived, in the Fifth month, 1798, at the Indian towns on the Alle- ghany river, where they met with a friendly reception. Sa y A general council was called, and the motives. of the. visit were explained. The Indians ex- pressed their thankfulness to the great Spirit, for Friends safe arrival amongst them; but queried. how Indians could learn to plough, and do what was proposed, seeing they had no horses or oxen, and were poor, living in cabins covered with bark. Friends told them, great matters were not expected at once, but it was wished they would make a beginning; that they had two horses, which perhaps might be taught to draw a plough; and as they had an annuity paid them by the United States, they might save some of it to buy oxen: and then allusion was made to their great. imtemperance, many 17 both men and women having been seen intoxi- eated. At another council, Cornplanter, their chief, made a speech, of which the following is an extract: — “* Brothers the Quakers, ‘© Listen now to what I am going to say to you. You know, brothers, the red people are poor. ‘They are not like the white people. (The Great Spirit has made them of another Janguage; so that it is very hard for us to understand one another plainly. _ ** Brothers, we suppose the reason you came ~ here was to help poor Indians some way or other ; and you wish the chiefs to tell their war- Tors not to go on so bad as they have done; and you wish us to take up work like the white people. Now, Brothers, some of our sober men will take up work and do as you say; and if they do well, then your young men will stay longer ; but some others will not mind what you fay. — *< Brothers, we can’t say a word against you. ‘It is the best way to call Quakers, brothers, You never wished any part of our lands, there- fore we are determined to try to Jearn your ‘ways; and these young men may stay here two ‘years to try; and then if they like it, and we like it, your young men may stay longer.’’ In reply, they were informed that our young friends must have some place to live in, and a piece of land to work ; in order to set them an 18. example, and raife bread for themselves to eat; but that the land should still be theirs; and a the improvements put upon it, should also b theirs, when it was left. Further, that a numbei of hoes, axes, scythes, several sets of ploug irons and other farming. implements ;, also car _ penters’, masons’, and coopers’ tools were com- ing up in a boat; which were intended for the ge neral use of the settlement, and would be place under the care of the young men, to lend to-suc Indians as wanted to use them; and althougi they would be left. with them, and never taken ‘away by us, yet we did not think it prudent ize distribute them as’a gift at present; for they knew some of their people were not very good; and such might pawn or sell them for whiskey ; and then they would be as bad off as. they were before. After looking about the country, yeaa aie ‘ed on an antient village called'Genesangohta, a: the place of their residence. A few Indian fami: lies live there. It is situate near the line dividing New-York from Pennsylvania, and nearly it the centre of the Indiam settlements on the Al. leghany river; many living from five to ter miles above, and ‘their largest town called Jenes ‘hadago is nine miles below. ' Ata conference with the natives, previously to the two members of the Committee Teturbing honic, among other things, the oppressive la bour: required. of their women, waslaid* befor: 19 them ; that it was not right to suffer their wo-. nen to work all day in the fields and woods ;. sither in cultivating with the hoe all that was’ aised for their subsistence, or getting fire-wood ind bringing it home on their backs; whilst the men and boys were at the same time amusing hemselves. with shooting arrows from their’ ows, or some such diversinne: ; They were recommended to begin our way,, md take their boys out to hoe, é&c. reminding hem, it was from the Good Spirit they and we eceived every gocd thing; that they were equal- y> with the white people, objects of his tender are and regard; and that the great disparity hey s rye) frequently spoke of, between themselves ind the white people, with regard to poverty ind plenty, was the natural result of the different jlans. pursued to obtain the blessings of this ife ; and as their ground was equally good with hat possessed by the white people, it would lso be equally productive, if the same industry and methods of farming were pursued. Ina letter from the friends residing among the indians, * dated First month, 1799, they men- ion that sever al of the young men manifest some willingness to labour; and that im the preceding fall, they had employed one to: work a while with them. A school was kept this winter which. was attended by a few children. ‘ Ina letter from: one of the friends dated. * ¥iz. Senecas, ZO. Third month 1799, he mentions that the Indians were very desirous to build themselves better houses, our Friends having then erected a good Jog-house covered with shingles; and further, that three old Indian men, with their assistance and instruction, very soon learned. to make shingles. * : Sed, _ In the Ninth month of this year, four of the Committee visited this settlement, ene of whom had been there in the spring of last year, when Friends were first introduced into this country, and consequently was enabled to form a correct opinion of the improvements made. Several of the Indians were building good log-houses, which were either roofed, or intended to be roofed, with shingles. Their crop of corn was much larger than they raised when Friends went there; and several small lots of land were under good fence. A council being convened, a speech was made to, the Indians, of which the following is an extrad: ENE: «© Brothers, ‘< It has afforded us satisfaction, in passing through your town, to notice marks of industry taking place ;. that you are building better and warmer houses to live in; and that so much of your cleared land is planted with corn, beans, potatoes, &c. and to. see these articles kept in good order. : - << Brothers, we observe where your new * Short thin boards, fplit for roofing. ; houses are building, that the timber is very much cut off a rich flat, which we wish you en- couraged to elear and make fit for ploughing. We hope more of your men will assist ia clear- ing and fencing Jand, and planting it wath corn; also sowing it with wheat; you will then havea supply of provision, more certain to depend pon than hunting. «¢ Brothers, we are pleased to see your stock. of cattle increased. “Lhe rich betioms on the river will be plenty for them to live on in the summer season; but, as your winters are long and cold, it will require something for them to live on in the winter. ‘The white people keep their cattle on hay, on straw, and on corn fod- der. Straw, you cannot get until you raise wheat or other grain ; the rich bottoms if put in order would produce a-great deal of hay. But for an immediate supply, we think, that as soon as you gather the.corn, if you would cut the stalks close at the ground, bind them up in small bundles, and put them im stacks as our young men do, they would ‘keep your cattle part of the cold weather. __“ Brothers, we are pleased to see a quantity of fence made this summer, and we would not have you discouraged at the labour it takes; for if you will clear a little more land every year, and fence it, you will soon get enough to gaise what bread you want; as well ‘as some for ‘grass to make hay for your cattle in winter. | 22 <¢ Brothers, we understand you are desprou; to discourage whiskey from being brough among you, with which we are much pleased and should be glad you could entirely keep i away. To get it, you give your money witt which you should buy clothing, oxen,’ &c. The Indians were also informed that one o| the*young men, who had been there since the settlement was first formed (about sixteer months), appeared most easy to leave them od return to his friends before winter. They hoped another would offer to supply his place. Cornplanter, on behalf of the nation, made a reply, in substance, as follows: “* That when our young friends*first settled among them, many of his chiefs were averse ta pase but they had this summer several councils among themselves respecting the young men ; and all the chiefs seeing their good conduct an readiness to assist Indians, were now well satis- fied. He hoped several of his young men would do more at farming than heretofore; and Friends must not be discouraged because so little was done; but exercise patience towards them, as it was hard for them to make much change from their ancient customs. He regretted the loss of the friend who expected to leave them. soon ; he said he had been useful to him in keeping whiskey, and other strong liquor, out of the town; that they now drank much less than for- merly, but feared‘when the friend was gone he a should not keep it away so well as he had lately fone. 27 ~ These Indians had not yet raised wheat or other small grain, nor begun to use a plough. ' Friends went from this settlement to the Ca- rogus river, distant about forty-five miles, where a large number of Senecas reside, who ad requested a set of saw-mill-irons and other lid. The chiefs being generally from home, a tter was left with a white man at Buffaloe, who has been adopted” into their nation, in- orming them that a set of saw-mill-irons would given them when they were prepared to ild a mill; and if they left off their very in- perate use of strong drink, it might be some couragement to help them farther. In the latter part of this year, Cornplanter ecompanied- the friend who was returning ome, as far as Canandaqua, where the super- intendant of Indian affairs resided. At this ace he dictated a letter to one of the Com- ittee. The superintendant wrote it, and Corn- lanter signed it with his mark. ‘he following s an extract. “I thank the Great Spirit for his proteétion in serving me and my friend who I have accom- panied to this place. {hope the Great Spirit will still preserve ‘my friend on his journey to Phila- lelphia; and every evening when night ‘shall vertake him, the Great ‘Spirit will spread over m a curtain of safety, that he may again meet 24 « the society that sent him among us for the pur pose of teaching us the useful arts of the whit people ; and to return them my thanks for thei: kind offices which they are disposed to bestov on us. -I cannot omit this favourable opportu nity to inform you that I believe the friend who have been placed at the Alleghany, have discharged the trust committed to them, in en deavouring to do for us the best that they coulc for our advantage. Dear friend, when I firs heard your voice and learned your kind offer: to us, I was pleased, as I thought we were ap to transgress the good rules of the Great Spirit; and by the aid and advice of your - people, the Great Spirit would lend us his aid, in which we might become a better people ; and hope yot will not be discouraged in still aiding us, al. though we make slow progress in the. arts o! the white people.”’ * In the Twelfth month, the Indians at Cata. rogus sent a reply to the letter which our Com. mittee left for them: they say, ‘¢ The instructions that you gave, pleases ut very much in general. You may rely upon it tha! we are going to follow your directions. We hays fully determined to leave off drinking whiskey, and if there comes traders on, we have deter, mined to order them ‘off the ground. “<¢ Friends, Quakers; we hope you will keey . \# This-is probably Cornplanter’s own language, He has ‘Dect familiar with the Anglo-Americans. } ~ 25 four minds strong as you was at first; and we return you great many thanks for the kindness you have done already.’’ * A school was kept during the winter, but at- ‘ended by only a few children. | Inthe summer of 1800, another of the friends eft, this settlement; + two of those who had re- ‘ided at Oneida, having previously gone there. ‘he Indians made some improvement this year. \ pair of oxen which they purchased were und very serviceable in drawing fire-wood, . As yet they had not begun to plough. 4 small school was again attended to, but the idians net promoting the attendance of their phe no regular school was afterwards ept; but instruction afforded to several of the hildren at convenient opportunities. hes friends settled at Genesangohta, in a tter dated Eighth month, 18901, say, “It is pprehended that a much greater proportion of seful labour has been performed the present eason on this river, than has heretofore been one in the same space of time; and the pru- ence manifested amongst the natives in ex- ending the present year’s annuity, affords en- uragement to hope, that the labour and con- ern of the Society for their welfare, will not be Silene divers have purchased cows, &c. for * This is also, it should seem, the genuine stile of the Indians, ie. among the Senecas, h $ Viz. the Alleghany, B 26 ‘the use of their families. The Indians belong: ing to the upper settlement on the river, have reserved money sufficient to purchase a yoke o; oxen; some others are about to train young cattle for work, of their own rearing. The in: creasing attention that prevails amongst them it rearing cattle, hogs, &c. affords a prospect that they will, ere-long, have a sufficient number o! useful animals. Several are preparing ground in order to sow wheat, and expect:to have it in readiness this season. : In the Ninth month of this year, three-of the Committee -visited:the settlement, being accom- panied by a young friend, a blacksmith, wha Went to instruct some of the Indians in that use- ful and necessary occupation. Two of the vi- ‘sitors had been there before. The preceding spring the Indians first began te use a-plough 5 and the men performed the labour with a little instruction and assistance from friends. They took a very cautious nethod of determining whether it was likely to be am advantageous change for them or not. ‘Several-parts of a very large-ficld were ploughed; and the.intermediate spaces prepared -by their women with the hoe, according to ancient custom. 4t was all planted with corn ; and the parts-ploughed, besides the great saving of labour, produced much the hea- viest crop: the stalks being more than a foet higher and proportionably stouter than those on the hoed ground. ‘The corm was now ripe and 27 gathering in; and as their stock of cattle was, nuch increased, instead of letting the stalks and eaves perish on the ground as heretofore, they reserved them for winter fodder. Several of hem had mown grass, and made small stacks if hay; and they had made a fence about two niles long, which incloses the lower town, and _ | large body of adjacent land fronting on the iver;-also several other fences within it, to- eparate the corn ground from the pasture, &c. The cabins which they used to live in were nerally either gone to decay or pulled down. ost of them had built good Jog houses with ingied roofs, and some of them with stone imneys. With the exception of houses and fences, the . provements at Jeneshadago did not bear a omparison with the upper settlements, where e Indians live more scattered. Their thus eitling separate and detached from each other, ras already manifestly more to their advantage an living together in villages. A chief, who is ot ashamed to be seen at work by the women f his own family, would probably be much ortified, were he discovered by a number of males, aiio, on such occasions, do not always frain from ridicule. Yet this false shame on: e part of the men, and ridicule of the women, wearing away, in proportion as they become . iliarized to each others assistance in their - ttle agricultural labours. B2 28 Friends requested a council with. the chief women of the Jeneshadago town, which was rea- dily granted, when they were favoured to make } some communications pertinent to their situa- tion. The women expressed their thankfulness to the Great Spirit for affording them this council; the words, they said, had sunk deep into their hearts, and they hoped would never be forgotten by them. Cornplanter and his brother Conedieu were present. The Indians were become very sober, gene- rally refraining from the use of strong drink, both at home and when abroad among white people. One of them observed to 0 Committee, “* No more bark cabin, but houses ; no more get drunk here now this tw year.” __ It was discovered that a little uneasiness o: suspicion, was entertained by some Indian: fearing we might at some future time bring charge against them, for the services we had rendered and were rendering. - After the first qualified to do their own work ice our friend left them, as it-was not probable he would sta very long; they withdrew to hold a re : council to confer on the proposition: from which they sent their interpreters with she following message or queries to Friends. say mach, bot think we shall leave them al with you, if some of your younz men will kam: the wade.” SS ae 30 ‘* Brothers, ‘*“We understand the writing which you gave us very well, and our minds are now quite casy. Two of our young men wil} learn the smith’s trade, ‘one from the lower town, one from the upper town.’ . Friends informed them they were rejoiced. to find they hed quitted drinking whiskey and_| other strong liquors; and as they had held fast this good resolution so long, hoped they would continue to yefrain from using it; for they must see the good effects of keeping sober, and having persons to instruct them; that. when our Friends came here, they had* poor: houses, many of them bark cabins, and no fences. Now they had most of them. good warm houses, and many of them had good fences round their lots; some had stacks of: ‘hay for winter fodder; and a few had’ cleared | Jand and sowed it with wheat and other grain. Also that their cattle were much increased, all’ which afforded great satisfaction. : It was supposed the quantity of corn, &c. raised this year, was nearly tenfold what it was when the settlement was first formed. This fall, a few of the Indians made the firs: attempt to raise wheat. It may be proper here to remark that those who did something at farming, occasionally went out hunting; and many of the men adhered to the ancient CHAP, ! | nd left the women of their families to cultivate vith the hoe what corn, &c. was needful for heir subsistence. © : Friends went from this place to Catarogus :: saving been requested’ by the chiefs of that. ullage to pay them a visit, as their saw mill’ Fas just finished. They had found: some dif- iculty in settling with. the millwrights, and esired. assistance to accommodate it; and,. 6 one of the friends who resides at Genesan- ohta, was acquainted with working.a saw mill,. hey wished him to come and remain with them, iil he had instructed one of their people to- ke charge of the mill. When Friends reached Catarogus, the Indians were engaged in per- forming one of their worship-dances, who: "etired very quietly to their respective habita- ions early in the evening, and collected again pp the like occasion ia the morning. | - The chief difficulty between them and the. millwrights was removed, and. some smaller matters were put in a train of amicable adjust- ment. ‘The friend they requested, agreed to- remain with them awhile, and to instruct one. or more of their people how to work the mill. © > The following is an extract of the speech of their chief warrior on behalf of the nation: | ‘«¢ Brothers, « * You have come at a time which has by us. been previously set apart for performing wor- et : 4 ship to. the Good Spirit, after our ancient customs. It is our way of worship, and to us solemn and serious, and not to be made light of. . However different it may be from your mode, it is after the manner our forefathers have taught us. We hope you will excuse us for not being so attentive to you as we could wish, and would have been, had we not been thus cugaged. ‘¢ Brothers, we thank the Great Spirit for preserving you thus far on your long journey ; and hope he will conduct yow safely. home, and favour you to meet with your women, children, and friends in health. We shall’ often think of you whilst on your journey; and)desire you to. inform your chiefs at home, that we are thank. ful for the saw-mill-irons, hoes, axes, ox-chains, &c. which they have given us. ‘¢ Brothers, we hope we shall give more attention to farming than we have hitherto done. We thank you for your edvice about the saw-mill, and for your Friend’s consenting to remain with us awhile, to teach some of our people to work the mill.” _ By a letter from Friends at Ciiicen ditaiica: dated First month 1802, it appears three young Indians discovered a willingness, and began to work at the smiths’ trade in the Eleventh month 1801: two of them have been steadily engaged most of the time since, and si so short a . 53 period, have made considerable improvement’: also that the Indians at Catarogus make out pretty well in working their saw-mill. The following paragraph is extracted from ¥ letter written in the same month to one of he Committee: ‘* Several families have got ‘© the number of six and seven head of cattle,. with other useful animals, who had not any: when this settlement was first made,’ owing as |hey now tell us, to their great excesses in the ase of whiskey, which at present seems much’ Jeclmed; not any is knowingly suffered to be jsrought into the settlements‘on this river: and |f any are found out to have .been overtaken: lwith it, when among the whites, they are: sharply reprimanded and exposed by the chiefs- wt their return. his has nearly the same Mfect amongst Indiats, as committing a man to” he workhouse aniong white people.” | In a letter dated Fifth month 30th, * to the Committee, they say, ‘“ ‘The present season: jas furnished rather greater marks of eacou- agement than has heretofore been discovered: \mongst the natives. ~Considerable advance-- ment is making in the different settlements on his river, in works of industry and usefulness, Zighteen or twenty thousand rails have been’ plit and put up by the natives this spring; and hirteen or fourteen new lots enclosed; most: ® Probably 1803.) i | BS 34 of which have been cleared the present sta- son.” The Indians of this and the upper settlement, have opened a very commodious road from this place, for about five miles up the river : before this road was opened, the way was difficult for man or beast to pass. Several have sowed lots of spring-wheat. A number of the young men belonging to Cornplanter’s town, have become quite capable of doing their own ploughing. The resolution against the intro- duction of ‘strong liquor continues to be sup- ported; and it is said the Indians of Buffaloe creck, have also made some stand against it. About the end of this year the smith returned. home. - In the Ninth month, 1803, four of the Com- mittee again visited the settlement. Besides inspecting into the state of Indian improvements, &c. they were authorized to make a change in the manner of conducting the affairs there. Some of the Indians have encreased their stock of cattle faster than their means of subsisting them through a long. and rigorous. winter. When their hay and other fodder became much reduced, they applied to Friends to give them some. ‘These requests could not be complied with to.an extent proportioned to their necessity, without reducing the Friends to a like state of want; and fearing lest in* future winters a re- 35 newal of similar requests, without the means of satisfying them, might disturb that harmony which had hitherto subsisted between us and the Indians; it was believed safe to embrace the opportunity which now offered of pur- chasing from a company of white people, an adjoining tract of land, and settling our friends thereon. | “When the committee arrived there, they learned that at a late council, the Indians deli- vered a specch to our Friends, expressing their willingness to a remcval, but were desirous it should not be far up the river. _ After fixing with the Indians the time for a ge- - eral council to be convened, Friends examined hat improvements had been made by them; and also went to view the land on a creek called . Tunesassah, which falis into the Alleghany: iver on the east side, about two miles above Genesangohta. Although it was not within» the bounds offered us for sale, yet as it belonged | to the same company, no doubt was entertained but it could be procured. ‘The stream was found sufficient to work a mill, and it was. believed a very good farm might be made there; the situation for our purposes being superior . to any in that neighbourhood. ‘The following is the purport of what passed: at the council which was held at Genesangohta: : BO 36 «¢ Brothers, «¢ We wish you to speak your minds to us quite plain, and if there is any thing which does not feel easy to you, that you will tell it to us.| “¢ Brothers, we have seen the speech made by you, at one of your late councils, to our Friends; by which we understand you leave them. at full liberty to move up the river to settle on land j joining to yours. ‘* Brothers, since we came here ‘we have been viewing the land, and think if we can purchase a piece on Tunesassah creek, joining to yours, it will be a suitable place for our Friends to settle upon; they will then still be among your settlements. «* Brothers, when our Friends first came to settle among you, we told you the tools then brought, sheuld be for your use, to be lent among such of you as wanted to use them, ‘They have been so lent, and we have sent others for our Friends to use. When our Friends re- move, such of the first parcel of tools as re- main with them, will be left with your chiefs to be lent out for the good of the nation. “¢ Brothers, we have lent some blacksmiths’ | tools to the smith who resides at the upper town; the others our Friends take with them; but the smith who lives here may make use of them. The two smiths we hope are now able to do nearly all the smiths’ work you will want. 37. <¢ Brothers, if our Friends get a house put up before winter, ‘suitable for their accommo- dation, they will remove from the one they now live in. The barn and some of the land they may want another summer, as perhaps they cannot get land enough cleared to raise grain and hay for their cattle. You will agree among yourselves which of you shall live here when our Friends remove. «¢ Brothers, when our Friends remove they will continue to give you assistance and instruc- tion when they can, if they think you stand in meed of it. <¢ Brothers, we understand by your speech to our Friends, that you want them to bring on ‘tools and cloth to sell. «© Brothers, we do not want to keep a store ‘of goods among you; we think it will be best not, but we intend to send a few scythes, sickles, augers, and some such tools, for our Friends to sell to such of you as may want to buy; but if any of your people buy from them, and then sell to white people, they are not to sell any more to such as do so. _ & Brothers, we again repeat it, we wish you to speak your minds freely to us; and if there is any thing which you and we de not understand alike, that you will tell us, as it is our wish to comply with all our engagements.” 33 . After consulting with the other Indians, Corn- planter replied: *¢ Brothers, *¢ Your speech is good, containing the same language Friends have always spoken to us. We know the time talked of for your young men to live among us has passed by, and’ no- thing been said on either side; and perhaps that is the reason why you want to purchase a piece of land joming tous. Your young men may live where they now do as long as you please, and if you cannot purchase, we hope they will con- ’ tinue to live where they do now. . <¢ Brothers, when your Friends first came, and for a long time after, the white people told us, ‘* Keep a good watch on them Quakers, - they are a cunning designing people, and under pretence of doing something for you, want to get a hold upon you, to make an advantage of you some way. or other.” But of late, finding _ that all was straight and no advantage attempted to be taken, they had left off talking about it. «¢ Brothers, your young men and us have now lived together several years as brothers. When your young men came, the Indians were very ignorant ; but now we are just beginning to learn. Your young men do not talk much to us; but when they do, they speak what is good, and have been very helpful in keeping us from using — spirituous liquors; as has also my brother. ee 39 _* Brothers, you have desired us to agree amrong ourselves who shall live in this house, as your young men expect to leave it before winter; but we do not think it right to fix on any one yet; as if you cannot get a piece of land your friends will want it; and if you do buy a piece, they may not get a house up for them to live in before winter, and then they would Want it. . «¢ Brothers, you have also mentioned that you should leave all the buildings, fences, &c. here for us to occupy this farm, except. that’ your Friends would want the barn and some of the land to get fodder and raise grain next sum- mer; which is all very agreeable to us, but it is hard work to cut down so many trees and clear Jand to raise hay and grain; therefore they may want itlonger than next summer, and if they do, ‘thy are welcome to work it as long as they’ think they have occasion for it; so it will be ‘time enough to make choice of some one to occupy this house, farm, &c. when your young ‘men are comfortably fixed on the place you ‘intend them to remove to, if you can get it.” _ Brothers, we will appoint some of our peo- © ple to receive the tools, and collect such as are lent, and have charge in future of lending them. _ © Brothers, it is true in our speech to your young men, we requested them to bring cloth, tools, &c, to sell; but we think you have come \ } | | ; ! | ‘ 40 “ %, to a wise conclusion not to keep a store among us;.as some dispute or difficulty might arise, if a store was kept, between your young men and our people. We are obliged to you for your intention of sending a few scythes, augers, &c.. to sell to such of our people as want to buy ;. and are pleased our people are not to sell such: things again to the white people. ‘* Brothers, we are well satisfied with your conduct towards us, you have always done what you. promised.” _ An old chief then said a few words to the following import: *¢ Brothers, “* You promised to endeavour to send a: smith among us. After some time you did. send a smith, but he staid only a short time, and two or three of our young men ho began to learn the business, are not fully learnt. Now you have sent a smith, the best we have ever seen. He knows how to make all things we want, but he has been only-a little while with us, and now says he is going away. We desire he may stay all winter, and then we think our own smiths in that time, with his instruction, will be © able to do our work; and now they cannot.” To this the Committee replied, that the friend had a wife and family at home, who re- © quired his attention; therefore they could not press him to stay, as he had remained with > £1 them as long as he intended when he left home. | _ Friends believed the continued sobriety of the natives, and their improvement in habits of industry, aiforded encouragement to persevere im this benevolent work ; several families hav- ing settled themselves about two miles higher ap the river than where they used to reside, ind cleared and fenced about sixty acres of ood land. In other places their industry was aoticed. The roads the Indians have opened for about twenty-two miles is a great work for them. It affords a much better communication from the lower to the upper settlements, by and, than they used to have. | From thence friends. went to Catarogus, where they were cordially received by. the thiefs, and had the satisfaction of noticing very great improvements. Several of them had built, nd were building, good houses, on a rich flat, about a mile from their old village; their crop of corn was large, and their stock of cattle imcreased; and generally speaking, they had become a sober people, most of them having for a long time refrained from the use of- Whiskey, and other strong drink. _ The following is extracted from the speeches at a council held with them. _ The chief Sachem said, when they wanted advice on any matters of importance, they £2 applied to our Friends on the Alleghany;, tha they always found their advice very good, ani when.they followed what Eriends recommend ed, it answered their expectation. ‘The chief warrior afterwards spoke and ad verted to our kindness, in supplying them wit some useful articles which they stoed in neet of, and for which they were very thankful Now they had several requests 10 make, an¢ hoped he would attend to them. The first wa! for a smith’s bellows, anvil, vice, &c. and some jron;. then one of their people, now living ot the Alleghany river, who had there learned 1c be a blacksmith, would come home and work for them. They were beginning to farm a little and found their tools often wanted repairs, anc when they went to Buflaloe, which was a long journey, to get any thing mended, they hac sometimes to wait two or three days before they could get the little they wanted done; a the smith did the work for the people he livec among before theirs; and to go to Alleghany was further: they also wanted another plough We had supplicd them with one, which wa very useful, and made some of their land pro duce much better than before they had it. It the spring many wanted it, and all could no have it, therefore some said they had no goo ef the Quakers’ present; but if we would giv 43 uem another set of plough-irons, they could be ply all accommodated. We had helped them to one pair of oxen; a they had bought another themselves, and re might think as they had an annuity they right help themselves to many things; but their anuity would ‘not near clothe them, and in mying their oxen, &c. their women and chil- ren had gone more naked than they wifhed; ow they had got over it. - Formerly they could é hunting supply themselves with meat and othing ; but white people were settling so all ound them, the game was getting scarce; and ney were now endeavouring to farm the little id they had left, and hoped they should live - Bre comfortably; but were so poor they stood ) need of help; therefore wished us to give em another pair of oxen, and then they could Bek up some of their land which had not en broken, and make their farms esti hich they wanted to do, They were informed their request far, the ith’s tools and plough irons would be com- ied with; and when the tools came on, if the nith belonging to their tribe would work for ° em, Friends on the Alleghany would give em some iron. ‘lhe oxen they could buy emselves, for they must learn to help them: — Ives. Some further advice adapted to their uation was oifered, and appeared to be w ell, ceived. : AL In the evening, when Friends were sittin with the chief warrior, he said he wished t ask them a question, but was almost afraic They desired him to speak, and they would giv him such information as they were able. It wa: Do the Quakers keep any slaves? He was tole ‘They did'not. He said he was very glad to hea it; for if they had kept any, he could not thin: sO ; well of them as he now did. ‘That he ha been at the city of Washington last winter, 0 business of the nation, and found many whit people kept blacks im slavery, and used thet no better than horses. Friends visited’ the Senecas at Buffaloe bred and found a saw-mill just finished, for’ whic we had’ supplied them with the irons: a vis was also made to the Yonewantas. At bot places, and: particularly the latter, many ha left off the use of whiskey and other ‘stron drink, and were improving in habits of industr A contract was entered into for the land o ‘Funesassah creek, and Friends at Genesar gohta made a temporary house, and remove there before winter. By a letter from one: of the Friends. date Fourth month 2ist, 1804, we are informed th Indians are generally removed from the lowe town, and settling higher up the river, severa of them not far from Tunesassah. ‘This remova may put them to. some inconvenience the pre 4 45 ent year; but will probably prove eventually luch te their advantage, especially those who ave fixed themselves detached from their liule wos. As the Indians had experienced difficulty in etting their little crops of wheat ground, there eing no mill near them, after the consent of we Yearly Meeting was obtained, measures ere taken te have a grist and saw-mill erected + Tunesassah; and the Friend who had been ) acceptably with the Indians the year before, fered to devote a further portion of his time mongst them to make the iron work for the Is, and imstruct the Indian blacksmiths more arfecily in the business. He remained with m during the summer and fall,* and by a tter received from our Friends hates dated Socath month 7th, we are informed, that the ww-mill is in operation and promises well, and e grist-mill is expected to be finished in a weeks; avd a house is building for the mfortable accommodation of a family. A end and his wife, if she have the aid of one two female companions, it is believed may very usefully employed in instructing the dian women in various branches of domestic onomy, with which they are now much un- uainted; and to which until lately they had leisure to give much attention. As the men # Viz. 1804. 46 become more of farmers, the women have leg drudgery to perform, and unless their i improve ment, is encouraged and promoted, it may re tard the progtess « of both. | The following are extracted from letee -lately received, dated Second month roth, an Third month ad, 14th, 15th.* ¢ Neither of the mills are completely finisheé owing to the coldness of the season; yet bot so as to do business. The Indians have ha considerable grinding done, and appear highl pleased, to see the grain reduced tomeal so muc¢ quicker than pounding it in their wooden mol tars. An ingenious Indian, after having a grit of wheat ofthis own raising ground and boltec said with animation, ** J think this will mak the Indians see day-light.” “Tt is pleasing to find a disposition for im ‘provement continues to prevail amongst th younger class of Indians. Divers have now considerable quantity of corn to sell; they ofte express the satisfaction they feel in seeing th fruits of their own industry ; and frequent observe that when they followed drinking whi key they could hardly clothe themselves; but b industry they now find their substance bei to inerease. ‘< The continued resolution of these Indiat against the use of spirituous liquors, conduct * 1805 “47 ich to the introduction and increase of civi- ed habits; and it is obvious that it has an proving effect on the other settlements of the Neca nation. «< Vhey often come to see us, and appear Hi satishied with what is doing. Our inter- arse with them here is much more satisfactory an when we lived at the old place, and not bject to the embarrassment we were fre- ently under when there. The change I have )doubt will be found advantageous in aay spects. « att met 2 r ; Bh yf, a nee Reis Woe v Mar iary ney eet 4 ob) NAHE} kit ibe . edb (dias Mite Le ARO eye! Abt aides dy “a bi “ab 34 ook re ‘ ata biaih BY bts ‘ } | Nat ‘ + « > lay ‘ rif Sal sh . if Roly “ seta y pis ; Y ad EAE { a ae so 5) Bee iz x Pott sk q 5 Ne | ts " CONTE Ye. 2 w.* i nt \ Jase , eae if 7 Has , is § ’ ie A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE _PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, APPOINTED BY THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, | HELD IN BALTIMORE, FOR PROMOTING THE ——s-:sPurprokement avd Civilization ‘ OF bat Zz | INDIAN NATIVES. ae BALTIMORE PRINTED: | “LONDON; REPRINTED, : AND SOLD, BY PHILLIPS AND FARDON, GLIORGE YARD, LOMBARD STREEN; mi —IgS= - 1806. Say r , Si gs eae > h > ADVERTISEMENT. SINCE putting to press a London Edition of A brief Account of the Proceedings of the ** Committee appointed in the Year 1795, by f the Yearly Meeting of Friends of Pennsyl- 6 vania, New Jersey, &c. for promoting the ** Improvement and gradual Civilization of the * Indian Natives,” an account of the proceed- ings of a committee, appointed by another Yearly Meeting in North America, has been eceived. In presenting it to the English reader, a few remarks may be useful. The Yearly Meeting held at Baltimore, in Maryland, is quite distinct from that held at Philadelphia ; yet it represents a considerable part of the body of Friends in the western part of Pennsylvania. The objects of the concern of the two Yearly Meetings are equally distinct. ‘The Indian nations to which the Maryland com- mittee has directed its attention, lie in general farther west, than those under the notice of the Pennsylvanians. They are situated in that vast district which is comprehended between the rivers Ohio and Mississippi, and bounded to the north by the lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie. Lake Michigan penetrates this district, and may be said to be wholly within it. It has | Ne been called the North-Western Territory; ang was not long ago the scene of an Indian war; bu peace was established by a treaty at Greenevill in 1795; when a part of the territory was cede to the United States, together with some posts -or trading stations, within the Indian part. O) these Fort-Wayne is one, It is in the uncedex parts that the experiments have been made which are recorded in the following pages. Both the Yearly Meetings seem: to have los no time in beginning their work of brotherly kindness to the Indianss The war had bee an obstruction; but we find the date of the peace, and of the appointment of their com: mittees, to be in the same year, 1795.. In the letter which forms the Appendix td the Pennsylvanian account, an Indian chief, named Little Turtle, is spoken of in ternis af great approbation. It may therefore be par ticularly acceptable to see a speech of his i this narrative. . . In the advertisement prefixed to the Penm sylvanian account, an apology is made for the apparent absence of religious instruction, as part of the plan. The concluding paragraph _of this account confirms the apology; but su persedes the necessity of repeating it. _ Probably, a slight geographical descriptio may render the narrative more interesting t some readers; and though maps are not alwa’ to be depended on, especially with respect to ; wie: ¥ . fountry so uncivilized, the following sketch, taken from maps, may convey no bad notion of the locality of the committee’s labours. - Muskingum river runs from N. to S. and falls into the Ohio in about $1.40 West longitude. Tuskarawas (supposing it to be the Tuscaroras of the maps), is a small stream in the limits of Pennsylvania, which falls into the Junietta, a branch of the Susquehannah. | Sandusky is an Indian settlement, on a river the same name that has a N. E. course, and empties itself into a small arm of lake Erie, near $ western end, about 82.50 W. longitude. | Miami is the name of three rivers in this ountry. That which concerns the account is Miami of the lakes, which running nearly from S, to N. a course of apparently 150 miles, falls into’ lake Erie, about 5e miles W. of Sandusky. On this river, where, as the term is, it forks, s Fort-Wayne. The Wabash seems a long and crooked river. (One of its sources is S. of Fort-Wayne; the stream from which is doubtless the Wabash, near which the agricultural examples have been set, as related in the account. The Ohio receives he water of the Wabash, not:far from the B8th degree of W. longitude. | The Eel- River appears to be one of the streams Which run into the Wabash. It seems to rise the neighbourhood of Fort-Wayne. The Miami nation, is no doubt connected © 5 vi with the river, or rivers of that name. Th place of the Wyandots is given in the account The Shawanees and Delawares are marked i one map as occupying the neighbourhood o the Ohio. The Weas are mentioned in th account as connected with Eel-River. Fort-Wayne in a strait line seems not less than 350 miles from Baltimore; but probabl a great deal more by any practicable road. Humanity may venture to rejoice at these attempts. Though, as was observed in the for- mer account, not on a grand scale, they are attended with considerable expence; and a la. bour, not easily appreciated by the inhabitants -of highly cultivated and civilized countries. But, to adopt a metaphor from the work, they are attempts to cultivate the large, and inex- haustible field of Christian benevolence: fot no less is every extension of brotherly kindnes: to our fellow-men, which Springs from Christian principles. ; j ; : Tue Editor regrets that, in the letter from the American General; printed at the close “of the Account from Pennsylvania, a few lines were suffered to remain, which convey a.cen- ‘sure on some former American missionaries. It may not have been perfectly easy for a person in a very different walk of life to feel exactly the ‘difficulties of their situation. Whoever duly weighs the state of the Indians, may account for their want of success: without thinking them 4much to blame. At any rate the Editor is dis.. ‘posed to call it an oversight, that in a work intended to show the successful diligence of one “set of men, there should have slipped in a need- Jess censure of another, ec 6 « Extract from the Minutes of the Yearly Meetin, held in Baltimore, 10th Mo.,1805. A Report from our Committee on Indian concerns was produced, which being read and! considered, much satisfaction with their pro- ceedings was expressed: inasmuch as ii ver evidently appears that considerable benefits to| ~ our Red Brethren have already resulted, since the care-of the Yearly Meeting towards them. The Committee were encouraged to continue such exertions, in the prosecution of this im- - portant concern, as may be in their power to’ extend: they were also left at liberty to have printed, for the more general information of Friends, as many copies of their report, con- nected with a narrative of their previous pro- ceedings, as they apprehend may be usefully distributed amongst our members, A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE. COMMITTEE, APPOINTED BY THE YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS HELD IN BALTIMORE, For Promoting the Improvement and Civilization of the Indian Natives. A weighty concern having been opened in he year 1795 in our Yearly Meeting, re- pecting the difficulties and distresses to which ¢ Indian natives of this land were subject, it ybtained the serious attention of Friends; and any observations were made, relative to the indness of their ancestors to ours in the early ttlement of this country ; exciting a deep con- deration and enquiry, whether, under the in- uence of that exalted benevolence and good * ’ « 10 will to men, which our holy profession incul cates, there was not something for ys, as | Society, to do for them; towards promotin; their religious instruction, and knowledge o agriculture, and useful mechanic arts. A solemnity prevailing, the sentiments o many were expressed, evidencing a near sym pathy with them. The meeting therefore unite in recommending to our Quarterly and Monthl Meetings, to open subscriptions amongst ou members for their relief; and appointed a com mittee, to pay such attention to the interestin: concern, as they might be enabled to render. The committee, after having fully considere the subject of their appointment, concluded, a the most effectual way of obtaining correct in formation of the situation and disposition of th Indians, to appoint a deputation from amongs themselves, to visit the Shawanees, Delawares Wyandots, or such other nations, north-west the river Ohio, as they might find practicabl The friends who were nominated to this servic having first obtained the approbation ef Gover ment, proceeded in the summer of 1796, as fi as the forks of the Muskingum river, at whic place, they had been informed that a conside able number of Indians were collected; bu upon their arrival there, they found that all t chiefs, and most of the hunters, had disperse And, it not appearing practicable to conven them in a-suitable manner for a conference ¢ ii that time, they réturned without accomplishing the object of their visit. They however saw Jivers hunters and others, who appeared to be well disposed to receive the instruction and yssistance, with which Friends proposed to fur- nish them. ; _ The committee being still deficient in the nfomation necessary to enable them to pro- seed with safety, inso important an undertaking, one of their number offered, in the fall of this year, to undertake a visit to the Indians, for the purpose of obtaining a more satisfactory know- ledge respecting them; and his proposal being approved, he was encouraged to proceed as soon as might be practicable. Accordingly, in the spring of 1757, he, with two others of the committee, who became concerned to unite with him, made them a visit; in the course of which, having passed by a number of their hunting camps, and several of their towns, they had large opportunity of discovering their situ- ation. Often exposed to the inclemency of the easons, with a very precarious, and often a very scanty supply of food and clothing, they suffered all the miseries of extreme poverty; ina country, which, from its great fertility, would with but little cultivation, abundantly supply them with all the necessaries of life. These friends had an opportunity with some of the chiefs and hunters of the Wyandot, and Delaware nations, in which they informed them 12 of the concern of Friends relative to them; a endeavoured to impress on their minds, the ad- vantages they would derive, from permitting a knowledge of agriculture, and some of the most ‘useful mechanic arts, to be introduced amongst their people. The Indians appeared to-give clos attention to the communication, and promise to lay the matter before their grand council, and inform us of their conclusion upon the subject. No way opened during the year 1798, to proceed in carrying the concern of the Yearly Meeting into effect ; except that the committee furnished a few implements of husbandry, and other assistance; to some Indian families; which were situated upon the branches of the Tus- karawas river. Ty In the Second Month, 1799, the.committee received a speech, and a belt of Wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief of the Wyandor nation, delivered at Detroit, in the Ninth Month pre- ceding; of which the following is an extra@:! *« Brethren Quakers, re « You remember that we once met at a cer: tain place. When we had there met, a great many geod things were said, and much friend: ship was professed between usé A ‘¢ Brothers, ah coe * You told us at that time that you not only took us by the sand, but that you held us fast by the arm: that yeu then formed a chain of 13 riendship. You said, that it was not a chain of ron; but that it was a chain of precious metal, , chain of silver, that would never get rusty; nd that this chain, would bind us in brpeneny ffection for ever. «¢. Brethren, listen: : © We have often heard that you were a good nd a faithful people, ever ready to do justice, nd good to all men, without distin@ion of co- pur ; therefore we love you the more sincerely, ecause of the goodness of your hearts, which las been talked of amongst our nations, long ince. ‘© Brethren, listen: ** You have ee us, that you intend to isit us; yes, that, even in our tents and cabins, rou will take us-by the hand. You, brethren, annot admit a doubt that we should be very lappy to-see you. Bin ce Brethren, listen : _ ** It is but proper to inform you at this time, hat when you do come forward to see us, you will, no doubt, pass by my place of residence t Sandusky. I will then take you, not only oy the hand, but by the arm, and will conduct ou safely to the grand council-fre of our great asteretsey; where all good things are trans- ted, and where nothing bad is permitted to pear. When in the grand council of our asteretsey, we will then sit down together, in seace and friendship, as ae iy are accus- 14 tomed to do, after a long absence; and remin each other, and talk of those things that wer done between our Good Grand-Fathers, whe they first met upon our Jands, upon this grea island. A . *¢ Brethren, ; are i *¢ May the Great Spirit, the master of ligh and life, se dispose the hearts and minds of al our nations and people, that the calamities o war may never more be felt, or known by am of them; that our roads and paths may neve more be stained with the blood of our youn, warriors; and that our helpless women and chil dren may live in peace and happiness.” After a consideration of the foregoing com munication, from the Wyandor Nation of Indians the committee concluded to appoint a’ fey friends to make them a visit, agreeably to thei request. ‘These were directed to cultivate | friendly correspondence with them, and affor them such assistance as they might be enable visit, with an intention of being at their Gene Council; and after passing through several their towns, arrived on the Third of the Sixt Month at Upper Sandusky, the principal vil lage of the Wyandots, where they were recei in a friendly manner, by Tarhie (the Crane and others of that nation. Sis ' 15 Upon conferring with these Indians, it was und, that a mistake had been made in the anslation of the speech, which they had sent friends, respecting the time of opening their eat Council, to which Friends had been in- ted : -who were now informed, that it began mually at the full moon, in the Sixth Month. nding it would be difficult to procure food r themselves and horses there, ‘until that ne, the committee concluded it was best, un- r their present circumstances, to propose to arhie, a conference with him and the other - iefs, who were then at, and in: the neigh- urhood of, Sandusky: which was accordingly reed to; and at the time appointed, they et him and several other chiefs, together with number of their hunters, at his own: house ; hen they had a full opportunity with them on e subject of their visit. ‘Their communication appeared to be received. ith great satisfaction by the Indians; ’ who ‘their answer, delivered on some strings of fampum, expressed the gratitude they felt, for e care-and friendship which ‘their beloved ethren, the Quakers, had always manifested the Indians; and promised, as soon as the ad Council met, that they would communi- te fully to it, the concern which our Society’ t for their improvement, and inform us by a itten’ speech of their conclusion thereon. 16 Whilst. these friends» were at Sandusky af other villages, their’ minds’ were often deepl affected, under the sorrowful consideration the baneful effects of spirituous liquor upo the Indians, at ‘that time supplied with it, i almost every village, by Canadian +raders, siding amongst them: and they were. confirme in the opinion, that unless these traders coul be restrained from furnishing them with: th destructive article, in exchange. for their skin and furs, they would not easily be persuade to. turn. their minds towards agriculture an the useful arts. Notwithstanding which discouragement, great affection they have for our Society, mami fested oh all. occasions whilst the committe were amongst them, induced a hope, thi Friends would endeavour to keep under th weight of the concern; and be prepared 1 proceed in the benevolent work, whenever wa might open for further service amongst them, There was not any communication betwee the committee and the Indians during the ye 1800. In the spring of 1801, they addresse a letter to them, which was forwarded to Sa dusky ; but the person to whose care it v directed, and who was requested to commut cate it to their council in the Sixth Mont not being at home, it was returned to the co mittee. ¢ 17 in the Sixth Month, 1802, the Little Turtle, ive Medals, and several other principal chiefs, f the Miami and Pottowattomi nations of In- ans, passed through Baltimore, on their way ) visit the President of the United States; at hich time the committee took ‘the opportunity f holding a conference with them; in which le concern of Friends was fully opened ; when ley informed them, of the great discourage- ent Friends had met with, in carrying their iews into effect, from the intemperate and estructive use of spirituous liquors amongst 1c Indians: which was found to be the great- st obstacle in the way of their profiting by ¥¢ aid which Friends had been desirous of iving them. . This opened the way for a-free communica- ion, on the subject of the introduction of rdent spirits into their country ; in which its aneful and pernicious effects were strongly jointed out. The Little Turtle, in reply, nade a very pathetic and impressive speech ipon this subject, from which the following is xtracted. ‘** Brothers and Friends *¢ When our forefathers. first met on this land, your Red Brethren were very numerous, t since the introduction amongst us, of what ou call spirituous liquors, and what we think ay justly be called Poison, our numbers are 18 greatly diminished. It has destroyed a gr part of your Red Brethren. «¢ My Brothers and Friends, __ ; ‘¢ We plainly perceive, that you see the ve evil which destroys your Red Brethren. It not an evil of our own making. We have n placed it amongst ourselves. It is an evil plac amongst us by the white people. We look _them to remove it out of our country. Wet them, Brethren, fetch us useful things; bri goods that will clothe mass our women, and o children ; and not this evil liquor, that destro our reason, that destroys our health, that d stroys our lives. But all we can say on tl subject, is of no service, nor gives relief to Fe Red Brethren. ) ‘« My Brothers and Friends, ** I rejoice to find that you agree in opini with us, and express an anxiety to be, if pa sible, of service to us, in removing this gre evil out of our country: an evil which has hi _so much room in it, and has destroyed so ma of our lives, that it causes our young men | say, ‘ We had better be at war with the whi people. This liquor, which they introduce im our country, is more to be feared than the gu since the treaty. of Greeneville, than we lost the six years war before. It is all owing to th introduction of this liquor amongst us.’ 19 8 : Brothers, 6s ‘When our young men have been out hunt. ° 1s, and are returning home loaded with skins nd furs; on their way, if it happens that they ome where some of this whiskey is deposited, 1e white man who sells it, tells them to take a ttle drink. Some of them will say, No, I do ot want it. They go on till they come to ano- ier house, where they find more of the same ind of drink. It is there offered again; they sfuse ; and again the third time; but finally, ne fourth or fifth time, one accepts of it, and ikes a drink; and getting one, he wants ano- ter; and then a third, and fourth, till his senses ave left him. After his reason comes back gain to him ; when he gets up, and finds where e is, he asks for his peltry. The answer is, You have drunk them.’ * Where'is my gun ?? It is gone.” * Where is my blanket?’ ¢ It is ne. * Where is my shirt!” * You have sold for whiskey!!’ Now, Brothers, figure to urselves what condition this man must be in. e has a family at home; a wife and children, ho stand in need of .the profits of his hunting. Vhat must be their wants, when he himself. is en without a shirt!” These chiefs appeared to be much rejoiced at e€ assistance Friends proposed to render them; d, in reply to that part of our communication, served, ‘* That it was their anxious ‘wish, to 20 engage in the culture of their lands; for al though the game was not so scarce, but tha they could get enough to eat; yet they wer sensible that it was daily diminishing, and tha the time was not far distant, when they shoul be compelled to take hold of such tools, © a they saw in the hands of the white people.” The committee, on a weighty consideratior of the subject, being from their former ex perience united in judgment, that ‘no great pro gress could be made in the civilization of th: Indians, while they were so abundantly sup plied with distilled spirits, concluded to addres Congress on the subject. Their memorial wa favourably received, and a law passed, whicl in some measure provided a remedy for’ th evil. As it now appeared to the committee, ha the principal obstruction to the introduction © agriculture amongst the Indians was removed they felt themselves encouraged to proceed ii their undertaking ; and accordingly provided considerable number of implements of hu bandry; such ‘as ploughs, hoes, axes, & which were forwarded to Fort-Wayne, wher they were immediately distributed, a8 a preset from the Society of Friends, and thankful received by the Indians. A letter was received in the summer of 180 from the agent for Indian affairs at gases: in which he says: 21 *¢ Since there have been no spirituous liquors | the Indian country, they appear very indus-. ious, and are fond of raising stock.”’ He also xpressed as his opinion, that the suppression F spirituous liquors in that country, is the most eneficial thing which has ever been done for 1em by the United States ; that there had not een one Indian killed in that neighbourhood wr a year ; and that in no preceding year, since le treaty of Greeneville, had there been less lan ten, and in some years, as many as thirty, illed.””? _ The agent further added, ** that the idians appeared to be very desirous of pro- uring for themselves the necessaries of life, iz ir way; but say they do not know how to egin. Some of their old men say, ‘ The hite people want for nothing. We wish them ) shew us how to provide the many good lings we see amongst them. If it is their ‘ish to instruct us in their way of living, as ley tell us it is, we wish them to make haste nd do it, for we are old, and must die soon; wt we wish to see our women and children in iat path, that will lead them to happiness, be- ore we dic.” _ At the same time a letter was received from ie Little Turtle and Five Medals, in which y expressed a wish, that some of the com- ttee would visit their country ; which being msidered, the committee appointed a depu- D 22 tation for that. purpos¢; who were authorize to take one or more suitable persons with then to residge amongst the Indians, for the purpos of teaching them agriculture, and other useft knowledge; as far as such an establishmet should appear practicable. In the Second Month, 1804, two of th deputation proceeded to Fort-W ayne, accon panied by Philip Dennis; who had offered h services to go with them, to remain with th Indians during the summer; for the purpose « instructing them in husbandry; taking with hit two horses to be employed in ploughing; &c. They arrived at Fort-Wayne the last da of the Third Month, and soon after convene several of the principal chiefs; in a council wit whom, a future’ day was fixed upon for th committee to méet them, together with as man of their old men, their young men, and thei women and children, as could be assembled. Th attendance of the latter was particularly re quested by our deputation; and these chic having previously requested, that whatever ter Friends might have to communicate to t Indians should be written, in order that th might lay it before the Grand Council, in’ Sixth month following (to the attendance which they very pressingly invited the cor mittee), on the day appointed, the commi being met by a considerable number of ~ 83 atives, the following written address was read ind interpreted to them. *¢ Brothers and Friends, oy r ‘¢ When we were togther, ¢ight days ago, with the Little Turtle and the Five Medals, the letter was read to them which has just been - read. That letter, you observe, says, that we were appointed by the people called Quakers of Baltimore, to visit you, and to take you by the hand on-their behalf, desiring that you would receive any communications from us, as coming immediately from them. Baia ie ’ Brothers, 4 »%¢ After that letter was read, our hearts were filled with so much love for our Red Brethren, tzat, on looking over and considering the busi- ness upon which we had come, we felt a desire to see as many of you together as could be convened: and this day was then agreed upon, for us to meet you. Brothers, * “© We believed, that the things we et to say, were of great importance to our Red Bre- thren ; and therefore it was, that we requested B sec: you together; that you all might have an apres tunity of hearing what we have to ee Raodiers: Rime a © Our hearts are filled with thankfulness to he Great Spirit, that he has brought us han Dig. 24 to the country of our Red Brethren, and pros tected us through our journey. We also rejoice that he has given us this opportunity of See you, and of taking you by the hand. «¢ Brothers, <« Tt is now a little more than two years since your brothers of Baltimore had an opportunity . of becoming acquainted with the Five Medals, the Little Turtle, Tuthinipee, and some other chiefs. They were glad of that opportunity of having a talk with them, and of enquiring after the situation of their Red Brethren. ‘* Brothers, : “¢ ‘We had for some time scape appre: hensions, that the many changes which were taking place in circumstances, must greatly change the situation of our Red Brethren; and that the time was fast approaching, in which it would be necessary for them to alter their mode __ of living. . 7 ** Brothers, c * After our talk with the. chiefs whom we have just mentioned, we were’ fully conviniced that the time was come, in which our Red Bre thren ought to begin to cultivate their lands, That they ought to raise corn, and other grain, also horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other nals. We then proposed to afford them some assistance. They appeared to be glad of t proposal, and informed us that many of thei people were disposed to turn their attention q | | | 25 the cultivation of the earth. They also ex- pressed a desire to be assisted by their brothers of Baltimore. ; ** Brothers, _ * Having been encouraged by the opportu- nity which we then had, we sent to the care of the agent for Indian Pr acid some ploughs, har- ness for horses, axes, hoes, and other imple- ments of husbandry ; which were made for the use of our Red Brethren; and desired that they might be distributed amongst them, as tokens — of our friendship. | *¢ Brothers, _** We received Jast fall, through the Lande of the agent for Injian affairs, a talk from the Little Turtle, the Five Medals, and others, in- ing us that they had received the imple- ments of husbandry ; and requesting that their brothers of Baltimore would send some of their re into the country of their Red Brethren ; or the purpose of seeing their situation, and shewing them how to make use of the tools: Saying, they did not know how to begin. we Brothers, 1 “tis for these purposes, that we have now come; and we again repeat, that we rejoice we have ‘this opportunity. of Bias, you, and of taking you by the hand. : or Brothers, i _ * In coming into the country of our - Red Brethren, we have come with our eyes oper. RR 7 26 And although we are a€ected with sorrow, in believing that many of-the red people suffer much, for the want of food, and-for the want of clothing ; yet our hearts have been made glad, in seeing, that it has pleased the Great Spirit, to give you a rich and valuable country. Because we know, that it is out of the earth, that food and clothing come.: We are sure, bro- thers, that, with but little labour and attention, you may raise much more corn, and other grain, than will be necessary for yourselves, your wo- men,-and children; and may also, with great case, raise many more horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and other valuable animals, than will be necessary for your own use. Weare also cons fident, that if you will pursue our method, it the cultivation’ of your land, you will live ‘ir much greater ease and plenty, and with muc! Jess fatigue and toil, than attend onwingf for 4 subsistence. — - ‘ <¢ Brothers, ‘ a “ We are fully convinced, that if you will adopt our mode of cultivating the earth, and raising useful animals, you will find) it to bea mode of living not only far more plentiful and much. less fatiguing ; ; but also much more cérs tain, and which will expose your bodies less, t the inclemencies of the weather, than bunting! It will lead you, brothers, to have fixed homes. You will build comfortable dwelling-houses for yourselves, your women, and children, where, — ew | . a7 ; you may be sheltered from the rain, from the Trost, and from the snow; and where you may, “enjoy in plenty the rewards of your labours. *¢ Brothers, * Tn laying these tinh before you, we have ‘no other motive, than a désire of heart ‘for the improvement, the benefit, and the welfare of Pour Red Brethren; and therefore it is, that we ‘Speak with freedom; and we hope that what we have to say, will go in at one ear, and not comme out at the other ; but that it will be remem- ered by cur Red ‘Brethren, For -we know, brothers, that we shall not be ashamed of whae (We say, when in. time to come, you compare ‘the things we are saying to you, with your experieace in practising them. | ~s¢ Brothers, 3 © We will here mention, ‘that the time was, when the forefathers of your brothers, ‘the white people, lived beyond the creat water, in the same manner that our Red Brethren now live. The winters can yet be. counted, when -they went almost nake d, when they. procured otheir living by ee and by the bow and - ‘arrow in hunting; and when they lived in houses mo better chee yours: They were en- couraged by some who came from towards the -sun- -rising, and lived amongst them, to change > their mode of living. hey did change; they cultivated the earth; and we are sure the “ei was a happy one. D 4 28 ** Brothers and Friends, “ We are not ashamed to. acknowledge, that the time was, when our forefathers rejoiced at finding a wild plum-tree, or at killing a little game, and that they wandered up and down, living on the uncertain supplies of fishing and hunting. But, brothers, for your encourage- ment, we now mention, that by turning their attention to the cultivation of the earth, instea of the plum-tree, they soon had orchards, of many kinds of good fruit; instead of the wild. game, they soon had large numbers of. cattle, | horses, sheep, hogs, aud of other valuable ani- mals; and in-many places, instead of their fo- rests, they had large fields of corn and of other grain, as also of many other valuable produ tions of the earth. ** Brothers, “*'We hope your eyes will be pon, 10 sec. clearly the things which are best for you; and that you will desire to pursue them. We be- lieve, brothers, that it is in the heart of your” father, the President of the United States, to, assist his Red children, in the cultivation of the: earth ; and to render them services, which will” be greatly for their benefit and welfare. We hope that your exertions to change your ed sent mode of living, will be so p/ain to him, that he will see them. This will encourage hita to continue to aid you in your endeavours. v4 ot Te ws r : 29 «< Brothers, | ‘* We have spoken plainly; we desire to Speak plain. We will now tell you, that we Nave not come merely to ¢alk with you. We have come prepared to render you a little assist- ance. Our beloved brother, Philip Dennis, who is now present, has come along with us. His desire is to cultivate for you, a field of corn; also to shew you how to raise, sonte of the other productions of the earth. He knows how to use tke plough, the hoe, the’ ‘axe, and other implements of husbandry, : ** Brothers, “¢ We will here ask you, Are you still desi- rous to be instructed by us, in the cultivation of your lands? If you say, you are ; our brother, whom we have just mentioned, will, continue with you, during the summer. We shall leave it to you, to shew man the PROS where to begin to work, is Brothers, “* He has lett a farm ; he es left a wife, and five small children, who. are very dear to him; he has come from a sincere desire to be useful to.our Red Brethren. His, motives are pure ; be wil ask no reward from you,, for his ser- yiees; his greatest reward will be, in the Satige faction he will feel, im finding yow inclined to take hold of the same tools which he takes hold of ; to receive from him instruction in the D 5 30 | cultivation. of your lands, and to. pursue th example he will set you. ‘* Brothers, “© We hope, you will make the situation o eur brother as comfortable as circumstance will admit. We hope, also, that many of your young men will be willing to be tanght by him, to use the plough, the hoe, and other imple ments of husbandry. For we are sure, brothers, that as you take hold of such tools, as are in the hands of the white people, you will find them to be to you, like having additional hands- You will also find, that by using them, they will enable yeu to do many things, which, with- out them, cannot be performed. ‘¢ Brothers, “« There is one thing more, which we «iit to add. The white people, in order to get their. Jand cultivated, find it necessary, that their young men should ‘be employed in it, and not their women. Women are less than men. They are not as strong as mén. ‘They are not as able to endure fatigue and toil as men. ‘It is the business of our women, to be employed in our houses, to keep/them clean, to sew, knit, spin, and weave; to dress food for themselves and families; to make clothes for the men and the rest-of their families, to keep the clothing of their families clean, and to take care of their children. Ny ’ = mee! *¢ Brothers, ¢€ We desire not to mention too many things to you; but we must adda little further. We _are fully convinced, that if you will turn your attention to’the cultivation of the earth, to raising the different kinds of grain, to erecting mills for grinding grain, to building comfortable dwelling-houses for your families, to raising useful animals; amongst others, sheep, for the advantage of the wool, in making clothing; and to raising flax and hemp, for your linen; and if "your young women learn to spin, and weave; | ‘that your lives will be much easier, and hap- pier, than at present; and that your numbers will increase, and not continue to diminish. As we before observed, brothers, your land is good. Ic is far better than the land, the white people near the great -water cultivate. We are persuaded, that your land will produce double the quantity of any kind of grain, or of flax, or hemp, with the same labour necessary near the great water. ~~" &¢ Brothers and Friends, * We shall now end what we have to say, with informing you, that all the corn, and other productions of the earth, which Philip ects Tay raise, we wish our Red Brethren to accept of, as a token of our friendship. And it is our desire that the chiefs of the Potte. wattomi and Miami nations, who are now pre- sent, added to our brothers, the Five Medals, — D6 ' $2 Tuthinipee, and Philip Dennis, make such a distribution thereof, as they may think Prep Sts, The Indians observed great NE auto and gave close attention during the delivery of this address. They respectfully manifested their approbation of the sentiments it contained, by reiterated exclamations of applause, and the most evident demonstrations of satisfaction. In reply, the Little Turtle delivered a speech on behalf of the council, from which the fol- lowing is extracted. <¢ Brothers and Friends, “ ‘We rejoice, that the Great Spirit has ap- pointed that we should meet this day; for we believe, this meeting will be of the utmost consequence to your Red Brethren. ‘¢ Brothers, " ‘ ~ «The things you have said to us, require one greatest attention: it. is really necessary, th we should deliberate upon them. In order “4 do so, we must beg you to leave the paper, upon which they are written, that we may pane municate them to our chiefs, when they assemble ia Grand Council. _ © Brothers, “¢ You have been very particular i in point out to ws, the duties of our women; and yo 2. 38 have told us, that in adopting your mode of living, our numbers would increafe, and not continue to diminifh. In all this, TI certainly agree with you, and I hope my brother chiefs will also agree with you. . “¢ Brothers, ‘¢ Assure your veople who sent you here, tell your old chiefs, that we are obliged to them, for their friendly offers to assist us, ia changing our present mode of living. Tell them, it is a great work, that cannot be done imme- diately ; but that we are that way disposed, and hope it will take place gradually.”’ The committee remained several weeks amongst the Indians, during which time, they visited a number of their tewns and villages, | t all of which they were received in the most — friendly and hospitable manner. ~ In the course of their journey, they passed by a settlement of the Wyandois, at Brown’s Town, or the Rock.. They found that the In- dians at this place, had, since the visit made by Friends to their nation,. in the year 1799, ad- vanced considerably im agriculture: many of them having built comfortable houfes, and ac- quired a considerable number of cattle, hogs, nd other domestic animals. And they were:in- ormed from good authority, that the Wyandots, 34 residing at Sandusky, as well as the Shawanees, on the Auglaize river, had also since that visit, turned their-attention very much towards the cultivation of their lands. They had therefore the satisfaction to remark, that the .communi- cations from the committee to these nations; and the exertions which had been made, to turn their minds to agriculture; although we had not been in a situation to extend much assistance to them, had not been altogether unavailing. They also visited the place fixed upon for the settlement of Philip Dennis, on the Wabash river, about forty miles south-west of Fort- Wayne; and found its situation to be very ad- vantageous for farming ; the soil appearing to -be equal in fertility, to any land in the western country. To this place there are also two good mill-seats adjacent; one on the Wabash, which may be improved without injuring irs navigation, and the other on a stream which falls into that river, about half a mile below. : ; Soon after their return home, a letter was re- ceived by the committee, from the Indian agent at Fort-Wayne, informing them that the Indians had held their council in the Sixth’ Month, agreeably to expectation; at which 874 of them attended; “when the written address of George Ellicott and Gerard T. Hopkins, Cort 35 it appeared had been appointed to visit the In- dians on behalf of the Society of Friends,) was produced, read, and interpreted to all the diffe- rent nations present.” In reply to which, divers of their chiefs expressed great cana tetn: and amongst others Toethteboxie, on behalf of the Delawares, said, ‘¢ For many years before I came into the world, the white people have been offering to do for us, what is.now men- tioned; and it appears, that our eyes were never opened, until this time. We will now take hold of it; and receive it. I am an old man, and want to see it before I die. If I once see it, I shall die in peace, to think I have left. mf: women and children in comfort.”’ On the return of the friend*, who went out with the committee, and teouned | in the Indian country, during most of the year 1804, he re- ported that he spent the time agreeably with hem; and was favoured to enjoy a good portion of. health whilst there. He raised about 400 bushels of corn, besides a quantity of turnips, otatoes, cucumbers, water-melons, pumpkins, beans, parsnips, and other garden-vegetables; hich he directed to be divided amongst the andians on their return from their hunting — ramps; and left with the family of Indians, ‘ith whom he'resided, upon the farm he had Ms P, Dennis, probably. S56 cultivated, 23 hogs and pigs, seven of which were “in good order to kill, and he expected would weigh 1500 Ib, These he engaged the agent to attend to the killing and: salting of. They were. small when brought to the farm in the spring, and had no other food than what they gathered in the woods: With some assistance, which he obtained from Fort-Wayne, he cleared and enclosed un- der a substantial fence twenty acres of ground, and built a house, thirty-two feet long and se- venteen feet wide, a story see a half high, with floors and partition. ‘He further reported that the Indians wha remained with him, were very industrious, and attended to his directions. The young women wished to work in preparing the ground and attendingthecorn. From this he dissuadedthem; and as some spinning wheels had just arrived at Fort-Wayne, which had been sent by Govern. ment, he encouraged them to go there, and learn to spin and knit, of a white woman wha _ happened to be at that place. This they did, and soon learned both to spin and knit; aud b left them knitting yarn of tbeir own ‘spinning, when he came away. He also reported, that a considerable ae of Eel-River and Weas Indians were about ta settle near the place he cultivared; and thai previously to his departure, he was with severa gg ee ee aT f their principal chiefs; who requested him to ell Friends, that they, and the Indians gene- ally, were much obliged to them for the assis- ance they had given them; and hoped we yould continue our friendship towards them, nd that nothing might ‘happes to Latta is. Alll thie Indians he was amongst, were very riendly; as was also the agent and other officers. f the Government. As it appeared that the Indians were very lesirous of Friends continuing their care to- yards them; and sending a person to take the lace of Philip Dennis. After weightily consider- ig the subject, it was concluded to endeavour ) procure a suitable friend for that purpose; ut none offering to engage in the service, and ae commitiee taking into consideration the low ate of their funds, and the advanced season of ne year; together with the dissatisfied and unset- ed situation of the Indians at thattime, on ac-_ nt of a sale of land made by some-of the tribes the United States*; thought it might for the esent season; sbe best to write to the agent, id request him, to procure for us, the most itable character in his power; who, under his rection, should plough the Jand which Philip * The uneasiness, which this circurastance occasioned ongst the Indians, has since been entirely removed. ~ 38 Dennis cultivated the last s¢ason, and plant with corn: in the performance of which it wi hoped: he would be assisted by the Indian ‘We also observed, that after their corn w: planted, we were willing to believe they woul be able to’ manage it’ themselves.” Should second ploughing however be necessary, v directed this also to be done.’ “This person w also desired to prepare for them a garden of 1] most useful vegetables, which shey might afte wards easily manage. er lee ‘The committe have since received his answi to this letter, in which he says, he will lose’ time.in complying with their request, and t ‘he will at all times be ready to put the bene jent concern of Friends, towards the Indians, execution. He also says, that at this time, spirit- of industry exists among the “India generally; and that, as several of the tribe ‘had requested of Government, to have a/pa of their annuities expended’in the wae of men, to split rails; and make ‘fences : them, the Delawares had twenty-three thousat rails put up into fences, theelast winter a ‘thar forty thousand more would be*madé in fences for‘the Miami and Eel-River Indians, the first-of the Sixth Month. He adds, that families of the Miami have settled adjoining t place cultivated by Philip Dennis; and t four men were employed in making rails 39 ence in forty acres for them ; ; also, that ‘three yersons more were at work for the Eel- River fAdians, half a mile below’ Denmis’s station ; hat they had twenty-five. acres cleared aad ceady for the plough, and he expected would ave fifty or sixty acres fenced in by the first f the Sixth Month. Hei further adds, that le expects at least twenty-five families of In+ lians will remove to reside at that placé the resent season, and he ‘is ‘confident the settle- nent will increase very fast. The Indian who vorked-during the last season with Philip Dennis vas about building himself a comfortable house, iad cleared two acres more of ground, and vas ploughing the field previously cleared by *hilip. Dennis. The hogs which were left there vith him, had inaveased: to one hundred” ‘in yumber. . The-agent further says, that: there would be me hundred acres of land under good fence, at e Little Turtle’s Town (eighteen milés north f Dennis’s. station), by the first of the Sixth Month ; where they had also obtained a large umber of bogs, and some cows; and he doubts ot, but that the Indians will soon See, that itis ° sier to raise food, than to procure it by hunt- ; and adds, Friends may see, from the. great rogress they have made. in civilization,’ since hilip Dennis: was with them, that’they only ant good and suitable men to reside amongst lem, and teach them how to work. ‘ 1 } 40 Notwithstanding there are several otlier na. tions, who appear desirous of the assistance anc care of Friends; yet from the limited state of eur funds, we have heretofore been under the necessity of confining our aid, principally, tc the Miami, Eel-River, and Weas Indians. _ It will be perceived, that during several-years of the first labours of the committee, bur-dirtls progress was.made. This may be attributed, it a great measure, to the permicious effects o ardent spirits amongst theme As soon as the introduction of this great evil into theit-country was restrained, there was an immediate im provement discoverable; and an almost univer, sal disposition seemed to pervade them, to aban. don their former habits of living, and turn tc the cultivation of their lands. Their progres: in civilization has, since then, been much mors rapid, than the most sanguine could have ex pected ; and on comparing the condition of thes: Indian tribes, at the time the last deputatior from our committee, visited them, with thei present situation, we are of opinion, thar there is great cause of encouragement for Friends t ' persevere in the benevolent work they bay undertaken ; and strong ground to hope, tha eur labours. will, in the end, be crowned with the desired success. se When we reflect on the gradual, but con tinued decrease of these people, from the time the Europeans first visited this continent, unti ty) 41 the present; and the many whole tribes, of which not any trace now remains, except their names; there is every reason to believe, that should the Indians continue to pursue their former mode of life, in a few centuries more, ~~ many other whole nations of them will become | entirely extinct. Impressed with this melancholy consideration, it must be a prospect truly gladdening to the enlightened Christian mind, to survey the has- rening of that day, when this part of the human family, weaned from savage habits, and allured by the superior advantages of civil life, shall xchange the tomahawk and scalping knife for he plough and the soe; and instead of ranging the foresis in seeming aflinity to the wild beasts of the desert, shall peacefully and rationally njoy the productions of the fruitful field!— Nor. is this all. Added to the cultivation of the arth, the first step in the view of the committee, owards many other important temporal advan ges, to be derived to this people from civil ife ; may not the promotion of this concern, hich has thus far evidently prospered, prepare or, and prove the means under the DIVINE sLESsinc, through which, may finally spread nd prevail amongst these, our fellow-men, that IGHT and KNOWLEDGE, which’so eminently istinguish the true CHRISTIAN? altimore, Eleventh Month, 1805. AQ - POSTSCRIPT. ' SINCE this’ narrative -was prepared fo publication, a letter has been received from th agent at Fort-Wayne, dated the 5th of th Tenth Month, 1805, in which he says, «« Agreeably to the directions of the commit tee, E have employed a man to assist the Indian in cultivating the field on the Wabash, whic was cleared and cultivated by Philip Dennis la: year.. The Indians with this man’s assistan¢ have raised, it is supposed, at least six hundre bushels of good corn from this one field, ¢3 clusive of what they have raised from Grong _of their own clearing. *¢ Many of the oldest of the Eel River ail Weas Indians have removed and settled at tha place, where they will be followed by th younger branches of their tebe in i ensuin spring.’ ott a He adds, ‘‘ Believing as I do, that the Socidl of Friends are desirous of ameliorating th - situation of their Red Brethren in this country I will take the liberty to observe, that the pre 43 ent is a very favourable time, to put in exe: sution their benevolent views, towards the dis- ‘ressed natives of this land; and that much 300d may be done on the Wabash, by sending oneé or two suitable men to reside amongst the | Indians, and teach them how to raise stock, and cultivate the earth. Witness what Philip Dennis effected amongst them thé last year. At a Station where he had every thing to begin, there are now at least four hundred hogs and wenty cows; and the Indians at no village in this country live so comfortably, as those at that place. If this spirit of industry is kept alive for a few years, it will certainly have a powerful influence upon the minds of the In- jians at many of the neighbouring villages. The Indians have lately concluded a treaty with he United States, which has settled all their arring imterests.”’ 2 THE END, EE London: Printed by Phillipe & Farden, George Yard, Lombard Street. ~ ee b 7, O Gil - g CO p eri 2| << | =) |. yp o 3 a 2 3 =) wwii ilk D01308775V