NARRATIVE 
 
 or 
 
 RECENT PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BV THE 
 
 h 
 
 VEARLV MEETING OF FRIENDS OF NEW- YORK, 
 
 IN RSLATION TO 
 
 THE INDIANS 
 
 IN THAT STATE. 
 
 PUBLISlieP FOn THE INFORMATION O." FRIENDS. 
 
 NEW-YOKK : 
 
 MERCEIN t POJt’s PRES^, 240 PEABL STREET. 
 
 18 . 39 . 
 
 
NARRATIVE 
 
 or 
 
 RECENT PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE 
 YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS OF NEW^YORK, 
 
 IN RELATION TO 
 
 THE INDIANS 
 
 IN THAT STATE. 
 
 PUBLISHED FOR THE INFORMATION OF FRIENDS. 
 
 NEVV-YORK ; 
 
 MERCEIK * post’s PRESS, 240 PEARL STREET. 
 
 18.39 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 
 
 https://archive.org/details/narrativeofrecenOOnewy 
 
NARRATIVE, 
 
 &c. 
 
 It is well known, that the members of our religious society 
 have long felt a deep interest in the welfare of the Aboriginal 
 Inhabitants of this land ; and the Yearly Meeting of New-York, 
 has, for many years, extended a care over some of the tribes in this 
 state. 
 
 During the sittings of our last Yearly Meeting, this committee 
 appointed some of their number to visit the Indians, in order to 
 obtain more full information than they then possessed, of their 
 condition and prospects. 
 
 In the 7th month following, the Friends separated to that service, 
 made the following report. 
 
 TO THE COMMITTEE OF TUE YEARLY MEETING OF NEW-YORK, ON 
 INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 The friends appointed by the Committee on Indian Concerns, in 
 New-York, to co-operate with like committees appointed by the 
 Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and Genesee, in visiting, as way 
 might open, the Indian Reservations within the state of New-York, 
 may inform, that in pursuance of these several appointments, John 
 Wilson Moore and Joseph S. Walton, of Philadelphia, Charles 
 Marriott and Abraham Bell, of New-York, and Griffith M. Cooper, 
 William S. Burling and Elisha Freeman, of Genesee, have visited 
 a number of those settlements ; and now offer the following report : 
 
 O-NONDAGAS. 
 
 On the 7th day of the 6th month, 1839, three of the committee 
 visited the Onondaga Indians. Their Reservation is situated about 
 seven miles South from Syracuse. We were told it was two and 
 a quarter miles wide, by three and three-quarters long, and contains 
 a population of three hundred persons. As this tribe is the one 
 towards which the labors of Friends in New-York Yearly Meeting, 
 
4 
 
 NARnATIVB OP THE COMMITTEE 
 
 have been heretofore chiefly directed, they '.vill naturally inquire 
 with what success ? 
 
 At the time our committee first visited the Onondagas, we are 
 informed, there was but one house in the whole Reservation, 
 and the committee placed the door of that house upon four 
 stakes driven into the earth, to form a table, from which to 
 eat the provisions they carried with them. A few miserable 
 bark huts formed the rest of their habitations, and the people 
 were in as wretched a state as could well be imagined. Cut off 
 from their former means of support, the chase — oppressed, despised, 
 and robbed with impunity by the whites. 
 
 The Indian met with no encouragement from the white man, to 
 improve his condition, and the distance between their two modes of 
 life appeared utterly impassable. Hopeless of better days, he gave 
 himself up to intemperance and listless inaction, waiting the ap- 
 proach of that which seemed to be his inevitable fate, the speedy 
 extinction of his race, in wretchedness ! 
 
 At this period, the hearts of a few individuals were touched, we 
 doubt not, by the finger of Him who implanted compassion in the 
 human breast, to stretch forth a hand of help. This feeling, through 
 their instrumentality became diffused to others, and aided by the 
 energy and faithfulness of our devoted friend Aden T. Cory, for 
 many years the resident Superintendent for the Society of Friends 
 to this tribe, and whose name is dear to them, great good has been 
 effected. 
 
 Attached to the first Indian habitation we approached, we saw 
 a field of six or eight acres of excellent wheat, and another about 
 as large, of oats, and seven fine cows grazing. The house was a 
 respectable looking fra.me dwelling, perhaps twenty by thirty feet, 
 one story and a half high, much like those belonging to the mid- 
 dling class of w hites. The next tw'o were of a similar description; 
 we observed in one of them a curled maple table, wdndsor chairs, 
 «fcc. ; before the door were tw'o new ploughs, and two new scrapers 
 for making and repairing the roads through the Reservation. What 
 we saw of these lands appeared more hilly than the surrounding 
 country — the soil was fertile, with some rich valleys ; w'e follow'ed 
 the road through one of these about a mile ; there was a good fence 
 on each side, from six to nine rails high ; and we saw some fine 
 meadows and fields of corn, potatoes, beans, <Scc. 
 
 Their council-house is a commodious white frame buidling. We 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 5 
 
 visited about a dozen houses, mostly frame, though some were built 
 of hewn logs ; in most of them we saw a churn, and in one an In- 
 dian woman was churnins when we entered. Most of the Indians, 
 
 O 
 
 we were told, keep one or more cows, and their barns are at least as 
 numerous as their houses. Their lodgings are on cot-bedsteads — 
 the beds and a few simple articles of furniture exhibit but little 
 neatness or order. A wooden mortar and pestle, for pounding corn, 
 a few iron pots, stools and wooden utensils, with scarcely an arti- 
 cle of crockery, seemed generally to comprise their whole stock of 
 household furniture. Some of the houses have only shutters with- 
 out glass windows. The Indians were decently dressed, some made 
 a good appearance, though many retained peculiarities of the 
 red man, such as broaches, ear-rings, bead embroidered leggins, 
 &c. They make good sleds, and we saw one making a plough- 
 beam in a workman-like manner ; he lived in a good two-story 
 frame house. They have too many horses and dogs ; but not 
 enough other domestic animals, such as cows, sheep, pigs and poul- 
 try. Their houses are mostly about twenty by thirty feet, gene- 
 rally not painted ; they own a saw-mill and rent it to a white man, 
 who saws their logs on sha;»es. There is no grist-mill in the 
 settlement, though they have many good mill-sites. They want 
 mechanics, particularly blacksmiths. But few of them under- 
 stand English, hence we found it difficult to communicate with 
 them. It appears they have never had a school, except 
 for several short periods, while Aden T. Cory resided among 
 them. In conversing, through an interpreter, with a few In- 
 dians, including three chiefs, they expressed their willingness 
 to have a school established, if they could obtain a Friend 
 for teacher, and in that case they might apply a part of their 
 annuity to its support. VVe found some of their people had 
 an objection to school-learning ; having observed that among 
 the whites, where it was general, it did not appear to have made 
 them better men, whatever other advantages it had given them. 
 They feared their young men, on acquiring it, might depart from 
 the simplicity of their fathers, associate with the whites, become 
 dissipated, and “sell away the lands of the nation.” 
 
 These objections, wo think, might be removed if they w'ere con- 
 vinced that the evils they fear, and from which they have already 
 suffered so much, are not the necessary and inevitable attend- 
 ants on civilization ; they might then view its institutions more 
 
6 
 
 NAIUIATIVE OF THE COMMITl'EE 
 
 favorably. We could not, however, urge them to apply their an- 
 nuity, (which amounts only to the pittance of five dollars for each 
 person,) to an object, in their view, of doubtful utility. 
 
 The state of New-York, only, has the right of purchasing the 
 lands of the Onondagas, whenever they may wish to sell. The 
 nation holds the entire Reservation, but each individual possesses 
 in severalty, whatever land he chooses to enclose and cultivate ; 
 the whole product is his own, and he can even sell his house and 
 improvements to any other Indian, but not to a white man, though 
 white men do occasionally hire portions of their lands, or cultivate 
 them on shares. They told us they raised enough for their sup- 
 port, and sold sufficient to afford them the means of obtaining many 
 of the comforts of life. We met several Indian teams loaded with 
 bark, for sale, on their way to the tanners. The interior of their 
 habitations, when compared with those of well ordered white fami- 
 lies, in equally good circumstances, would appear very uncomfor- 
 table, but when contrasted with the bark wigwams, &c., of their 
 ancestors, show great improvement. As they advatice in civiliza- 
 tion, their wants will doubtless increase, as well as their ability to 
 supply them. 
 
 None of this nation appear to have joined any society of Chris- 
 tian professors : their religion is of the mo.st simple character, incul- 
 cating reverence for the Great Spirit, and for Him only — and that 
 he will reward them according to their actions. 
 
 This nation does not, in our opinion, absolutely require any fur- 
 ther aid from Friends, other than occasional advice. 
 
 TOxNA WANDAS. 
 
 A part of the Committee on Indian Concerns of Genesee Yearly 
 Meeting, now joined us, and we proceeded to the Tonawanda Re- 
 servation. 
 
 The population is stated to be between five and six hundred. On 
 approaching the settlement, we travelled on Indian lands, perhaps 
 about two miles, on the banks of a feeder, made to convey water 
 from the Tonawanda Creek to the Erie Canal. This we learned had 
 impaired the value of the creek for fishing, and greatly injured 
 some valuable mill-sites belonging to the Indians. 
 
 We had previously heard that this was one of the most pros- 
 perous Indian settlements in the state, and were pleased to find it 
 answer our expectations ; we admired the general appearance 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 7 
 
 of comfort and improvement around us ; the ground was dry and 
 fertile and the fences and crops were good. 
 
 We called at the house of Black Chief, who was absent ; several 
 of his family, men and women, were hoeing an adjoining field of 
 good corn ; none understood English except the interpreter, a white 
 man, who informed us that all in this settlement except one or two 
 persons, were opposed to emigration. 
 
 They appeared to be well supplied with horses, cattle, &c. 
 Some of their lands we found were rented to while people, at from 
 two to three dollars an acre per annum. On visiting a number of 
 their houses, we found them comfortable, and their furniture and 
 cooking utensils more numerous, and of better quality than those 
 usually found in Indian dwellings. We called on Blacksmith, a 
 chief, who had been to Washington on account of the treaty, and 
 Avas anxious to learn its fate. On our return, we again passed 
 near Black Chief’s habitation ; he was then at home, and advanced 
 to meet us with a warmth and animation of manner very agreeable 
 to us. We could not hold much conversation Avith him, the inter- 
 preter being absent. 
 
 The Indians have discriminating minds, and the Avise among 
 them are noAv seeking to obtain the advantages of civilization, 
 Avhile they Avould aAoid the vices and miseries that have heretofore 
 been its sad attendants. The question then arises, can Ave second 
 and strengthen their efforts to this end? We may Avatch over 
 them, to prevent the fraudulent sale of their lands, and endeavor to 
 remove and prevent the establishment of houses of intemperance in 
 their immediate vicinity. Atone of these, on the very border of their 
 Reservation, Ave Avere told that a large proportion of the TonaAvan- 
 das refused to taste spirituous liquors ; still the temptation to others 
 is too powerful to be resisted, and ought to be removed far from 
 them. The religion of the TonaAvandas is like that of the Onon- 
 dagas, and all other North American Indians Avho have not em- 
 braced some one of the various professions of Christianity, 
 
 TUSCWRORAS. 
 
 6th month, 15th. We visited the Tuscarora’s Reservation, Avhich 
 contains 6920 acres ; 5000 of Avhich Ave learned Avere purchased by 
 the Indians from the Holland Land Company, and no one holds a 
 pre-emption right over this portion of it. Populatian 280 persons. 
 We met here with an old chief, Cusack, who told us he was in favor 
 
8 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE 
 
 of emigrating, though he was scarcely able to walk, from age and 
 infirmity. The rail-road to the Falls of Niagara passes through 
 this tract, and we were pleased to learn that compensation had 
 been made to the Indians for the injuries sustained thereby. We 
 dined this day with Margaret Doxtater, an Indian widow, who 
 spoke good English, and appeared to be an intelligent and pious 
 woman. Her son teaches the school at the mission house ; he in- 
 formed us that a small proportion only of the tribe wished to re- 
 move, and that those who have consented to go, have mostly been 
 bribed ; many evidences of this having already come to light. 
 
 One of our company called with the interpreter on an Indian who 
 is a large farmer. He had just finished ploughing for wheat, a 
 field of about twenty acres, and was enclosing, from the common, 
 another field of like size, in good rail fence. We entered unex- 
 pectedly, and found him sitting alone, reading an English Testa- 
 ment ; he had also one in the Mohawk tongue, which he under- 
 stood, but had learned Enlish enough to read, though not to speak 
 the language ; he had also a hymn-book, English and Indian, in 
 alternate columns. He had scarcely reached middle age, owned 
 an excellent farm, and we were told had earned and placed out on 
 interest about three thousand dollars. 
 
 We then proceeded on our way to the 
 
 CATTARAUGUS RESERVATION, 
 
 This settlement is now under the immediate care of Genesee 
 Yearly Meeting. After travelling a difficult road, for two miles 
 through the woods, that nearly surrounded the Indian settlement, 
 we emerged from them, near the brink of an abrupt descent of 
 perhaps two hundred feet ; below lay a delightful valley, several 
 miles wide, nearly level, extending east and west as far as the eye 
 could reach. It was studded over, here and there, with Indian 
 habitations. Through this valley ran the Cattaraugus creek, or 
 river, though hidden from our sight by trees. The first dwellings we 
 approached were without chimneys, and about the poorest we had 
 seen. It was a pleasant evening, and we met several men, women 
 and children, returning from the labors of the field, with hoes in 
 their hands. We proceeded down the valley, on a pretty good 
 road, to the settlement granted by the Indians to Friends, for the 
 support of an Indian school. 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 9 
 
 This establishment is on the main road from Lodi to Lake Erie. 
 The buildings are placed on a green lawn of about an acre, and 
 consist of a dwelling-house twenty-six by thirty-six feet, school- 
 house, barn, and other out-buildings. The farm contains about 
 two hundred acres ; seventy of which are well enclosed, and cul- 
 tivated in wheat, oats, Indian corn, potatoes, &c., with considerable 
 meadow, all in good condition. It is superintended by Joseph N. 
 Hillman, a Friend, much beloved by the Indians, and well calcu- 
 lated for the station he occupies. The school is at present taught 
 by a young woman from Vermont ; who had been employed at the 
 Mission School, which is now discontinued; and feeling a desire to 
 be useful to this class of people, readily embraced the opening in 
 our school, at one dollar and fifty cents a week, and her board. 
 We attended the school, and procured a specimen of Indian writing; 
 there were present fourteen small Indian, and a number of white 
 children, who, with their parents, reside among them. In w inter, we 
 were told, it was attended by an average of twenty-four; many of the 
 lai^er children being now at home, employed in hoeing corn ; a 
 number of whom we saw, and found they could read, write and 
 cypher, and speak tolerable English. 
 
 This Reservation extends from the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek, 
 seven miles into the interior, and is four miles wide ; the soil is 
 light, fertile, and easy to culfivate. The principal clearings are 
 along the public road, producing fine grass and grain. But a small 
 portion of the valley is yet cleared, much of the timber being 
 heavy. The dwellings are principally built of logs, though there 
 are a number of snug frame houses, wdth good barns and other 
 out-houses. There is a saw-mill, rented to a white man, and much 
 timber is cut on this Reservation. 
 
 The following memorandum, made by the committee who visit- 
 ed them, will convey some idea of the situation of a number of 
 Indian families. 
 
 John White, a chief, resides in a valley north of the council, 
 house and is comfortably situated ; he has a frame house twenty 
 by thirty feet, one story and a half high, with a chimney in the 
 middle ; it was furnished with beds, a few chairs, clock, looking- 
 glass, cooking and other kitchen utensils. The house was clean, 
 and an appearance of comfort prevailed, giving evidence of domes- 
 tic industry — two daughters were working ornamental leggins, the 
 rest of tho family, mother, sons and daughters, were at work in a 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE 
 
 Corn-field, which looked well and in good order. He had horses, 
 cows, hogs, agricultural implements, &c. 
 
 Israel Jimeson resides in the western part of the Reservation, and 
 is quite an extensive farmer, surrounded with most of the comforts of 
 white people; he had fine fields of barley and extensive meadows. 
 
 Samuel Gordon’s is one of the best establishments we visited ; 
 more neatness and comfort is observable than in most. 
 
 Young Chief, one of the principal chiefs, was building a new 
 house, for himself, and we rejoiced to see that his son was the 
 builder. While at his house, he showed us a document signed by a 
 large number of Friends, of Philadelphia, dated about the year 1798, 
 stating in substance, that they totally disavowed any wish to obtain 
 their lands, their furs, or their money, in return for any thing they 
 had done for the Indians ; and we told him we were the same peo- 
 ple. His house and rooms had also the appearance of comfort. 
 
 The interior of a number of other houses we visited, appeared to 
 us uncomfortable ; they had large fire-places, with a few chairs and 
 stools. Various articles of clothing, harness and agricultural imple- 
 ments hung around the walls and ceiling. Thus, the interior of their 
 dwellings do not exhibit the conveniencies that their improvements 
 without would lead us to expect ; varying, from a log hut, without a 
 floor or chimney, a fire built at one end, and an opening in the roof 
 to let out the smoke — a stool and very few culinary articles; to a good 
 frame dwelling, with beds, chairs, tables, crockery, and kitchen 
 utensils, much in the order of a farmer in comfortable circum- 
 stances. Many of the men dress like their white neighbors ; the 
 women generally dress in short gowns and petticoats, ornamented 
 leggins and moccasins, or shoes; they wear the blanket or shawl over 
 the head and shoulders, and trinkets about the neck. They com- 
 monly eat but twice a day, or when hungry, though many are be. 
 ginning to adopt the practice of eating at regular periods, like white 
 people ; their principal diet is boiled homony, sometimes sweetened 
 with maple sugar; these Indians maybe called a sober people. 
 As far as we could learn, there appears to have been no actual suf- 
 fering for want of the necessaries of life, among them, during the 
 last few years ; some support themselves well by making mocca- 
 sins, &c. for sale. The women still work in the fields, with their 
 husbands. There are a number in this, as in other reservations, 
 who let out their cleared land to white people, at an annual rent of 
 from two to three dollars per acre. 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 11 
 
 A new council-house was in progress, the Secretary of War 
 having directed that the Grand Council of the Six Nations should 
 be held at this place, in 8th month next. It is a large frame build- 
 ing, erected at the expense of the Indians. 
 
 Arrangements havinor been made for a council to be held this 
 day, we visited the old council-house at 10 A. M., found the fire 
 kindled, and a large kettle of homony preparing for the Indians who 
 might attend, from a distance. More than twenty women, most 
 of them with infants in their arms, occupied one portion of the 
 house ; these infants were brought to be vaccinated, which was 
 done at the close of the council, by Dr. John Wilson Moore. 
 
 We went to the assembly about 1 P. M. ; after a short pause, 
 Young Chief arose and spoke a few words, which the inter- 
 preter rendered in short sentences, to this import : “ Brothers ! 
 It is the will of the Great Spirit that we should meet hero 
 this day. We thank him that he has put it into your hearts to 
 visit your red brethren. Brothers ! we thank the Great Spirit that 
 he has preserved you in your journey. We are now ready to hear 
 what you have to say to us.” 
 
 One of our number then addressed them and said, their breth- 
 ren, the Quakers, had sent a deputation from toward the rising 
 sun, to see them, and inquire after their welfare — expressed 
 his satisfaction at observing their progressive improvement in the 
 cultivation of their lands, and pointed out the necessity of their con- 
 tinuing to advance in that respect. He urged the advantages that 
 would result from sending their children, more generally, to school ; 
 and said, he supposed that many ofthe large scholars were at this sea- 
 son needed by their parents, to assist in raising their crops, and that 
 this circumstance made the school smaller than it otherwise would 
 be. He then stated the benefit that would arise from the women’s 
 paying greater attention to neatness, and to the increase of domes- 
 tic comforts, which would encourage their husbands and sons to be 
 industrious in providing them the means. And, lastly, he adverted 
 to the absolute necessity of totally abstaining from strong waters. 
 
 After a little deliberation. Young Chief replied, taking up each 
 subject in the order in which it was mentioned. He fully admitted 
 the excellency of the advice given them, to improve their lands ; 
 hoped they would continue to improve ; said they had many 
 difficulties to struggle with, and desired Friends would not be 
 
12 
 
 NARRATIVE OP THE COMMITTEE 
 
 discouraged at their slow progress. He was pleased to see that we 
 had made allowance for the smallness of the school, and attributed 
 it to the right cause. He seconded the advice to their females, spoke 
 judiciously in relation to it ; and closed with these emphatic 
 expressions, on the subject of temperance ; “ If we fail in this, we 
 fail in every thing.” 
 
 Other chiefs also spoke. The subject of the treaty for the sale 
 of their lands, evidently lay heavy upon them. They thought it 
 “ hard, very hard, to be forced from their present homes.” Out 
 of five hundred inhabitants, they did not think one hundred were 
 willing to go ; although this Reservation was deemed to be more 
 favorable to emigration than any other we had seen. 
 
 At our request, Israel Jimeson, a chief, who had been deputed to 
 visit the district of land designed for them, beyond the Mississippi, 
 rose, and described it to us as follows : 
 
 He said, “ they travelled many days through a fine country, 
 abounding with deer and turkies, but they were told this was the 
 white man’s land ; Indians must not hunt there. At laSt they came 
 to a stream, the boundary, as they were informed, of the land de- 
 signed for the New-York Indians. This stream had abrupt banks, 
 perhaps sixty feet high ; yet, he observed, the high-water marks on 
 the trees were several feet above the banks. After some unsuc- 
 cessful attempts, they succeeded in crossing it on a raft. They 
 observed the river was skirted with timber from half a mile to two 
 miles wide, he thought it could not in any place exceed three miles ; 
 ‘ all beyond was one vast prairie,’ and which was wet near the 
 river; he had jumped upon the ground and made it shake for rods. 
 Further on, it was covered with stones. In dividing the land into 
 three hundred and twenty acre lots, as proposed by the government, 
 it was clear that most of them would be destitute of wood ; and the 
 little there was on the margin of the stream, as all would have to 
 use it, would be soon cut off; the trees too, were small com- 
 pared, with those of Cattaraugus. J. F. Schermerhorn, United 
 States Agent, told them, this was a fine country for Indians, a per- 
 feet Paradise — plenty of hunting and fishing. As for fishes, he 
 saw none, for the water was too muddy to see them in it, and he 
 saw none jump out ; and the game would soon be gone. The few 
 Indians he saw there were nearly naked, and so wretched, that, to 
 see them, would make even the heart of an Indian to ache 
 
ON ir;ri'-N concerns. 
 
 13 
 
 The contrast between that country and the lovely valley of their 
 own Cattaraugus, with its clear streams and noble forests, was so 
 great, that they would rather die than make the exchange. He 
 observed that the lands set apart for some other tribes, particularly 
 for the Cherokees, were better than those designed for the New- 
 York Indians. One of the Indians, an aged man, said he would 
 “ take the life of that woman, and those children,” pointing to his 
 wife and family, “ and sell his own life as dearly as he could, rather 
 than go and on being remonstrated with, added “ it were better 
 to do so, than consign them to a lingering, miserable death.” This 
 last incident did not occur in council. 
 
 Several of the deputation addressed the Indians, encouraging 
 them, notwithstanding many gloomy prospects, to persevere in in- 
 dustriously acquiring greater knowledge of agriculture and the me- 
 chanic arts ; and to send their children to school, by which means 
 they might avail themselves, more and more, of the advantages of 
 civilized life. The women were advised to improve themselves in 
 spinning, sewing, and to be neat in their houses ; they were told 
 much depended on their exertions in these respects, in advancing 
 the prosperity of their people, and in enabling them to rise to 
 greater usefulness. 
 
 To which Young Chief and .Hmeson made appropriate replies, 
 expressing their full satisfaction with the school and its superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 After the chiefs had closed their remarks, they informed us that 
 they clearly understood our visit was one of investigation and in- 
 quiry only. An Indian, named Jacob Johnson, then stepped for- 
 ward, and said, “ I am no chief, but feel so thankful to the Great 
 Spirit, for sending you, that I thought it required of me to acknow- 
 ledge it. I remember, with feelings of gratitude, the counsel 1 heard 
 from Friends, at Alleghany, when I was a boy ; and if we had all 
 been careful to follow that advice, our condition would be much better 
 at this day ;” adding, that he felt no disposition to boast of his own 
 attainments, but he could tell us, that the clothes he then wore, (and 
 he was well dressed,) were of his own manufacturing. He then ex- 
 pressed a wish to shake hands with us, and did so very cordially. 
 
 Young Chief returned thanks to the Great Spirit, that we had 
 met ; hoped that he would preserve us on our return home, and re- 
 store us in safety to our families and friends ; and that if we met 
 no more in this world, we might in another. The council then 
 broke up. 
 
14 
 
 NAUKATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE 
 
 We made arrangements to have a census taken of all the In- 
 dian population, over sixteen years of age, in the Cattaraugus and 
 Buffalo Reservations, stating how they stand as to emigration. 
 
 Two of the chiefs came to take leave of us next morning, and we 
 parted with feelings that will long be remembered. 
 
 In the 11th month, 1840, the engagement of Friends, with the 
 Indians, as respects the school and the two hundred acres of land 
 set apart for its support, will expire ; after which period, it is speci- 
 fied in the articles of agreement, between the Indians and the Com- 
 mittee of Genesee Yearly Meeting, that it shall be continued, under 
 the care of a joint committee of Indians and Friends, for the edu- 
 cation of the children in the Cattai'augus Reservation, for ever. 
 
 We next visited the 
 
 BUFFALO RESERVATION. 
 
 This Reservation wc passed through on our way to Cattaraugus. 
 We called at Big Kettle’s habitation: he was not at home, having 
 retired to a distant residence, in poor health. He is said to be a 
 man of great powers of mind ; is the first chief of the Seneca 
 Nation since Red Jacket, and preserves the simplicity of the Indian 
 character. His house, a small log building, we felt strongly in- 
 clined to enter, but an ox-yoke leaning against the door (the Indian 
 lock and key) forbade the act, and we retired, with feelings of re- 
 spect, for the honesty of a people who require no other guard 
 for their property. 
 
 The main-road leads through this Reservation, crossing the creek 
 several times on good bridges. 
 
 The land is fine and rich, with considerable clearings on both 
 sides of the road. There are about seven hundred and forty in- 
 habitants. Their houses are both frame and log, with barns and 
 out-houses. Severafl of the houses are very commodious, and their 
 interior arrangements are much better than many we had seen ; 
 some were well-furnished. Their women were well clad, and tole- 
 rably attentive to domestic order ; they still wear some beads, 
 broaches, &c. The men were dressed, mostly like the whites, and 
 the young men generally read and write, and speak English. They 
 have one school, attended by from ten to twenty-five pupils, ave- 
 raging about sixteen. They are now convinced of the necessity of 
 quitting the chase, becoming farmers, and some, of educating their 
 children. 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 15 
 
 There are a few mechanics among them, such as plough-makers, 
 carpenters and tailors, but in these branches they have made little 
 progress, owing to their near vicinity to Buffalo, where they can 
 have their wants easily supplied. They have greatly improved 
 in temperance, and had they not been so harrassed on the question 
 of emigration, their advancement in other respects would have 
 been more conspicuous. The permanent improvements making in 
 the several settlements, Ave thought, spoke in language stronger than 
 words, the general opposition to removal. But Ave were surprised 
 to observe similar improvements in and about the dwellings of some 
 Avho had signed to go ; this circumstance was, however, explained. 
 We Avere told, that in addition to the money offered, to induce the 
 chiefs to sign, a number of them had also obtained the promise of 
 retaining a life-possession in their present farms. Thus, Avhile 
 selling the lands of others, they sought to retain their own. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE 
 ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Committee, held in Netc-York, 1th month, 
 
 9th, 1639. Present thirty-two members. 
 
 The committee appointed at our last meeting, to visit the Indians, 
 in company Avith some Friends of Philadelphia and Genesee 
 Yearly Meetings, made an interesting report of their visit to 
 several tribes in our state ; Avhich Avas very acceptable to us, and it 
 was directed that it be entered on our records. 
 
 Information Avas given to the committee, that a number (nine) of 
 our body had Avaited on the President of the United States, now in 
 this city, to ask him to delay signing the treaty lately made with 
 the Indians in this state, until Ave could lay before him evidence, 
 that fraud had been used in obtaining it. He received them kindly, 
 and informed them, that the Secretary of War, J. R. Poinsett, in 
 order to ascertain the true state of the case, Avould go out and meet 
 the Indians in council, betAveen the first and tenth of next month ; 
 and the President invited the committee to delegate some of their 
 
16 
 
 NAnnATIVD OP THE COMMITTEE 
 
 members to be present on the occasion, and see that justice was done 
 to the Indians. On consideration, the following Friends were ap- 
 pointed for that purpose, viz. Robert Hicks,Thomas Carpenter, Amos 
 Willets, Daniel Carpenter, Silas Carle, Nathaniel Starbuck, Samuel 
 Smith, Abraham Bell, and Charles Marriott. And the Clerk was di- 
 rected to write to John W. Moore, of Philadelphia, and Griffith M. 
 Cooper, of Wayne County, in this state, giving them the foregoing 
 information, and also to inform them of the appointment of a com- 
 mittee, by us, to meet similar delegations from the committees of the 
 Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and Genesee, should they think fit 
 to appoint such delegation : and they are hereby authorized to rep- 
 resent us in the proposed council, and afford the Indians such ad- 
 vice as they may deem best, and report to this committee. 
 
 At a meeting of the Committee on Indian Concerns, held in New- 
 York, the 2d of 9th month, the committee last mentioned made the 
 following report. 
 
 The Council met at Cattaraugus the 13th of 8th month, and 
 closed the following day. 
 
 All the deputation from New-York Yearly Meeting attended, 
 and Benjamin Ferris, George Truman and Henry Ridgway, from 
 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and Griffith M. Cooper and William 
 S. Burling, from the Yearly Meeting of Genesee. Soon after their 
 arrival, Friends divided themselves into several commiitees, and 
 met committees appointed by the Indians, to consult, investigate 
 and arrange the business ; and they were pleased to find that the 
 Indians were so competent to manage their own concerns in coun- 
 cil, as not to require the interference of Friends. 
 
 In the able report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, at 
 Washington, transmitted with the message of the President at the 
 opening of the third session of the twenty-fifth congress, 1838-9, 
 we find it stated, on the authority of R. H. Gillet, United States 
 Commissioner for the New-York Indians, that “ The fee of this land 
 (the Seneca’s) is held by Massachusetts, in trust for individuals 
 known as the Ogden Company, while the Senecas have a posses- 
 sory right to it.” 
 
 This view of the subject we deem entirely erroneous. 
 
 The indefeasible right of inheritance, we believe, is vested ex- 
 clusively in the Indians, and, we think, no better title can exist. 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 17 
 
 The following document will show that this view of the subject 
 has been fully recognized by the government. 
 
 By authority of the President of the United States. 
 
 To all People to whom these Presents shall come. Greeting ; 
 
 Whereas it has been represented by some of the 
 chief men of the Seneca and Onondaga nations of Indians, that 
 they are entitled to certain reserved tracts of land lying on the 
 Cattaraugus Creek, and on, or near the Alleghany, and which has 
 been surveyed, laid ofij and the lines regularly run^ and distinctly 
 understood. That they are not in possession of deeds securing to 
 them the peaceable and undisturbed occupancy thereof. As well, 
 therefore, to remove all apprehensions from the minds of the chief 
 men and others, of the Seneca and Onondaga nations, as to secure 
 to them the possession of said lands. It is hereby announced, and 
 declared by the authority aforesaid, on behalf of the Government 
 of the United Stales, that all lands claimed by, and secured to the 
 said Seneca and Onondaga nations of Indians, by treaty, convention, 
 or deed of conveyance, or reservation ; lying and being within the 
 limits of the United States ; shall be, and remain the property of 
 the said Seneca and Onondaga nations, ^or ever; unless they shall 
 voluntarily relinquish or dispose of the same. 
 
 And all persons, citizens of the United States, are hereby strictly 
 forbidden to disturb said Indian nations, in their quiet possession of 
 said lands. 
 
 Given under my hand, and the seal of the War Office of the 
 United States, this seventeenth day of March, in the year one 
 thousand eight hundred and two. 
 
 (Signed,) II. DEARBORN, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 It appears to us, that the Ogden Company can have no claim to 
 these lands, further than a pre-emption right ; and, how far even 
 that claim is valid, seeing the Indians, the only real owners of the 
 soil, have never been parties thereto, it is not for us at this time to 
 investigate. It may suffice to say, that, had we found the Indians 
 willing to sell, and that a fair and honorable contract had been 
 entered into by them, we should have interposed no obstacle to its 
 fulfilment. 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 NARRATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE 
 
 The following is a summary of the facts that appeared to us to 
 be satisfactorily established. 
 
 After the council had been opened, the Indians stated that it was 
 concluded that the deputation of chiefs from each of the six na- 
 tions should answer separately. 
 
 The Senecas, being the largest nation, including the following 
 reservations, viz. Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Buffalo and Tonewanda, 
 came forward first, and stated their objections to the treaty. They 
 strongly urged, that they held nothing to be valid in national con- 
 cerns of this magnitude, that was not done in open council. They 
 admitted that the amended treaty had been fully and fairly explain- 
 ed to them by the United States Commissioner, in councils pre- 
 viously held, and that sixteen chiefs only, came forward in open 
 council, and signed it, and that sixty-two came forward in the same 
 council and signed a protest against it. This latter act, the 
 United States agent refused to acknowledge, but General Dearborn, 
 commissioner for Massachusetts, being present, affixed his name as 
 witness thereto. 
 
 That council was continued many weeks during the busiest sea- 
 son of the harvest of last year, greatly to the detriment of the 
 Indians in getting in their crops and during its intervals, the 
 signatures of an additional number of chiefs were privately obtain- 
 ed, by means hereafter to be developed ; against which the In- 
 dians earnestly protest. 
 
 From accounts, taken with great care and labor, it appears, that, 
 of the whole Seneca nation, in all their reservations, two thousand 
 three hundred and fifty-nine persons were opposed to emigration, 
 and to the amended treaty ; and one hundred and forty-six pro. 
 fessedly in favor of both.* Of this small minorit)^, several were 
 chiefs, who had obtained written obligations from H. B. Potter^ 
 agent of the Ogden Company, promising them large sums of 
 money, and in a number of instances, life-leases of the farms where 
 they now reside, on condition that the treaty be carried into effect. 
 Copies of articles of this description, entered into with seven 
 chiefs, were placed in the hands of the Secretary of War, after he 
 had seen the originals, wherein more than seventeen thousand dol- 
 
 * Statistical tables, duly attested, giving the names of heads of families, &c. too 
 voluminous for this publication, may be seen, by calling on William C. White, 
 clerk of the Indian Committee. 
 
ON INDIAN CONCERNS. 
 
 10 
 
 lars had been thus promised, two of which we annex. See 
 Appendix, A. and B. 
 
 Several other chiefs, whose names appear to the said treaty, 
 have attested, before magistrates, that if their names are so affixed, 
 it has been done without their knowledge or consent, or through 
 unfair and dishonorable means. 
 
 Thus it appears, that those who profess to be in favor of the 
 treaty, as amended, are to remain and be made rich, on condition 
 of selling the lands of their brethren, who, although irreconcilably 
 opposed to going, are to be forced to emigrate, with the loss of 
 valuable improvements. 
 
 It may be proper to state, that those opposed to removal, have 
 repeatedly, and in open council at that time, offered the emigrating 
 party their full share of the lands and annuities of the nation ; but 
 these offers have not been accepted. 
 
 It was stated in council, by those in favor of the treaty, that 
 presents were always given to the chiefs, in making treaties, and 
 that the Quakers themselves gave presents on such occasions. Of 
 the truth of this assertion we had no evidence. If presents were 
 ever made by the proprietors of Pennsylvania, on occasion of any 
 treat)’, they were tokens of friendship, after the conclusion of such 
 treaty — not secret promises of large sums to the chief, on condi- 
 tion that they would mako cessions of their people’s lands, contrary 
 to the known will of the nation. The one we view as an honorable 
 liberality, the other, as bribery and corruption. 
 
 The Secretary of War, J. R. Poinsett, conducted the business 
 with great propriety. 
 
 The case of the Tuscaroras peculiarly excited our sympathy. 
 This nation removed from North Carolina in 1712, and found an 
 asylum among the Senecas, a tract of land being assigned them 
 near Niagara Falls. Their numbers are less than three hundred, 
 viz. two hundred and thirty opposed to emigration, and fifty in its 
 favor. When the amended treaty was submitted to them, they 
 objected to it, seeing most of them already possessed good farms, 
 and had become civilized ; John Mountpleasant, one of their chiefs, 
 having himself, the present year, more than sixty acres of grain. 
 
 The whole Onondaga nation, residing on their Reservation, seem 
 to be unanimous in rejecting the treaty ; and they say, they 
 have recently received an assurance from the governor of this 
 
20 
 
 KARKATIVE OF niB COMMITTEE 
 
 State, that they shall not be molested. The right of purchase re- 
 mains in the state of New-York. 
 
 The Oneidas appear to stand twenty-one in favor of removing 
 west, and six hundred and seventy-six opposed to removal. Should 
 their lands be hereafter sold, the state of New-York will have to 
 become the purchaser. 
 
 As respects the St. Regis Indians, we did not clearly learn the 
 relative numbers,ybr, and against removal ; but, on examining the 
 treaty, we were pleased to find that they had procured a clause to 
 be added, by which they were not to be compelled by the govern- 
 ment to remove. 
 
 Believing the foregoing reports contain much information that 
 will be interesting to Friends generally, one thousand copies are 
 directed to be printed for distribution among our members. 
 
 Signed on behalf and by direction of the Committee, 
 
 WILLIAM C. WHITE, Clerk. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Articlks of Agreemf-xt, made and concluded this seventh day 
 of August, 1837, between Heman R. Potter, of the city of Buffalo, 
 of th« first part, and Samuel Gordon, a Seneca Indian of Catta- 
 raugus Reservation, in the county of Erie, of the second part. 
 
 NViinRHAS, in conformity with the declared policy of the govern- 
 ment of the United States, the proprietors of the pre-emption title 
 of and in the four several tracts of land reserved by the Seneca 
 tribe of Indians, within the said state of New-York, are desirous to 
 induce the above-mentioned tribe of Indians to accept for their 
 future and permanent residence, a tract of country in the territory 
 west of the river Mississippi, appropriated for Indians inhabiting 
 the Atlantic and other neighboring states ; and are also desirous, 
 by fair purchase, to extinguish the right of the said Indians, in and 
 to the lands in this state, so reserved by them. And, whereas, in 
 furtherance of these objects, and in order to a future treaty, by 
 which to effect the same, the said proprietors have authorized ne- 
 gotiations to be opened with the chiefs, and other leading men of 
 the said tribe of Indians ; and certain offers to be made to them in 
 mr>ney, as a permanent fund for the nation, and a compensation for 
 their improvements; and have also deemed it adviseable and 
 necessary to employ the aid, co-operation, and services, of certain 
 individuals who are able to influence the said Indians to accept of 
 the offer so to be made to them. And, whereas the said Heman 
 B. Potter, the party of the first part, is empowered to act on behalf 
 of the said proprietors, and to contract with any individual whose 
 co-operation and agency may be necessary and efficient, in ac- 
 complishing the above-mentioned object ; and the said Samuel 
 Gordon, the party of the second part, lias agreed to contribute his 
 influence and services in the premises : Now, therefore, it is 
 
 mutually agreed, by and between the parties hereto, as follows. 
 First, the party of the second part undertakes and agrees to use 
 his best exertions and endeavors, to dispose and induce the said 
 Indians to adopt and pursue the advice and recommendations of the 
 government of the United States, in respect to their removal and 
 future location ; and on such fair terms as the party of the first 
 part, and his associates, in the name of the said proprietors, shall 
 propose ; to sell and release, by treaty, their said reserved land.s, 
 and, on all occasions, to co-operato with and aid the said party of 
 
23 
 
 ▲FPENDIX. 
 
 the first part, and his associates, as he may be from time to time 
 advised, in talks and negotiations with the chiefs, and other influ- 
 ential men of the said tribe, and in the active application of his 
 whole influence at councils, and confidential interviews, for the 
 purpose of effecting a treaty between the said tribe and the said 
 proprietors, for the extinguishment of the Indian title to the said 
 reserved lands. Second, In consideration of such efforts, co-ope- 
 ration and services, on the part of the said Samuel Gordon, faithfully 
 bestowed in the premises, the said Heman B. Potter, on his part, 
 and that of his associates, agrees to pay, or cause to be paid, to 
 the said Samuel Gordon, the sum of five thousand dollars, within 
 three months after notice of the ratification by the Senate of the 
 United States, of a valid treaty between the said tribe and the 
 owners of the said pre-emptive title, or their trustees, by which the 
 right and title of said Indians shall be effectually released and ex- 
 tinguished, in and to the said reserved lands. This Agreement, 
 on the part of said party of the first part, being expressly depend- 
 ant upon a treaty, to be made and ratified, upon terms, conditions, 
 and stipulations, to be proposed and offered by the said party of the 
 first part, and his associates. 
 
 H. B. POTTER. (l.s.) 
 SAMUEL GORDON, (l.s.) 
 
 Witness, 
 
 O. Allen. 
 
 It is understood and agreed, that the sum of one thousand dol- 
 lars is to be added to the written contract. 
 
 O. Allen. 
 
 H. P. Wilcox. 
 
 Sept. 29, 1838. [A copy.] 
 
 B 
 
 It is agreed, between Heman B. Potter, of the city of Buffalo, 
 of the first part, and Blue Eyes, a Seneca Chief of the Cattaraugus 
 Reservation, of the second part, as follows : That, in case the 
 
 Seneca tribe of Indians shall accept the offers of the government 
 of the United States, for their removal to the west of the Missis- 
 sippi river, and shall sell their lands in this state to the pre-emptive 
 owners, upon negotiations now pending ; and, in case the said Blue 
 Eyes shall faithfully co-operate with, and aid the said Heman B. 
 Potter, and his associates, as he may be advised from time to time, 
 by his services and influence at councils, and confidential inter- 
 views, for the purpose of effecting a treaty between the said tribe 
 and the said proprietors, for the effectual release and extinguish- 
 ment of the Indian title of, in, and to the said reserved lands, which 
 he engages to do, and sign said treaty ; and if such treaty shall be 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 2ff 
 
 made, and shall be thereupon ratified by the Senate of the United 
 States, then, the said Heman B. Potter, who is authorized to act in 
 the prentises, for said proprietors, hereby stipulates and agrees, for 
 himself and his associates, to pay, or cause to be paid, to the said 
 Blue Eyes, the sum of two thousand dollars, in three months after 
 notice of such ratification ; and, also, that the said Blue Eyes 
 shall be entitled to a lease from the said pre-emptive owners, or 
 their trustees, of about fifty acres of land, where he now lives, on 
 the Cattaraugus Reservation, for and during his natural life, to be ter- 
 minable whenever he shall cease to live on and occupy the same, said 
 lease to be executed as soon after said treaty as said lands shall be 
 surveyed into lots. 
 
 Witness, our hands and seals. Sept. 16, 1837. 
 
 In presence of 
 
 Sauuel Gordon. 
 
 H. B. POTTER. 
 
 His 
 
 BLUE X EYES. 
 
 mark. 
 
 [A copy.] 
 
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