Part 10

“Brothers, it is good that parents tenderly love their children. It is also the duty of children to love and serve their parents. Families should live together in harmony; and when men and their wives differ and part, and marry to others, it is wrong--it is an injury to their children, and displeasing to the Great Spirit. We wish you seriously to think of these things, and to discourage so injurious a practice.

“Brothers, you have often been told by your friends, that the use of spirituous liquors is hurtful. We must again repeat it--we wish you to keep your minds strong on this subject, and often advise such of your people as are in the use of it to decline the practice.

“Brothers, we think it our duty to caution you not to listen to every voice that would divide you into parties. It will make you weak in your councils. Your enemies may take advantage of it, and by this means, the very land that you own may slide from you.”

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To the foregoing communication, the chief warrior made a short reply, but intimated that they must confer together on the subject of Friends’ communication, and wished to meet them again in council, in two days, when they would reply more particularly.

At the close of this interview, which appeared to be solemn, one of the Friends present communicated some sentiments on the subject of religion, and the nature of true worship to the Great Spirit--stating that it might be performed while engaged in their fields, on the road, or while sitting with their families by their firesides. This they appeared fully to comprehend; and the chief warrior replied, “it was his religion, and the only one with which he was acquainted.”

This short though sincere confession of faith, from a native Indian, was a corroborating evidence that they were not destitute of the divine principle operating in the heart of man, which teaches him what constitutes the true worship of God, and requires not the aid of men or books to accomplish it, but is performed according to Christ’s testimony “in spirit and in truth,” arising from the sincere homage of a devout heart.

It appeared that the Indians at this place were also divided into parties, which prevented that free intercourse and conference with each other, which in former councils, were manifest, in forming their replies to Friends--and without a design to impeach the sincere natives of any religious sect of professing Christians, I may here state, from the observations made, and the information received on this visit, that the introduction of these, under the character of missionaries, on their land at Buffalo, where the chief councils of the nation are held, had created great uneasiness among them, and was a prominent cause of their present difficulties, and conflicting opinions. Some of the Indians had attached themselves to the missionary system, and joined in their modes of worship, singing, &c. and these were looked upon as converted to the Christian faith. Hence the others, who were opposed to the missionary plans, were branded with the epithet of pagans, a term hateful to Indians, and which they did not fully understand. Thus a spirit of jealousy was excited between the parties, and a fear entertained by some, that the introduction of missionaries on their land was designed to obtain a permanent possession, and eventually to dispossess them of it.

At the appointed time to meet them again in council, Friends attended, when the Indians of each party made replies to the former communication of Friends, which, for novelty of opinions, and to show the dilemma in which the Indians were involved, the reader will indulge me to give at considerable length.

The chief warrior’s son, on behalf of the one part, opened the council in the following manner.

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“Brothers, the Great Spirit has blessed us, and enabled us once more to meet in council, with our brothers, the Quakers. We feel thankful that the Great Spirit has preserved our friends in health who have come to see us.

“Brothers, we want you not to be displeased, if we of this party open our minds to you. We are going to tell you our situation. Some of us pay attention and observe the sabbath day--others do not. We wish you now, brothers, to give us suitable advice, and make our difficulties straight, as you understand how to remove difficulties.

“Brothers, you know the cause of our difficulties. You know the reason we are divided. The young men who sit here (pointing to four or five who sat near him,) think different from the old ones. Our old men observe the sabbath, or First day. We are not prepared for it. We wish you to tell us which is best. Whether to do as our old men do, or follow our old customs.

“Brothers, we have heard from the Quakers, that it is a bad thing for a nation to divide, and you wished us to be of one mind as one man--and now we want you to tell us which is the best plan for us to pursue--whether white people’s customs, or our old ones. On the other hand, you have been well acquainted, from old time, with our ancient customs. We meet three times in the year to worship the Great Spirit; and we want you now to put us right about it, and give us your advice on this subject, whether we shall keep the sabbath, or continue to adhere to our former practice of worshipping the Great Spirit.

“Brothers, it is now many years since you have taken us by the hand, and have yearly given us advice. We intend to follow the advice we have heard from you; but some of our old men have been drawing towards the _missionaries_, and keeping the First-day.

“Brothers, we hope you fully understand what we have said, and wish the chain of friendship still may be kept bright between us and you--and that you will not be displeased at what we have said to you.”

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A chief, named Strong, of the opposite party, then spoke nearly as follows:

“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted to have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother proposed the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers, we were glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.

“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason why we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last season we went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P----, showed us a paper which came from the President, which stated that he wanted his brothers, the Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep the First-day of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their books. He told us that Congress had made an appropriation for the purpose of improving the condition of the Indians, and he wished to know whether they would accept it. We told the agent we had the Quakers living beside us, with whom we were satisfied; and if any help came from the President, we wished it to come through the Quakers. Our agent told us, the Quakers, he knew were friends to us; they have property of their own to help you. Congress has also appropriated money to assist you, and you should leave it to the President to dispose of that, as he thinks best for your benefit. We, therefore, concluded to pay attention to both the Quakers and the President, and have friends of both. We saw that many of the different nations of Indians were becoming civilized, and that the Seneca nation still remained in their old habits. We saw that the Quakers and the ministers, (meaning missionaries,) both observed the First-day. We concluded, as they did so, it must be an appointment of the Great Spirit to keep that day holy. We then thought, that as he had appointed it we must observe it also. Some of our people were wicked. They stole, and committed many bad actions. We thought we would endeavour to have our children instructed, while young, which would be better for them. We have been told, the world had been made a long time, when the Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into the world, and wished that knowledge might be spread among mankind. Your brothers have often told us, there was but one God over all--we, therefore, thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour to christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased with it, and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And after a while, a minister came along, and wanted to know if they wished to hear him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded that when a minister came of his own accord, if he was a good man, he ought to be heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst us and preach to us steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister that our children could not understand. But we rather concluded to have some of our own people to give good advice to our children, on First-day, that they might improve and grow better. Some of our people have often heard of the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought it was right for us to keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read to, out of the Bible. The ministers who come here are different from our friends the Quakers. They are only travellers. Our friends the Quakers have given us a writing on parchment, stating that they would never bring any charge against us for what they have done.”

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Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and offered to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a school house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply, stated, that on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing to have their children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a house for that purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages they had already received from the instruction of Friends, and among other things said,

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“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the use of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect, and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute of many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference in our people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may be slowly.

“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in each of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your advices put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat with their brothers in order to reclaim them.”

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They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends would retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an answer. In about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council house, and after informing them that (although they were divided in some things,) they were glad they were of one mind about the education of their children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness, they might inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish them with a teacher.

They were then presented with the following observations in writing, as the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided and critical situation.

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“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their design was to improve your condition--to teach you to build more comfortable houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable you to raise and support more cattle--to educate your children, and to advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.

“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship him--and although it is our practice to meet together to worship him, yet we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in religion. We think it right that every man should follow the teachings of the Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would always lead him in the right path.

“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties, and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you back in your improvements, it will make you weak--it is contrary to all right religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”

Signed, SAMUEL BETTLE. WILLIAM NEWBOLD. HALLIDAY JACKSON.

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Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without the teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this principle, it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by degrees they would come to see more light.

This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as they had ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the other.

From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that their difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the missionary system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so called, and inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could not comprehend, and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard to religion had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and fundamental points,--while others, jealous of the encroachments of missionaries on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister motives in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the whites in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to their old Indian customs, in this respect.

From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had some further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of their children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to having a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it, and expressed strong desires that a school might again be established among them.

While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by the son of the ancient _Guy-us-hu-ta_, mentioned in the early part of this narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business--was fifty-six years of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and never had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.

These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may be noted to their credit.

Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property, yet the practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was becoming more frequent among them. In several instances they had applied to Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped, would open their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions, and in time, Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended, of dividing their land.

The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting them in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them instruction in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest progress in the arts of civilized life.

In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their principal chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s trade, returned to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced his business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a great accommodation to the Indians.

The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to be a source of uneasiness to the Indians--as _they_ urged the necessity of having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land, to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.

In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account of the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the schoolmaster, who resided among them, which will exhibit the improvements made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause of regret that the account was not completed--there being about forty families more, which were not included.

The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account was taken.

Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.--Has about twenty acres of cleared land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes--about forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit--three cows, four calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one plough, and one wagon.

William Platt, 30 years of age.--Fifteen acres of cleared land--a considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.

Levi Halftown, blacksmith.--Nine and a half acres of land cleared--one yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox chains, seven hogs and eight pigs.

Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.--Has twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lives--twenty acres of cleared land, seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke of oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.

Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient Guy-us-hu-ta.--Eight acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four of mowing grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs and pigs, and one plough.

John Jemison, 24 years old.--Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of land, twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per acre--has put up a new barn fifty feet long--made new fence to enclose six acres of land the present season.

Big Jacob, 50 years old.--Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three yoke of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs; has sown one bushel of wheat this fall.

Moses Pierce, aged 32.--Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a half of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five hogs and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.

John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.--Twenty acres of cleared land, raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats, four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.

Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.--Has begun a new improvement in the woods, and has about three acres cleared--parted with his old field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of steers, one cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.

Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.--Fourteen acres of land, five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers, one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.

Billy, 50 years old.--Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of potatoes, one cow, one calf, and three hogs.

William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.--Eleven acres of land, raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans, one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.

Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.--Eighteen acres of land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.

Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.--Fourteen acres of land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of corn, three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of potatoes, one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two cows, one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall five hogs--one plough, one cart and log chains.

John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.--Had last year two acres of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.

Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land, three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and killed three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three of oats, half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.

Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.--Five and a half acres of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,--corn, oats, and potatoes, quantity not mentioned.

James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.--Thirteen and a half acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains and sled.

Blue Eyes.--Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of wheat, three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two and a half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves, four hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &c.

John Watt, 35 years old.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, four hogs, twenty-six pigs.

Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.--Three acres of land, two cattle, and three pigs.

Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.--Five acres of land, three acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of beans, and four hogs.

Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.--Eight acres of land, three of corn, two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.

Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.--Fourteen acres of land, five acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.

William Halftown, aged 26.--Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten of which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars per acre for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some bearing apple-trees.

John Bone, 33 years old.--Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of meadow, four cattle, one plough.

George Silverheels, 43 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land, eight head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes, one of oats, one and a half of meadow--has lately commenced a new improvement.

John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.--Five acres of land, mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.