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'66 9A1 PniNTED IN PURSUANCE OP THE DIUECTIGN OP THB YEARLY MEETINQ. LONDON: HARVEY AND DARTON, GRACECHURCH-STREET. 1839. l_p B V;^7fc<^ ■ R 9z Since the publication of the pamphlet on the Aborigines, issued by the Meeting for Sufferings, at the commencement of the present year, some fresh steps have been taken in reference to this deeply interesting subject, and important information has also been received, more particularly relating to the North American Indians. A brief report, or narrative of proceed- ings, was presented by the Meeting for Sufferings to the Yearly Meeting, and that Meeting directed that the statements therein contained should be published, together with such additional mntter connected therewith as might appear suitable for general circulation. The following pages have been prepared in pursuance of that direction, and they are now commended to the attentive perusal of Friends generally, and more especially of those who may have any opportunity of assisting to redress the wrongs, or pro- mote the welfare of the oppressed. (^ixntxB XiiiiteraitQ Cibrarg KINQSTON. ONTARIO among to nbui wholl)! The theNc ued by the ^ear, some ng subject, rly relating ttf proceed- y Meeting, 1 should be lierewith as pages have lommended lly of those gs, or pro- THE YEARLY MEETING having in 1837 referred the circum- stances of the Aborigines of the British Colonial Possessions and particularly of the Indians in Upper Canada, to the close atten- tion of the Meeting fur Sufferings, a l&ige Committee was forthwith appointed for the purpose, and the subject has from time to time obtained the consideration of that meeting. The following is an extract from their report to the Yearly Meet- ing in 1838, chiefly relating to THE CANADIAN INDIANS. " Whilst we have to regret that so little has been done in proportion to the magnitude and importance of the concern, it seems proper to state that tittle for the information of the Society, in the hope that it may contribute to promote the interest and co-operation of Friends generally. The Committeeof the House of Commons having presented aReport on the general subject of the Aborigines in the British Colonies, a copious abstract of that Report, with some additional information and notes, was prepared by the Committee of this meeting, and printed as a small pamphlet for general circulation throughout the Society. The facts which are detailed in that Report, and fully substantiated by it, show the great importance of the subject, and the need of prompt and energetic measures being adopted if the Aborigines are to be preserved from utter annihilation. With reference to the case of the North American Indians in par- ticular, two members of this Meeting waited by appointment on I^ord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary. He received them very courteously, and entered at considerable length into the subject. A letter was also addressed, in the course of last year, by a member of this meeting to a Friend of New York Yearly Meeting, and the names of Friends in Upper Canada suitable to correspond with on the subject have been supplied. In the meantime the accounts received through other channels, re- pecting the state of the tribes on the United States' frontier, and within the province of Canada, fully confirm the apprehensions that the policy both of the British local government, and also of the United States, has been perseveringly directed to promote the re- moval of the Indians from their present locations. This information at the same time proves the increase of civilization and settled habits among some of the tribes, and their consequent increased reluctance to abandon their settlements, and again seek in the desert. a support wholly derived from the chase," The appointment of the Earl of Durham on a special mission to the North American Colonies of Great Britain, appearing to present M very favourable opportunity for endeavouring to advocate the 18598«5 rights of our red fellow-subjects, and for urging the abandonment of the proposed measure, of removing them further to the north-west, this meeting thought it right to address the following memorial to him on the subject. To the Earl of Durham, Governor-General of the British Colonial possessions in North America, the Memorial of a Meeting of the Re- ligious Society of Friends representing that body in Great Britain. Amongst the numerous objects of great and pressing importance which are likely to occup^ thy attention as Governor-General, in the performance of the special mission to which thou hast been appointed at this eventful juncture, the state of the Indians within the limits of the British territories, is one which, from motives of general humanity, and also from a regain to the character of our country for uprightness of dealing and compassion towards the oppressed, has, we would submit, a strong claimon thy serious consideration. It may hardly be needful, as a plea for our thus coming forward to call thy attention to this interesting subject, to mention, that the Society of Friends, ever since their first settlement in America, have felt a lively in- terest in the civil, moral, and religious welfare of the Indians. The con- duct of William Penn, in founding the province of Pennsylvania, and his care for the rights and interests of the Indians with whom he had inter- course, ai*e early and well-known illustrations of this fact. The members of this Society in England have co-operated with their brethren in America, in endeavouring to protect and to promote the civilization of those Indians who are more immediately brought into contact with our fellow- members in the United States. They are not, however, unmindful of those tribes who reside iu the British-North American possessions. TI :ir attention has of late been more particularly arrested to this latter class by the measures which have been adopted with regard to them, and especially by the attempt to dispossess them by treaty of their most valuable reserva- tions in Upper Canada, and to settle theni upon the rocky islands of Lake Huron, the soil and situation of which, it is apprehended, will render it impracticable for them to raise by cultivation an adequate supply of pro- visions for the wants of life. The last annual meeting of the Society of Friends of Great Britain have directed us, as its stamding Committee, to keep the subject under our careful attention. We feel that although we have communicated with Lord Glenelg on the subiect, we should not be discharging the duty entrusted to us, were we to allow the important and favourable opportunity now presented, by thy special mission to the Cana- dian provinces, to pass without also addressing thee on their behalf. We will not attempt a repetition of the many strong facts of an oppres- sive and injurious character which have come to our knowledge from Imblic and private sources, and which we believe to have been already aid before thee, but we would express our earnest desire that thou wilt be pleased to employ the extensive powers with which thou hast been en- trusted, in securing to the original possessors of the soil of Canada, those rights which belong to them, not only as members of the great human family, but in virtue of their just and ancient title, and which Britons as Christians are bound to acknowledge and respect. In particular, we would most urgently but respectfully solicit, that the measures to which we have alluded, and which nave for their object the virtual expulsion of The lonment of north-west, lemorial to sh Colonial f of the Re- l Britain. tance which performance this eventful h territories, 'om a regard !l compassion >nUiy serious rward to call le Society of t a lively in- is. The con- ania, and his le had inter- The members brethren in ation of those h our fellow- anmindful of sions. TI :ir atter class by ind especially lable reserva- ands of Lake will render it .ply of pro- le Society of Committee, to ; although we should not be nportant and I to the Cana- behalf. of an oppres- owledge from been already t thou wilt be iQst been en- Cnnada, those great human ch Britons as •articular, we ires to which 1 expulsion of the Indians from their reservations, may be forthwitli abandoned, and the steps which have as yet been taken in reference to them retraced. However attractive the prize which these valuable lands may present to the cupidity of white adventurers, and whatever may have been the ap- parent regularity of the treaties, in which an advantage has manifestly been taken of the too confiding disposition of the Indians, we trust that a regard for the national character, and above all for tae dictates of Chris- tian morality, as regulating the conduct of civilized towards uncivilized man, will lead not onlv to the permanent confirmation of the title of the Indians to these valuable tracts of land, but also to the enactment of laws which shall e£Pectually prevent their alienation under any pretext. As an essential accompaniment of these measures, and without which their benefits cannot be fully obtained, we would claim on behalf of the Indians an immediate and entire participation in the rights of British subjects, and in all the*privilege8 and protection of which that term can be understood to imply the possession. We apprehend that the Indians have suffered great disadvantages, and that their improvement has been much retarded by their existing as a separate nation in the midst of a civilized community, subject to a regular government, and we are persuaded that if they could, by the opportunity afforded them of possessing all the advantages of British citizens, be in- duced to amalgamate with the subjects of the Canadian government, and to form a part of the colony, their protection and improvement, as well as the comfort and welfare of their white neighbours would be materially promoted. And we would suggest whether thy powerAil influence and mediation might not be advantageously employed in inducing them, by kind and Christian persuasion, to lay aside some of their national prejudices, and to co-operate in measures for the attainment of the object to which we have adverted. As the possession of civil rights must however be comparatively a dead letter, when the parties possessing them are imperfectly informed of their value, it is greatly to be desired that thou wouldst exercise the influence of thy authority and example, to promote the more active and extended operation of those measures which have hither proved the most successful in introducing Christianity and civilization amongst the Indians. The principles of the Society of Friends with respec o the anti-chris- tian character of war, have been often brought before the r: i<«ntion of their countrymen, but we feel that on the present occasion we Siiould be leaving an important duty unperformed, if we did not (besides expressing our fer- vent c^sire that thy labours may effectually conduce to the permanent establishment of peace in the Canadas) offer also a special remonstrance against the employment of the Indians in military service, by which they are likely to aggravate the horrors inseparable from all war, and greatly to retara their own emancipation from the savage state. In conclusion we wish to express our sincere desire that thou mayst, through Divine favour, witness preservation by sea and land, and that in fulfilling thy important trust, it may be thy chief concern to act in the fear of God, and that his blessing may rest upon thy labours. Signed, in and on behalf of the meeting aforesaid, held this 24th day of the 3rd Month, 1838. George Staoey, Clerk. The reluctance of the Canadian IndianH to remove from their re- D 2 servations is shown by the foHowing extract from a letter addressed to a friend in this country, by Francis Hesh-ton-a-quet, an Indian chief residing near the Lake St. Chiir, who was not long since ensnared into a visit to this country, where himself and his companions were subjected to much suffering : three of the party died, but the chief and his two surviving companions were enabled to return, by the assistance of our Government, in conjunction with a subscription raised in their favour, to which many Friends contributed. The latter part of the letter is particularly interesting, as bearing on the state of those Indians who are removed by the government of the United Stales to the west of the Mississippi. Lake St. Clair, Oct. 10, 1837. My Dear Friend, * * We were very happy in the reception of your words, and it cheered our drooping spirits when we remembered that our father thought of us still. We still keep hold of your words, and request that you will still continue to show us favour and kindness. We request that you will never be weary in doing us good. My father, while I was absent from home, nay people did not follow wisdom ; but since my return we are endeavour- ing to conform ourselves to its dictates. And now our main dependence is upon yourself; there is not another to whom we look with the same confidence of receiving assistance. Would you not be rejoiced to see your children observing the dictates of wisdom ? I listen not to those who say everything ; but their words pass through my ears without remaining, like a ball passing through anything ; but your words enter my ears and remain there for my consideration. I now feel that I am brought out of darkness and have light all around. We are very happy in the reception of your words, and wish to listen to what you say, and remain in our place ; but what would become of us should we listen to your young men, ibr they make us afraid ? We fear they will remove us from our reser- vations : you told us to hold fast our land, and we wish to do so. You have the Key of the door, and we wish you to tell us what we must do. Sometimes, you know, when children are small, it requires much patience and perseverance ; although they hear you, they caimot always perform what is required, and we wish you to deal with us as children. We feel much troubled since learning that the land at River Credid, St. Clair, and other places, is to be taken from us : we were told that we have no title to the land. We must be very miserable if removed from our pleasant places of abode. There are no other places so suitable for us as these we at present occupy, where we have such facilities for raising cattle, plant- mg, &c. We feel hurt at the removal of our council-fire, which it was covenanted should remain at Maiden, where we were always to receive the bounty of our great father, (the King of England.) Sometimes we receive our pre- sents in one place, and sometimes in another ; the council-fire is now at the Marrisoolen Island: we would be much rejoiced could the fire be always in some central place, for us who live in the vicinity of St. Clair. * * * I send you this letter now I am just returned from a visit to the regions beyond the Mississippi, where the Indians are sent to that go from the settled parts of the country. I explored the region between the settled ■^ r addressed an Indian ce ensnared mions were it the chief irn, by the subscription d. , as bearing vernment of 0, 1837. md it cheered liought of us ^ou will still ou will never from home, e endeavour- 1 dependence ith the same ed to see your hose who say ; remaining, r my ears and •ought out of the reception emain in our ir young men, m our reser- do so. You we must do. nuch patience ways perform ren. We feel id, St. Clair, e have no title ileasaitt places 3 these we at cattle, plant- ras covenanted the bounty of iceive our pre- fire is now at lid the fire be icinity of St. ; to the regions t go from the en the settled parts of the United States and the Spanish possessions south of the Mis- souri River. Although among my own nation, I did not feel so much at home as when with you. The Indians are extremely poor. * * * I am, dear Sir, your friend, Francis Hesh-Ton-a-Quet. The friends who have had the subject of the Canadian Indians under their special attention, have been strongly impressed with the belief, that Lord Glenelg not only patiently listened to the remon- strances of our Society and of the Wesleyan Missionaries, on behalf of the Indians, but that he has really participated in their interest in the subject. Although the treaty made by Sir Francis Head has not been annulled, some settlements of converted Indians are likely to have land secured to them, as will be seen by the following ex- tract from the Christian Guardian, a Canadian journal under the management of the Wesleyans. Toronto, Upper Canada, Aug. 1, 1838. It will afford great satisfaction to the friends of missions, and especially to those who take a deep interest in the progress of scriptural Christianity amongst the red men of the west, to learn that a dispatch has been ad- dressed by Lord Glenelg to the present excellent Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, on the subject of Indian title-deeds, which will secure to the evangelized Indians and their posterity the possession in perpetuity of the lands on which they are located, and which they have to some extent improved and cultivated. The settlement of this question is of incalcula- ble advantage to the Indians, and the announcement of it to them will contribute to bind them still more closely to the mother-country, an object of great national importance in the present critical state of the Canadas. It is a remarkable fact, and one which must greatly contribute to encou- rage the friends of missions to persevere in their efforts to diffuse the knowledge and influence of the gospel amongst the Aborigines of America, that while during the four years that immediately preceded the establish- ment of the Wesleyan mission at the river St. Clair, the annual average number of deaths was forty-seven, and only twelve of those from natural causes, the rest having been chiefly occasioned by drunken quarrels, and accidents originating in intemperance. The average annual number of deaths during the four years that have elapsed since their conversion to Christianity has been three from natural causes, and from other causes not one. In other numbers of the same journal it is stated, that both Lord Durham and Governor Arthur, have received deputations from some of the Indian settlements in a very friendly and favourable manner, and that the Indians are pleasing themselves with the idea that the maternal kindliess of the Queen's Government will produce a happy change in their aftairs. It is related of a body of Indians, who em- braced Christianity only about four years ago, that they have well cleared many acres of wooded land, which they have enclosed and brought into cultivation, and that they have become temperate and orderly in their conduct. The Indian youths who have been admitted into the Upper Canada 6 r? . '1 II rt m Academy, have made very satisfactory progress, and two of them obtained some of the firHt prizes at the annual examination. Neverthelessjitisevidentthat much remains to bedone: the interests and even the existence of those Indians who have not yet embraced Christianity, or quitted their erratic habits, demand immediate and constant attention, in order to counteract the baneful influences of loss of territory and diminished means of subsistence, of the intro- duction of spirits, arms and ammunition, of the contamination of profligate example, and of the gradual, but certainly destructive pro- cess of the fur-trade as at present carried on. There is one very serious evil, the remedy for which is altogether in the power of the Government, and might be immediately applied, namely, the mode of distributing annuities and presents, granted by the British Government. This grievance, which took its origin in Sir F. Head's policy, has already been alluded to in the extract from Hesh-ton-a-quet's letter : its operation will be seen from the follow- ing paragraph taken from the Christian Guardian. A letter from a Wesleyan misBionary, dated, Munnedoolin Island, July, 1838, contains the following remarks. We found Brother Herchman and his family in good health, but nearly alone, the Indians having gone to the Munnedoolin Island. These people deserve great credit for their in- dustry : their corn and potatoe-flelds present a beautiful appearance ; they are, generally speaking, well hoed ; indeed, I do not remember to have seen finer crops; and they have evidently got them in, notwithstand- ing their northerly location, early in the season. It is to be hoped that this people, with their brethren elsewhere, will receive some security as to their rieht of possessing and occupy iog these lands. The land is excel- lent, the flats particularly so. The Indians were nearly all absent, hav- ing gone to the Munnedoolin Island : — this month or fi"» weeks' absence, annually, in the height of summer, when their corn and potatoes most need their attention, is of more injury to them seven-fold than the goods which they receive are beneficial. I cannot but indulge a hope that his Excellency, Sir George Arthur, who evidently has the good of the Indians at heart, will endeavour, in carrying out the gracious desire of her Majesty's Government, to quiet the minds of the Indians, will do something for this people, alike with their brethren, in securing to them a permanent home. Who, I ask, has a greater claim ? They have not, like other tribes, sold their possession for a stipulated sum annually, but have, however unwillingly, surrendered all the land that is worth possessing, trusting implicitly to the liberality of the British Government. Should the compulsive surrender made to Sir F. B. Head be considered valid at home, which I can scarcely conceive possible, after the eracious professions of Lord Glenelg's despatches, and, especially, the late dispatch to his Excellency, Sir George Arthur, the Lieutenant-Governor, this peo' pie are undone : but it cannot be ; the honour and dignified character of the British empire will never be tarnished by approvingof any dishonour- able transaction, even for a continent, much less for a ^w thousand acres of wild land in America, which is dear to the Indians, as the graves of their fathers, and valuable, as the source of subsistence for their families. j propc ^ dians I i Thi ^ Tunes eflicic the re of them I. le interests embraced ediate and luences of the intro- nination of uctive pro- i altogether ly applied, granted by rigin in Sir Ltract from the follow- [sland, July, Herchman iiaving gone for their in- appearance ; emember to otwithstand- hoped that i security as land is excel- absent, hav- leks' absence, lotatoes most Mi the goods oree Arthur, ?naeavour, in ent, to quiet e, alike with o, I ask, has !ir possession , surrendered bhe liberality be considered the eracious i late dispatch nor, this peo- i character of ny dishonour- housand acres the graves of heir families. I OF THE INDIANS SITUATED IN, OR BORDERING UPON THE UNITED STATES. It is stated, in documents presented some time since to the American Congress, that there are thirty different tribes residing west of the Mississippi, and connected by treaty with the United States ; their number is estimated at 196,307. Thirty-nine tribes are mentioned with whom the States have made no treaties : the number of these Indians is stated at 156,300. At the time that these estimates were made, it was reckoned that 47,000 Indians remained to be removed from the States to the west ; making an aggregate Indian population of about 350,000. In 1834 the number of Indians remaining in the United States, and who had not consented to emigrate was esti- mated at 30,000. At a recent period the number of the Shawnese tribe was esti- mated at 1,250. About one half of this tribe has at different periods been under the particular care of Friends. From these data which the Committee has derived from papers furnished by the correspondence of some of the American Yearly Meetings, it appears that the Indians under the care of Friends, viz. the proportion of the Shawnese under the care of Baltimore, Ohio, and Indiana Yearly Meetings, and some of the remnants of the Six Nations under the notice of the Pennsylvania Yearly Meeting, constitute a very inconsiderable portion of the United States Indians. They have, however, for many years formed the subject of corres- pondence between the Yearly Meetings of Friends in England and in America. At intervals a lively interest has been excited in their behalf, and subscriptions have been raised, in aid of the fund devoted to their service. The following extracts from the latest communications of the American correspondence in relation to these tribes, may therefore properly commence the chapter relating to the United States In- dians. The following is reprinted from the Report of the " Committee for the Civilization of the Indians," published by direction of the Yearly Meeting held in Philadelphia in the 4th Month, 1838. TO THE YEARLY MEETING. Thr committee charged with the gradual civilization and improvement of the Indian Natives Report, — That the Friends who went, in the fail of 1836^ to reside on the farm at Tunessassah, still continue there, and have received during the past year efficient aid from our friend Robert Scotten, who spent several months at the reservation. Under their superintendence the grist and saw mills have undergone a complete repair. We have also through their means received more frequent information respecting the condition of the Indians re- siding in the vicinity of that place, than we have been accustomed for some years before to obtain. In our report last year we informed the Yearly Meeting that, owing to the failure of the crops, six hundred dollars had been expended by direction of the committee, in the purchase of corn and potatoes, for the relief of such of the natives as had not otherwise the means of support. Soon after that meeting, a communication was received from four of the chiefs on the Allegheny reservation, from which the following is an extract, viz. "We, the chiefs of t.e Allegheny reservation, to our brothers the Quakers in Philadelphia. — Robert Scotten, now residing here, has bought and faithfully divided amongst us, provision for us and our children, which has been a great help to us ; for which we are very thankful, believing the Great Spirit has sent our brothers to help us. Now we will speak on the subject of schools. One school has been opened at Cornplanter's set- tlement, which has been attended by from twenty-tive to thirty children. We are very desirous that our children should go to school and get learn- ing ; but the teacher is unsteady. We, the chiefs, are encouraged to have our children schooled, and intend to build a school-house next summer, near Cold Spring. " Brothers, excuse us for getting along so slow ; we have not strength to get along as fast as we ought ; having lost our provision, many of our Eeople have been from home all winter, hunting to get provision. We ope you will not give up your kindness to us." A letter from the Friends at Tunessassah, dated 8th mo, 2l8t, 1837, has the following paragraph. " The improvement of the natives in agriculture does not bear a very favourable appearance at present, as many of them have been reduced to poverty by the loss of their crops, and have sold their oxen and horses to procure bread, and let their land out to white people to farm. Such In- dians as had oxen or horses to work, put in their spring crops tolerably well ; their corn-crops are mostly pretty well grown, but the spring being cold and backward, we are fearful that frost will come before it ripens. Their crops of spring wheat, oats, buckwlieat and potatoes look well. The natives have not often sat with us in a meeting capnoity, but we have had frequent opportunities with them on religious subjects to good satisfaction. They stanu open to hear us on those subjects, and have feelingly appro- bated what has been offered." \ By another letter, dated 12th mo. 20th, we are informed, that " the school at Old Town, taught by Peter Crous, (a half-breed Indian) has been in operation about four weceks ; it is small, not exceeding ten scholars at any time; probably the number may be considerably increased soon." " The prospect of a school at Cornplanter's settlement is at present nowise flattering, although most of the natives of that i)lacc appear to be desirous for it." — " In attending to the subject recommended by our friends Enoch Lewis and Joseph Elkinton, of ascertaining the numb'er of sheep that the natives wish to jmrchase, most of those who are circumstanced so as to keep them, appeared disposed to get them as soon as they are in circumstances to pay ior them. Several declined subscribing for them for want of funds. Eighteen individuals subscribed for ninety-nine sheep, which will be pro- cured as soon ds the funds are furnished to pay for them. From what I have been able to discover in gr ing about among the natives, I believe most of them hnve grain enough to carry them pretty cdnifortnbly through the winter. There are n few who are entirely destitute, and some others I nearly s t a comfo 1 This I I some fa I some ai I authori: I distribu ifrom hi ^ninety-! ■vhundrec I been thi |8ufi^erin| lis ordin I hauling I means I plenty c themsel ing wit Provisic feorn-me ipound." i " The ^continu( Ibchool. I saw ir progress and six In th chiefs 01 » " Brc ^heny i <£now h Buffalo feign tlu ners to cured s Blacksi preferrt two oth iected i: they ill logethe by nine Ion ; ai Agent i Wiiich \ "We good CI •ned to And kn KnoA •f the I •fl\>rts ^ons, I *e coil 9 ;ans received Indians re- customed for at, owing to I by direction relief of such )on after that ihiefs on tlie !t, viz. brothers the e, has bought ildren, which ul, believing will speak on planter's set- lirty children, md get learn- raged to have lext summer, I not strength many of our ovision. Wc 1st, 1837, has bear a very ;en reduced to and horses to II. Such In- rops tolerably e spring being fore it ripens. 3ok well. The it we have had [)d satiKfaction. elingly appro- led, that " the idian) has been ten scholars ut [Teased soon." present nowise ' to be desirous friends Enoch sheep that the ed so as to keep circumstances want of funds, uh will be pro- Froni what I lives, I believe irtnbly through lul sunic others I nearly so ; but with reasonable exertion on their part, they may procure f a comfortable subsistence for their families.'' 1 This anticipation was not fully realized, and it being apprehended that some families would suffer for want of an ader came reaty for J iirtittceB tl», a VT«- I'tsd to by Mt it wat considor- eivod tl>e ting »wb- Cold Spring, 2nd month 18th, 1838. To our old FriendSf the Quakers of Philadelphia. " Brothers : our brother, the Quaker who resides here with us, was here to-day at our council in our council-house, brothers, we consider it our duty to let you know what passed at the general council at Buffalo. We all met, Senecas, Onondagos, Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Oneidas, and all the rest of the New York Indians. Schermerhorn* called on some of the Indians from Green Bay to attend the council, who were also there. The United States' commissioner proceeded and opened the council with these words ; ' I now open the council of the Six Nations. I am commissioner of the United States. I shall do the duty assigned me by the president. I was sent to let you know what the government wishes. It is the policy of the government that all the Indians shall remove beyond the Mis- sissippi. Every chief that will control one hundred souls to remove, shall receive five hundred dollars. He stated that government was very kind to Indians, it would furnish one year's provision, money to defray the expenses of moving them there, build them houses, mills, meeting-houses, school-houses, blacksmith-shops, and furnish them with missionaries. When you receive this offer, all your annuity will be removed to the far country ; if any Indians remain here they will get no money, as there will be no agent here, but there will be one sent to the west, who will attend all your councils there. You must accept of this offer — you must go.' " He occupied the whole time in talking for the first eight days of the council. After we had deliberated on what he had said to us, and deter- mined on remaining where we are, the commissioner said : — " * We have finished. You have sold all you have claimed : here is the treaty made and written before you ; and all you have to do is to sign it.' '' He then laid the treaty on the table : at the same time, our petition being written, we laid that on the table also. The commissioner called on us to sign his paper ; the emigration party, to the number of twenty-three, came forward and signed it. The commissioner stating it was lawful to sign in the presence of the council, our petition v, uo signed by sixty-two at the same time. At that time there was a large majority of the chiefs, and nearly all the warriors on our side. The commissioner then said, ' I now close the council, but my books slinll be open all night, and until after breakfast to-morrow morning; then I will leave the reservation.* '' At the time he dismissed the council he removed the books to a public- house in the vicinity, and some of our people who had received large sums of money of the Ogden company, used great exertions to get many of the chiefs to go to this place, and prevailed on some with money, and others under the influence of* ardent spirits, were prevailed on to sign the pretended treaty. They offered large sums of money to many of the chiefs, who refused it, and remained uncorrupted by the offer of their bribes. *' We told those who had signed the treaty that the council is now closed, and you think you have sold our land, but we are determined to hold our * Schermerhom, who has assumed the character of a Christian minister, has likewise acted as Government agent to the Cherokee Indians, with whom he pretended to form a treaty similar in its character to that here (U'scribed. 14 rights. You may sell your proportion according to your numbers, but tve shall none of our land. But the commissioner did not eo as he said, he staid two days after the council was closed, and his books were open all that time ; and the Ogden company used all their influence to weaken our party by offering large sums of^ money to induce them to sign the treaty. On the third day in the afternoon, the commissioner left the reservation and went to Buffalo, and held a select council with those Indians who had signed the treaty. " The Ogden company, knowing our agent had withheld our annuity from us, and that we intended to send a delegation to Washington, and supposing we should be necessitated to hire money to defray the ex* penses ofour delegates, went forward to all those they thought would be likely to accommc^late us, and by their influence prevented our getting any for that purpose. " Brothers. Our hearts are pained, therefore we remember you, and aim to let you know our distress. Our necessity induces us to ask assistance of our friends. We have prevailed on James Robinson to go to Wash- ington for us. He will stop and see you on his journey, in order to be advised by you who to apply to at Washington for assistance ; and we think it is not likely we shall be able to raise money enough to defray his expenses while there, and would ask you to lend him as much as he may need. Our agent says we shall have our annuity in the 6th month ; when we get that we will pay you, and will pay you what you think right for the use of it. We will hold ourselves accountable for whatever amount you may think proper to let James Robinson have for that purpose. We are determined to stay where we are and enjoy our old homes. We hold the same minds we were of, when our friends Enoch Lewis and Joseph El- kington visited us last fall. Brothers, we believe the love you have felt towards us emanated from the Great Spirit ; and we beg the Great Spirit to preserve you and us, and protect us in our rights. There are sixteen chiefs on this reservation, two of whom have joined the emigration party. The Tonewanda Indians are all firmly opposed to selling their lands. At Buffalo reservation, there is a majority of the chiefs in favour of selling, but the warriors are mostly opposed to it. The same may be said of Cat- taraugus reservation. There have ninety-two warriors of this r^ervation siened the remonstrance, and added the number of each family, making in all seven hundred souls, the chiefs having signed it at Buffalo." Soon after the receipt of this letter, four Seneca Indians arrived at Phi- ladel{)hia as a delegation from the Six Nations, authorised to proceed to Washington, for the purpose of remonstrating against the ratification of the treaty. As it was obvious, from the documents in their possession, that the treaty had been extorted from the greater part of those who signed it, by fraudiulent means, and that a large majority of the people were decidedly opposed to a cession, upon any terms, of their remaining lands, the com- mittee believed it incumbentupon them, to address a remonstrance against its ratification, to the President and Congress of the United States, and to render the delegation such assistance, in stating their case to the go- vernment, and obtaining an impartial hearing, as might be in their power. In pursuance of these objects, four Friends were appointed to proceed to Washington, in company with the Indians ; and they accordingly arrived there about the middle of the last month, and laid before the proper au- thorities the remonstrance of this committee, as well as one of similar im- port, prepared by our brethren of New York Yearly Meeting, who on tion simi the that ofthi is in ferin^ them their ceivir Their suppo questi "I haps i "I 15 we he all our ily. tion had uity and i ex* d be tting laim tance V'ash- to be id we ly his e may when ht for ntyou Did the ph El- fve felt E Spirit sixteen party. Is. At Belling, of Cat- rvation king in atPhi- ceed to ition of hat the d it, by 'cidedly le com- against tes, and the go- power. >ceed to arrived Ser au- ar im- who on being informed of the })roceedings, had ^iven prompt attention to the sub- ject ; and also the testimony in possession of the aelegation, proving the injustice which must unavoidably be done to the Indians, by confirming and executing the treaty. The following is the copy of our address.* * The following Extract from a Letter, written by Charles Meatyard, of East Hamburgh, (United States,) dated Soth of 1st mo. 1838, will throw some further light on the character of those treaties for the acquisition of land. " The government of the United States are at this time taking steps for the removal of the New York Indians, west of the Mississippi. They have two commissioners here, who are endeavouring to negociate a treaty of removal. They have been in council more than five weeks, " Friends, as a body, have not interfered. Those of us who have attended the council, as individuals, have done so at the particular request of the chiefs of the Six Nations. The intention was, to watch the proceedings, so as to be witnesses on their behalf, they being apprehensive of unfair dealing — not without cause. " Many of them are called Christians. They have, on this reservation a large and handsome meeting-house of the Presbyterian order ; but the rest are not idolaters ; their views of the superintending power and influ« ence of the Great Spirit are clear and distinct. I know nothing personally of the Indians in Canada ; but from enquiry of individuals on whom I can rely, I am informed that they are as far ad- vanced in civilization as the New York Indians, and probably more of them have embraced Christianity. Their habits are in a good degree set- tled, and the use of ardent spirits is on the decline amongst them. Those known to my informant are parts of the tribes forming the Six Nations, who are at present located in our neighbourhood. They are the Oneidas, Senecas, Tuscaroroas, Onondagos, Cayugasand Mohawks. There are none of the last-named on this side the frontier. Those known to my inform- ant are located on the Grand and Thames rivers. The health of the Indians on this side is on a par with that of the rest of the inhabitants of the surrounding country, and I presume it to be so on the other. " It is rather difHcult to give you a distinct idea of the degree of civiliza- tion they have attained, because circumstances differ in some degree from similar circumstances in England. When a people begin to improve from the hunter state, it is, I thiiik, reasonable to suppose they would imitate that which is nearest their observation, which in this place was the farmers of the neighbourhood. The degree of civilization they have attained to, is in a considerable degree that of tlie farmers, their neighbours, but dif- fering in degree in different individuals. Many of the youns men amongst them speak the English language, and they appear generally desirous for their children to attain some learning. Several of the young men are re- ceiving their education at college, and two are studying law at Buffalo. Their moral conduct and general character is good, though, as might be supposed, there are some worthless characters amongst them. '* This is the best I am able to do in the way of answer to the several questions proposed under present circumstances. *' I will now proceed to make some general remarks, which may per- haps illustrate some of the answers. " I have attended the council as frequently as the distance from my (( 16 " To the President of the United States, and to the Senate House qfSepre- sentatives in Congress assembled. Dl i *' The memorial of ' The Committee for thegradual Civilization and Im- provement of the Indian Natives,' appointed by the Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly called Quakers, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts adjacent, respectfully sheweth : " That in the year 1796, the said Yearly Meeting, actuated by feelings of kindness and sympathy towards the remnant of the Six Nations residing in the western part of the state of New York, appointed a committee of its members, to devise a plan for meliorating their condition, by instructing them in literature, agriculture, and some of the mechanic arts. " After maturing the outlines of such a plan, and previous to engaging in its prosecution, they communicated their views to George Washingtoni then president of the Unittid States, who gave them his cordial approba- tion, and encouraged the prosecution of the benevolent design. " Having thus obtained the full sanction of the executive, the committee entered on its duties ; purchased land in the vicinity of two of the reser- vations, and erected dwelling-houses, barns, school- houses, saw and grist- mills, work-shops, &c. Members of the Society were also employed to reside on the farms, for the purpose of instructing the natives in agricul- ture, milling, blacksmithing, and other branches of labour, and in school- house would allow, it being about eleven miles, and having to go in the morning and return at night, prevented my attending so often as I wished, but I was there enough to discover the whole intrigue, to get rid of the In- dians. We were honoured with a burst of wrath from one of the commis- sioners for addressing the Indians, after the council ended for the day. Our object was to put them on their guard against the traps laid for tliem. They did not do this when we were present, or they would have heard from us. The Friend who was with me is a man of great resolution, and not afraid to speak his mind to any man. ^ " At the commencement of the council the government commissioners read something they called a law of the general government, imposing a fine of two thousand dollars, on any one who should use any kind of influ- ence to induce the Indians to stay where they are. I do not know if you are aware of the reason why there is so much i. jxiety to remove the Indians, for the plea of charity towards them is mere nonsense and hypocrisy. The Indians are invariably in possession of some of the best lands in the re- spective states where they are settled, and always along the course of the best rivers. This is the reason why they feel so very charitable towards them, and this also explains their pretended fear of their becoming extinct. They see them advancing in improvement, and consequently more attached to their possessions, and from attention to education better able to defend them. They think they must strike soon as every year diminishes their chance. There is no danger of their becoming extinct, except by the pro- gress of civilization they should become intermixed with the white people, and so lose their distinct character. The commissioners made great use of this argument with our Indians ; they attempted to work a great deal on the pride of national character. They are desirous of retaining it, but they want their lands with it also. istsi, copvj ian()s ini^rhl tnjiui hy tri not l)(f with fuith "lit nil " I[ "'e g(* 17 pre* Itn- fthe Binia, lings iding of its cting aging igtoni jroba- mittee reser- l grist- lyed to Lgricul- school- 3 in the wished, the In- ommis- he day. )r them, heard ion, and learning, and t-^ afford them snch advice and ansiatance as their peculiar situation, or ; c al difficulties, might render necessary. " These establishments were maintained for many years with little in- terruption, and one of them still exists near the Allegheny reservation, whollv at the expense and under the management of the religious Society of Friends. *' In the intercourse with the general government, to which this work of charity has given rise, the committee has had the satisfaction to receive the countenance and approval of the presidents who successively filled that high office, as well as to believe that its exertions have tended to in- crease the ha})piness of our Indian brethren, and to strengthen their friendly relations with the, whites. " At the period when the committee commenced its labours, scarcely a trace of civilization was discernible among the Aborigines. From the er- ratic and uncertain pursuits of the chase, they gleaned a scanty and hard- earned subsistence ; often pinched with hunger, and miserably clad, while a rude and comfortless cabin formed their onlj^ and inadequate shelter from the violence of the elements, and the vicissitudes of the seasons. " Without yielding to the discouragements which naturally grew out of this state of things, the committee has persevered in its efforts to the present period, cheered by the favourable change which has been silently and gradually wrought, until the aspect. of domestic affairs among the na- tion, presents a striking contrast to their once forlorn and comfortless si- tiuition. " Many of them are living on well-inclosed farms, stocked with horses, cattle, hogs, &c., from the cultivation of which they derive their support; and have erected and occupy substantial houses, respectably furnished, and kept in decent order. " As the comforts of his home increased, his attachment to it increased also; the propensity for wandering, and the love of the chase, gradually gave way to new and more powerful affections, and the red man learned to cling closer and closer to the enjoyments of his fire-side. To cherish this feeling has been a primary object with your memorialists, as well as to excite emulation in the course of improvement, both physic d and mo- ral ; and they have witnessed with peculiar pleasure, a steady increase, for some years past, in the population of those under their care : a fact, they believe, almost without a parallel in the modern history of the Aborigines of our country. " Imi)rcssedwith the belief that the methods adopted by your memorial- ists, were calculated to promote the lmp[)ines3 and welfare of tiiis interest- ing peoj)le, and desirous to further the success of the enterprise. President Monroe at get iblish- 0, Uls*t, u'utlly iiaiies,^ lOur ot* liiul a rmined to inform the two missionaries that they knew that the Quakers were their friends ; that when they went to move away from amorgst them, they have left all, and took nothing away with them, and that by this they knew that they were their friends ; and that the Quakers had sent on their teachers, pointing to Elias Newby and the superintendent, to teach their children, and that they wished them alone to teach their children, and would prefer that the two missionaries pliould move away ; all of whicli, added to the anxiety which they discovered^ in relation to the school, is calculated to increase our solicitude for the successful advancement of the benevolent undertaking in which we have embarked. " The committee would further mention, that in order to render our at- tempts for the improvement of these Indians more eftectual, in a religious Joint of view a meeting for Divine worship is to be held regularly on tirst- ays, and in the middle of each week, which the Indians are to he invited to attend. A portion of the Holy Scriptures is also to be read daily, in a solemn manner, to all classes of them who may incline to be present ; a silent pause to be carefully observed after the reading. " We have the satisfaction also to state, that a letter was recently received from Josiah Forster, of England, communicating the information that the sum of £-290. Is., an amount which had been raised by Friends of that country, in aid of our undertaking, was waiting our demand, and that we might draw on a certain banker in London tor that sum, which was accordingly done. The nett proceeds of the bill of exchange, iuclud- in^ premium, amounting to 1404 dollars, and 48^ cents, which, with ten dollars derived from another source, is now in the hands of Joseph King, Jun., treasurer of this committee. ** In concluding our report, it may prove interesting to the Yearly Meeting, to be made acquainted with the fact, that the United States Go- vernment has recently exhibited peculiar marks of a friendly, fostering disposition towards the tribes of Indians who have removed from their old locations to the west of the Mississi|)i. This is particularly evinced by the circumstance of the a'>;ent of the general Government having a short time since laid before various tribes a proposition, the substance of whidi -was, that our Government was willing, with their approbation, to lay olf a large tract of country sutHcient to contain a numucr of nations ol In- dians, and to give them a warrantee deed for the same (describing the boundaries.) That the same tract of country should be known by the title of the " Indians' Country ;" that no white man should have any right within the said boundaries, except his-business was sanctioned by the Go- vernment; that the Indians should have the privilege of making their own laws ; at the same time some laws wore rei()mmende(r, which it was thought best for tliem to enact; that tlie Government should be at tlio expense of building them a good substantial council-house; tliat each nation should send ono or more of their nuuilier annually to tlir said liouse, there to confer on such subjects as they may be interested in : that they should every year elect oni« i>f their ntiinber to ("ongress, there to reuuiin during the session to represent the whole of the nations rt'siding in their country, and that (Government would pay allexjienses in gointr to, while remaining ut, and in returning from the seat of Government, fins imjiortant pro- posal has l)een accepted by several of the tribes, of which tiie Shawnees, under our charge, is one. Fnun ]»ublie documents before the United States (Congress of 183(5, we conclude that the offer on its part to the Ab<»- rigines westof tiie Misnissipi, which we iiave just noticed, licableto thisobject. Uy existing treaties 35,600 dollars are set apart annually for a limited period, for this j)urpose, and to wliich may be added the annual appropriation of 10,000 dollars by the Govern- ment for Indian civilization. Thishistsum is divided among severnl Jcligi- OU8 denomination?, in supportof schools, and their efforts for the Christian instruction of the Indian*), in which division Friends have never yet par- ticipated. Upwords of one lumdred and forty teachers are now emi)l(>yed at the different stations, and 1800 children arc receiving the benefits of education. Exclusive of these, there are one hundred and fifty-six Indian scholars at the Choctaw academy, in the state of Kentucky, the expense of whose education, amounting to 18,000 dollars, is defrayed out of the 35,500 dollars above mentioned, which is especially appropriated to that object by several of the tribes out of their annuity. The academy is re- presented to be in a flourishing condition, and leaves the ipu'stimi of In- dian im jrovement, in letters and morals, upon the social basis, no longer doubtfu . The intellectual jmwer is there, and needs cultivation alone for its deve opment and expansion. In this acaih'my mechanical instruction is now combined with the usual course of tuition, and is regunled as the incipient step to the general introduction of trades among the Indians, their young boys availing themselves of it with avi«lify,and displaying an aptness indicative of eventual proficiency. — Lvttir ftwn BiUtimore Com- mittee, 2-lth 3rd mo. \S3ii. TiiBitE is no tribe of North-Anioricun IndianK whone circnmstances have attracted more general interest and wympalhy than that of the Chkrokijeh. Inhabiting tlu' remnant K.ngiish and Chero- kee hiuguages, the latter being r\pre>he, at New Echota, by the Rev. John F. Schennerhorn, and certain unauthorized iiulividaal Cherokees, to be a violation of the funda- mental ])rincii)leH of justioo, and an outrage on the primary rules of na- tional intercourse, as well as the known laws and usages ot the Cherokee nation, and therefore to be destitute of any binding foree on us. * * * "With the full detail of our trotibles we forbear to trespass on your indulgeiicf. They are extensively known, and our delegation, now at Wa8hinfj;ton, will be found ready to furnish any inforunition which may be needed. ue therefore respectfully present the following, which will show the ap- palling circumstances in which we are placed, by the operations of that pertidious act. A conununicatinn has recently isnued from the United States' nycncy, addressed to tla? cliiei's, head men luid people of the Cherokee niition, ni which we are told, that " tiie executive has formally declined" idl inter- courso ur curruspondunce with Air. Uoas, in relation to the Irealy, *' and" 2G that " an end has been put to all negotiation on the subject," — that it i* the unalterable determination of the president to execute the treaty,"— "tho time cannot possibly be prolonged," — " another day beyond the time named, cannot, and will not, be allowed you." The writers say, '* wo will not attempt to describe the evils that may fall upon you, if you are still obstinate, and refuse to conform to the requirements of the treaty," — ** we will not paint the horrors that may ensue in such an event." It will be readily conceived that declarations like these, emanating from such a source, our country already filled with troop , cannot fail to fill our minds '"^ith consternation and surprise. What have we done to merit such severe treatment? What is our crime ? Have we invaded any one'* rights? Have we violated any article of our numerous treaties? Have we, in any manner, acted in bad faith ? We are not even charged with any such thing. But we are accused of " labouring under a dangurouH error," and of being " duped and deluded by those in whom wo had placed implicit confidence." " Your pretended friends," say they, " have proved themselves to be your worst enemies." But what is our '' danger- ous error?" What is our "delusion?" Isita *• delusion" to be wensilihi of the wrongs we sufter ? Is it a " dangerous error" to believe that tho great nation, whose representatives we now approach, will never know- ingly sanction a transaction originated in treachery, and to be exuciited only by violence and oppression ? It cannot be. Is it a '* delusion" to assert that the makers of that ill-omened compact were destitute of a\i- thority? This fact we are prepared to prove by incontestible evitU'iice. Indeed, it is virtually admitted by the parties thentselves, and tho very fact, that an armed force should be jmt in recpiisition to defend their per- sons, and to compel our submission, argues, not obscurely, a defective con- fidence in the validity of the compact. Is it obstinacy toretuse our assent to an act which is a flagrant violation of the first principles of free government, and which sets foot on the neck of our liberties and our dearest rights? Are we to be thus frowned into silence for attempting to utter our complaints in the ear of our lawful and covenanted protector ? Is it a crime to confide in our chiefs, — the men of our choice, wliom vv«s have tried and found faithful? We would humbly ask, in whom should we confide? Surely not in tliose who have, in the face of our solemn in- junctions, and in opposition to the reiterated expression of our staitiments, conspired the ruin of our country, usurped the powers of the nation, framed the spurious compact, and by artifice and fraud imlnied it on tlie authorities of the United States, and procured for it the recognition of those high functionaries ? And now, in the presence of your august assemblies, and in the prcNtnce of the Supreme Jmlge of the universe, most soleniidy aniision. We acknowledgu the power of the United States. Wv ucknowledge our own fceblcncbs. Our only forlresb th(i off j)aj nil rliii 2t is, the justice of our cause. Our only appeal, on earth, is to your tribui To you, then, we look. Before your honourable bodies — in view of tribunal, your uonourauie bo'Jies — in view of the appaling circumstances with which we are surrounded — relying on the rigliteousness of our cause, and the justice and magnanimity of the tribu- nal to which we appeal, we do solemnly and earnestly protest against that spurious instrument ; and we do hereby, also, respectfully re-affirm, as a part of tills our memorial, the resolutions and accompanying memorials of the two last general councils of the nation, held at Red Clay. Our minds remain unaltered. We can never assent to that compact ; nor can we believe that the United States are bound in honour and justice to exe- cute on us its degrading and ruinous provisions. It is true, we are a feeble people ; and as regards physical power, we are in the liands of the United States ; but we have not forfeited our rights ; and if we fail to transmit to our sons the freedom we have derived from our fathers, it must not be by an act of suicide, it must not be by our own consent. With trembling solicitude and anxiety, we most humbly and most re- spectfully ask, will you hear us? Will you extend to us your powerful protection ? Will you shield us from the " horrors'' of the threatened storm? Will you sustain the hopes we have rested on the public faith, tlie honour, the justice of your mighty empire ? We commit our cause to your favour and protection. And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Cherokee Nation, Februarv 22, 18^8. Signed by fifteen thousand, six hundred and sixty-five of the Cherokee nation. — (The Friend.) The appeal contained in the preceding memorial was supported by an address from the citizens of Pennsylvania, from which the fol- lowing paragraphs are extracted. Memorial in behalf of the Cherokees. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in N after \\n' '2nd nit. the iiiluibitantj< of Georgia eommcnood gathering the Cherokeos, iu Georgia : tliey were generally taken frtna )U itr their houses, leaving their fields of corn, their cattle, houses, and most of their moveable property, for any person who pleased to take it into pos- session. As an example — one family was suffered to take nothing from their place but the clothes they had on. After some days the man had permission to return to his former dwelling. He found all his property removed : besides other things he lost seventeen head of cattle, one horse, forty dollars in silver, and a number of valuable bopks. Yesterday, which was the Sabbath, about eleven hundred commenced their journey to the far west. These made about four thousand who have alreaoy been sent oif as " captives." Perhaps as many more are in camp near Ross's Landing, expecting to start in a few days. There are but a few Cherokees now in the country who have not been ** captured." But it is an honour to them that they have made no forcible resistance, but submitted peaceably to their conquerors. Probably several thousands more will leave the country the present week. — From the Friend. Our poor Cherokees, with a resignation calculated to secure for them our sympathy, have abandoned in silent despair their fertile fields and beloved tiomes. Resistance would have been madness, as there were 8000 United States troops collected to enforce the cruel sentence, and the vo- lunteers from all the plundering states were ready to pour in upon them. But will not a day of retribution arrive ? Their wrongs they cannot for- get, and when their collected force shall number 80,000 tomahawks I trem- ble for the South and South-west. E. C. to G. R. Brd 1th mo. 1838. 21 st of 17th mo. 1838. — All the accounts in the newspapers agree in stating that the poor, peeled, scattered, forsaken, and unresisting Indians have been hunted like beasts of the forest, like sheep having no shepherd, collected into groups, and hurried away from their cherished homes to a stralfge and wflderness country ; and General Scott, however lauded for the gentleness and forbearance of his operations, if he offers the olive- branch in one hand, holds out the threatening sword in the other, and seems to us to have furnished, by the course he has pursued, a most strik- ing exemplification of the wise king's saying, " The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." A missionary teacher among the Cherokees, in a let- ter, well remarks : " Their simple request has ever been, to l>e let alone. But perliaps they are troublesome neighbours, committing depredations upon the whites. No! nothing of the kind is alleged against them. The vmeyard, however, is coveted, and must W had! The claims of eternal justice will never be forgotten, though the may seem to sleep, for God is just." — Friend. Not only lias the removal of the Cherokees been in itself a cause of great trial and grief to those Indians ; but in the mode of its exe- cution the cruelty has been greatly aggravated. Their removal has been committed to mercenary contractors, who have hastened them across the country in a manner whi(;h has subjected them to great fatigue, privation, and suffering. They have been closely crowded into Pteum-vessels inadequate for their reception, and several hun- dred, it is said seven hundred, have perished in consequence of un- wortliy vessels being employed in the service. m As an appendage to the case of the Cherokees, the treatment of a helpless remnant of Creeks, who sought refuge in their territory, is loo remarkable and affecting to be omitted. For several years past the Creeks, under the operation of the cruel laws of Georgia, and of treaties forced upon them by the United States Government, have been removing to the country west of the Mississippi. Some of these poor men, it seems, were so averse to removal, that they fled for refuge to their brethren the Che- rokees. Head Quarters, Army, Aug. 3, 1837. To the Council of tfie Cherokee Nation. It is ropresented to me by Lieutenant Dcas, United Stiitcs army, and superintendent of Creek emigration, tl;ata number of Creek Indians liavo taken refuge within the limits of the Cherokee nation, and tluit a party of those people, which was actually being transported, and which escaped on their way from that officer, is now there. It is my duty to retake these people and send them off, and I have anii)le means to enect that object ; but it is respectfully submitted to the council of the Cherokee nation, wlic- ther the interests of humanity would not be best consulted by collecting these people peaceably, tlirough the agency of the Cherokee authorities, instead of hunting them down with a nulitary force, which, however strictly in- structed, might, in the eagerness of pursuit, whether through accident or mistake, connnit outr.ages not only upon them, but even on innocent and unoffending individuals of the Cherokee nation. William Lindsay. Colonel, 2nd Artillery, Commanding Army, C. N. Resolution, 6fC. of the General Council of the Cherokees. The general council of the Cherokee nation have had the sidyect matter of Colonel William Lindsay's couununication, re8])ecting certain Creek Indians, under consideration. The authorities of the Cherokee nation have every disposition to com- municate to these people the view s and determination of the United States Government respecting them ; but they cannot take any steps to lend their aid to any compulsory nuMisure for removing the Creeks out of the lindts of the Cherokee nation. The long-estahlished intercourse be- tween them, the usages and laws under which they came into this luitlon, together with the feelings of humanity, when their unfortunate situation is considered, in connection with the jieculiar condition of their own affairs, all forbid it. Tho Creeks vcsidinij in the Cherokee J^alion to John Ross, /C.vc/., I'rin- cipal Chief of the Cherokees. .Siu, Wc have listened to your talk. You say the officer of the Unileil 31 nmttir 1 Creek () com- Uiiited le[ts to out. of irse hv' nut ion, tiiiition atiuirs, ., Prin- I'liiti'd States wishes us to go to the west. We are sorry to hear this talk. Our minds are troubled. We do not want to go to the west, unless the Chero- kees go there too. We speak to you as the chief of the Cherokee nation. It has been the custom of our fathers and our forefathers to go freely into each otJier's country. With this knowledge we came into tne Cherokee country. We came here to escape from the evils of war. In time of trouble we came to the Cherokees as to the home of a brother. When w6 came we were kindly treated. Our red brethren made no objection. They did not tell us to leave the country. But we have been pursued by the white man and treated harshly, without knowing that we are guilty of any crime. Wliile living here we planted corn in the season, but the white man de- stroyed it, and took away much of our other property. In this bad treatment two of our men were killed, one man shot through the thigh and urn), and three children lost in the flight of their mothers, and have not been found. We do not want to be put into the hands of the?e men. We ask the favour of vou to permit us to reside with you. "We ask your pity and protection. We put ourselves into your hands. We ask you to speak for us to the president, our father, that he may order his men not to hunt us through the country. We hope you will pity us ; we hope the l)resident will pity us. We want to live with you. We are wilhng to obey your laws. Again we speak to the principal chief of the Cherokees. Most of our numbers are connected with the Cherokees by blood or marriage, and those who are not themselves connected in this manner are nearly related to those who are. We hope the Cherokee chief will take hold of us and help us before our father the president. Will you tell the president that the son and brother of Chinnabee, the Creek warrior, who was the strong friend of the whites in peace and war, are here with us, and join with us in this petition ? We hope the chief will obtain neip for las own people, and that we may share in tiiat Itene- tit ; but, if not, we are wilhng to share in the amictious of the Che- rokees. You will discover our desires, and we hope you will be able to help us. Signed at Red Clay, August 12, 1837, by your friends and brothers, — From the Friend. .Mtlio'igh the Indians removed beyond the Mississippi have been rrpeattviiy assured that they will henceforth be suffered to enjoy un- liispuled possession of the territory which has been assigned to them, yet it may reasonably be doubted whether, in their weakened condition, they \^ill be able to maintain themselves against the increasing pressure of western emigration, and prevent the encroachments of the iiaekwo()(ls-men to whose progress, the Government of the United Slates, though it may Ite actuated by the be>t intentions, can give little or no check. The accounts furnished l)y rt.cent travellers niake known the existence of a nn)'airiiiff, I the (lis- some by ri. The (es, num- notwith- ; trade of ilnckfeet (1 Lodges ; the dif- thousand jr of the »ia river, led to. — Indians I is now OLE Tn- 9^ DiANS in Florida. These Indians love their country and feel at tached to the land of their fathers; and they consequently have re- solved to cling to the occupation of it, notwithstanding their neigh- bours have coveted to possess it. The character of their country has enabled them to maintain a protracted and obstinate struggle with the troops of the United States. Millions of dollars have been expended j a great sacrifice of life has been made. Many chiefs, decoyed by the pretext of a treaty of peace, have been seized and cast into prison ; warriors from other tribes, including the Shawnese, have been hired by the American Government, and brought into Florida to shed the blood of their brethren ; still the Seminoles do not give wayf; even amongst the members of Congress there are some individuals who appear to sympathize with them, and who admit the justic e of their cause, yet in ^the exasperation of disappointment, a war of extermination seems to be threatened both in the army and in the senate. Strong apprehensions have been entertained that the Indians who have been removed to the west, dissatisfied with their present allot- ment, and brooding over their own expatriation, may engage in u confederacy for the purpose of waging war along the western frontier of the United States, and thereby produce a diversion in favour of their brethren the Seminoles. An officer and soldiers from the United States army have been sent to overawe any attempts of this kind ; and it seems by the most recent accounts, that the danger of war has for the present happily subsided ; nevertheless, it is to be feared that permanent tranquillity even in that quarter cannot be relied upon with certainty. In publishing these particulars respecting the North-American In- dians who are principally connected with the United States, the Aborigines* Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings are fully sensi- ble of the difficulty of doing anything in this country which may have the effect of aiding their cause. They do not adduce these facts to excite abhorrence towards those upon whom they can exert no direct influence even by remonstrance, and still less would they in- tentionally wound the feelings of any of the worthy citizens of America, who, so far from participating in the oppression of the In- dians, do not cease to regret and deplore it. They rejoice in believ- ing that there are many of this class amongst other sects of Christians besides our own — and they would fain hope that their united eflTorts may not be fruitless. The hands of our American brethren may be strengthened and their efli()rts encouraged by our correspondence ; we may aid them by contributing to the funds which they may em- ploy in more extensively visiting the Indians, in prosecuting their labours for the promotion of Christian instruction and civilization among them, and in pressing applications in their favour with the Government. We may even co-operate with them by continued exertions in behalf of those tribes which reside in or near British 4—^ territories una by ui^mg <^U4 v...,. ».....«...» ^ „atie those steps which we desire to see pursued by the Government of the United States. Finally, whilst careful to employ the just and reasonable means in our power, we may at times be enabled rightly to supplicate the great Preserver of men, without whose favour all our efforts must prove abortive, that he would be graciously pleased to soften the hearts of the oppressors, and to crown our labours with success. OF THE ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC. Our beloved Friend Daniel Wheeler, on his return to this country, personally confirmed the sad accounts which had been previously received of the grievous effects resulting in the Sandwich and Society Isles, and otlier islands of the Pacific Ocean, from the intercourse of Europeans with the natives. Ardent spirits, disease, gunpowder and fire-arms have been spread amongst them, especially in the island of New Zealand ; a dreadful decrease of the population has ensued ; and in many instances, the Christian efforts of those who have gone forth to spread the know- ledge of the Gospel of peace and salvation have been mournfully counteracted. — Report from Ihs Mealing for Sufferings to the Yearly Meeting, 1838. This affecting subject has from time to time obtained the attention of the Aborigines' Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings ; and a sub-commitee has been appointed to collect and circulate information relative to it, and to confer with the principal merchants of London engaged in the South Sea trade. The committee has just pub- lished a small tract selected from the letters and journal of Daniel Wheeler, enttiled " Effects of the Introduction of Ardent Spirits and Implements of War amongst the Natives of some of the South Sea Islands and New South Wales.*' Any friends at the out-ports or else- where, who may know of suitable channels for its distribution amongst merchants and other persons connected with the South Seas, may ob- tain a supply for the purpose on applying to William Manley. THE END. 'i-yki-/' ■ .* f. Joseph. lUckcrbjr, Printer, Sherboum Ljuia.