ADDENDUM.

[S]Western Annals, p. 606.

Cornplanter, at this period, was perhaps the only Chief of the Senecas and Six Nations, who remained firm and unshaken in his friendship for the United States. About this time the repulse of GeneralHarmar, by the Western Indians, had greatly emboldened them, and it was with great difficulty that the peaceful suggestions ofCornplanterwere acquiesced in by the Six Nations, many of whom still desired to make common cause with the Western tribes. In company with ColonelProctor, of the United States army, he proceeded to the country of the hostile Indians, and endeavored to reconcile them to the United States. His mission failed,chiefly through the evil influences ofBrantandRed Jacket, aided by the machinations of British officers. At a subsequent periodCornplanterrenewed his efforts for peace, and even called forth in favor of his measures, the opinions of the Indian women, who, as is natural to their sex, were the friends of peace. On this occasion,Red Jacket, among other remarks, said to the United States commissioners: "You know what we have been doing so long, and what trouble we have been at, and you know that it has been the request of our head warrior,Cornplanter, that we are left to answer for our women, who are to conclude what ought to be done." * * * *

"ColonelButler, of the British, told us he must take our writings down to ColonelGordon,[T]as he is a very wise man, and perhaps he may have something to say to us that may be for our good, and we want his assistance, as he is the man that keeps all the vessels that are on the Lake; therefore, my brother, make your mind easy, for your request is granted. And when we hear from our brothers, the British, then we shall know what time to start. And you must not be uneasy, that our brother,ABeel, (Cornplanter,) can not go with you, for he is very tired, (referring to his former journey,) and must rest awhile, and take charge of our young warriors, to keep them in peace while they are playing—for fear of danger."

[T]The British commandant at Niagara.

The intrigue ofRed Jacket, aided by the action of the British officers, keptCornplanterfrom this mission. There was, as suggested by a learned historian, Mr.Stone, (in his life ofRed Jacket,) another reasonlying still deeper in the minds of the Indian women, under whose influence these proceeding's were had.Cornplanterwas not only the principal war Chief of the Senecas, but he was a man of great bravery and sagacity, and withal a sincere friend of peace. The times were critical, and the Indians at Buffalo creek, and the adjacent country, were in frequent alarm. They wished to retainCornplanter, as he could best restrain the warlike propensities of the young warriors, while they could repose greater confidence, both in his bravery and discretion, in the event of actual danger during the absence of the messengers to the Western Indians, than in any leader of their nation. This mission failed entirely. "The man that kept the vessels on the Lake," refused to recognize ColonelProctorin his official capacity, and prohibited the passage of the Indian deputies to Sandusky, on Lake Erie, their place of destination.

A treaty held at Painted Post, in June, 1792, between ColonelPickeringand the Six Nations, was productive of peaceful and good results. It checked the disposition of the young warriors to take part with the Western Indians, and it led to another mission of peace, at the head of which was the brave old Stockbridge Chief,Henry Aupumut. It was also at this treaty, thatWashington, through his agent, ColonelPickering, made an influential demonstration towards winning the attention of the Chiefs to the policy of having permanent habitations, where they could cultivate their lands, and commence the work of civilization among their people.

After this period,Cornplantermade another, but an unsuccessful embassy to the hostile Indians. His efforts being unavailing, the war with the Western Indianscontinued to rage until the year 1794, when, on the 20th of August of that year, Gen.Wayneachieved his decisive victory over them at the battle of the Miami, It was mainly due toCornplanter'sinfluence and exertions, that the Six Nations were not involved in that battle, and its fatal consequences to the hostile Indians engaged in it.

Although the war with the Indians was terminated, there were perplexing questions to settle between the United States and the Six Nations, in which also, the States of Pennsylvania and New York were concerned. These were principally questions of boundaries, and also in reference to the grant of Presque Isle and the adjacent country. A Council was held at Buffalo creek, on the 18th of June, 1794, in reference to these difficulties. In this Council,Cornplantertook a conspicuous part; his speech on the occasion is fully reported in the proceedings. I make room for a single observation—addressing the commissioner as the representative of the President, he said: "Brother! You know our demands; we ask but for a small piece of land, and we trust, as you are a great man, you can easily grant our request." It is unnecessary, on this occasion, to give the details of this Council, nor of the Great Council which was soon after held at Canandaigua, namely, in October and November, 1794, at whichCornplanter, with other Chiefs, represented the Six Nations. ColonelPickeringwas again the commissioner on the part of the United States. The Friends of Pennsylvania and New Jersey had also agents present, and exerted a highly beneficial influence.

Mr.Stone, to whose interesting work I am much indebted, speaking of this treaty, says: "This was the lastgeneral Council held by the United States with the Iroquois Confederacy, and a vast amount of important business was transacted thereat. Several perplexing questions of contested boundaries were settled, and the relations between the United States and the Confederacy were adjusted upon a basis that has not been since disturbed."Cornplanterarrived at this Council on the second day after the day assigned for the meeting. He came with four hundred of the Allegheny portion of the Senecas. There were sixteen hundred Indians collected on this interesting occasion. It appears thatCornplanterwas subjected to some suspicions by his Indian associates, because of his frequent interviews with ColonelPickering. He was reminded by one of the Chiefs, that he was but aWar Chief, and was exceeding the bounds of his proper department, by partaking too largely in the conduct of civil affairs. ColonelPickeringinterposed, and stated that the private interviews he had withCornplanterwere at his special request. This explanation was, for a time, satisfactory. Further evidences of the distinction between the War Chiefs and Sachems were exhibited on this occasion.Red Jacketspeaks ofCornplanterand CaptainBrant, (the latter was not present,) as only War Chiefs, and the proceedings show that which does not appear in other transactions, namely: that there was a marked distinction between theChiefsand theSachems, the former having the direction of affairs belonging to war, and the latter having control of the civil government, under certain restrictions dependent upon popular opinion; and it appeared that they regarded the military power as entirely subordinate to the civil authorities. This single fact shows that the untutoredHo-de-no-sau-nee (United People,) had made no inconsiderable advance in the science of free government.

Subsequent transactions between the whites and the Indians, related to the sale of the lands of the latter. Their power as a nation was gone. Henceforth, if they were called together as a nation, or as separate tribes, it was only through the agency of individuals or companies, who desired to obtain grants of their lands. A treaty of this character was held at Big Tree, in 1797, (the site of the present town of Genessee New York,) in reference to a claim ofRobert Morris, of Pennsylvania, the assignee of the State of Massachusetts, of an alleged pre-emption right to a portion of the territory of the Seneca tribe.

Without entering into the details of this treaty, or others of a similar character, I refer to it because it developed one of the principles of government of the Confederacy, heretofore but little known or noticed. An appeal was taken by the women, from the opinion and decision of the Sachems.Cornplanterbeing the principal War Chief, presented the appeal, whereupon the Council was re-opened, and the proceedings were recognized by the Sachems,Farmer's Brotherbeing their speaker, as being in accordance with their laws and customs. The re-consideration resulted in a change in the treaty beneficial to the Indians.

Cornplanter, at the head of his nation, as its principal War Chief, had resisted the encroachment of the whites to the extent of his abilities. But as we have shown, when the fortune of war, under the superior power of the Thirteen Fires, rendered further resistance impossible,he had, as a wise statesman, made the best terms of peace he could procure. After the Revolutionary war, he desired to maintain friendly relations with the United States; and to accomplish this object, he was ready, when urgent necessity required it, to part with considerable portions of the Indian territory. His course of conduct, in these transactions, was severely criticised by rival Chiefs, and under their influence, his popularity, with the main portion of his tribe, and with the other members of the Six Nations, was seriously reduced, if not entirely destroyed.

It was during the period of his decline in power and authority, that it is said he endeavored to regain his influence by inducing his half-brother, Ga-ne-o-di-yo, (otherwise called "Handsome Lake,") who was a Seneca Sachem, to assume the character of a prophet. It does not appear by any satisfactory evidence, thatCornplanterhad any agency whatever in respect to the alleged revelations made by his singular and talented relative. In the account which Ga-ne-o-di-yo gives of the trance which led to his revelations, after stating that he had been ill for a long time, he says: "I resigned myself to the will of the Great Spirit, and nightly returned my thanks to Him, as my eyes were gladdened at evening, by the sight of the stars of Heaven. I viewed the ornamented Heavens at evening, through the opening in the roof of my lodge, with grateful feelings to my Creator. I had no assurance that the next evening I could contemplate His works; for this reason my acknowledgments to Him were more frequent and sincere. When night was gone, and the sun again shed his light upon the earth, I saw and acknowledged, in the return ofday, His continued goodness to me and to all mankind. At length I began to have an inward conviction, that my end was near. I resolved once more to exchange friendly words with my people, and I sent my daughter to summon my brothers, Gy-ant-wa-chia, (Cornplanter,) and Ta-wan-nears, (Black-snake,) to come to my cabin." The daughter hastened to deliver the message, but before she returned with Ta-wan-nears, (Cornplanterwas not at hand,) the Sachem had fallen into a state of insensibility, and lay for many hours in that condition; after his recovery, he announced to his tribe what he regarded as a revelation of the Great Spirit to the Indians,[U]

[U]Morgan'sLeague of the Iroquois. A most interesting work, dedicated to ColonelParker, a Seneca Indian, now an officer of the United States army, attached to the staff of GeneralGrant. Chapter 3d of this book is devoted to the pretended revelation of Ga-ne-o-di-yo, and the doctrines of the religion he inculcated.

AsCornplanterwas the half-brother of the prophet, he was supposed to be in some way connected with these revelations, more especially, as the prophet strongly inculcated the principles of temperance, to which the Chief had been, for many years, a devoted advocate.Red Jacket, and others, used these transactions to the disadvantage ofCornplanter, and from thenceforth he ceased to take any part in the affairs of the Six Nations, and but little in that of the Seneca tribe generally, but devoted himself chiefly to his own clan of that tribe. This clan, or part of his tribe, had for many years been under his official and personal direction. Reference, before this period, is often made to theABeelSenecas, and in a map published in 1792, byReadingHowell, a considerable portion of the country on the upper waters of the Conewango, and near Chatauque lake, is designated thus: "O'Beals—Cayentona."[V]

[V]This map is in the possession of the Pennsylvania Historical Society; it was recently presented bySamuel Agnew, Esq.

In 1797,Cornplanteragain visited Philadelphia, the seat of government of the United States. His principal object appears to have been to pay his respects to PresidentWashington, and take an official leave of him on his retirement from the public service. His address toWashington, on this occasion, is marked with his usual good sense and eloquence. This address was fortunately preserved among the papers ofThomas Morris, son ofRobert Morris.[W]

[W]Seeinfra,page 90.

GeneralWashington'sanswer was not preserved. As he entertained the highest respect and esteem forCornplanter, no doubt his words to the Chief were expressive of his kind regards for his Indian friend, and his best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the Seneca tribe.

From henceforth the career ofCornplanterwas unconnected with the general history of his country. He fixed his permanent residence upon the tract of land on the Allegheny river, granted to him by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The grant from the Commonwealth is dated March 16, 1796. In the patent the tract is designated "Planter's Field," and his town is called "Jennesadaga." It became his home in life, and is now his resting place in death. Here he directed his efforts to the civilization and moral improvement of his people, and as an efficient means to produce the result inculcatedthe principles of temperance—to which he had himself been long devoted.

In 1802 he visited PresidentJefferson, at the city of Washington, for counsel and encouragement. In Mr.Jefferson'sexcellent and characteristic letter to him, he expresses his approbation ofCornplanter'sconduct, and adds: "Go on then, brother, in the great reformation you have undertaken. Persuade our Red Men to be sober, and to cultivate their lands; and their women to spin and weave for their families. * * * It will be a great glory to you to have been the instrument of so happy a change, and your children's children, from generation to generation, will repeat your name with love and gratitude forever. In all your enterprises for the good of your people, you may count with confidence on the aid and protection of the United States, and on the sincerity and zeal with which I am animated in the furthering of this humane work. You are our brethren of the same land; we wish you prosperity, as brethren should do." Thus encouraged, our Chief devoted his time and energies to the best interests of his people, and under his influence and example they made considerable advances in civilization and moral improvement.

When the war of 1812, with England, broke forth,Cornplanter, although then far advanced in years, yet he offered his services to the United States, to go on the war path, and accompanied by two hundred warriors of his nation, repaired to Franklin, Venango county, when he learned that ColonelSamuel Dalewas about to march from that place to the frontiers with the Venango regiment. Arriving at Franklin, he called upon ColonelDale, and desired a statement of the causes and objects of the war,which being satisfactorily explained to him, he made an address, in which he said: "That many years ago a boy came over the great waters and settled among his people of the Six Nations; sometime thereafter the father followed to keep him in subjection; the Indians helped the father, but the boy was too much for both, and drove the father home. And now, when the father had become an old man, and the boy a strong man, and a good neighbor to his nation, he wished to show his friendship for the Thirteen Fires by taking his two hundred warriors to assist to drive the old man across the great waters."—ColonelDalewas obliged to inform the Chief that he had no authority to receive his warriors into his regiment, or take them to the frontiers.Cornplanterinsisted that his warriors ought not to stay at home and live idly in their wigwams whilst their white friends and brothers were upon the war path. So persistent was he in sending his warriors, that he could only be satisfied by the promise of ColonelDaleto send for them when their services were required, and when he should receive authority from the government to muster the Indians into the service of the United States, and that in the mean time he was to go home to his seat at Jennesadaga and have his warriors ready to respond at a moment's call. They were not called for by ColonelDale, butCornplanter, sent a considerable number of his warriors to the American army; they acted as scouts, and were highly serviceable on the frontiers, and in the Niagara campaign. His son,Henry ABeel, led these warriors; he held the the commission of major, and did good service to the United States in that war.

The condition ofCornplanter'stown in 1816, is thusdescribed by Rev.Timothy Alden, of Allegheny college, Meadville, Pa., who visited it in that year: "Jennesadaga,Cornplanter'svillage, is on a handsome piece of bottom land, and comprises about a dozen buildings. It was grateful to notice the agricultural habits of the place, and the numerous enclosures of buckwheat, corn and oats. We also saw a number of oxen, cows and horses, and many logs designed for the saw-mill and the Pittsburg market. Last year, (1815,) the Western Missionary society established a school in the village, under Mr.Samuel Oldham.Cornplanter, as soon as apprised of our arrival, came over to see us and took charge of our horses. Though having many around him to obey his commands, yet in the ancient patriarchal style, he choose to serve us himself, and actually went into the field, cut the oats and fed our beasts. He appears to be about sixty-eight years of age,[X]and five feet ten inches in height. His countenance is strongly marked with intelligence and reelection. Contrary to the aboriginal custom, his chin is covered with a beard three or four inches in length. His house is of princely dimensions compared with most Indian huts, and has a piazza in front. He is owner of thirteen hundred acres of excellent land, six hundred of which encircle the ground-plot of his little town. He receives an annual stipend from the United States, of two hundred and fifty dollars.Cornplanter'sbrother, lately deceased, (called the Prophet,) was known by the high-sounding name, Goskukewanna Kannedia, or Large Beautiful Lake."

[X]Mr.Aldenwas deceived by appearances.Cornplantertime, about eighty-four years of age.

Thus, in the altitude and with the authority of an ancientpatriarch, he continued to preside over his people, and promote their prosperity and improvement, without interruption or molestation, until the year 1822, when the authorities of Warren county, within the bounds of which he resided, attempted to levy taxes upon him and his clan. The old Chief had never before been called on for that purpose, and he objected to their payment. An armed sheriff'spossewas called out to enforce the payment, but arriving nearCornplanter'stown, it was deemed prudent to send forward a few of their number to confer with the Chief. When they came to his house, they noticed a considerable number of Indians lounging about, and some of them were partly concealed in the bushes near by.Cornplanterreceived the committee with great dignity. The interview took place near his house, and around the sides of it were arranged about one hundred rifles. When asked for the payment of the taxes, the old warrior sternly refused, and pointing to the guns, said, "an Indian for each rifle;" and in response to his call, his clansmen sprang forward to the house. Whereupon the sheriff and his men withdrew, without enforcing the claim.Cornplanterafterwards, for the sake of peace, went to Warren, and gave his note for the amount of the taxes. This note was never collected. The Legislature of Pennsylvania released the taxes, and exonerated him and his heirs forever, from the payment of taxes on the lands granted to him by the Commonwealth.[Y]The Governor sent commissioners to explain the transaction.Cornplantermet the commissioners at the court house in Warren, when he made a characteristic and appropriate address.[Z]

[Y]Journal House of Representatives, 1822-3.

[Z]This address is fully presented inDay'sHistorical Collections, p. 655.

This tax collector's raid would afford a fine subject for a painter: the romantic scenery of the Allegheny river, the old warrior's wigwam, the rifles arranged around it, the Indians in the bush, the last war-whoop of the old Chief as he called his men to the rescue—worthy of perpetuation as the expiring flash of the warlike fire of the last War Chief of his tribe.

Thomas Struthers, Esq., of Warren, was well acquainted withCornplanter; at my request, he has furnished the following statement of an interview he had with the Chief in 1831: "In 1831, I accompanied some gentlemen, residents of Pittsburg and Butler, who desired to pay their respects to him. It was a pleasant day in May, when we called on him. He talked no English. I introduced the gentlemen through an interpreter, whom I had engaged, and informed him that they had called to pay their respects to him. He seemed much pleased that his white friends were inclined to pay him such attention. The introduction took place in front of his log cabin, on the bank of the Allegheny river. He gave orders to some young Indians, the import of which we soon ascertained, by the fact that they immediately collected some boards, and placed them for seats around a log sled, in the form of a hollow square. This done, the old Chief pointed out to each of the party his seat, and all sat facing inward. He then took his seat in the centre, and announced that he was prepared to hear any communications we had to make. I told him we had not come to buy lands or timber, nor to trade for furs and skins, but had called on him in the spirit of friendship, to pay our respects to the great Indian Chief, whom we had learned to admire as a warrior, and especially asthe friend of the United States, who had inculcated the principles of peace and Christianity among his people. I referred briefly to the schools established among his people by the Friends of Philadelphia.

"The old Chief replied in a speech, which would compare well with many of our best State papers. His manner was dignified and eloquent, and his eye lit up, as if by inspiration; so that it was very interesting to listen to what he said, although we could not understand it, until the interpreter rendered it to us. He spoke of the relations between the white men and the red men—the war and bloodshed caused by the former, to displace the latter from their hunting grounds—the peace effected with the Six Nations—dwelt particularly on the virtues of GeneralWashington, the great and good White Father. He brought forth from a well covered valise, in which they were carefully wrapped in linen cloth, two or three "talks," as he termed them, on parchment, to which was appended the autograph ofWashington. He said he had metWashingtona number of times, and treated with him. Hissingle eyesparkled with animation, when his name was mentioned. And in conclusion, he thanked the Great Spirit that there were now no wars or blood-shedding going on, but that peace and good will existed amongst all men and all nations, so far as he could hear. He spoke as a statesman and philanthropist, whose mind was occupied with the weighty interests of mankind, rather than with merely the affairs and concerns of a family or tribe. He thanked us for our call upon him, and invited us to dine with him, which we accepted. The bill of fare was jerked venison and corn mush; the latter was prepared in the Indian manner;each guest having a tin pan about half-full of hot water, in which the Indian meal was mixed at the pleasure of the guest."

The personal appearance ofCornplanter, towards the close of his long and eventful life, is well described by JudgeThompson, now of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in an article written in 1836, and re-produced inDay'sHistorical Collections of Pennsylvania, p. 657. I had a professional interview with the aged Chief, in the summer of 1835, to which I have already briefly referred. His personal appearance was therefore known to me. I agree with JudgeThompson, in his description of him, and as the article contains other interesting remarks, I insert it here, as follows:

"I once saw the aged and venerable Chief, and had an interesting interview with him about a year and a half before his death. I thought of many things, when seated near him beneath the wide spreading shade of an old sycamore, on the banks of the Allegheny; many things to ask him; the scenes of the revolution; the generals that fought its battles and conquered the Indians; his tribe; the Six Nations, and himself. He was constitutionally sedate; was never observed to smile, much less to indulge in the luxury of a laugh. When I saw him he estimated his age to be over one hundred years. I think one hundred and three was about his reckoning of it. This would make him near one hundred and five years old at the time of his decease. His person was much stooped, and his stature was far short of what it once had been—not being over five feet six inches at the time I speak of Mr.John Struthers, of Ohio, told me, some years since, that he had seen him nearfifty years ago, and at that period he was about his height, viz: six feet, one inch. Time and hardship had made dreadful impressions upon that ancient form. The chest was sunken and his shoulders were drawn forward, making the upper part of his body resemble a trough. His limbs had lost their symmetry, and become crooked. His feet, too, (for he had taken off his moccasins,) were deformed and haggard by injury. I would say that most of his fingers on one hand were useless; the sinews had been severed by a blow of the tomahawk or scalping-knife. How I longed to ask him what scene of blood and strife had thus stamped the enduring evidence of its existence upon his person. But to have done so, would, in all probability, have put an end to all further conversation on any subject. The information desired, would certainly not have been received, and I had to forego my curiosity. He had but one eye, and even the socket of the lost organ was hid by the overhanging brow resting upon the high cheek bone. His remaining eye was of the brightest and blackest hue. Never have I seen one, in young or old, that equalled it in brilliancy. Perhaps it had borrowed lustre from the eternal darkness that rested on its neighboring orbit. His ears had been dressed in the Indian mode, all but the outside had been cut away; on the one ear the ring had been torn asunder near the top, and hung down his neck like a useless rag. He had a full head of hair, white as the driven snow, which covered a head of ample dimensions and admirable shape. His face was not swarthy, but this may be accounted for from the fact, that he was but half Indian. He told me that he had been at Franklin, more than eighty years before the period of our conversation,on his passage down the Ohio and Mississippi, with the warriors of his tribe, on some expedition against the Creeks or Osages. He had long been a man of peace, and I believe his great characteristics were humanity and truth.

"It is said thatBrantandThe Cornplanterwere never friends after the massacre of Cherry valley. Some have alleged, because the Wyoming massacre was, in part, perpetrated by the Senecas, thatThe Cornplanter, was there. Of the justice of this suspicion, there are many reasons for doubt. It is certain that he was not the Chief of the Senecas at that time.

"As he stood before me—the ancient Chief in ruins—how forcibly was I struck with the truth of the beautiful figure of the old aboriginal Chieftain, who, in describing himself, said 'he was like an aged hemlock, dead at the top, and whose branches alone were green.' After more than one hundred years of most varied life—of strife—of danger—of peace—he at last slumbers in deep repose on the banks of his own beloved Allegheny."

Pennsylvania has acted with liberality and kindness to this venerated Chief. She granted to him three valuable tracts of land; on one of which he had fixed his residence. It is the place where he now rests in the quietude of the grave.

The first report on the subject of these grants toCornplanter, is dated March 24, 1789. It is contained in a communication from GeneralMifflin, then President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, toRichard Peters, Speaker of the General Assembly, in which he encloses GeneralRichard Butler'sletter, recommending the grant of fifteen hundred acres of landtoThe Cornplanter, a Seneca Chief.[AA]GeneralButler'sletter is dated March 23, 1789. In it he says: "I beg leave to mention, that CaptainABeel,aliasThe Cornplanter, one of the principal Chiefs of the Seneca tribe of the Six Nations, has been very useful in all the treaties since 1784, inclusive, and particularly to the State of Pennsylvania; this he has demonstrated very fully, and his attachment, at present, to the State, appears very great. This has induced me to suggest to your Excellency and Council, whether it may not be good policy to fix this attachment by making it his interest to continue it. This, from the ideas he possesses of civilization, induces me to think if the State would be pleased to grant him a small tract of land within the late purchase, it would be very grateful to him, and have that effect. This may be done in a manner that would render him service without lessening his influence with his own people. The quantity need not be large; perhaps one thousand or fifteen hundred acres. My wishes for the quiet and interest of the State, as well as the merits of the man, induced me to mention this matter."[AB]

[AA]Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, volume I, p. 37.

[AB]Pennsylvania Archives, 1786-90, p. 562.

The Great Founder of Pennsylvania established his government on "deeds of peace." He has the unquestioned pre-eminence of having treated the aboriginal inhabitants with greater justice and rectitude than any other Proprietor or Founder of an American State.—"The settlement of this Province (Pennsylvania) was founded on the principles of truth, equity and mercy, and the blessings of divine Providence attended the early care of the first founders to impress these principles onthe minds of the native inhabitants; so that when their numbers were great, and their strength vastly superior, they received our ancestors with gladness, relieved their wants with open hearts, granted them peaceable possession of the land, and for a long course of time gave constant and frequent proofs of a cordial friendship."[AC]It is, therefore, an appropriate testimonial to the character ofPenn, as well as to that ofCornplanter, that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should, by her constituted authorities, cause the erection of this monument to the memory of this worthy and distinguished Indian Chief. And it is the only monument, so far as my knowledge extends, erected by public authority in the United States, either national, or sub-national, to the memory of an Indian Chief.

[AC]Address to GovernorMorrisby the "people called Quakers," April 12, 1756. Manuscript Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

The character of the venerableCornplanterhas been exhibited, though I fear imperfectly, in this sketch of his life and services. We have seen that he was a brave warrior and chieftain, an able statesman and an eloquent orator. In the latter part of his life, especially, his prominent characteristics were a love of peace and temperance. And it is believed by those who knew him best, that the Truths of Christianity had made a deep impression on his mind. A circumstance which occurred about the year 1822, has been cited by several writers as an evidence of his return to the superstitions of his race. I refer to his destroying a sword and pistols, and some other military accoutrements which had been presented to him byWashington, and a gold laced hat which was given him by GovernorMifflin; also a French flag and superb beltof wampum, trophies of valor, which had been for several generations in his family, in honor of some of his mother's ancestors, who won them in battle from the French. It is alleged that he did this act in a moment of alarm, as if the Great Spirit had moved him to destroy the memorials of his friendly relations with the whites. On the contrary, it clearly appears that under the influence of Christianity, particularly as evinced in the teachings of the Society of Friends, who had established schools in his nation, he became so firm an advocate of peace, that he wished to remove from him all the memorials that re-called to his recollection the scenes of war and blood through which he had passed. He carefully preserved the memorials of peace of which he was in possession. I myself noticed, for he exhibited them to me, how great a regard he had for the parchment documents which he possessed, that were subscribed byWashington; and with what scrupulous care and painstaking he had preserved them. These papers, and others of a like character, are now in the possession of the family ofCornplanter, and are most interesting historical memorials. Their preservation, in such manner as may be agreeable to the descendants of the Chief, is a matter of interest and solicitude to all persons who properly appreciate such materials of history.

Those who knewCornplanterpersonally, had the greatest respect for him. Dr.Irvine, of Brokenstraw, a son of GeneralC. Irvine, an intimate friend of the Chief, in a letter to me, says: "I frequently heard my father say, thatCornplanterwas one of the most honest and truthful men he ever knew, whether white or red." JudgeJohnson, of Warren, under whose directionthis (Cornplanter) monument is erected, states to me, "so far as he was personally known to residents in this section of country, he was regarded as a living example of integrity, truthfulness, purity, temperance, fatherly affection for his tribe and race, and a generous Indian hospitality to all. He possessed the universal affection and veneration of his tribe and of all men who knew him."

Such was the life and career ofCornplanter; and such his character as shown from history, from the testimony of contemporaries, and of living witnesses. He died in this Indian village, (Jennesadaga,) on the 18th of February, 1836, aged about one hundred and five years.

This is no ordinary occasion. A great Commonwealth, by a solemn act of legislation, and by her agents here this day, honors the memory of the distinguished Indian Chief, whose mortal remains lie mouldering in this grave. We this day dedicate this monument to the memory ofCornplanter, an Indian Chief of the Seneca tribe and of the Six Nations—and may we, both white men and red men, and our children's children, as long as this beautiful river bears its waters to the ocean, venerate his memory and emulate his virtues.

I have recently examined Mr.Ketchum'shistory of Buffalo and the Senecas. Thefactshe presents corroborate the views I have presented of the character and services ofCornplanter. I am surprised, however, to notice that he expresses anopinionadverse to our Chief. He does him great injustice when he says; "There is no doubt thatCornplanterwas at heart in the British interest, up to the period ofWayne'svictory in 1794." He also makes the extraordinary assertion, thatCornplanteracted in concert withBrant, during the period of the Indian troubles in Ohio, after the Revolutionary war!

The contrary most clearly appears by the whole course of conduct of our Chief; as well as by his speeches, his letters and his participation in treaties. WithBrant,Cornplanternever was on friendly terms, and after the war of the Revolution, their policy, and even personal relations, were adverse and hostile. Mr.Ketchum, himself, shows that there existed between these Chiefs "a personal dislike."

WhileCornplanterwas aidingWashingtonand his agents, ColonelsProctorandPickering, and others, to preserve peace with the hostile Indians of the west, and conciliate the Six Nations,Brantwas the agent of the British to keep up the war, and he even sent some of his warriors to join the enemy, when they took up the hatchet; he made his home with the British, and was in constant communication with ColonelsGordonandM'Kee, the commanders at Niagara and Detroit, and with other British officers.

The writer referred to adds the following: "As a warrior, whatever may be thought or said by whites,Cornplanter, in the estimation of the Indians who were their contemporaries, was the superior ofBrant. The Senecas were a nation of warriors; and it will be admitted that they did the most of the fighting for the Six Nations, during nearly two centuries of their history, with which we are conversant. From the timeCornplantercame on the stage, (and he entered upon the war path early,) down to the close of the Revolutionary war, he had no superior, and few equals as a warrior. His other qualifications will be judged by the record he has left in his speeches and letters, and in the archives of our State and National Government."—Vol. 1, p. 411.

I am content to let the personal and political character of our Chief be judged by the records thus referred to. And I think I have shown in thisMemorial,from these records, thatCornplanterwas not only a distinguished warrior, statesman and orator, but that he was, after the close of the Revolutionary war, the active, faithful and devoted friend of the government and people of the United States. And that he also well deserves the inscription on the monument erected by Pennsylvania to his memory, "Distinguished for talent, courage, eloquence, sobriety and love for his tribe and race, to whose welfare he devoted his time, his energies and his means, during a long and eventful life."

There is one trait in the character ofCornplanter, not heretofore noticed, which is referred to by ColonelProctorin his narrative, and which I think ought to be presented here. ColonelProctorwas sent byWashington, to visitCornplanter, to engage him and otherChiefs, to go on an embassy of peace to the Western Indians. He traveled by way of Wyoming and the Susquehanna. I quote from his narrative, under the date of March 20, 1791.

"This day we set forward for Captain Waterman Baldwin's, above Wilkesbarre; arrived there in the evening, halted for him part of two days, as I had orders to take him with me to the residence ofThe Cornplanter, at which place he was intended to act as instructor to the Indian youth, as also a director in the mode and management of agriculture, for the use and benefit of the Indians. This gentleman was made prisoner byCornplanterduring the late war, (Revolution,)and was treated by him with remarkable tenderness, until legally exchanged."

The following addresses were then made by the Indians herein mentioned; they were translated byHarrison HalftownandBenjamin Williams, both Senecas. Mr.Snowdentook notes of these addresses, and has written them out as follows:

John Luke, a councillor of the Seneca nation, said: Brothers! White men and Indians:—It has been laid upon me to say a few words. We were well pleased when we heard that the State of Pennsylvania had directed that a monument should be put up to the memory ofCornplanter, at his grave. And we were pleased when word came to us that the white people and Indians should be here to-day to see the monument set in its proper place, and to hear what our white brothers should say on the occasion. We are thankful for what has been done by Pennsylvania, and for the good words we have heard this beautiful day. The occasion will long be remembered by us. This monument, more enduring than the wampum which our forefathers used to record events and keep them in remembrance, will remind us of the kindness of Pennsylvania to our great and good Chief, and keep bright the chain whose links have united us to the Quaker State even from the time ofOnas(William Penn) to the present day. Brothers!The Cornplanterwas known to us to be an honest man, and without deceit, and we are glad to hear, by the words spokenthis day, that our white brethren so regard him, and respect his memory. He made the treaties and speeches referred to this day, and I now say that it is proper that all the people should remember that every word that has been said, so far as I understand them, are words of truth. We always understood thatCornplanterdesired his children, and his nation, to follow the example of the white people in cultivating the land. It lies upon our hearts that we should remember the words ofThe Cornplanter.

Friendship was established between the red men and the white men by treaties, and we wish them to stand permanent. This is all I have to say in behalf of my people. Farewell!

Stephen S. Smith, a Seneca Indian, and a Chief of the Six Nations, then rose and said: Friends and Brothers! We are grateful for what is done and said here this beautiful day. The sun shines upon us, and we are here as brothers to do honor to the memory of oldCornplanter. It is in accordance with the laws and customs of the Six Nations that the people should meet to commemorate the memory of the dead.

Brothers! We are now a feeble people in numbers and in power; our forefathers were strong and powerful. This is known to us, and it is grateful to our hearts to hear the history of the Six Nations described to us to-day. It is gratifying to us to hear the words we have heard this day, so true and plain, delivered by our brother, from Philadelphia, who so well depicted the life and character ofCornplanter. And here at his grave, where his bones are buried, it is our duty to remember his instructionsto his people, to work, and also, to plant our land; and now it is our duty to prosecute that work as his children. Brothers! We have been told that the Indians are like the leaves which fall at this season of the year. The leaves do fall, but we live in hope that the next summer will bring them forth again. My wish is, that what remains of the Six Nations, and their children's children, should continue to live on the lands which they now own by means of reservations secured to them by the States of New York and Pennsylvania. I am not willing to see the day when these hills will no longer look down upon the cabins of our people. I hope they will live here, and on the New York reservations, neighbors of our friends, the white people, until we and they are called away unto the place of everlasting rest; where there is but one people, one mind and one tongue. I hope our children, to the remotest generations, will come here and look at this monument to oldCornplanter, and read what is inscribed upon it; and my desire is that the Indians of the Seneca nation should continue to live here, not only as long as this handsome monument stands, but as long as these hills and valleys remain, and the waters of the Allegheny mingle with the Ohio and Mississippi. And now, on behalf of my nation, I return thanks to the State of Pennsylvania, and to our white brethren present, for what has been so well done this day; and say to all farewell.

The following is a brief statement of the present location and population of the Six Nations of Indians:

SENECAS.

1. Senecas on the Allegheny river, in Pennsylvania, fifteen miles above Warren, atCornplanter'stown, (Jennesadaga.)

2. Senecas on the Allegheny reservation, in New York, a few miles above the Pennsylvania line.

3. Senecas on Cattaraugus reservation, in Erie and Cattaraugus counties, New York.

4. Senecas at Tonnawandas, in New York.

1. Oneidas, in Oneida and Madison counties N. York.

2. The largest remnant of this tribe, (Oneidas,) reside in Brown county, Wisconsin.

ONONDAGOS.

The residence of this tribe is about six miles south of the city of Syracuse, in the State of New York.

Their residence is about seven miles north-east of Niagara Falls.

The present condition of these remnants of the Six Nations is quite respectable. In most of the reservations they have schools and places of public worship. Many of them belong to the Methodist and Baptist churches. The Chief of the Six Nations,Stephen S. Smith, who made a speech at the inauguration of theCornplantermonument, is a minister in the Baptist church. He is a man of intelligence and respectability, I here insert a letter I have recently received from him, which will doubtless be interesting to our readers.

"Akron, N Y.,July 10, 1867.

"Dear Sir:—I am very desirous of obtaining a copy of the history of the life ofCornplanter. If you have a copy of the history that you spoke at the raising of the monument on theCornplanterreservation last October, and will send it to me for the use and benefit of our young men, you will confer a favor upon me and them that I shall be most grateful to re-pay, when an opportunity is presented. And if you have a copy of the minutes of the addresses delivered that day, and taken by yourself, I should be most happy to receive a copy of the same also.

"If your noble State saw fit to appropriate money to fence the grave of the deceasedCornplanter, I shall be most happy to meet you there and assist you in surrounding the last resting place of our departed brother, with the respectful barricade furnished by a grateful people.

"I am sorry, that it is necessary, in speaking of our honored brother,John Luke, who was with us at the monument meeting last October, that he will be with us no more at our meetings this side of the setting sun. He took his departure for the great spiritual hunting ground last April.

"Yours truly,"STEPHEN S. SMITH,"Chief of Six Nations.

"To James Ross Snowden, Philadelphia."

An appropriation having been made for that object, by the Legislature at its last session, a substantial and appropriate fence was placed around the grave and monumentofCornplanteron the 20th of September, 1867. It consists of marble posts with carved caps; iron rails with chains and tassels, and presents a very handsome appearance.

In honor of the completion of the monument, and to express their thanks to the Great Spirit, and their gratitude to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and her agents, the Senecas had a "green corn feast," on the 23d, 24th and 25th of September. It was a great occasion, and was largely attended. Their ceremonies had relation not only to the completion of the monument, but to express their thanks to the Great Spirit for the abundant crops which have this year rewarded their agricultural labors. The erection of theCornplantermonument, and the proceedings relating to it, have had an excellent and benign influence upon these Indians. A friend writes to me: "The natives are greatly pleased with all that has been done; they have better crops than usual, and act more civilized. These proceedings have increased their self-respect, and made an enduring mark upon their grateful hearts."

JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CORNPLANTER MONUMENT.

The Joint Resolution of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, authorizing the erection of the monument toCornplanter, is in the following words:

WHEREAS,Solomon O'Bail, a grandson ofCornplanter, an Indian, who rendered eminent services to the State and Nation, during the Revolutionary war and the early history of Pennsylvania, andMark Pierce, his interpreter, have just had a hearing before the Senate:

And whereas, A recognition of the eminent services ofCornplanter, is due from the government of Pennsylvania; therefore.

Be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, That the State Treasurer shall pay toSolomon O'Bail, the sum of five hundred dollars out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the further sum of five hundred dollars toSamuel P. Johnson, to be expended in erecting and enclosing a suitable monument in memory ofCornplanter.

(Signed)

JAMES E. KELLEY,Speaker of the House of Representatives.DAVID FLEMING,Speaker of the Senate.

Approved—The twenty-fifth day of January, Anno Dominione thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

A. G. CURTIN.

TO PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, AT PHILADELPHIA, IN THE YEAR 1790.

Father! The voice of the Seneca nation speaks to you, the great councillor, in whose heart the wise men of all the Thirteen Fires have placed their wisdom. It may be very small in your ears, and we therefore entreat you to hearken with attention, for we are about to speak of things which are to us very great. When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, we called you the Town Destroyer; and to this day, when that name is heard, our women look behind them and turn pale, and our children cling to the necks of their mothers. Our councillors and warriors are men, and cannot be afraid; but their hearts are grieved with the fears of our women and children, and desire it may be buried so deep as to be heard no more. When you gave us peace, we called you father, because you promised to secure us in the possession of our lands. Do this, and so long as the lands shall remain, that beloved name shall live in the heart of every Seneca.

Father! We mean to open our hearts before you, and we earnestly desire that you will let us clearly understand what you resolve to do. When our Chiefs returned from the treaty at Fort Stanwix, and laid before our council what had been done there, our nation was surprised to hear how great a country you had compelled them to give up to you without your paying, to us, anything for it. Every one said that your hearts were yet swelled with resentment against us for what had happened during the war, but that one day you would re-consider it with more kindness. We asked each other, "What have we done to deserve such severe chastisement?"

Father! When you kindled your Thirteen Fires separately, the wise men assembled at them told us that you were allbrothers, the children of one great father, who regarded, also, the red people as his children. They called us brothers, and invited us to his protection; they told us that he resided beyond the great water where the sun first rises; that he was a King, whose power no people could resist, and that his goodness was as bright as that sun. What they said went to our hearts, we accepted the invitation, and promised to obey him. What the Seneca nation promise they faithfully perform, and when you refused obedience to that King, he commanded us to assist his beloved men in making you sober. In obeying him, we did no more than yourselves had led us to promise. The men that claimed this promise told us you were children and had no guns; that when they had shaken you, you would submit. We hearkened to them, and were deceived, until your army approached our towns. We were deceived; but your people, in teaching us to confide in that King, helped to deceive us, and we now appeal to your heart—is the blame all ours?

Father! When we saw that we were deceived, and heard the invitation which you gave us to draw near to the fire which you had kindled, and talk with you concerning peace, we made haste towards it. You then told us that we were in your hand, and that by closing it you could crush us to nothing, and you demanded from us a great country as the price of that peace which you had offered us—as if our want of strength had destroyed our rights. Our Chiefs had felt your power, and were unable to contend against you, and they, therefore, gave up that country. What they agreed to has bound our nation, but your anger against us must by this time be cooled, and although our strength has not increased, nor your power become less, we ask you to consider calmly, were the terms dictated to us by your commissioners reasonable and just?

Father! Your commissioners, when they drew the line which separated the land then given up to you, from that which you agreed should remain to be ours, did most solemnly promisethat we should be secured in the peaceable possession of the lands which we inhabited east and north of that line. Does this promise bind you?

Hear now, we beseech you, what has happened concerning that land. On the day in which we finished the treaty at Fort Stanwix, commissioners from Pennsylvania told our Chiefs that they had come there to purchase all the lands belonging to us within the lines of their State, and they told us that their line would strike the river Susquehanna, below Tioga Branch. They then left us to consider of the bargain till next day. On the next day, we let them know that we were unwilling to sell all the lands within their State, and proposed to let them have part of it, which we pointed out to them in their map. They told us that they must have the whole; that it was already ceded to them by the great King, at the time of making peace with you, and wastheir own; but they said that they would not take advantage of that, and were willing to pay us for it—after the manner of their ancestors. Our Chiefs were unable to contend at that time, and, therefore, they sold the lands up to the line which was then shown to them as the line of that State. What the commissioners had said about the land having been ceded to them at the peace, our Chiefs considered as intended only to lessen the price, and they passed it by with very little notice; but since that we have heard so much from others, about the right to our lands, which the King gave when you made peace with him, that it is our earnest desire that you will tell us what it means.

Father! Our nation empoweredJohn Livingstonto let out part of our lands on rent, to be paid to us. He told us that he was sent by Congress to do this for us, and we fear he has deceived us in the writing he has obtained from us. For since the time of our giving that power, a man of the name ofPhelpshas come among us, and claimed our whole country, northward of the line of Pennsylvania, under purchase from thatLivingston, to whom he said he had paid twenty thousand dollarsfor it. He said, also, that he had bought, likewise, from the Council of the Thirteen Fires, and paid them twenty thousand dollars more for the same. And he said, also, that it did not belong to us, for the great King had ceded the whole of it when you made peace with him. Thus he claimed the whole country north of Pennsylvania, and west of the lands belonging to the Cayugas. He demanded it; he insisted on his demand, and declared that he would have itall. It was impossible for us to grant him this, and we immediately refused it. After some days, he proposed to run a line at a small distance east-ward of our western boundary, which we refused to agree to. He then threatened us with immediate war if we did not comply.

Upon this threat, our Chiefs held a council, and they agreed that no event of war could be worse than to be driven, with our wives and children, from the only country which we had any right to, and, therefore, weak as our nation was, they determined to take the chance of war, rather than submit to such unjust demands, which seemed to have no bounds.Street, the great trader to Niagara, was then with us, having come at the request ofPhelps, and as he always professed to be our great friend, we consulted him upon this subject. He also told us that our lands had been ceded by the King, and that we must give them up.

Astonished at what we heard from every quarter, with hearts aching with compassion for our women and children, we were thus compelled to give up all our country north of the line of Pennsylvania, and east of the Genesee river, up to the fork, and east of a south line drawn from that fork to the Pennsylvania line.

For this land,Phelpsagreed to pay us ten thousand dollars in hand, and one thousand forever. He paid us two thousand dollars, and five hundred dollars in hand, part of the ten thousand, and he sent for us to come last spring and receive our money, but instead of paying us the remainder of the ten thousand,and the one thousand dollars due for the first year, he offered us no more than five hundred dollars, and insisted that he agreed with us for that sum, to be paid yearly. We debated with him for six days, during which time he persisted in refusing to pay us our just demand, and he insisted that we should receive the five hundred dollars; andStreet, from Niagara, also insisted on our receiving the money as it was offered to us. The last reason he assigned for continuing to refuse paying was,that the King had ceded all the lands to the Thirteen Fires, and that he had bought them from you, andpaid you for them.

We could bear this confusion no longer; and determined to press through every difficulty, and lift up our voice that you might hear us, and to claim that security in the possession of our lands, which your commissioners promised us. And we now entreat you to inquire into our complaints, and redress our wrongs.

Father! Our writings were lodged in the hands ofStreet, of Niagara, as we supposed him to be our friend; but when we sawPhelpsconsulting withStreet, on every occasion, we doubted of his honesty towards us, and we have since heard that he was to receive, for his endeavors to deceive us, a piece of land ten miles in width, west of the Genesee river, and near forty miles in length, extending to Lake Ontario; and the lines of this tract have been run accordingly, although no part of it is within the bounds which limits his purchase. No doubt he meant to deceive us.

Father! You have said that we are in your hand, and that by closing it you could crush us to nothing. Are you determined to crush us? If you are, tell us so; that those of our nation who have become your children, and have determined to die so, may know what to do.

In this case, one Chief has said he would ask you to put him out of pain. Another, who will not think of dying by the handof his father or his brother, has said he will retire to the Chatauque, eat of the fatal root, and sleep with his fathers in peace.

Before you determine on a measure so unjust, look up to God, who has madeusas well asyou. We hope he will not permit you to destroy the whole of our nations.

Father! Hear our case; many nations inhabited this country, but they had no wisdom, and therefore they warred together. The Six Nations were powerful, and compelled them to peace; the lands, for a great extent, were given up to them, but the nations which were not destroyed, all continued on those lands, and claimed the protection of the Six Nations, as the brothers of their fathers. They were men, and when at peace, had a right to live on the earth. The French came among us and built Niagara; they became our fathers, and took care of us. SirWilliam Johnsoncame and took that Fort from the French; he became our father, and promised to take care of us, and did so, until you were too strong for his King. To him we gave four miles around Niagara, as a place of trade. We have already said how we came to join against you; we saw that we were wrong; we wished for peace; you demanded a great country to be given up to you; it was surrendered to you, as the price of peace, and we ought to have peace, and possession of the little land which you then left us.

Father! When that great country was given up, there were but few Chiefs present, and they were compelled to give it up, and it is not the Six Nations, only, that reproach these Chiefs with having given up that county, the Chippewas, and all the nations who lived on those lands westward, call to us, and ask us "Brothers of our fathers, where is the place you have reserved for us to lie down upon?"

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