Speech from the Henry Knox to the Northwestern Indians on Location of Next Council Fire
Document 1793Speech informs the Indians that, due to a translation error, the United States government misunderstood the intended location of the next council fire.
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On Wrapper: - Speech from the United States to the Indians
In Simeol’s hand Febry 28th 1793 Miamis River Sandusky*
To the Sachems cheifs and Warriors of the Wyandots, Delaware, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pattewatimas, Shawanese, and Miamies - and the Head men of all the other tribes in alliance with them, to the southward of the Lakes and North of the Ohio, and East of the Mississippi
BROTHERS
When the president of the United States consented to meet you next Spring, at the Rapids of the Miami, it was under the full conviction that you had appointed that place, as the one most agreeable to you, at which the council fire should be kindled - but it has since been found that the Interpreter mistook the place you intended.
We now find that it is your desire that lower Sandusky should be the place at which the Conference should be held.
Brothers, the United States will meet 83
meet you at their commissioners at lower Sandusky, on the first of June next, of which we beg you to notify all the chiefs and Tribes whom it may concern - And it is sincerely to be desired by all good/men, that the Great Spirit might infuse into the hearts of all concerned, a sincere desire for peace and friendship, so necessary to the happiness of human nature. -
Given by the Order of the President of the United States in the City of Philadelpgia this Twenty-eight day of February 1793.
Signed H. Huox
Secretary of War, and having the direction of Indian affairs – / copy 44
Brothers of the five Nations.
Some days ago you delivered your Answer to the Presidents Speech, according to your custom you repeated the principal parts of it, and expressed your thanks for the friendly sentiments it contained, which had made your hearts glad.
You rejoiced that the President considered you as free men and desired you to speak with freedom and then you joined with the president in his wish that all the Evils which had hitherto disturb-ed our peace might be buried in oblivion.
You declared your belief that this island came from the Great Spirit above - that you/considered Yourselves as in his presence, and that he is the proprietor of us all.
Brothers, We your White Brethren, have the same belief; as he made so he governs the world He has so disposed events, that we should meet at this place to consult on those things which may prove blessings to you and your posterity _ We your Brethren of the United States rejoice that your hearts are thus inclined. Many good men have wished to see such a day when the knowledge possessed by the white people might be introduced among you, the nations of this Land _ Such good men have been long searching, but with small success, for a path / by which this knowledge might be
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