Indian Speech made at treaty negotiations in September 1797.
Document 1797Appears to be speech made at Seneca treaty negotiations that began on August 26, 1797 and continued until mid-September. Cornplanter notes that his people have agreed to sell their lands. He hopes that what he has done is for the good of his children and agreeable to the great spirit. He notes that it is in accordance with the advice of General Washington who advised us to sell our land for an annuity, which would render our women and children comfortable and happy. He notes that General Washington's speeches gave us that advice and says that we are all satisfied sachems, warriors and chiefs. Farmer's Brother, after having had the deed explained, goes on to say (presumably to Cornplanter) that he and others have been thinking for several days about what Farmer's Brother has said. He says that Farmer's Brother has spoken for all of us. "Make your minds perfectly easy. We all understand it, every warrior present. And we are all perfectly satisfied."
Cornplanter, in behalf of the warriors You the sachems have had the business on hand some time. You determined to keep [undecipherable. ink spill] country. but you referred the business to the warriors & women. We have agreed to sell our lands - You say that you wished that our reserves might be joined. that it is one owner interest let us brothers join our mind. What we have done we hope is for the good of us and our children–We hope it is for th agreeably to the Great Spirt. It is according to the advice of General Washington. He advised us to sell for an annuity - which would render our old women and children comfortable & happy.–These are speeches from General Washington containing that advice, and we are all satisfied sachems warriors and chiefs and warriors.– Farmers Brothers speech after the deal was ex read & explained.– Brother What you have been said to us, we have been thinking of a number of days. You have spoken our own words. Make your minds perfectly easy. We all understand it, every warrior present. And are all, perfectly satisfied.
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