Autograph Letter/Document Signed

James Dean is deposed regarding the dispute between Phelps and Red Jacket

James Dean provides a deposition pertaining to the disputed terms of the treaty between Oliver Phelps and the Senecas [Red Jacket]. Dean witnessed the treaty as the interpreter. Dean states that Phelps agreed to pay the Senecas 5,000 dollars the first year and 500 dollars every year thereafter for land.

1790

11

25

Whitestown

Enclosed in Red Jacket, 11/25/1790.

James Dean

Oliver Phelps

Seneca

Indian Nation

Indians

interpreter

witness

Red Jacket

Whitestown

Buffalo Creek

Indian land

frontier

territory

deposition

treaty

contract

dispute

Indian relations

land rights

land ownership

1790112590001

5

The Deposition of James Dean of lawful Age testifieth and saith that this Deponent attended a Treaty which was held by Oliver Phelps Esqre with the Indian Nations at Buffaloe Creek; that this deponenet officiated at the said Treaty as an Interpreter - That the Senecas as far as the deponent had an opportunity to discover their Sentiments, did unanimously agree to dispose of part of their Country to the above mentioned Oliver Phelps Esquire - That this Deponent, altho he does not perfectly recollect the particulars of the Contract made between the said Phelps and Senecas, yet conceives that the said Phelps engaged to pay to the said Senecas the Sum of 5000 dollars the first year after the date of the said Contract, and five hundred Dollars pyear for ever - That as far as this deponent was concerned in negotiating said Contract he conceives that every matter and thing respecting the same was fully and clearly explained to the said Senecas and that the Meetings respecting the said Contract was deposited in the hands of the Colo John Butler - and further this Deponent saith not
White Town Novr 25th 1790 James Dean
Montgomery [illegible] Novr 25 1790. Personally appeared James Dean signer of the foregoing Depositon and after being duly examined [ambersand] cautioned to testify the truth the whole truth [ambersand] nothing but the truth made Solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed was the truth, the whole truth [ambersand] nothing but the truth.
Before me Ephraim Blackman [illegible]