Draft Letter Signed

Disposition of the Indians in This Quarter

Reverend Kirkland reports on sundry councils with representatives of the western tribes and assesses the prospects for peace or war on the frontier.

1792

02

13

Kanawageus

Cited in Kirkland to Knox, 02/25/1792.
This is an important 20-page letter on Indian affairs that, unfortunately, is partially illegible.

Cited document addressed to the War Office

Henry Knox

Samuel Kirkland

Good Peter

Captain Hendrick

French Peter

Red Jacket

Buffalo Chief

Farmer's Brother

a young Mowhawk

traders

Congress

Mr. Timothy Pickering

western tribes

Seneca Chiefs

Captain John

Colonel Butler

Great Sky

Captain Joseph Brant [Brandt]

Oneidas

Onondagas

Cayugas

Superintendant of Indian Affairs

Six Nations

General Israel Chapin

Cornplanter

Little Billy

Aghshegwalefou [?],

Tuscaroras

sachems and head warriors

Dr. Allen

the vanquished

Western Confederacy

Shawanese

Southern Confederacy

Fish Carrier

Dr.Kerr, Surgeon to the Garrison at Niagara

Dr. Allen

Governor Clinton

our beloved President [Washington]

spies

Kanawageus

Genessee

council at Niagara

Grand River

Buffalo Creek

Newtown

the Allegheny [River]

the Miami [River]

Pennsylvania

Presqu'isle

Lake Erie

Great Britain

Canada

buffalo

Indian council

hunting quarters

strings of wampum

fair hearing

instructions

oratorical geniuses

council fire at Genessee

British interests

Indian war

plunder

settlements

peace with the western Indians

Cayuga treaty at Albany

Good Peter and Red Jacket have been very sociable with each other and are almost like hand and glove

There a number [of tribes] strongly attached to the United States

...observations on the present complexion of affairs and measures to be taken for the honor of the U.S. on our frontiers

...unless a general peace is settled with the Indians they begin already to take sides

...a majority of the young men of the whole five nations will be active with the western Indians

...the young men were almost infatuated with war since the defeat of our army

the Indians at the westward...are still plentifully supplied with clothing, arms, and ammunition by the British

It is sir, next to impossible to get access to these private councils

In the council Capt. Brant proposed that the first steps to be taken were an immediate healing of all divisions among themselves

There is the highest probability that Capt. Brant will immediately come down to Congress if a proper invitation be given

We might have a peace with the western Indians in the space of six or eight months

I am loathe to quit the country without one more trial for Capt. Brant, or least for an interview with him

It has been propagated at Buffalo Creek that Red Jacket and a number of others--when they get to Philadelphia--are to be put in irons or hanged

1792021340002

1

20

To
Genl Knox
Kanawages
Febry 13 1792
No.l Kanawageas 13th Febr7 1792
Sir
I came here the night before last,
I had the honor of addressing you the 6 insth from this place - when I informed you that I had dispatched two Runners to the Buffaloe, with a well adapted speech from Good Peter & the other chiefs to hasten on the proposed delegation as the season was far advanced. By this express, Viz Capt Hendrick & French Peter, I had hoped of entertaining obtaining of necessary & much desired information of the proceedings of lst Indian Council holding there at wch no white person have could be admitted. Since which my last a variety of occurrences have taken place, which have turned things on Tuesday last I rode down here to meet with Red Jacket & another Buffaloe Chief - they informed that the Farmers Brother, did not proceed directly to the Buffaloe as had designed when he had parted with me at the Genesee - but spent several days in conference with him, at his hunting quarters - & sent his Compliments to me, assuring me ift he would return to me at the Genesee - wished me only to exercise a little patience. - The Red Jacket acquainted me with a report story propagated by a young mohawk who came from the Buffaloe in company with a trader from tht quarter & employed by him. I told him I heard of same of last evening. The prospect of the story was this. That the Chiefs of Buffaloe & Grand River had been for several weeks in private council at Niagare - & had determined not to send any representation to Congress in [undecipherable] of Capt. Pickerings invitation & to suffer any to go - that the next Council would be held at the Grand River, at which some of the western Indians would be present!!
Invited Red Jacket & the other Buffaloe chief to visit Genesee & have a conference with Good Peter
after this immediately returned to Genesee.
Wednesd--morng--sent an express for Red Jacket lest he should come & convince a number of the Seneka Chiefs & head warriors by Good Peters advice to inquire into the mohawks report. - found that he came by no authority - just before we broke up - in the eveng - came our first Runner -- Capt John with whom had to my surprize had returned both Capt Hendrick & good French Peter - Capt Hendricks instructions were pointedly to proceed, till he actually met with the Chiefs whether on their way down - or in council at te Buffaloe - or Niagare - & know what it was that delayed them, & find out what measures had been adopted in their private council. However the reason they assigned for their returning with Capt John (whom they met about 30 miles on this side the Buffaloe) were the purport of his message from the Farmers Brother just even after his arrival - which was as follows. "Brother, you may now return to Capt Pickering, Council fire at Genesee - & inform the Councillors & warriors there waiting, that our old Chiefs are on their return from Niagare where, they have been in council with Capt Butler for these three weeks, & will be ready to set out for Genesee within three Days - so soon as we start shall send a Runner, to notify to certify our numbers - & the day we shall arrive. as the time is so far elapsed the whole Delegation from Genesee must make themselves ready, & meet us at the Village called Kanawageas, where after a short interview & [boding?] the Congress [indecipherable] we shall all proceed set out together & with all possible speed persue our journey to the great Council of the 13-us. - & hear what they have to say to us." three strings of wampum
with a cordial salutation to bring up te [messages?] from the Farmer Brothr. This message seemed to diffuse universal joy - good Peter was for having an ox killed on the occasion. I proposed defering it, till the runner should arrive anouncing their having actually set out their numbers asertained! This was agreed to.
Notified a general council the next morng by 10 o'clock just before the Indians collected.
10 - Thursday 10 o'clock. came in two Senekas, with a message from Great Sky & Capt. Brant directly from Niaga which message they recd from the hands of the Runner at Kanawageas [indecipherable] proceed with two Belt the purport as follows - "that great Sky (the Onondaga Chief) summoned a council at Buffaloe Creek, where they would give particular instruction to the representatives of each Nation who might think best to attend to Coll Pickerings repeated Invitations, to visit Congress - then named ten Seneka Chiefs on the Genesee & its vicinity whose immediate attendance was required - a large belt -
The second message - "capt. Brant sends his compliments to his friend Mr Kirkland. the immediate representative of Coll Pickering superendt of Ind aff. & invites him to come to the Council at Buffaloe Creek" -- a small Belt --
It was declared, that the Runner had come been but three days from Niagara -- in ye term of three sleeps - in three nights including the preceding & succeeding days - This was much doubted from the present depth of snow [undecipherable] travelling
This second message very much changed the face of things from the one bro't by the Oneida Runner, Capt John the evening before - & seemed to spread a gloom over almost every countenance -
about an hour after The chiefs & head warriors, of the Senekas were assembled in the council house - together with the delegation from the Oneidas, onondgas & Cayugas. Good Peter opened the council with an introductory speech - [indecipherable] I then followed. In my name, cautiously wording any fixed opinion upon the subject before us. He after this in his own name addressed the whole council in a most masterly stile & bringing up to view of practice & usages of the Fathers, when their was a difference of opinion subsisting upon any important matter wch concerned the weal of the whole - & advised them to great deliberation upon the two respective different messages which lay before them, importing direclty opposite measures. -
the Red Jacket next spoke - & displayed his genius ing his abilities eloquence in a most engaging manner - & gave it as decidedly as his opinion that it was contrary to all questions & asuages of the [editors note: father ?], to remove, or extinguish one council fire, by calling another, till the design & intent of the first was attended to, decided upon at a place appointed. - the superintendt of Indian affairs from Congress, had appointed Genesee, to be the place, of rendayvous, meeting, for all the Six nations, who were concerned in the treaty at Newtown, to meet, & prepare any instruction
they
No 2.
they might think necesarry, for their representatives, who were invited to Congress--[undecipherable] order to give Congress an opportunity to confer with them, & to fulfill their own voluntary engagements, & promisses made by their superintendant Coll. Pickering at the treaty of Newtown last summer.--
He further offered, that the present warrior force had been for sometime kindled up on the River--& all things were ready to go foreward, they were only waiting for the delegation from the Buffaloe who had been sufficiently [undecipherable] were notified & that no subsequent council would [undecipherable], with the custom of that [undecipherable] [fathom?] supercede this, till the subject of this should be here fairly decided upon--if there were substantial or imaginary objections [undecipherable] mind if any sort of the [undecipherable] against the pro proposals of the supernt of Indn affairs I confederacy from Congress, Let them they should here at the place appointed have a fair & candid hearing.--
He then said that it was apparent, that the design of their being now called to Buffaloe, for instruction--was to extinguish the Council here,--& to delay the fusiness till, the season ws so far advanced--they could not perform the journey--Indeed-it was his opinion & [undecipherable] presumed was obvious to everyone--that the real design of Great Skye's message
was [undecipherable] attempt to prevent any representation from the five nation going to Congress at all--the message itself spoke [undecipherable]
That he was free to declare his opinion in


the full council--even in presence of the Onondaga chiefs who were their Brother's Tribe-. He must say, without reflecting upon the Nation-at large, that it was an profound unprecedented, to have one single man, of the Onondaga Nation summon a council--& call ten chiefs & warriors of the Seneka Nation without a single voice from from that nation--. Therefore the message from the Farmer's Brother, he thought ought to be first attended attended to--& finally adheared to.--However, he would for his own part riske the the ocdcasion, of great [skey?] message upon the judgement of the four Onondaga Chiefs here here present--as Great Skey, Great Skey &c he was one of their own nations." after an house consultation--the Onondagoes made a reply unanimously in favour of the first message--The reasonings upon the subject I cannot now relate but I must do them the justice to say they spoke in a most friendly terms of highest respect for & respectful manner of the Americans--its their allied or confederated Brother--& expresssed an firm & unlimited confidence in Congres---Ther speech was near an hour in length.- Good Peter & Red Jacket each int heir turnj then displayed their oritorical geniuses--I was scarse ever more entertained in an Indian Council--. I am persuaded it would have even commanded your attention if not afforded your [entertained?] had you been present.
about 10 o'clock in the evening. The whole Council unanimously agreed replied that it was not paying [undecipherable] respect to Coll Pickerings message as Superintendt & in this affair [undecpherable] annuity even the Presidt n nor agreeable to the ancient messages of the six nations, to extinguish the council fire now kindled burning at Genesee, & repair to a new one called to to be kindled up at Buffaloe, till the business of former had been properly settled.--& if a division must take place a difference of opinion should Lat still subsist--Let the Chiefs of Buffaloe watch the council fire appear there, which the others should go to Congress in pursuit of the same object, if the object they had in view was asame--and that two of their best Runners should be sent off the next day--with an answer to the great sky, at the same time, inviting them in the most gentle persuasive & friendly manner to repair to Genesee, & there to adjusting all their affairs.--And Mr Kirkland, their Father, should be left at his own option to at to the in making his reply to the message from his friend Capt Brant. 10 o'clock in the eveng adjourned--& proposed to meet again the next morning & very--particularly to instruct the Runners--who were already chosen--Viz one Onondaga & one Seneka.--
In the mean while I conferred with Good Peter & Red Jacket upon the subject of my answer to Capt Brant--. I soon found they were unwilling I should go leave them--at present, it was their opinion--that I should return an answer similar to theirs, & wait the return of the Runners. That if I now went away it would be considered by all the Indians that the Congress council fire (as they stile it)
was extinguished--which would weaken my cause--& leave all at [undecipherable] here & [undecipherable] [undecipherable] give the Buffaloes occasion of triumph & put every advantage into their hands.
I left my situation the force of their [reconfering?] & [undecipherable] it to adhere to [undecipherable] advice to to their advice--as tho' I had a strong inclination to send back my belt with a mild, con to set out in [undecipherable] into have our interview with my friend Capt. Brant. I then proposed paid to them privately, whether I might not send a friend of mine, & a particular friend of Capt Brants--to meet him at the Buffalo in my stead on condition he should come there. The Friend I proposed as Genl Chapin.--They consented to him to gratify me--but would not have it spoken of in public council--as it would sink the dignity of the Council fire now kindled on this River by order of Congress.--
Friday--morn 9-10 o'clock--The Indians again assembled in the Council house--Good Peter open the Council with a mos most masterly speech upon the maxims & customs of their forefathers--particularly when a difference of opinion subsisted in the Confederacy nations. his mild, soft & persuasive manner of address carried all before it him. the transactions of yesterday were all [rehearded?] over--examined & corrected where there wanted appeared any deficiency.--
at two o'clock PM--the two Runners, having recd their instructions, set out for the Buffaloe--& were to return if practicable, after five or six sleeps at farthest."--we still sat in council till 9 o'clock in the eveng--after this. The Senekas made me a visit at my quarters including & tarried till late. & I was obliged to set up and write ab[out?][undecipherable] insight Good Peter & Red Jacket have become very sociable with each other.--
No 3
No 3.--
and are almost like hand & glove.--
Thus far I have wrtoe--Journal-wise--that you may have a better more comprehensive idea of the situation & disposition of the Indians in this quarter: there are a number invialably strongly attached to the interest of the united States-- & those of that complexion are of opinion that a division in the six Nations will soon take place unless an accommodation sd be bro't about. Those who are in the British interest, are apprehensive of the same, & therefore wage the importance of a union among themselves--. This Power including Kayaghsoteas & Cornplanter [undecipherable] on the Allegany contain nearly two thirds three quarters of the Seneka Nation--. But those at the buffaloe--including the Cayoga's & Onondagas--in connection with grand--River, form a respectable part of the confederacy--& from local circumstances form receive the first application from the western tribes of Indians--& have the most ready access to them; This gives might importance to the Buffaloe settements &c to Grand river--and to this, the characters, or men of grand influence ability with which they are distinguished---Viz-Fishcarrier, great skye--Farmer's Brother--Little Billy--[undecipherable] young [quarter?] [& other house?] man & Brant, who is of more weight than all the rest.--we have Good Peter--Cornplanter, & Red Jacket & Little Beard--who are equal in abilities in abilities & influence to any of the to the forementioned ex Capt. Brant excepted.--
I am inclined to think the farmers Brother, & Little Billey, may be bro't over to the American interest. Saturday 11th Febry about 1,o'clock PM--Dr Allen returned, whom I had sent express to Niagare, returned
with a letter from Capt Brant--after perusing the letter & some conversation had passed betwixt us, I desired him, to return that evening, if not too much fatigued to Kanawageus--where I had appointed to meet Genl Chapin--on some business--& he told me he must first go to Jonee's & if he felt well enough--would meet me at the place & time I desired--The Chiefs were gone to the Tuscarora Village to perform the ceremony of condolence to Aghshegwalesers, Tuscarora Chief--who had lately lost a relation--This detained me till after sunset--that it was near nine o'clock when I reached Kanawageas--. I met with Genl Chapin--for whom I had sent forby an express--But I was so unwell myself I could attend to very little, till last evening--Genl Chapin was of opinion that it would not do for me at present, to leave the Indians, by any means, or we should lose our influence on this River--& he was not able himself to undertake the journey the trip to Buffalo.--But when the Runners came back from the Buffaloe, he would either go, on condition he thought he could endure the journey--or stay here, & keep the council fire at Genesee, which I should be absent, take a tour, go to Buffaloe to Buffaloe.--
Now, Sir,, please permit me to make some observations on the present complexion of affairs & measures to be taken in future for the honor of the U.S. & peace of our frontiers.
First.--From the communications which I have made upon the present state of the Indians in this quarter--& throughout the whole Six Nations--It is probable a division will soon take place among them, unless a general peace is settled with the Indians.--They begin already to take sides.--five Tuscaroras marched off on Saturday last--for their settlement near the landing place below the falls of Niagare, & with a determination not to return, unless Capt Brant should advise them. at Buffaloe--previous to their setting out--the former will as strenuously insist on an immediate compliance with Coll P.' invitation.
Secondly--I may obtain a respectable & proceed accordingly Representation of sachems & head warriors from all this River & Eastward to repair to Congress & should the Buffaloes decline & shall insist on a gerneral council & query, whether it will be just doing them justice, if they still insist on a general council for at the Buffaloe, previous to their setting out to deny them? and whether it would be good policy to go without the farmers Brother & Little Billy
I should be loth to have them go [undecipherable] Fr Br. & Little Billey, as these two, (including Red Jacket) who is already well engaged, would be an effectual check upon all the settlements on the Buffaloe--Cayugas excepted--.--
Thirdly, should I fail of taking down a respectable a representation from the five nations to Congress & the Indian war is carried on the ensuing season--Tis my opinion, that a a great majority of the young warriors men of the whole five nations will be active with the western Indians--the Oneidas is excepted.
All the young warriors at the Buffaloe & grand River (a few only excepted) look with envy upon the victory with their laurels or feathered head, & regret, their not having been in the action of Past fall in the Miami--
Capt Brant himself declared to Dr Allen that 36 of his men including 12 Cayugas & a few Senekas, went off without were in the action--all returned unhurt, with plunder--& each man his a scalp--; that they went off without Brants approbation, & contrary to his advice--chose their own officers & bid him defiance Doquanny, a Cayuga first Captain.--that his situation was such after his return from Quebeck, it would not No 4
No 4-
not say much--That the young men were almost infatuated for war, since the defeat of our Army--
[humanly?] speaking--nothing but the Head warrior calling out to the [persons?]--to desist, & quit their persuitg of the vanquished--prevented the whole of our retreating army being killed, or taken to a man. This is not only Capt Brants declaration, but universally believed by among all the Indians--
It is my duty to inform you, that from incontestable evidence (stubborn facts) The Indians at the westward--& more particularly in the vicinity of Oneida Niagara, have been, & are still plentifully supplied with Cloathing--arms & amunition--by the British, or their agents in the Indian department--& are encouraged to prosecute the war. To the amount of 12000 L1200 [ed: 1200 pounds or dollars][undecipherable] has been was distributed to the Indians of Grand River & the Buffaloes while during Dr Allens was short stay at Niagara that garrison--among which were a considerable number of the first rate, new arms.--but not a sixpence worth, to the whole Genesee settlements.--
Fourthly.-should the Buffaloes, Grand River--settlements, with those on the River, become united--& join the western Confederacy--the frontiers of this state & that of Pennsylvania, would be, in my apprehension the most defenseless part & wide extended frontier of the Unjited States.--a strong garrison to prevent which, act established at Preskile on the south side of Lake Erie, might afford the greatest
defense--unless the British shall be resign these western ports--then all might soon be settled. - I only suggest the idea from my knowledge of the country--pardon me, for I am no politician--nor politicians son, but feel anxious for the wellfare of my country.
Fifthly you enjoin it upon me, to find out the result of the Indian Council at the Buffaloe--there has as yet no Council been held there, but at Niagare--& part of the time--no white person, not even Coll Butler himself was admitted--which has made the whole garrison of Niagare, & Col. Butler himself watch Brant with a jealous eye.--It is sir, next to impossible to get access to these private councils.--They cannot --or pretend--they cannot, investigate them at Niagare. The following is the best amt I can give you--which has been communicated to me in utmost confidence--by several Indians whom I have employed for [undecipherable] & at different times.--Even good Peter trembled, to disclose what he had discovered, lest it should be known, that I had come to the knowledge of it, & my life be endangered thereby; however I am not much afraid of that, if I can only get any private place to write.-- "First the Shawenes & southern Confederacy since defeat of our army have sent to Grand River, Buffaloe, & Canada Indian calling a genl Council to be held at the miami, early next spring (--probably not till the waters are open--)at which time & place every nation, by their Deputies, are to make declaration whether
they are for the King--or the Americans, or for the Indians in distinction from the two former.--
2nly--An a severe & alarming message was sent by the shawanese to Brant by the mohawks who were in [undecipherable]--in these words--"you chief mohawk! what are you doing?--time was, when you reveled us to war, & told us tt if all the Indians would join with the King they should be a happy people--& become independent, in a very short time you changed your voice--& went to sleep & left us in the lurch--. You mohawk chief! you have ruined us.--& you shall share with us. know it is not good for you lie still any longer--arise & bestir yourself!!--
Upon this Capt Brant counselled with Fish Carrier--great skey--& several others--Three attempts were made to form an answer--that might be satisfactory--but someone of the council replied--It would not be satisfactory--upon which Brarnt, or Fish Carrier replied, they could go no father;--let the matter be tried at Buffaloe Creek.--In the meantime--forbid any Indians coming down this way--ie. to the eastward of Buffaloe Creek--& no one allowed to go over there, who could not be depended upon.--
In the Council, Capt Brant proposed that the first steps to be taken, were an immediate healing of all divisions yt were subjecting themselves--+ the restoration of implicit confidence among one another-- Viz--the division subsisting at Grand River betwixt him & Capt Aarons party. nextly
betwixt him & the Senekas--& then proceede to the alienation & [jealousy?] between the Buffaloes & the Genesee settlements--that all this must be done before, a proper or an answer could be given, with propriety & safety to the western Indians."--that no representaton should go down to Congress till this union was compleated & confidence restored that he himself was in difficulty--they must help him.--
Lastly.--By Capt Brants letter to me, & Dr. Allens, which I here inclose--there is the highest probability, that Capt Brant will immediately come down to Congress, if a proper invitation be given.--He is a person of high feelings & knows that he is of some importance--has been & treated confidence as such by the first character in Great Britain. there is not a are few gentlemen in Canada, who can set more plate upon the Table than Capt Brant, when he makes an entertainment--& not one in all the vicinity of Niagare, who keeps a table comprable to his.--
Pray, Sir, would there be any impropriety in our illustrious Presidents desiring Coll Pickering or even your self to present his complements to Capt--Brant & desiring a visit from him for the purposes of inquiring into the state of the Indians &c--this will effect the matter--& I doubt if any thing else will b I should esteem the acquisition, more than ten [symbol for pounds]10,000 dollars towards the protection of the frontier.
No 5
No 5.
& almost believe, we might have a peace with the western Indians, in the space of eight six or eight months.
It would [derange?] all those plans & alarms then at once. That is the only reason in which Brant may be so easily detached.--his critical situation with the western Indians--& his dislike to Butler & the British garrisen the Commander Coll Jordon--broke open my letter to Brant which was delivered by the Fish Carrier--& then retained it for more than two weeks--which said in company was a [surcally] trick & he would teach him better.--
Sir, I am loth to quit the country without one more trial for Capt Brant--or at least for an interview with him--. I shall tarry here, till I hear from you--indeed, I doc If the Genesee & buffaloe don't agree to go down together--If the Buffaloe Delegation dont agree to come down immediately--The Genesee & other representatives are determined to set out for Congress--I believe, I can persuade them to release me & go down with Genl Chapin tho it will be a disappoinment to them. It is true, that all the Indians give it as their opinion, that Brant will never come down, tis not in the power of congress to move him--many white people of te same sentiment.--
But DrKerr--(surgeon to the Garrison of Niagare,) who married Capt Brants neice--a natural daughter of Sir Wms said, to Dr Allen, that he knows Brant would come down if properly invited & was sorry he had not seen Mr Kirkland. This Gentleman & Brant are as intimate & fond of each other as two Brothers.--It will not do to apply to the Governor Clinton for Brant has spoken in rather severe terms of him--cant forget the Cayoga treat at Albany., as he told Dr Allen--
If I have been guilty of an indecent proposal of the Presidents [simple?] [undecipherable] to Capt Brant [imparte?] it to my weakness, as tender concern for the safety of my fellow citiznes--& not than to any want of the profoundest respect found for our Beloved, President, for, God is my witness, there is no man on Earth, whom I venerate respect & esteem equally to our beloved President. The situation of things in this quarter that I think I shall be justified in hiring an express to convey this letterr--I expect to write you again in the course of four or five days which I can forward without much expense. you will readily excuse my scribbling writing manner of writing when you know that I am destitute of almost every convenience--& am
obliged to take up [undecipherable] end of night--lest I give umbrage excite a jealousy in the minds of the Indians--they have their spies all round us among us--& I am in the day time continually thronged with Indians--wherever I go--all inquiring what news from Congress--what are Congress go in to do with Indians.--It has been propagated at Buffaloe Creek--that Red Jacket & a number of others--when they get to Philadelphia, are to be put in irons, or hanged.--
I wrote part of the last night--& the whole of this. The day now dawns--& the express will soon set out--I have ordered him to go by wyoming & return that way--may God bless you, & long presume our most beloved President--&c prays,
I [undecipherable] Sr--your most obedt hum Servt,
S. Kirkland
Kanawageas
Honble Genl Knox
PS. I had like to forgot to mention tht two or 300 dolars wd be very useful in these parts if you shall see fit to send them by the Express--James M. Reed.