Document

Speech made by US Commissioner at Treaty with Seneca Nation, September 1797.

Colonel Wadsworth opens by saying he was unwell the previous evening and could not reply to the Seneca speeches. He says he is gratified that the Seneca nation is satisfied with the bargain made for their land. He promises that no one can take their money as long as the United States exists. Wadsworth asks that the Indians be precise in reporting their wrongs, and to go directly to Israel Chapin, who will report these wrongs to the President. He says he cannot promise that the $4500 annuity can be made in dollars instead of clothing and presumes it makes no difference to them. A law has been passed to prevent encroachments. He asks that they avoid white men who are not agreeable to Captain Chapin. Wadworth expresses happiness that the bad designs of the white people have been frustrated by this Treaty. He says that agricultural cultivation will make them grow as happy as the white men.

Colonel Wadsworth says he is gratified that the Seneca nation is satisfied with the bargain made their land. He promises that no one can take their money as long as the United States exists. Wadsworth asks that the Indians be precise in reporting their wrongs, and to go directly to Israel Chapin, who will report these wrongs to the President.

1797

09

This document contains two versions of a speech made by Wadsworth during the negotiations. One version is rough draft, and second version appears to be the final draft.

Appears to be speech made during treaty negotiations that began on August 26, 1797 and continued through mid-September.

Jeremiah Wadsworth

Seneca Nation

George Washington

President of United States

Israel Chapin

white people

Congress

W. Morris

Mr. Phelps

Sachems

warriors

Seneca

New York

specie

clothing

Treaty

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