FOOTNOTES:
[1] As the Author has frequently been obliged to employ the distinctive phrase of wild Indians in this work, and has inadvertently omitted to explain it—he would take this opportunity to say, that it indicates those Indians, who have not been cultivated and modified by the influence of civilization.
[2] It is interesting to remark, that M. Cuvier, before he died, had consented to take the chair at the next anniversary of the Paris Bible Society, and to exhibit the proofs of agreement between geological observations and the Mosaic account of the Creation and Deluge.
[3] This story is constructed from information obtained upon the spot, and is in substance true.
[4] Not having the exact dimensions of these lakes from authority, under hand, these statements are made from recollection, and a glance view of the map. It is thought they are within the actual limits, and sufficiently accurate for the present purpose.
[5] One detachment had been left at Fort Gratiot.
[6] After all I confess it seems to me an incredible statement. That a vast group of islands have long time been observed to lie in that quarter, is evident from the fact, that the ordinary charts are densely spotted to represent them, where the following inscription stands: “The Thousand Islands.”
[7] This decision may be found in the Appendix to the second volume, and the subject treated at large in the text of that volume.
[8] Sassacus was chief of the Pequots; Philip of the Pokanokets—but sometimes headed the Narragansetts, as allies.
[9] Of course I do not pretend to quote literally, but merely to give the substance of what was said in these interviews, as narrated to me by the chiefs. The advice was taken and acted upon, and led to momentous results—as will appear.
[10] To show how little the disturbance of these Indians, in their new abode, North-West Territory, was anticipated, and the benevolent wishes of those, who desired to confirm them in this retreat, I would here introduce some of the remarks of Dr. Morse in his Report to Congress. It may be observed, that the Doctor had been appointed an agent of Government, with instructions to visit remote tribes, and collect all possible information respecting them—to report the result of his observations, and to recommend any measures, which might seem to him desirable to be adopted for the welfare of the Indians.
“The expectation is,” says the Doctor, when preparing his Report, “that a great part of the Stockbridge Indians, with numbers of the St. Regis tribe, of the six nations, of the Munsees, Nanticokes, Delawares, and others, in the course of the next season, 1822, will emigrate and plant themselves on this purchase (in the North-West Territory, which had been made pursuant to the Doctor’s recommendation.) Should this take place, a colony will be formed at once, and a current to it created; and should its foundations be broad and laid with wisdom, there is little doubt of its gradual increase. Should the plan be popular with the Indians, (and the prospect is, that it will be) a large colony, enough perhaps to form a territory,[11] or a State, may be ultimately collected here, educated together, and received into the Union, and to the enjoyment of the privileges of citizens.
“Let regulations be made to prohibit the introduction of white settlers within the limits of this territory—that is: within limits bounded south by Illinois, east by Michigan, north by Superior, and west by the Mississippi. Let this territory be reserved exclusively for Indians, in which to make the proposed experiment of gathering into one body, as many of the scattered and other Indians, as may choose to settle there—to be educated, become citizens, and in due time, to be admitted to all the privileges common to other territories and States of the Union. Such a course would probably save the Indians.”
The following is an article of a treaty made between the Government of the United States and the Delaware tribe in 1788:—
Art. 6. “Whereas the enemies of the United States have endeavoured by every artifice in their power, to possess the Indians in general with an opinion, that it is the design of the States aforesaid to extirpate the Indians, and take possession of their territories:—to obviate such false suggestions, the United States do engage to guarantee to the aforesaid nation of Delawares and their heirs, all their territorial rights in the fullest and most ample manner, as they have been bounded by former treaties, as long as the said Delaware nation shall abide by and hold fast the chain of friendship now entered into. And it is further agreed between the contracting parties,—should it for the future be found conducive to the mutual interests of both parties,—to invite any other tribes who have been friends of the United States, to join the present confederation and to form a State, whereof the Delaware nation shall be the head and have a representation in Congress, &c.”
[11] A Territorial Government in America, is substantially Colonial.
[12] This letter asserts, that the annual interest of a fund, granted in the reign of George II. for “Civilizing and Christianizing the Indians of New England,” amounts to about 40,000l.—and that it is not appropriated. It might be interesting to inquire after it.
[13] Indian name of conference.
[14] I present this merely as the substance of the impressions left on my own mind.
[15] It has been before observed in this volume, that the Indian chiefs under the jurisdiction of the United States, are accustomed to receive the flag of the Union, a present from Government, in token of their alliance, which they are generally proud to display.
[16] Major O’Fallon.
[17] The Braves are warriors, who have distinguished themselves in battle, and stand highest in the estimation of the tribe.