Civilization of the Indian Natives / or, a Brief View of the Friendly Conduct of William Penn Towards Them in the Early Settlement of Pennsylvania

by Halliday Jackson

By this memorable treaty between William Penn and the natives, the parties mutually engaged to live together in peace and concord, as brethren of the same universal parent; and according to Indian customs, ratified the same by the usual token of a chain of friendship, which was not to be broken, so long as the sun and moon endure.

William Penn had also many other conferences with the Indians, during his residence in the country, some of which were of a religious nature; and his conduct towards them was in general so engaging, the advice he gave them so evidently for their advantage, and his regard to justice so conspicuous, that he became greatly endeared to them: hence, the name of Onas, by which they distinguished him, (and still do the society of Friends,) has been transmitted from father to son, with much veneration and esteem. That such was the fact, much might be advanced as proof, which, with other circumstances in the subsequent behaviour of this people, demonstrate not only their sense of gratitude, but the extensive influence which justice, tempered by love, may have on the untutored mind. It may, however, be proper to state, that in the early settlement of Pennsylvania, when the country was almost an entire wilderness, and producing little for human sustenance but a scanty supply of natural fruits, and the wild animals of the forest, the new settlers were exposed to much hardship and difficulty in obtaining food—but their sufferings and difficulties in these respects, were much alleviated by the attention and kindness of the natives, in supplying their necessities; not only extending their beneficence to those of the society of Friends, but generally to such as were under the patronage of William Penn—thereby evincing towards them the genuine spirit of hospitality—frequently visiting them in their houses.

In the course of events, the society of Friends becoming mostly excluded from the proprietory agency to which the management of Indian affairs had been chiefly committed, the trade with the Indians became corrupted, and they were frequently imposed on in the sale of their lands. Hence arose jealousies and a spirit of resentment in some of the tribes, situated north-westward of the settled parts of Pennsylvania. Hostilities ensued, and many of the inhabitants suffered, in consequence of a war which continued for several years. But notwithstanding the diminished influence which the society of Friends now possessed in public transactions, and the negotiations of treaties with the Indians, they did not relax their endeavours to improve every opportunity of cultivating a friendly intercourse with them, and promoting a peaceable disposition; for which purpose they formed an association among themselves, denominated the “friendly association for gaining and preserving peace with the Indians by pacific measures.”

To carry these benevolent views into operation, contributions to the amount of several thousand pounds were raised, which (with the governor’s permission) they applied in presents, and otherwise, in such a discreet and well timed manner, as, together with their conciliating demeanour and candour, which the Indians had often experienced, to have a happy effect in disposing them to hearken to terms of peace; which desirable event took place in 1775.

About the year 1791, at which time a contest subsisted between the United States and several of the Indian tribes, a committee of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, appointed for the purpose of representing the society during the recess of the Yearly Meeting, believed it right to address congress on the occasion, thereby showing the expediency of pursuing pacific measures, which had heretofore been found salutary and effectual, in securing peace and friendship with the original owners of the soil for the settlement of existing differences: at the same time, suggesting that if their religious instruction and civilization were rightly promoted, it might essentially contribute to conciliate the minds of the Indians, and restore harmony between the contending parties. Although the representation was well received, the measures recommended were not then adopted, and the calamities of war still continuing to prevail on the western frontiers of the states, the Yearly Meeting held in 1792, appointed a large committee to unite with the former, (commonly called the meeting for Sufferings,) to deliberate on the momentous subject, and, if practicable, to recommend such measures as would be most likely to promote peace and friendship with the Indian tribes, and thereby prevent the further effusion of human blood.

In the spring of 1793, deputies from several Indian nations visited Philadelphia, with a view of forwarding an accommodation with the United States, and government having agreed that a treaty should be held in the Indian country near Detroit, the summer following, these Indian deputies repeatedly urged, in several conferences, that some Friends should attend the negotiations, stating, “that the nations they represented had a special confidence in them as a people, who, from their first settlement in America, had manifested a steady adherence to the maintenance of peace and friendship with the natives.” In accordance with the desire the society had long felt to promote peace, the proposition was acceeded to, and six Friends were deputed to accompany the commissioners appointed by government on this occasion, after having obtained the president’s approbation.

These Friends were present at several interviews with the commissioners, and about thirty Indian chiefs deputed from a grand council composed of a numerous body of Indians, made up of many different nations. They used what endeavours they could to prepare the minds of the Indians for a calm and deliberate consideration of the several subjects in controversy. But the Indians not being satisfied with the conditions held out by the commissioners as the terms of peace, the treaty proved abortive, and Friends were disappointed in having an interview with the Indians in general council. They had, however, reason to believe the Indians were generally made acquainted with their friendly motives and sentiments, and that their ancient attachment to the society was measurably renewed.

Again, in the summer of 1794, Friends were invited by the representatives of the Six Nations to attend a treaty to be held at Canandaigua, in the state of New York, and government approving the same, four Friends were deputed for that service, by whom a suitable address was sent, accompanied by some presents, as “a token (in the language of the address,) for you the descendants of the first inhabitants of this land of America, whom our forefathers found here after they had crossed the great waters.”

About sixteen hundred Indians were assembled on this occasion, and these Friends had an opportunity in their public councils, of endeavouring to impress their minds with a sense of the advantages to be derived from living in peace with one another, and with all men, and with the expediency of living a more sober and quiet life, that they might draw down the divine blessing upon them. These Indians still retained a lively remembrance of the just and friendly treatment their forefathers met with from the first founder of Pennsylvania, continued to distinguish him by the name of Onas, and considered Friends as his descendants, expressing that if we deceived them they should no more place confidence in mankind.

The disputed matters were now brought into a train of amicable adjustment, and a firm peace (it was hoped) was about to be established between these nations and the United States.