[ADDRESSES]
OF
JOHN LUKE AND STEPHEN S. SMITH.
The following addresses were then made by the Indians herein mentioned; they were translated by Harrison Halftown and Benjamin Williams, both Senecas. Mr. Snowden took notes of these addresses, and has written them out as follows:
John Luke, a councillor of the Seneca nation, said: Brothers! White men and Indians:—It has been laid upon me to say a few words. We were well pleased when we heard that the State of Pennsylvania had directed that a monument should be put up to the memory of Cornplanter, at his grave. And we were pleased when word came to us that the white people and Indians should be here to-day to see the monument set in its proper place, and to hear what our white brothers should say on the occasion. We are thankful for what has been done by Pennsylvania, and for the good words we have heard this beautiful day. The occasion will long be remembered by us. This monument, more enduring than the wampum which our forefathers used to record events and keep them in remembrance, will remind us of the kindness of Pennsylvania to our great and good Chief, and keep bright the chain whose links have united us to the Quaker State even from the time of Onas (William Penn) to the present day. Brothers! The Cornplanter was known to us to be an honest man, and without deceit, and we are glad to hear, by the words spoken this day, that our white brethren so regard him, and respect his memory. He made the treaties and speeches referred to this day, and I now say that it is proper that all the people should remember that every word that has been said, so far as I understand them, are words of truth. We always understood that Cornplanter desired his children, and his nation, to follow the example of the white people in cultivating the land. It lies upon our hearts that we should remember the words of The Cornplanter.
Friendship was established between the red men and the white men by treaties, and we wish them to stand permanent. This is all I have to say in behalf of my people. Farewell!
Stephen S. Smith, a Seneca Indian, and a Chief of the Six Nations, then rose and said: Friends and Brothers! We are grateful for what is done and said here this beautiful day. The sun shines upon us, and we are here as brothers to do honor to the memory of old Cornplanter. It is in accordance with the laws and customs of the Six Nations that the people should meet to commemorate the memory of the dead.
Brothers! We are now a feeble people in numbers and in power; our forefathers were strong and powerful. This is known to us, and it is grateful to our hearts to hear the history of the Six Nations described to us to-day. It is gratifying to us to hear the words we have heard this day, so true and plain, delivered by our brother, from Philadelphia, who so well depicted the life and character of Cornplanter. And here at his grave, where his bones are buried, it is our duty to remember his instructions to his people, to work, and also, to plant our land; and now it is our duty to prosecute that work as his children. Brothers! We have been told that the Indians are like the leaves which fall at this season of the year. The leaves do fall, but we live in hope that the next summer will bring them forth again. My wish is, that what remains of the Six Nations, and their children's children, should continue to live on the lands which they now own by means of reservations secured to them by the States of New York and Pennsylvania. I am not willing to see the day when these hills will no longer look down upon the cabins of our people. I hope they will live here, and on the New York reservations, neighbors of our friends, the white people, until we and they are called away unto the place of everlasting rest; where there is but one people, one mind and one tongue. I hope our children, to the remotest generations, will come here and look at this monument to old Cornplanter, and read what is inscribed upon it; and my desire is that the Indians of the Seneca nation should continue to live here, not only as long as this handsome monument stands, but as long as these hills and valleys remain, and the waters of the Allegheny mingle with the Ohio and Mississippi. And now, on behalf of my nation, I return thanks to the State of Pennsylvania, and to our white brethren present, for what has been so well done this day; and say to all farewell.