"Brother: It being agreed at the Rapids that we should come and meet the Commissioners in our Father's presence, we return our thanks to the Great Spirit for seeing your Excellency well this day. Our intention and business is peaceable, and our inclination is to do what is right and just. We are all of one mind, and wished your Excellency to be present.
"A belt of wampum."
His Excellency replied:—
"Brothers: I am happy to see you so well. The Commissioners have expressed a wish to meet you in my presence, and I shall be happy to hear what they have to say.
"Belt returned."
The Commissioners having arrived, the conference commenced, in the presence not only of the Governor, but also of a large number of the civil and military officers of that station. The proceedings were opened on the part of the Western deputation by Captain Brant, who rose, with a belt and string of wampum, and said:—
"Brothers: We have met to-day our brothers, the Bostonians and English. We are glad to have the meeting, and think it by the appointment of the Great Spirit.
"Brothers of the United States: We told you the other day, at Fort Erie, that at another time we would inform you why we had not assembled at the time and place appointed for holding the treaty with you. Now we inform you, that it is because there is so much the appearance of war in that quarter.
"Brothers: We have given the reason for our not meeting you, and now request an explanation of these warlike appearances.
"Brothers: The people you see here are sent to represent the Indian nations who own the lands north of the Ohio as their common property, and who are all of one mind—one heart.