"Brothers: We have come to speak to you for two reasons: one, because your warriors, being in our neighborhood, have prevented our meeting at the appointed place; the other, to know if you are properly authorized to run and establish a new boundary line between the lands of the United States and the lands of the Indian nations. We are still desirous of meeting you at the appointed place.
"Brothers: We wish you to deliberate well on this business. We have spoken our sentiments in sincerity—considering ourselves in the presence of the Great Spirit, from whom, in times of danger, we expect assistance." [With this speech a belt of twelve rows, and thirty strings of wampum, in five bunches, were presented.]
The Commissioners answered:—
"Brothers: We have attended to what you have said. We will take it into our serious consideration, and give you an answer to-morrow. We will inform you when we are ready."
Captain Brant rejoined:—
"Brothers: We thank you for what you have said. You say that you will answer our speech to-morrow. We now cover up the council-fire."
On the next day the Commissioners replied at length, in the Indian form of speech. In regard to the warlike indications of which the deputation complained, the Commissioners assured them that they might "possess their minds in peace;" and stated to them the orders that had been transmitted to General Wayne, and the other precautionary measures adopted by the Great Chief, General Washington, to prevent any act of hostility during the negotiations. On the subject of the second query of the Indians, the Commissioners replied explicitly, that they had authority to run and establish a new boundary. This question, they were aware, was to be the great subject of discussion at the council, and they hoped that the result would be satisfactory to both parties. But, in saying this, they reminded the Indians, that in almost all disputes and quarrels there was wrong upon both sides, and consequently that in the approaching council both parties must be prepared to make some concessions. The Commissioners requested information as to the names of the nations, and the number of the chiefs assembled at the Rapids of the Miami; and in conclusion re-assured the chiefs of the groundlessness of their apprehensions respecting the movements of General Wayne, and explained to them that they might place themselves perfectly at rest upon this point; promising, moreover, immediately to send a messenger on horseback "to the Great Chief of the United States, to desire him to renew and strongly repeat his orders to his head-warrior, not only to abstain from all hostilities against the Indians, but to remain quiet at his posts until the event of the treaty should be known." Having returned the Belt, Cat's-Eyes, the Shawanese leader, replied:—
"Brothers, the Bostonians, attend! We have heard your words. Our fathers, the English people, have also heard them. We thank God that you have been preserved in peace, and that we bring our pipes together. The people of all the different nations here salute you. They rejoice to hear your words. It gives us great satisfaction that our fathers, the English, have also heard them. We shall for the present take up our pipes and retire to our encampments, where we shall deliberately consider your speech, and return you an answer tomorrow."
The conference was re-opened on the 9th, when Captain Brant arose, with the belt and strings in his hands which had been presented by the Commissioners on the preceding day, and addressing himself to the English and Americans, said:—
"Brothers: We are glad the Great Spirit has preserved us in peace to meet together this day.