[FN-2] Quoted from the manuscript copy of the speech, contained among the Brant papers, in the hand-writing of the Chief himself.
The deputation from the Six Nations and the Seven Nations of Canada, (the Caughnawagas,) having returned from the Miami, a council was convened at the village of the Onondagas residing at Buffalo Creek, to hear their report—intended not only for their own people, but for the information of the British and American Superintendents, Colonel Butler and General Chapin. The council-fire was kindled on the 8th of October. The procedure, it will be seen, was characteristic and striking. The belts, pictures, and emblems used by the several nations represented in the Grand Council at the Miami Rapids, were forwarded to the Six Nations by the hands of their deputies, and after the council had been regularly opened, these were produced, and the speeches with which their delivery had been accompanied, were repeated, in the form of a report, with incidental explanations. By this process, though tedious, the proceedings of the Grand Congress were probably reported to the Buffalo council, with as much accuracy as though they had been written out in form by a committee of the more civilized "Congress of the Thirteen Fires."
All things being ready, the proceedings were commenced by Clear-Sky, a chief of the Onondagas, who spoke as follows:—
"Brothers: We thank the Great Spirit for our happy meeting, that he has preserved us through all difficulties, dangers, and sickness, and given us an opportunity of meeting together at this place."
The ceremony of condolence for the loss of friends since the last council, having been regularly performed and reciprocated by all the tribes present, and also by the Superintendents, the business of the council was resumed by the Farmer's Brother, who delivered the speech of the Shawanese, Delawares, and Twithuays, as follows:—
"Brothers: Colonel Butler and General Chapin, we wish you to attend the Shawanese and other nations of Indians. We thank the Six Nations for their attention. We were glad to see them at the Great Council-fire which had been kindled some time at the Rapids of the Miami." [FN]
[FN] In order to understand the report, the reader must bear in mind that the speech of each belt is delivered by the bearer of it, as though he were in fact a delegate from the nation whose report he is making.
"Brothers: You are acquainted with the friendship that once subsisted between you and our fathers, and the reason that the present fire is kindled, is to renew that friendship.
"Brothers: We mentioned this to you last Fall at a council at the Glaize, and we now repeat it to put you in mind of that friendship which once subsisted between you and our wise forefathers."