"Brothers: I now address to you, General Chapin of the United States, and to you, Major Littlehales [FN] in behalf of the King, and thank the Great Spirit for bringing us again together in council, as what we are a going to relate we wish the world to know."
[FN] Private Secretary of Governor Simcoe attending the council in his absence.
"Brothers: You have both heard the message we delivered to our brothers of the United States, last Fall, relative to a boundary line; and we expected a positive answer from you, brothers of the United States, whether you would accept of it or not.
"Brothers: When we delivered the message to you last Fall for the United States, we had first taken it into serious consideration; we spoke the language of our hearts, and the Great Spirit knew our minds; all the Six Nations were of tho same opinion, and we are well assured that, had the United States accepted our proposed boundary line, peace would certainly have taken place.
"Brothers: The speech you have brought us, has given us great uneasiness; we are greatly at a loss how to act; we expected a direct answer to our proposals of a boundary line; now we are much distressed that you have brought us but half an answer; the kindling a council-fire at a distant place is what we are not prepared to give a reply to.
"Brothers: Provided the United States had accepted our proposed boundary line, we should have sent immediately to our Western brethren, who know our sentiments, and we should have attended your council and confirmed it.
"Brothers: Make your minds easy; but, in consequence of the importance of your speech, we must have time to deliberate very seriously upon it; we cannot give you an immediate answer; we must have a general council of all the Chiefs; only a few are now present, and we should all be together. The reason of so much counseling at different times has proceeded from so small a number of our sachems and chiefs being assembled, and this has been the principal cause of the present trouble.
"Brothers: You, General Chapin, live near us; we have two months and a half to consider of your speech, and by that time we will give you a final answer. We pray the Great Spirit that these difficulties may terminate to the happiness of both parties.
"Brothers: You requested an answer as soon as was convenient, but in such very weighty business, it is impossible to give one immediately. With regard to provision, there is plenty in your country; and if we should agree to meet you, you need not be particular about what we shall consume, for we shall not expect any thing but provision.