"Brothers: We are at great loss, and sit in darkness as well as you, by the death of Conrad Weiser, [FN] as, since his death, we cannot so well understand one another. By this belt we cover his body with bark."
[A white belt of seven rows, with four black streaks.]
[FN] Celebrated in the Indian Annals, for many years, as an interpreter.
"Brothers: By the last belt, I mentioned to you that we both sat in darkness. Now, by this belt I remove the clouds from before the sun, that we may see it rise and set, and that your hearts may be eased from sorrow on account of what I mentioned before. [Delivered a white belt of five rows, with three black bars.] We pray the Great God above, who can enlighten our hearts, that we may live in love and peace until death."
From the manuscripts of Captain Brant, it seems frequently to have been his duty to perform the ceremony of condolence, and he sometimes speaks of making a journey to a considerable distance for that sole purpose. Only one of his speeches, however, on such an occasion, remains among his papers. That was delivered in the name of the Five Nations, on the 24th of February, 1801, at Fort George, (Niagara,) on the death of Mrs. Claus, [FN] the mother of the Deputy Superintendent:—
[FN] Daughter of Sir William Johnson.
"Speech of Condolence to Captain Claus.
"Brother: We are here now met in the presence of the Spirit above, with intent to keep up the ancient custom of condolement. We therefore condole with you for your late loss of our well-beloved sister, whom now you have interred.