"Brother: We hope that this may not damp your heart so much as to make you forget us, who are your brothers—not only ourselves, but our wives and children.
"Brother: We say now again, that by our late loss, it seems our fire is somewhat extinguished. But we have now found a few brands remaining, and have collected them together, and have raised a straight smoke to the clouds.
"Brother: We therefore with this string of wampum wipe away the tears from your eyes, and would take away all sorrow from your heart. But that is impossible: still, it is the customary way of making the speech. We therefore mention it: and with the said wampum we wipe away all stains of whatever should remain on your seat, so that you may sit down in comfort.
"Brother: We say again with this string of wampum, as you seem to be all in darkness, we with the same string enlighten the skies above us, so that it may appear to us all as it formerly used to do.
"Brother: We say again with this string of wampum, as we have now made our speech of condolement, we hope to raise you upon your feet, as you formerly used to be; for since our late loss, it seems you have been confined as one absent." [FN]
[FN] Captain Claus had been so much affected by the death of his mother, as to be confined to his room; and although he met the Chiefs in council on this occasion, he was unable to reply—-but sent his speech afterward in writing.
"Brother: We hope you will not forget our calamities—hoping that this shock may not put us out of your memory entirely—and also that you may continue to help us, as you formerly used to do.
"Brother: This last string which now I give you, is given by the whole Six Nations, so as to strengthen your mind and body—that you may not be too much cast down by the occasion of our late loss."
An address was likewise transmitted to the council from the women, which was delivered by a sachem called Old Thomas; but a copy has not been preserved. Only the last half sheet of Captain Claus's reply is now to be found. The conclusion was this:—