[FN] In Indian parlance the Delawares were styled the "Grandfathers" of the Shawanese; and hence the use, in these proceedings, of the terms reciprocally of "Grand-children" and "Grandfathers."
"Grandfathers: We are humble, and are now come unto you. Now I am come to you, I take my hands and wipe your eyes, that you may clearly see the light, and that these are your grand-children who now appear before you, and likewise remove every obstruction from your eyes, that you may hear and understand me. I also compose your heart, that you may be disposed to pity your poor grand-children, as your ancient chiefs used to pity their grand-children, the Maquichees, when they were poor or humble before them. Now, my grandfathers, I tell you to pity your grand-children, the Maquichees, and whatever you direct them to do, will be done. Now you have heard your grand-children speak, and you will judge what to say to your brother, Maghingive Keeshuch:
"Two strings of white wampum.
"Now, grandfathers, here is a little tobacco to fill your pipes, that you may consider and pity your grand-children the Maquichees."
Kelleleman farther reported to Colonel Brodhead, that after the foregoing speech, Keeshmattsee, a Maquichee chief, rose and said to the Delawares:—
"Grandfathers: I now take my chief and counselor, Nimwha, and set him down on the ground before you, that he may assist you in considering the distressed situation of your grand-children."
Another Delaware chief, named Killbush, then addressed Colonel Brodhead thus:—
"Brother Maghingive Keeshuch: Listen to me. You always told me that when any nations came to treat of peace, I should first speak to them, and tell you my sentiments of them; which I am now come to do in regard to my grand-children, the Maquichees.
"I told them I was much obliged to them for clearing my eyes, my ears, and composing my heart, and that it was time, for many bad things enter into my ears."