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TREATY OF BIG TREE

ROBERT MORRIS

A HISTORY

OF THE TREATY

OF BIG TREE

AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE CELE.
BRATION OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAKING OF
THE TREATY. HELD AT GENESEO,
N. Y.. SEPTEMBER THE FIFTEENTH
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED NINETY.SEVEN

Published by the
Livingston County
Historical Society

A. O. BUNNELL, PRINTER,
DANSVILLE, N. Y.

P.

Publ.

?^

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

^\ T THE annual meeting of the Livingston County Historical
tJk Society, held in 1896, it was determined that the one hundredth
I 1 anniversary of the meeting of the Treaty of Big Tree should be
/ celebrated in some appropriate manner under the auspices of the

society. Accordingly, at the following annual meeting a committee
was appointed to have the entire matter in charge ; such committee
consisted of William A. Brodie, Chairman ; E. Fred Youngs, George B.
Adams and Charles D. Newton, of Geneseo ; Asael O. Bunnell of Dans-
ville ; Chaxmcey K. Sanders of Nunda ; S, Edward Hitchcock of
Conesus ; and the president-elect, William A. Wadsworth, and the
secretary-elect, Lockwood R. Doty, ex-officio.

On the 15th day of September, 1897, the anniversary ceremonies
took place at Geneseo. A large number of guests representing other
Historical Societies in the State, and others, were present, including
Mr. Gouverneur Morris, the eldest male descendant and great grandson
of Robert Morris, and Mr. A. Sim Logan and Mr. Andrew John, mem-
bers of the Seneca Nation of Indians, representing the contracting par-
ties to the treaty.

A short business meeting was held at the society's log cabin, pre-
sided over by the vice-president, S. E. Hitchcock, in the absence of the
President, who was detained in a western state by illness, followed by
an informal reception there. At 1 :30 o'clock a visit was made in car-
riages to the site of the Council House and the Headquarters of the
Treaty Commissioners. At 2:80 o'clock exercises were held in the
spacious chapel of the Normal School building, which had been cour-
teously tendered to the society by the Principal and Local Board.
These exercises consisted of choral and orchestral music rendered by
students of the Normal School under the direction of Mr. W. W. Kil-
lip of Geneseo; Prayer by Rev. J. E. Kittredge, D. D., of Geneseo;
address by the Chairman of the Committee, W. A. Brodie ; Historical
Address by John S. Minard, of Fillmore, N. Y., and presentation of
various Historical Documents by Dr. George Rogers Howell, Archivist
of New York State Library, who also presented to the society, on
behalf of Mr. Gouverneur Morris, a photographic copy of Rembrandt
Peale's portrait of Robert Morris.

A banquet was spread for guests of the society, numbering about
one hundred, in the gymnasium of the Normal School building at

Treaty of Big Tree 8

six o'clock ; responses to toasts proposed in a felicitous man-
ner by Vice-President Hitchcock, were made by Col. John R.
Strang of Geneseo ; Hon. Gouverneur Morris of Detroit ; Hon. Wallace
Bruce, Mr. A. Sim Logan and Mr. Andrew John of Versailles, N, Y.

Exercises were held in the evening at the Normal Chapel, consist-
ing of music, an address by Hon. Wallace Bruce on the subject "A
Great Century," and a short speech by Mr. A. Sim Logan.

The committee were assured by all who attended the celebration
that it was entirely successful and most appropriately conducted.

It is sought in the following pages to preserve the history of this
most important treaty and the incidents attending this celebration of
its one hundredth anniversary. Maps, portraits, papers and corres-
pondence have been added to enhance its historical as well as general
interest so far as practicable. The address of Mr. William H. Samson
of Rochester, delivered before the Society in 1894, was the first compre-
hensive and completely accurate accoiint of the Treaty and the nego-
tiations leading up to it, and is reproduced entire. I wish to express
my obligations to Hon. William P. Letch worth, Mr. Howard L. Osgood
and Mr. William H. Samson for special aid in collecting the matter
here presented, which is offered to the public in the hope that it will
redound in some measure to the credit of the Livingston County His-
torical Society.

LocKwooD R. Doty, Secretary.

AFTERNOON MEETING

PRAYER BY

REV. J. E. KITTREDGE, D. D.

^\ LMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, thou art the God of

^^ the years and of the centuries. Thou art from everlasting
I A to everlasting. We adore thee reverently ; we worship
^ thee heartily, thou our Creator, Benefactor, Redeemer ; we

offer thee at this hour, with the acknowledgement of individual un-
worthiness, our humble, grateful praise.

Accept, we beseech thee, our hearty thanks for life, with all its
meaning and precious possibilities, its blessed conditions and environ-
ment, the goodly heritage that is ours in this garden of the Lord
through the compact we recognize of a hundred years ago ; for mater-
ial comfort, social amenities, and educational and religious gifts; for
freedom of thought and action ; for incentives to all highest things ;
for opportunities of good and the promise of life everlasting through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

We bless thee for an historic past, for an ampler present, for a
future so grand in promise. We thank thee for the wonderful century
we celebrate today. We thank thee for the good men and women who
came hither years ago — choice seed of thy selecting ; for their Christian
enterprise ; for the homes they built, the churches and schools they
founded, the courts of justice they established ; for all forces that
touch and guard the highest interests of man.

We thank thee for human brotherhood, O thou Our Father. Thou
hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth. May we bear this
kinship well in mind. May thy blessing rest on those who represent
here the earlier and the earliest occupants of this soil. Bless this great
commonwealth and the broad land we love. Extend thy gi-ace over
all the earth.

Crown with thy favor this special occasion. Instriict us by its
historic memorials. Be with those who present them to us, those who
speak and those who listen. Bless those whose memory reaches back
toward the opening of the century. Bless those whose heart is in the
living present and whose eye is toward the future. May thy benedic-
tion be upon us all. And this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

HISTORICAL ADDRESS
BY HON. JOHN S. MINARD

^^\ EASURED by its effect upon the material prosperity of
ill Western New York, the treaty of Big Tree, which was
111 concluded 100 years ago today, stands second to no other
^ \ event in its whole history; for upon that occasion was

extinguished the title of the Seneca nation of Indians to all the territory,
the right of pre-emption to which the state of New York had ceded to
the commonwealth of Massachusetts, which lies west of what is known
as the Phelps and Gorham purchase, with the exception of several
reservations, unimportant in extent, in the immediate neighborhood
of their principal villages.

With commendable propriety, therefore, the Livingston County
Historical Society has provided for a proper commemoration of the
event, and we are assembled today within sight and hearing distance of
the scene of the treaty, for the purpose of celebrating with exercises
becoming the character of that event, the centennial anniversary of
that important preparatory step toward the appropriation and settle-
ment by the whites, of the territory treated for, and which made an
occasion like this a possibility.

In treating the subject assigned to me, I will consider briefly, the
territory which was the subject of negotiation; notice some of the
early explorers and pioneers; consider the causes which led to the
transaction ; sketch some of the leading characters who took part in
the business ; give a synopsis of the proceedings ; and then consider
the effect of the treaty in stimulating settlements and inaugurating
improvements.

One hundred years ago the territory which was treated for at the
council fire of Big Tree, presented a decidedly primitive condition of
forest ; of vast extent, of trees innumerable, of shrubs of many kinds,
of herbage in endless variety ; broken only by occasional open flats
along the rivers and larger streams, which were tilled by the Indian
women, and yielded bounteous crops of com, beans, squashes and other
vegetables, when only slightly stirred by their rude instruments of
husbandry. It was a land of lofty summits, and lovely and reposeful
valleys and lowlands ; of silvery lakes, gushing springs, gurgling rills,
babbling brooks, winding streams, foaming cataracts and beautiful
cascades. This wilderness was thickly peopled with deer, bears,

Treaty of Big Tree 14

wolves, panthers, beavers and other animals, and the lakes and streams
were fairly alive with fish of many kinds. A sparse population of
Seneca Indians, the most powerful and warlike of that famous confed-
eracy of the Six Nations, the League of the Iroquois, which has chal-
lenged the admiration of historians, and won for its people the proud
distinction of "Romans of the West," inhabited the valleys of the Gen-
esee and Allegheny rivers, and Cattaraugus, Tonawanda and Buffalo
creeks, along the courses of which streams they established their prin-
cipal villages. Within its limit was situated the old chief town of
Ga-o-ya-de-o (Caneadea), which for years was the western door of the
long house of the Iroquois, and the beautiful flats along the Genesee
were said to have been the terrestrial paradise of the Senecas. La Salle
and Hennepin in 1679 had coasted along the southern shore of Lake
Ontario, gazed with awe and admiration iipon Niagara Falls, con-
structed the Griffin, and launched the first sail boat on the waters of
Lake Erie. In 1682 La Salle had discovered Chautauqua lake, and
sixty-seven years later De Celoron had recorded its name.

In the autumn of 1700 Colonel Romer with a few attendants, made
his way up the Genesee to a point near Belvidere, thence to the famous
oil spring near Cuba, and thence on to the Allegheny and Ohio ; and
in 1720 Charlevoix, coasting along the southern shore of Ontario, sent
his lieutenant, Chabert Joncaire, over the same route pursued by Colo-
nel Romer. At the time of the treaty, Lemuel B. Jennings, Captain
Nobles and James and William Wadsworth had settled at this place ;
Ebenezer Allen had commenced operations in Mt. Morris ; Horatio and
John H. Jones in Leicester ; Buffalo had only four or five houses ; Na-
thaniel Dyke had made a beginning along the line between Wellsville
and Andover, and Major Moses Van Campen, the famous scout and
Indian fighter of the Revolution, Rev. Andrew Gray, and the McHen-
rys had founded homes in Almond. Over the possession of this won-
derful region had arisen, way back in the times of British dependency,
a dispute between the colonies of New York and Massachusetts. Mas-
sachusetts claimed it under a grant from King James I. to the Plymouth
Company, bearing date Nov. 3, 1620, and New York laid claim to the
same territory, by virtue of a grant from Charles II. to the Duke of
York, dated March 12, 1664, and the voluntary submission of the Six
Nations to the crown in 1684. This contention, all owing to faulty and
overlapping property descriptions in the grants, was dropped during the

Treaty of Big Tree 15

period of the war only to be resumed after the restoration of peace, and
continued till December 16, 1786, when the states, which in the new or-
der of things had succeeded the colonies, had the good sense to settle
the matter by commissioners appointed for the purpose. New York
retaining the sovereignty, and ceding to Massachusetts the right to pur-
chase the title of the Indians, in other words, the right of pre-emption.

So many years having been spent in the controversey, both states
had become tired of it and Massachusetts was anxious to avail herself
of the proceeds of the sale of her rights. The depressed condition in
which the states were left at the close of the war had begun to wear
away, the population of the seaboard districts had become somewhat
crowded, indeed in some places actually congested, and many faces
were turned interior- ward, in quest of new homes. As a result, the
spirit of speculation was aroused, and capitalists turned their attention
to investments in land. Among these speculators were Oliver Phelps
and Nathaniel Gorham, who soon commenced negotiations with Massa-
chusetts, for the purchase of her right to pre-emption. The negotia-
tion was successful, the contract bearing date March 31, 1788, giving
the consideration and terms of payment, to quote the instrument, as
"three hundred thousand pounds, in consolidated securities of this
commonwealth, or two thousand pounds specie, together vsdth two
hundred and ninety thousand pounds in like securities, Messrs. Phelps
and Gorham being required to give security for the payment of the
same, "one-third in one year, one-third in two years, and one-third in
three years."

Messrs. Phelps and Gorham were anxious to make an early pur-
chase of the Indian title, and thus be enabled to dispose of their lands,
or a part at least, in time to apply the effects upon their contract with
Massachusetts, and hustled things with such vigor and celerity, that
on the 8th of July, 1788, at Buffalo Creek, was concluded a treaty, by
which the sale of all the lands of the Indians east of a boundary which
to quote the conveyance, was: "A meridian which will pass through
that corner or point of land, made by the confluence of the Shanahas-
gwaikon creek, so-called (Canaseraga), with the waters of the Genesee
river ; thence running north along said meridian to the corner or point
last mentioned ; thence northwardly along the waters of the said Gen-
esee river to a point two miles north of Shanawagerus village, so-called
(Canawaugus) ; thence running in a direction due west, twelve miles ;

Treaty of Big Tree 16

thence running in a direction northwardly, so as to be twelve miles
distant from the most westward bends of the said Genesee river, to
the shore of the Ontario lake," and about two and one-half million
acres were embraced in the tract. The consideration was £2,100 and
an annuity of $500.

The legislature of Massachusetts on the 21st of November, 1788,
passed an act, vesting the title to this land in Messrs. Phelps and Gor-
ham, they relinquishing all the lands west of this tract, which were
included in the contract. Though not entirely pertinent to the subject,
it may still in a sort of parenthetical way be observed, that to this
deed was appended the name of Governor John Hancock, not, how-
ever, in his own hand, as appears by the accompanying explanation:
"The secretary signed his excellency's name, by his order, he being
unable to put his signature by reason of the gout in his right hand."
So, incidental to our investigations the very important historical fact
is disclosed, that on the 21st of November, 1788, His Excellency Gov-
ernor John Hancock was afflicted with the gout ! On account, how-
ever, of the advance of the securities with which they were to make
their payments, Phelps and Gorham were unable to meet their engage-
ments with Massachusetts, and so reserving two townships (Tp. 10 R.
3, and Tp. 9. R. 7) Canandaigiia and Geneseo (?), they sold the tract to
Robert Morris, who had begun to turn his attention to land speciila-
tions. Mr. Morris held it but a short time, and turned it over to Sir
William Poulteney and others in England, at a profit, it has been said,
of something like $160,000.

These successful transactions made Mr. Morris eager for more
lands upon which he could realize still more profits. On the 11th of
May, 1791, he secured from Massachusetts the pre-emption right to all
the lands in the state of New York west of the tract purchased by
Messrs. Phelps and Gorham. For this it is said that he paid the sum
of $333,333.33. Mr. Morris held this tract but a short time, and in
1792-3, sold it to a syndicate of Holland capitalists, afterwards known
as the "Holland Land Company," reserving the eastern portion, about
12 miles in width , parts of which he had sold to other parties, or placed
as security for loans as in the case of the Church tract. This came to
be called the "Morris reserve." One condition of this sale was that
Mr. Morris should extinguish the Indian title, and until such time as
he should perform that part of the agreement, the syndicate reserved

Treaty of Big Tree 17

£37,500 of the purchase money. Mr. Morris at this time had a son,
Thomas, abotit 21 years of age, who had received a liberal education at
Geneva and Leipsic, and was then engaged in studying law. He was
a promising young man, of good natural ability, fine presence, and had
the happy faculty, as the sequel will show, of quickly discovering the
motives of men, of being quick to act, and quite likely to do about the
right thing in a case of emergency. This son, Mr. Morris determined
to settle in the new country, "as an evidence of his faith in its value
and products ;" it is safe to presume also, with an eye to his future
usefulness in effecting the purchase of the Indian lands. Readily com-
plying with the wishes of his father, Thomas left Philadelphia in the
summer of 1791, and following what was then called "Sullivan's path,'
he reached Newtown in time to attend Pickering's council. At the
council he made the acquaintance of many of the leading Indians, who
were so favorably impressed with him, as to give him the name 0-te-
ti-ana, which Red Jacket had borne in his younger days.

Pursuing his journey to Niagara, he stopped on his return, at Can-
andaigua, with which place he was so much pleased as to make it his
home. He was admitted to the bar, and in 1794 attended the first
court ever held in Canandaigua. In 1794-5-6, he was a member of
assembly from Ontario. From 1796-1801 he was state senator, and
from 1801-1803, was a member of congress.

Robert Morris was naturally quite anxious for a final settlement of
matters with the Holland syndicate, but owing to the war between
the Western Indians and the United States, in which, however, the
Six Nations were not involved, he deferred making any formal over-
tures to the Senecas, till peace was restored, as he feared that in case
he should succeed in buying their lands during the progress of the war,
they could the more easily be induced to join the Western tribes in
hostility to the United States. At last peace with the Western Indians
having been restored, Mr. Morris in August, 1796, directed a letter to
President Washington, wherein he asked that a commissioner be ap-
pointed to preside at a treaty to be held with the Seneca nation, for the
purpose of enabling him to ' 'make a purchase in conformity with the
formalities of law," of the tract of country for which he had already
paid a large sum of money. In this letter he stated, "My right to pre-
emption is unequivocal, and the land is become so necessary to the
growing population, and surrounding settlements, that it is with diffi-

Treaty of Big Tree 18

culty that the white people can be restrained from squatting or set-
tling down upon these lands, which if they should do, it may probably
bring on contentions with the Six Nations. This will be prevented by
a timely, fair, and honorable purchase." Accordingly in due time,
Isaac Smith, a member of congress from New Jersey, was appointed,
but having received the appointment of judge of the supreme court, he
declined to act, and Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth, a distinguished
member of congress from Connecticut was appointed in his place.

The time had now arrived when active and immediate prepara-
tions for the treaty were in order. The fact that the Indian village of
Big Tree, though not situated upon the territory for which negotia-
tions were to be instituted, was so very accessible to the people of the
Senaca nation and was the nearest village to reach from Philadelphia,
New York, and Canandaigua, doxibtless had much to do in fixing it as
the place for holding the treaty. The 20th of August, 1797, was set as
the time. Mr. Morris had appointed his son, Thomas, and his friend,
Captain Charles Williamson, as his agents, but Mr. Williamson, hav-
ing other engagements, was able to be present only a small part of the
time ; which threw the burden of responsibility entirely upon Thomas
Morris.

Robert Morris prepared a most elaborate and carefully written
letter of instructions to his agents, giving his directions and sugges-
tions under twenty-four separate and distinct heads. In his prefatory
remarks he said : I am to sustain all the expense ; this circumstance
does not induce a desire to starve the cause, or to be niggardly ; at the
same time, it is natural to desire a consistent economy to be observed,
both as to the expense of the treaty, and the price to be paid for the
lands." He inclosed with his letter a written speech, with which he
proposed that his son should open the treaty. The third article sug-
gests that "The business of the treaty may be greatly propelled prob-
ably, by withholding liquor from the Indians ; showing and promising
it to them when the treaty is over." Article 6 reads: "Annuities of
from §20 to $60 per annum may be given, to influential chiefs to the
extent of $250 or §300 per annum."

Article 7 says : "Captain Brandt, although not belonging to the
Seneca nation, yet being an influential character, he must be satisfied
for his services, on as reasonable terms as possible, after the purchase
is made." "Jones and Smith, as interpreters, are to do their duty fully

Treaty of Big Tree 19

and faithfully, or I will not convey the lands contracted for with them,
but if they do their duty, the deeds for those lands shall be delivered
lapon the receipt of the money they are in that case to pay." It was
also provided that Mr, Johnson, of Niagara, and Messrs. Dean and
Parish, should be employed as interpreters and compensated with reas-
onable liberality." Article 12 read: "Mr. Chapin will render any
services that consist with the duties of his station, and must have a
proper compliment or compensation." 14 : "The whole cost and
charges of this treaty, being at my expense, you will direct everything
on the principle of a liberal economy. The Indians must have plenty
of food, and also of liquor, when you see proper to order it to them."
"The commissioners, their secretaries, interpreters, and all who are
officially employed at or about this treaty, must be provided for at my
cost." A herd of cattle was driven along, and stores of provisions of
various kinds in liberal quantities had to be transported over bad roads,
in some places hardly any roads at all, to the scene of the treaty. In
Doty's history of Livingston county is found this list of provisions and
presents, which with the prices extended, gives something of an idea
of the magnitude upon which the enterprise was carried out :

1,500 rations of beef, one day at $5 per hundred $75 00

1,500 rations of flour at $3.50 per 100 pounds 38 00

1,500 rations of whiskey, 25 gallons at $1.50 37 00

1,500 rations of tobacco 5 00

These for 30 days would amount to $4,650.

750 3-ft. blankets at $2 1,500 00

750 2i ft. blankets at $1.50 1,125 00

150 pieces blue shrouding, 24 yds, each at $1 per yard 3,600 00

100 pieces green leggings stuff, 18 yds. in piece, twilled 3-4

wide at 1,350 00

200 pieces com. calico, at 4s, 14 yds. per piece 1,370 00

50 yds, com. Holland, at 4s, 24 yds per piece 600 00

500 butcher or scalping knives 35 00

50 bags Vermillion 100 00

300 pounds powder 600 00

800 pounds lead 50 00

100 small brass kettles, of 4 to 6 qts 100 00

50 brass kettles of 12 qts 100 00

100 black silk handkerchiefs, presents for the chiefs in broad-
cloth, red or green, of good quality 100 00

Amounting in the aggregate to $15,360 00

and several cows to give to the squaws. Two pipes of wine were
brought along, probably mainly for the commissioners, secretaries, in-
terpreters and other officials and visiting gentlemen.

Treaty of Big Tree 20

The state of Massachiisetts appointed General William Shepard to
attend and represent the commonwealth ; Captain Israel Chapin, who
had succeeded his father, General Chapin, as superintendent of Indian
affairs, was to be present ; William Bayard of New York, Joseph Elli-
cott, and possibly some others, were to guard the interests of the Hol-
land syndicate, and James Rees, afterwards of Geneva, was to act as
secretary on the part of Mr, Morris. There were quite a number of
other whites there, attracted perhaps as much by the desire to see, and
learn what was going on as anything else ; some who came seeking
opportunities to make something if the chance was presented, and some
chronic mischief makers, intent on meddling, and thus making it a
hard job to effect the purchase. The Indians were more prompt in
their appearance than were the whites. Many arrived before the day
appointed, and nearly all were there by the 20th. Glowing accounts
of the marvellous wealth of Mr. Morris the merchant prince of his day,
had come to the ears of the Indians. They had been told of the lavish
distribution of fine presents which would be made, of the fat hogs and
oxen that would be served out to them, with other dainties in great pro-
fusion, with whiskey in limitless quantities ; that it was indeed to be a
feast of fat things. The effect of these stories was to draw a large
crowd of Indians together. Those only who were too old, or too young,
too badly crippled, or too sick to go stayed at home, and a solemn and
awfully prophetic stillness pervaded the grand old woods. Only at
Big Tree, where a hundred camp fires were lighted and a hundred
kettles swung were there any signs of life. It has been said that the
first oxen killed were "devoured raw, reeking in the blood," so hungry
had the crowd become. It was, without a doubt, one of the largest
assemblages of Seneca Indians ever seen. The names of fifty-two
sachems, chiefs and warriors are appended to the conveyance which
was made and executed at this treaty, but of all this number a few
only can be noticed and briefly at that. Young King was in one res-
pect the most important Indian character at the treaty, for, had he
been so inclined, he could have arrested the whole proceeding, and
prevented the sale of their lands. He arrived late, and the Indians
would proceed no further until everything had been made known to
him, and received his approval. He was a lineal descendant of Old
Smoke, or Old King, the leader of the Indians at the Wyoming mas-
sacre.

RED JACKET

Treaty of Big Tree 21

Young King was a brave warrior, a wise counselor and was pos-
sessed of high social qualities. He was born at Canandaigua about
1760, and his first experience in warfare was in fleeing to Niagara with
his mother before the advancing and victorious hosts of Sullivan's
army. At the the time of the treaty he was of lofty stature, and
majestic mein, a king, indeed, in personal appearance. After passing
through a period of drunkenness and dissipation, he became converted
to Christianity, and died on the Buffalo reservation in 1835, greatly
regretted by both Indians and whites.

Red Jacket was about 39 years old at the time of the treaty, and
was generally regarded as the greatest orator of the whole Six Nations.
He had won but little fame as a warrior, but was by no means the
coward some have represented him to be. When asked ironically by a
white man of his deeds in war, he replied, "lam an orator, I was
bom an orator," His fame rests mainly on his phenomenal eloquence.
His speeches though interpreted by uneducated men, and taken down
hastily and carelessly, cannot be read without surprise and admiration
at their poetry, grace and strength. He was at the treaty at Fort
Stamoix in 1784, at which LaFayette was present. Though not very
conspicuous in that council he made one speech that the great French-
man always remembered with admiration. The first of his remarkable
speeches was delivered at the great Indian council at the mouth of
Detroit river in 1786. Red Jacket took a prominent part in the treaty
at Buffalo Creek July 8, 1788, unsuccessfully opposing the sale of lands
to Messrs. Phelps and Gorham. The first of his speeches that has been
preserved was delivered at Pickering's council at Tioga Point in
November, 1790 (?). At Colonel Proctor's treaty at Buffalo Creek,
when the Senecas were urged to send a delegation to the Miamis, Red
Jacket was conspicuous as a spokesman, first for the warriors, and
then for the women. He is fotmd next at Colonel Pickering's treaty at
Painted Post in June, 1791, and in March of the next year with fifty
leading Senecas, he visited Philadelphia and took the chief part in
negotiations with President Washington. Next he appeared at the
great Indian council at Canandaigua ; then came the Big Tree council ;
four years later he made his second visit to the seat of the federal gov-
ernment. In 1810 he made his third and last visit to the government
officials, which practically closed his public career. Red Jacket's
whole life was devoted to unceasing efforts to preserve the nationality

Treaty of Big Tree 22

and inheritance of his people. Continually brooding over the misfor-
tunes of his race, and wearied with the long struggle, he became des-
pondent, too frequently quaffed of the intoxicating cup offered him by
unfriendly hands among the whites, and his last years were full of
sorrow. He died on the Buffalo reservation January 20, 1830. Near
the last he said : "I am about to leave you, and when I am gone and
my warnings are no longer heard or regarded, the craft and avarice of
the white man will prevail. Many winters have I breasted the storm,
but I am an aged tree. I can stand no longer. My leaves are fallen,
my branches are withered and I am shaken by every breeze. Soon my
aged trunk will be prostrate and the foot of the exulting foe of the
Indian may be placed upon it in safety ; for I leave none who will be
able to avenge such an indignity. Think not I mourn for myself. I
go to join the spirits of my fathers, where age cannot come ; but my
heart fails when I think of my people who are soon to be scattered and
forgotten."

Farmer's Brother did more to facilitate the sale than any other.
He was a cousin of Hi-ok'-a-too, the husband of Mary Jemison. He
was one of the greatest warriors of the Seneca nation, courageous, vig-
ilant, sagacious ; was in the old French war and commanded a party
in the bloody battle in which Braddock lost his life. In 1763 he headed
a party of Indians from the Genesee at the fearful tragedy of Devil's
Hole, and during the Revolution was a faithful ally of the British ;
but in the war of 1812, he led the warriors of his nation against the red
coats. He was as famous in council as on the warpath. As a speaker
his voice was powerful and melodious, his gestures graceful and im-
pressive, his manner commanding. He took a conspicuous part in all
the more important treaties held in this state, and always endeavored
to promote the good of his people. He died in 1815 at the age of 90
years, and was buried with military honors in the old cemetery on
Franklin Square, Buffalo. In 1851 his remains were exhumed and
re-buried in Forest Lawn.

Complanter, who took a prominent part in the Big Tree treaty,
was born at Canawagus, about 1726. He was a half-breed, his father
being one John Abul, a Dutchman from Albany, who traded much
with the Senecas, carrying his pack on his back, exchanging trinkets
for furs. Complanter became a thorough Indian, and has passed
into history as one of the bravest, wisest and most highly esteemed

Treaty of Big Tree 23

of the Seneca nation. He was a warrior at Braddock's defeat, was
a firm ally of the British during the Revolution, but in later years
became the friend of the Americans and an earnest advocate of peace,
differing radically in that respect, from Red Jacket, and the two were
constant, and sometimes bitter opponents. In 1784 he was at Fort
Stanwix, and took a leading part in the treaty. He was also present at
Phelps and Gorham's treaty with the Indians at Buffalo Creek, in 1788,
always claimed that the Indians were cheated upon that occasion, and
appealedconstantly, and generally in vain, for justice from the whites.
He was greatly troubled when he remembered the disgraceful way in
which from the very beginning, the whites had deceived and cheated
the Indians. In many instances he was opposed to both Brant and
Red Jacket. He died on the reservation in Pennsylvania, February 18,
1836.

Horatio Jones was born in Bedford county. Pa., in 1763. At 18
years of age he enlisted in the Revolutionary army and the same year
was taken prisoner by the Indians. Enduring many hardships on the
march, he was taken to the Genesee country, made to run the gauntlet,
it is claimed by the best authorities at 0-wa-is-ki (Wiscoy). He was
adopted into an Indian family, accommodated himself to the situation,
made himself as happy as the circumstances would permit, learned their
language thoroughly, and was much employed as interpreter. Natur-
ally ingenious, he made himself useful in repairing their hunting imple-
ments and weapons. To all intents and purposes he became a thorough-
bred Indian, was successful in the chase, a prodigy almost, on the race
course, temperate in his habits, cheerful in disposition, and a general
favorite with the Indians, with whom he came to have great influence,
being frequently chosen to settle their disputes. Often by his interven-
tion the lives of prisoners were saved. At one time the renowned Major
Moses VanCampen's life was saved by his friendly interposition and
great presence of mind. His Indian name was Ta-e-da-o-qua. Presi-
dent "Washington appointed him Indian interpreter, and he held this
office till after 1830. He died at Sweet Briar, his residence on the
Genesee, in 1836.

Jasper Parish was born in Connecticut in 1766. The family moved
to Luzerne county. Pa., and when he was 11 years old he was taken
prisoner by some Delaware Indians. He was released soon after the
treaty at Fort Stanwix, but during his captivity had made himself so

Treaty of Big Tree 24

familiar with their language as to be appointed interpreter and sub-
agent of Indian affairs by the United States government and discharged
his duties in a manner satisfactory at once to the goverament and the
Indians. He settled in Canandaigua in 1792, and died in 1836.

Joseph Brandt was expected by Robert Morris to have been present,
and render valuable assistance, as is inferred from his letter of in-
structions. His name does not appear in the proceedings, but as he
was not much given to speech making, he may have been there and
rendered important service notwithstanding. He was a noted warrior,
but not being a Seneca will here and now be no further noticed.

Mary Jemison, the white woman of the Genesee, was another of
the notables present at the treaty.

Doty says: "A large and temporary council house, the exact site
of which it is now difficult to determine, was at once prepared for the
occasion. Overhead it was covered with boughs and branches of trees,
to shelter the assemblage from the sun. An elevated bench was pro-
vided for the commissioners and other benches for spectators." James
and "William Wadsworth had a log house so nearly completed as to
admit of occupation by the commissioners and some others, and it was
accordingly hired for the purpose. This house has long since disap-
peared, but upon its site has been erected a moderate-sized stone
building, it is supposed mainly for the pui-pose of permanently marking
the place.

Thomas Morris arrived on the 22d of August and found the Indians
all collected and waiting for him. On the 23d he called them together
and addressed them, bidding them welcome to the place where he had
kindled the council fire, and apologized for the non-appearance of the
commissioners, which he attributed to the bad weather, and warned
them against the attempts of some white men whom he said he sup-
posed were present while he spoke, and attended the treaty for the
purpose of leading astray and deceiving the Indians ; that such conduct
in those people was in contempt of the laws of their country, and that
if they did not desist, he would see those laws put into execution.
Cornplanter immediately arose, recapitulated the heads of his speech
to the Indians and expressed his satisfaction at being infoi-med that
mischief-makers would be prosecuted. Saturday, August 26th. late in
the afternoon, the commissioners arrived and found the Indians receiv-
ing their annual presents, which were being distributed by Mr. Chapin,

Treaty of Big Tree 25

On Sunday, the 37th, the Indians held a council for condolence with
Mr. Chapin on the death of his daughter, to which they invited the
commissioners and all the gentlemen from a distance. On Monday,
the 28th, the council was formally opened. Cornplanter, addressing
himself to Mr. Morris, acknowledged the receipt of his speech of invi-
tation by Jones and Parish, observed that on their part they had been
punctual in attendance, and was sorry the gentlemen who had come to
meet them had met with delays on the road. He then handed back
the string of wampum which had been delivered to him by the inter-
preters.

The United States commissioner, Colonel Wadsworth, then ad-
dressed the Indians, telling them that he was the commissioner of the
United States, appointed by the president to hold a treaty with them,
and stating that the treaty is "held agreeably with the law, on the
petition of Robert Morris, Esq., and its object is to effect a purchase,
if agreeable to you, of a parcel of your lands," concluding by intro-
ducing General Shepard, the commissioner from Massachusetts, and Mr.
Morris and Capt. Williamson, the son and friend of Robert Morris, who
are his representatives and have full power to ask for him "in treating
with you for the purchase of the lands in question. Brothers, I
rejoice with you that the Great Spirit has brought us together, let us
so conduct ourselves as not to offend him, lest he withdraw his protec-
tion from us."

Colonel Shepard then addressed them, saying in part: "Brothers:
Your brother, the governor, and the executive council of the state of
Massachusetts, desirous that justice should be done to people of every
color, and particularly to their brothers of the Seneca nation, have
sent me with power to attend this treaty on their behalf. * * *
And I shall make it my business to to see that the negotiation between
you is carried on upon principles of justice and fairness. Brothers,
I am an old man, much accustomed to do public business for the state
to which I belong. I have always observed when thus employed, that
a spirit of harmony and conciliation was attended with happy effect
among us, therefore, brothers, I hope that your minds will be united,
and that the voice of one will express the sentiments of all. Brothers,
I have now said all that I have to say to you at present. May the
Great Spirit take you under his protection, and give wisdom and unan-
imity to your councils."

Treaty of Big Tree 26

Thomas Morris, then, in a short address, informed them that as
the Great Spirit had prevented the attendance of his father at this
treaty, he had appointed him and Charles Williamson, Esq., agents to
treat with them on his behalf, as would appear by the power he then
handed to them, and had directed the delivery of a speech which he
had written to them from Philadelphia. Robert Morris's speech was
then read to them. I will read the following excei-pts : "Brothers
of the Seneca Nation : It was my vrish and my intention to have
come into your country and to have met you at this treaty, but the
Great Spirit has ordained otherwise, and I cannot go. I grow old
and corpu.lent, and not very well, and am fearful of traveling so far
during the hot weather in the month of August." Then, after referring
to his appointment of his son and Captain Charles Williamson as his
agents and saying some other good things, tending to create a confi-
dence in his agents, he very adroitly proceeds to say : "Brothers, it is
now six years since I have been invested with the exclusive right to
acquire your lands, during the whole of which time, you have quietly
possessed them without being importuned to sell them, but I now think
that it is time for them to be productive to you ; it is with a view to
render them so, that I have acquiesced in your desire to meet you at
the Genesee river, I shall take care immediately to deposit in the
Bank of the United States whatever my son and my friend may agree
to pay to you in my behalf." Then, after some well-chosen words of
flattery for their chiefs, with some of whom he had become acquainted,
and expressing the hope that for their sakes the wise men now at the
head of their affairs would so fix their business (by which of course he
meant the disposal of their lands), that it would not be left in the
power of wrong-headed men in the future to waste the property given
to them by the Great Spirit for the use of themselves and their poster-
ity, and making no definite proposal, closed by bidding them farewell
and invoking the Great Spirit to ever befriend and protect them. Mr.
Morris's speech was a masterpiece in its way, was well calculated to
make a favorable impression ui^on the Indians, and he declared that he
"desired nothing but fair, open and honest transactions."

After the speech of Mr. Morris had been read, the speeches of the
commissioners, which were in writing, and a string of wampum, were
laid on the table, and they were informed by Thomas Morris that they
had nothing further to say for the present, and the council fire was

Treaty of Big Tree 27

covered for that day. Nearly all of the 29th was consumed in councils
among the Indians alone. Late in the afternoon, all were summoned
to their public council, when Red Jacket noticed the speeches of the
day before, and thanked the Great Spirit for his care of the commis-
sioners, and stated that they were "satisfied with the appointments
made by the president, governor of Massachusetts, and this friend who
called for this council fire." Then turning to Thomas Morris, he
observed that it appeared from the speeches delivered that there was
something kept back, but that from his expressions of fairness and
candor they hoped all would be fairly laid before them. Mr. Morris
replied that it was his intention "to act with fairness and sincerity,
and he was then ready, if they were ready to hear him, to lay before
them, more particularly, the business which had called them together.
It was then suggested by Red Jacket, that as the sun was nearly down,
it would perhaps be well to leave it for tomorrow, and the council
fire was covered over.

On the 30th the council was opened in the morning and Mr. Morris
delivered an artfully written speech, in which he dwelt largely upon
the advantages which would accrue to them, from the sale of their
lands, as they would have a larger sum of money than had ever before
been offered them for land ; that it would be enough to make them all
happy, clothe all their naked and feed all their hungry; that by placing
it in bank and drawing out the income yearly, not only themselves but
their children, and their children's children, would be benefitted by the
sale, for they would be allowed reservations at each of their villages,
amply sufficient for their support for all time to come ; in addition to
which he represented that they could reserve the right to hunt and fish,
which the white settlers and their settlements would in no wise inter-
fere with, illustrating this point by alluding to the fact that although
they had nine years before sold the lands upon which they were then
holding the council, they still killed more game upon it than upon the
tract for which they were now treating. He refrained from making a
definite offer, however, but took occasion to say that in case no pur-
chase of their land was effected at this treaty, that his father, nor no
one for him would ever again offer to buy, or ask for a council to be
called for the purpose. He then sat down, and after a few moments
one of the chiefs arose and stated that if he had nothing more to say to
them at present they would like to be left alone to their private con-

Treaty of Big Tree 28

sultations. The council fire was then covered over for the day. The
whole of the last day of the month was consumed in counciling on Mr.
Morris's speech, without arriving at any conclusion.

Early in the morning on September 1st, Farmer's Brother came to
Mr. Morris, making complaint that a person in the neighborhood of
their camp had been selling Avhisky to the Indians, and many of them
were drunk. Red Jacket among the number, and wished to know what
could be done, as the man was still selling out the whisky. He was
advised to go and seize the barrel and knock it in the head, which he
immediately did. Red Jacket was greatly irritated by this wanton de-
struction of the whisky and many of them fell to fighting, pulling hair
and biting each other like dogs, wherever they could get hold, and no
progress was made in the business of the treaty. Mr. Morris and Cap-
tain Chapin went and forbid all the people residing near the Indians
selling them whisky. There was great danger of a rupture at this
juncture and it required all the coolness and wisdom the commission-
ers and Mr. Morris could command, supplemented by the good offi-
ces of Messrs. Jones and Parish, the interpreters, to prevent an out-
break which might have resulted in the destruction of the lives of all
the whites.

On the afternoon of September 2d the sachems sent for the com-
missioners and Mr. Morris to come to their council fire, Farmer's
Brother then arose and stated that they then proposed to answer Mr.
Morris's speech. Then Red Jacket arose and very j)lainly stated that
they had no more lands than they wanted to set down upon; that they
had been told that a great deal of money would be offei'ed them for
their lands but they could not learn how much, as Mr. Morris had not
told them, but he supposed he would now bring forward a great deal
of money to show them, but reqiiested that he would hold his fists
close, as they would rather have their lands than money. In the even-
ing a private conference was held with the princij)al chiefs and sach-
ems, when Mr. Morris offered them $100,000 for the whole of their
lands and suggested that they invest it in stock of the United States,
and it woiild bring them at least $6,000 yearly forever. The Indians
requested him to make this offer in public council and the conference
ended.

On the 8d of September, Red Jacket sent a private note to Mr.
Morris, stating that the speech he made the day before was not his own

Treaty of Big Tree 29

sentiments, but was made to please some of his people, that his next
speech would not be so harsh, and that he would finally answer his
purpose if he persevered in the business. This looked like an intima-
tion that he was '"open to conviction," and Mr. Morris, no doubt, at
once took in the situation. In the afternoon in public coimcil Red
Jacket arose and said in substance: "We told you yesterday, and we
tell you now, that our seat is not too large for us to sit down upon
comfortably. Once the Six Nations were a great people, had large
coimcU fire at Onondaga, but now at Buffalo. Soon may have to move
again. Now the Onondagas are nolwdy; have no lands of their own,
but we are kind to our brothers, and let them sit down in our lands'.
We are still respected as a great people, all owing to our lands. You
■want to buy all oui- lands, except such reservations as you might make
for us to raise com on. It would make us nobody to accept such res-
ervations, and where you might think proper. If this should be the
case we coitld not say we were a free people. Brothers, this matter is
of great magnitude, and we thank you for putting us in mind of this,
and hope you will stick to the same advice you give us. Brothers, we
wish you to put your speeches in A\Titmg, so that we can read them
when we are old. There are a great many of our people who cannot
remember long, but if they are all wrote down they can be read to
them when they are old, and we shall know what has been said to us."
Mr, Morris then delivered a speech, framed substantially in
these words: '"Brothers, as you request, I will hereafter hand you
my speeches in writing. I will attend you for that purpose as
early tomorrow as you please. Brothers, you asked yesterday to know
what price I would give you for your lands. I will tell you," but first
I have something to say to you, which I wish you to give your serious
attention to. so that you may understand well, and impress on your
minds what I have to say. Brothers, if you do not sell your lands at
this treaty, you will never have another opportunity of making a bar-
gain in the presence of the whole nation, because my father will never,
either in person or by agent, again meet j-ou. Brothers, I now offer
you SIOO.OOO, which is more than you ever have been or ever will be
again offered. I propose to you to make reservations round your towns
and retain the right to hunt and fish on the lands sold, but your reser-
vations must not be large. This sum is greater than was ever offered
to you for lands: it would require at least thirty horses to bring it to

Treaty of Big Tree 30

you from Philadelphia; it will fill several barrels. I would advise you
to invest it in bank stock of the United States, where it will be safe, and
forever bring you an amount of income of at least $6,000, which will
be siTfficient to clothe you every year, which the game taken on your
lands will not do if sold, but if you sell your lands you will not only
have all the game you now have, but a very handsome sum of money
annually also." This speech seemed to be well received and closed the
business for the day.

On the afternoon of the 4th the council was again convened, and
Mr. Morris delivered the speech of the day before in vn-iting. Then
Cornplanter arose, and said that the sachems had taken the whole busi-
ness on themselves; that they had never made Mr. Morris an answer to
the speech he (Mr. Morris) had made at Buffalo Creek, and he hoped
they would not trifle away time, and finally give their friend, Mr.
Morris, no more satisfaction than they had given him before. He
should start for home tomorrow and whatever was done be it on them-
selves. Was very glad the President had sent on a person to see that
business was fairly transacted, and concluded by thanking him for his
care and attention to them. Colonel Wadsworth then expressed him-
self as sorry that a division in their councils had taken place; that it
was no uncommon thing among the whites, and was the source of all
their difficulties; but when national matters were before them, and the
interests of the nation concerned, they ought to be united in their en-
deavors to effect that which would be for the public good. He
represented the United , States, and was there to see that justice
was done; he did not want to buy their lands ; he did not
ask them to sell their lands, and should not ask them, but he hoped
they would unite in their councils and do what would be for the
interests of their nation, and expressed a desire that they would come
to a speedy conclusion of the business.

Farmer's Brother then arose and expressed himself to the effect
that "It was the first he had heard of a division in their councils, and
that if it was so, it ought not to have been mentioned here; the white
people ought not to have known it." After speaking at some length
upon topics not immediately connected with the treaty, he sat down
and Colonel Wadsworth repeated his advice as to unanimity said that
great and brave men always, in cases of this kind, forgave each other and
sat down and counciled together for the general good; he did not want

Treaty of Big Tree 31

to buy their lands; the president knew he was rich and wanted for
nothing, and that was the reason he was sent here; he hoped they
would make up their minds on this business and let him go home, as
he was old and had the gout, he had not long to live and wished to
spend the remainder of his days with his family and friends. The
council fire was then covered up. No council was held on the 5th as
the time of the Indians was taken up with troublesome men who were
meddling with the business, and treating them with whisky, which
rendered them unfit for deliberations.

On the 6th, after a somewhat desultory speech by Chief Warrior
Little Beard, on some matters unimportant to recite here, Red Jacket
arose and after some observations of no great importance, concluded
his speech by saying that they had agreed to try the value of their
lands and offered a tract of six miles square, beginning at the corner
of the Gorham and Phelps purchase on the Pennsylvania line, at $1
per acre, saying that ' 'that was their price, that you need not offer us
half that price, nor expect more land. Our friend. Colonel Wads-
worth, will see that this bargain is just, and will confirm it." Then
directing his talk to Mr. Morris, he said: "You know the value of land
round a town that you settle, and we hope you will deal honorably
with us. You will get $6 per acre, and we offer to sell at $1, therefore
you ought to make your mind easy. Tomorrow would be a good time
to answer this, or as Captain Williamson is present, you would consult
with him and give your answer immediately. I have spoken my mind
in a few words — very short."

Mr. Morris then rose, and said that he would speak his mind in a
few words, just as short, substantially to the effect, "that the offer
was worthy of no consideration whatever, could not be accepted, and
if that was their final determination, they might as well cover the
council fire. Still if you are again desirious of considering the offer I
have made, I shall wait your answer." He had no sooner seated him-
self than Red Jacket ai-ose, and in great passion said: "Agreed, let us
cover over the fire;" and furiously stretching his hand over the table
said: "Let us shake hands, and part friends," and the business was
considered closed. This offer of the Indians was not looked for; it was
entirely unexpected. It was indeed a master stroke, and had the
Indians steadfastly maintained that position, the result of the treaty
would have been entirely different.

Treaty of Big Tree 32

On the 7th in the afternoon, the commissioners, Mr, Morris and
Captain Williamson, were notified that the warriors would hold a
covmcil. They accordingly attended, and Cornplanter introduced his
cousin. Little Billy, who he said would express their minds, which was
to smooth the business of yesterday. Little Billy in a short speech,
thanked the Great Spirit for his care over them the past night, and
that He had permitted them to meet again; that they had kindled
the fire, that their voices as warriors might be heard, alkaded to the
short speeches of the day before, and the abrupt closing of the council
which was regretted, and was sorry for that short speech and the
conduct of one of their warriors; wished to unite once more as friends,
as, if the business was left as at present, it would cause them much
uneasiness, and said that it was their wish to treat friendly with each
other on this business. Mr. Morris answered saying that he thanked
the warriors for their friendly interference to remove the misunder-
standing. He was desirious that all misunderstanding should be buried
in oblivion, and cheerfully united with them in again opening a friend-
ly fire, and if it was their intention to renew the business, he would
meet them in calmness. Farmer's Brother then asked the attention of
all, and expressing his sorrow at the misunderstanding that had arisen
and thanking the warriors for taking an early moment to ease the
minds of the nation, the commissioners, Mr. Morris and Captain Wil-
liamson, went on to say, that "agreeable with an ancient custom of their
people, when a difference arose, it was referred to the warriors and
headwomen, so now he said the warriors and headwomen would
answer the propositions that had been made to them." Then Colonel
Wadsworth expressed his satisfaction, congratulating them on their
warriors taking the business in hand, and hoped that they might soon
make up their minds so he might return to his home. General Shepard
addressed them to the same effect, and Little Billy closed the proceed-
ings of the day with recommending that the warriors would, while the
business was being considered, abstain from drinking, and attend only
to the interests of the nation.

On the moraing of the 7th, Mr. Morris desired the interpreters to
bring all the chief women to Mr. Wadsworth. After they were assem-
bled, he told them that the business upon which he had convened the
nation, was at an end; that their sachems had hastily covered the council
fire, and he expected soon to go home. He repeated to the women the

Treaty of Big Tree 33

offer he had made to the sachems, and then said that "he had brought
tip from Philadelphia, some presents for them, and as they were not to
blame for the ill-treatment he had met with from the chiefs, he would
at all events, give them these things, and still would, in case of success,
give them a number of cows, and that if he failed in the purchase, the
expense he had already been at, was so great as to prevent his fulfilling
the latter intention; he begged them to contrast their present situa-
tion with the one in which they would be placed if provided with
money enough to provide the comforts of life. He concluded by deliv-
ering a string of wampum, and told them that whenever they experi-
enced the hardships of poverty, to show it to their chiefs and tell them
that with that belt they had been offered wealth which the chiefs
rejected. This was a rare good stroke of business diplomacy. The
women soon declared for selling, and things took on a different aspect.
He then went on to tell the women about the large amount of money
he had offered them, told them how many horses it would take to
bring it, and how many barrels it would fill, and what wonderful
things it would do for them.

When the proceedings of the afternoon were concluded Farmer's
Brother asked Mr. MoitIs if he were going home early in the morn-
ing. Mr. Morris said he should prepare to go, "but that it would take
him several days to pack his things, and that he was obliged on this
account to stay, that notwithstanding the business was ended, he did
not want to leave his brothers in bad temper; that he had kindled the
council fire and therefore it was his, and not Red Jacket's business to
put it out; that as things were, they might again meet, become recon-
ciled to each other, and part friends." Young King arrived this day;
his friend and cousin having died he refused to attend to business till
the day after his burial. The business was then explained to him and
he expressed himself as opposed to the sale; that the nation might do
as it thought best, but his voice was against it. Notwithstanding
these protestations Young King eventually yielded and withdrew his
opi)osition.

No public council was held on the 8th, the day being consumed in
counciling in small parties, both men and women. It was surmised,
however, that progi'ess was being made toward a more favorable con-
sideration of Mr. Morris's offer. As it was important that the efforts
of some persons who were dealing out whisky and insinuating that Mr.

Treaty of Big Tree 34

Morris was going to cheat them, should be thwarted, one Alexander
Ewing, a leader among them, was taken into custody, and not being
able to procure bail, was sent to Canandaigua jail, which caused much
alarm among the intermeddlers and effectually suppressed their
practices.

When the council was opened on the 9th, Little Billy stated that
before entering on business one of the Cayuga brothers desired to
address a few words to the Seneca nation. The Cayuga, in a brief
speech, coimseled deliberation, as the business was of great importance,
and urged that they should be united. Little Billy then spoke, saying
in substance to Mr. Morris and Captain Williamson: "We hope you
will make your mind easy on the business before us; it has long been
before us; an answer was given by the sachems which was not agreea-
ble; the business has been referred to us, the waiTiors; we counciled on
it yesterday but the day being rainy and uncomfortable nothing was
concluded; today we are united as one, and will now deliver our mind
in writing and request the person who wrote it for us to read it
publicly; there is no secret in it."

Complanter's speech was then read. He said in part: "The coun-
cil fire was kindled at the request of Mr. Morris. The sachems covered
the council fire, but Mr. Morris claims it was not entirely covered ;
that he means to lay the business before the warriors and women. I
wish to remind you of some of the promises made by the United
States at the close of the war. The commissioners told us they had
got strong and if we would be peaceful they would take us
under protection, and make our seats firm and permanent, even
if they were surrounded by white people, and we should not be
disturbed. I have always told my people to look up to General
Washington as our father, as he was the governor of the thirteen fires.
We are happy to find that you have grown to be a great people, and
are now fifteen fires. We have been told that our land would become
very valuable to us. We are sorry to find that the president has
consented to the sale of our lands at this council fire. It would have
been more satisfactory to us had it been left all to ourselves. We
wish to act as we please in this business; under this situation we hope
the president. General Chapin and all the gentlemen interested will
take pity on us. We have furnished seats for many brothers of other
nations. In every town are buried the bones of our ancestors. This

Treaty of Big Tree 35

makes us very stingy of our lands. Still, if you will leave the matter
entirely to us we will conclude a bargain with Mr. Morris." The
speech concluded by asking Mr. Morris to consult the Book of the
Great Spirit and see if he could find anything in it directing white
people to intrude on Indian.

Colonel Wads worth then addressed the Senecas, in an effort to
disabuse their minds of some erroneous impressions, closing in these
words: "I despair of asking you to let me go home; I must patiently
wait your time." Mr. Morris then addressed the Indians, in part to
this effect: "I was in hopes to be informed by you and your women,
whether you intended to sell the whole of the lands, or if not, what
part, but if you have not had time to consult on the several points
referred to you, you can yet have it, and make your answer when you
please. * * * l consider the offer I now make you for yovir lands
to be strictly honorable, generous and calculated for your real benefit."
Complanter then said: "Brothers, we now understand you perfectly
well. The commissioner tells us we are mistaken in our idea of the
president. We heartily thank him for removing the mistake from our
minds. We shall again take into consideration the business before us
and give an answer as soon as possible. We beg our brother, Mr.
Morris, will lend us the large map of our country, which shall be care-
fully restored."

At the opening of the council on the 10th General Shepard informed
the Indians that Colonel Wadsworth was not well enough to be present,
but that everything should be made known to him. Little Billy then
rose and stated that they were not prepared to give an answer to Mr.
Morris's proposition and Cornplanter would make it known. Com-
planter then proceeded, reciting the purpose of the council, stating that
it was understood by him that it was old Mr. Morris who desired the
council fire, that he only had the right to purchase our lands, and
we are now, after making the reserves, prepared to close the bargain.
That the sum offered they considered as small, but as they were to
make such reserves as will suit their purpose, he advised that he (Mr.
Morris) make his mind easy on the business. Mr. Morris might consid-
er the reservations as too large, but the mode in which the country is to
be settled will give the whites great advantages, and that it would be
but generous to add to the annuity. Our seats we want to be large
enough, so that we can give our Indian brethren room in case they

Treaty of Big Tree 36

should be crowded by the whites, and we wish it distinctly
understood that they are to be our own forever." To this
Mr. Morris replied, among other things saying: "I am happy
to find that you have determined on a sale of your lands, for if
this treaty had failed it would have been impossible for my father
to have collected the chiefs and warriors again on this business. * *
* In case the matter should have ever been called up again, it would
become necessary for some of your sachems to visit Philadelphia, and it
would not be as satisfactory as an open and fair one like this, at which
every man, woman and child capable of thinking can know what is pass-
ing; but brothers, as you have not described your reservations, you can-
not expect my consent, until informed of their extent. I am not unrea-
sonable, nor do I wish to be tight, but as the sum I offer is very large the
reservations ought to be small. * * * I would wish you immediately
to appoint chiefs, to describe the reservations necessary for each tribe."
Little Billy then addressed the nation, mentioning "that by the speech
they had just heard, they would see the necessity of appointing suitable
persons to make the reserves," and proposed that "each village should
make their appointments, that they might be ready to meet on this
business tomorrow," and then the council was closed for the day.
Young King must have absented himself from some of the proceedings
as on the 11th he is said to have arrived with a young war chief (name
not given) who desired to be informed of all that had passed, so James
Rees read to him the journal, and all the speeches, and he expressed
himself as satisfied.

Much of the time of the 12th, 13th, 14th and loth was spent in
determining on the reservations. It was with much difficulty that
they could be kept within reasonable bounds. The Buffalo Indians
were very extravagant in their demands, at first claiming 980,000
acres. The Cattaraugus tribe wanted about 650,000 acres; the Genesee
Indians wanted two miles along the river and as many back; the Cana-
waugus Indians, eight miles square; Big Tree and Little Beard each
six miles square; while Shongo and Hudson wanted for the Carrica-
dere (Caneadea) Indians, a tract fifty miles long, by six wide. Mr.
Morris was assisted in the negotiations relative to the reservation by
Joseph Ellicott, and their only way of settling the matter was by
counciling with each party separately, and a very warm time they had of
it. The greatest obstacle to a reasonable adjustment was Red Jacket,

Treaty of Big Tree 37

who insisted upon a reservation which would have included 900,000 acres
for the Buffalo Indians alone; he was very violent in their contention,
that their national pride and character would be lost unless they
retained that amount. Mr. Morris declared that he was unreasonable,
that he had offered them all the whole of their land was worth, and
generously allowed them what in reason they might wish to retain,
and now after receiving pay for their lands, they wanted to take half
of it back. Red Jacket persisted, but Mr. Mon-is would not yield, said
his father would call him unfaithful, and upbraid him with folly if he
did. Finally Mr. Morris offered the Buffaloes 100 square miles; which
they rejected, and told him that "they were the sellers, and would not
be told what they would part with; they would sell only what they
pleased." To which he replied that "he was the payer and would only
pay for what he pleased." They asked him how much he proposed to
deduct from the $100,000 if they would make the reservations no
smaller. He told them $25,000, to which they consented, and begged
that it be so put in the writing. It was however finally agreed that
the Buffalo reservation should contain 200 square miles and the $100,-
000 consideration remain. The extent and descriptions of the several
other reservations were finally agreed upon as they appear in the
conveyance. Red Jacket made the final speech of the treaty, and
Mr. Morris was requested to cover the council fire.

The deed of conveyance was then prepared, and distinctly read and
explained to the Indians. Colonel Wadsworth then asked if they
understood it perfectly. They replied that they understood it well,
and it was in every respect agreeable. They were then asked to sign.
At this juncture Red Jacket arose and presenting Ebenezer Allan's
daughter, desired to be informed as to the situation of the land the
nation had given to Allan and his children. Mr. Morris said that his
father had bought of, and paid Allan for it, and how he was paying
the nation for it again. The young woman here interrupted him with
"No, Mr. Morris, it was only the improvements he sold." To which
he replied that "the papers would prove the contrary." She then turned
to Colonel Wadsworth and said : "I forbid the commissioners from
buying any of the lands given to me by the Indians." He told her she
had been wrongly advised; that he had nothing to do with it, but that
for her satisfaction he would examine as to her claim, and give any
certificate thereof that was proper, if she would call on him in the

Treaty of Big Tree 38

morning, Colonel Wadsworth then gave notice that he would leave
early in the morning, as he was anxious to get home. And the council
of the Big Tree was ended.

The names of fifty-two Indians; sachems, chiefs and warriors of
more or less renown, but all in a high degree representative, were
appended to the treaty, or deed of conveyance, and the property
conveyed was described as follows : ' 'All that certain tract of land except
as hereinafter excepted, lying within the county of Ontario, and state of
New York, being a part of a tract of land, the right of pre-emption
whereof was ceded by the state of New York to the commonwealth of
Massachusetts, by deed of cession, executed at Hartford on the 16th
day of December, 1786, being all such part thereof as is not included in
the Indian purchase made by Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham,
and bounded as follows to wit: Easterly by the land confirmed to
Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, by the legislature of the com-
monwealth of Massachusetts, by an act passed the 21st day of Novem-
ber, 1788; southerly by the northern boundary line of the state of
Pennsylvania; westerly, partly by a tract of land, part of the land
ceded by the state of Massachusetts, to the United States, and by them
sold to Pennsylvania, being a right angled triangle, whose hypothenuse
is in or along the shore of Lake Erie; partly by Lake Erie, from the
northern point of that triangle to the southern bounds of a tract of
land one mile in width, lying on, and along the east side of the strait of
Niagara, and partly by the said tract to Lake Ontario, and on the
north by the boundary line between the United States and the king of
Great Britain, excepting nevertheless and always reserving out of this
grant and conveyance, all such pieces or parcels of the aforesaid tract,
and such privileges thereunto belonging, as are next hereinafter partic-
ularly mentioned, which said pieces or parcels of land so excepted,
are by the parties to those presents, clearly and fully imderstood to
remain the property of the said parties of the first part, in as full and
ample manner as if these presents had not been executed." Robert
Morris signed by his attorney, Thomas Morris. It was sealed and
delivered in presence of Nathaniel W. Howell, Joseph Ellicott, Israel
Chapin, James Rees, Henry Aaron Hills, Henry Abeel, Jasper Parish
and Horatio Jones, as interpreters, also witnessed, and Jere Wadsworth
and William Shepard appended their names to certificates thereto.
The following signed on the part of the Seneca Nation:

Treaty of Big Tree 39

Koyengquahtah, alias Young King, Ma X mark, (L. S.)

Soonookshewan, his X mark, (L. S.)

Konutaleo, alias Handsome Lake, his X mark, (L. S.)

Sattakanguyase, alias Two Skies of a Length, his X mark, (L. S.)

Onayawos, or Farmer's Brother, his X mark, (L. S.)

Soogooyawautau, alias Red Jacket, his X mark, (L. S.)

Gishkaka, alias Little Billy, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kaoundoowana, alias Pollard, his X mark, (L. S.)

Ouneshalarkau, or Tall Chief, by his agent Stevenson, (L. S.)

Onnonggarhiko, alias Infant, his X mark, (L. S.)

Teahdowaingqua, alias Thomas Jemison, his X mark, (L. S.

Tekonnondee, his X mark, (L. S.)

Oneghtaugooan, his X mark, (L. S.)

Connawaudeau, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taosslaieffi, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kocenwahka, or Cornplanter, his X mark, (L. S.)

Oosaukaunendauki, alias To Destroy a Town, his X mark, (L. S.)

Sooloowa, alias Parrot Nose, his X mark, (L. S.)

Toonahookahwa, his X mark, (L. S.)

Hirowennounen, his X mark, (L. S.)

Konnahtaetone, hisX mark, (L. S.

Taouyaukauna, or Blue Sky, his X mark, (L. S.)

Woudougoohkta, his X mark, (L. S.)

Sonauhquakau, his X mark, (L. S.)

Twaunaulyana, his X mark, (L. S.)

Takaunondea, his X mark, (L. S.)

Shequinedaughque, or Little Beard, his X mark, (L. S.)

Jowao, his X mark, (L. S.)

Saunajie, his X mark, (L. S.)

Tauoiyuquatakausea. his X mark, (L. S.)

Taoundaudish. alias Black Chief, his X mark, (L. S.)

Tooauquinda, his X mark, (L. S.)

Ahtaon, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taukooshoondakoo, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kauneskanggo, alias Col. Shongo, his X mark, (L. S.)

Soononjuwan, alias Gov. Blacksnake, his X mark, (L. S.)

Tonowamya, or Capt. Bullet, his X mark, (L. S.)

Jaahkaaeyas, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taughikshanta, his X mark (L. S.)

Sukkenjoonan. his X mark, (L. S.)

Ahquatieya, or Hot Bread, his X mark (L, S.)

Suggonundan, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taunowaintooh , his X mark. (L. S.)

Konnonjoowauna, alias Big Kettle, his X mark, (L. S.)

Soogooeyandestak, his X mark, (L. S.)

Haul wan anekkan. by Young King, his X mark (L. S.)

Sauwijuwan, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kaunoohshauwen, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taukonondaugekta, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kavuyanoughque, or John Jennison, his X mark, (L. S.)

Holegush, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taknaahquan, hisX mark. (L. S.)

Treaty of Big Tree 40

The reservations, as finally agreed upon, were the Canawagus, Big
Tree, Little Beards, Squawkie Hill, Gardeau, each of two square miles,
and Caneadea, of sixteen square miles, all on the Genesee river'
one at the oil spring near Cuba of one square mile, one at Allegheny-
river of forty-two square miles, and one each at Buffalo and Tona-
wanda creeks, containing together two hundred square miles, and one
at Cattaraugus of forty-two square miles, in all 198,400 acres. By
some inadvertence the Oil Spring reservation was not enumerated with
the others in the conveyance. This was noticed by some of the Indians,
and some accounts say a "big drunk" followed, and the Indians
threatened to annul the whole transaction, unless the Oil Spring reser-
vation was reconveyed to them. The matter was laid before Thomas
Morris, who took a piece of paper, with his own hand, wrote thereon
such a conveyance, signed and executed it, and gave it to Handsome
Lake, a leading chief, stating to him its purport. Handsome Lake died
soon after, and the paper was never after seen. Having never been re-
corded the legal status was the same as at the moment of the discovery
of the omission. The paper title being in the Holland Land Company,
it was sold to Benjamin Chamberlain, Staley N. Clark and William
Gallagher. Gov. Horatio Seymour afterward held one-fourth part of it.
The Indians directed their attorney, Daniel Sherman, to begin an action
of ejectment against Philonious Pattison, who had acquired the part on
which was the spring, and after considerable litigation won the case,
mainly on the testimony of Governor Blacksnake, who said that for
years he had kept in a chest under his bed a map made by Joseph Elli-
cott, of the Indian lands sold at the treaty of Big Tree, with the reser-
vation marked in red ink. Blacksnake said that Ellicott presented the
map to the Senecas at a council of Tonawanda in 1801, stating that the
map contained a correct description of the reservations made by the
Big Tree treaty. The qiaestion as to the title of the Indians to Oil
Spring reservation has never since been raised. It is said that Gover-
nor Seymour utterly refused to take any part in the defence of the suit,
The title of the Oil Spring reservation is still in the Seneca Indians.
Mary Jemison insisted on the Gardeau reservation being described by
natural boundaries which she herself designated. It was towards the
last of the business, and Mr. Morris, no doubt pretty well tired out,
assented, under the impression, says Doty, that not more than 150 acres
would be included. When finally surveyed, it was found to measure

Treaty of Big Tree 41

17,927 acres, which proved that she was sharp enough for Mr.
Morris.

Ebenezer Allan did not show up in the proceedings. If present, he
kept shady, so to speak, and possibly was one of that disturbing ele-
ment which caused considerable trouble during the progress of nego-
tiations. The deed from the Indians of the lands for his daughters was
given to him in trust for them. Yet it is said that Allan sold and
conveyed it to Robert Morris when on a visit to Philadelphia, that
Morris was aware of the fact, that he had no right to sell it, and the
daughters were thus cheated out of their land.

On the part of Mr. Morris the treaty of Big Tree was conducted
with most consummate skill. With him it was indeed a case of must,
with the must very much emphasized. When Thomas Morris told the
Indians, as he did repeatedly, in substance, that they would never have
another offer for their lands, he put up the biggest kind of a bluff, for
no man knew better than he, that in the event of failure of the treaty,
renewed efforts would have to be put forth to secure the title to
this land. The bluff probably had to some extent at least the
desired effect, but that it was ably supplemented by some very
effective work on the part of Thomas Morris and his friends
during the hiatus which interrupted the proceedings there can
be no doubt. Robert Morris had plainly indicated the course
to pursue, and if Red Jacket, Cornplanter, Little Billy, Pollard,
Farmer's Brother and Young King received gratuities, pensions or
bribes, ranging from $10 to $250 per annum for their influence with their
people to effect a sale, are they any more to be blamed than Thomas
Morris, acting under the deliberate and explicit directions of his illus-
trious father? In a case of bribery, it is not always easy to determine
which is the guiltier, the briber or the bribee.

It would have made a much fairer page of history, had it not been
deemed necessary to resort to methods which did not exactly square up
to the requirements of absolute honesty, yet for those who sometimes
justify questionable methods on the ground that "the end justifies the
means," it is of course easy to condone the transaction on the part of
Mr. Morris. His strong arm and mighty services during the years of
the war for independence can never be forgotten, and under the circum-
stances it is best perhaps to "lay this flattering unction to our souls,"
and console ourselves with the comforting reflection that it was all

Treaty of Big Tree 42

overruled for the beat interests of humanity. As for the Indians let us
flatter ourselves that it was only one of those cases of the inevitable,
so willed by the Great Spirit, and that in the happy hunting grounds
they have met the sachems, chiefs, warriors, hunters, squaws and
papooses of long ago in regions more fair and a country far more beau-
tiful even than this paradise of the Senecas, which they once inhabited
and over which at Big Tree they higgled for a few cents per acre,
where all is peace and happiness, and age and decrepitude cannot come.
But casting all reflections and observations aside, let us close by saying
that the treaty of Big Tree was the key which unlocked the gates of
this great empire of forest and opened it up to the light of civilization,
and the glorious acts of peace. A great tide of immigration was anx-
iously awaiting the issue, and hailed with delight the auspicious
result.

The Holland Company, as it had now come to be called, hastened
preparations for surveying; the transit meridian, the boundary line
between its purchase and the Moras reserve, was established in the
summer of 1798, by Joseph and Benjamin Elicott; the same season
Augustus Porter ran the boundary lines of the several reservations;
George Burgess made a traverse of the Genesee river from the great
elm at the mouth of Canandaigua creek, to the Pennsylvania line,
and many surveyors were soon employed in establishing meridians, and
running township and sub-division lines. A land office was established
at Batavia, maps of the tract were placed where they would do the most
good, and glowing accounts of the wonderful new country, of its tim-
ber, soil, climate, productions and water, were given in the leading
journals.

Let us witness a transformation. An army appears; not with
banners, but armed with hickory sticks, upon which are hung wedge-
shaped pieces of glittering steel, thin and sharp. Its ranks are filled with
stalwart men, with nerves of steel, steady purjiose and strong will. It
is followed by log sleds and lumber wagons, drawn mostly by oxen,
and loaded with furniture becoming frontier life, and their wives and
children. All at once, as if by magic, a thousand rude cabins appear
in as many small openings in the woods. The merry ring of the set-
tler's ax is heard, and crash on crash come thundering to the earth, the
proud monarchs of the forest. Piles are made, fires are lighted, and
the blackened soil and stumps are quickly succceeded by fields of golden

Treaty of Big Tree 43

grain. The clearings widen, comfortable log dwellings and school-
houses appear; saw and grist and carding mills are erected, roads are
opened, streams are bridged, stores are put up at the comers; postoffices
and post-routes are established; the stage and boat horns succeed the
war-whoop and the wild yell of exultation of the Senecas. only soon to
be succeeded by the whistle of the locomotive, and the rattle and roar
of the railroad cars; and today the territory of the Holland purchase
and Morris reserve interlaced with more miles of railway than it
had of main Indian trails at the time of the Big Tree treaty, and the
country is covered with a network of telegraph, telephone and trolley
wires, which is truly wonderful. Before 1850 the last howl of the last
wolf had been heard, the deer disappeared before rifle of the pioneer,
and the panther and bear retreated to more secluded regions, and today
the log dwelling and the log school-house are among "the things that
were, but are not."

The mighty power of Niagara has been harnessed, and made to
subserve the purposes of man. Electricity has been impressed into
service, and optimists discern within its limits, in the near future, the
greatest manufacturing center of the world. Over 160 tovsTiships and
distinct municipalities, hundreds of thriving villages, a full half -score
of bustling cities, among them the second in the state, schools, churches,
academies, seminaries, colleges and universities, scattered here and
there, all conspire to give this territory a position everything considered,
second to no other of like extent upon the continent. It is indeed a
heritage of which we may be justly proud. Let us be thankful for the
high privilege of living here today, and fondly cherish the hope that the
hundred years to come will abound more and more with the evidences
of material, social and religious prosperity, and that when the bi-cen-
tennial of the Big Tree treaty shall appear upon the dial of the centur-
ies, our successors may have as good if not better cause for grateful
<;ommemoration than we have today.

FEMARKS OF

MR. GEORGE ROGERS HOWELL

rY\ R- PRESIDENT, Ladies and Gentlemen:— I have come from-
111 Albany to present for your inspection some Indian treaties
1*1 to be exhibited a little later. A descendant of Robert Mor-
^ \ ris, whose treaty with the Indians we celebrate this day,

Mr. Gouverneur Morris of Detroit, has requested me to present in his
name to the Livingston County Historical Society this portrait of his
ancestor. But before everything else I wish to present to the village
of Geneseo my congratulations that it has in its midst an orchestra
and a body of singers, all its own citizens, capable of giving such
music as we have heard this afternoon, music which would have been
creditable to any body of performers in any place.

This portrait of Robert Morris is a photograph of a portrait in oil
made by Rembrandt Peale which is considered by the family to be the
best of him in existence. It is, and will always be, valuable to the
Society, as it represents a man and an event, — the man through whom
came the possibility of your ancestors obtaining homes in this fertile
valley, and the event, the passing of the title from the Indian to the
white man. As we grade men Robert Morris was a great man. He
was one to whom was given the ability to see avenues to great fortune
in the undertaking of great affairs. These avenues are closed to the
eyes of most men. I presume there are men before me who are not
millionaires. Well, do not mourn over that as if you had failed to
improve the talents given you. You may rest assured that special
talents are as necessary to perceive and recognize avenues to great
wealth as truly as they are to a Mendelssohn to write those incompara-
ble masterpieces of music that have charmed the world for genera-
tions. Money making is an inborn gift, an endowment by the
Almighty, and if you have it, though born in Podunk or Cranberry
Center you will find your way to the centers of wealth and power and
population. But if you have not this peculiar talent it is no fault of
yours, and you can be just as happy withoiit it, and make that wife in
your home just as happy with your love and care and protection.
Your children will love you as well, and the great Judge over all will
be just as ready to receive you with the plaudit "Well done" as if you
had amassed millions. Now, then, Robert Morris was a man of large
affairs, and in laying the foundations of a large personal fortune he
opened up an immense tract of land to be converted from a wilder-

Treaty of Big Tree 45

ness to the famous grainfields of the Genesee valley. The forest
through your labors and those of your ancestors has become the
garden of the empire state.

But what a drama had just been enacted on the Atlantic seaboard
from Massachusetts to Georgia. Thirteen colonies had been governed
by a king three thousand miles away across the water, and little cared
king or ministry or parliament for the sufferings of an over-taxed
people so long as the never-ceasing stream of taxes and tithes from the
colonies flowed into the treasury at home. But the time for self-
government had come, freedom was in the air, and the colonies
declared their independence and became a nation. And then for a
second time two nations were battling for the possession of half a
continent. It was a life and death struggle, prolonged through suffer-
ing and losses, where every home mourned a victim in the cause of
liberty. When Great Britain in despair abandoned the field, the end
of the war found the country impoverished and its population deci-
mated. But a new nation had been born, where freedom had her
home and flung wide open the doors to the oppressed throughout the
world.

And then came the time to repair the damages of war. The young
men began to look to the fertile fields to the west of the old frontiers.
Here in New York dwelt the Six Nations, in mental and physical
endowments the equals of the white race. If their moral condition
was inferior, it was not so many hundred years ago when our ances-
tors were no better. Recall to mind that scene in Charles Kingsley's
Hereward the Wake, where, after the conquest of England by William
of Normandy, the Saxons are sent back to their homes in the fens of
Lincolnshire in boats rowed by men whose eyes had been put out,
directed by men whose hands had been lopped off. The Indian made
one great mistake. He did not adopt the civilization of the white
race. Emerson enjoins the man who aspires for better things to hitch
his wagon to a star, but the poor Indian took to the woods. But the
earth was not given as an inheritance to man for hunting. The
human race long ago discovered it was easier to take one's dinner from
the beef-barrel in the cellar than to seek it running wild in the woods.
The earth does her best under cultivation and a race of hunters must
always give way to tillers of the soil. Even now the solution of the
Indian problem is, along with education, to assign land to them in
severalty, and then compel them to adopt the ways of cizilization.

Treaty of Big Tree 46

Mr. Howell then exhibited three treaties:

1. A copy of the treaty of Robert Morris with the Indians Sept.
16, 1797, when for $100,000 he obtained possession of the tract of the
Senecas. This was made in duplicate at the same time (1797) and
deposited in the archives of the state.

2. A second treaty of the Senecas with the state of New York
wherein they surrendered for $500 a strip of land a mile wide bordering
the east bank of the Niagara river, of date Aug. 20, 1802.

3. The original treaty of the Oneidas Sept. 22,1788, when they
ceded all their lands except a small reservation for themselves to the
state of New York to which is attached a belt of wampum. This was
signed by the chiefs and sachems of the Oneidas. These deeds or
treaties are all in the New York State Library.

AT THE BANQUET

ADDRESS BY TOASTMASTER
S. E, HITCHCOCK

O^ EMBERS of the Livingston County Historical Society,
III Gi-uests, and Friends: — I shall trespass but a moment upon
1*1 your patience owing to the lateness of the hour; but I should
" ^ be false to my duty as well as to my inclination if I failed

to give expression to the feeling which I know is at this moment upper-
most in the minds of all present, that of sorrow for the enforced
absence of our honored President. Detained by illness in a distant
state, we know that his heart goes out to us in best wishes for our
welfare and for the success of our celebration. And our thoughts go
out to him laden with regret at his absence and wishes for his speedy
restoration to health.

One hundred years ago today the Genesee Valley was the scene of
a momentous event. It was the dawning of what we, in the hurry and
bustle of the closing hours of the nineteenth century, call civilization.
It was the closing of the deep and solemn reign of the civilization of
Nature. It was the passing of this valley into the hands of the white
man, who should cause it to teem with busy towns and fruitful fields.
It was the passing out of the hands of those to whom the Almighty
had intrusted it, so far as we know, since the morning stars sang
together.

Gathered as we are gathered in commemoration, it is fitting that
our thoughts should be carried directly to that great event, and I
therefore propose as our first toast, "The Treaty of Big Tree — Its Moral
and Material Influence."

RESPONSE BY

COL. JOHN R. STRANG

The Treaty of Big Tree — Its Moral and Material Influence.

THE OPENING of Western New York to settlement and civiliza-
tion did not in precise terms depend upon the ratification of the
Big Tree Treaty, because, before that was made in 1797, there
was already a considerable settlement of white people within
the limits of the lands transferred by it to Robert Morris, the first
white settler in this town being as early as 1789, and several of the
prominent early pioneers having purchased lands and taken up their
residence within the town between that date and 1797. But its ratifi-
cation was a throwing wide open of the gate for the advancing tide of
settlement and civilization, in consequence of the ability thereafter to
procure a perfect title to land which had theretofore been held by Mor-
ris under an imperfect Indian title. After the purchase from the In-
dians at the close of the War of the Revolution, the extinguishment of
the Massachusetts title to large parts of the lands in Western New
York, Morris had contracted to sell various portions of the vast tract
so acquired, to various persons in this and other lands, binding himself
to procure the extinguishment of the Indian title within a given period.
As before remarked, the extinguishment of the Indian title made all
these conveyances good, and the purchasers were able to hold and con-
vey the entire fee of the lands. The attention of a large part of the
Northern States, particularly New England and Pennsylvania, had
been already called to the beauty and fertility of the land in the Gene-
see Valley and other parts of Western New York, and no sooner was
the treaty of Big Tree signed than the tide of emigration set in to
Western New York, especially from New England, Pennsylvania and
Maryland, and before the lapse of many years, large tracts of these
fertile lands, which have since become the garden of the continent,
passed into possession and occupancy of actual settlers from the states
named.

It was the best class of population with which to found and estab-
lish a new country, the settlers bringing with them the customs and
habits of thrift and industry, and the moral and religious characteris-
tics, which prevailed in the homes from which they came, added to
which was the spirit of enterprise, which induced them to seek out
and make their homes in this, then so distant a country. In after years

Treaty of Big Tree 51

other circumstances brought into their midst a large number of Scotch-
Irish settlers, whole towns in Western New York coming to be inhab-
ited by the latter, some of whom were from the parent country, and
others from the eastern part of the state of New York. These various
nationalities and classes of people soon assimilated and became a homo-
geneous people, carefully rearing and nursing in their midst all that
tended toward education, enlightenment and civilization, and as we
trace down the years since the beginning of the century, we cannot
fail to notice how the Valley of the Genesee, and indeed the whole of
Western New York, has ever been prominent in educational matters
and in all things which tended to lift up and ennoble the mass of the
people. Commerce and manufactures soon had a steadfast foothold
among them ; canals and railroads afforded them access to market and
a means of intercommunication among themselves, and as the result,
we have today in the western part of this state, a country of which
every one of its citizens must be proud, which contains within the
limits of the very land covered by the treaty of Big Tree, two of the
most prosperous cities of the state, inhabited by at least half a million
of people, to say nothing of the beautiful villages, hamlets and homes,
with which the whole land is now covered.

In the few moments which I have at my disposal to respond to this
toast, I cannot enter into details further, but have already given suffi-
cient to indicate the moral and material influence which the ratifica-
tion of the treaty of Big Tree had on Western New York, and must
close by saying that the land which in 1797 was inhabited substantially
only by Indians, and whose millions of fertile acres were unused and
uncultivated, and under the foliage of whose forest trees this treaty
was discussed and signed, has by the character, thrift and energy of its
settlers, guided and directed by the first pioneers, become the home of
education, civilization and refinement, and made to blossom as a rose.

RESPONSE BY

HON. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS

Robert Morris — "A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed."
f IKE all gi-eat men, Robert Morris had his calumniators, but his
I whole life was open and above petty things, and his whole

^^ course during the trying time of our revolution showed him to
^W be a man fearless in the path of duty, and too noble to deign to
notice the trivial charges that are always the lot of public men.
His patriotism and sacrifices for his country duiing the revolution, and
his close friendship with Washington are matters of history, and it
may well be said that our revolution might have failed without Wash-
ington, but must have failed without Morris.

Both to the Colony of Pennsylvania and to the United States he
gave his time and credit at great sacrifice to his own business interests
and personal comfort, and he was always found ready in the time of
need. On the formation of the government in 1781 he was unanimously
elected Superintendent of Finances, at a time when the exhausted credit
of the government threatened the most alarming consequences; when the
army was utterly destitute of the necessary supplies of food and cloth-
ing, and even the confidence of Washington was shaken, Robert Morris,
upon his own credit, and from his own private resources, furnished
those pecuniary means, without which all the physical force of the
country would have been in vain.

The following letter conveying his sentiments in relation to the
high trust reposed in him was submitted to Congress and is worthy of
being produced here, also his formal acceptance of the office :

Philadelphia, 13th March, 1781.

His Excellency, the President of Congress— Sir : I had the honour to
receive your excellency's letter of the twenty -first of last month, en-
closing the act of congress of the twentieth, whereby I am appointed,
by an unanimovis election of that honourable body, to the important
office of "Superintendent of Finance." Perfectly sensible of the honour
done me by this strong mark of confidence from the sovereign author-
ity of the United States, I feel myself bound to make the acknowledg-
ments due by pursuing a conduct formed to answer the expectations
of congress, and promote the public welfare. Were my abilities equal
to my desire of serving America, I should have given an immediate
determination after this appointment was made ; but, conscious of my
own deficiences, time for consideration was absolutely necessary. Lit-
tle, however, of the time which has elapsed, have I been able to devote
to this subject, as the business before the legislature of Pennsylvania
(wherein I have the honour of a seat,) has demanded, and continues
to demand, my constant attendance.

,^. .,

HON. GOUVERNEUR MORUl^

Treaty of Big Tree 53

So far as the station of Superintendent of Finance, or indeed any
other public station of office, applies to myself, I should, without the
least hesitation have declined an acceptance ; for after upwards of
twenty years assiduous application to business as a merchant, I find
myself at that period when my mind, body, and inclination, combine
to make me seek for relaxation and ease. Providence has so far smiled
on my endeavors as to enable me to prepare for the indulgence of those
feelings, in such manner as would be least injurious to the interests of
my family. If, therefore, I accept this appointment, a sacrifice of that
ease, of much social and domestic enjoyment, and of my material in-
terests, must be the inevitable consequence : And, as my ambition was
entirely gratified by my present situation and character in life, no
motive of that kind can stimulate me to acceptance. Putting myself
out of the question the sole motive is the public good ; and this motive,
I confess, comes home to my feelings. The contest we are engaged in,
appeared to me, in the first instance, just and necessary ; therefore I
took an active part in it ; as it became dangerous, I thought it the
more glorious, and was stimulated to the greatest exertions in my
power when the affairs of America were at the worst. Sensible of the
want of arrangement in our monied affairs, the same considerations
impel me to this undertaking, which I would embark in without hesi-
tation, could I believe myself equal thereto ; but fearing this may not
be the case, it becomes indispensably necessary to make such stipula-
tions as may give ease to my feelings, aid to my exertions and tend to
procure ample support to my conduct in office, so long as it is founded
in, and guided by, a regard to the public prosperity.

In the first place, then, I am to inform congress, that the prepara-
tory steals I had taken to procure to myself relaxation from business
with least injury to the interests of my family, were by engaging in
certain commercial establishments with persons in whom I had perfect
confidence, as to their integrity, honour and abilities. These establish-
ments I am bound in honour, and by contracts, to support to the extent
agreed on. If, therefore, it be in the idea of congress, that the office of
superintendent of finance is incompatible with commercial concerns
and connexions, the point is settled ; for I cannot, on any consideration,
consent to violate engagements, or depart from those principles of
honour which it is my pride to be governed by. If, on the contrary,
congress have elected me to this office under the expectation that my
mercantile connexions and engagements were to continue, an express
declaration of their sentiments should appear on the minutes, that no
doubt may arise, or reflection be cast, on this score hereafter,

I also think it indispensably necessary that the appointment of all
persons who are to act in my office, (under the same roof, or in imme-
diate connexion with me,) should be made by myself; congress first
agreeing that such secretaries, clerks or officers, so to be appointed,
are necessary, and fixing the salaries for each. I conceive that it will
be impossible to execute the duties of this office with effect, unless the
absolute power of dismissing from office, or employment, all persons
whatever that are concerned in the official expenditure of public
monies, be committed to the superintendent of finance ; for. unless this
power can be exercised without control, I have little hopes of efficacy
in the business of reformation, which is probably the most essential

Treaty of Big Tree 54

part of the duty. These being the only positive stipulations that occur
to me at this time, the determination of congress thereon will enable
me to determine whether to accept or decline the appointment. I must,
however, observe, that the act of congress of February, describing the
duties of the superintendent of finance, requires the execution of many
things for which adequate powers are not provided ; and it cannot be
expected that your officer can, in such case, be responsible. These,
however, may be the subjects of future discussions.

With sentiments of the highest respect for you and congress, I
have the honour to subscribe myself

Your Excellency's most obedient and humble serv't,

Robert Morris.

Philadelphia, May 14, 1781.
Sir : — The honour conferred by congress in appointing me super-
intendent of finance, their several resolutions of the twentieth of March,
twenty-first and twenty-seventh of April, which your excellency has
been pleased to transmit, and a serious conviction of that duty which
every citizen owes to his country, especially in times of public calamity,
will no longer permit me to hesitate about the acceptance of that office,
although I must again repeat that I have the fullest sense of my own
inability. I shall, however, strive to find such assistance as will enable
me, in some measure, to answer the reasonable expectations of congress,
to whom I can promise for myself nothing more than honest industry.
You will readily perceive that much time must be consumed in procur-
ing proper officers, fixing on men for assistants whose ability and
integrity may be depended upon, in laying plans for obtaining money
with the greatest ease for the people, and expending it to the greatest
advantage of the public, forming arrangements necessary to carry
their plans into execution, and obtaining information as to the present
state of things, in order that abuses may be, if possible, speedily and
effectually remedied. Besides this, it will be necessary that I should
confer with the commander-in-chief on the various exi^enditures of the
war, and the means of retrenching such as are unnecessary. Let me
add that the account of my private business must be adjusted, so as
that all my affairs may be put into the hands of other persons and
subjected to their management. My necessary commercial connex-
ions, notwithstanding the decided sense of congress expressed in their
resolution of the twentieth March, might, if the business were trans-
acted by myself, give rise to illiberal reflections equally paiufnl to me,
and injurious to the public. This reason alone would deserve great
attention ; but further I expect that my whole time, study, and atten-
tion, will be necessarily devoted to the various business of my depart-
ment.

Having thus stated some of the causes which will prevent me
from immediately entering on the arduous task assigned me, I pray
leave to call the attention of congress to the advanced season, and then
I am persuaded their own good sense vdll render it unnecessary for me
to observe that very little can be expected from my exertions during the
present campaign ; they will therefore, easily perceive the propriety of
the request I am to make, that the business may go on according to

Treaty of Big Tree 55

the present arrangements, or such other as congress may devise until I
can take it up, which I promise to do as speedily as possible. By this
means I may be enabled so to dispose of the several members of my
department as to form them into a regular system ; whereas, by throw-
ing the whole immediately upon me, I shall be inevitably involved in a
labyrinth of confusion from which no human efforts can ever extricate
me.

Another consideration of great magnitude, to which I must also
pray the attention of congress, is the present public debts. I am sure
that no gentleman can hope that these should be immediately paid out
of an empty ti'easury. If I am to receive and consider the application
on that subject, if I am to be made responsible, that alone, will, I fear,
be full employment for the life of one man, and some other must be
chosen to attend to the present, and provide for the future. But this is
not all : if, from that or from any other cause, I am forced to commit
a breach of faith, or even to incur the appearance of it, from that
moment my utility ceases.

In accepting the office bestowed on me, I sacrifice much of my
interest, my ease, my domestic enjoyments, and internal tranquillity.
If I know my own heart, I make these sacrifices with a disinterested
view to the service of my country.

I am ready to go still further ; and the United States may com-
mand everything I have except my integrity, and the loss of that would
effectually disable me from serving them more.

What I have to pray, then, is, that the adjustment of all my trans-
actions, and of all that relates to the present system, may be completed
by the modes already adopted, that whatever remains unpaid may
become a funded debt, and that it may in that form be committed to
me to provide for the yearly interest, and for the eventual discharge of
the principal. This task I will cheerfully undertake, and if in the
progress of things, I am enabled to go further, with equal cheerfulness
it shall be done : bvit I must again repeat my serious conviction that
the least breach of faith must ruin us forever. It is not from vanity
that I mention the expectations which the public seemed to have
formed from my appointment ; on the contrary, I am persuaded they
are raised on a weak foundation, and I must lament them because I
foresee that they must be disappointed. I must, therefore, entreat
that no flattering prospect of immediate relief be raised.

Congress well knows that the public credit cannot be restored
without method, economy, and punctual performance of contracts.
Time is necessary to each ; and therefore the removal of those evils we
labour under can be expected from time only. To hold out a different
idea would deceive the people, and consequently injure the public
service.

I am sure it is unnecessary to add, before I close this letter, that I
confidently expect my measures will meet with the fullest support from
congress, so long as they are honestly directed to the general welfare.
In this conviction, and with every sentiment of respectful attention,
I have the honor to be.

Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,

Robert Morris.

Treaty of Big Tree 56

Robert Morris was remarkable for his domestic habits ; and in his
intercourse with his family and friends, and, indeed, with general
society, no one made greater exertions to do kind offices. His great
cheerfulness and benevolence attracted the esteem of a numerous circle
of acquaintance, and the veneration of the people. Independent in his
principles and conduct, he never courted the countenance of living
man. Warmly devoted to his friends, he was almost idolized by them,
but especially by those who were particularly dear to him — Alexander
Hamilton and Gouverneur Morris. Whenever Washington came to
Philadelphia his first visit was to Robert Morris.

I think I can safely leave it to future historians to vindicate his
honor and unselfishness, and repel any aspersions upon his course,
most of them the product of jealousy and vindictiveness. He was
utterly free from selfish ambition and was willing to retire when his
work was done. The time must come when our country will properly
appreciate his services and recognize in a proper manner his worth.

ANDREW JOHN

RESPONSE BY
ANDREW JOHN

/V\ R. PRESIDENT, Ladies and Gentlemen : It is the greatest
ill pleasure to me that the Managers of the Livingston County
1*1 Historical Society, extend their invitation to our Lidian
P \ people to participate at this commemoration of one hundred

years ago today of our forefather's signing, known as "The Treaty of
Big Tree," and the Seneca Indians responded who are now present at
this occasion of which I am proud to be one of the members, whom
represented now of the said party of the first part to this great Treaty.
Though the people who signed this treaty have past away to the happy
hunting grounds, and their descendants now today gathered here — the
very grounds where our ancestors negotiated which involve a large
amount of land.

At that time our people, the Indians, ceded a large tract of land
known as Western New York for a mere nominal sum of money for
the consideration, excepting and reserving to the Indians certain privi-
leges and reservations mentioned in treaty. This sale of land from
the Indians to Robert Morris contained a large tract of land, for one
hundred thousand dollars. The Seneca Indians are getting only six
thousand dollars interest per annum at present, while the white people
occupying the land mentioned in said Big Tree Treaty are getting
millions and millions of dollars interest. From the standpoint of my
race many incidents of the most disgraceful tricks and robberies perpe-
trated upon the poor untutored sons of the forest. Still the Seneca
Indians are happy and clinging upon the agreements and solemn obli-
gations mentioned in the treaties under which they are protected a»d
are now enjoying within the borders of this great Empire State.

Let us now look over some of the history of way back. It would
have been strange indeed if the Natives had borne tamely such whole-
sale robbery of their property, but early in the story begins a worse
record. In 1623, a company of worthless white indented servants in
Massachusetts, after robbing the cornfields of the people of Plymouth,
changed their quarters and dispersed in little parties, prowled around
like tramps, begging and stealing from the Indians. Had they been
red savages and the whites the sufferers from such depredations, their
exterminations would have been regarded as a bounden duty, for in a
new coiintry such men deserve no mercy. But they were Englishmen,
and when news was brought from Plymouth that the Natives, tired of

Treaty of Big Tree 58

their thefts, were plotting for their destruction, the outrage was
deemed unpardonable. Miles Standish, with eight companions visited
the Indian settlement, "imder the pretense of trade." Enticing the
leading Chief with three of his followers into a cabin, the door was
closed and the Christians murdered the heathen in cold blood. This
was the transaction that in the words of a learned historian "excited
some misgivings" in the mind of John Robinson. Events like this,
with which the early history of America is replete roused the indigna-
tion of the Natives from Massachusetts to Georgia, and resulted in the
feeling which has been stigmatized as the "inextinguishable hatred
which the red men felt for the white intruder." But crimes of this
character were not the worst that were perpetrated upon the Natives.
We hold up our hands in horror of the tortures practiced by the
Indians on their prisoners. In 1637 the Christian white men of Con-
necticut put a red captive to death by tearing him limb from limb
with ropes fastened to his legs and arms. How, during the war
with King Philip the whites burned the savages in their wigwams,
driving them back into the flames at the point of the bayonet, and how
they murdered the women and children is known to every student.
But robbing, torture and massacre all pale before the crowning infamy
which drove the Natives to despair. The most distinguishing trait of
the Indian was his love of personal freedom. He knew no Master,
and recognized no Lord, save as in a dull vague way he looked up to
the Great Spirit.

The league of the Six Nations or Iroquois, as the French termed
them when they spoke of this Indian Confederacy, was the most re-
markable people in wisdom, oratory, political and the knowledge of the
country during the early days when their glory was in full blast. The
vast territory of country upon which they had immediate control com-
prises north by St. Lawrence, east by Atlantic Ocean, south by Ten-
nessee, west by Mississippi river, from this vast territory of country
reduced that the control now at present by the Seneca Nation of In-
dians in the western part of this state about fifty-five thousand acres of
land.

In speaking of the "Treaty of Big Tree" on the part of the party
of the first part of which we are now represented here today are now
enjoying upon one of the reservations reserved and the interest money
from the United States treasury annually to the Senecas, in pursuance

Treaty of Big Tree 59

to the agreements of this Treaty, in relation to this Big Tree Treaty of
"Which we are now celebrating today a Centennial, I will now show
and hold up in my hands an original letter from the United States to
the Senecas, the same reads as follows :

War Department, May 14, 1798.

Brothers : — By the Indenture made between you and Robert Mor-
ris, Esquire, under the authority of the United States at Gennessee, in
the County of Ontario in the State of New York, on the 15th day of
September, 1797, in consideration of One Hundred Thousand Dollars,
to be by the said Robert Morris, vested in the stock of the Bank of the
United States, and held in the name of the President of the United
States for the use and behoof of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
You bargained and sold a large tract of country mentioned in the said
Indenture to the said Robert Morris, excepting nevertheless, and
always reserving out of this Grant and Conveyance all such pieces
or parcels of the aforesaid tract and siich privileges thereunto belong-
ing, as therein afterwards particularly mentioned, which said pieces
or parcels of land so excepted, are by the parties to the presents clearly
and fully understood to remain the property of the Seneca Nation in
as full and ample a manner as if the presents had not been executed.
It being also provided by the same instrument, as understood by
the parties, that all such pieces or parcels of land as are thereby reser-
ved, and are not particularly described as to the manner in which the
same are to be laid off, shall be laid off in such a manner as shall be
determined by the Sachems and Chiefs, residing at or near the respect-
ive villages where such Reservations are made, a particular whereof to
be endorsed on the back of the deed and recorded with the same.

I write this letter by order of the President of the United States,
to inform the Seneca Nation of Indians that the one hundred thousand
dollars, being the consideration money in the Indenture mentioned has
been vested conformably to the intention of said instrument, and that
the President being thereof satisfied, hath by and with the consent
and advice of the Senate, accepted, ratified and confirmed the Conven-
tion or Treaty aforesaid. And that Joseph Ellicott, a beloved man,
skilled in surveying has been employed to lay off the Reservations,
excepted and made in the aforesaid Deed. To him, therefore, the
Sachems and Chiefs concerned will give their directions for laying off
the same.

I am also to assure the Seneca Nation that Joseph Ellicott is a
gentleman of integrity, and that the Nation may confide to him the
laying off of the Reservations aforesaid, having no doubt he will exe-
cute the trust with fidelity and impartial justice.

Dividends upon the Stock of the Bank of the United States pur-
chased with the one hundred thousand dollars, for the use and behoof
of the Seneca Nation of Indians, vidll be paid half yearly, the first
dividend about the middle of July next, which will be remitted to the
Seneca Nation in such manner as they shall direct, and their orders

Treaty of Big Tree 60

for the remittance of future dividends when they are paid, will be
always attended to.

Wishing you health, I am, Brothers,

Your friend and obedient servant,

James McHenry,

Sec'y of War.
To the Chiefs and Sachems of the Seneca Nation.

We perceived by the foregoing letter how careful and watchful
by the President of the United States for the welfare and interest for
the Seneca Indians. In review just a few out of many unpleasant inci-
dents that happen along about the 16th century, how dark and gloomy-
must have been over the people of this country, even one hundred
years ago today this country was owned by the Seneca Nation of
Indians, and it was in a wild state, unimproved, uncultivated and
unsettled excepting small spots here and there, villages by Natives.
By signing the Big Tree Treaty by Indians made this country a great
change ; today we see most magnificent farms all over this country,
and the civilization prevails among the people where one himdred
years ago everything was wild. Today the Seneca Indians are enjoy-
ing the fruits of civilization as well as the white people, especially
when they are participating in this great Centennial Celebration.

I will now conclude my short speech by extending my sincere
thanks to the managers of the Livingston County Historical Society
for the honor extended to me in making this address.

^'^

RESPONSE BY
A. SIM LOGAN

The Former Owners of Our Beautiful Valley, the Senecas ; Their Brave
Warriors and Gifted Orators.

/V\ R. TOASTMASTER and Gentlemen : A3 a representative of
f I 1 *^® Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Indians, I come before
f A I you on this occasion as a representative of the people who
P \ once held sway over this entire continent, and as I have

consented to make a short speech on this joyoiis occasion, I do so with
a proper sense of the obligation I am under to my own race. We have
laid aside all those feelings of animosity which actuated our forefath-
ers when they saw that the vast country over which they roamed
must give way to the civilization of the white man, and we have
learned that it is better for us to settle down and cultivate well a small
piece of ground rather than to roam over all creation, and we have
learned also that our children must take their places in the grand pro-
cession of progress, and, in order to do this, we must have elementary
and high schools where our young men and women may be equipped
for a successful career. It is well known to those who have studied
my people that when we get the better of your civilization, we thrive
Tinder it, and our children take equal rank with yours in the acquisi-
tion of knowledge. It has been said, Mr. Toastmaster. that the only
good Indian is a dead one. Give us your schools and your Christianity,
and a fair chance in life, and do not treat us as dogs, and we will
show by our love for our white brothers, and by our improvement that
there are good Indians who are not dead.

The Indians are not decreasing in this country ; they are increas-
ing, and so Mr. Toastmaster, you are likely to have the Indian prob-
lem on your hands for some time to come, and the only proper settle-
ment of the Indian problem is to educate and Christianize my people.
And it is a great deal cheaper to do this than to exterminate us.
President Grant stated that it has cost this government two millions
of dollars to kill an Indian, but it costs only about S'200 on the average
to educate and Christianize an Indian, and an educated Indian is more
glory to your race and to your civilization than a murdered one.

Yoiir Centennial celebration is a great event, and I am here today,
not to glory over the departure of my people from this region, but to
assure you that, though we have parted with our fertile lands, and

Treaty of Big Tree 62

gone from your immediate midst, with a good heart we rejoice in the
improvement which God has spead over this land, and we unite with
you on this great occasion out of respect for our white brother and his
government and for our great white father at Washington who recog-
nizes the Indians as wards of his government, to look with a father's
interest after the welfare of us, who, like you, are the children of the
Great Spirit.

Although, Mr. Toastmaster, my people are increasing in the Uni-
ted States, our ancient customs are gradually fading away, and we
shall, under the influence of the progress of the age, in taking our
places in the procession with you, lay aside the customs of our fath-
ers, but we hope to prove ourselves worthy of the advantages which
our white brothers have brought us, and act well the part which the
Great Spirit created us to perform.

Wi^

T. F. JAMEKSOX

President Seneca Nation of Indians

EVENING MEETING

ADDRESS BY

HON. WALLACE BRUCE

A Great Century.

Ill R. CHAIRMAN, members of the Livingston County Historical
111 Society, Mr. Governeur Morris, representatives of the Seneca
I ^ Tribe, Ladies and Gentlemen : I regard it a great privilege to
take part in this interesting Centennial ceremony. It has been my
fortune to participate in four centennials :— The centennial of a bat-
tle, the centennial of peace, the centennial of a poet's birthday, and
now the centennial of a great treaty ; the first commemorating
Stark's victory at Bennington, the second the disbanding of the Amer-
ican army under Washington, at Newburg, the third among the Berk-
shires in memory of "William Cullen Bryant, and the fourth here amid
your beautiful hills and valleys, on the fifteenth day of September,
1897. (Applause.)

When I received your invitation to deliver an address on the occa-
sion, it occurred to me that I would take as my subject "From Tree to
Temple." I wanted to come and talk to you, rather than to deliver an
extended or over-carefully prepared oration, for I knew that the histor-
ical part of the exercises would be well done in the afternoon — a paper
which I may say in passing, adds great wealth not only to this society
but also to this entire community. It occurred to me that the "Tree"
had gone and that the "Temple" had come, I thought of the spot
which had been pointed out to me on a previous visit by a friend now
presiding over these exercises, where once stood the historic log house
and the old "Wadsworth Homestead," of the changes which had trans-
pired since the transfer of the Indian title ; the contrast of the life and
surroiindings of 1797 with 1897, and came to the conclusion that I
would limit my talk to the very brief subject of "A Great Century."
(Laughter.)

I am proud, Mr. Chairman, to stand here in the presence of des-
cendants of men, whose lines coming together after one hundred years,
surround a great island of history. It is not often that divergent civ-
ilizations, or that civilivation and barbarism which have struggled
adversely, meet at last, forming thereby a peaceful delta of prosperity.
I am glad to be here with the grandson of Robert Morris, the great
Banker of the American Colonies, the financial refuge of Freedom in
the hour of adversity, and one of the committee with Washington

Treaty of Big Tree 66

for designing yonder flag. (Applause.) It is something also to
remember and to tell our children that we met here a relative, the
grandson of Logan, the Indian orator whose speeches we used to study-
in our school books, and were he, who sat today at your board and
thrilled his auditors, stirred by the same motive as his illustrious
ancestor, the pride of boundless and ancestral freedom, there would be
no lack of transmitted ability. If there is a student of elocution here,
if would be well for him to engrave upon his memory the superb
gesture and utterance of this his namesake.

It is indeed a great century. None of us can fully comprehend it.
Most of us have lived in less than a third of it ; only a few during
half of it ; a still smaller few who have reached three score or four
score years. What was it then? What is it now? These meadow
lands a primitive forest. The emporium of our state and country
enrolled scarcely 80,000 people. Its chief street reached only from
the Battery to where the City Hall now stands. Maiden Lane, Fulton
street and Park Place were pleasant strolling places along the edge
of an almost unbroken wilderness. Brooklyn, across the way, was a
town of barely two thousand inhabitants. A clergyman recently
told me that his grandfather in 1807 sold his farm, the entire acreage
now known as Brooklyn Heights, for three thousand dollars. It is
quite possible, representatives of the Seneca Tribe, that Robert
Morris paid too much instead of too little for the property. (Laugh-
ter.) When we stop to think that New York Island was bought
for twenty-four dollars we come to the conclusion that real estate
some years ago was not held at the figures of today. When, more-
over, we recall the fact that be bought from Napoleon two-thirds
of our present territory for a few million dollars, we conclude that the
price of property has not materially depreciated in value ; so we need
not come here in the spirit of criticism or of apology, but rather as
the advocate of the great patriot of the Revolution, who in the consum-
mation of this purchase, was an instrument in the hands of God to help
forward the civilization of his country. There is moreover a great
truth to be derived from this Centennial gathering summed up in one
comprehensive sentence : that civilization holds a mortgage on barba-
rism ; that education holds a mortgage on ignorance which time at
last forecloses. Lord Bacon's great aphorism "Knowledge is Power,"
s written and re- written on every page of the world's history.

Treaty of Big Tree 67

In the brief review of the period here contemplated, the contrasts
of material progress present a strange blending of the humorous and
the marvelous. One hundred years ago it often took seven or eight
days for a sloop to go from New York to Albany. Washington Irving
refers to a "nine days' voyage" up the river. One of our swift steamers
today gives us a sort of a passing glimpse. I was recently in the Cats-
kills when a search-light from a steamer ten miles away was thrown
on the cliffs, and I got up and read by it at intervals for half an hour,
Gibbon's "History of Rome." (Laughter.) The time was when it
took a stage coach three days to go from New York to Boston, and
two coaches carried all the passengers. In those days our grandfath-
ers mowed these meadow lands with old-fashioned scythes, and gar-
nered their wheat with quaint-fingered cradles. Today we start a
great reaper on one side of a five-thousand acre lot out west, and the
wheat is cut, threshed, winnowed and tied up in bags while the
machine is in motion. It took the first steamship, the "Savannah."
nineteen days to cross the Atlantic, and it was such a ciiriosity that it
went visiting around at the various ports. Today we take one of the
modem grayhounds of the deep, visit London, Paris, Berlin and Rome
and are home again, at our desks in New York, within the time of the
first outward voyage of that first steamer. Twenty-five years ago a
writer in Harper's Monthly boasted that we coxild go from New York
to San Francisco in twelve days. In a few years there will be a sum-
mer excursion with a shorter schedule from New York to St. Peters-
burg, and I expect some day to sit in a coach marked Behring
Straits and hear the brakeman call out "Klondyke." (Applause.)

The other day I talked with Ann Arbor. She was eight hundred
miles away (laughter) but we arranged a lecture appointment in
three minutes by the watch. The telephone today accomplishes what
the old century never dreamed of, and in addition to the telephone
and the telegraph we now have captured the "X Ray," one of the
main advantages of which is, if we happen to ask a friend for the loan
of ten dollars, and he says he is sorry he hasn't it, all we have to do is
to turn on the "ray" and he has to immediately transmit the X.
(Laughter.) This is the first age that has been able to see through
everybody. One of these days we will just sit in our rooms, push a
button to bring an electric carriage, and finally we will all do our farm-
ing, while swinging in a hammock under an awning, by simply turn-
ing a few motor switches. (Applause.)

Treaty of Big Tree 68

What evolutions in labor and locomotion from the splint-broom
and the aickle to the carpet-sweeper and the lawn-mower, from the
sleepy coach and clicking reel to the trolly-car and the bicycle. Even
the very word "Ceutiiry" today no longer suggests to many people a
period of glorious achievement but a cycling journey from New York
to Philadelphia . I wrote a poem when a boy on the Moon trying to
catch her husband, the Sun, but now she has only to get a "Lunar" to
be equal to the course. (Laughter.) Our patient grandmothers knew
nothing of sewing machines, and never dreamed of an apple parer ; nor
would the latter invention have been more popular then than now,
although I have known of the work being so pressing in my own
native town that it kept many a young couple busy often until eleven
or twelve o'clock in the evening in order to keep the family going in
apples. (Laughter.) I remember an aunt who used to whirl the
spinning-wheel in the homestead garret, and I recall today, no sweeter
music, but now the old wheel is a silent heir-loom. Some great
machine in Massachusetts or Rhode Island with pale-faced persons
beside it transacts all the work. A bale of cotton is iintied at one end
of a steaming factory, and about a quarter of a mile away it comes
out in cylinders of printed cloth. I visited last week a mill where a
tree was ground into pulp and presented the next day in the shape of
an illustrated newspaper, with news whispered in the meantime from,
the furthermost islands of the sea. Wonderful, indeed, has been the
■work of the hundred years that we are contemplating here in retro-
spect this Centennial day in this beautiful village of Geneseo ! (Ap-
plause. )

In tracing the growth of material progress, we moreover note the
development of a new type of character, for the productions of this
country are not alone in the line of mechanism. It is a marvel that
we can convert steam and electricity into servants of commerce. It is
wonderful that a whisjier along a trembling wire seems to know no
limit, and that through storm and sunshine we are enabled to talk face
to face with friends a thousand miles distant, that we can chronicle a
laugh and almost transmit a smile, but the greatest marvel of the
century is not the telephone, the telegraph, or the swift flying steamer
nay nor the rearing of the greatest temple in the world, the Constitu-
tion of the United States ; not the melting back of a great Citizen
Army into the field, the office, and the workshop from which it came

Treaty of Big Tree 69

to guard the threshold of a nobler humanity, but the crowning devel-
opment and marvel of these hundred years is the American Man.
(Applause.) If the statement needs any amendment, the American
Woman (laughter) or as Robert Burns has wittily put it in abiding
truth :

"The prentice-hand was tried on man

And then were made the lassies." (Applause.)

In this new tj-pe of character the crowning quality seems a natural
readiness to meet emergencies and overcome them. When the young
American officer went to Alexandria to bring to New York the obelisk
presented to this country by the Khedive of Egj'pt and the people of
Alexandria gathered about it in angry protest, the young American
simply wrapped the stars and stripes about it and told his men to
proceed. (Applause.) It is recorded in the history of the Hudson
that General Putnam, at Peekskill, sent a despatch to Washington :
"Nathan Palmer was taken as a spy, tried as a spy, and will be hanged
as a spy. P. S.— He is hanged." That brief postscript suggests the
germ of American straightforwardness without time for particulars or
details. A gentleman from Boston dropped in recently on the pioneer
life of an old college classmate, whom he had not seen for years, and
was astonished to hear him tell of a great "petrified" forest only a few
miles distant ; everything that approached it, he said, became petri-
fied. A buffalo ran into it one day and there it stood on its fore-feet
petrified — with heels in the air — suddenly an-ested in his flight. A
piece of dirt, he said, was thrown up in its flight and there it remains,
in the air petrified. That can't be, said the Bostonian, think of gravity !
Gravity? Why that was petrified too. (Laughter.) No one but an
American, with undaunted readiness, would have ever dreamed of a
reply, which, in extravagant humor, set at naught even the primal
laws of the universe. (Applause.)

Nor can we forget, as a people, in this hour of remembrance, the
great Providences which have attended and shielded us, throughout
the century just completed. The old motto of Connecticut, "He who
transported us will sustain us," is as true today as when it was first
written. It was providential in the beginning of our history that
there was room enough here for the development of individual liberty,
wherein the feudalism of man to man, of serf to superior, and of
knight to lord, might pass into the grander and higher feudalism of

Treaty of Big Tree 70

institutions. The French and Indian wars were also providential, in
that they taught the early colonists self-reliance. The Braddock cam-
paign was a training-school of liberty ; the Blue Ridge a fortress and
a refuge of fredom. Indeed, every battle of the Revolution records a
series of Providences. A friend recently told me that his great aunt,
who was a Tory, and lived on Long Island, had the fact brought to her
that Washington was drawing off his forces under the cover of night.
She sent a trusty servant to advise General Howe, but her messenger
unwittingly found his way into the Hessian instead of the English camp,
where even the officers were unable to understand the communication,
so they locked the colored man up for the night and the next morning
Washington and his army were on the Heights of Manhattan. If that
servant had reached the British General, Washington would have
been captured. Nor did these Providences close with the Revolution.
They have abided all through our history. Napoleon was in need of
money to prosecute his ambition, and while Britain was fitting out her
ships to take possession of New Orleans, and thereby plant her flag on
the Mississippi and all its tributaries, even to the gateway of Chautau-
qua lake. Napoleon sold to us through our envoy, Thomas Jefferson,
who was then in Paris, fully two-thirds of our present territory for a
few millions of dollars. It was intended from the beginning that this
country should be one and indivisible from gulf to lake, from sea to
sea. (Applause.) This ceding of Fieach territory brought to us
naturally in a few years California and Florida, and then just to
straighten out our national boundary we "redeemed" a portion of Mex-
ico so that we wouldn't walk off. (Laughter.)

The Civil War came, and early in its history the Battle of Bull
Run. General Slocum said a few years ago, in Brooklyn, that he
regarded this defeat at first as a serious calamity, but came at last to
see that it was a great Pro\'idence. If we had been victorious in the
beginning, he said, the purposes of the war would not have been
accomplished — a freedom for all beneath the flag. (Applause.) The
battle of Gettysburg came. At the close of the first day's fight General
Meade and his staff sat through a good part of the night in a little house
on the hillside and discussed the question whether they should go or
stay. They stayed — and all perhaps because a little boy had led the
line as it fell back to Cemetery Ridge, which became a bulwark of
freedom. It is said that a boy by mistake misdirected Grouchy or the

Treaty of Big Tree 71

decisive battle of Waterloo might have been a blow to Saxon suprem-
acy in Europe and throughout the world. Every struggle of the
centuries for human rights has been climactory. Marathon and
"Waterloo anticipate Yorktown and Appomatox, and this flag which
we love to call Old G-lory, has threads in it that reach back to Mt.
Aararat. It was only quarter finished when Washington and Morris
went to the old Scotch woman of Philadelphia to make a circle of
thirteen stars. (Applause.)

The Providences of God have been great, not only in giving us
Washington in the past, but also in these later days, the flower of
American manhood, Abraham Lincoln. (Applause.) It sometimes
seems that no one else could have guided the Ship so safely, a man
who knew how to say and do the right thing at the right time. "You
can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the i)eople some
of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." He
said "It isn't safe to swap horses while crossing the stream," a sentence
more effective in his re-election than a thousand campaign speeches.
He wrote to one of his Generals that if he wasn't using the army he
would like to borrow it. When Richmond was captured a great
crowd early in the morning surged into the White House grounds and
called for Lincoln. The window opened and the old Irish butler said,
"Whist, boys, the old man will be down directly." The chief ruler of
no other land in the world could have received such an introduction
without loss of dignity, but no other sentence so clearly reveals the
close relation between the people and their executive. Lincoln appear-
ed and said "In this hour of our triumph let us remember that they
are our brothers." How the man seems sent straight from the skies to
speak words of love and honesty. (Applause.)

But in spite of all our Providences there have always been men
who said "you can't do it." They proclaimed it way back there to
Job. You remember the three who came to see him, Bildad, Eliphaz
and Zophar, but Job answered "No doubt ye are the people and wisdom
shall die with you." Centuries go by and people said to Columbus
"You can't do it. There is no land out there anyway," but Columbus
said "sail on, sail on," until a new continent lifted itself from the sea.
They came to John Hancock and said "there is no use of writing your
name so big for it can't be done," and he replied "I propose to write it
so that his Majesty can read it without his spectacles." Time went ou

Treaty of Big Tree 72

until tliey came to Webster and said "It is no use, you can't answer the
argument of Hayne." "I don't propose to answer it, but to crush him,"
replied the great statesman, as he welded another rivet in the history
of Constitutional liberty. Then they found a man down at Shiloh,
G-eneral Grant, whose very initials were somehow suggestive of the
permanency of the United States, and they said, "Don't cross that
stream for if you are defeated you will not have boats enough to bring
you back," but the great soldier on his way to Vicksburg said "If we
are defeated there will be boats enough to bring back what are left."
(Applause.) There is only one thing which it seems this country can't
do, and that is to complete the Capitol at Albany. (Laughter.) I am
not sure however, but that they propose to take your Centennial for
the crowning column this winter.

So much for these Providences and great marvels. Time does not
permit us to continue or to elaborate them, and the hour does not
allow us to call the long roll of heroes who went down to the front
in the protection of country and birthright, for what would be the
possessions recalled by this day's observance had it not been for their
noble deeds ?

Who can paint that panorama, clear and perfect in detail '?
Who can trace the telling bullets in that storm of leaden hail?
Who can twine a fitting garland for each dear heroic name.
Or untwist the strands of glory in the cable of our fame ?
This suflficeth and abideth— every thread is firm and true ;
Homespun texture, double woven, colors fast— red. white and blue ;
Knotted well at Appomattox, tied to keep the threads in place,
Never more to be unraveled in the nation's onward race.

But above all achievements, inventions and triumphs, one proph-
ecy from out the ages still shines undimmed. "His name shall be
called wonderful !" Our little dreams are fulfilled and the wonder
ceases. When the great bridge between New York and Brooklyn was
being built, day by day we looked up through the cables of woven
steel, and wondered whether ever, from pier to pier, across that vdde
space, a highway could be constructed It was accomplished and the
wonder ceased. We take a microscope and multiply the spaces beneath
the glass a hundred-fold and wonder at the anatomy of life and the
beauty of God's creation, but the wonder ceases with our attainment.
We point a telescope into the sky and foretell the location of a new
star by mathematics. The star appears and the marvel ceases. But
after all material triumphs fade away and vanish, after all our greatest
inventions have been lost in a series of higher accomplishments, this
sentence shall abide in sublime futurity: "His name sAa/Z be called
wonderful !" (Long continued applause. )

APPENDIX

ADDRESS BY

MR, W. H, SAMSON

Before the Livingston County Historical Society in 1894.

ij^ FTER the close of the Revolutionary war and the successful estab-
1^ lishment of the independence of the colonies, there was a serious
f dispute between New York and Massachusetts regarding the

lands in what is now Western New York. Massachusetts
claimed the title by virtue of a grant from King James I to the Ply-
mouth company, made November 3, 1620, and New York claimed it by
virtue of the grant of Charles II to the Duke of York, dated March 12,
1664, and the voluntary submission of the Iroquois to the crown in
1684.

Happily this dispute was amicably adjusted. By a compact dated
December 16, 1786, signed by commissioners representing the two
states. New York secured the sovereignty and jurisdiction and Massa-
chusetts the right to buy from the native Indians.

There were no reasons why Massachusetts should delay the sale of
its rights, and on April 1, 1788, the legislature of that state agreed to
convey to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, who were acting for
themselves and others, all its right and title for 300,000 pounds in the
consolidated securities of the commonwealth, or about one million dol-
lars, provided that these speculators would extinguish the Indian title.

On the 8th of July, 1788, a treaty was concluded at Buffalo Creek.
It was attended by leading sachems, warriors and chiefs of the Five
Nations. At this treaty the Indians sold to Phelps and Gorham for
£2,100 and an annuity of $500, all their land east of the Genesee and a
small portion west of it. The whole tract being described as follows:

"Beginning in the north boundary line of the stateof Pennsylvania
in the parallel of forty-two degrees north latitude, at a point distant
eighty-two miles west from the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, on
the Delaware river, as the said boundary line hath been riin and
marked by the commissioners appointed by the states of New York and
Pennsylvania respectively; and from said point or place of beginning,
running west upon said line to a meridian which will pass through that
corner or point of land made by the influence of the Shanahasgwaikon
creek, so-called, with the waters of the Genesee river; thence running
north along the said meridian to the comer or point last mentioned;
thence northwardly along the waters of the said Genesee river to a
point two miles north of Shanawageras village, so-called; thence
running in a direction due west twelve miles; thence running a direc-
tion northwardly, so as to be twelve miles distant from the most west-
ward bends of said Genesee river to the shore of the Ontario lake;
thence eastwardly along the shores of said lake to a meridian which will
pass through the first point or place of beginning alwve mentioned;
thence south along said meridian to the first point or place of beginning
aforesaid; together with all and singialar the woods, houses, streams,
rivers, ponds, lakes, upon, within, and in any wise appertaining to said
territory."

This tract embraced a little over two and a half million acres,
measuring about eighty-five miles on the east line and nearly forty-five
miles on the south line. Within its bounds are the counties of Ontario,

Treaty of Big Tree 76-

Steuben and Yates, and portions of the counties of Monroe, Livingston,
Wayne, Allegany and Schuyler. On November 21, 1788, the legislature
of Massachusetts passed an act conveying this land to Phelps and
Gorham,

The advance in the value of the consolidated securities of Massa-
chusetts, due to the assumption by the general government of the debts
of the several states, brought ruin to Phelps and Gorham. They
reserved to themselves two townships, but sold the remainder of the
land to Robert Morris, who in turn disposed of it to Sir William
Pultney and his associates in England.

Not only were Phelps and Gorham compelled to part with the lands
purchased from the Indians, but they were obliged to surrender to
Massachusetts the pre-emptive right to the lands west of the Genesee
river, embracing about 3,750,000 acres, to which they had been unable
to extinguish the Indian title.

Robert Morris who had made a profit of something like $160,000 on
his sale to the Englishmen, was ready to embark in further specula-
tions, and on May 11, 1791, purchased from Massachusetts the pre-emp-
tive right to the lands west of the Genesee. He paid 100,000 pounds,
equal to §833,333.33 in Massachusetts currency. In 1702 and 1793 he
sold this land, except the eastern portion, since known as the Morris
reserve, to certain capitalists in Holland, and it now became his duty
to extinguish the Indian title . Until this should be done the Holland-
ers reserved 37,500 pounds of the purchase price.

Soon after making the purchase from Massachusetts, Mr. Morris
resolved to settle his son Thomas in the Genesee country "as an evi-
dence of his faith in its value and prospects " Thomas Morris was 20
years of age. He had been educated at Geneva and Leipsic and was
then reading law. In obedience to the wishes of his father, he left
Philadelphia in the early summer of 1791 and coming by way of Wilkes-
barre and what was called "Sullivan's path," reached Newtown where
he attended Pickering's council and received from the Indians the name
of 0-te-ti-ana, which Red Jacket had borne in his younger days.
Proceeding on his journey, Mr. Morris visited Niagara Falls. On his
return, he passed through Canandaigua. The aspect of the little
frontier village pleased him. and he resolved to make the place his
home. Arranging his affairs in the east, he left New York in March,
1792, and went to Canandaigua. In 1793 he built a framed hoiise, filled in
with brick — one of the two framed houses in the state west of Whites-
boro. Mr. Morris was admitted to the bar, and in 1794 attended the
first court held at Canandaigua. He devoted much of his time to the
care of his father's property and the settlement and development of
Western New York, and was honored and esteemed by the pioneers.
In 1794, 1795 and 1796 he was a member of assembly from Ontario
county. For five years beginning with 1796 he was a senator of the
state of New York, and from December, 1801, till March 1803, he was
a member of congress — the first representative in congress from that
portion of the state of New York lying west of Seneca lake. He
shared in the financial reverses of his father and in 1804 appointed John
Greig his attorney and removed to New York city, where he practiced
law until his death in 1848.

Though Robert Morris desired a speedy settlement of his specula-

Treaty of Big Tree 77

tions with the Hollanders, it was not until 1796 that he asked President
Washington to order a treaty and appoint a commissioner to represent
the United States. The delay in the application was very creditable,
for it was due entirely to motives of public consideration. Morris'a
letter was as follows:

Philadelphia, August 25, 1796.
Sir — In the year 1791 I purchased from the state of Massachusetts
a tract of country lying within the boundaries of the state of New York,
which had been ceded by the latter to the former state under the
sanction and with the concurrence of the congress of the United States.
This tract of land is bounded to the east by the Genesee river, to the
north by Lake Ontario, to the west partly by Lake Erie and partly by
the boundary line of the Pennsylvania triangle, and to the south by the
north boundary line of the state of Pennsylvania. A printed brief of
title I take the liberty to transmit herewith. To perfect this title it is
necessary to purchase of the Seneca nation of Indians their native right,
which I should have done soon after the purchase was made of the
state of Massachusetts, but that I felt myself restrained from doing so
by motives of public consideration. The war between the Western
Indian nations and the L^nited States did not extend to the Six Nations,
of which the Seneca nation is one; and as I apprehended that, if this
nation should sell its right during the existence of that war, they
might the more readily be induced to join the enemies of our country,
I was determined not to make the purchase whilst that war lasted.

When peace was made with the Indian nations I turned my
thoughts towards the purchase, which is to me an object very interest-
ing ; but upon it being represented that a little longer patience, until
the western posts should be delivered up by the British government,
might be public utility, I concluded to wait for that event also, which
is now happily accomplished, and there seems no obstacle to restrain
me from making the purchase, especially as I have reason to believe
the Indians are '"esirous to make the sale.

The delays which have already taken place and that arose solely
from the considerations above mentioned have been extremely detri-
mental to my private affairs : but. still being desirous to comply with
formalities prescribed by certain laws of the United States, although
those laws probably do not reach my case. I now make application to
the President of the United States and request that he ■\^'ill nominate
and appoint a commissioner to be present and preside at a treaty, which
he will be pleased to authorize to be held with the Seneca Nation, for
the purpose of enabling me to make a purchase in conformity with the
formalities required by law, of the tract of country for which I have
already paid a very large sum of money. My right to pre-emption is
unequivocal, and the land is liecome so necessary to the growing popu-
lation and surroimding settlements that it is with difficulty that the
white people can be restrained from squattering or settling down upon
these lands, which if they should do, it may probably bring on conten-
tions with the Six Nations. This will be prevented by a timely, fair
and honorable purchase.

This proposed treaty ought to be held immediately before the
hunting season or another year will be lost, as the Indians cannot be
collected during that season. The loss of another year, under the pay-

Treaty of Big Tree 78

ments thus made for these lands, would be ruinous to njy affairs ; and
as I have paid so great deference to public considerations whilst they
did exist, I expect and hope that my request will be readily granted
now, when there can be no cause for delay, especially if the Indians
are willing to sell, which will be tested by the offer to buy.

With the most perfect esteem and respect, I am, sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,

Robert Morris.

G-eorge Washington, Esq., President of the United States.

President Washington appointed a member of congress from New
Jersey, named Isaac Smith, as the commissioner. But having been
subsequently appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of his state, Mr.
Smith found that his judicial duties would prevent his attendance at
the treaty ; accordingly he declined, and Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth,
who had been a distinguished member of congress from Connecticut,
was appointed in his place.

Unable himself to take part in the treaty, Robert Morris appointed
his son, Thomas, and Charles Williamson as his attorneys ; but Cap-
tain Williamson, busy with his affairs at Bath, declined to act, and so
the responsibility for conducting the difficult and delicate negotiations
fell entirely upon the younger Morris.

It was resolved to hold the treaty at Big Tree, near the settlement
which afterwards became Geneseo. In meadow lands vnthin the cor-
porate limits of the village of Geneseo, southwest from the park,
about a quarter of a mile above the Erie railroad, and about the same
distance west of the Mt. Morris road, is a cobblestone house ; on the
site of this building there stood, 100 years ago, a small dwelling erected
by William and James Wadsworth. This was rented by Thomas
Morris for the entertainment of the principal persons at the treaty.
He also caused a large council house to be erected, covered -with, boughs
and branches of trees. Doty's "History of Livingston County" says
that the Indian village of Big Tree was west of the Genesee river and
that the big tree itself stood on the eastern bank. Some Geneseo anti-
quarians of today declard that the village was east of the Genesee.
Both are correct, the explanation being that the village was moved.
At the time of the treaty, however, the village was west of the Gene-
see. It not only appears so on the first map of the region made from
actual surveys, but the treaty as agreed upon declared that the reserva-
tion of Big tree should embrace the village, and Ellicott's map of
1804 shows the reservation to be west of the river. In 1805 the village
was moved, and on the map showing the Phelps and Gorham purchase
in 1806 Big Tree village appears east of the Genesee. The probability
is that the council house was erected on the eastern bank, and Charles
Jones, who derived his information from his father, Horatio Jones,
who attended the treaty and took a prominent part in the negotiations,
thinks it stood 500 feet northwest of the Wadsworth dwelling.

The Indians began to arrive at Big Tree late in August, not the
Senecas alone, but groups from the other nations — attracted doubtless,
by the hope of presents and the possibility of good living. Fifty-two
Indians signed the treaty. Many of them were famous in Indian
annals. Young King, Chief Warrior, Handsome Lake, the Prophet,

Treaty of Big Tree 79

Fanner's Brother, Red Jacket, Little Billy, Pollard, the Infant, Corn-
planter, Destroy Town, Little Beard, Black Snake — these were the
leaders of the Senecas at Big Tree, interesting men all of them. Time
will not permit me to give biographies. It seems necessary, however,
to explain that there were two Indians known to the whites as Big
Tree.

Ga-on-dah-go-waah, called sometimes Big Tree and sometimes Great
Tree, was a full-blooded Seneca of the Hawk clan and resided for many
years at Big Tree village. He attended the Buffalo treaty of July 8,
1788, when Phelps and Gorham made their purchase, and went to
Philadelphia in the winter of 1790 with Cornplanter and Half Town to
protest against what they regarded an unjust treatment from Phelps
and his associates. He was there again with Red Jacket in 1792 and
died in that city in April of that year. Conseqiiently he did not attend
the Big Tree treaty. This chief's daughter had a son whose father
was a Niagara trader named Pollard. The boy grew up in the Indian
village and became in time a famous chief. His name was Ga-on-do-
wau-na, which also meant Big Tree. He made himself conspicuous in
border warfare, and was at the massacre of Wyoming. He it was who
signed the Big Tree treaty. As an orator he was but little inferior to
Red Jacket, and his character was finer. After the death of Corn-
planter he was, perhaps, the noblest of the Senecas. He was among
the first Indians on the Buffalo Creek reservation to embrace the truths
of Christianity and thereafter his life was singularly blameless and
beneficent. He was sometimes called Colonel John Pollard. He died
on the reservation April 10, 1841, and was buried in the old Mission
cemetery.

Thomas Morris reached the Genesee on August 22d. The commis-
sioners arrived four days later, Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth to repre-
sent the United States and General William Shepherd to represent the
commonwealth of Massachusetts. Captain Israel Chapin, who had
succeeded his father, General Israel Chapin, as siiperintendent of
Indian affairs, attended ; James Rees, subsequently of Geneva, was
there and acted as secretary, and among other white men who attended
and were greatly interested in the negotiations were William Bayard
of New York, the agent of the Holland land company ; two young
gentlemen from Holland named Van Staphorst, near relatives of the
Van Staphorst who was one of the principal members of the Holland
company, Nathaniel W. Howell, Jasper Parish and Horatio Jones.

Turner's two Histories, Stone's "Life of Red Jacket," and Doty's
"History of Livingston County," contain accounts of the treaty of
Big Tree which are practically the same, for they were based upon the
careful, but not in all respects, accurate statement which Thomas
Morris prepared in 1844 for the use of our local historians. But while
I have condensed this narrative greatly in some respects, I have sup-
plemented and corrected it, with the aid of several documents of con-
siderable historical importance, which have been carefully preserved
for nearly a hundred years.

Through the kindness of the New York Historical society I have
been able to procure a copy of Robert Morris's Letter of Instructions
to Thomas Morris and Charles Williamson, his agents, for the man-
agement of the treaty, and also a copy of Thomas Morris's Rough

Treaty of Big Tree 80

Memoranda of the proceedings at the treaty. Both are unpublished
manuscripts. The letter shows what Robert Morris wanted done and
how his agents were to go about it. The memoranda are valuable
because they contain copies of all the principal speeches delivered at
the treaty. These documents are very long and the reading of them
would occupy too much of your time. I will give a condensation of
the Letter of Instructions.

This is dated Philadelphia, August 1, 1797. Robert Morris says he
has not the interest in the lands that he ought to have retained, but is
in duty bound to extinguish the Indian title. Then follow instructions
under twenty-four heads. He thinks the business of the treaty may be
facilitated by withholding liquor from the Indians, "until the business
is finished, showing and promising it to them when the treaty is over."
He adds that the liquors and stores he sends up ' 'must be used and if
not sufficient more must be got." The commissioners and other white
men at the treaty must be entertained properly, and Mr. Morris insisted
that Jones, Smith, Johnson, Dean, and Parish must be employed to
assist in the negotiations, and that they should be "compensated with
a reasonable liberality." Mr. Morris thoiight an annuity of .^4,000 or
$5,000 forever would be a sufficient price for the land he desired ; but
he added that if the Indians wanted the full purchase price in cash
he would pay $75,000 within sixty or ninety days. He said : "The
whole cost and charges of this treaty being at my expense, you will
direct everything upon the principles of a liberal economy. The In-
dians must have plenty of food, and also of liquor, when you see proper
to order it to them." Concluding his voluminous instructions, Robert
Morris said : "You are to consider what I have already written, rather
as outlines for your conduct on this business than as positive orders
not to be departed from. I have perfect confidence in your friendship,
and also in your integrity, good sense and discretion, and therefore I
confide to your management the whole of this business without limita-
tion or restriction. * * '* If you can make the purchase on
better terms than I have proposed I am sure you will do it, or on the
contrary, should you be obliged to give more, I shall acquiesce. You
know it is high time this purchase should be made, and it is of vast
importance to all concerned to have it accomplished, therefore you
must effect it at all events, and I can only repeat that although I wish
to buy as reasonable as may be, yet I do not mean to starve the cause,
for I must have it."

The council was formally opened at 1 o'clock on the afternoon of
August 28, 1797. Cornplanter spoke first. Turning to Thomas Morris
he acknowledged the speech of invitation conveyed by Jasper Parish
and Horatio Jones, and returned the string of wampum that had
reached him with the invitation to the treaty. Then the commission-
ers from the United States and Massachusetts presented their creden-
tials and addressed the assembly, assuring the Indians that their inter-
ests would be duly guarded and that no injustice would be done.
Thomas Morris then made a short address, saying that his father was
unable to appear, but had directed the delivery of the following speech
which he had written to them from Philadelphia, (and which is now
made public for the first time :)

Brothers of the Seneca Nation — It was my wish and my intention

Treaty of Big Tree 81

to have come into your country and to have met you at this treaty, but
the Great Spirit has ordained otherwise and I cannot go. I grow old
and corpulent, and not very well, and am fearful of traveling so far
during the hot weather in the month of August.

Brothers, as I cannot be with you at the treaty, I have deputed
and appointed my son Thomas Morris, Esq., and my friend Charles
Williamson, Esq., to appear for me and on my behalf to speak and
treat with you in the same manner and to the same effect as I might or
could do were I present at this treaty with you, and it is my request
that you will listen to them with the same attention that you would to
me.

Brothers, I have the greatest love and esteem for my son and my
friend. They possess my entire confidence and whatever they engage
for on my behalf you may depend that I will perform the same as
exactly as if I was there and made the engagements with you myself ;
therefore I pray you to listen to them and believe in what they say.

Brothers, it is now six years since I have been invested with the
exclusive right to acquire your lands. During the whole of this time
you have quietly possessed them without being importuned by me to
sell them, but I now think that it is time for them to be productive to
you. It is with a view to render them so that I have acquiesced in
your desire to meet you at the Genesee river. I shall take care imme-
diately to deposit in the bank of the United States whatever my son
and my friend may agree to pay yovi in my behalf.

Brothers, from the personal acquaintance which I have with your
chiefs and head men, I am assured that their wisdom and integrity will
direct the object of the treaty to the happiness of yourselves and your
posterity. It is a pleasing circumstance to me that my business is to
be transacted with such men, because while on the one hand they will
take care of your interests, on the other whatever is done between them
and me will be strong and binding. I hope that vsdse men will always
be at the head of your councils, but for fear that those that succeed
your present leading men should not deserve and possess your confi-
dence as fully as these do, you had better have your business so fixed
now as not to leave it in the power of wrong-headed men in future to
waste the property given to yoii by the Great Spirit for the use of
yourselves and your posterity.

Brothers, I have now opened my mind to you, and as I depend on
my son and my friend to carry on and conclude the business with you
I shall only add that the President of the United States, approving of
this treaty and being your father and friend, has appointed an honor-
able and worthy gentleman, formerly a member of congress, the Hon.
Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq., to be a commissioner on behalf of the
United States to attend and superintend this treaty, and the governor
of the state of Massachusetts also appointed an honorable and worthy
gentleman, formerly a general in the American army and now a mem-
ber of congress, the Hon. William Shepherd, Esq., to be a commis-
sioner to attend this treaty on behalf of the state of Massachusetts.
These gentlemen will attend to what is said and done on both sides in
order to see that mutual fair dealings and justice shall take place.
Their office and duty will be rendered agreeable so far as depends on
me because I desire nothing but fair, open and honest transactions.

Treaty of Big Tree 82

Brothers, I bid you farewell. May the Great Spirit ever befriend
and protect you.

After the delivery of this shrewdly written speech, the council
adjourned to give the Indians time to deliberate. There was a brief
session the next day, when Red Jacket declared that something had
been kept back, and asked for full particulars. On the following day
Thomas' Morris delivered a long and carefully prepared speech, setting
forth the reasons why, in his opinion, the Indians should sell their
lands. Among other things, he said : "You will receive a larger sum
of money than has ever yet been paid to you for your lands; this money
can be so disposed of that not only you but your children and your
children's children can derive from it a lasting benefit. It can be
placed in the bank of the United States from whence a sufiBcient
income can aimually be drawn by the President, your father, to make
you and your posterity happy forever. Then the wants of your old
and poor can be supplied, and in times of scarcity the women and
children of your nation can be fed and you will no longer experience
the miseries resulting from nakedness and want. * * Your white
brethren are willing to provide you with the things which they enjoy
provided you furnish them with the room which they want and of
which you have too much. Brothers, you may perhaps suppose that
by selling your lands you will do an injury to your posterity. This,
brothers, is not the case. By disposing of the money which you will
receive for them in the manner which I have mentioned, your children
will always hereafter be as rich as you are now." Concluding, Mr.
Morris said that if the Indians declined his offer "neither my father
nor any person in his behalf will ever come forward and treat with
you on the generous terms now proposed."

It will be observed that Mr. Morris did not say that his father
had already sold the lands to the Hollanders and was required to
extinguish the Indian title, and that he would be compelled to nego-
tiate again if the Indians refused now. Mr. Morris also refrained from
naming the price he was willing to pay.

On August 30tli and September 1st there was no public council.
On September 2d brief speeches were made by Farmer's Brother and
Red Jacket, which were not at all friendly. In the evening Thomas
Morris announced privately to some of the chiefs that he was willing
to pay $100,000, to be invested so as to yield the Indians $6,000 a year.
On the following day Red Jacket made an elaborate speech, setting
forth the objections to the sale of the lands. Mr. Morris then publicly
named the price he was willing to pay, and declared that if this were
refused his father would never again meet the Senecas in general
council — which, of course^ was a decided stretching of the truth. On
September 4th Cornplanter complained that the sachems were conduct-
ing the whole business themselves, and threatened to go home. It was
evident that there were serious divisions among the Indians. Indeed,
a quarrel at this session was narrowly averted. There was no meet-
ing on the 5th. Mr. Bayard and the two commissioners, becoming
impatient, urged Mr. Morris to more vigorous action. He protested
that he knew better than they the peculiarities of the Indian character;
they insisted, and Mr. Morris, yielding reluctantly, gave at the next

Treaty of Big Tree 83

session an emphatic negative to a proposition by the chiefs, declaring
that if they had nothing better to offer, the council might as well end.
Red Jacket immediately sprang to his feet and exclaimed : "You have
now arrived at the point to which I wish to bring you. You told us
in your first address that even in the event of our not agreeing, we
would part friends. Here, then, is my hand. I now cover up the
council fire." Apparently this ended the coimcil. The decision of the
chiefs was received with great applause and the forest rang with
savage yells. The commissioners and Mr. Bayard, seeing the unfor-
tunate result of their interference, urged Mr. Morris to endeavor to
rekindle the council fire, and promised that if he succeeded they would
offer no further suggestions.

Meeting Farmer's Brother, Mr. Morris declared that according to
Indian usage only he who had kindled a council fire had the right to
put it out ; consequently Red Jacket had exceeded his authority, and
"the fire was still burning." This having been admitted, and a very
important point having been gained, Mr. Morris called the Seneca
women together, distributed handsome presents and argued with
them in favor of the sale of the lands. It was one of the features of
the Indian policy that the lands belonged to the warriors who defended
them and the women who tilled them, and though the sachems usually
negotiated the treaties, the warriors and women had the right, when
the sale of land was in question to interfere. In this instance the
women exercised their right, and the council reassembled. Then
Cornplanter conducted the Indian side of the negotiations, Red Jacket
having been superseded.

Within a short time an agreement was reached and the Indian
lands west of the Genesee, excepting ten reservations embracing 337
square miles, were sold to Robert Morris for $100,000, to be invested
in the stock of the bank of the United States and held in the name of
the President for the benefit of the Indians. The treaty was signed
on September 15, 1797. The lands sold were described as follows :

All that certain tract of land, except as hereinafter excepted, lying
within the county of Ontario and State of New York, being part of a
tract of land, the right of pre-emption whereof was ceded by the State
of New York to the commonwealth of Massachusetts, by deed of cession
executed at Hartford, on the sixteenth day of December, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, being all
such part thereof as is not included in the Indian purchase made by
Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, and bounded as follows, to wit :
easterly, by the land confirmed to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham
by the legislature of the commonwealth of 5lassachusetts by an act
passed the twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight ; southerly, by the north
boundary line of the state of Pennsylvania ; westerly, partly by a
tract of land, part of the land ceded by the state of Massachusetts to
the United States, and by them sold to Pennsylvania, being a right
angled triangle, whose hypothenuse is in or along the shore of Lake
Erie ; partly by Lake Erie, from the northern point of that triangle to
the southern bounds of a tract of land one mile in width lying on and
along the east side of the strait of Niagara, and partly by the said
tract to Lake Ontario ; and on the north by the boundary line between

Treaty of Big Tree 84

the United States and the king of Great Britain ; excepting neverthe-
less, and always reserving out of this grant and conveyance, all such
pieces and parcels of the aforesaid tract, and such privileges thereunto
belonging, as are next hereinafter particularly mentioned, which said
pieces or parcels of land so excepted, are by the parties to these pres-
ents, clearly and fully understood to remain the property of the said
parties of the first part, in as full and ample manner as if these pres-
ents had not been executed.

The following were the reservations as agreed upon: Cattaraugus
reservation, containing 26,880 acres, in the counties of Chautauqua and
Erie; Allegany reservation in Cattaraugus county, containing forty-two
square miles; Buffalo Creek reservation in Erie county, containing 130
square miles; Tonawanda reservation in the counties of Erie, Gene-
see, and Niagara, containing seventy-one square miles; Conawaugus
reservation, two square miles; Big Tree reservation, two square miles;
Little Beard's reservation, two square miles; Squawky Hill reservation,
two square miles; Gardeau reservation, twenty-eight square miles;
Caneadea reservation, sixteeen square miles; in all 837 square miles.

The Senecas also intended to reserve the Oil Spring reservation,
one mile square, containing their famous oil spring, three miles west
of Cuba in the counties of Allegany and Cattaraugus, from which oil
had been gathered for centuries. As it was not included in the deed,
the title passed to Robert Morris and the Holland Land company, and
then to three extensive land owners of Ellicottville. These men
supposed it was an Indian reservation, and treated it as such until 1843,
when one of them discovered that it was not one of the reservations
mentioned in the treaty. Accordingly they had the land surveyed
and sold. In 1856 the Indians began legal proceedings and ultimately
succeeded in getting possession of the property. Governor Blacksnake
supplied the most important evidence on the trial of the suit. He
was present at the council at Big Tree and remembered that when the
treaty was read over the omission of the Oil Spring reservation was
noticed and commented on. and that Thomas Morris executed and
delivered to Handsome Lake, the Prophet, a separate paper, reserving
this tract to the Indians. Blacksnake also had in his possession a copy
of the first map of the Holland Purchase made by Joseph Ellicott and
presented by him, this map showing by means of red ink the eleven
Indian reservations.

There were two incidents at the Treaty of Big Tree that deserve
more than passing notice— one as to the purchase money and the second
in regard to the claim which was made by Indian Allan's daughter to
the Mt. Morris tract.

The consideration for the sale of the Indian lands to Robert Morris
was $100,000 to be invested in the stock of the Bank of the United States,
and the stock was to be held by the President for the benefit of the Indians.
They were to receive interest or dividends on the stock, and it was very
difficult for the white men to make the Indians tmderstand how money
could make money — or, as they expressed it, how tnoney could grow.
This was accomplished at length, however, and the Indians went away
satisfied that Washington could guard their interests securely and that
all would be well. Everything did go well till 1811, when there was a
failure on the part of the government to pay. Then the anxious

Treaty of Big Tree 85

Indians held a council at Buffalo Creek and Farmer's Brother, Young
King, Pollard, Chief Warrior, and other Seneca chiefs agreed upon the
following letter, which was sent to the seat of Federal government by-
special messenger:

To the Honorable William Eustis, Secretary at War:

The sachems and chief warriors of the Seneca nation of Indians
understanding you are the person appointed by the great council of
your nation to manage and conduct the affairs of the several nations of
Indians with whom you are at peace and on terms of friendship, come,
at this time, as children to a father, to lay before you the trouble which
we have on our minds.

Brother, we do not think it best to multiply words; we will there-
fore tell you what our complaint is. Brother, listen to what we say:
Some years since we held a treaty at Big Tree, near the Genesee river.
This treaty was called by our great father, the President of the United
States. He sent an agent. Colonel Wads worth, to attend this treaty
for the purpose of advising us in the business and seeing that we had
justice done us. At this treaty we sold to Robert Morris the greatest
part of our country. The sum he gave us was $100,000. The commis-
sioners who were appointed on your part advised us to place this money
in the hands of our great father, the President of the United States.
He told us that our father loved his red children and would take care
of our money, and plant it in a field where it would bear seed forever,
as long as trees grow, or waters run. Our money has heretofore been
of great service to us. It has helped us to support our old people and
our women and children; but we are told the field where our money
was planted is become barren. Brother, we do not understand your
way of doing business. This thing is very heavy on our minds. We
mean to hold our white brethren of the United States by the hand; but
this weight lies heavy. We hope you will remove it. We have heard of
the bad conduct of our brothers toward the setting sun. We are sorry for
what they have done: but you must not blame us. We had no hand in
this bad business. They have had bad people among them. It is your
enemies have done this. We have persuaded our agent to take this
talk to your great council. He knows onr situation and will speak our
minds.

Immediately upon the receipt of this letter at Washington $8,000
was appropriated and the Indians once more received their money.
This $8,000 was "in lieu of the dividend on the bank shares held by the
President of the United States, in trust for the Seneca nation, in the
bank of the United States."

There was something decidedly queer about the sale of the Allan
lands. Ebenezer Allan had two half-breed daughters. Mary and Chloe,
and on July 15, 1791, the Seneca sachems deeded to the girls a tract of
land four miles square at what is now Mt. Morris. The deed declared
that this land was to be in full of their share of all the lands belonging
to the Seneca nation. This deed was executed at the treaty of New-
town; it was approved by Timothy Pickering, United States commis-
sioner; and it was recorded in the county clerk's oflBceat Canandaigua.
The following is an extract from the deed:

"Whereas, our said brother, Jen-uh-eheo, the father of the said

Treaty of Big Tree 86

Mary and Chloe, has expressed to us a desire to have the share of the
Seneca lands to which the said Mary and Chloe (whom we consider
our children) are entitled to have, set off to them in severalty, that
they may enjoy the same as their separate portions; now, know ye, that
we, the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Seneca nation, in the name
and by the authority of our whole nation, whom according to our
ancient customs in like cases we represent, and in consideration of the
rights of said Mary and Chloe, as children and members of the Seneca
nation, and of our love and affection for them, do hereby set off and
assign to them, the said Mary and Chloe, and to their heirs and assigns,
a tract of land, on part of which the said Jen-uh-sheo, our brother,
now dwells upon the waters of the Jenusheo river in the county of
Ontario, in the state of New York, bounded as follows; Beginning at
an elm tree standing in the forks of the Jen-uh-sheo river (the boundary
between our lands and the lands we sold to Oliver Phelps and Mr.
Gorham), and running from thence due south four miles, thence due
west four miles, thence due north four miles, and thence due east four
miles, until the line strikes the said elm tree, with the appurtenances.
To have and to hold the said tract of land, with the appurtenances,
to them, the said Mary Allan and Chloe Allan, and to their heirs and
assigns, as tenants in common, to their use forever."

When he heard of this transaction. Secretary of War Knox became
greatly excited. He thought Pickering had blundered. He called
Washington's attention to the matter, and by direction of the President
wrote to Governor Clinton of New York, and expressly disavowed the
claim, which he supposed was implied by Pickering's action that the
Indians could "alienate" their lands under the supervision of the
United States and vsithout consulting New York and Massachusetts.
But it was not Pickering but the secretary himself who blundered, and
his mistake was due to his ignorance of the Indian laws of descent.
When Knox called Pickering to account, the latter replied as follows:

"It appeared to be understood by the Senecas that Messrs. Morris
and Ogden, as the grantees of Massachusetts, had the right of pre-emp-
tion of all their lands. But at the same time there existed nothing to
bar a division of their whole country among themselves: and if they
could divide the whole, they could certainly set off a part to two indi-
viduals of their nation as their share. This was the object of their
deed to Allan's children, whom they called their children, agreeably to
the rule of descent among them, which is in the female line; and in
this deed the land assigned is declared to be in full of those two chil-
dren's share of the whole Seneca country. Here was the ground of my
ratification. Now, you will be pleased to recollect that before the
matter was opened in council I had repeated the law of the United
States relative to Indian lands and the solemn declaration of the
President last winter to the Complanter that they (the Indians) had the
right to sell, or to refuse to sell, their lands, and that, in respect to
their lands, they might depend on the protection of the United States,
so that on this head they had now no cause for jealousy or discontent.
This being by them well understood, I saw no way of avoiding the
ratification of the assignment to their two children, without reviving,
or rather exciting, their utmost jealousy, as it would have been denying
the free enjoyment of their own lands by some members of the nation,

Treaty of Big Tree 87

according to the will of the nation; and a denial, I was apprehensive,
would lead them to think that the solemn assurance of the President
was made but to amuse and deceive. Here you see my great induce-
ment to the ratification."

This of course was conclusive, and Secretary Knox had nothing
more to say on the subject.

With the Indian deed to his daughters in his possession Ebenezer
Allan went to Philadelphia and sold the land to Robert Morris for dry
goods and trinklets, and returned with these articles to what is now Mt.
Morris and began to trade with the Indians.

At the treaty of Big Tree four years later one of Allan's daughters
appeared and denied the right of the Indians to sell the Mt. Morris
tract. Thomas Morris replied that his father had already paid Allan
for the laud and was now pacing the nation for it again. The girl
denied it, and appealed to one of the commissioners, who replied that
she had had bad advisers.

The first edition of Seaver's "Life of Mary Jemison," was published
in 1824 by James D. Bemis of Canandaigua. This little volume is now
among the scarcest of American books. It contains some statements
not be found in later editions. Among them is this, from the lips of
the White Woman:

"At the great treaty of Big Tree one of Allan's daughters claimed
the land which he had sold to Morris. The claim was examined and
decided against her in favor of Ogden, Trumbull and Rogers and
others who were creditors of Robert Morris. Allan yet believed that
his daughter had an indisputable right to the land in question and
got me to go with Mother Farley, a half Indian woman, to assist him,
by interceding with Morris for it, and to urge the propriety of her
claim. We went to Thomas Morris, and having stated to him our
business, he told us plainly that he had no land to give away, and
that as the title was good, he never would allow Allan, nor his heirs,
one foot, or words to that effect. We returned to Allan the answer we
had received, and he, conceiving all further attempts to be useless,
went home."

When Allan visited him in Philadelphia, Robert Morris knew per-
fectly well that Allan had no right to sell the land he offered, for it
was not deeded to Allan, but to Allan's daughters.

In Doty's excellent "History of Livingston County" the statement
is made that Allan gave Morris a warranty deed, but this, I am con-
vinced is a mistake. He had no right to give a deed : and as a matter
of fact there is no deed or other document on record. If Allan execu-
ted a paper of any kind, it was a contract or bill of sale of the im-
provements.

I think there can be no doubt that Ebenezer Allan's daughter was
deliberately defrauded at the treaty of Big Tree. The white men took
advantage of the ignorance of the Indians and forced the claim through.
Robert Morris was well pleased with his son's management of this
affair, and promised to give him one-half of the sixteen square miles
of land. He was unable to keep his promise, however. As to Eben-
ezer Allan, it is fair to assume that the Bluebeard of the border knew
he had done a discreditable and dishonest thing, for otherwise he
would have appeared at the treaty himself and substantiated the state-

Treaty of Big Tree 88

ments of his daughter instead of sending Mary Jamison to plead pri-
vately with Thomas Morris.

In his account of the treaty — the account which all our historians
have adopted — Thomas Morris says as little as possible about the
means he used to influence the Indians after Red Jacket had raked up
the council fire. He acknowledges that he argued with the warriors
and women and distributed presents to the latter, and then says :

"For some days the chief women and warriors might be seen
scattered about in little knots ; after which I received a message
informing me that the women and warriors would meet me in council
and negotiate with me."

It is a fact, however, which I am able to prove, and which is now
made public for the first time, that during this interval Thomas Morris
and the representatives of the Holland Land company were secretly
bribing the warriors. They not only paid them money, but agreed to
give them annuities so long as they lived. And it was by bribery
rather than by argument, that Morris brought about the reopening of
the council, and finally secured the consent of the Indians to sell. It
is not surprising, therefore, that Morris tells us nothing of this in his
statement ; and doubtless he was as careful to conceal the bribery
from the Indians generally as he was to conceal it from the historians
of Western New York. I have in my possession copies of some of the
original documents, proving beyond question the truth of my state-
ments. Here, for instance, is a receipt acknowledging the payment of
one of the annuities :

Received of Messrs. Leroy, Bayard & McEvers and Thomas Mor-
ris, Esq., by the hands of Erastus Granger, the sum of two hundred
and fifty dollars, being in full for my annuity for the year 1801 due
me by agreement with Robert Morris at Big Tree in September, 1797.

his
Signed Com x Planter.

In presence of Jasper Parrish. mark

It is clear from this that Cornplanter's price was $250 a year so
long as he lived, in addition to the cash payment at the treaty. Alto-
gether, therefore, he received about $10,000 for his share in this trans-
action. Doubtless Thomas Morris felt that Cornplanter's services
were worth the price, for it was Cornplanter who conducted the
negotiations for the Indians after the council fire had been rekindled.
Of course he was not the only one who was paid. Young King, the
"bearer of the smoking brand," received an annuity of $100, or a total
of $3,800. In later years, as he thought of the power he could have
wielded at the treaty, it is probable that he marvelled at his own mod-
eration. Little Billy was another who sold himself. His price was
the same as Yountr King's— $100 a year — and as Little Billy lived till
1834 he received $3,700. Pollard received $50 a year, or $2,200. Even
the haughty Red Jacket consented to receive money and drew $100 a
year. And so we might go on, if it were necessary, with these un-
pleasant details.

An interesting and unpiiblished anecdote regarding these annuities
is furnished by William C. Bryant, Esq., the scholarly Indianologist of

Treaty of Big Tree 89

Buffalo. It seems that tlie annuities were not always paid exactly on
time, and the Indians were often worried. Millard Fillmore, subse-
quently president of the United States, said to Mr. Bryant :

"I don't remember seeing Complanter but on one occasion. He
came to my office on Court street, soon after my return from Wash-
ington, after congress had adjourned. He was a bowed, wrinkled and
decrepit old man. He was attended by two or three younger Indians.
He produced a capacious bag, similar in size to an ordinary mail bag,
and took out a venerable treaty, which he explained to me. He said
that soon after the treaty, was made the annuity was promptly paid —
first it came when the tender blades of the corn broke from the mould ;
then it came when the stalks were as high as a child's knee ; next it
lingered till the grain was full and filled with milk, and now the
stalks are dry and rustling and the Indians are very hungry for their
money."

Robert Morris himself expected that the Indians would have to
be bribed and indeed authorized this procedure. In his letter of
instructions he said : "Annuities of $20 to §60 may be given to influen-
tial chiefs to the extent of $250 or 8300 per annum." And again,
"Some dollars may be promised before the treaty and paid when
finished, to the amount of $500 or $600, or if necessary $1,000 to the
chiefs."

It is to be regretted that the warriors betrayed their people for
money, but they were importuned unceasingly by the avaricious,
cunning, and unscrupulous whites. All sorts of plausible arguments
and entreaties were made, and under the spells of the tempters the
red men fell. The Indians were wrong, unquestionably ; but how can
we censiire them severely ? Is there no bribery now-a-days ? Do our
representatives, in our boasted nineteenth-century civilization, never
betray their constituents? Are not charges of corruption pending
even now against men who hold high ofifices of trust and power? Let
us, therefore, pass by, with what charity we may, the fault committed
by the untutored children of the forest, and condemn those who
tempted them.

On the part of Robert Morris and Thomas Morris, his son, the
transaction was shameful. They, at least, could measure the breadth
and depth of the iniquity, and the fact that they accomplished by the
corrupt use of money what they could not accomplish bj' fair and
honorable dealings must not only be admitted, but recorded to their
great discredit.

Though most of the Indians who gathered at Big Tree had partic-
ipated in the inevitable horrors of border warfare we must judge
them with charity. Let us not fall into the error so common among
the historians of America, of unduly praising the condiict of the
whites and unduly exaggerating the evil passions of the Indians. We
must bear in mind that the whites, as well as the Indians, used the
scalping knife and applied the torch, and that both committed exces-
ses that both lived to regret. Many of the Indians who negotiated
vnth Morris were men of high character. They had been brave in
war, and they were eloquent and wise in council. They were imbued
with feelings of lofty patriotism, and they loved their homes and their

Treaty of Big Tree 90

families. The greeting of the patient wife at the end of a long and
dangerous journey was returned with tenderness and love, and the
laughter of the romping children was music in the warrior's ear. It
was the Great Spirit who gave to these forest heroes the beans and the
com, the gentle rains of spring, the smiling sun of summer and the
golden days of harvest ; and in their leafy chapels the Indians offered
up their prayers and thanked him for his goodness.

"Ye say they all have passed away,

That noble race and brave,
That their light canoes have vanish'd

From off the ci-ested wave ;
That 'mid the forest where they roam'd

There rings no hunter's shout ;
But their name is on your watei's,

Ye may not wash it out.

"Ye say their cone-like cabins,

That cluster'd o'er the vale.
Have fled away like wither'd leaves

Before the autumn's gale ;
But their memory liveth on your hills

Their baptism on your shore ;
Your everlasting rivers speak

Their dialect of yore."

wm

L A K E O X T

MAP OF HOLLAND LAND COMPANY'S PRELIMINARY SURVEY 1797

THE TEXT

OF THE TREATi^

r^ ONTRACT entered into under the sanction of the United States of
I America, between Robert Morris and the Seneka nation of In-
^^ dians.

^ This indenture, made the fifteenth day of September, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, between
the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Seneka nation of Indians, of
the first part, and Robert Morris, of the city of Philadelphia, esquire,
of the second part.

Whereas, the commonwealth of Massachusetts have granted, bar-
gained, and sold unto the said Robert Morris, his heirs and assigns
forever, the pre-emptive right, and all other the right, title, and inter-
est, which the said commonwealth had to all that tract of land here-
inafter particularly mentioned, being part of a tract of land lying
within the state of New York, the right of pre-emption of the soil
whereof, from the native Indians, was ceded and granted by the said
state of New York, to the said commonwealth ; and whereas, at a
treaty held under the authority of the United States, with the said
Seneka nation of Indians, at Genesee, in the county of Ontario, and
state of New York, on the day of the date of these presents, and on
sundry days immediately prior thereto, by the Hon. Jeremiah Wads-
worth, esquire, a commissioner appointed by the President of the
United States to hold the same, in pursuance of the constitution, and
of the act of the congress of the United States, in such case made and
provided, it was agreed in the presence and with the approbation of
the said commissioner, by the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the said
nation of Indians, for themselves and in behalf of their nation, to sell
to the said Robert Morris, and to his heirs and assigns forever, all
their right to all that tract of land above recited, and hereinafter par-
ticularly specified, for the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, to be
by the said Robert Morris vested in the stock of the Bank of the Uni-
ted States and held in the name of the President of the United States,
for the use and behoof of the said nation of Indians, the said agreement
and sale being also made in the presence and with the approbation of
the honorable Willard Shepard, esquire, the superintendent appointed
for such purpose, in pursuance of a resolve of the general court of the
commonwealth of Massachusetts, passed the eleventh day of March,
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one ;
now this indenture witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part,
for and in consideration of the premises above recited, and for divers
other good and valuable considerations them thereunto moving, have
granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, enfeoffed and confirmed;
and by the presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, enfeoff, and
confirm, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns,
forever, all that certain tract of land, except as hereinafter excepted,
Ijring within the county of Ontario, and State of New York, being part
of a tract of land, the right of pre-emption whereof was ceded by the
state of New York to the commonwealth of Massachusetts, by deed of
cession executed at Hartford, on the sixteenth day of December, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, being
all such part thereof as is not included in the Indian purchase made

Treaty of Big Tree 92

by Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, and bounded as follows, to
wit : easterly, by the land confirmed to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel
Gorham by the legislature of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, by
an act passed the twenty-first day of November, in the year of our
Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight ; southerly, by
the north boundary line of the state of Pennsylvania ; westerly by a
tract of land, part of the land ceded by the state of Massachusetts to
the United States, and by them sold to Pennsylvania, being a right
angled triangle, whose hypothenuse is in or along the shore of lake
Erie ; partly by lake Erie, from the northern point of that triangle to
the southern bounds of a tract of land one mile in width, lying on and
along the east side of the strait of Niagara, and partly by the said
tract to lake Ontario ; and on the north by the boundary line between
the United States and the King of Great Britain ; excepting neverthe-
less, and always reserving out of this grant and conveyance, all such
pieces or parcels of the aforesaid tract, and such privileges thereunto
belonging, as are next hereinafter particularly mentioned, which said
pieces or parcels of land so excepted, are, by the parties to these pres-
ents, clearly and fully understood to remain the property of the said
parties of the first part, in as full and ample manner as if these pres-
ents had not been executed : that is to say, excepting and reserving to
them, the said parties of the first part, and their nation, one piece or
parcel of the aforesaid tract, at Oanawagus, of two square miles, to
be laid out in such manner as to include the village, extending in
breadth one mile along the river ; one other piece or parcel at Big Tree
of two square miles, to be laid out in such manner as to include the
village, extending in breadth along the river one mile ; one other piece
or parcel of two square miles at Little Beard's town, extending one
mile along the river, to be laid off in such manner as to include the
village : one other tract of two square miles at Squawky Hill, to be
laid off as follows, to wit : one square mile to be laid off along the
river, in such manner as to include the village, the other directly west
thereof and continiious thereto ; one other piece or parcel at Gardean,
beginning at the mouth of Steep Hill creek, thence due east, until it
strikes the old path, thence south until a due west line will intersect
with certain steep rocks on the west side of the Genesee river, then
extending due west, due north, and due east, until it strikes the first
mentioned bound, enclosing as much land on the west side as on the
east side of the river. One other piece or parcel at Kaounadeau, ex-
tending in length eight miles along the river and two miles in breadth.
One other piece or parcel at Cataraugos, beginning at the mouth of
the Eighteen mile or Koghquangu creek, thence a line or lines to be
drawn parallel to lake Erie, at the distance of one mile from the lake,
to the mouth of Cataraugos creek, thence a line or lines extending
twelve miles up the north side of said creek at the distance of one mile
therefrom, thence a direct line to the said creek, thence down the said
creek to lake Erie, thence along the lake to the first mentioned creek,
and thence to the place of beginning. Also, one other piece at Catarau-
gos. beginning at the shore of lake Erie, on the south side of Cataraugos
creek, at the distance of one mile from the mouth thereof, thence
running one mile from the lake, thence on a line parallel thereto to a
point within one mile from the Connondauweyea creek, thence up the

Treaty of Big Tree 93

said creek one mile, on a line parallel thereto, thence on a direct line to
the said creek thence down the same to lake Erie, thence along the lake
to the place of beginning. Also one other piece or parcel of forty-two
square miles at or near the Allegenny river. Also, two hundred square
miles, to be laid off partly at the Buffalo and partly at the Tannawanta
creeks. Also excepting and reserving to them, the said parties of the
first part and their heirs, the privilege of fishing and hunting on the said
tract of land hereby intended to be conveyed. And it is hereby under-
stood by and between the parties to these presents, that all such pieces
or parcels of land as are hereby reserved, and are not particularly
described as to the manner in which the same are to be laid off, shall
be laid off in such manner as shall be determined by the sachems and
chiefs residing at or near the respective villages where such reserva-
tions are made, a particular note whereof to be endorsed on the back
of this deed, and recorded therewith, together vsdth all and singular
the rights, privileges, hereditaments, and appurtenances thereunto
belonging, or in anywise appertaining. And all the estate, right, title,
and interest, whatsoever of them the said parties of the first part and
their nation, of, in, and to the said tract of land above described,
except as is above excepted, to have and to hold all and singular the
said granted premises, with the appurtenances, to the said party of the
second part, his heirs and assigns, to his and their proper use, benefit,
and behoof forever.

In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto inter-
changeably set their hands and seals, the day and year first above
written.

Robert Morris, by his attorney, Thomas Morris, (L. S.)

Koyengquahtah, alias Yovmg King, his X mark, (L. S.)

Soonookshewan, his X mark, (L. S.)

Koniitaico, alias Handsome Lake, his X mark, (L. S.)

Sattakanguyase, alias Two Skies of a Length, his X mark, (L, S,)

Onayawos, or Farmer's Brother, his X mark, (L, S.)

SoogooyawavTtau, alias Red Jacket, his X mark, (L. S.)

Gishkaka, alias Little Billy, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kaovmdoowana, alias Pollard, his X mark, (L. S.)

Ouneshataikau, or Tall Chief, by his agent Stevenson, his X mark,

Onnonggaihko, alias Infant, his X mark, (L. S.) (L. S.)

Teahdowaingqua, alias Thomas Jemison, his X mark, (L. S.

Tekonnondee, his X mark, (L. S.)

Oneghtaugooau, his X mark, (L. S.)

Connawaudeau, his X mark, (L. S.)

Taosstaiefi, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kooeutwahka, or Cornplanter, his X mark, (L. S.)

Oosaukaunendauki, alias To Destroy a To"svn, his X mark, (L. S.)

Sooeoowa, alias Parrot Nose, his X mark, (L. S.)

Toonahookahwa, his X mark. (L. S.)

Howwennounew, his X mark, (L. S.)

Kounahtaetoiie, his X mark, (L. S.

Taouyaukaima, his X mark. (L. S.)

Woudougoohkta, his X mark, (L. S.)

Sonauhquaukau, his X mark, (L. S.)

Treaty of Big Tree 94

Twaunauiyana, his X mark, (L. S.)
Takaunoudea, his X mark, (L. S.)
Shequinedaughque, or Little Beard, his X mark, (L. S.)
Jowaa, his X mark, (L. S.)
Saunajie, his X mark, (L. S.)
Tauoiyuquatakausea, his X mark, (L. S.)
Taoundaudish, his X mark, (L. S.)
Tooauquinda, his X mark, (L, S.)
Ahtaou, his X mark, (L. S.)
Taukooshoondakoo, his X mark, (L. S.)
Kauneskanggo, his X mark, (L. S.)
Soonanjuwan, his X mark, (L. S.)
Tonowauiya, or Capt. Bullet, his X mark, (L. S.)
Jaahkaaeyas, his X mark, (L. S.)
Taughihshauta, his X mark (L. S.)
Sukkenjoonau, his X mark, (L. S.)
Ahquatieya, or Hot Bread, his X mark (L. S.)
Suggonundan, his X mark, (L. S.)
Taunowaintooh, his X mark, (L. S.)
Konnonjoowauna, his X mark, (L. S.)
Soogooeyandestak, his X mark, (L. S.)
Hautwanauekkau, by Young King, his X mark (L. S.)
Sauwejnwan, hisX mark, (L. S.)
Kaunooh shall wen, his X mark, (L. S.)
Taukonondangekta, his X mark, (L. S.)
Kaouyanoughque, or John Jemison, his X mark, (L. S.)
Hoiegush, his X mark, (L. S.)
Taknaahquan, hisX mark, (L. S.)
Sealed and delivered in presence of

Nat. W. Howell, James Rees,

Joseph Ellicott, Henry Aaron Hills,

Israel Chapin, Henry Abeel.

Jasper Parrish, ) j^i.^^^^^^.^^^
Horatio Jones, \ Interpreters.
Done at a full and general treaty of the Seneka nation of Indians, held
at Genesee in the county of Ontario, and State of New York, on
the fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thous-
and seven hundred and ninety-seven, under the authority of the
United States.
In testimony whereof. I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day
and year aforesaid. JERE. WADSWORTH, (l.s.)

Pursuant to a resolution of the legislature of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, passed the eleventh day of March, in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety -one, I have attended a
full and general treaty of the Seneka nation of Indians, at Genesee,
in the county of Ontario, when the within instrument was duly execu-
ted in my presence by the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the said
nation, being fairly and properly understood and transacted by all the
parties of Indians concerned, and declared to be done to their universal
satisfaction : I therefore certify and approve of the same.

Subscribed in presence of WILLIAM SHEPARD.

Nat. W. Howell.

MORRIS TO
WASHINGTON

rsOBERT MORRIS secured from Massachusetts in 1791 the right
1^ to buy the lands from the Indians ; but it was not till 1796 that
1 Y he was ready to open negotiations. Then he wrote the foUow-
^ ing letter to Washington :

[For this letter, see page 77.]

Commissioners having been appointed and other preparations for
the treaty having been made, Robert Morris addressed the following
letter to his son Thomas, and his friend, Charles Williamson, who
were to carry on the negotiations with the Indians. This document is
among the O'Reilly papers in the collection of the New York Histori-
cal society. This is the first time that it has ever been published. All
who are interested in the history of Western New York will read it
with much interest :

MORRIS'S INSTRUCTIONS.

Philadelphia, August 1 , 1797.
Thomas Morris and Charles Williamson, Esqrs. :

Gentlemen— I send herewith my power of attorney constituting
you my attorneys, and as such authorizing you to hold a treaty with
the Seneca nation of Indians and such other nations, tribes, or chiefs
as may be necessary and to purchase of them for my account all that
tract of country the pre-emptive right of which I bought of the state
of Massachusetts, being bounded on the east by the G-enesee river and
certain boundary lines of Gorham and Phelps's Purchase, on the south
by the north boundary line of the state of Pennsylvania, on the west
by Lake Erie and certain boundary lines of the Pennsylvania Triangle
and of a small tract or carrying place reserved to the state of New
York near the river Niagara, and on the north by Lake Ontario.

This tract of land you are too well acquainted with to render any
other description necessary, and its importance to me you can properly
estimate, although I have not that interest in it at present which I
ought to have retained ; nevertheless there is a duty due from me to
those to whom I have sold which I am as solicitous to perform as if
the whole benefit was for myself; but, although I am not to reap all the
benefit, I am to sustain all the expense. This circumstance does not in-
duce a desire to starve the cause or to be niggardly ; at the same time
it is natural to desire a consistent economy to be observed both as to the
expense of the treaty and the price to be paid for the lands. In order
to be as clear and distinct as possible I put each article of these in-
structions numerically as they occur to me.

First — I send herewith a written speech with which I propose that
my son shall open the treaty by delivering the same to the Indians in
my name and in my behalf.

Second— In addition to this speech, you can each make such addi-
tional introductory speeches as you may think proper and necessary.

Third— The business of the treaty may be greatly propelled prob-
ably by withholding liquor from Indians until the business is finished,
showing and promising it to them when the treaty ia over.

Treaty of Big Tree 96

Fourth — I propose that an annuity of four thousand or four thous-
and five hundred dollars forever shall be the price of purchase for the
whole tract of country to the pre-emption of which I have the right.

Fifth— If they should want some money down, say 5,000 to 10,000
dollars, the annuity to decrease proportionately.

Sixth — Annuities of 20 to 60 dollars per annum may be given to
influential chiefs to the extent of 250 or 300 dollars per annum.

Seventh — Some dollars may be promised before the treaty and
paid when finished to the amount of 500 or 600 dollars, or if necessary
1,000 dollars, to the chiefs.

Eighth — Captain Brant, although not belonging to the Seneca
nation, yet being an influential character, he must be satisfied for his
services on as reasonable terms as possible, after the purchase is made.

Ninth — Jones and Smith as interpreters are to do their duty fully
and faithfully or I will not convey the lands contracted for with them,
but if they do their duty the deed of those lands shall be delivered
upon receipt of the money they are in that case to pay.

Tenth— Mr. Johnston of Niagara is to be employed as an interpre-
ter and compensated with a reasonable lil^erality.

Eleventh — Mr. Dean and Mr. Parish may also be employed on
similar terms.

Twelfth — Mr. Chapin will render any services that consist with
the duties of his station, and must have a proper compliment or com-
pensation.

Thirteenth — If there be others whom I omit or do not know whom
it may be proper to employ, you will exercise your discretion in regard
to them.

Fourteenth— The whole cost and charges of this treaty being at
my expense, you will direct everything upon the principles of a liberal
economy. The Indians must have plenty of food, and also of liquor
when you see proper to order it to them. The commissioners, their
secretaries, interpreters, and all who are officially employed at or
about this treaty, must be provided at my cost. You will of course
keep a table for yourselves and such of them as ought to be admitted
to it. Such gentlemen strangers as visit there with friendly intentions,
or from curiosity, you will of course entertain as often as you think
proper.

Fifteenth — The liquors and stores I sent up will be used and if not
sufficient more must be got.

Sixteenth— The articles sent up for presents to the Indian chiefs,
their wives and children, you will distribute as you see proper, and
you may tell them I did not send any goods for presents to the nation
because I thought they could with the money they will receive half-
yearly buy what may suit them best.

Seventeenth — If you think twenty to thirty cows given to the
women would have a good effect, this might be done in such way as to
please them best.

Eighteenth — The price or annuity offered for the whole tract of
country if they do not incline to give up the whole may be put upon
this footing, that the whole sum shall now be placed in the bank, and
if they deliver me possession of only one-half the lands they shall draw
only one-half the annuity and I will draw the other half, and so in

Treaty of Big Tree 97

proportion to what tliey give iip, and at any time thereafter when they
agree to give up more land they shall then draw more of the annuity
in proportion, and when they surrender the whole of the land, they
shall draw the whole of the annuity.

Nineteenth — They may signify at any time their intention of
making a further surrender of lands (beyond what now may be agreed
for) to the superintendent of Indian affairs, and I or my successors
will immediately appoint proper persons to receive and survey the
lands and assign to them or their agents the securities for the propor-
tion of the annuity equivalent to the lands so surrendered.

Twentieth — It will be most agreeable if they will deliver the
whole lands now, and receive the whole of the annuity, but if they
should only consent to deliver a part, let that part be as large a pro-
portion as you can possibly obtain ; and in this case it may be best
perhaps to ask for it in the following manner : miles on the Penn-
sylvania line beginning at the point on that line which bounds Gorham
and Phelps Purchase, and running west miles, and from the ter-
minating point on the Pennsylvania line to run due north to Lake
Ontario, then east along the borders of said lake to the point of divis-
ion on the north boundary of Gorham and Phelps's Purchase, and
thence south along the west boundary lines of said Gorham and
Phelps's Purchase and the Genesee river to the place of beginning :
and in addition to this another quantity either on the northern or
southern side of the tract as may be most palatable to the Indians. If
on the southern side it will commence at the western point on the
Pennsylvania line where the above tract stopped and run as far on the
Pennsylvania line as they will agree, and also to go as far north on the
west side of the above tract as they will agree, thence due west until a
south line will strike the point where they stop on the Pennsylvania
line unless they agree to go all the length of it to the corner of the
Pennsylvania Triangle, and in that case the other line will run west to
Lake Erie, or the boundary of that Triangle, which boundary would
in that case also be the west boundary of the tract I contemplate.
Shoiild they prefer to cede a tract bounded by Lake Ontario, the east,
south, and west boundaries will be fixed in a similar manner to what
I have proposed for the others.

Twenty-first — If the Indians will not sell and deliver the whole
tract you must stipulate and obtain liberty for the surveyor to traverse
the borders of Lakes Erie and Ontario and measure all the boundary
lines of the whole tract.

Twenty-second — William Bayard vdll attend the treaty on behalf
of the Holland company to whom I have sold a great part of these
lands and perhaps Mr. Linklaen and Garrit Boon may also be there.
I would wish you to communicate freely and confidentially with theee
gentlemen or such of them as do attend, and particularly as to what
part of the tract shall be taken into the purchase (in case the whole is
not boiight) after Track No. 1 is secured.

This Tract No. 1 is bounded on the east by the Genesee river and
the boundary lines of Gorham and Phelps's Purchase, on the south by
the Pennsylvania north boundary line running twelve miles west on
that line, thence on the west by a line to be run from the point of

Treaty of Big Tree 98

twelve miles due north to Lake Ontario, and thence bounded on the
north by Lake Ontario to the north point of said Gorham and Phelps's
Purchase, This tract must be included in the purchase at all events
and the rest may be made agreeable to the Holland company and the
Indians, but I hope and expect that the whole will be purchased.

Twenty-third — In case the whole of the tract is agreed for, but
the Indians choose to retain some part for their occupation, they will
choose, I presume, Buffalo Creek, Tanewanta, and lands bordering on
Lake Erie. In fixing this you will consult as much as can be the inter-
ests and inclinations of the Holland company, conjointly with the
pleasure of the Indians.

Twenty-fourth— Although I have proposed an annuity to the In-
dians as the price of their lands, yet if they prefer to be paid in money,
I do not object. In that case I suppose seventy-five thousand dollars
may be set down as the price of the whole, and in proportion for any
part less than the whole, the money to be paid to them or their agent
or agents within sixty to ninety days either at Philadelphia. New
York, or Cauandaigua, as may be agreed on between you and them,
consulting Mr. Bayard as to the time and place of payment.

Should any other matter occur that I shall think necessary to be
intimated to you, I shall, if there be time, write to you again as often
as may appear useful. You are, however, to consider what I have
already wTiten rather as outlines for your conduct on this business
than as positive orders not to be departed from. I have perfect con-
fidence in your friendship and also in your integrity and discretion and
therefore I confide to your management the whole of this business
without limitation or restriction except that if you make a purchase
the Tract No. 1 must be a part of it. If you can make the purchase
on better terms than I have proposed I am sure you will do it, and on
the contrary should you be obliged to give more I shall acquiesce.
Yoii know it is high time this purchase should be made and it is of
vast importance to all concerned to have it accomplished ; therefore
you must effect it at all events, and I can only repeat that although I
wish to buy as reasonably as may be, yet I do not mean to starve the
cause, for I must have it.

With sincere regard and affection, I am, gentlemen, your friend
and servant,

Robert Morris.

Thomas Morris and Charles Williamson, Esqrs., Ontario County,
State of New York.

Mr. Moi-ris could not be present at the treaty himself, but he sen*
in manuscript a speech to the Senecas which he directed should be read
to them. This Avas as follows :

Brothers of the Seneca Nation — It was my wish and my intention
to have come into your country and to have met you at this treaty, but
the Great Spirit has ordained otherwise and I cannot go. I grow old
and corpulent, and not very well, and am fearful of traveling so far
during the hot weather in the month of August.

Treaty of Big Tree 99

Brothers, as I cannot be with you at the treaty, I have deputed
and appointed my son Thomas Morris, Esq., and my friend Charles
WiUiamson, Esq., to appear for me and on my behalf to sj^eak and
treat with you in the same manner and to the same effect as I might or
could do were I present at this treaty with you. and it is my request
that you will listen to them with the same attention that you would to
me.

Brothers, I have the greatest love and esteem for my son and my
friend. They possess my entire confidence and whatever they engage
for on my behalf you may depend that I will perform the same as
exactly as if I was there and made the engagements with you myself ;
therefore I pray you to listen to them and believe in what they say.

Brothers, it is now six years since I have been invested with the
exclusive right to acquire your lands. During the whole of this time
you have quietly possessed them without being importuned by me to
sell them, but I now think that it is time for them to be productive to
you. It is with a view to render them so that I have acquiesced in
your desire to meet you at the Genesee river. I shall take care imme-
diately to deposit in the bank of the United States whatever my son
and my friend may agree to pay you in my behalf.

Brothers, from the personal acquaintance which I have with your
chiefs and head men, I am assured that their wisdom and integrity will
direct the object of the treaty to the happiness of yourselves and your
posterity. It is a pleasing circumstance to me that my business is to
be transacted with such men, because while on the one hand they will
take care of your interests, on the other whatever is done between them
and me will be strong and binding. I hope that wise men will always
be at the head of your councils, but for fear that those that succeed
your present leading men should not deserve and possess your confi-
dence as fully as these do, you had better have your business so fixed
now as not to leave it in the power of wrong-headed men in future to
waste the property given to you by the Great Spirit for the use of
yourselves and your posterity.

Brothers, I have now opened my mind to you, and as I depend on
my son and my friend to carry on and conclude the business with you
I shall only add that the President of the United States, approving of
this treaty' and being your father and friend, has appointed an honor-
able and worthy gentleman, foiinerly a member of congress, the Hon.
Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq., to be a commissioner on behalf of the
United States to attend and superintend this treaty, and the governor
of the state of Massachusetts also appointed an honorable and worthy
gentleman, formerly a general in the American army and now a mem-
ber of congress, the' Hon. William Shepherd, Esq., to be a commis-
sioner to attend this treaty on behalf of the state of Massachusetts.
These gentlemen will attend to what is said and done on lx)th sides in
order to see that mutual fair dealings and justice shall take place.
Their office and duty will be rendered agreeable so far as depends on
me because I desire nothing but fair, open and honest transactions.

Brothers, I bid you farewell. May the Great Spirit ever befriend
and protect you.

Treaty of Big Tree 100

I yNOW all Men by these Presents that we the Chief Warriors and
yi Chief Sachems of the Seneca Nation for and in consideration of
* \ the sum of one dollar to us in hand paid by Mary Jemoson the
^ receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge and are fully satisfied
and contented and paid, have given, granted, bargained, aliened, releas-
ed, conveyed and coniirmed unto her the said Mary Jemoson her heirs
aud assigns forever one certain parcel or tract of land being and lying
on the Genesee River beginning at the mouth of the steep hill creek
and running a due east line till it strikes the old path ; thence south till
a due west line will intersect with certain steep rocks on the west side
Genesee River, then extending due west, due north, and due east, till
it strikes the first mentioned bounds inclosing as much land upon the
west side of the river as it does on the east side of said river. To
have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises with all
the appurtenances and privileges thereunto belonging to her the said
Mary Jemoson her heirs and assigns forever and furthermore, we the
said Chief Sachems and Warriors for ourselves, our heirs, executors
and administrators do by these presents covenant, engage and promise
to defend the above granted premises with all the appurtenances unto
her the said Mary Jemoson her heirs and assigns forever will Warrant
and Defend the above granted premises against all the claims and
demands of all persons whatsoever in confirmation whereof, we have
hereunto set our hands and seals this in the year of our Lord

one thousand seven hiandred and ninety-seven,
his
Farmers x Brother
mark
his
Little X Billy
mark
his
Pollard X
mark
his
Hanow x Shawen
mark
his
Kayyea x Neghque
mark
his
Tommy x Jimmisson
mark
his
Corn X Planter
mark
his
Howana x Zee
mark

Treaty of Big Tree iOl

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Horatio Jones, William
Johnston. C. Winny, Clias. Williamson, Thomas Morris.

Be it remembered that on the thirtieth day of October in the year
one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight personally came before
me, Moses Atwater, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas
for the County of Ontario, Thomas Morris, who being duly sworn
declared he saw the grantors of the within instrument affix their sig-
natures to the same as an execution thereof. And that he the deponent
with Charles Williamson in the presence of each other subscribed their
names as witnesses to the same, I being personally acquainted with
Thomas Morris and upon inspection of the said instrument finding no
material erasures or interlineations do allow the same to be recorded.

Moses Atwater.

I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the original instrument
examined compared and recorded this thirtieth day of Octoljer A. D.,
1798.

G. B. Porter, Clk.

^^

Treaty of Big Tree 102

SENEKAS

Concluded September 3, 1823.

/^ T a treaty held under the authority of the United States at Mos-
^4 cow, in the county of Livingston, in the State of New York,
r * between the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Seneka nation
' of Indians in behalf of said nation, and John Greig and Henry

B. Gibson of Canandaigua in the county of Ontario ; in the presence
of Charles Carroll, esquire, commissioner appointed by the United
States for holding said treaty, and of Nathaniel Gorman, esquire, sup-
erintendent, in behalf of the State of Massachusetts.

Know all men by these presents, that the said sachems, chiefs and
warriors, for and in consideration of the sum of four thousand two
hundred and eighty-six dollars, lawful money of the United States, to
them in hand paid by the said John Greig and Henry B. Gibson, at or
immediately before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold,
aliened, released, quit claimed, and confirmed unto the said John
Greig and Henry B. Gibson, and by these presents do grant, bargain,
sell, alien, release, quit, claim, and confirm, unto the said John Greig
and Henry B. Gibson, their heirs and assigns forever, all that tract,
piece or parcel of land commonly called and known by the name
of the Gardeau reservation, situate, lying and being in the counties of
Livingston and Genesee, in the State of New York, bounded as follows,
that is to say : Beginning at the mouth of Steep Hill creek, thence
due east, until it strikes the Old Path, thence south until a due west
line will intersect with certain steep rocks on the west side of the
Genesee river, thence extending due west, due north, and due east,
until it strikes the first mentioned bound, enclosing as much land on
the west side as on the east side of the river, and containing according
to the survey and measurement made of the same by Augustus Porter,
surveyor, seventeen thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven 137-160
aci'es, be the same more or less, excepting nevertheless, and always
reserving out of this grant and conveyance twelve hundred and eighty
acres of land, bounded as follows, that is to say : on the east by Gen-
esee river, on the south by a line running due west from the center of
the Big Slide so called, on the north by a line parallel to the south line
and two miles distant therefrom, and on the west by a line running
due north and south, and at such a distance from the river as to
include the said quantity of twelve himdred and eighty acres and no
more ; which said twelve hundred and eighty acres are fully and
clearly understood, to remain the property of the said parties of the
first part, and their nation, in as full and ample a manner, as if these
presents had not been executed ; together with all and singular the
rights, privileges, hereditaments, and appurtenances, to the said hereby
granted premises belonging or in any wise appertaining, and all the
estate, right, title and interest, whatsoever of them the said parties of
the first part, and of their nation, of, in, and to the said tract of land
above described, except as is above excepted. To have and to hold all
and singular the above granted premises with the appurtenances, unto
the said John Greig and Henry B. Gibson, their heirs and assigns, to
the sole and only proper use, benefit, and behoof, of the said John
Greig and Henry B. Gibson, their heirs and assigns forever.

W93! H

Treaty of Big Tree 103

In testimony whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto,
and to three other instruments of the same tenor and date, one
to remain with the United States, one to remain with the State of
Massachusetts, one to remain with the Seneka nation of Indians,
and one to remain with the said John Greig and Henry B. Gibson,
interchangeably set their hands and seals the third day of Septem-
ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty- three.

Saquiungarluchta, or Young King, his X mark, (L. S.)
Karlundawana, or Pollard, his X mark, (L. S.)
Sagouata, or Red Jacket, his X mark, (L. S.)
Tishkaaga, or Little Billy, his X mark, (L. S.)
Tywaneash, or Black Snake, his X mark, (L. S.)
Kahalsta, or Strong, his X mark, (L. S.)
Chequinduchqite. or Little Beard, his X mark, (L. S.)
Tuyongo, or Seneka White, his X mark, (L. S.)
Onondaki, or Destroy To^vn, his X mark, (L. S.)
Lunuchshewa, or War Chief, his X mark, (L. S.)
Genvichsckada, or Stevenson, his X mark, (L. S.)
Mary Jamieson, her X mark, (L. S.)
Talwinaha, or Little Johnson, his X mark, (L. S.)
Atachsagu, or John Big Tree, his X mark, (L. S.)
Teskaiy, or John Pierce, his X mark, (L. S.)
Teaslaegee, or Charles Cornplanter, his X m. (L. S.)
Teoncukaweh, or Bob Stevens, his X mark, (L. S.)
Checanadughtwo, or Little Beard, his X mark, (L. S.)
Canada, his X mark, (L. S.)
Sealed and delivered in the presence of

Nat. W. Howell, Jasper Parrish,

Ch. Carroll, Horatio Jones.

Done at a treaty held with the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the
Seneka nation of Indians at Moscow, in the County of Livingston
and State of New York, on the third day of September, one thous-
and eight hundred and twenty-three, under the authority of the
United States. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal, the day and year aforesaid, by virtue of a commis-
sion issued under the seal of the commonwealth of Massachusetts,
bearing date the 31st day of August, A. D., 1815, pursuant to a
resolution of the legislature of the said commonwealth, passed
the eleventh day of March, one thousand seven hundred and nine-
ty-one. N. Gorman, Superintendent.
I have attended a treaty of the Seneka nation of Indians held at
Moscow in the County of Livingston and State of New York, on the
third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty-three, when the within instrument was duly
executed in my presence, by the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the
said nation, being fairly and properly understood and transacted by all
the parties of Indians concerned, and declared to be done to their full
satisfaction. I do therefore certify and approve the same.

Ch. Carroll, Commissioner.

*y ♦

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