An account of Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha Red Jacket and his people, 1750-1830

n Country-Washington's

villages-Sudden surpr

t of the Americans-Bo

ion-Welcome of the gove

of President Washingt

Indian ho

esolved to increase our military force, and place in the hands of the Executive, more ample means for their defense. A new expedition was the

, he wished him success and honor; at the same time to put him on his guard, said,-"You have your instructions from the secretary of war. I had a strict eye to them, and will add but one word-B

om the region, and by establishing a line of posts to the Ohio river, prevent the Indians from returning to a point, where they had been the occasion of great mischief. On their way they constructed two forts, Hamilton and Jefferson, and advanced but slowly, having to open for themselves a way through the forest. Too many of those composing t

which favored their purpose, and bivouacked for the night. Their number, from desertion, and those left to garrison the forts, amounted to but fourteen hundred.

the militia, was directed to send out that evening, two detachments, to explore the country and gain what knowledge they could of the enemy. The militia showed signs of insubordination, complained of being too much fatigued, and the order apparently could not be enforced.

y fled toward the main body of the army. They came rushing in, pell-mell and threw into disorder the front rank, drawn up in the order of battle. The Indians, still keeping up their frightful yell, followed hard after the militia, and would have entered the camp with them, but the

rection, and swept them down by scores. The artillery if not very effective, was bravely served. A quantity of canister and some round shot were thrown in the direction whence the Indians fired; but concealed as they were, and seen only oc

rs, to rouse the Indians from their covert with the bayonet, and turn their left flank. This was executed with great spirit; the enemy were driven three or four hundred yards; but for want of cavalry or riflemen, the pursuit slackened, and the troops were forced to give bac

remainder desperate, brought discouragement to many a brave heart. It was useless to make further effort, which promised only a more fatal result. A retreat therefore was ordered, Colonel Darke being directed to charge the Indians that intercepted the way toward Fort Jefferson,

t the entire way, for near thirty miles, the distance to Fort Jefferson, bore the marks of a trepidation that seemed to characterize the entire enga

ly closed a campaign, concerning which the highest expectations had been entertained. It was a heavy blow upon our infant republic, and spread over our country a gl

xtensive, and their cruelties more excessive. The frontier inhabitants, especially of Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, never felt more insecure, and were never more exposed to loss of life, plu

fifty chiefs of the Iroquois, who came to Philadelphia early in the spring of 1792, in compliance with the request

ir race; as well as by kind and generous treatment, to bring them into firmer alliance with the United States. And it is a pleasing thought that am

he happiness their coming had created, and assuring them that every provision h

s my sincere wish, that when you return to your families, you may be able to assure them, that

d them, of meeting in a place where their forefathers in times past, had been wont to greet each other in peace and friendship, and decla

picture of Penn's treaty with the Indians, and an enconium on the g

panel representing, in sculpture, the first landing of the Pilgrims, with an Indian chief presenting them an ear of corn, in token of a friendl

ting Penn's treaty,-he exclaimed sadly,-"Ah! all's

is special request, to remove all causes of discontent, devise plans for their welfare, and cement a firm peace. He wished them to partake of all the comfort

uch as had been fairly obtained by treaty, and he hoped the error might be corrected. For the further explanation of his views an

ates for perfect peace, and friendship with you, I deliver you

to the further conferences with the Indians, Red Jacket's reply to the president

sented by President Washington,

round and see so large a representation of the Five Nations of Indians. That it was at his special request we had been invited to the seat of the general government, with a view to promote the happiness of our nation, in a friendly c

ply to this part of his speech, other than to thank him, a

happy peace, so firm that nothing shall move it,-that it may be founded on a rock,-th

g to his counsel, we might share with you all the blessings of civilized life; this mee

atter, our children and children's children, might partake

, and that time and opportunity would give evidence that what he said was true. And we b

nited States had unjustly taken their lands. But he assured us this was not the case; that none of his chiefs desired to take any of

had turned them aside, he wished could be discovered, that they might be removed. He had a strong wish

he United States, he presented us with this white belt, which was to be handed down from one generation to another, in confirmation of his

ented by the president, and taking up a belt

y has been brief, for the belt he gave us is deposited with us, and we have taken firm hold of it. We return our u

Footnote: Col. Pickering.] are appointed to assist us, in devisin

he Great Council, [Footnote: Referring to members of Congress present.] and our brethren of the Five

This has gladdened our hearts, and removed a weight that was upon them. This indeed is to us an occasi

president in his wish, that all the evils which have hitherto disturbed o

ed to our children, and children's children. You enjoy all the blessings of this life; to you therefore we look to make provision, that the same may be enjoyed by ou

drop down from above. We also believe in his superintendency over this whole island. He gives peace and prosperity, he also sends evil. Prosperity has been yours. American brethr

mericans strove to advance your happiness by extending your possessions on this island, which produces so many good things. And while you two great powers were contendin

is our situation and the cause of this disturbance. Here now, you have an ambassador, [Footnote: Referring to the British envoy to the United States.] as we are informed from the king of England. Let him in behalf of the king, and the Americans, adjust all their matters, according to their agreement, at the m

standing all he said to us, and all we had suffered. This has been the occasion to us, the Five Nations, of great loss, sorrow and pain. When you and he settled the peace between you two great nations, he never asked for a delegat

friendship have been driven from us. Yet you Americans were determined not to treat us in the same manner as we have been treated by the king of England. You therefore desired us at the re-establishment of peace, to

with us on our peace and happiness. We hope the great warrior will remember, that though a warrior, he is to converse wit

the cause of the hostilities now existing at the westward, but laments it. Brother,

for the words he has spoken to us. They were good, unqualifiedly good. Shall we observe that he wished tha

d; and you cannot adjust your own affairs agreeably to your declarations of peace. Therefore the western Indians are bewildered

a manuscript of J. W. Moulton, Esq., on account of its importance, is presented almost entire. A few changes have been made, but the ideas of the orator, and the language mostly in whic

ed their dwellings, and wrought in the hearts of the American people a sense of wrong, that cried for redress. What could be their position, now that the armies of Britain are withdrawn? The armies of Britain defeated, could they, single handed, cope with the American army? These were questions that weighed deeply on their minds. Did they expect the hand of friendship to be extended toward them? To be invited to councils of peace, -to the intimacies, hospitalities, and kindly feeling manifested on this occasion? The orator was deeply impressed by it, and notes the contrast apparent in the conduct toward them, of Britain and America. "You Americans were determined not to treat us in the same manner, as we had been treated

partment in Canada, toward the United States; and evidence will be afforded further on, of their