the feelings and wishes of individuals. I know you are too wise to reject such an offer.

Our friends, the Ottowas, were not all here when we first made our proposal, but are now present, and will consider our words as also addressed to them.

The clear and full manner in which their allegations were answered, and the plain colloquial style and force of expression employed in reference to the peculiar idiom of their language, produced a visible and striking effect upon the assembled multitude, and upon the tone and feeling with which they afterward continued the discussion.

↑ After a short pause, Keewaygooshkum-a chief of the first authority among the Ottowas, delivered his sentiments, in a clear and methodical speech, the greater part of which we present to the reader, not so much from any attractions it presents as a specimen of Indian oratory, as from the circumstance of its being a curious and valuable recital of historical events from the mouth of an Indian.* The only part of it particularly affecting the purchase is embraced in the concluding sentence.

My Father,-Listen to me! The first white people seen by us were the French. When they first ventured into these lakes they hailed us as children;-they came with presents and promises of peace, and we took them by the hand. We gave them what they wanted, and ini

* A series of misfortunes has since overtaken this friendly, modest, and sensible chief. On returning from the treaty of Chicago, while off the mouth of Grand River in lake Michigan, his canoe was struck by a flaw of wind and upset. After making every exertion, he saw his wife and all his children, except one son, perish. With this son he reached the shore; but as if to crown his misfortunes, this only surviving child has since been poisoned for the part he took in the treaty.

tiated them into our mode of life, which they readily fell into. After some time, during which we had become well acquainted, we embraced their father, (the king of France,) as our father.

Shortly after, those people that wear red coats, (the English,) came to this country, and overthrew the French; and they extended their hand to us in friendship. As soon as the French were overthrown the British told us :-we will clothe you in the same manner the French did-we will supply you with all you want, and will purchase all your peltries, as they formerly did.

Sure enough! after the British took possession of the country, they fulfilled all their promises. When they told us we should have any thing, we were sure to get it; and we got from them the best goods.

Some time after the British had been in possession of the country, it was reported that another people, who wore white clothes, had arisen and driven the British out of the land. These people we first met at Greenville, (Wayne's treaty, 1795,) and took them by the hand.

When the Indians first met the American chief, (Gen. Wayne,) in council, there were but few Ottowas present; but he said to them, "when I sit myself down at Detroit, you will all see me." Shortly after, he arrived at Detroit. Proclamation was then made for all the Indians to come in.

We were told,-"The reason I do not push those British farther is, that we may not forget their example in giving you presents of cloth, arms, ammunition, and whatever else you may require."

Sure enough! The first time, we were clothed with great liberality: you gave us strouds, guns, ammunition, and many other things we stood in need of, and said,

This is the way you may always expect to be used."

It was also said, that whenever we were in great necessity, you would help us.

When the Indians on the Maumee* were first about to sell their lands, we heard it with both ears, but we never received a dollar.

The Chippewas, the Pottowattomies, and the Ottowas WERE ORIGINALLY ONE NATION! We separated from each other near Michilimackinac. We were related by the ties of blood, language, and interest; but in the course of a long time, these things have been forgotten, and both nations have sold their lands, without consulting us.

Sometimes it has happened that we have been at Detroit when the money was dealt out to the other nations, and we wished for a share; but in vain. have never received any.†

We

Our brothers, the Chippewas, have also sold you a large tract of land at Saganaw. People are constantly passing through the country, but we received neither invitation nor money. It is surprising that the Pottowattomies, Ottowas, and Chippewas, who are all one nation, should sell their lands without giving each other notice. Have we then degenerated so much that we can no longer trust one another?

Perhaps the Pottowattomies may think I have come here on a begging journey, that I wish to claim a share of lands to which my people are not entitled. I tell them it is not so. We have never begged, and shall not

now commence.

When I went to Detroit last fall, Governor Cass told

*This expression particularly refers to a part of the Ottowas nation, who reside upon that stream.

† Here Gov. Cass stopped him, and said that he and his people had received $500, in the autumn of 1820; to which Keewaygooshkum assented.

me to come to this place, at this time, and listen to what he had to say in council.

As we live a great way in the woods, we never see white people except in the fall, when the traders come among us. We have not so many opportunities to profit by this intercourse as our neighbours, and to get what necessaries we require; but we make out to live independently, and trade upon our own lands.*

We have, heretofore, received nothing less than justice from the Americans, and all we expect, in the present treaty, is a full proportion of the money and goods.†

* We understood this entire sentence to be spoken ironically, in relation to the Pottowattomies, who, it would seem, have not always confined themselves to their own lands.

†This speech was translated by Henry Conner.

CHAPTER XVII.

Farther Account of the Proceedings. The Chippewas also

yield their Assent.

The Effect of these Steps upon the Pottowattomies. Evening Council on the 22d. Coun cil held on the 23d. Speech of Metea. Conclusion of the Treaty its Terms and Provisions.

THE speech which we have given at the conclusion of the last chapter, containing the first public acquiescence in the sale, and that an almost unconditional one, produced a very sensible effect upon the Indians, who manifested considerable agitation, and an impatient desire to speak. Several Chiefs arose in quick succession, and expressed themselves in a hurried and rapid manner, in favour of the sale.

Metaawau, a Chippewa chief from the Plains, said :---My Father, I shake hands with you, and with the President of the United States, and with the Great Spirit that makes all our flesh. I have come here to see and hear, and with those who are around me, wish to know what sum of money you will give us for our lands. I wish also to know what quantity of clothing