follows:
“Brothers, yesterday we deliberated among ourselves, and we wanted to
have our minds made up and united. When our younger brother proposed
the foregoing questions to be put to our brothers the Quakers, we were
glad; hoping they would make the thing straight among us.
“Brothers, I will now tell you our minds about it, and the reason why
we have undertaken to keep the First-day of the week. Last season we
went to a council at Buffalo, our agent P----, showed us a paper which
came from the President, which stated that he wanted his brothers, the
Indians, to take hold of improvements, and also to keep the First-day
of the week. He also wanted our children to learn their books. He told
us that Congress had made an appropriation for the purpose of improving
the condition of the Indians, and he wished to know whether they would
accept it. We told the agent we had the Quakers living beside us, with
whom we were satisfied; and if any help came from the President, we
wished it to come through the Quakers. Our agent told us, the Quakers,
he knew were friends to us; they have property of their own to help
you. Congress has also appropriated money to assist you, and you should
leave it to the President to dispose of that, as he thinks best for
your benefit. We, therefore, concluded to pay attention to both the
Quakers and the President, and have friends of both. We saw that many
of the different nations of Indians were becoming civilized, and that
the Seneca nation still remained in their old habits. We saw that the
Quakers and the ministers, (meaning missionaries,) both observed the
First-day. We concluded, as they did so, it must be an appointment
of the Great Spirit to keep that day holy. We then thought, that as
he had appointed it we must observe it also. Some of our people were
wicked. They stole, and committed many bad actions. We thought we
would endeavour to have our children instructed, while young, which
would be better for them. We have been told, the world had been made a
long time, when the Great Spirit sent his son, who brought light into
the world, and wished that knowledge might be spread among mankind.
Your brothers have often told us, there was but one God over all--we,
therefore, thought our friends would be pleased if we should endeavour
to christianize our children. We then inquired among our people who
were prepared for keeping First-day. Many of them were pleased with it,
and prepared to observe it, and others were not. And after a while,
a minister came along, and wanted to know if they wished to hear
him preach. We consulted among ourselves, and concluded that when a
minister came of his own accord, if he was a good man, he ought to be
heard, but if he wanted to come and live amongst us and preach to us
steadily, we would not accept him, or have a minister that our children
could not understand. But we rather concluded to have some of our own
people to give good advice to our children, on First-day, that they
might improve and grow better. Some of our people have often heard of
the accounts given in the Bible, and we thought it was right for us to
keep First-day and hear good advice, or be read to, out of the Bible.
The ministers who come here are different from our friends the Quakers.
They are only travellers. Our friends the Quakers have given us a
writing on parchment, stating that they would never bring any charge
against us for what they have done.”
* * * * *
Friends, in their former council, had impressed upon the Indians the
necessity of having their children instructed in school learning, and
offered to supply them with a teacher, provided they would erect a
school house, and send their children. The chief warrior, in reply,
stated, that on consulting among themselves, both parties were willing
to have their children instructed, and would endeavour to procure a
house for that purpose. He also made some remarks on the advantages
they had already received from the instruction of Friends, and among
other things said,
* * * * *
“Brothers, in your good advices, you have cautioned us against the use
of strong drink. There is a great alteration among us in that respect,
and many of us are much improved both in this, and in industrious
habits. Long ago we had no fences, no cattle, and were destitute of
many other things which we now enjoy. We see a great difference in our
people. We think we shall get along, though perhaps it may be slowly.
“Brothers, this village is divided into three or four districts, in
each of which there are persons appointed to endeavour to have your
advices put in practice. When they see any disorders, they are to treat
with their brothers in order to reclaim them.”
* * * * *
They were then informed, that as the day was far spent, Friends would
retire a few minutes to consult together, and return them an answer. In
about half an hour, Friends returned again to the council house, and
after informing them that (although they were divided in some things,)
they were glad they were of one mind about the education of their
children; and as soon as they got their house in readiness, they might
inform Friends of it, and they would endeavour to furnish them with a
teacher.
They were then presented with the following observations in writing, as
the best advice that Friends could give them in their present divided
and critical situation.
* * * * *
“Brothers, when your friends the Quakers came among you, their design
was to improve your condition--to teach you to build more comfortable
houses, to cultivate your land, to raise more grain, so as to enable
you to raise and support more cattle--to educate your children, and to
advance in all the useful habits of civilized life.
“Brothers, we believe that men ought to live, so as to seek for the
assistance of the Good Spirit, to enable them to love and worship
him--and although it is our practice to meet together to worship
him, yet we do not wish to force upon you any of our performances in
religion. We think it right that every man should follow the teachings
of the Good Spirit, in his own heart, which, if attended to, would
always lead him in the right path.
“Brothers, we beseech you not to let any thing divide you into parties,
and make you feel enmity one against another. It would put you back in
your improvements, it will make you weak--it is contrary to all right
religion, and displeasing to the Great Spirit.”
Signed, SAMUEL BETTLE.
WILLIAM NEWBOLD.
HALLIDAY JACKSON.
* * * * *
Several of the chiefs seemed desirous of having a more decided reply
to the question they had urged upon us, with regard to the observation
of the First-day of the week; and although they well knew the practice
of Friends in meeting together for public worship on that day, yet it
was believed most expedient, under their present circumstances, not to
enforce it upon them. They were again recommended to attend strictly
to the one, unerring guide, the voice of the Good Spirit in their own
hearts, which was sufficient to direct them in the right path, without
the teachings of any man; and that as they were obedient to this
principle, it would gradually enlighten their understandings, and by
degrees they would come to see more light.
This council concluded, with a hearty farewell by Friends, who informed
them that they parted with them in as sincere friendship as they had
ever done; having the same regard for one party as for the other.
From what transpired in this council, it was very evident that
their difficulties and divisions arose from the introduction of the
missionary system. By enforcing the observation of the Sabbath, so
called, and inculcating doctrines and dogmas, which the Indians could
not comprehend, and were not prepared to adopt, their ideas with regard
to religion had become confused. Hence some were disposed to make the
observation of the Sabbath and some formal ceremonies, essential and
fundamental points,--while others, jealous of the encroachments of
missionaries on their land, and fearing they might have some sinister
motives in view, were disposed to lay aside all ideas of imitating the
whites in the practice of religion and worship, and adhere only to
their old Indian customs, in this respect.
From Cattaraugus, Friends again returned to Alleghany, and had some
further interviews with their chiefs respecting the schooling of their
children, and although a few of them continued to be opposed to having
a school on their land, yet the greater part were anxious for it, and
expressed strong desires that a school might again be established among
them.
While the committee remained at Alleghany, they were visited by the
son of the ancient _Guy-us-hu-ta_, mentioned in the early part of this
narrative. He had learned the blacksmith business--was fifty-six years
of age, and had lived with his present wife thirty-four years, and
never had any other. A chief of the same age, who accompanied him, had
twelve children by one wife, with whom he still lived.
These circumstances, among all their depravity in this respect, may be
noted to their credit.
Although these Indians were not yet prepared to make a division of
their land into lots, so as for each to have his distinct property,
yet the practice of buying and selling each other’s improvements was
becoming more frequent among them. In several instances they had
applied to Friends to value them, and this circumstance, it was hoped,
would open their ideas more to the advantage of individual possessions,
and in time, Induce them to adopt the plan that had been recommended,
of dividing their land.
The young man, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, again commenced
teaching their children, and devoted a part of his time to visiting
them in their houses, in a more familiar way, and also affording them
instruction in the labours of the field. It was evident, that those who
had the most frequent intercourse with Friends, had made the greatest
progress in the arts of civilized life.
In the spring of 1821, an Indian lad, (the son of one of their
principal chiefs) who had been brought to the neighbourhood of
Philadelphia, instructed in school learning, and taught the shoemaker’s
trade, returned to his father at Alleghany, and immediately commenced
his business, which promised to be advantageous to him, as well as a
great accommodation to the Indians.
The frequent solicitations of the pre-emption holders, continued to be
a source of uneasiness to the Indians--as _they_ urged the necessity of
having surveys and drafts made of their different reservations of land,
to be divided and kept by the pre-emption holders, in order that when
the Indians were disposed to sell, each one might know the quantity as
well as the quality of such reservation, as they were about to purchase.
In the Twelfth month, this year, the following statistical account
of the Indians at Alleghany was furnished to the author by the
schoolmaster, who resided among them, which will exhibit the
improvements made by about thirty-five families, though it is cause
of regret that the account was not completed--there being about forty
families more, which were not included.
The dates affixed to the names of individuals, is the time the account
was taken.
Big John, Tenth month 23, 1820.--Has about twenty acres of cleared
land, raised eight acres of corn, three of oats, one of potatoes--about
forty apple-trees, several of which are bearing fruit--three cows, four
calves, one steer, one yoke of oxen, four horses, eighteen pigs, one
plough, and one wagon.
William Platt, 30 years of age.--Fifteen acres of cleared land--a
considerable quantity of corn, three acres of oats, half an acre of
potatoes, one yoke of oxen, and twenty pigs.
Levi Halftown, blacksmith.--Nine and a half acres of land cleared--one
yoke of oxen, two cows, one calf, two horses, one plough and ox chains,
seven hogs and eight pigs.
Long John, Tenth month 25, 48 or 50 years of age.--Has twelve children
by one wife, with whom he still lives--twenty acres of cleared land,
seven acres of corn, four of oats, a quantity of potatoes, two yoke of
oxen, three cows, one heifer, three calves, twelve hogs, and a number
of pigs; one wagon, and ploughs.
Stephen, a blacksmith, 56 years old, and son of the ancient
Guy-us-hu-ta.--Eight acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, four
of mowing grass, one yoke of oxen, five cows, six calves, fifteen hogs
and pigs, and one plough.
John Jemison, 24 years old.--Fifteen acres of cleared land, four acres
of oats, one of buckwheat, four of corn, potatoes, and beans; sixteen
hogs and several pigs, two horses, two cows, one heifer, one calf, one
yoke of oxen, one steer. Ploughed last spring about thirty acres of
land, twenty-one of which was hired by other Indians at two dollars per
acre--has put up a new barn fifty feet long--made new fence to enclose
six acres of land the present season.
Big Jacob, 50 years old.--Eight or ten acres of cleared land, five
acres of corn, four of oats, one of potatoes, one yoke of oxen, three
yoke of steers, four cows, one calf, five hogs and near twenty pigs;
has sown one bushel of wheat this fall.
Moses Pierce, aged 32.--Twenty acres and a half of land, two and a half
of corn, three and a half of oats, quarter of potatoes, one and a half
of hay, one yoke of oxen, two cows, three young steers, one calf, five
hogs and seven pigs; makes ploughs, sleighs, and does carpenter work.
John Pierce, Eleventh month 3, aged 56.--Twenty acres of cleared land,
raised five acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, four of oats,
four of grass, has eight head of cattle, fifteen hogs and pigs.
Eli Jemison, twenty-seven years old.--Has begun a new improvement in
the woods, and has about three acres cleared--parted with his old
field, which contained six acres, raised three acres of corn, half
an acre of potatoes, and one acre of turnips, five hogs, one yoke of
steers, one cow, one heifer, one plough and wagon.
Simon Pierce, Eleventh month 16, 26 years old.--Fourteen acres of land,
five acres of corn, three of oats, half an acre of potatoes, two of
wheat, three and a half of meadow, two cows, two heifers, two steers,
one ox, four hogs and ten pigs.
Billy, 50 years old.--Raised fifty bushels of corn, half an acre of
potatoes, one cow, one calf, and three hogs.
William Johnson, Twelfth month 2, 50 years old.--Eleven acres of land,
raised six acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes, quantity of beans,
one yoke of oxen, two cows, two heifers, twelve hogs and pigs.
Morris Halftown, First month 31, 1821, 26 years old.--Eighteen acres of
land, raised last year three and a half acres of corn, six of oats, one
and a half of potatoes, two and a half of hay, one yoke of oxen, two
cows, three steers, one calf, one horse, four pigs, and three hogs.
Israel Jemison, Second month 2, 30 years of age.--Fourteen acres of
land cleared, and four more part cleared, three and a half acres of
corn, three of oats, two of buckwheat, half an acre of peas, one of
potatoes, one of wheat, two and a half of meadow, two yoke of oxen, two
cows, one yoke of steers, six hogs, fourteen pigs; killed in the fall
five hogs--one plough, one cart and log chains.
John Dick, Third month 29, 65 or 70 years old.--Had last year two acres
of spring wheat, four of oats, three horses, and one hog.
Jemison, a blacksmith, 54 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land,
three horses, two cows, three calves, three hogs and four pigs, and
killed three hogs for pork; five acres of corn, one of potatoes, three
of oats, half an acre of peas, one plough, and harness for horses.
Jacob Taylor, Fifth month 10, 40 years old.--Five and a half acres
of land, one yoke of steers, one heifer, four hogs,--corn, oats, and
potatoes, quantity not mentioned.
James Robeson, Seventh month 1, 48 years of age.--Thirteen and a half
acres of land, planted five acres of corn, half an acre of potatoes,
two acres of spring wheat, three and a half of oats, two and a half of
meadow, nine head of cattle, seven hogs, one plough, one harrow, chains
and sled.
Blue Eyes.--Twelve acres of land, quantity of corn, one acre of wheat,
three and a half of oats, sowed half a bushel of flaxseed, two and a
half acres of meadow, one yoke of oxen, five cows, three calves, four
hogs, twenty-two pigs, five horses, plough, chains, &c.
John Watt, 35 years old.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of
potatoes, four hogs, twenty-six pigs.
Jonathan Titus, 55 years old.--Three acres of land, two cattle, and
three pigs.
Jacob Snow, Seventh month 8, 50 years old.--Five acres of land, three
acres of corn, one and a half of potatoes, one-third of an acre of
beans, and four hogs.
Jacob Thomas, 28 or 30 years old.--Eight acres of land, three of corn,
two of oats, three-fourths of an acre of peas, some potatoes, seven
cattle, seven hogs, and seven pigs.
Big John, Seventh month 23, 53 years old.--Fourteen acres of land, five
acres of corn, one of potatoes, five of oats, three of meadow, sixteen
head of cattle, four horses, and thirteen hogs.
William Halftown, aged 26.--Fourteen and a half acres of land, ten
of which he lately had cleared, for which he paid fourteen dollars
per acre for clearing; one acre of corn, two of oats, two and a half
meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow, one horse, plough, sled, and some
bearing apple-trees.
John Bone, 33 years old.--Three acres of corn, two of oats, two of
meadow, four cattle, one plough.
George Silverheels, 43 years old.--Ten and a half acres of land, eight
head of cattle, eleven hogs, five acres of corn, one of potatoes,
one of oats, one and a half of meadow--has lately commenced a new
improvement.
John Lewis, Eighth month 4, 21 years of age.--Five acres of land,
mostly in with corn, one yoke of steers, one heifer, and eight hogs.
Bucktooth, 55 years old.--Ten acres of land enclosed, six acres of
corn, three horses, one heifer, and eleven hogs.
Jacob Strong, Eighth month 14, 32 years old.--Eleven acres of land,
three of corn, one and half of potatoes, one and half of oats, one
and a half of meadow, one cow, two heifers, one calf, ten hogs, one
plough--has put up a good house with stone chimneys up and down stairs.
Jacob Jemison, Ninth month 3, 30 years of age.--Four acres of corn, one
and a half of oats, three-fourths meadow, one yoke of oxen, one cow,
about twenty head of swine, one plough and chains.
David Halftown.--Five acres of corn, one of buckwheat, two of oats, one
of potatoes, two of beans and other vegetables, one yoke of oxen, two
cows, one yoke of steers, five hogs, one plough and chains.
Fight Thompson, 34 years of age.--Three acres of corn, half an acre of
potatoes, one patch of turnips, one yoke of oxen, one calf, five hogs,
and one plough.
William Patterson, Tenth month 1, 28 years old.--Four acres of corn,
two of oats, two cows, and nine hogs, which he is fattening.
* * * * *
From the foregoing account of thirty-five families, it appears they had
about four hundred and forty acres of cleared land, one hundred and
fifteen of which was cultivated with corn, seventy-one with oats, nine
with wheat, seventeen with potatoes, and thirty-two in meadow ground.
They possessed twenty-six horses, twenty-two yoke of oxen, one hundred
and fifty-five other cattle, and nearly four hundred head of swine. But
little account is given of their improvements in building--this having
been heretofore noticed in this work.
In the spring of 1822, a school was opened on the land owned by
Friends, for the instruction of the Indian children at the Alleghany
settlement; the schools hitherto kept for their instruction, having
been mostly on the Indians’ land. This school was continued for several
years, under the care of a teacher who had devoted many years of his
time to the instruction of the natives. In 1823, it was attended by
an average number of about twenty children, most of whom were in the
rudiments of their learning, but made considerable progress for the
time they had attended, and their general deportment gave satisfactory
evidence of an improvement in other respects. Another Friend, who
resided among them at this period, afforded them instruction in some
of the mechanic arts; and through this, and the succeeding year,
notwithstanding the existence of various difficulties in relation to
the prosecution of this desirable object, a spirit of industry and
attention to business continued to be apparent with many of the natives.
In 1825, the school continued to be attended by about twenty children,
whose conduct and improvement were satisfactory. Many of the natives
had become increasingly sensible of the need they had of further
instruction, especially in those branches of domestic economy in which
females are commonly engaged.
The Friend and his wife, who had long resided at this settlement,
having withdrawn therefrom, for a considerable time, another Friend,
with his wife and a single female, offered their services, and
proceeded to that settlement in the summer of this year, to unite with
the two Friends there, in their arduous and interesting service. A
school was established for the instruction of young females, and in
1826 the accounts were encouraging, of the progress made by the Indian
girls in their studies, as well as in knitting, spinning, and other
employments adapted to their sex. The school for the boys was also
regularly attended, and their conduct satisfactory. Between school
hours, they were employed on the farm at agricultural labours, or
otherwise in the shop at some mechanical business; and the regular
industrious habits thus encouraged and inculcated among the youth, it
was evident, would have a beneficial effect in the formation of their
future character.
From a more particular investigation into the state of the Indians
at the Alleghany settlement, about this period, it appeared that
eighty families, composed of four hundred and thirty-nine individuals,
possessed four hundred and seventy-nine head of cattle, fifty-eight
horses, three hundred and fifty hogs, and six hundred and ninety-nine
acres of improved land, in which seventy acres of meadow were included;
two hundred and thirty-nine acres were the last season planted with
corn, forty-two with potatoes, thirty-eight sown with wheat, and one
hundred and sixteen with oats, besides a quantity of buckwheat, and
divers sorts of vegetables. But notwithstanding these encouraging
circumstances in agricultural pursuits, and the prosperous state of the
schools of both sexes, affording strong ground to believe, that this
people might be essentially and permanently benefitted by the labour of
Friends, yet their situation, at this period, was particularly trying,
and critical, from the great liability to be dispossessed of their
possessions. The continued applications in various ways of _those_
claiming the pre-emption right, and the evident influence _they_ were
gradually making on the minds of some of the Indians, gave uneasiness
to others more considerate and reflecting among them, and their fears
in this respect soon became realized; for the Seneca nation, finally,
were induced to part with large bodies of their lands in different
places to the pre-emption holders. These sales (the amount of which
I have not ascertained) were parts of the Cattaraugus, Buffalo, and
Tonewanta reservations, and some smaller reservations near the Genessee
river. The reservation at Alleghany, where the greatest improvements
in agriculture were made, remained in the hands of the Indians; and
could this avaricious disposition on the part of the whites to obtain
their land be here restrained, and the natives left in the undisturbed
possession of their _rightful inheritance_, the Seneca nation have yet
a sufficiency of land to accommodate their numbers, and with industry
and care, in pursuing their agricultural labours, they might obtain all
the necessary comforts of life.