An Account of Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha, or Red Jacket, and His People, 1750-1830 eBook

A very touching reference is made in this speech, to the manner in which the Indians had been treated by Great Britain, when peace was concluded with the United States.  Notwithstanding the promises and high expectations held out to them, at the commencement of the war, and their sacrifices and services during its continuance, no notice was taken, no mention made of them in the treaty of peace.  In the expressive language of Red Jacket, “the king showed them no compassion.”  They had for years fought side by side with the soldiers of Britain, they had, with stealthy tread, come down upon our settlements far removed from the seat of war, surprised peaceful inhabitants, slain defenseless women and children, plundered and burned 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  What could be their position, now that the armies of Britain are withdrawn?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 by the king of England.  You desired us at the re-establishment of peace, to sit down at our ancient fire-places, and again enjoy our lands.”  He further very significantly refers to the occasion of the hostile feelings among the Indians at the West.  It was because the peace between England and America “had not been fully accomplished.”  In other words, hostile feelings were still cherished, and their outward manifestation could be seen, in the plundering and massacres, still carried on among our frontier settlements.  The establishment of a true peace between the two countries,—­the existence and cultivation of genuine amicable relations between them, would, in his view, end all this trouble, and “diffuse peace everywhere.”

We have already had occasion to notice the unfriendly feeling, cherished by the British Indian Department in Canada, toward the United States; and evidence will be afforded further on, of their being deeply implicated in the hostilities endured, coming from the Indians on our western border.

CHAPTER IX.

Indian appropriation—­Embassy sent West—­Instructions—­Medal presented to Red Jacket—­Military suits—­Close of conference—­Washington’s parting words—­Visit of Thayendanegea—­Council at Au Glaize—­Result—­Another commission—­Indian diplomacy—­Washington’s letter to Mr. Jay—­Commission goes West—­Various interviews—­Result of council—­Re-organization under General Wayne—­Ready for action—­Advice of Little Turtle—­Wayne’s battle and victory—­Treaty of peace.