“BROTHER: We do not wish to destroy your
religion, or take it from you. We only want to
enjoy our own.
“BROTHER: You say you have not come to
get our land or our money, but to enlighten our minds.
I will now tell you that I have been at your meetings,
and saw you collect money from the meeting. I
cannot tell what this money was intended for, but
suppose it was for your minister, and if we should
conform to your way of thinking, perhaps you may want
some from us.
“BROTHER: We are told that you have been
preaching to the white people in this place.
These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted
with them. We will wait a little while, and see
what effect your preaching has on them. If we
find it does them good, makes them honest, and less
disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again
of what you have said.
“BROTHER: You have now heard our answer
to your talk, and this is all we have to say at present.
As we are going to part, we will come and take you
by the hand, and hope the Great Spirit will protect
you on your journey, and return you in safety to your
friends.”
Suiting the action to the word, he then drew near
the missionary with the other chiefs, to take him
by the hand; but he would not receive them, and rising
hastily from his seat, said, there was no fellowship
between the religion of God, and the works of the
devil, and he could not therefore join hands with
them.
When this was interpreted to the Indians, they smiled
and retired from the interview, without saying anything
further.
Such is the account given of this transaction.
The termination is painful. It is a sad thought,
that when the Indians had been invited to make known
their objections, if they had any; and when they had
been offered in good faith by this unlettered son
of the forest, he should have been answered with so
little patience or kindness. We hesitate not to
say that the red man in this, manifested the better
spirit.
Mr. Crane afterward regretted the course he had taken,
saying, “he supposed by shaking hands with them,
they would regard it as signifying his approval of
what they had said.”
Tecumseh and Indian confederation—Aid given by Elskawata—Doings at the
Prophet’s Town—Great Indian Council at the West—Red Jacket’s claim for
precedence of the Senecas—His adherence to the United States—Hostilities
encouraged by British Agents—Warriors gathered at Prophet’s Town—Visited
by Gen. Harrison at the head of his troops—Hostilities disclaimed—
Surprised by a sudden attack—Indians defeated—War proclaimed against
England—Indians take sides—Unfavorable commencement—Different successes
—Part taken by Red Jacket.
Sixteen years had intervened since the treaty of peace,
concluded with the Indians at Greenville, by General
Wayne in 1795. During this time friendly relations
had been maintained with the various Indian tribes,
who were in correspondence with the United States.
This period had not closed, however, ere the ambitious
designs of an active and influential chief, began
to wear the appearance of open hostility.
