God among them, and then suggested such items of business as would require their attention.  This done, I took my seat, for what more could I do.  The business must now be done in a strange language, and in the method of the red man.  After sitting in absolute silence for some minutes, the head Chief of the Nation, “Big Jake,” as he is called, being one of the Stewards, turned to a brother on his right and spoke a few words, and received a reply.  Then turning to another, he did the same, and thus continued to address each personally, until all had been consulted.  At intervals there were long pauses, indicative, as I judged, of the gravity of the matter to be considered.  At the end of an hour the Council had completed its work.  The Chief then arose in a very dignified manner, but without ostentation, and, calling to his aid an interpreter, proceeded to reply to the opening address.  He began his speech by expressing thanks, on behalf of himself and people, that the “Big Missionary” had come once more to see them.  He next referred to the good work that had been performed by the Missionary, and the special blessing of God upon his people.  And in conclusion, he reported the items of business they had considered, and the action taken in each case.  If anything further was desired at any time, it was always presented in a most respectful manner.  In this case it was represented that they needed some repairs on the Church, and a bell, and they desired that the Missionary might be permitted to go abroad and raise the necessary funds.  Permission was granted, and the Missionary, taking several fine singers of the Nation with him, went to New York, Boston, and other places, and secured the needed help.

At the close of the public services came the hand shaking.  The Missionary understood the matter and detained me in the Altar for a moment, Commencing with the ladies and ending with the children, every person in the Church came forward and shook hands with the Elder.

I was greatly pleased with “Chief Jake.”  He was a man of stalwart frame, standing with head and shoulders above the people around him.  That giant frame supported a large head, adorned by an expressive face.  His movement was dignified simply because he was a born nobleman, and did not know how to appear other than like a prince.  He was benevolent and tender to all who were trying to do right, but he was a terror to evil-doers.  Standing for his people or the rights of the oppressed, he was absolutely invincible.

Brother Requa entered the Conference in 1847, after having been employed one year as second preacher at Waupun.  He was appointed to Brothertown in 1847, to Lowell in 1848, and Fond du Lac in 1849, Here his health partially failed, and, in consequence, he was sent to Oneida.  From the first, Brother Requa attracted attention as a Preacher.  The first time I heard him was at the Camp-Meeting at Sun Prairie, in the summer of 1846.  He had only recently been