|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Book, page 72 / 199 useful artificers to reside in their villages. They were engaged also to go on a pacific embassy to the hostile Indians of the West, and assure them of the friendly disposition of the United States toward them;--that they want nothing which belongs to the hostile Indians;--that they appointed commissioners to treat with them for their lands, and give them a large quantity of goods;--that a number of chiefs signed the deeds, and from the reports of the commissioners, it was supposed the lands had been fairly obtained;--that under this supposition large tracts had been sold, and hence difficult to restore again; but as the United States desire only what is just, they will attentively hear the complaints of the western Indians;--they will re-examine the treaties, and inquire into the manner in which they were conducted;--and if the complaints of the western Indians, appear to be well founded, the United States will make them ample compensation for their lands. They will do more;--so far from desiring to injure, they would do them good; they would cheerfully impart to them that knowledge, and those arts, by which they propose to increase the happiness, and promote the welfare of the Six Nations. It was during this visit that President Washington, in token of his friendship and esteem, gave Red Jacket a large silver medal bearing his likeness, which he ever after preserved with much care, and took great pride in wearing. [Illustration: GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. 1792.] General Knox, the secretary of war, directed also that a military suit of clothes be given to each member of the deputation, including a cocked hat, as worn by the officers of the United States army. When Red Jacket's suit was presented to him he eyed it carefully, and rather admiringly, but requested the bearer to inform General Knox that the suit would hardly become him, as he was not a war-chief but a sachem, the sachems being civil, rather than military officers. He desired therefore that another suit be prepared, which would accord better with the relation he sustained to his people; at the same time declaring the one sent very good, and manifesting a disposition to retain it, until the other was prepared. A plain suit was accordingly prepared and brought to him, and with this he seemed to be highly pleased. The bearer tarrying a little, and manifesting a readiness to carry back the other suit, Red Jacket coolly and rather
|
Knowledgerush Search
|
|
Contact Us
| Privacy Statement & Terms of Use
|