dent. The reason, I tell you this, is, you want, by your distinctions of Indian tribes, in allotting to each a particular tract of land, to make them to war with each other. You never see an Indian come and endeavor to make the white people do so. You are continually driving the red people; when, at last, you will drive them into the great lake, where they can't either stand or work. Brother,-You ought to know what you are doing with the Indians. Perhaps it is by direction of the president to make those distinctions. It is a very bad thing; and we do not like it. Since my residence at Tippecanoe, we have endeavored to level all distinctions-to destroy village chiefs by whom all mischief is done. It is they who sell our lands to the Americans. Our object is to let our affairs be transacted by warriors. "Brother: This land that was sold, and the goods that were given for it, was only done by a few. The treaty was afterward brought here, and the Weas were induced to give their consent, because of their small numbers. The treaty at Fort Wayne was made through the threats of Win-a-mae; but, in future, we are prepared to punish those chiefs who may come forward to propose to sell the land. If you continue to purchase of them, it will produce war among the different tribes, and, at last, I do not know what will be the consequence to the white people. Brother,-I was glad to hear your speech. You said that if we could show that the land was sold by people that had no right to sell, you would restore it. Those that did sell, did not own it. It was me. These tribes set up a claim; but the tribes with me will not agree to their claim. If the land is not restored to us, you will see, when we return to our homes, how it will be settled. We shall have a great council, at which all the tribes shall be present, when we shall show to those who sold, that they had no right to the claim they set up; and we will see what will be done with those chiefs that did sell the land to you. I am not alone in this determination. It is the determination of all the warriors and red people that listen to me. I now wish you to listen to me. If you do not, it will appear as if you wished me to kill all the chiefs that sold you the land. I tell you so, because I am authorized by all the tribes to do so. I am the head of them all. I am a warrior; and all the warriors will meet together in two or three moons from this. Then I will call for those chiefs that sold you the land, and shall know what to do with them. If you do not restore the land, you will have a hand in killing them. "Brother: Do not believe that I came here to get presents from you. If you offer us any, we will not take. By taking goods from you, you will hereafter say that with them you purchased another piece of land from us. * * * Brother: It has been the object of both myself and brother, [the prophet,] to prevent the lands being sold. Should you not return the land, it will occasion us to call a great council, that will meet at the Huron village, where the council fire has already been lighted, at which those who sold the lands shall be called, and shall suffer for their conduct. "Brother: I wish you would take pity on the red people, and do what I have requested. If you will not give up the land, and do cross the boundary of your present settlement, it will be very hard, and produce great troubles among us. How can we have confidence in the white people! When Jesus Christ came upon the earth, you killed him, and nailed him on a cross. You thought he was dead; but you were mistaken. You have Shakers among you, and you laugh and make light of their worship. Every thing I have said to you is the truth. The Great Spirit has inspired me, and I speak nothing but the truth to you. * * * Brother: I hope you will confess that you ought not to have listened to those bad birds who bring you bad news. I have declared myself freely to you; and if any explanation [should be required] from our town, send a man who can speak to us. If you think proper to give us any presents, and we can be convinced that they are given through friendship alone, we will accept them. As we intend to hold our council at the Huron village, that is near the British, we may probably make them a visit. Should they offer us any presents of goods, we will not take them; but should they offer us powder and the tomahawk, we will take the powder and refuse the tomahawk. I wish you, brother, to consider everything I have said as true, and that it is the sentiment of all the red people that listen to me.” Immediately after the close of the speech of Tecumseh, on the 20th of August, Governor Harrison began to reply to it. |