Header img
Beyond Penn's Treaty

A Mission to the Indians from the Indian Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting to Fort Wayne, in 1804

Page out of 198

proceeded to William Wells

', who, as we before
observed, is interpreter for the Indians. We
were accompanied by our friend John Johnson,
Captain Whipple, Lieutenants Campbell and
Simms, and several other reputable persons, and
were met by the following chiefs:

O-bas-se-a, (or the Fawn,)

a village chief of
great distinction in the Miami nation.

Os-so-mit

, a village chief of the Pottowattamy
nation, and brother to the Five Medals.

Me-she-ke-na-que

, or the Little Turtle, a war
chief of the Miami nation.

They were attended by a considerable num-
ber of their principal young men, and by several
women.

The Five Medals

was not present. He had
informed us on taking leave, that circumstances
required him to return to his town, and that the
distance would be too great for him to return in
time to meet us, his infirmities occasioning him
to travel slowly, but that he would send his
brother, who would report to him faithfully all
the proceedings of the council.

After we had taken each other by the hand,
the chiefs took their seats by the side of each
other. Their principal people next seated them-
selves according to the rank or distinction which
they held. After them, their young men in
circular order, seat after seat,- and lastly, the
women,- who occupied seats separate from the
men, being placed near the centre of the room.