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Beyond Penn's Treaty

Journal of a Visit to the Oneida, Stockbridge, and Brotherton Indians

Page out of 59
To the great Sachem and Chiefs of the State of New-York, now sitting
around the great councill fire at New-York

Brothers, Before you cover your council-fire, We beg your at
tention to the Voice of your Brethren the different Tribes living
Oneida Country – speaks to you in remembrance of the friend
ship you have manifested toward them in all their Treaties
We ourselves have held Counsels at different times to
contemplate the welfare of our nations, because we cannot
but groan to see our situation – It is also melancholy to
reflect on the ways of our forefathers

Brothers you are sometimes sorry to see the deplorable situ
ation of your Indian Brethren, for which you have
given us many good Counsels though we feel ourselves willing
to follow your Counsel, though we feel ourselves willing to follow your Counsel, but it has made no effect as yet
our situation is still miserable – Our ancestors were
Conquered immediately after you came over this Island
– By the strong heroe who does still reign among
Indian Tribes with tyranny, -- who has rob'd us every
thing that was precious on our eyes– But we not men
tion everything particular how this Tyrant has used
us – For your eyes have been open to behold our dismal
Situation – By the power of our enemy our eyes have
been blinded. – Our Young men seems become willing
Slaves to this Despotic Heroe – so that we displeased the
great Spirit Good spirit, and could not become Civilized
People – in looking back we see nothing but desolation
of our mighty men – In looking forward we see the
desolation of our tribes – Our Chiefs has used their