some piece of writing, contrary
to the Custom of Indians; and
that they did not understand the
writing, and therefore would not
sign it; and because they had
refused to sign this writing,
their Chiefs had taken away
their Lots and had deprived
them of several national
priviledges; and divers other
Charges they had brought against
them.

The Oneida

Speaker, Cap
Peter, opened the Council
with the customary Formality
of Thankfulness to the great
Spirit for being favoured to
meet Face to Face in that