Header img
Beyond Penn's Treaty

Committee on Indian Concerns Scrapbook

Page out of 220

to put his name to the treaty. Since the treaty was concludid Red
Jacket

urged on by the white people living in the Ficinity of the Reservations
has started various objections to it and has been doing every thing in his
power to prevent its going into effect. But this conduct of his is dis-
approved of by the rest of the Chiefs, who are perfectly satisfied with the
sale they have made & complain bitterly that Red Jacket should have
influence enought to interpose any difficulties to the great and respectable
body of the nation.

I received two days ago a communication from the principal
chiefs of the nation in which they complain very much of the conduct
of Red Jacket

and declare that the statements he makes respecting the late
treaty are utterly unfounded and that they are determined that it shall
be carried into effect.

As I have stated before, I have been acquainted with all
the negotiations between the proprietors & the Indians respecting this
purchase and have no hesitation in saying that it has been conduc-
ted with perfect fairness, openness and propriety and that it met, &
ought to have met the approbation of every chief whose opinion and
influence were of any weight. No threats or menaces or bribes
were made use of to my knowledge: but as in every case of the kind
certain gratuities were made after the conclusion of the treaty to the prin-
cipal chiefs. This is a matter of course in all purchases from the
Indians as is well known to the United States, and it is Expected
by the nation that their Chiefs are to receive presents on all such
occasions.

Red Jackets

conduct in this business as in almost every other in
which he now engages is extremely offensive to the other chiefs. And he
is urged to this opposition by white people who are libing in the
neighborhood of the Reservations and whose interest is concerned in
preventing a sale of them. But I am satisfied that Red Jackets
complaints against the treaty are entirely unfounded and that the
interest of the Seneca Nation as well as its wishes will be consulted
in carrying it into Effect.

I remain, very respectfully
Your most obt. humb. servt.
To Thomas L. McKinney Esq.