hv_coatesi_account_1798_031

an one, as the question was artfully designedto draw from us. At another time they told us, we mustwait with patience for an answer, for itwas a great thing and they were all consul-ting about it in their houses. About 5 o'clock they informed us theywere nearly ready, and wished to know if itwould suit us this evening. We answered that we were waitingtheir time, but as the day was far spent,left it with them to judge whether thisevening would be suitable. About 6 o'clock thirtyof them met us in public council. The opportunity seemed to be owned, a degreeof solemnity attending. After a short pauseCornplanter and his son Henry stood up andopened the council. The following is thesubstance of his speech. Brothers the Quakers. Listen now towhat I am going to say to you, You knowbrothers the red people are poor, they are notlike white people. The Great Spirit has made them of another language, so thatit is very hard for us to understand oneanother plainly, as there is no person herethat can interpret very well.