hv_swaynej_diary_1798_083

After the aged chief had done speaking the Governors letter and one from Friends in Philadelphia was read and interpreted to them which very much contradicted their absurd belief in witchcraft which seemed considerably to agitate the mind of Cornplanter, yet some others appeared to receive it pretty well and appeared to be somewhat ashamed for having before entertained such foolish notions- After the letters directed to the Senecas were read Cornplanter insisted on having those read, which were directed to the Munceys we informed him that the Governors Letter was sealed and that we did not wish to break it open, but if he had a mind to open it we would read it at the same time cautioning him against it but the Governor or the Muncys might be displeased Still the old man insisted upon opening the letter and having it read which was done he afterward signified that it should be burnt for said he, it will do the Muncys more harm than good- another Chief said he was not of the same mind and he thought it would be best for all the Chiefs to shead their sintiments on the occasion, that it was his mind that it would be best for the letter to be forwarded to them- it was afterwards agreed that all the letters to both parties should be explained to all the Seneca Chiefs at Catterangus and Buffaloe, and then the Munceys letter carefully conveyed to them the writing were according by forwarded by the Onondago Chief how the matter will end is uncertain