About Manuscripts Profiles Maps Map Gallery Credits

New York Yearly Meeting Committee on Indian Concerns Scrapbook

NYYM_scrapbook_106

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.