1857 Delegations
Presidents in 1857: Franklin Pierce (to March 3), James Buchanan
Commissioners of Indian Affairs: George Washington Manypenny, James W. Denver
March 13, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Shawnee]
A delegation of Shawnee Indians are at present in Washington, for the purpose of transacting business of a private nature with the Indian bureau. On Tuesday afternoon they waited, according to appointment, upon the new Secretary of the Interior, who received them with much kindness.
March 21, 1857: Daily Union: [Kaw/Kansa]
The Kaw Indians.--A delegation of five of the Kaw Indians of Kansas Territory, in war paint and feathers, waited upon the Commissioner of Indian Affairs yesterday morning at his office. These Indians came of their own accord and without having been sent for by the department. One of the number presented the Commissioner with a very handsome Indian coat, and several papers were handed in which had the appearance of being old treaties. The Indians were understood to ask to have one of their number made head chief; but as they were not accompanied by a competent interpreter, (although they talked a great deal,) their wants could not be readily ascertained. The Commissioner informed them that they would have to proceed to their own home and communicate what they wished to have done to the regular interpreter stationed among them, who would transmit it to their "father in Washington."
March 21, 1857: Evening Star: [Kaw/Kansa]
A delegation.--A band of six or seven Kaw (Kansas) Indians have recently found their way to this city. They are among the least civilized of that comparatively wild tribe. One of them speaks a little English, and represents at the Bureau, that they have come hither to induce the Commissioner, their "father," to see that two of them, who represent themselves to be sons of the chief of the tribe, lately deceased, are secured in their right to the chieftainship! How they obtained the means of travelling all the way to Washington, unaccompanied, too, by any civilized person, is not known to the Bureau; which, however, has necessarily had to make provision for sustenance while here, and will probably be obliged to send them home with a few presents in hand.
April 18, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [unidentified]
This morning a delegation from four Indian tribes paid their formal respects to the president, who expressing his warm interest in the welfare of the red man, [...]il although he was the great father of many such persons, yet strange to say he had no children of his own.
May 28, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Passamaquoddy]
[From the Union]
The Passamaquoddy Indians.
A delegation from this tribe of Indians are now in this city, to look after certain claims for revolutionary services rendered by their ancestors from 1776 to 1780, and also to obtain recompense from the government for the loss of their lands, which were taken from their ancestors without compensation by the whites.
The Passamaquoddy tribe of Indians at one time owned the greater part of what is now the State of Maine. They have always been friendly to the whites, and assisted us during the war of the revolution, taking an active part in the war and against the English. While that country was under the control of Massachusetts, they were circumscribed in their limits, time after time, until they were finally reduced to a township of land eight miles square. They applied to the Governor of Massachusetts for a title to that land, and for protection in the possession of it, which was refused. Afterwards the State of Maine took the land from them, and they were driven about from one island to another in the By of Passamaquoddy, displaced whenever the whites could make it to their interest to drive them off, until finally they were compelled to take up their residence on a point of land in the bay, where they gave them a deed to ten acres, and at last about ninety acres more; but there is no timber on it at all, nor is there sufficient land to cultivate for the use of their whole tribe, numbering now about five hundred souls. They have applied to the Governor of Maine time and again for relief, and have always been refused. Lat winter they suffered very much from want of fuel and food, and the Governor refused to do anything for them, and referred them to the President of the United States. They have never been in communication with the United States, having no treaty, and the President can do nothing without the action of Congress. While the Legislature of Massachusetts are appropriating tens of thousands for the relief of bleeding, shrieking Kansas, nothing can be done for the plundered and persecuted Indian. If the Passamaquoddy Indians were a few shades darker, and their shins and hair less straight, there would be no occasion for their present visit to Washington. Lacking the true African flavor, they fail to excite the tender sensibilities of the black-republican rulers of Maine and Massachusetts. --Union
June 13, 1857: Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion: [Kaw/Kansa]
[Illustrated with a line drawing probably taken from photographs likely by Gardner. Only one of his photos of the Kaw delegation has been located, the rest of his portraits are identified only by name entries in the "Shindler Catalogue"]
Kaw (Kansas) Indians at Washington.
The characteristic group on this page represents an interview which took place at Washington, D.C., between a delegation of Kaw Indians from Kansas, and the commissioner of Indian affairs, in the office of the latter. The Indians arrived at the federal city about the time of the inauguration, and the delegation consisted of four warriors and their interpreter, a half-breed. The chiefs, as will be seen in the sketch, wore their striking war-dresses, and their faces were gorgeously painted. The two seated at the right hand of the sketch are "Great Elk" and Little Dog," the two others are "Buffalo" and "Fleet Deer." The usual ceremonial was observed at the interview. They all make speeches. The amount of their talk was that they were candidates for the chieftainship of their tribe, and wished their "Great Father" to compel their countrymen to acknowledge their authority. The commissioner was indisposed to afford them encouragement, and sent them back with a speech in which he pretty strongly expressed his dissatisfaction. The red-skins, after this, will not probably repeat their visit to the Federal City.
July 15, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer: [Kansas]
On Sunday last there arrived here fourteen Kaw or Kansas Indians, including a half-breed or two, from the neighborhood of Council Grove, in Kansas, having for the object of their visit to find some remedy against what they describe as encroachment by white settlers on their lands, and the distribution of the timber on the same. They come, they say, "for justice." On Monday they waited on Mr. Commissioner Denver, of the Indian Bureau, and yesterday they visited the President of the United States, having been introduced by the Commissioner. The President kindly received them and, in reply to a brief notification from one of the party of their object in coming to Washington, assured them of a patient hearing and the application of whatever remedy could be applied. The Indians were highly pleased with the affability of the President and the kindness of the Commissioner. They will most probably have another interview, when their views will be more minutely indicated. They are stopping at Mrs. Maher's and attract numerous visitors.
July 15, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Kaw/Kansa]
[from the Star; that article not yet found]
The Washington Star says:--"That the Kaw (or Kansas tribe) Indians have petitioned the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for a new treaty, which, they allege, is made necessary by the encroachments of the whites upon their lands. In this proposed new treaty, they seek to have a provision incorporated making it the government's duty to keep the whites off their lands. Otherwise, they express the determination to themselves drive them off. The presence of a delegation of those Indians (in full feather and paint) in Washington at this time is to be accounted for by the fact we state above. They of course come to effect that treaty.
July 16, 1857: Alexandria Gazette [Virginia]: [Kaw/Kansa]
At the interview of the Kaw Indians with the Commissioner of Indian affairs, the principal chief significantly informed the Commissioner that he had no money. The Commissioner replied that "he would send a clerk to the boarding house and arrange matters." The Indian evidently appreciated the necessities of civilized life.
July 18, 1857: Daily Union: [Kaw/Kansa]
The Kaw Indians now in the city, visited the Smithsonian Institute on Wednesday [July 15]. They were mostly interested in the Indian portrait gallery of the artist Stanley. They were also particularly interested in the collections of natural history.
[No treaty with the Ottawa was located, ratified or unratified, in 1857]
Aug. 22, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer: [Ottawa]
Indian Treaty. Four Ottawa Indians, chiefs and headmen of the Nation. have returned to Kansas Territory from Washington city, where they have negotiated a favorable treaty on behalf of their tribe.
The Indians, about two hundred and forty in number, have promised to become citizens of the United States, and to bear all the burdens and to enjoy all the immunities and privileges of their white neighbors.
They are to divide the land amongst themselves and to receive a patent from the United States, without any prohibition to sell.
They will cease to receive annuity, but the capital of their annuity will be paid them in two installments, above $180 per head each time, in order to give them a start in the world.
A section of land is reserved for a town site at the cross roads, where they propose to induce mechanics and manufacturers to settle, and to supply the wants of the customers.
Two quarter-sections of land have been reserved for the two orphan children of the Rev. Jonathan Meeker, their late missionary.
No claims of traders have been assumed and recognised in the treaty; every Indian must pay his own debts.
The treaty was negotiated in Washington about the 1st of August, between Col. Denver, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, on the part of the Government, and Kam-chaw, Shaw-pom-da, Thomas Wolf, and John T. Jones, all clever and intelligent men, and who no doubt will take the lead in the movements of their brethren.
These men have done what the Pottawatomies are going to do; and the sooner our red neighbors make their arrangements the better it will be for them and their posterity. The Indian's best policy and interest require him to get hold of his own land in severalty, in his own name, and sell it for what it is worth when he sees proper to part with a portion of his quarter section, and receive for it, not 75 cents per acre, but $8 or $10 per acre. The Indians can all be made rich if they only know how to work it.
The Ottawas deserve great credit from the Otto [sic[] Indians for paving the way for their comfort and happiness.
The Ottawas intend to sell some of their land to any body that will pay them their price when they find that they can spare some of it. It will cheer the Indians to see them reap the benefits of this treaty, and others will certainly adopt their plan. It is fair play to let an Indian enjoy the benefit of his own property, and to use it for the interest of his family.
Col. Denver has shown a generous mind in these proceedings, and the four Ottawa chiefs boldness and tact in securing these advantages to their tribe. May the new-born citizens live and prosper, and may they be equal to the task they have assumed. -- Leavenworth (Kansas) Herald
Aug. 31, 1857: Evening Star: [Omaha]
A delegation of Omaha Indians, five in number (two squaws) arrived in town this morning, and are stopping at Maher's.
Sept. 1, 1857: [Baltimore] Sun: [Omaha]
A delegation of Omaha Indians, five in number, (two squaws,) arrived in town this morning, and are stopping at Maher's, where they will be provided for.
Dec. 16, 1857: Evening Star: [Pawnee]
Return of the Explorers--The Pawnee Indians.
St. Louis, Dec. 14 -- The St. Joseph Journal announces the arrival of Lieut. Warren and Dr. Hayden, of the geological survey, who were sent to explore the region between Dacota City and the head waters of the Running Water. Also the arrival of Major Dennison, Indian Agent, with the chiefs and six braves of the Pawnee tribe, en route for Washington, to ratify the treaty recently made.
Dec. 21, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer: [Pawnee; Sauk & Fox]
Indians Arrived.--A small delegation, numbering five fromt he Sac and Fox Indians west of the Missouri, arrived here on Friday [Dec. 18] evening on business with the Indian Bureau.
The delegation of four from each of the four branches of the Pawnee tribe of Indians, living on and near the Great Platte river, are expected daily. They are under the charge of Indian Agent Dennison.
Dec. 17, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Pawnee]
[Reprint of DC. 16, 1857 Evening Star article]
Dec. 19, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Pawnee]
Major Dennison, Indian agent, will probably arrive here about Christmas, with ten chiefs and six braves of the Pawnee tribe, who will come as a delegation to ratify the treaty recently made with their "great father."
Dec. 21, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer: [Pawnee, Sac & Fox]
Indians Arrived.--A small delegation, numbering five, from the Sc and Fox Indians west of the Missouri, arrived here on Friday evening on business with the Indian Bureau.
The delegation of four from each of the four branches of the Pawnee tribe of Indians, living on and near the Great Platte river, are expected daily. They are under the charge of Indian Agent Dennison.
Dec. 21, 1857: Evening Star: [Pawnee]
Indian Delegations.--This morning, a delegation of sixteen Pawnee Indians from the region of the Platte river arrived in this city, and took lodgings at Mrs. Maher's, corner of Thirteenth-and-a-half and E streets. They were in full costume and attracted much attention. The delegation consists of four from each of the Grand, Tappah, Loupe and Republican divisions of the Pawnees. Another delegation is expected in a day or two at the same quarters. All have business with the Government.
Dec. 22, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer: [Pawnee]
The Pawnee Delegation, consisting of sixteen Indians, four from each division of the tribe, arrived yesterday "in full feather," and of course attracted much attention.
Dec. 22, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Pawnee, Sac & Fox]
A small delegation, numbering five, from the Sac and Fox Indians, west of the Missouri, arrived in Washington on Friday [Dec. 18] evening, on business with the Indian Bureau. The delegation of four from each of the four branches of the Pawnee tribe of Indians, living on and near the Great Platte river, are expected daily.
Dec. 24, 1857: Evening Star: [Ponca]
Another Indian Delegation.--A delegation of Poncah Indians, from Nebraska, arrived in this city last night, six in number, and accompanied by an interpreter and Agent Robertson. They come here with reference to adjusting some of their difficulties with surrounding tribes, and also to arrange with Government the boundaries of their lands.
Dec. 23, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Pawnee]
The Pawnee Delegation, consisting of sixteen Indians, four from each division of the tribe, have arrived in Washington, "in full feather," and of course attract much attention.
Dec. 24, 1857: Evening Star: [Pawnee]
Novel Indian Ceremonies At The Indian Bureau.--Yesterday afternoon, the Pawnee delegation (whose arrival we noticed), accompanied by Major Denison, their agent, and his daughter, who has been adopted by the tribe, and Samuel Allis, their interpreter, had an interview with Acting Commissioner Mix. This delegation represents four bands of Indians, numbering three or four thousand souls, located some forty or sixty miles west of Omaha city. The occasion of their visit is a promise made by Gen. Denver, last September, on the occasion of making the recent treaty, that a portion of their leading men should have an opportunity shortly to visit their Great Father, the President, and also to see the settlements of their white brethren, in order that they might note the beneficent effects of civilization.
The interview was a singular affair, and for the three hours that it continued resembled rather a Quaker meeting than the visit of an ordinary Indian delegation. Instead of the usual warlike approach and declamatory harangues, the Pawnees approached the Commissioner reverently, bestowing on him huggings, kissings and endearing looks. It appears to have been a religious ceremonial on their part. The Pawnees have great reverence for the Supreme Being, and for the officers of the Government, whom they look upon as the medium of that Being. Fourteen or fifteen minutes at a time they gazed fixedly upon the face of the Commissioner, accompanying their gaze with gestures resembling mesmeric passes, but which however, failed to mesmerize the wary Commissioner, and at the end of the interview he had sustained no other harm than some discoloration of face and shirt collar, through their contact with the painted faces of the braves in the course of the repeated huggings they bestowed upon him.
Dec. 24, 1857: Daily Union: [Pawnee & unid.]
The Pawnee Delegation from the four bands of that nation, whose large hunting-grounds are on the great bend of the Platte river, in Nebraska Territory, were yesterday presented to Charles e. Mix, esq., Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs. There are sixteen in all--four from each band--and they visit the metropolis in fulfilment of a promise so to do, made to Gen. Denver, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, when he concluded a treaty with their tribe in September last. After having been duly presented to their "Great Father" by Mr. Dennison, the Indian agent, he took them to visit several of the public buildings. We learn that another delegation of Indians from the same region is expected here shortly.
------ [next article:]
Promenaders, in unusual number, thronged the sunny sidewalk of Pennsylvania avenue yesterday afternoon, enjoying the delightful weather, and making--if we might judge from the number of bundles seen--their purchases for Christmas gifts. A party of Pawnee Indians, "in full feather," strode along, apparently unmoved themselves by what they saw, yet creating a decided sensation.
Dec. 25, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer: [Pawnee, Ponca, Pottawatomi, Sac & Fox]
The Visiting Indians.--The Indian Bureau may just now deem itself complimented by an unusual assemblage here of visiting Indians, representing as many as four tribes, and each on business proper to itself. Besides the sixteen Pawnees, who, with their interpreter, paid a visit of ceremony on Wednesday afternoon to the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, there have arrived five Sacs and Foxes from the Namaha country, in the south of Nebraska. On Wednesday evening there were added to the list nine Pottawatomies, from the borders of the Kansas river, and seven Poncahs, of whom five are full Indians and two half-breeds. These Indians are all staying at Mrs. Maher's hotel, and in their peregrinations about the streets lend an additional feature of interest to the many others with which our city abounds.
Dec. 28, 1857: Evening Star: [Ponca, Potawatomi]
Indian Councils -- The council between the Poncahs delegation of Indians, now in Washington, and the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, that was to have taken place at noon to-day, was unavoidably postponed on account of the indisposition of one of the chiefs. It is to come off at 10 a.m. to-morrow, at the Indian Bureau, of course.
At noon to-morrow a similar council is to be held at the same place with the Pottawottamie delegation now here.
The former, without their attendants, are six in number; the latter nine.
Strangers in Washington, who have never seen North American Indians in council, will be very much interested on attending.
Dec. 28, 1857: Alexandria Gazette: [Pawnee]
[Partially taken from the Star]
Novel Indian ceremonies of the Indians.
Yesterday afternoon, the Pawnee delegation, (whose arrival we noticed) accompanied by Major Denison, their agent, and his daughter, who has been adopted by the tribe, and Samuel Allis, their interpreter, had an interview with Acting Commissioner Mix. This delegation represents four bands of Indians numbering three or four thousand souls, located some forty or sixty miles west of Omaha city. The occasion of their visit is a promise made by Gen. Denver, last September, on the occasion of making the recent treaty, that a portion of their leading men should have an opportunity shortly to visit their great Father, the President, and also to see the settlements of their white brethren, in order that they might note the beneficent effects of civilization.
The Interview was a singular affair, and for the three hours that it continued, resembled rather a Quaker meeting than the visit of an ordinary Indian delegation. Instead of the usual warlike approach and declamatory harangues, the Pawnees approached the Commissioner reverently, bestowing on him huggings, kissings and endearing looks. It appears to have been a religious ceremonial on their part. They have great reverence for the Supreme Being, and for the officers of the Government, whom they look upon as the medium of that Being. Fourteen or Fifteen minutes at a time they gazed fixedly upon the face of the Commissioner, accompanying their gaze with gestures resembling mesmeric passes, but which, however, failed to mesmerize the wary Commissioner, and at the end of the interview he had sustained no harm than some discoloration of the face and shirt collar, through their contact with the painted faces of the braves in the course of the repeated huggings they bestowed upon him. -- Wash. Star.
Dec. 30, 1857: Daily National Intelligencer [Ponca, Potawatomi]
Indian Interviews Yesterday.
Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock the six Ponca Indians now in the city called at the office of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and held an interview of about half an hour with Chas. E. Mix, Esq., Acting Commissioner. They were in charge of Gen. J. B. Robertson, their agent, and accompanied by Henry Fontenelle and Francis Rey, interpreters. The principal chief is named Wagosoppee, or the Whip; the second principal chief Geshthonwago, or Strong Walker; the other chiefs are Washkomoniny, or Hard Walker, also called Michel Cerré, being a half-breed; Aishnonnickagahe, or the Lone Chief; Showcabbe, or Threatening Cloud, and lastly a brave, Tawtuneganoghee, or the Buffalo that Stands. This tribe numbers about nine hundred individuals, and inhabits the Eau-qui-court river, a tributary of the Missouri, north of and running nearly parallel with the Platte. They are in a very primitive condition, not many degrees removed from a state of nature.
Agent Robertson commenced the interview by remarking that the Poncas were present in accordance with official instructions to that effect. They were then severally introduced to the Acting Commissioner, who addressed them in terms of congratulation on their safe arrival after their long journey, through which they had witnessed the numerous villages of their white brethren, and saw how they lived. The visit of to-day was considered more a visit of ceremony than of business. It should be known to the delegation that he (the Commissioner) was perfectly acquainted with the wants and condition of their people at home, and that the object of their Great Father in permitting this visit was to enable the delegation to enter into such arrangements as will have a radical change in their condition. He hoped that the opportunities they now enjoy of observing how their white brethren live would not be lost upon them, and that when they return to their homes they would set about such a gathering and concentration of their people into one village, as it were, and look to the cultivation of the soil as their proper means of support. The Indians are now called "children," and why, because they require a father to protect, guide, and direct them.
The principal Chief replied in a few words, saying he would like very well to talk, but was not entirely ready at the moment. He therefore hoped to be excused.
In answer to this the Commissioner said, as it was a visit of ceremony, the Chief would of course be excused. When the Indians have returned to their lodgings and counselled among themselves and determined what they wish to have done they can make it known through their agent, and a business council can be held. Whilst here the Commissioner hoped the Poncas would conduct themselves well not only towards their white brethren, but also to their Indian brothers, the Pawnees, Sacs and Foxes, and Pottowatomies.
About an hour after the retirement of the Poncas the Bureau was visited by the delegation of Pottawatomies now in this city from their reservation on the banks of the Kansas river. They are ten in number, consisting of eight chiefs and the interpreters, one of whom, Anthony F. Navarre, is also a member of the tribe. The Pottowatomies consist of about three thousand souls. The name of the head chief present at the interview is Mawhee; then follow in succession Wahwahsuk, Whubseh, or the White Skin; Attawah, Nahsekah, Seenaghewon, Waubsohs, or White Day; Waubchechauk, or White Crane; Anthony F. Navarre and John T. Jones, interpreters.
Mazhee advanced and shook hands on the part of the delegation with the Commissioner. Wahwahsuk then stated the cause of their coming from their homes to Washington. Their people had held a council and, finding that it was not well understood amongst them how matters were between them and the Government of the United States in regard to former treaties, they had resolved to send a delegation to inquire and obtain the requisite information. According to the understanding of the Pottawatomies there is something due them under old treaties which they have not yet realized. To get information about this, and to clear the matter up, was the principal cause of their coming, and this they hoped to be able to do and report back to their people.
The interpreter, Mr. Jones, said that the delegation seemed to think it best, in order to save time and expedite their business with the Bureau, that they should express their views and wishes in writing and lay it before the Commissioner.
Mr. Mix rose and replied, addressing Mazhee and his companions as the chiefs of the Prairie band of the Pottawatomies. He was glad to see them here this morning, and they should attribute this to their happening to meet their Great Father, Gen. Denver, at Westport. It was by his permission that the delegation is received. It was reported to the Bureau that the delegation had left their homes without the approval of their father, the agent, but the permission granted by Gen. Denver has permited a reprimand for the course taken. Mr. Mix apprized the delegation that he was well informed of all their movements, and does not understand that they come as representatives of the entire tribe, but only of a part, namely, that known as the Prairie band of the Pottawatomies. He knows well that their people are divided in their opinions as to what is best in respect to the present condition and future wants of the tribe. He was pleased to know that this band manifest a laudable disposition to improve their condition, and had been informed that they had come with a view to a better understanding of their standing with the Government and the formation of a new treaty. The speaker who suggested a manner of proceeding with their business had anticipated him, (the Commissioner.) With the aid of Mr. Navarre, who is an educated man, the delegation can put their propositions on paper, and whatever their demands, if according to treaty stipulations, they should be religiously fulfilled. With this he concluded, unless the delegation desired to say more.
Wahwahsuk said that the Bureau well understood their affairs, and that they would prepare a statement in writing at their lodgings.
Mr. Jones, the interpreter, undertook to say that he had been formerly with this people, and knew them well though not now with them. He testified to the delegation being the proper and recognised representatives of the Pottawatomie nation, and instanced the history and parentage of several of the chiefs present in proof of the fact. When he had concluded the party shook hands and retired.
Dec. 30, 1857: Evening Star: [DAKOTA: Yankton]
The Indian Bureau have advices [sic] that within a day or two there will arrive still another delegation of the red men of our western forests and prairies--Yankton-Sioux, eighteen in number including two half breeds and their interpreters. Their arrival will make quite an army of real "native Americans" among us at this time. As they will probably be quartered with the others at the hotel of our estimable neighbor, Mrs. Maher, a visit there will amply repay the stranger curious in the habits and characteristics of the real sons of the soil.
Dec. 31, 1857: Daily Union: [Pawnee]
Interesting Interview.
At an early hour yesterday morning the delegations representing the four bands of Pawnee Indians, with whom a treaty has recently been made, were received by the Secretary of the Interior at his office. A large number of interested spectators were present, among whom were Hon. J. Glancy [sic] Jones, of Pennsylvania, and Hon. J. M. Sandidge, of Louisiana. The interview, though brief, passed off pleasantly. The Indians were accompanied by Mr. Mix, Acting-Commissioner of Indian Affairs; Mr. Denison, their agent; and Mr. Allis, their interpreter. Upon entering the Secretary's apartment, Mr. Mix (addressing the Indians) said:
You are assembled here this morning, according to the promise made to you. I will further remark that, at our last "talk," I told you that there were two chiefs taller than myself. The one next to the tallest is now present.
Mr. Denison, the agent, (also addressing the Indians,) said:
The opportunity so long desired by you of taking by the hand one of the great chiefs of your Grand Father, the President of the United States, is now offered to you.
The Indians were then severally introduced to the Secretary of the Interior, who, after cordially shaking each one of them by the hand, addressed them as follows:
I am pleased to see you here, Inasmuch as this is the first visit you have ever made to your Grand Father in Washington. We have now made a treaty with you, which we want to be one of peace forever. (Hugh! Hugh! [sic]) We want you to go on a reservation and live by your labor hereafter, and educate your children, so as to make them smart men. (Hugh! Hugh!) You have been living south of the Platte, where you were not entitled to live; but now we want you to go on land that we give you to make up for your lands, and we will protect you, for the country is rich, and they tell us that with a little labor, and not so much time in the hunt, we have every reason to believe that you will become prosperous and happy. (Hugh! Hugh!) We no loner want you to continue at war, but we want peace and contentment and fixed habitations. We intend to establish schools among you, and we want you to educate your children to read and write, so that they can do business with white men. I wish you long life and happiness, and have made arrangements by which you will be introduced to your Grand Father to-morrow at 12 o'clock. (Hugh! Hugh!)
Pe-ta-na-sharo, or "A Chief and a Man," said that they came to see the Secretary with plenty of mud on their feed. (The Secretary. "Tell him we make no difference on that account.") He was glad to see the Secretary, and thought that everything would be right, and they would not be poor hereafter. He only wanted to do what was right respecting his land and the affairs of his home in his own country. Referring to the squatters upon their land, he said he did not believe that the land they had traded for would be lost, but supposed that it would all be made right. He wanted to make a good bargain, and thought he had done it. They were poor, but perhaps the Secretary would be the means of their not being poor; perhaps he would give them them [sic] all money instead of part goods. They had not much sense; but the chief thought they would have sense enough to manage that; and if they got the money, they could do better buying."
The Secretary replied: "We wish to give them ploughs, hoes, and means to make corn and things to eat."
La-itz-a-na-sharo, or "The Little Chief," after stating that they had travelled a long way to see their Grand father, said that they were very poor. The Great Spirit had made the white men what they were, and they were not poor. The great Spirit smiling on the white man had made him superior. The Secretary knew, his grand Father knew, and all knew that the Pawnees were very poor in their present situation, and he hoped they would take pity on them and make them rich. He was like the first chief, and would rather get all money and no goods. He thought that if they had all money instead of half goods, they could keep their money longer, for the goods would wear out.
The Secretary. If you do not want to be poor any longer, but want to be rich, you must do like white men--learn to work, plough, and make good houses. The great spirit will take care of red men as well as white men; but the Great Spirit only takes care of those who do well for themselves. Work makes "plenty." When you make "plenty," and get good houses, and learn how to take care of yourselves, then we may think of giving you all money; but we want you to do that first.
Na-sharo-cho-hicks said that he was pleased to see the Secretary. He thought that his ancestors who came here to make a treaty had not made a good bargain, but he hoped now that they had made bargains that would be lasting, and do them some good. He wanted to have everything that had been promised to them.
The secretary. We will keep our word. All we want is for you to keep your word with us
Na-sha-ro-lad-a-oo, or "the Big Chief," said that he believed that the government would do what it had promised. All the chiefs and braves and young men called Mr. Denison their father because they thought he took good care of them, and did everything for their good. Their land was good' the water that ran through it was good; a long time ago their old men lived in that same country; they had never been very far from it; for these reasons they thought a great deal of it. A "good many bad white men had told them that their Grand Father 'Had a plenty,' but they had confidence that he would give them all that he had promised. ["]
The secretary. You must not believe these stories of "bad white men," who wish to cheat you out of your money. It is to keep you from being cheated that we made this treaty. You must not, therefore, listen to these men, but listen to the men that we send among you to take care of you.
The Interpreter. They make frequent complaints that there are squatters all over their lands.
The Secretary. When they go on the lands they have taken where I want them to go, we will keep the white men fro them. We will keep the white men from interfering with them in any way.
The interview then terminated, each chief bidding the Secretary "good by" as he retired from the room. The [.....]hands, embraced and kissed both [....] Commissioner of Indian Affairs, [....] paint besmeared the face of the [....] ..que effect.