S'99: >->iGKaVi,ij . it-Luii-.rj^uiA A uj^-' 1):; L.Ut.J-. O it. I THE LIFE, LETTERS AND SPEECHES OF KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. OR, a. C OP WAY, CHIEF OJIBWAY NATION. A Missionary for many years in the North-West; now the projector of the Concentration .of the North-Western Indian Tribes, for the Better Promotion of thair Physical Improvement. NEW YORK: S. W. BENEDICT 1850 ..^ ^^\ r- By Traiiofer AU'i 14 1917 Entered aeeoidinfli to Act of Congreee, on the 9tb day of December, 1946, BY GEORGE COPWAY. Id the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Northern Diatrict of the State of New York. TO THE CLERGY AND LAITY OF THE AMERICAN AND BRITISH DOMINIONS, THIS BRIEF HISTORY OF A CHILD OF THE FOREST, AND OF HIS NATION, IS MOST RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. CONTENT PAGE, Preface, 7 A Word to the Reader, 9 CHAP. I. Early life; Woods; Gods; Ojebwa Nation, &c. . 11 II. Customs; Father and Mother ; Religion of Ojebwas 21 III. Spirits; Ojebwa Worship; Description, etc. . . 30 IV. Omens ; Dreams ; Anecdote ; Devil's Spittle, . . 38 V. Traditions; Indians and Jews; Migration; Councils 4S VI. Description of Rice Lake; Rice ; Fish; Village, etc. 49 VII. Missionaries' first visit; Conversion; Camp meeting 52 VIII. My Mother's conversion and happy death; Grief . 58 IX. My Conversion ; Beauty of Nature ; Lake Superior 62 X. Kewawenon Mission; Work Spread ; Old Anna . 67 XI. Travels to La Pointe; Ottawa Lake; Battle Grounds 76 XII. Sent to School, 111., two years; New- York; Boston 83 XIII. Return to Canada; Revivals; Christmas: New-Year 96 XIV. Wisconsin; Mississippi; Sufferings 116 XV. Travels to Canada; Presbyterian Missionaries, Tri- als ; Paid by Government ; Journey to Toronto 125 XVI. General Council; Speeches; Order; Documents, etc.; Manual Labor School ; Plan, or Remedy for the preservation of the different tribes .... 132 XVII. Geographical Sketch of the Ojebwa Nation ; Mis- sions; Presbyterians; Methodists; Baptists; Appeal to Christians in America 142 1. Chippewas on the River Thames 145 2. Chippewas at Amherstburg 145 3. Chippewas of St. Clair , .146 4. Chippewas at Walpole Island * . 147 5. Chippewas of the River Credit ...... 147 6. Chippewas of Alnwick 148 7. Chippewas at Rice Lake 149 8. Chippewas at Mud Lake 149 9. Chippewas at Balsam Lake , . 150 10. Chippewas of Rama 150 11. Chippewas of Beausoliel Island, Matchadisk Bay, Lake Huron 151 12. Chippewas of Snake Island, Lake Simcoe . . . 151 13. Chippewas of Saugeeng (Lake Huron) .... 152 14. Chippewas of Big Bay, in Owen's Sound, Lake Huron . . . . < 152 15. Chippewas and others, in the Township of Bedford 153 PREFAC: In presenting my life to the public, I do so with the greatest diffidence, and at the earnest solicitation of numerous friends. I am an Indian, and am well aware of the difficulties I have to encounter to win the favora- ble notice of the white man. Yet one great object prompts me to persevere, and that is, that I may, in connection with my life, present the present state and prospects of my poor countrymen— feeling that the friends of humanity may still labor and r^'.^ect their benevolence to those who were once the lords of the land on which the white man lives — and assist in rescuing them from an untimely and unchristian grave. I have noticed some of our prominent chiefs now living ; the missionaries laboring amongst my people j the extent of the missionary field 5 and an appeal to all who feel interested in the welfare of the Indian race. If ever I see the day when my people shall become happy and prosperous, I shall then feel great and lasting pleasure, which will more than repay me for the pain, both of body and mind, which I have endured for the last twelve years. My motto is — *' My poor People.'''* In all my crooked paths, I have endeavored to mean 7 Vlll PREF'ACE. well. I thank my friends for'their kind gifts and wishes Yet still as much, and more, remains to be accomplished. Pray for us — that religion and science may lead us on to intelligence and virtue ; that we may imitate the good white man, who, like the eagle, builds its nest on the top of some high rock — science; that we may edu- cate our children, and turn their minds to God. Help us, help us to live — and teach us to die a Christian's death, that our spirits may mingle with the blessed above. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. A WORD TO THE READER. It would be presumptuous in one, who has but recently- been brought out of a wild and savage state ; and who has since received but three years' schooling, to under- take, without any assistance, to publish to the world a work of any kind. It is but a few years since I began to speak the English language. An unexpected oppor- tunity occurred of submitting my manuscript to a friend, who has kindly corrected all serious grammatical errors, leaving the unimportant ones wholly untouched, that my own style may be exhibited as truly as possible. The public and myself are indebted to him for his kind aid, and he has my most sincere thanks. The language, (except in a few short sentences,) the plan, and the arrangement are all my o\vn; and I am wholly responsible for all the statements, and the remaining defects. My work is now accomplished ; and I am too well aware of the many fauhs which are still to be found therein. Little could I imagine, that I should have to contend with so many obstacles. All along, have I felt my great deficiency ; and my inade- quacy for such an undertaking. I would fain hope, however, that the kind Reader will throw the mantle of cb:ri*vover errors of every kind. I am a stranp-er in n X A WORD TO THE READER. strange laud ! And often, when the sun is sinking in the wtistern sky, I think of my former home ; my heart yearns for the loved of other days, and tears flow 'ike the summer rain. How the heart of the wanderer and pilgrim, after long years of absence, beats, and his eyes fill, as he catches a glance at the hills of his nativity, and reflects upon the time when he pressed the lips of a mother, or sister, now cold in death. Should I live, this painful pleasure will yet be mine. " Blessed he the Lord J who hath helped me hit her to. ^^ KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH, ALIAS GEOKGE COPWAY. JuLy 1847. THE LIFE OF KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. CHAPTER I. The Christian will no doubt feel for ray poor people, when he hears the story of one brought from that unfortunate race called the Indians. The lover of humanity will be glad to see that that once powerful race can be made to enjoy the blessings of life. What was once impossible — or rather thought to be — IS made possible through my experience. I have made many close observations of men, and things around me; but, I regret to say, that I do not think I have made as good use of ray opportunities as I raight have done. It will be seen that I know but little — yet how pre- cious that little! — I would rather lose my right hand than be deprived of it. I loved the woods, and the chase. I had the nature for it, and gloried in nothing else. The mind for letters was in me, but was asleep, till the dawn of Christianity arose, and awoke the slumbers of the soul into energy and action. You will see that I served the imaginary gods of my poor blind father. I was out early and late in quest of the favors of the Mon-e-doos (spirits,) who, it was said, were numerous — who filled the air ! At early dawn I 12 THE LIFE OF watched the rlshig of the palace of the Great Spirit — the sun — who, it was said, made the world ! Early as I can recollect, I was taught that it was the gift of the many spirits to be a good hunter and warrior ; and much of my time I devoted in search of their favors. On the mountain top, or along the valley, or the water brook, I searched for some kind intimation from the spirits w^ho made their residence in the noise of the waterfalls. I dreaded to hear the voice of the angry spirit in the gathering clouds. I looked with anxiety to catch a glimpse of the wings of the Great Spirit, who shrouded himself in rolling w^hite and dark clouds — w^ho, with his wings, fanned the earth, and laid low the tall pines and hemlock in his course — who rode in whirlwinds and tornadoes, and plucked the trees from their woven roots — who chased other gods from his course — who drove the Bad Spirit from the surface of the earth, down to the dark caverns of the deep. Yet he w^as a kind spirit. My father taught me to call that spirit Ke-sha- mon-e-doo — Benevolent spirit — for his ancestors taught him no other name to give to that spirit who made the earth, with all its variety and smiling beauty. His benevolence I saw in the running of the streams, for the animals to quench their thirst and the fishes to live ; the fruit of the earth teemed w-herever I looked. Every thing I saw smilingly said Ke-sha-mon-e-doo nin-ge-oo- she-ig — the Benevolent spirit made me. Where is he ? My father pointed to the sun. What is his will concerning me, and the rest of the Indian race ? This was a question that I found no one could KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 13 answer, until a beam from heaven shone on my pathway, 'irhich was very dark, when first I saw that there was a tive heaven — not in the far-setting sun, where the Indian anticipated a rest, a home for his spirit — but in the bosom of the Highest. I view" my Hfe Uke the mariner on the wide ocean, without a compass, in the dark night, as he watches the heavens for the north star, which his eye having discovered, he makes his way amidst surging seas, and tossed by angry billows into the very jaws of death, till he arrives safely anchored at port. I have been tossed with hope and fear in this life ; no star-light shone on my way, until the men of God pointed me to a Star in the East, as it rose with all its splendor and glory. P was the Star of Bethlehem. I could now say in the language of the poet — ** Once on the raging seas I rode, The storm was loud, the night was dark; The ocean yawned, and rudely blowed The wind that tossed my foundering bark." Yes, I hope to sing some day in the realms of bliss— " It was my guide, my light, my all ! It bade my dark foreboding cease ; And through the storm and danger's thrall, It led me to the port of peace." I have not the happiness of being able to refer to written records in narrating the history of my fore- fathers ; but I can reveal to the world what has long been laid up in my memory; so that when "I go the way of all the earth," the crooked and singular paths which T have made in the world, may not only be a 14 THE LIFE OF warning to others, but may inspire them with a trust iii God. And not only a warning and a trust, but also th?t the w^orld may learn that there once lived such a man as Kah-ge-ga-gah-bowh, when they read his griefs and his joys. My parents were of the Ojebwa nation, who lived o the lake back of Cobourg, on the shores of Lake Onta Canada West. The lake was called Rice Lake, where there was a quantity of wild rice, and much game of different kinds, before the whites cleared away the woods, where the deer and the bear then resorted. My father and mother were taught the religion of their nation. My father became a medicine man in the early part of his life, and always had by him the implements or war, which generally distinguish our head men. He was a good hunter as any in the tribe. Very few brought more furs than he did in the spring. Every spring they returned from their hunting grounds. The Ojebwas each claimed, and claim to this day, hunting grounds, rivers, lakes, and whole districts of country. No one hunted on each other's ground. My father had the northern fork of the river Trent, above Bellmont lake. My great-grandfather was the first who ventured to settle at Rice Lake, after the Ojebwa nation defeated the Hurons, who once inhabited all the lakes in West- ern Canada, and who had a large village just on the top of the hill of the Anderson farm, (which was afterwards occupied by the Ojebwas,) and which furnished a magnificent view of the lakes and surrounding coun- try. He was of the Crane tribe, i. e. had a crane for KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 15 totem — coat of arms — which now forms the totem of the villagers, excepting those who have since come amongst us from other villages by intermarriage, for there was a law that no one was to marry one of the same totem, for all considered each other as being related. He must have been a daring adventurer — a warrior — for no one would have ventured to go and settle down on the land from which they had just driven the Hurons, whom the Ojebwas conquered and reduced, unless he was a great hero. It is said that he lived about the islands of Rice Lake, secreting himself from the enemy for several years, until some others came and joined him, when they formed a settlement on one of the islands^ He must have been a great hunter, for this was one of the princi- pal inducements that made him venture there, for there must have been abundance of game of every kind The Ojebwas are called, here and all around, Massis- suagays, because they came from Me-sey Sah-gieng, at the head of Lake Huron, as you go up to SaultSt. Marie falls. Here he lived in jeopardy — with his life in his hand — enduring the unpleasant idea that he lived in the land of bones — amidst the glooin^ which shrouded the once happy and populous village of the Hurons ; here their bones lay broad-cast around his wigwam ; where, among these woods once rang the war cry of the Hu- rons, echoing along the valley of the river Trent, but whose sinewed arms now laid low, with their badges and arms of war, in one common grave, near the resi- dence of Peter Anderson, Esq. Their graves, forming a hillock, are now all that remain of this once powerful 16 THE LIFE OF nation. Their bones, gun barrels, tomahawks, war spears, large scalping knives, are yet to be found there. This must have taken place soon after the formation of the settlement in Quebec. The Crane tribe became the sole proprietors of this part of the Ojebwa land ; the descendants of this tribe will continue to wear the distinguishing sign ; except in a few instances, the chiefs are of this tribe. My grandfather lived here about this time, and held some friendly intercourse with the whites. IMy father here learned the manners, customs, and worship of the nation. He, and others, became acquainted with the early settlers, and have ever been friendly with the w^hites. And I know the day when he used to shake 'he hand of the white man, and, very friendly^ the white man w^ould say, " take some whiskey y When he saw any hungering for venison, he gave them to eat ; and some, in return for his* kindness, have repaid him after they became good and great farmers. My mother was of the Eagle tribe ; she was a sensi- ble woman ; she was as good a hunter as any of the In- dians ; she could shoot the deer, and the ducks flying, as well as they. Nature had done a great deal for her, for she was active ; and she was much more cleanly than the majority of our women in those days. She lived to see the day when most of her children were given up to the Lord in Christian baptism ; while she experienced a change of heart, and the fulness of God in man, for she lived daily in the enjoyment of God's favors. I will speak more of her at a proper time, re- specting her life and happy death. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 17 My father still lives ; he is from sixty-five to seventy years old, and is one of the chiefs of Rice Lake Indian Village. He used to love fire-water before he was con- verted to God, but now lives in the enjoyment of reli- gion, and he is happy without the devil's spittal — whis' key. If Christianity had not come, and the grace of God had not taken possession of his heart, his head would soon have been laid low beneath the fallen leaves of the forest, and I, left, in my youthful days, an orphan. But to God be all the praise for his timely deUverance. The reader will see that I cannot boast of an exalted parentage, nor trace the past history to some renowned warrior in days of yore ; but let the above suffice. My fathers were those who endured much ; who first took possession of the conquered lands of the Hurons. 1 was born mnature'^s wide domam ! The trees were all that sheltered my infant limbs — the blue heavens all that covered me. I am one of Nature's children ; 1 have always admired her ; she shall be my glory ; her features — her robes, and the wreath about her brow — the seasons — her stately oaks, and the evergreen — her hair — ringlets over the earth, all contribute to my endur- ing love of her ; and wherever I see her, emotions of pleasure roll in my breast, and swell and burst like waves on the shores of the ocean, in prayer and praise to Him who has placed me in her hand. It is thought great to be born in palaces, surrounded with wealth — but to be born in nature's wide domain is greater still! I was born sometime in the fall of 1818, near the mouth of the river Trent, called in our language, Sah-ge-dah-we- 18 THE LIFE OF ge-wah-noong, while my father and mother were attend- ing the annual distribution of the presents from the govern- ment to the Indians. I was the third of our family ; a brother and sister being older, both of whom died. My brother died without the knowledge of the Saviour, but my sister experienced the power of the loving grace of God. One brother, and two step-brothers, are still alive. I remember the tall trees, and the dark woods — the swamp just by, where the little wren sang so melodiously after the going down of the sun in the west— the current of the broad river Trent — the skipping of the fish, and the noise of the rapids a litde above. It was here I first saw the light ; a litde fallen down shelter, made of ever- greens, and a few dead embers, the remains of the last fire that shed its genial warmth around, were all that marked the spot. When I last visited it, nothing but fur poles stuck in the ground, and they were leaning on account of decay. Is this dear spot, made green by the tears of memory, any less enticing and hallowed than the palaces where princes are born ? I would much more glory in this birth-place, with the broad canopy of heaven above me, and the giant arms of the forest trees for my shelter, than to be born in palaces of marble, stud ed with pillars of gold! Nature will be nature stil\ while palaces shall decay and fall in ruhis. Yes, Niagara will be Niagara a thousand years hence ! the rainbow, a wreath over her brow, shall continue as long as the sun, and the flowing of the river ! While the work of art, however impregnable, shall in atoms fall. Our wigwam we always carried with us wherever we KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 19 went. It was made in the following manner : Poles were cut about fifteen feet long ; three with crotches at the end, which were stuck in the ground some distance apart, the upper ends meeting, and fastened with bark; and then other poles were cut in circular form and bound round the first, and then covered w^ith plaited reeds, or sewed birch bark, leaving an opening on top for the smoke to escape. The skins of animals formed a cover- ing for a gap, which answered for a door. The family all seated tailor-fashion on mats. In the fall and win- ter they were generally made more secure, for the pur- pose of keeping out the rain and cold. The covering of our wigwam was always carried by my mother, when- ever we went through the woods. In the summer it was easier and pleasanter to move about from place to place, than in the winter. In the summer we had birch bark canoes, and with these we travelled very rapidly and easily. In the winter every thing was carried upon the back. I have known some Indians to carry a whole deer — not a small one, but a buck. If an Indian could lift up his pack off the ground by means of his arms, it was a good load, not too light nor too heavy. I once carried one hundred and ninety-six weight of flour, twelve pounds of shot, five pounds of coffee, and some sugar, about a quarter of a mile, without resting — the flour was in two bags. It felt very heavy. This was since I travelled with the missionaries, in going over one of the portages in the west. Our summer houses were made like those in gardens among the whites, except that the skeleton is covered with bark. 20 THE LIFE OF The hunting grounds of the Indians were secured by right, a law and custom among themselves. No one was allowed to hunt on another's land, without invita- tion or permission. If any person was found trespassing on the ground of another, all his things were taken from him, except a handful of shot, powder sufficient to serve him in going straight home, a gun, a tomahawk, and a knife ; all the fur, and other things, were taken from him. If he were found a second time trespassing, all his things w^ere taken away from him, except food suf- ficient to subsist on while going home. And should he still come a third time to trespass on the same, or another man's hunting grounds, his nation, or tribe, are then informed of it, who take up his case. If still he disobey, he is banished from his tribe. My father's hunting ground was at the head of Crow River, a branch of the River Trent, north of the Prince Edward District, Canada West. There are two bra_^nches to this river — one belongs to Georsje Poudash, one of the principal chiefs of our nation ; the other to my father; and the Crow River belongs to another chief by the name of John Crow. During the last war the Indians did not hunt or fish much for nearly six years, and at the end of that time there were large quantities of bea- ver, otter, minks, lynx, fishes, &c. These hunting grounds abound with rivers and lakes ; the face of the country is swampy and rocky ; the deer and the bear abound in these woods ; part of the sur- rendered territory is included in it. In the year 1818, 1,800,000 acres of it were surrendered to the British government. For how much, do you ask ? For KAH-GE-GA-GAH-J30\VH. 21 i^2,960 per annum! What a great sun for British generosity ! Much of the back country still remains unsold, and I hope the scales will be removed from the eyes of my poor countrymen, that they may see the robberies pt?r- petrated upon them, before they surrender another foot of territory. From these lakes and rivers come the best furs that are caught in Western Canada. Buyers of fur get large quantities from here. They are then shipped to New York city, or to England. Whenever fruit is plenty, bears are also plenty, and there is much bear hunting. Before the whites came amongst us, the skins of these animals served for clothing ; they are now sold from three to eight dollars apiece. My father generally took one or two families with him when he went to hunt ; all were to hunt, and place their gains into one common stock till spring, (for they were often out all winter,) when a division took place. CHAPTER II. In the fall w^e gathered the wdld rice, and in the winter we were in the interior. Some winters w^e suffered most severely, on account of the depth of snow, and the cold ; our wigwams were often buried in snow. We not only suffered from the snow and the cold, but from hunger. Our party would be unable to hunt, and being far from the white settlements, w'e were often in 22 THE LIFE OF want of food. I will narrate a circumstance, of our sutTerings, when I come to speak of the actual condi- tion of our people, before Christianity was introduced among us, which, when I think of it, I cannot but bless God for his preserving kindness to us, in sparing us to hear his blessed word. Soon after being Christianized, my father and another Indian, by the name of Big John, and myself, went out hunting ; my father left his family near the mission station, living in the wigwam. While we were out on the hunting grounds, we found out that some Indians had gone before us on the route up the river, and every day we gained upon them : their tracks were fresh. The river and the lakes were frozen, and we had to walk on the ice. For some days together we did not fire a gun, for fear they would hear it and go from us, where we could not find them. At length we found them by the banks of the river, they were Nah-doo- ways or Mohawks, from Bay Quinty ; they were seven of them, tall fellows. We shook hands with them : they received us kindly. My father had determined to take all they had, if we should overtake them. After they gave us a good dinner of boiled beaver, my father stepped across the fire and ripped open two packs of beaver furs, that were just by him. He said to them " We have only one custom among us, and that is well known to all ; this river, and all that is in it are mine : I have come up the river behind you, and you appear to have killed all before you. This is mine, and this is mine," he said, as he touched with the handle of his KAH-GE-GA-GAII-BOWH. 23 tomahawk each of the packs of beaver, otter, and musk- '"at skins. I expected every moment to see my father kiaocked down with a tomahawk, but none dared touch him ; he counted the skins and then threw them across the fire-place to us. After this was done, the same thing took place with the guns ; only one was left them to use on their way home. He talked to them by signs, and bade them, as the sailors say, " weigh anchor and soon be under way ;" they left, and we took pos- session of the temporary wigwam they had built. We never saw them afterwards on our hunting grounds, though some of them have been there since. My father was ever kind and affectionate to me, par- ticularly after the death of my brother, which was occa- sioned by the going off of a gun, the load passing through the arm, and so fractured it that it soon mortified and caused his death. He believed in persuasion ; I know not that he ever used harsh means, but would talk to me for hours together. As soon as it was dark he would call me to his side and begin to talk, and tell me that the Great Spirit would bless me with a long life if I should love my friends, and particularly the aged He would always take me w^ith him when going any where near, and I learned his movements, for I watched him going through the woods. Often would he tell me that when I should be a man that I must do so, and so, and do as he did, while fording the rivers, shooting the deer, trapping the beaver, etc., etc. I always imitated him while I was a hunter. My mother was also kind and aflfectionate ; she seem- ed to be happy when she saw us enjoying ourselves by 24 THE LIFE OF her; often she would not eat much for days together ; she would leave all for us! She was an industriou-s ■woman ; in the spring she made more sugar than any one else ; she was never idle while the season for ga- thering wild rice lasted. I was taught early to hunt the deer. It was a part of our father's duty to teach us how to handle the gun as well as the bow and arrow. I was early reminded to hunt for myself; a thirst to excel in hunting began to increase ; no pains were spared, no fatigue was too great, and at all seasons I found something to stimulate me to exertion, that I might become a good hunter. For years I followed my father, observed how hfe. ap- proached the deer, the manner of getting it upoWhis shoulders to carry it home. The appearance of^the sky, the sound of the distant water-falls in the morning, the appearance of the clouds and the winds, were to be noticed. The step, and the gesture, in travelling in search of the deer, were to be observed. ' Many a lecture I received when the deer lay bleeding at the feet of my father ; he would give me an account of the nobleness of the hunter's deeds, and said that I should never be in want whenever there was any game, and that many a poor aged man could be assisted by me. '' If you reverence the aged, many will he glad to hear of your 7iame,'^ were the words of my father. *' 'J'he poor man will say to his children, ' my children, let us go to him, for he is a great hunter, and is kind to the poor, he will not turn us away empty.' The Great Spirit, who has given the aged a long life, will bless you. You must never laugh at any suffering object, for KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 25 yru know not how soon you may be in the same conoi- tjon : never kill any game needlessly." Such was his lartguage when we were alone in the woods. Ah! they were lessons directed from heaven. In the spring but few deer were killed, because they were not in good order, the venison being poor, and the skin so thin, that it was no object to kill them. To hunt deer in the summer was my great delight, which I did in the following manner : — During the day I looked for their tracks, as they came on the shore of the lake or river during the night ; they came there to feed. If they came on the bank of the river, I lighted pitch pine, and the current of the river took the canoe along the shore. My lantern was so constructed that the light could not fall on one spot, but sweep along the shore. The deer could see the light, but were not alarmed by it, and continued feeding on the weeds. In this way, I have approached so close that I could have reached them with my paddle. In this manner our forefathers shot them, not with a gun, as I did, but with the bow and arrow. Bows were made strong enough, so that the arrows might pierce through them. Another mode of hunting on the lakes, preferred by some, is shooting without a light. Many were so expert, and possessed such an accuracy in hearing, that they could shoot successfully in the dark, with no other guide than the noise of the deer in the water ; the position of the deer being well known, in this way, the darkest night. I will here relate an occurrence which took place in 1834. My father and I were hunting on the river Trent, in the night ; after we had shot two deer, and 3 26 THE LIFE OF vvhile returning homewards, we heard the noise of a deer's footsteps. The night was dark as pitch. We approached the deer. I asked my father at what part of the animal I should aim. He repUed, " at the head or neck." I poised my gun and fired ; hearing no noise, I conckided that my game was sure. I lighted some pitch pine and walked towards the spot from which the noise had come. The deer lay dead and bleeding. On examination I found that 1 had shot it just below the ear. In the fall of the year, also, I was accustomed to hunt ; the meat was very fine, and the skins, (from which our moccasons were made,) were much thicker at this season. Those that co-uld track the deer on fallen leaves and shoot one each day, were considered first rate hunters. The fall is the best time to determine the skill of the huntsman. Of all animals the bear is the most dangerous to -hunt, I had heard so many stories about its cunning that I dreaded to meet one. One day a party of us were going out to hunt the bear, just below Crooke's rapids. After we had made a temporary place to stay for several days, we marched in file ; after a while we halted, each took a different direction. My father said, *' my son you had better loiter behind the rest. Do not go far, for you may lose yourself." We parted — I took my course, and the rest theirs. I trembled for fear I should see what I was hunting for ! I went only where I least expected to see a bear, and every noise I heard in the woods, I thought must be one. As I stood on an old mossy log, there was such a crack on the side of the hill that my heart leaped within me. As I turned KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 27 and looked, there was a large bear running towards me ! I hid myself behind a tree ; but on he came ; I watched him ; he came like a hogshead rolling down hill ; there were no signs of stopping ; when a few feet from me, I jumped aside, and cried Yah! (an excla- mation of fear.) I fired my gun without taking sight; in turning suddenly to avoid me, he threw up the earth and leaves ; for an instant I was led to believe that the bear was upon me. I dropped my gun and fell back- wards, while the bear lay sprawling just by me. Having recovered, I took up my gun and went a few feet from where 1 fell, and loaded my gun in a hurry. I then sought for a long pole, and with it, I poked it on its side, to see if it was really dead. It did not move, it was dead ; but even then I had not courage to go and touch it with my hands. When all was over, and I had told my father I had killed a bear, I felt as though my little leggings could hardly contain me. In examining it, I found the ball had gone through its heart. Bear meet is like pork. It can be kept a long time when cured. For some weeks together this was the only kind of'food we used to eat. The oil of the bear is used for various purposes. One use is, to prevent the falling out of the hair. The apothecaries buy it from the Indians for about five dollars a gallon. The skins of bears are what our forefathers wore, before the white people came amongst us, as blankets , but now land-sharkSf called traders, buy them from the Indians for a mere trifle. • I loved to hunt the bear, the beaver, and the deei 28 THE LIFE OF but now, the occupation has no charms for me. I will now take the goose quil, for my bow, and its point for my arrow. If perchance I may yet speak, when my poor aching head lies low in the grave ; when the hand that wrote these recollections shall have crumbled into dust; then these pages will not have been written in vain. " O ! Land of rest for thee I sigh — When will the season come, When I shall lay my armor by, And dwell in peace at home." The beaver was hunted in the spring and fall. They were either trapped or shot. Among all the animals that live in the water, the beaver is of the kindest dis- position, when tamed ; it is a very cleanly animal ; sits on its broad tail on the ground while feeding ; feeds all night, and sleeps most of the day. The beaver skin was once worth from eight to ten dollars apiece, or four dollars per pound. The otter, too, is much valued. The whites buy the skins, and make caps of them. They are mostly caught in traps. In the fall and spring they are al\vays on the move. The otter is a greedy animal ; it can be tamed, but when hungry becomes cross, and often bites. If it be a half a mile off, it will scent any food preparing in the wigwam. When about five years old, I commenced shooting birds, with a small bow and arrow. I have shot many a bird, but am no more a marksman. I used to feel proud when I used to carry home my own game. The KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 29 first thing that any of the hunters shot, was cooked by the grand-father and grand-mother, and there was great rejoicing, to inspire the youthful hunter with fresh ardor. Day after day I searched for the grey squirrel, the wood- pecker, the snipe, and the snow bird, for this was all my employment. The gun was another instrument put into my hands, which I was taught to use both carefully and skilfully. Seldom do accidents occur from the use of fire arms among our people. I delighted in running after the deer, in order to head and shoot them. It was a well known fact that I ranked high among the hunters. I remember the first deer I ever shot, it was about one mile north of the village of Keene. The Indians, as has just been said, once had a custom, which is now done away, of making a great feast of the first deer that a young hunter caught: the young hunter, however, was not to partake of any of it, but wait upon the others. All the satisfaction he could realize, was to thump his heels on the ground, while he- and others were singing the following hunter's song : " Ah yah ba wah, ne gah me koo nah vah ! Ah yah wa seeh, ne gah me koo nah nah."* The fattest of the bucks I'll take, The choicest of all animals I'll take In the days of our ignorance we used to dance around the fire. I shudder when I think of those days of our darkness. I thought the Spirit would be kind to me if *These lines are sung over and over again, for about half an hour. 3* 30 THE LIFE OF I danced before the old men ; and day after day, or night after night, I have been employed with others in this way. I thank God that those days will never return. CHAPTER III. The Ojebwas, as well as many others, acknowledged that there was but one Great Spirit, who made the world ; thoy gave him the name of good or benevolent ; kesha is benevolent, monedoo is spirit ; Ke-sha^mon-e- doo. They supposed he lived in the heavens; but the most of the time he was in the Sun. They said it was from him they received all that was good through life, and that he seldom needs the offering of his Red chil- dren, for he was seldom angry. They also said he could hear all his children, and see them. He was the author of all things that they saw, and made the other spirits that were acknowledged by the Ojebwas. It w^as said that these other spirits took special care of the various departments of nature. The god of the hunter was one who presided over the animals; the god of war was one who controlled the destinies of men ; the god of medicine was one who presided over the herbs of the earth. The fishes had theirs, and there was another over the moon and stars ! "Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth Unseen, both when we sleep and when we wake." There was one unappeasable spirit, calkd Bad Spirit, KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 31 Mah-je-mah-ne-doo. He, it was thought, lived under the earth ; and to him was attributed all that was not good, bad luck, sickness, even death. To him they offered sacrifices more than to any other spirit, things most dear to them. There were three things that were generally offered to the Bad Spirit, viz. a dog, whiskey and tobacco, a fit ofTering, with the exception of the poor dog. The poor dog was painted red on its paws, with a large stone and five plugs of tobacco tied about its neck; it. was then sunk in the water; jsdiile the beating of the drum took place upon the shore, and words were chanted to the Bad Spirit. The whiskey was thus offered to the Bad Spirit : — When the Indians were seated around the wigwam, or on the grass, and the person who deals out the whiskey had given all the Indians a dram, then the devil was to have his share ; it was poured on the ground, and if it went down quickly, it was thought he accepted the offering. Fire water was sometimes poured out near the head of the graves of the deceased, that their spirits might drink with their former friends. I have often seen them sit around the grave, and, as they drank, make mention of the name of their dead, and pour some whiskey on the ground Our religion consisted in observing certain ceremonies every spring. Most of the Ojebwas around us used to come and worship the Great Spirit with us at Rice Lake. At this festival a great many of the youth w^ere initiated into the medical mysteries of the nation. We were taught the virtues of herbs, and the various kinds of 32 THE LIFE OF minerals used in our medicine. I will here describe the Me-tae-\ve-gah-mig or Grand Medicine Lodge. It was a wigwam 150 feet lono^ and 15 feet wide. The clan of medicine men and women alone were allowed to be inside, at each silting, with their medicine badge, on each side of the wigwam. Then there w^ere four old men who took the lead in singing, and beating the drum, as they stood near the centre. Before them were a com- pany who were to take degrees. There were four grades in the institution; ^nd, as I have thought, somewhat simi- lar to the Masonic institution. After the singing commenced, the whole company arose and danced, as they moved from one end of the wigwam to the other. As they go round, one-half of them cast their heads down upon their bosoms, as if af- fected by the medicine, which was kept in small skins, and which they pretended to thrust at each other ; this was done to deceive the ignorant. These forms were continued several days. The party to be made medi- cine nien and women, looked on in the mean time, to see what they would have to do themselves. Then they are taken to another place with our medicine men, and are taught the science of medicine. After receiving instructions, another day was allotted to give them in- struction on morality. They were advised on various subjects. All were to keep silence, and endeavor to retain what they were taught. I will here give some of the sayings of our medicine men : " If you are a good hunter, warrior, and a medicine man, when you die, you will have no difficulty in getting to the far west in the spirit land." KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 33 " Listen to the words of your parents, never be impa- tient, then the Great Spirit will give you a long life." " Never pass by any indigent person without giving him something to eat. Owh wah-yah-bak-mek ke-gah- shah-wa-ne-mig — the spirit that sees you will bless you." " If you see an orphan in want, help him ; for you will be rewarded by his friends here, or thanked by his parents in the land of spirits." " If you own a good hunting dog, give it to the first poor^man who really needs it." " When you kill a deer, or bear, never appropriate it to yourself alone, if others are in want; never withhold from them what the Great Spirit has blessed you with." " When you eat, share with the poor children who are near you, for when you are old they will administer to your wants." '' Never use improper medicine to the injury of another, lest you yourself leceive the same treatment." " When an opportunity offers, call the aged together, and provide for them venison properly cooked, and give them a hearty welcome ; then the gods that have favor- ed them will be your friends." These are a few specimens of the advice given by our fathers, and by adhering to their counsels the lives, peace, and happiness of the Indian race were secured ; for then there was no whiskey among them. ! that accursed thing. 0! why did the white man give it to ray poor fathers ? None but fiends in human shape could have introduced it among us. I recollect the day when my people in Canada were both numerous and happy ; and since then, to my sor- 34 THE LIFE 01 row, they have faded away like frost before the heat of the sun! Where are now that once numerous and happy people ? The voice of but few is heard. When I think of them, I feel pained to know that many have fallen a prey to its soul and body-destroy- ing influence. I could adopt the language of the poet: I will go to my tent and lie down in despair, I will paint me with black, and sever my hair, I will sit on the shore where the hurricane blows, And relate to the God of the tempest my woes ; For my kindred are gone to the mounds of the dead, But they died not of hunger nor wasting decay, For the drink of the white man hath swept them away. ' The Ojebwa nation, that unconquered nation, ha.> fallen a prey to the withering influence of intemperance. Their buoyant spirits could once mount the air as on the wings of a bird. Now they have no spirits. They are hedged in, bound, and maltreated, by both the Ameri- can and British governments. They have no other hope, than that at some day they will be relieved from their privations and trials by death. The fire-water has rolled towards them like the waves of the sea. Alas ! alas! my poor people! The tribe became dissipated, and consequently improvident, and often suffered in- tensely. It was in visiting the interior that we always sufferec- most. I will here narrate a single circumstance which will convey a correct idea of the sufferings to which the Indians were often exposed. To collect furs of different kinds for the traders, we had to travel far into the woods and remain there the whole winter. Once we left Rice KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 35 Lake in the fall, and ascended the Aver in canoes, above Bellmont Lake. There were hve families about to hunt wiih my father, on his grounds. The winter be- gar. to set in, and the river having frozen over, we left the canoes, the dried venison, the beaver^ and some flour and pork ; and w^hen we had gone farther north, say about sixty miles from the whites, for the purpose of hunting, the snow fell for five days in succession to such a depth that it was impossible to shoot or trap anything. Our provisions were exhausted, and we had no means to procure any more. Here we were. The snow about five feet deep ; our wigwam buried ; the branches of the trees falling around us, and cracking from the weight of the snow. Our mother boiled birch bark for my sister and my- self, that we might not starve. On the seventh day some of them were so weak that they could not raise themselves, and others could not stand alone. The^ could only crawl in and out of the wigwam. We parched beaver skins and old moccasons for food. On the ninth day none of the men w^ere able to go abroad, except my father and uncle. On the tenth day, still being without food, those only who were able to w^alk about the wigwam were my father, my grand-mother, my sister, and myself. how distressing to see the starving Indians lying about the wigwam with hungry and eager looks ; the children would cry for something to eat. My poor mother would heave bitte'r sighs of despair, the tears falling from her cheeks profusely as she kissed us. Wood, though plenty, could not be ob- tained, on account of the feebleness of our limbs. 36 THE LIFE OF My father, at times, would draw near the fire, and reheane some prayer to the gods. It appeared to him that there v/as no way of escape ; the men, women and children dying ; some of them w^ere speechless. The wigwam was cold and dark, and covered with snow. On the eleventh day, just before daylight, my father fell into a sleep ; he soon awoke and said to me, " My son, the Great Spirit is about to bless us ; this night in my dream I saw a person coming from the east, walking on the tops of the trees. He told me that we should obtain two beavers this morning about nine o'clock. Put on your moccasons and go along with me to the river, and we will hunt the beaver, perhaps for the last tim.e." I saw that his countenance beamed with delight; he was full of confidence. I put on my moccasons and carried my snow shoes, staggering along behind him, about half a mile. Having made a fire near the river, where there was an air hole, through which the beaver had come up during the night, ray fa- ther tied a gun to a stump, with the muzzle towards the air hole ; he also tied a string to the trigger, and said "should ^ou see the beaver rise, pull the string and you will kill it.'' I stood by the fire with the string in my hand, I soon heard a noise occasioned by the blow of his toraakaw^k ; he had killed a beaver, and he brought it to me. As he laid it down, he said " then the Great Spirit will not let us die here ;" adding, as before, "if you see the beaver rise, pull the string." He left me, I soon saw the nose of one ; but I did not shoot. Presently another came up ; I pulled the trig- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 37 ger, and off the gun went. I could not see for some^ time for the smoke. My father ran towards me, took the two beavers and laid them side by side ; then pointing to the sun, said, "Do you see the sun? The Great Spirit informed me that we should kill these two about this time this morning. We will yet see our re- .atives at Rice Lake ; now let us go home and see if they are still alive." We hastened home, and arrived just in time to save them from death. Since which, we visited the same spot, the year after the missionaries came among us. My father, with feelings of gratitude, knelt down on the spot where we had nearly perished Glory to God ! But what have I done for him since ? Comparatively nothing. We were just at death's door, when Christianity rescued us. I have heard of many, who have perished in this way, far in the woods. In my travels to the west, I have met many whose families had perished, and v;ho had themselves merely escaped starvation. May God forgive me, for my ingratitude and indolence in his blessed cause! I will here introduce a favorite war song of the Ojeb- wa nation. It was accompanied by dancing, and an occasional war-whoop. At the end of each stanza, a warrior rehearsed some former victories, which inspired them with ardor for war. Unchristianized Indians are often like greedy lions after their prey ; yes, at limes, they are indeed cruel and blood thirsty. I have met with warriors, who, when they had killed their enemies, cut open their breasts, took out their hearts, and drank their blood ; and all this was out of mere revenge. But to the War Song, which was first translated for Col 4 38 THE LIFE OF McKinney, "Me Indian's friend, ^^ on the shore of Lake Superior. '' On that day when our heroes lay low — lay low — On that day when our heroes lay low, I fought by their side, and thought ere I died, Just vengeance to take on the foe — the foe — Just vengeance to take op the foe. " On that day when our chieftains lay dead — lay dead — On that day when our chieftains lay dead, I fought hand to hand, at the head of my band, And JLcre, on my breast, have I bled — have I bled — And here, on my breast, have I bled. " Our chiefs shall return no more — no more — Our chiefs shall return no more — And their brothers in war who can't show scar for scar, Like women their fates shall deplore — shall deplore — Like women, their fates shall deplore. 'Five winters in hunting we'll spend— we'll spend — Five winters in hunting we'll spend — Then our youths grown to men, to the war lead again, And our days like our fathers', we'll end — we'll end — And our days like our fathers', we'll end." CHAPTER IV. Our people believed much in omens. The barking of foxes and of wolves, the bleating of the deer, the screeching of owls, bad luck in hunting, the flight of uncommon kinds of birds, the moaning noise of a par- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 39 tridge, the noise of a chuck chack ske sey* were omi- nous of ill ; the two last were certain omens of death. But the sailing of an eagle to and fro, and the noise of a raven, were omens of good. Dreams, too, were much relied on by our nation. They thought the spirits revealed to them what they were to do, and what they should be, viz. good hun- ters, warriors, and medicine men. I would fast some- times two, and sometimes even four days. When fasting, we were to leave the wigwam early in the morning, and travel all day from one place to another, in search of the favor of the gods. I was taught to be- lieve that the gods would communicate with me, in the shape of birds, amimals, etc., etc. When I fell asleep in the woods, and dreamed some strange dream, I felt confident that it was from the spirits. I will now relate what I dreamed when I was but twelve years old, and also my father's interpretation of my dream. Myself and others were sleeping far from the wig- wam, near a large pine. T saw, in my dream, a person coming from the east ; he approached, walking on the air : he looked down upon me, and said, " Is this ^'To this bird I have given its Indian name, because I have not been able to discover it among the collection of the various birds in the books and in the museums. It is about the size of the smaller kind of parrot. The color of its feathers is like those of a jay, having short wings small and broad peak, with an upper and lower row of teeth, like a human being. In this last respect, it is difierent from any other bird. It takes its name from the sound it utters, viz. chuck^ chuck. I hope that the celebrated ornithologist Audabon, to whom I intend to present a copy of ray work, will throw some light upon this subject. 40 THE LIFE OF ■where you are?" I said "yes." *' Do you see this pine ?" *' Yes, I see it." " It is a great and high tree." I observed that the tree was lofty, reaching towards the heavens. Its branches extended overland and water, and its roots w^ere very deep. " Look on it while I sing, yes, gaze upon the tree." He sang, and pointed to the tree ; it commenced waving its top ; the earth about its roots was heaved up, and the waters roared and tossed from one side of their beds to the other. As soon as he stopped singing, and let fall his hands, every thing became perfectly still and quiet. "Now," said he, "sing the words which I have sung." I commenced as follows :— " It is I who travel in the winds, It is I who whisper in the breeze, I shake the trees. I shake the earth, I trouble the waters on every land." While singing, I heard the winds whistle, saw the tree waving its top, the earth heaving, heard the waters roaring, because they were all troubled and agitated. Then said he, "I am from the rising of the sun, I will come and see you again. You will not see me often : but you will hear me speak." Thus spoke the spirit, and then turned away towards the road from which he had come. I told my father of my dream, and after hearing all, he said, "My son, the god of tJic winds is kind to you: the aged tree, I hope, may indicate long life ; the wind may indicate that you will travel much ; the water which you saw, and the winds, will carry your canoe safely through the waves." KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 41 I relied much on my dream, for then I knew no better. But, however, little reliance can be placed in dreams, yet may not the Great Spirit take this method, sometimes, to bring about some good result ? There was no such thing known among our people as swearing, or profaning the name of the Great Spirit in vain. The whites first taught them to swear, I often swore, w^hen I knew not w^hat I said. I have seen some white faces with black hearts, wdio took delight in teaching them to profane the name of God. merciless, heartless, and wicked white men, may a merciful God forgive you your enormous turpitude and recklessness ! There was a custom among us, before Christianity visited us, that when the Ojebwas intended to take a general whiskey " spree," several young men were ap- pointed by the head chief to collect all the fire arms, knives, w^ar-clubs and other weapons, and keep them in a secret place, till the Indians had completed their frolic. This w'as done to prevent them from murdering each other when intoxicated. By this means many lives have been saved ; although many have been killed during their drunken fights. They would walk very far for a dram of liquor. T once heard of an indi- vidual, whom I had seen many times, who would travel all day for a single drink of fire-water. When he arrived at the trading post, he obtained and guzzled down a cup full of whiskey. When the poison had operated, he said, that he felt as if his head was going down his throat; and added, " W' hah ! I wish my neck was a 4* 42 THE LIFE OF mile long, so that 1 might feel and hear the whiskey running all the way down !" A certain Indian once teased a Mrs. F. for whiskey, which he said was to cure his " big toe^^ that had been badly bruised the preceding night. Mrs. F. said, *' 1 am afraid you will drink it." He declared he would not drink it; and after much pleading, she handed him some ; he took it, and looking first at his toe, and then at the liquor, alternately, all of a sudden he slipped the whiskey down his gullet, at the same time exclaiming, as he pointed to his toe, " There, whiskey, go down to my poor big toe." One of our people, who had much resolution, and "was determined to seek religion, when he heard that the Methodist Indians were not to drink any more fire- water, remarked as follows : — " Well, if that is the case, Vll go to-night, and bid my old friend whiskey a final farewell.^'* He went, and drank and caroused wiih h.is rum-companions all night. On the following day, about noon, he came staggering towards his wigwam, singing out to all whom he met, " Me s;oes to Methodist ; me no drink little more ; me am Methodist.'^ He was true to his word, for he drank no more, and the Lord blessed him in the forgiveness of all his sins. For eighteen years he was a consistent Christian, and died last June, with the brightest hopes of immortal bliss. Oh ! the heights and depths of the goodness and mercy of God ! In view of these things, I have often exclaimed from the bottom of ray heart, in the .language of " The KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 43 Indian's Regret," and which is the language of all, who have been brought from darkness, to the marvelous light of the gospel : — " O had our Indian fathers known What Prophets told of Christ and heaven ! For them, we drop a tear and mourn, But weep for joy, our sins forgiven.' CHAPTER V. The traditions handed down from father to son, were held very sacred ; one half of these are not known by the white people, howev^er far their researches may have extended. There is an unwillingness, on the part of the Indians to communicate many of their traditions. The only way to come at these is, to educate the Indians, so that they may be able to write out what they have heard, or may hear; and publish it. Should I be spared till next summer, I design to visit my people in the far west, and abide with them long enough to learn the rest of their traditions, w^ith an account of their migration to this country. My own belief is, that they came to this country, and fought with the original inhabitants ; and having overpowered them, became the owners of the soil. I will not now give my reasons for this belief, as I expect a< some future day to collect all the necessary information for this purpose, from histories and disco- veries, corroborated by these traditions. My readers will then be able to judge whether we are to be identi' 44 THE LIFE OF fied with the dispersed and *' lost tribes of Israel." Can it be possible, that, had we sprung from any of the Hebrew tribes, we should be so completely ignorant of a INIessiah, a Sabbath, or a single vestige of the Leviti- cal Law ? But enough of this for the present. As far as I am able to learn, our nation has never been conquered ; and have maintained their ground wherever they have conquered. The Saxe tribe have tried their ingenuity, power and bravery, to drive them from the south shore of Lake Superior. The Hurons mustered their warriors against the aggressions made by the Ojebwa nation. Their war-canoes were once direct- ed against the Ojebwa nation, but they were obhged to turn back, and flee for protection, to the Shawnee na- tion. The sound of the war whoop which once rang all around the shores of Lake Huron, receded, and died away on the waters of Sandusky. The arms that once wielded the war-club, were strewed about their grounds, on account of broken treaties made in former days, and massacres at the mouth of French river. The Iraquois, who struck terror wherever their mere names were men- tioned, also tried to check our progress, after we had conquered the Hurons. Their war whoops resounded over the dismal regions of the conquered land ; but they too shared the same fate. They went as spies as far as La Pointe, on the south shore of Lake Superior; but not with their armies any farther than Ke-wa-o-non, in the copper regions. Here they were massacred by hun- dreds, and fell in their canoes at one of the narrow passes, on their way to the Portage, about fourteen miles from the Bay of Aunce. After these fruitless attempts KAII-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 45 to drive the Ojebwas from their land, they fought many battles with them in the regions now called Canada West ; but in these they suffered much, and were de- feated. It was then, probably, that the Hurons and Iraquois leagued together, hoping by their combined forces to conquer us. This accounts for the confederacy that existed when the whites came among them. The migration of the Ojebwas has been traced from the upper part of Lake Superior, and even several hun- dred miles above its head, along the shore of Lake Su- perior, down to Lake Huron, St. Clair, the foot of Lake Michigan, north of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and some distance down the St. Lawrence. They now inhabit a portion of land extending about two thousand miles east and west, and from two hun- dred and fifty to three hundred miles from north to south. They have in each village, a chief who governs them, besides a great number of war chiefs. Each village has a council of its own, made up of the different tribes,. A tribe is a band of Indians whose sign or mark is the same ; for example, such as wear the sign of the crane, recognize each other as relatives ; and although each village may be composed of different tribes, yet they must be of the same nation. Councils of peace must be held by two nations. These councils are held in high esteem. When two nations are at war, if either sues for peace, they hand to each other some token, such as a belt of wampum (or beads,) or a calumet (a long pipe.) There was once a general council held, between the Hurons and the Ojebwas ; it was conducted in the fol- 46 THE LIFE OF lowing manner : — They came together near Sault St^. Marie, and agreed upon a peace for five years. After the pipe of peace was prepared, the Ojebwaand Huron w^arriors arranged themselves in two lines, on each side of their chiefs, and said that they must ascertain whether the Great Spirit would approve of their proceedings. Two from each nation were chosen ; the Hurons held the pipe filled with tobacco, the Ojebwas, the steel, flint, and spunk. The steel was then struck against the flint, and if, on the first stroke, the spunk was ignited, so as to fire the tobacco, and thus enable the warrior to draw in, and to emit, a volume of smoke, then the evi- dence was complete that the Great Spirit approved of their plans and proceedings ; and the whole assembly now would set up the most tremendous shout of joy. The two nations were successful in this. The shout was given, peace was secured, and these two powerful nations separated for their own homes. For three years no dark cloud hung over the two nations. The OJebw^as began to trade with the whites at Quebec. It usually required all the summer to journey from the shore of Lake Superior to that place and back again. These were tedious and perilous journeys ; but they were determined to obtain '^ the snake which spit fire, smoke and death ;" this was their description of a gun to their brethren. It w^as during these journeys that forty of them were massacred by the Hurons, at the mouth of French River, without the least provocation ; plunder alone was their object. This, in connection with similar acts, ItAH-GE-GA-aAH BOWH. 47 Cceasioned that war which resulted in their complete extermination from Canada by our nation. The future state of the Ojebwas, was in the Far West. They described that state or country, as being full of game, and with trees loaded with fruit of every description. When an Indian warrior died on the field of battle, his soul, it was said, took its immediate flight to this paradise. The souls of those, however, who died in other circumstances, it was believed, departed from the grave, and journeyed in the ordinary way, although unseen by mortals, to this same land. There was a difficult bridge near this land, over which the soul was to cross. A warrior, hunter, oi medicine man, would have no difficulty in crossing this bridge. Under this bridge was a rapid stream, and he who was not a good warrior, hunter or medicine man, would either fall into the water, or lose his way, after having crossed, in some barren country, where there was no game, or fruit, although there might be, occa- sionally, a deer, or the like. O how barren ! How dismal ! A place where distress, want, and despair would continue ! On the other hand, the favored warrior entered the fields of paradise, amidst the shouts and welcome of his fellow warriors, who had preceded him to this land of plenty. The deer, the moose, the elk, and all kinds of animals, fruits, flowers, and the singing of birds fill and charm the land. While the ever rolling valleys are visited with delightful and re- freshing winds. To kill, eat, and shoot, are their only employments. No sickness, no fatigue, no death, will 48 THE LIFE OF ever visit them. The valleys and the mountains are to be clothed with evergreens. No winter to chill the earth. A carnal heaven indeed ! A sensual paradise ! Oh! the credulous and misguided Indian. *' Lo ! the poor Indian whose untutored mind, Sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind; Whose soul proud science never taught to stray Beyond the solar walk or milky way. Yet simple nature to his hopes has given, Beyond the cloud top'd hill, a humble heaven, Some safer world in depths of woods embrace, Some distant Island in the watery waste. Where slaves once more their native land behold. Nor fiends torment, nor Christian thirsts for gold." Pope. My father often spoke of that country, while I was young. He informed me, that if I should become a great warrior, a hunter, or a medicine man, I would have no difficulty in reaching that happy spot. Little then did he know of a heaven revealed in the gospel. That heaven, where angels and pure spirits dwell, ana where we shall see the blessed Jesus as he is, and, what is still a greater honor, be like him. •• for a thousand tongues to sing My great Rcdeemer'8 praise ! The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of his grace ! " ^y gracious Master, and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of thy Name. "Jesus! the Name that charms our fears. Thai bids our sorrows cease ; iTis music in the sinner's ears, 'Tie life, and health, and peace." ♦' Oh uh pa-gish ke che ingo' dwok, Neej uh ne she nah baig, Che nuh nuh guh mo tuh wah wod Ning e zha Mun e-doom. " Ning e che Noo sa weej e shin, Che ween duh mah ga yon, O mah a ne gook kuh me gog A zhe wa be ze yun. " Jesus ! kah be 'non duh we 'nung Kah gah see beeng wa 'nung ; Ka gait 'che me no ne kah zo, Kah noo je mo e nung." KAH-GE.GA-GAH-BOWH. 49 When our warriors were dying, they told their chil- dren that they would soon reach the happy country. Their eyeballs, rolling in death, w^ere turned towards the setting sun. white man ! why did you not tell us before, that there was a better heaven than that of the Indian's ? Did not the blessed Saviour command, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature ?" Reader, almost by the door of youi churches, my forefathers perished for the lack of the bread of life, while you have reached out your arms, and extended your means for the relief of those in distant lands! O what a thought! Thousands have already perished, and thousands more will yet perish, unless converted to God. The thought of jjemA- ing! how insufferable ! how intolerable ! " O mercy, mercy, look down from above ; Great Creator, on us, thy sad children, with love ; When beneath to their darkness the wicked are tiriven, May our justified souls find a welcome in heaven." CHAPTER VI. Rice Lake, that beautiful lake, extends about twen- ty-five miles, and is from two to three miles in breadth, running from northeast to southwest. It contains about twenty islands. Large quantities of wild rice abound in almost every part of the lake ; it resembles fields of wheat. As ducks of all kinds resort here in great abundance, to feed upon the rice, consequently, there 50 THE LIFE OF is much good game in the fall of the year. They fly in large flocks, and often appear like clouds. Some of the .slands just referred to, are beautiful; for example, Sugar Island^ with its beautiful edge of evergreens neai the water ; Spoke Island, a place of fashionable summer resort. One of the largest of these islands, contains about three hundred acres. In 1818, our people surrendered to the British government a large part of their territory, for the sum of ^750 ; reserving, as they had good reason to believe, all the islands. As they could neither read nor w^ite, they were ignorant of the fact that these islands w^ere included in the sale. They were repeatedly told by those who purchased for the government, that the islands were not included in the articles of agreement. But since that time, some of us have learned to read, and to our utter astonishment, and to the everlasting disgrace of that pseudo Christian nation, we find that we have been most grossly abused, deceived, and cheated. Appeals have been frequently made, but all in vain. Rice Lake contains quantities of the finest fish. In the summer, great numbers of boats may be seen trowe- ling for mascalownge, a species of pike, some of w^hich weigh about thirty pounds. Bass, eels, etc. are also found in this lake. Since locks have been made on the canal down to Crooke's rapids, much fur can be pro- cured all around the lake, especially micskrats — Shah- won-dase O dah me koo mun. This is the spot on which I roamed during my early days. Often have I gone with my birch bark canoe from island to island, in quest of ducks and fish. The nlain on the south shore, is called Whortleberry Plain. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 51 A Steamboat runs from Gore's Landing to Peterboro once a day. The village of the Ojebwas is on the north ; the land gradually slopes towards the water. Its farms, church, school house, and council house can be seen at a con- siderable distance. It was here where the Rev. James Evans, whose obituary was noticed in the following manner in the " Albany Evening Journal," December 22, 1846, first taught an Indian school. " Suddenly, on the 23d of November, at Keelby, England, Rev. James Evans, for many years a Wes- ley an missionary in Canada, and the territory of the Hud- son Bay Company. On Sunday, the 22d, he preached twice, and on Monday evening 23d, spoke at a mission- ary meeting, with great fervency. He had complained of a slight indisposition, previous to the meeting ; but after he had finished his address, he said that ' his in- disposition had been completely removed.' Soon after his head fell back, and life w^as gone." He was a missionary in every sense of the word. From Rice Lake, he went to Lake Superior, and after- wards to the Hudson Bay Territory, where he labored with much success. His precious life was spent in re- scuing the Ojebwa nation from misery and degradation. Fatigue and hunger were often his companions ; bu^ the power of living faith was that on which his soul feasted. O thou man of God, enviable are thy labors, thy rest, and thy glory ! I, myself, still hold in sweet remembrance the sacred truths which thou didst teach me, even the commands of the Most High! Memory^ Hke an angel, will still hover over the sacred spot, where first you taught me the letters of the alphabet. 52 THE LIFE OF There are numerous lakes near Rice Lake ; about some of which the Ojebwas reside ; particularly Mud, Schoogaug and Balsam Lakes. The country, in this vicinity, is rapidly increasing in population ; the whites are continually settling among us. The deer was plenty d few years ago, but now only a few can be found. The Ojebwas are, at present, employed in farming instead of hunting ; many of them have good and well cultivated farms. They not only raise grain enough for their own use, but often sell much to the whites. The Canadian Commissioners on Indian affairs, in their report to Parliament in 1845, remarked in relation to the Rice Lake Indians, as follows : "These Indians are Methodists, and have either a resident missionary, or have been regularly visited by the missionary belong- mg to the Alnwick settlement. They have a school, and a school-master is supported by the Methodist Mis- sionary Society." CHAPTER VII. The missionaries hrst visited us on the island called Be-quah-qua-yojigj in 1827, under the following circum- stances. My father and I went to Port Hope, to see our principal trader, John D. Smith, in order to obtain goods and whiskey, about twelve miles from Rice Lake. After my father had obtained the goods, he asked for whiskey. Mr. Smith said, "John, do you know that whiskey will yet kill you, if you do not stop drinking? KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 53 Why, all the Indians at Credit River, and at Grape Is- land, have abandoned drinking, and are now Metho dists. I cannot give you any whiskey." " Ta/i 3/Gc/i/ (an exclamation of surprise, )i7 cannot be, 1 must have whiskey to carry home ; my people expect it," said my father. He wished to buy a barrel, but only obtained, after much pleading, about five gallons. My father promised to drink no more when the mission- aries should have come to Rice Lake. We reached home the same day about one o'clock, and the Indians were awaiting our arrival, that they might have some fire-water. They assembled themselves together and began to drink and to smoke. Many of them were sit- ting on the grass when the whiskey began to steal away their brains. One of our number suddenly ran in the crowd, and .said, " the black coats (missionaries) are coming, and are on the other side of the point." Each looked at the other with perfect astonishment. My father said to our informer, "invite them to come over to us ;" and to the one who was dealing out whiskey, " cover the keg with your blanket, and don't let the black coats see it." The whiskey was concealed, and then came the messengers of glad tiding of great joy. They were converted Indians, saved by grace, and had been sent to preach to us, and to invite us to attend a camp meet- ing near Cobourg. After shaking hands all around, one of them delivered a speech to the half drunken Indians. He referred to the day when they were without the good news of salvation. He spoke w^ith great earnestness, and the tears fell from his eyes. He said, ^^ Jesus Christy Ke-sha-mon-e-doo 0-gwe-son, (i. e., the Benevolent 5* 54 THE LIFE OF Spirit's son,j came down to the world, arid died to save the people ; all the Indians at the Credit River, and Grape Island, are now on their road to the place where the Saviour has gone. Jesus has left a book contain- ing his commands and sayings to all the world ; you will see it^ and hear it read^ when you go to Cobourg, for the black coats have it. They wish you to come and hear it. To-morrow is the Sabbath, and on that day we do not hunt, or work, for it is the day which the Great Spirit made for himself." He described the way that the Son of God was crucified. I ob- served some of them crying ; my mother heaved deep sighs ; the half drunken Indians were struck dumb, and hung their heads. Not a word was uttered. The mis- sionaries said, " We will sing, and then we will kneel down and pray to the Great Spirit " He gave out the following hymn : " Jesus ish pe ming kah e zhod.'* «' Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone." They stood up and sang. O what sweet melody was in their voices ! The echo was so great that there ap- peared to be a great many more singers than we could see. After the hymn, they prayed w^ith the same fer- vency as they sufig. Peter Wason prayed, and in his prayer said, ^' Great Spirit! here are some of my own relatives; open their eyes and save them!" After the prayer, they said they were going to Cobourg that evening; and if any do- sired to go with them, they would have them do so. My father arose and took the keg of whiskey, stepped mto one of the small canoes, and paddled some thirty feet froir the shore ; here he poured out the whiskey KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 55 into the lake, and threw the keg away. He then re- turned and addressed us in the following manner . — " You have all heard what our brothers said to us ; 1 am going with them this evening ; if any of you wdll go, do so this evening; the children can attend the great meet- ing some other time." Every one ran at once to the paddles and canoes, and in a few minutes we were on the water. The missionaries had a skiff, in which they went from the Island to the opposite side. They sang again, and their very oars seemed to keep time on the still water. how charming! The scenery of the water ; the canoes moving in files, crossing the lake to visit their first camp meeting. When we arrived on the other side, it was about dusk, and we bought five candles for a dollar (! ), and obtained an old lantern. We marched on a new road the whole of Saturday night, in order to reach the camp ground. During the journey, we had to wade through deep creeks. Just before the dav>m, we were about half a mile from the €amp ground ; here we tarried until day light, and then approached the camp. When the Indians beheld the fence and the gate, and a great number of w^hites, they began to feel rather timid and suspicious, for the trader had told my father at Rice Lake, that it was for the purpose of killing all the In- dians that the black coats had invited them to the meet- ing. My father told me to keep away from the ground, and hunt birds and squirrels with my bow and arrow ; his object was to save my life, in the event of the In- dians being killed. After remaining on the campground awhile, I departed ; but while there, I saw a large nam- 56 THE LIFE OF ber of converted Indians who belonged to Credit River, and Grape Island. Some of them were singing, some praying, and others lying about the ground as if dead. There were a great many preachers present. On the third day many of our company were convert- ed ; among this number was my dear father \ As I entered the ground in the afternoon, I heard many voices, and among them my father's voice. I thought my father was dying; I ran to him, and found him lying partly on one of the seats. My father, said I, what is the matter with you ? Are you sick ? " Come here, my son, I am not sick, but I am happy in my heart ;" he placed his hand upon his breast while he spoke. *' I told you you must keep away from the ground, that your life might be spared ; but I find that these are good, and not bad, people ; kneel down and I will pray for you." I knelt, while he prayed. 0, this was 7ny father'* s first prayer! Methinks, that at this time the angels rejoiced in heaven. I became agitated ; my bow and arrows had fallen from my hand. The Indians lay about me like dead men. All thi<^ was the effect of the power of gospel grace, that had spread amongst them. The shouts, praises, and prayers, of fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters^ were heard from every quarter. Those who had just appeared as dead, arose, and shouted the praises of God ! They clapped their hands, and exclaimed, ^^ Jesus ningc shah wa 776 migy^'' Jesus has blessed me. The feeling was so general and powerful, that the influence was felt throughout the camp, both by the Indians and the whites. This was one of the happiest seasons I ever KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 57 witnessed, except the season of my own conversion. Many of my relatives were converted on this occasion. Many of them have since gone to the world of spirits^ and are now singing the praises of redeeming love. This heavenly fire began to spread from the camp, to Mud, Schoogaug and Balsam Lakes, the homes of the Ojebwas; also to the shores of Lake Simeco, and Lake Huron, and to the vicinity of Lake Superior. *'Waft, waft, ye winds his story, And you ye waters roll, Till like a sea of glory It spreads from pole to pole.'^ On the camp ground, the Ojebwas sat in squads, giving and receiving instruction in singing, learning and teaching the Lord's prayer, and other things. Some were singing, <' Jesus, kuh ba ke zhig Ning ee e nuh uh moz, • Uh pa gish kuh ke nuh wahb' dum 'wod Ning ee 'nuh da moosh A zhe o ne zhe shing, O ge che o duh nuh me ah win." *' Jesus all the day long Was my joy and my song ; O that all, his salvation might see I He hath lov'd me, I cried ; He hath sufFer'd and died To redeem such a rebel as me." 58 THE LIFE OF CHAPTER VIII. The conversion of my mother took place during the summer, on Poutash Island, where the Indians had erected a bark chapel. For two years she lived in the enjoyment of religion. Before this chapel was ready she would call us together in the wigwam, and pray with and for us, several times a day, whether our father was at home or not. I remember well, at this moment, the language of her prayers. She was taken sick in the winter of 1829, and was confined to her bed, most of the time, for three months ; her disease was consumption. During these three months, she enjoyed much religion ; there was not a day, in which she did not speak of Jesus and his promises with the greatest confidence and delight. When she grew worse, she called for the class lead- ers to pray with her. She said to her mother, whom she supposed would die first, because her hair was wldte, " you will still live, but I am going to die, and will see Jesus first ; soon, however, you will follow me." The spirit of my dear mother took its flight on the 27th day of February, 1830. Just before her death, she prayed with her children ; and advised us to be good Christains, to love Jesus, and meet her in heaven She then sang her favorite hymn, " Jesus ish pe ming kah e zhod." " Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone." KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 59 This was the first hymn she had ever heard or learned; aud it is on this account that I introduce and sing this •jweet hymn whenever I lecture " On the origin, history, •raditions, migration, and customs, of the Ojebwa na- tion." We all knelt again by her bed side, and while clapping her hands, and endeavoring to shout for joy she swooned away in death. The last words, which she feebly uttered, were, ^^ Jesus, Jesus.^^ Her spirit then fled; her lips were cold, and those warm hands that had so often and so faiihfullv administered comfort and relief, were now stiff. I looked around the wig- wam ; ray father, sister, and brother sat near me, wring- ing their hands ; they were filled with bitter grief, and appeared inconsolable. I then began to understand and appreciate fully her kindness and love. Who, who can, or will, take the place of a mother 7 Who will pray for us when we are sick or in distress .'' Her body was consigned to the grave without any parade. No church bell was tolled ; but the whistling wind sounded through the woods. 1 have often knelt down, at the head of her grave, and wished that the time would soon arrive when it might please God to relieve me from my troubles and cares, and conduct me to the abode of my beloved parent. My sister Sarah, too, who has since died, is doubtless with my mother. O how glorious the thought, that both are now in heave?i ! There is one spot where none will sigh for home. The flowers that blossom there, will never fade ; the crystal waters that wind along those verdant vales, will never cease to send up their heavenly music ; the clusters hanging from the trees overshadowing its banks, will be 60 THE LIFE OF immortal clusters ; and the friends that meet, will meet for ever. Little then did I think that I should have to pass through so many afflictions, and so many hardships. my mother, I am still in a cold^ uncharitable 7nise7'a- hle world ! But the thought that thou art happy and blessed, is truly sweet and encouraging ! It is this fact, and ray own hopes of future bliss, that buoys me up, and sustains me in the hours of conflict and despon- dency. Although many years have elapsed, since her death, still, I often weep with mingled joy and grief when I think of my dear mother. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." " I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto sal- vation to every one that believeth." The gospel is the only remedy for the miseries and sins of the world. My mother and sister's cases are not the only ones that I could relate concerning the happy lives and deaths of those once degraded and benighted Indians Many have already reached heaven ; and many more are now rejoicing on their road thither. Who will now^ sa} that the poor Indians cannot be converted ? The least that Christians could have done, was to send the gospel among them, after having dispossessed them of their lands ; thus preparing them for usefulness ^ere, and happiness hereafter. Let no one say that I am ungrate- ful in speaking thus. It was the duty of Christians to send us missionaries ; and it is noio their duty to send more of them. There are still 25,000 of my poor bre- thren in darkness, and without the gospel. Let the prayers of all the churches ascend to the Most High, in KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 61 their behalf, that He who has power to deliver, may save the poor Indian from misery, ignorance and perdi- tion. CHAPTER IX. In the summer following my mother's death (1830,) I was converted. The following are the circumstances connected with my conversion. My father and I at- tended a camp meeting near the town of Colbourne. On our way from Rice Lake, to the meeting, my father held me by the hand, as I accompanied him tlirough the woods. Several times he prayed with me, and en- couraged me to seek religion at this camp meeting. We had to walk thirty miles under a hot sun, in order to reach the place of destination. Multitudes of Indians, and a large concourse of whites from various places, were on the ground when we arrived. In the evening, one of the white preachers (Wright, I believe was his name,) spoke ; his text was, " For the great day of His wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand." He spoke in English, and as he closed each sentence, an Indian preacher gave its interpretation. He spoke of the plain and good road to heaven ; of the characters that were walking in it ; he then spoke of the bad place, the judgment, and the coming of a Saviour. I now began to feel as if I should die ; 7 felt very sick in my heart. Never had I felt so before ; I was deeply dis- tressed, and knew not the cause. I resolved to go and 6 62 THE LIFE OF prostrate myself at the mourner's bench, as soon as an opportunity offered. We were now invited to approach. I went to the bench and knelt down by the roots of a large tree. But how could I pray ? I did not under- stand how to pray ; and besides, 1 thought that the Great Spirit was too great to listen to the words of a a poor Indian boy. What added to my misery was, that it had rained in torrents about three quarters of an hour, and I was soaking wet. The thunder was appal- ling, and the lightning terrific. I then tried again to pray, but I was not able. I did not know what words to use. My father then prayed with and for me. Many were praising God, all around me. The storm now ceased, and nearly all the lights had been extin- guished by the rain. I still groaned and agonized over ray sins. I was so agitated and alarmed that I knew not which way to turn in order to get relief, I w^as like di wounded bird, fluttering for its life. Presently and suddenly, I saw in my mind, something approaching ; it was like a small but brilliant torch ; it appeared to pass through the leaves of the trees. My poor body became so enfeebled that I fell; my heart trembled. The small brilHant light came near to me, and fell upon my head, and then ran all over and through me, just as u water had been copiously poured out upon me. I knew not how long I had lain after my fall ; but when I recovered, my head was in a puddle of water, in a small ditch. I arose ; and ! how happy I was! I felt us light as a feather. I clapped my hands, and ex- claimed in English, " Glory to Jesiis.'^ I looked around f()r my father, and saw him. I told him that I KAH-Gi:-GA-GAH-BOWH. 63 nad found " Jesus." He embraced me and kissed me; I threw myself into his arms. I felt as strong as a lion, yet as humble as a poor Indian boy saved by grace, by grace alone. During that night I did not sleep. The next morning, my cousin, George Shawney, and myself, went out into the woods to sing and pray. As I looked at the trees, the hills, and the vallies, how beautiful they all appeared! I looked upon them, as it were, with new eyes and new thoughts. Amidst the smiles of creation, the birds sang sweetly, as they flew from tree to tree. We sang ^' Jesus the name that charms our fears.'* O how sweet the recollections of that day ! '' Jesus all the day long was my joy and my song." Several hundred were converted during this meeting. Many of the Indians were reluctant to leave the camp ground when the meeting was broken up. When we reached our homes at Rice l^ake, every thing seemed to me as if it wore a different aspect ; every thing was clothed with beauty. Before this, I had only begun to spell and read. I now resumed my studies with a new and dif- ferent relish. Often, w4ien alone, 1 prayed that God would help me to qualify myself to teach others how to read the word of God ; this circumstance T had not told to any one. On Sabbath mornings I read a chapter in the New Testament, which had been translated for my father, before we went to meeting. During this summer, one of our chiefs, John Sunday, with several others, departed from Rice Lake, for the west, with a design to preach to the Ojebwas. When they returned, they told us that the Indians were very 64 THE LIFE OF eager to hear the word of God, and that many had been converted. John Sunday informed us of a certain In- dian, who was so much opposed to the meetings, that he confined his wife and children to one of the islands, to prevent her attending them. But this poor woman was so anxious to obey God in attendance on worship, that she was in the habit of fording the river every night, and carrying her children on her back. Her husband w^as afterwards converted. He mentioned also an in- stance of an Indian who brought his medicine sack with him to the meeting, but on being converted, he scattered its contents to the four winds of heaven. These sacks were held very sacred among the Indians. He spoke likewise of the conversion of many chiefs, and of the flocks of children anxious to hear the word of God. He left such an impression on my mind, that often, while alone, I prayed that God might send me to instruct the children in the truths of religion. I joined my father's class meeting ; and as often as possible I attended school during the period of two years. In June, 1834, our white missionary, Daniel McINIullen, received a letter from the Rev. ¥/m. Case, in which it was stated that a letter had been sent to him by the Rev. John Clark, wdio was then the Superinten- dent of the missions on Lake Superior. The Supeiin- tendent requested that two native preachers and two native teachers should be sent to him. John Johnson and I were told that w^e were to accompany Brothers John Taunchey and Caubage to Lake Superior, to aid Brother Clark. Brother Caubage, and my cousin Johnson, took their KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 65 departure. John Taunchey hesitated about going, be- cause I was undecided, and my father felt unwilling at first to let me go. One day I determined to leave the village so as to avoid going to Lake Superior ; I hunted along the River Trent, hoping that John Taunchey would be gone before my return ; I felt very unwilling to go. I was absent over two weeks ; they were the longest two wrecks I had ever experienced. Yet the whole time I felt dis- satisfied ; something seemed to whisper to me, " George, go home, and go to Lake Superior with your uncle John Taunchey." I returned to the village. The first per- son I saw, informed me that my uncle was w^aiting for me, and that my father had left it to me to decide whether to go or to stay. Here I was; the missionaries came, and said, " George, your father has left it with you to go or stay. It is your duty to go ; John is wait- ing, and to-day you must conclude." Our school mis- tress. Miss Pinney, came and reasoned v>'ith me. I recollected, too, that I had prayed that God might pre- pare me to be useful to my brethren ; and now, that I had some good reason to think that my prayers had been heard, and still to refuse to go, would perhaps be acting in opposition to the indications of God. I wept and prayed ; but ! that night of struggle ! I could not sleep. In the morning, I said to my father, ^' I have concluded to go; prepare me for my journey." That morning we were prepared; and on the 16th of July, 1834, about noon, we were on the shore. The canoe was ready; many of the Indians prayed with us on the beach. After . shaking hands with my father and the rest, w^e bid 6* 66 THE LIFE OF farewell to all we loved so tenderly. We went on board the steamboat Great Britain at Cobourg, and arrived at Toronto the next day. On the 19th of July, we saw at Toronto, on the top of one of the houses, Mr. William Lyon McKenzie, who created so much trouble in Canada in the years 1837 and 1838. He was then in the height of his popularity. He was placed upon the top of a house by his friends, in company with another lawyer, with a large gold medal around his neck. There was a large concourse of his friends who had come from Hamilton for the express purpose of seeing and cheering him. On the 20th July, we left in the stage for Holland Landing ; here we remained two days, for the want of a conveyance to the Snake Island Mis- sion. At this island we tarried the whole of the Sabbath with the Indians ; and had some glorious meetings. They conveyed us to the Narrows Mission. In crossing from Narrows to Cold Water Mission, we were obliged to carry our trunks on our backs. About 11 o'clock we met two runaway horses on the road to Narrows. We caught them, tied our trunks on their backs, and lead them back to Cold Water. Thus we were reUeved of our heavy loads. On Wednesday, the 26th July, we went from Cold Water Mission to Pane-ta-wa-go-shene, where we saw a great number of Ojebwas from Lake Superior, Ottowas, Menomenese, &c. Here we fell in w^ith John Sunday, Frazer, and others, who were engaged in instructing the Indians in this vicinity. An opportunity occurred now to go to Sault St. Marie, where the Rev. John Clark resided. We were out of KAH-GE-GA-GAII-BO\VH. 67 provisions several times. By fishing and shooting gnJls on our way, we were enabled to reach the Sault, where we met Brother Clark, John Caubage, and cousin John- son ; this took place, I believe, on the 24th of August. We stayed here about two weeks, preparing to go to the Aunce, the Ke-wa-we-non Mission. During our delay in this place, the Rev. Messrs. Chandler and Bourne (the latter a member of the Illinois Conference) arrived. Brother Chandler has since died. My cousin, H. P. Chase, was Brother Clark's interpreter. The In- dians were comfortable in their new houses. We held meeting with them several nights. Pah-we-ting with its fisheries. Thomas Shaw, a warm and open hearted half-bred Frenchman, was in the habit of scooping out of the rapids, twenty or thirty fine white fish, and boiling them for his friends. CHAPTER X. I NOW began to feel the responsibilities resting upon rae. The thought of assuming the station oT a teacher of the Indians, with so few capabilities, was enough to discourage more gifted men than myself. Frequently did I enter the woods and pour out my soul to God, in agony and tears. I trembled at what was before me ; and said, " who is able for these things ?" But a stil small voice would answer, " My i^race is sufficient for you." Soothing words indeed, especially to an un- learned and feeble Red man — a mere worm of the dust. 68 THE LIFE OF Having provided every ibino; necessary for our jour- ney, and a residence of eight months-at the Ka-\va-\ve- non Mission, we started in company with Rev. Mri Chandler, uncle John Taunchey, and the traders who intended to winter on the shores of L'ake Superior and do business with the Ojebwas. We were more than three weeks on our journey — three hundred and fifty miles. At one place w^e were weather-bound for one week. Our French companions were the most wicked of men. They would gnash their teeth at each other, curse, swear, and fight among themselves. The boat, oars, the winds, water, the teachers, etc., did not escape their execrations. I thought now that I understood what hell was in a very clear manner. My very hairs seemed to " stand erect like quills upon a fretful porcu- pine," when they gave vent to their malevolence and passions. They would fight like beasts over their cooking utensils, and even while their food was in their mouths. I will just say here that I have often seen them eat boiled corn with tallow for butter. On our road, we saw the celebrated Pictured Rocks, Sand Banks, and Grand Island. On a point of the latter place we encamped. Every Sabbath I devoted about an hour in sighing and crying after home. What good can 1 do, w^hen I reach the place of labor ? was a question that often occurred to my mind. Still w^e were sruino: farther and farther t>om home. We were obliped, too, to do our own cooking, washing, and mending. At last, in September, we arrived at the Aunce Bay. Here, our house was no better than a wigwam ; and KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 69 yet we had to occupy it as a dwelling, a school house, a meeting house, and a council room. We commenced laboring among our poor people, and those that had been christianized were exceedingly glad to see us. Brothers Sunday and Frazer had already been among them more than a year. We began to build quite late in the fall, and although we removed a house from the other side of the bay, yet we experi- enced much inconvenience. We visited the Indians daily, for the purpose of conversing and praying with them. There were about thirty, who had, for more than a year, professed to experience a change of heart. As my uncle was experienced in conversing with the unconverted, I endeavored to pursue his course in this respect. Each day we took a different direction in visiting the unconverted. We would sing, read the scriptures, and then pray with them. Sometimes they would be impudent, and even abusive, but this did not discourage us, or deter us -from our duty. By perse- vering, we soon discovered that the Lord was about to bless our efforts. While my uncle was visiting some four or five wigwams, I was visiting as many others; their wigwams being near us. Our influence, with God's blessing, was now felt among them. Singing and praying were their constant employment ; and some of them seemed to know nothing else but the enjoyment of the truth of the gospel, and that God can and does " forgive sin." They became the happiest of beings ; their very souls were like an escaped bird, whose glad wings had saved it from danger and death. Brother Chandler preached twice every Sabbath, and 70 THE LIFE OF taught school every otht'v week. One Sabbath, in January, 1835, Brother Chandler preached from these words, " And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost."^"^ He spoke with unus-ual liberty ; I caught some of the same fire with which the sermon was delivered ; and interpreted it wuth much ardor. O what a melting season it was ! The anxious and expressive looks ot the Indians ; the tears streaming down their cheeks, all tended to add to the occasion. My readers, here was comfort ; here was one bright spot, at least, in my checkered life, that I never can forget. IVIy poor brethren appeared to swallow every w^ord of the sermon as I interpreted it. One John Southwind, who had been notoriously cruel and revengeful, was among the humblest and the happiest. He had been a great Con jurer. On Sabbath evenings, every converted Indian w^ould try to induce his relatives to embrace religion, and pray m the \vigwams of their unconverted relatives. These happy scenes often made me forget home. Many of the unconverted, w^ere very revengeful ; but w^e let them expend their vengeance on the air. One of them, Kah-be-wah-be-ko-kay, i. e. Spear Maker, threatened to tomahawk us, if we should come to his wigwam "with the white man's religion;" "for," said he, " already some of my family are very sick and crazy." Notwithstanding this threat, we commenced our vists, and with no other weapon than a little calico bag containing our Testament and Hymn Book. When- ever he saw us near his wigwam (we were obliged to pasolitary Indian — George Copway ! Never can I forget that evening ! What- ever may be my future lot in this Itfe, I will always thank God for the privilege of attending these services. May the Lord pour out his Spirit on all his churches. The next day I visited Nfewark, N. J., to see brother Abraham Hedenburg, with whom I had become acquainted in Illinois, at the house of his brother James. Here I met with a great deal of kindness. Brother Bartine, of the Franklin Station, requested me to preach for him in the morning ; and Brother Ayers, of the Northern Station, invited me to preach for him in the evening. Brother Ayers gave me about ^8.00 worth of books, which I had the pleasure of perusing during the winter. This was a favor — a distinguished favor indeed. I have seen that dear brother but once since. May the Lord be gracious to him. My visit to Brother Hedenburg was delighful. I met many friends here, to whom I can never be thank- ful enough. May God visit them in great mercy. I saw them again last summer, and partook of their kind hospitalities. I feel more and more indebted to them ; especially to Brother Hedenburg. My next journey was to Boston. Dr. Bangs gave me a letter of introduction to a brother in that city. I remained about two weeks, looking at the Yankees and their city. Boston is much overrated ; there are a few very few pretty spots ; the rest is crooked and narrow. KAH-GE-GA GAH-BOWH. 95 It is far behind New York, Philadelphia, and perhaps Baltimore, and New Orleans. I met with a few choice spirits — Brothers King, Rand, Wise, and Smith ; and on the Sabbath, I addressed the Sabbath School in Russel street. In the evening we had a delightful meeting. I remained with Brother H. Merrell's family during my sojourn, and I shall always recollect them \vith feelings of sincere gratitude. I visited several noted places while in that vicinage, — the Monument on Bunker's (or rather Breed's) Hill, etc. ; I went also on the top of the State House when the sky was clear. It was from this point that I saw the works of the white man. The steeples, vessels arriving, and others spreading their sails for distant lands. The wharves were filled with merchandise. A few steamboats were running here and there, breathing out fire and smoke. On my left, I noticed several towns. The steam cars from Worcester rolled on from the west ; others were starting for Providence, and whizzed along the flats like a troop of runaway horses. Here were factories in different directions. As I saw the prosperity of the white man, I said, while tears filled my eyes, " Happy art thou, Israel, who is like unto thee, people saved by the Lord .'" When I thought of the noble race of red men who once lived and roamed in all the land, and upon the waters as far as my eye could reach, the fol- lowing thoughts arose in my mind, which I have since penned. Once more I see my fathers' land Upon the beach, where oceans roar ; Where whiten'd bones bestrew the sand, Of some brave warrior of yore. 96 THE LIFE OF The erores, where once my fathers roam'd— The rivers, where the beaver dwelt — The lakes, where angry waters foam'd — Their charms, with my fathers, have fled. O ! tell me, ye *' pale faces," tell, Where have my proud ancestors gone 1 Whose smoke curled up from every dale, To what land have their free spirits flown 1 Whose wigwam stood where cities rise; On whose war-paths the steam-horse flies ; And shipSj like mon-e-doos in disguise. Approach the shore in endless files. T now visited the Missionary Rooms of the American Board, whose invaluable labors are felt throughout the globe. I saw some articles, wrought by our people in the west, such as bead work, porcupine quills, mocca- sons, war clubs, etc. I thought, that if Brother Green had seen as much of war clubs as I had, (for I have seen them stained with blood and notched according to the number of individuals they had slain,) he would conceal them from every eye. CHAPTER XIII. About the 4th of November, I took my leave of Bos- ton, for the great commercial emporium, on my route homewards. My travelling companion was the Rev. E. Taylor, the sailor's friend. He was on his way to Philadelphia to preach. I should suppose that a better sailor's preacher cannot be found in the Union. I was KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 97 much pleased with his conversation. In one of his public addresses, I was told that he said, " When I die, smother me not under the dust; but bury me in the sea, where the sea- weed will be my winding sheet, the coral my coffin, and the sea shell my tomb stone." I heard an individual say of him, "start him where you will, he will go to sea." I was now, once more, in the magnificent city of New York. I bought a few books at the Book Rooms. After surveying the beauties and curiosities of the city, I left in the steamboat Rochester for Albany. I spent one day in Albany, and attended a Methodist prayer meet- ing. The Rev. Mr. Seymour, the preacher in charge at the Division street Station, introduced me to Brother Page, who had the charge of the South Ferry street Church. At the latter church I was present at a delight- ful and soul-stirring meeting. The following day I took the canal for Syracuse and Oswego. On my way from Schenectady to Utica I preached twice on board the boat; and even here I found some pious souls. I observed the tears falling from several eyes. " The Lord be praised," was the language of my heart. When shall this poor heart feel fully and wholly alive to the unsurpassed fav^ors of heaven ? I took a steamboat at Oswego, and arrived at King- ston, C. W., on the evening of Nov. 11. Here I had to pay duties on the books which I had obtained in New York. The amount to be paid was ^32.50, and I had but ^27. I went to Charles Oliver, Deputy Collector ;* and as soon as I laid my circumstances before him, he 98 THE LIFE OF said, " pay the ^27, and 1 will advance you the balance^ and as soon as you reach home, write to Mr. McCau- lay, the Inspector General, who lives in Toronto, and inform him who you are ; he will, doubtless, authorize me to refund you the money.'' I did so, and shortly after- wards received the whole amount. In this public way I would express my most hearty thanks to these gentle- men for their acts of kindness towards an Indian stranger. I arrived at Rice Lake on the 12th day of November, 1839, having been absent from home five years and four months. Never did I feel so rejoiced as when I stood on the top of a hill, and saw my village, seven miles across the lake. I gazed upon it with pure delight; and as I took a retrospective view of all the scenes which I had passed through, I wondered at myself, and at the great goodness of God. I knelt down and "blessed and thanked Him who liveth for ever," for his unspeak- able goodness to a child of sin. While crossing the ^ake, I was in perfect ecstacies ; my heart leaped with joy ; and my thoughts and emotions were at my home long before my person. O how tedious and tardy the boat seemed to be ; I wished for wings several times. But at last, I planted my foot upon the spot on which I had been reared from my infancy, and where some of the sweetest and happiest recollections of my life were centered. But " every sweet has it bitter." On en- quiring for some of my relatives, I was informed that they had left this, for a better life. Many of my old friends and acquaintances had gone to try the realities of •another world. Numbers were bathed in tears, and the wounds of their hearts were re-opened. My own heart KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 99 seemed to bleed at every pore. What a painful interview ! I now requested to be shown the graves of my dear re- latives and friends. I wended my way to these conse- crated grounds, and sighed and wept over them. My reflections were solemn indeed! I followed many of them, in my thoughts, to heaven, whither they doubt- less now are, celebrating the praises of God around the throne of the blessed Redeemer. This was great con- solation amidst my griefs ; and I felt now determined, with God's assistance, to follow them, so far as they fol- lowed Christ, and thus be prepared to unite with them in the songs of the upper world, whenever God shall see fit to call me hence. Brother John Sunday, was at this time, stationed in our village. The Lord soon visited this Mission with a glorious revival ; many were converted, and others re- claimed. The tracts that I had received at the Book Rooms, and the books from the American Tract Society (N. Y.,) I distributed among those that could read, and they were duly appreciated. I believe that these were the means which prepared their minds to relinquish the world, and place their hope in God. I will now speak of Christmas and New Year. When Christmas arrived, we were invited to a centenary tea party, in company with the Rev. W^illiam Case, the well known friend of the Indians. The party met at Alderville, eight miles from the Mission. This was a season of much joy and happiness. The Chiefs referred to the time when they were without the gospel. One of them said, " Before I heard the gospel, when Christ- mas came, I began to thank the Great Spirit for the day 100 THE LIFE OF on which I could get plenty of whiskey. Brothers, you know how often I was dragged through the snow to my wigwam, where my wife and children were cold and hungry. Now, I drink tea instead of wJdskey^ and have religion with it ; row my house is comfortable ; and my children are pious and happy. I expect to pur- sue a Christian course till I arrive in heaven. My fond hope is to meet these good missionaries in the land of bhss ; and not only these, but also the good John Wes- ley, with whom I expect to shake hands there." John Sunday's brother (Big Jacob,) said, " When the Me- thodists were preaching to our people, I heard that the chiefs and warriors were frequently in tears. I then said, I would not shed tears were I to hear them. Still, I wished to understand for myself I w^ent, with a full determination not to behave myself like a woman^ I mean by crying. ■ I sat near the door. The preacher was speaking about the Saviour's dying on the cross, while the Indians all around were sobbing. I began to feel serious, and then the tears fell involuntarily. Fre- quently I wiped my eyes, but still the tears vjouldjlow. I asked myself, am I crying too 9 Brethren, I was ashamed to exhibit tears; but now [here he raised his hand to heaven] it is not through cowardice that I cry, for I never shed a tear on the battle field, nor even when my children or my friends lay dead before me. No ! 1 never dropped a tear. I feel to-night very happy and thankful to know that the Great Spirit did not, while I was in darkness, say, ' I will never bless this Indian.* I feel an ardent love for you all. I love Jesus, who has done so much for sinful me." He then sat down ; KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 101 Brother John Sunday now arose, and interpreted what his brother had just said ; and at the close of his remarks, he turned to the whites, who had come here from Co- bourg, and several other places, and said, " Brothers, that was a great big mercy, for that great big man.'^ I might add other cases here, but it is scarcely neces- sary. Suffice it to say that we enjoyed the services throughout. As I looked around, I recognized some, whom I knew, and had often seen before the gospel reached us, and who had usually spent Christmas in the gutter, — degraded, miserable, and starving. The lan- guage of the Psalmist might well have been quoted by each of these poor brethren : — " Thou hast raised me up out of the filthiest sink (English translation, ^ the miry clay,'') and hast planted my feet firmly on a rock." Yes, the rock Christ Jesus. New Year's day was observed in the same religious manner. And I cannot but remark here, that it is to be greatly regretted that so many Christians in the States spend this day in gadding about from house to house, and indulging in luxuries to excess. Nay, more ; I have been informed that not a few professors entertain their visitors with fire-water or deviPs spittle, on that day. What a contradiction this would be in the esti- mation of converted Indians, were they to witness these scenes. During the winter, the General Council of the Nation was held at the Credit River Mission. Chief Joseph Sawyer was elected President of the Council. This noble chief has filled the chair several times since, with great credit. Several petitions, and other important 9* 102 THE LIFE OF documents were drawn up and signed by the different chiefs, to be presented to the Government of Canada. The whole Council waited on the Governor General, Lord Sydenham, in a body ; they presented their peti- tions (see Note A, at the end of this chapter.) In reply, we received but little satisfaction ; he closed his note, by saying, " My children, for the present, I bid you all farewell." His Lordship did not even deign to affix his name to the note. Since then, nothing has been heard of our papers, and therefore we must con- clude that they have been laid under the table. But what could be expected of a '-^ father ^"^ who could smile in the presence of his '■^ children^'' and yet stab them in the dark ? See note B, at the close of the chapter, where the reader may find an extract from his letter to Lord John Russell. To rebut his false representations, I would appeal to the Report of the Commissioners on Indian Affairs in Canada ; to the missionaries ; and to the whole civilized and Christianized population of the Chippewa nation. I can therefore say, without the fear of respectable contradiction, that his assertions have no foundation in truth. A few drunken Indians, it is true, may be found in Canada ; and these alone, would be willing to call him Father. ^t was at this General Council that I became ac- quainted with Captain Howell's family, of Toronto, for- merly of England, and after an intimate acquaintance of some six months, I was united in marriag^e to hisdauc^h- ter EHzabeth. My wife has been a help meet indeed ; she has shared my woes, my trials, my privations ; and has faithfully labored to instruct and assist the poor In- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 103 dians, wht lever an opportunity occurred. I often feel astonished when I reflect upon what she has endured, considering that she does not possess much physical strength. I can truly say that she has willingly partaken of the same cup that I have, although that cup has often contained gall. I trust, that I have not transgressed the bounds of delicacy, in speaking of one who has sacrificed so much in becoming the partner of an Indian missionary. I will simply add, that Mr. and Mrs. Howell, and their daughters Caroline and Elizabeth, were then, and are now, members of the Methodist Church, In the spring which preceded my marriage, I was appointed by my people at Rice Lake, to transact some business for them at Toronto. I accordingly left Rice Lake and reached Toronto in April. Just before leav- ing for Rice Lake, I called to see my cousin, Thomas Kezhig, who was confined to his house by consumption. Wliile on my journey homewards, between Toronto and Port Hope, as I was sleeping on one of the sofas of the steamboat, I had the following singular dream in relation to my cousin above mentioned : — I found myself in a path on a wide plain, which led towards the south, between two cottages. I was im- pressed w4th a belief that it was my duty to proceed to the end of the road, which, from appearances, great multitudes had walked over. On nearing the cottages, I discovered a small gate, attended by a keeper. At first, he refused me an entrance, but after much persua- sion, he permitted me to pass, extorting from me a pro- mise, to return as soon as I should reach a certain spot, 104 THE LIFE OF from which I could see the end of the path. I passed through the gate and traveled over a beautiful rolling country, \vilh groves, flowers, and fruits, on my right and on my left, which delighted my eyes ; while the singing of birds delighted my ears. I walked through several streams which ran smoothly over beds of beau- tiful pebbles. From one of these streams I drank, and felt much refreshed. In some places, I saw the impress of men's feet on the pebbles, which proved that persons had gone before me. Some time after this, I heard sereral voices conversing about the country to which they were traveling. I ascended a hill, from which I beheld a scene which no language can describe. In front was a large granite rock, in the form of a pyramid ; it was exceedingly high ; had seats on each side from the bottom to the top ; and on these, sat a great multi- tude who had died in the Lord. Here and there was a vacant seat. Some, however, w^ere standing, and all had a pair of wings. Those that were sitting, had wings, and seemed ready to fly ! On the very summit, and above the rest, there was a spacious seat, or magni- ficent throne. One sat on this throne who shone like the sun ! Over his crowned head was a circle, resem- bling a rainbow, on which was written, with letters of gold, " This is the King Jesus." What a splendid sight ! it daxzled my eyes. Above his head were clouds of angels ; these were performing beautiful gyrations. Sometimes they descended so low, that I plainly could see the upper side of their wings, which reflected a brilliant light from the throne. 1 did not hear them speak, but there was a noise like a mighty rushing wind, KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. ' 105 occasioned by their wings, which were constantly in mo- tion. There were myriads upon myriads of these winged angels ; the very heavens were covered with them. I observed between me and this great rock, a river, part of which was as black as jet, and the rest as yellow as gold. It flowed gracefully along the edge of ^ the beautiful green, near the rock. I saw two men plunge into its bosom, and swim. As soon as they reached the spot where the water w^as black, their clothes fell off of them, and were carried away by the current ; w^hile they themselves reached the shore on the opposite side. They now assumed forms too glo- rious for tongue or pen to describe ; even imagination must fail here. They now seemed to rise up out of the river ; and as they stood upon its bed, with their long white wings majestically expanded and dripping, they clapped their hands and exclaimed, *' Glory lo God in the highest ; glory and honor to Jesus." They now stepped out of the stream, walked side by side, and ascended to their seats midway up the rock! While ihey were ascending, the entire multitude cheered and welcomed them. "Glory to God," "Halleluiah,'' with many other exclamations, were echoed in loud peals thoughout the whole region. My eyes wept big burning tears, which overflowed my face. I tried to join the happy throng in e'ydculixting halleluiah ; and made several fruitless attempts to cross the river. I felt as if I were fettered, and fastened to a stake. Presently, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me ; I turned around suddenly, and beheld my cousin Thomas Kezhig, passing along. I addressed him, and said, " Where 106 THE LIFE OF are you going, cousin?" He replied, " I am going where my mother and sister have gone ; but you must return home soon, for you are needed there ; you will one day follow us to the skies." I exerted myself to approach him, but in vain. He turned about, ran down %the hill to the water, plunged in, and swam like a duck. His clothes now fell off of him, as did those of the two individuals referred to above. I saw him rise ; he ex- claimed, ^^ Glory to Jesus P^ Some one exclaimed from the rock, ** Thomas Kezhig is come, Thomas Kez- hig is come." Immediately, two flew from their seats, and presented themselves before him, near the edge of the water. They embraced each other, and clapped their wings, as if filled with joy. O what a happy, happy scene! The immense throng of angelic beings witnessed this sight, and lowered their flight. Those on the rock, now stood up at his approach, and flapped their win^s. The two who had flown to him, led him by the hand to a seat. Every eye was now upon him ; and the whole heavens seemed to echo, " Welcome to thy rest, thou child of affliction.^ ^ I recognized in these t^vo, his mother and sister, who had died a few years before, with a hope full of glory. I could have given worlds for permission to cross the river. I wept sorely, and felt it incumbent to return, according to my promise, to the keeper of the gate. The keeper inquired, " well did you see them ?" But my heart was too full to give utterance to my thoughts. I now awoke, much agi- tated, and still weeping. I looked at my watch, and discovered that it was a quarter past one o'clock, P. M. In the evening I met one of my step-brothers at Poj-t KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 107 Hope ; he had just arrived. The first words that he uttered, were, '* Our cousin is no more." I inquired, *' When did he die ?" He repUed, " To-day, about one o'clock." " Then," said I, *^ he is happy in the realms of bliss." The next day, as I stooped over his cold remains, I could still see his glorified spirit as in my dream, welcomed to the land of angels. ! " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." I loved him tenderly, and had good reason to believe that he also loved me. My readers will, I trust, excuse me for having inflicted upon them this dream. It is even now so vivid in my recollection, and being somewhat curious and peculiar, that I have ventured to give it. It is but a dream, and I wish it to go for what it is worth, and no more. I left Toronto for the west, on the third of June, and arrived at Buffalo the same evening, just in time to fulfil an engagement. I was to address the Sunday School Missionary Society at the Methodist Episcopal Church. I was obliged to leave Mrs. Copway at Toronto, as she was not quite prepared to depart; but the following day she met me in BufTalo. Here the brethren prevailed on us to stay over the Sabbath. Sabbath morning I preached at Black Rock, and in Buffalo in the evening. What a curious, inquisitive, and teasing people, some of the Yankees are! Yet, they are very friendly withal, for every one seemed to be striving to induce us to go to their homes to take tea and to pass the night. I had been married but a few (lays, and the follov 'ng were some of the ques- tions put to me : — "How did you obtain your wife .^" 108 THE LIFE OF " Where were you married ?" ''Did her father con- sent?" "How many of your people have married our white women ?" These and similar inquiries were con- stantly made, and were exceedingly annoying. But notwithstanding all this, I could say "farewell dear friends of BufTalo ; thank you for your kindness, your good wishes, and your prayers. Farewell Sister Dob- son, Brother M., and Brother VanderpooF' — a nohle hearted an 1 whole-souled man. On the 7th of June, we parted with my wife's sister, Caroline, who had come with my wife from Toronto as far as Buffalo. We were soon sailing on Lake Erie. On the 8th we were in Cleveland. Here we were obliged to stop, as the regular boat was engaged to con- vey persons to the great Whig Convention at Fort Meigs. But we passed a very agreeable time, however, especially with Mr. and Mrs. Peet. On the 12th, an opportunity offered by which we could go as far as Amherstburg, on our way to Detroit. The steamboat Milwaukie stopped at Cleveland on her route upward.«{ and on board of her we went. Soon we fell in with Rev. John Clark, who was on his way from the General Conference to Chicago, in company with Rev. Mr. Col- clazier, of Detroit. It was my design to preach on board, but was prevented on account of the rolling of the boa^, which caused much sea-sickness, and our early arrival at Amherstburg. Here we staid one week, and passed many happy hours, especially with Sister Scott. From Amherstburg we went to Detroit. On the l8th we started from Detroit for ^ lackinaw, on board the steamboat Robert Fulton, v ;iich place we reached on KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 10(> the 20th; here we remained a few days with B, Chapman, Esq. Here I heard of the death of one of our traders, Lavaque, a pious man and a particular friend. I preached his funeral sermon, and then his remains were con- signed to the grave. Many wept on this occasion, for he was much beloved. Mrs. Cop way was now suffer- ing from chills and fever, which she first contracted at Toronto. On the 23d, we took passage on board the steamboat Fairport, and arrived at Green Bay early the next morning. Mrs. Copway's indisposition induced me to remain here until she should feel better. Brother Chenoworth, the stationed preacher, was absent, and it devolved on me to fill his pulpit on the Sabbath. We had a most interesting season in waiting on the Lord. Mrs. Copway's fevers continued three weeks, and when it was thought that she had recovered, we took land carriage to Prairie Du Chien. But before we had gone many miles, she was again seized with chills and fever, and we were obliged to tarry at the house of a Mr. McCarty. His family were kind, and would not receive any compensation for their trouble. I now proposed to Mrs. C. to return to Green Bay, but she would not con- sent, saying, that as we had started, it were better to keep on. Every other day she had the fever. how it distressed me to witness her affliction. We passed through the villages of the Stockbrige and Brother Town Indians. Their lands are good, and it is to be hoped that they will continue to conduct them- selves well. On the 17th July, we arrived at Winnebago Lake, where we took dinner with Brother White. After leav- 10 110 THE LIFE OF ing this place, we had to kindle up a fire in the groves several times, in order to cook something for breakfast, and for the rest of the day ; there being no settlers within twenty miles. Some men seem to have come to these *' diggings" only for the purpose of defrauding travellers out of their goods and money. For every slim and dirty meal, we had to pay fifty cents. There is a house between Fort Winnebago and Prairie Du Chien which I can never forget. We had to pay fifty cents for each meal (?) ; twenty -five cents for lodging in beds swarming with fleas and bugs. Sleep was out of the question ; so I spent the hours of the night on the seat of what was called a chair. August 23d, we arrived at Prairie Du Chien, after much fatigue, having traveled ten days. Brother Kavanaugh had just arrived from St. Peters, and had us conveyed to Dubuque, in a canoe. Here Mrs. Copway remained, till I returned from the Confer- ence, which was held at Mount Morris. From Du- buque we went to Prairie Du Chien, in a steamboat ; on the 26th we were compelled to go in our canoe to St. Peters, on account of the shallowness of the river. Our company consisted of Brothers Spates, Huddleston, Brown, Jones, Mrs. Copway, her sister, and myself. We encamped, occasionally, on the banks of the Mis- sissippi. We were more than two weeks traveling three hundred miles, to St. Peters. We had a tent which we pitched every night. On the 26th Septem- ber, we had to mount the blufiTs of the Mississippi river; here we found a number of Indian deities, made of stone. Mrs. Copway and her sister tumbled them all down into the river. Their worshippers must have been astoimd- ed and mortified when they returned, and discovered KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. Ill that their gods had vanished. On several occasions we were dripping wet. On the 9th of October we ar- rived at St. Peters ; we here had the happiness and pri- vilege of associating with the Presbyterian missionaries three weeks ; they were affectionate and truly kind to us. These were Brothers Garvin, Pond, Denton, and their wives. We had yet to journey nearly three hun- dred miles. After some delay in getting ready, we started in our canoe. On the 27th of October we went about fifteen miles up the river ; on the 2Sth we could proceed no farther on account of the ice. Now what was to be done ? If the winter sets in, while we are on our journey, we shall have to suffer much. We there- fore concluded to go by land to Elk River mission. On the 19th we hired a Frenchman to convey our things in his cart. It being late when we started, we walked but five miles the first day ; we really dreaded the jour- ney. On the thirtieth, while we were crossing the Rice River, the cart was upset ; our provisions and clothes were filled with water : and manv of our thingjs were floating down the river. I made a fire, and we passed the rest of the day in drying our articles; fortunately, not one of us was in the cart. Mrs. Copway exhibited much patience and fortitude ; she reproved us for mur- muring, on account of this and other mishaps ; and laughed, while our pies and cakes were saihng down the river. On the 31st we walked the whole day, and reached Rum River, — called so, because a barrel of rum had been concealed there. It would be too tedious to narrate all the circumstances connected with the rest of our journey. 112 THE LIFE OF On the 6th of November we arrived at the mission, having traveled, in all, about two thousand and eighty miles. The Indians had fled from this mission, on ac- count of their enemies, the Sioux, whom they dreaded. Here, then, we had no employment ; no one to instruct ! We now endured much suffering. I was taken sick with the dysentery, and remained so four months, al- though, occasionally, I could move about. Brother Huddleston, also, became sick ; he was taken on the 25th of December, and died on the 30th, of dysentery. This was truly a time of trial. We buried him near the banks of the Mississippi, on New Year's day. He had comeheretodogood;but O how inscrutable are the ways of God ! The chief of the Ojebwas had now arrived ; and addressed us in the following language : — *^ Brothers, I am sorry to see you all in such afflicting circumstances. I see that you loved him ; and from what little I saw and knew of him, I believe he was a good man. He came here to do us good — to teach our children. You ask me where you shall bury your Bro- ther. I will tell you. Bury him on that little hill [pointing to it,] so that we may see his grave as we pass up and down the river. I will tell my people to keep the grave in good order, and to respect it. No grass shall be allowed to grow too near it ; we will see that it is weeded. Next summer, /will build a heap of stones about it ; that all may see and know where the good man lies — he, who came to bless us. Tell his father that the Sioux, our enemies, will not molest his remains." This chief was not a pious man. Three of his war- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 113 riors, now went to the hill, cleared away the snow, and dug the grave according to our directions. We com- mitted his lifeless body to the cold grave in a strange land ! I never knew how much I loved him, until he was gone. Filled with tears, sobs, and sighs, Brother Spates performed the last sad office, over the remains of our dearly beloved brother, while the rude blast was blowing the snow in every direction. Just before he died, he admonished and entreated us to meet him in heaven, where he assured us he was going. " Blessed are the dead, that die in the Lord." The chief now invited us to go and reside with him at Rabbit River; and, in February, we did so, after having traveled three days. During these three days, however, we had often to shovel away the snow, build a fire, and spread the bedding without any tent over it. We awoke one morning, and found the snow two inches deep on the bed clothes. We built a large fire, by which we warmed ourselves and boiled some coffee. Our bread was frozen ; but we thawed it, and made a meal. When this was over, ofT we started. By the way, I ought to have mentioned that I had a poney for Mrs. Cop way and her sister, on which they could ride. Through the winter he lived on rushes, and browsed like a deer. The poor fellow had to give out, about two miles before we reached Rabbit River ; Mrs. Cop- way, therefore, had to walk this distance on the ice, which greatly fatigued her. On Saturday night quite late, we arrived at the shanty of Chief Hole-in-the-sky. In all our journeyings Mrs. C. was always ready and willing to endure every hardship. She never murmured 10* 114 THE LIFE OF nor appeared discohtented. This often encouraged me, and afforded us much relief. I record with grati- tude, that God enabled her and her sister to bear up under the severest trials and hardships. We could have no earthly gain in view; the grace of God alone, there- fore, supported us by day and by night, in sickness, in perils, in storms, in fatigues, in despondency, and in solitary places. At Rabbit River we labored with con- siderable success ; but on account of the war raging be- tween the Sioux and the Ojebwas, these two missions, with that at Ottawa Lake, had to be abandoned. Note A. " 1st. The soil at the Credit is generally very poor, and, con- sequently, the crops are hght, and this, in a great measure, dis- courages our people from becoming good farmers. The situa- tion of the Credit Reserve is better calculated for commercial than agricultural purposes. " 2n(l. We have learned, by experience, that living together in a village, whilst endeavoring to follow farming, is attended with many disadvantages, and loss of time ; it is therefore de- sirable, that all the Indians who wish to become planters should be settled on their own lots. " 3rd. The evil example of many of the white people around our village, exposes our people to the temptation of drinking fire-water, and of committing other vices. " 4th. We are of opinion, that, if we go and settle on a good tract of land, many of our young men, who are now spending their time in idleness, would be induced to become industrious, and attend to their farming." Note B. "Government House, ^ " Kingston, 22nd July, 184] " My Lord, — 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 1st instant, No. 393, on the subject of KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 115 the Indian Department in Canada. I beg to assure your Lord- ship that I have given the subject my attentive consideration, and I hope to be able to submit for your approval a scheme for the consolidation of the Department. At the same time the matter is attended whh great difficulty, arising from the pecu- liarity of the duties which the officers of the Department have to perform, the extent of country comprised within their juris- diction, and, above all, from the system pursued with regard to the Indians, which, in my opinion, is of the most mistaken character. All my observation has completely satisfied me, that the direct interference of the Government is only advan- tageous to the Indians who can still follow their accustomed pursuits, and that if they became settlers, they should be com- pelled to fall into the ranks of the rest of Her Majesty's subjects, exercising the same independent control over their own property and their own actions, and subject to the same general laws as other citizens. " The attempt to combine a system of pupilage with the settle- ment of these people in civilized parts of the country, leads only to embarrassment to the Government, expense to the Crown, a waste of the resources of the Province, and an injury to the Indians themselves. Thus circumstanced, the Indian loses all the good qualities of his wild state, and acquires no- thing but the vices of civilization. He does not become a good settler, he does not become an agriculturist or a mechanic. He does become a drunkard and a debauchee, and his females and family follow the same course. He occupies valuable land,un- profitably to himself and injuriously to the country. He gives infinite trouble to the Government, and adds nothing either tc the wealth, the industry, or the defence of the Province. " I have, &:c. {Signed.) "SYDENHAM." " The Right Honorable " Lord J. Russell." 116 THE LIFE OF CHAPTER XIV. In the spring we were out of provisions, and had to fish for a Uving for about three weeks. Brother Spates taught school, and cousin Johnson and myself visited the wigwams daily, for the purpose of singing and pray- ing, and reading the word of God. They always re- ceiv^ed us kindly ; and soon their minds and hearts be- gan to feel serious, and they inclined strongly towards Christianity It was not long after that many of them professed to have made their peace with God, and ex- pressed their determination to obey the precepts of Jesus. Here we must acknowledge that God " made us glad according to the days wherein he has afflicted us." We had " not labored in vain, nor spent our strength for nought," although we had to confess that we were un- profitable servants. While conversing with a chief upon the importance of true religion, he became much troubled, and admitted that his own religion was not as good as the religion of the Bible ; but, said he, *' I will embrace your religion when I shall hi'\-e returned from one more battle with the Sioux ; and I will then advise my people to embrace it too." What a struggle this poor fellow had within ! His name was Bah-goc jfa-ge-shig (Hole- in-the-sky.) He had always been kind to me and mine; in the sprino: he presented me about eighty pounds of sugar; observing at the same time, " I have brought this from the Sugar Bush to-day ; you will require some for your family ; and I cheerfully give it." Brother Brace and his family now arrived from Prairie KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 117 Du Chien. What tales of sufferings did they commu- nicate ! They had traveled six hundred miles in the midst of winter ; and were exposed to all winds and weathers ! But, thank God, now they were with us. Their clothes were almost in strings, and their children were in rags ! Expecting lo find enough to live on as soon as they arrived, they brought nothing with them. Thank heaven, we were just enabled to keep them and ourselves from starving. The Indians desired us to visit several other places, and establish ourselves there. The whole country seemed ripe for the Gospel. It was thought best that Brother Spates and myself should go down to St. Peters, by water, and obtain provision. We were four days going, and, on our arrival, a war party was just on the eve of departing for our mission, where they intended to mur- der all the Ojebwas they could find. I requested Brother Spates to accompany me back by land, to in- form the Indians of the intention of the Sioux. He said, " there would be too much risk in going before the War Party." But my wife and sister were there ; they, as well as my poor people, might be barbarously mur- dered. After repeated efforts to get some one to accom- pany me, but without success, I was determined to go alone. I trusted in the God of battles, and with his aid I was confident that I could prevent these merciless and blood-thirsty warriors from imbruing their hands in the blood of my nation. I was ready for a start ; and went to chief Little Crow's village, lo tell him that I was going to the Rabbit River Mission. Not thinking, that I was in earnest, or had courage enough, he said 118 THE LIFE OF " Tell Hole-in-the-sky, I am coming to get his scalp.*' This took place three hours before they were ready to march. In the midst of jeers and vjar-vjIioopSj I left their mission house. They did not believe that I intend- ed to go farther than Fort Snelling. As soon as I was out of sight, I began to run as fast as I was able. I called at the Post Office, which was nine miles from the Crow Mission, got my papers and letters, and ran about seven miles over the prairie, without stopping. I bought a pony on the road, of a Frenchman, and having no saddle, I rode but three miles of the whole distance. I tied ray pack on his back, and made him run all the afternoon. In the night I slept without a fire. I was so anxious to get home, that I had no appetite for eat- ing, the first tw^o days. I went at the rate of about seventy-five miles per day, and arrived home at noon, on the fourth day ; having walked two hundred and forty miles, forded eight large streams, and crossed the oroad Mississippi twice. My coat and pantaloons were m strips. I crossed the Mississippi just in front of our mission house, and, as soon as possible, I told the chief that the war party w^ere now on their way to our mission, to kill them. I advised him to lead away the women and children, which they did, and the next day they all left us. We, that is, my family, myself, and the other missionaries, were now left to the mercy of the Sioux. But they did not come, although they sent spies. Brother Brace, Cousin Johnson, and I, now ventured to take our families down to St. Peters. We left in a large bark canoe, and had only one loaf of bread, two quarts of beans, and two quarts of molasses. Brother KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 119 Brace was so sick, that we had to lift him in and out of the canoe. We «aw tracts of the war party, on our way to St. Peters. They watched us on the river, as w^e heard afterwards. We encamped about one mile and a half this side of their watering place, during the night, and did not know that they knew this fact, as will be seen in the sequel. They came and held a council just across the river from our encampment ; they could see the light of our fire. The war chiefs agreed that four of the warriors should swim over to us and take us ail prisoners. One was to take the canoe to the other side of the river, to bring over the rest of the party. They were to kill me and my Cousin Johnson. But the chief said to them, " If you kill these men, the Great Spirit will be angry, nd he will send his white children to kill us, and our children." One of the v^arriors told the chief that he was a coward, and that he ought to have remained at home. To this the chief replied, "I am no coward ; and we will see who are cowards when we come in front of our enemies. '' Thus they disputed, and even quarelled, among themselves, till day-light. The same morning, we left without breakfast, and on the morning following, we were beyond their reach. We saw where they had raised a number of logs, so that they might lie in ambush. I ought to mention, that we were perfectly ignorant of all their plans and actions, until w^e arrived at St. Peters. The chief, him- self, communicated to us what has been stated above, in the presence of his w^arriors. 120 THE LIFE OF This country, is, indeed, a dangerous place for the Ojebwa Missionaries ; but not so for the whites, for they never pretend to interfere with them, in auy way. Before Conference, and while I was obliged to be at their mission, for there was no other road for us to go, the Sioux tried to intimidate me by pointing their guns to my breast, and by flourishing their w^ar clubs about my head ; they would say, " I wish you had longer hair, so that I could take a good hold of it and scalp you." I cannot describe my feelings^ on this occasion, better, than by quoting, with a little alteration, from the immortal bard of Avon: — "They were so terrible, that they shook my soul, and made my seated heart knock at my ribs against the use of nature ; cold drops of sweat hung on my trembling flesh, my blood grew chilly, and I seemed to freeze with horror." I would often go and see them in their Tepees (\vigwams ;) this was good policy. They frequently showed me some of the scalps of the Ojebwas, and danced the scalping dance. What awful noises they made, as they danced in their fantastic dresses, w^ith their faces painted black. They reminded me much of his Satanic and fiendish majesty, rejoicing over a damned spirit entering hell. During this summer, I accompanied brother Kava- naugh to Sandy Lake Mission, at the head of the Mis- sissippi, I returned by the Falls of St. Anthony, while Brother Kavanaugh went by the way of Lake Superior, he having business with the American Fur Company. When I arrived, I leai'ned that the elder son of Brother Kavanaugh had been drowned ; he fell from a ledge of rocks. Sister Kavanaugh felt deeply, this mercifully KAH-GE.GA-GAH-BOWH. 121 severe dispensation. Brother Kavanaugh now arrived; poor man! he could not speak to me for some time. I met him some distance from his house ; he had heard of the circumstance, but had not, as yet, been home. " How unsearchable are God's judgments ; and his ways past finding out." Yet, withal, in such dark hours, many a Christain sees parental Love. Ah ! we may often exclaim, in the language of good old Jacob, " All these things are against me,^' but we may also say, God orders every thing for the good of his own. That summer we w^ent to Conference, which was held in Platteville. I was then appointed to establish a Mis- sion at Fon du Lac, at the head of Lake Superior. Bro- ther James Simpson was appointed school teacher. We traveled from the Sioux Mission up the St. Croix River, crossed over to Burnt-wood River, and thence to Lake Superior. Having provided food, I de- parted with Mrs. Copway and her sister, John Jacob, Massey, and Brother Simpson, about the fifteenth of September. We were two weeks on the St. Croix River ; and part of this time I was so sick as to become delirious. I was just able to walk over the two mile portage to Burnt wood River. The other men, there- fore, had to carry the large canoe two miles ; this was hard, but it was impossible for me to help them. We were now out of provisions. I have been told, by good authority, the following singular fact. There is but one spring which forms the two rivers; — the St. Croix which runs down to the Mississippi, and the Burnt- wood River which runs down to Lake Superior. In going down the Burnt-wood river, our progress 11 122 THE LIFE OF was slow. We were out of provisions from Thursday, till Sabbath morning, when we arrived at Fon du Lac. On Saturday, Mrs. Cop way and her sister had a small piece of bread between them ; the rest lived upon hope. In the afternoon, we rowed about twenty-eight miles, and on Sabbath morning just at day-break we had to start for our station, Fon du Lac ; about twelve o'clock we arrived there, and saw^ John Laundree, the trader, who was celebrated for his hospitality. I shook hands with him ; he asked me if I was sick ; and said, "You look pale." I told him, we were all hungry, and had had nothing to eat but a small piece of bread since Yvi- day evening. "Ah, indeed!" said he, " I will soon have breakfast for you." Mrs. Laundree, after a few minutes, had every thing necessary for our cheer and comfort. While eating, I thought, that whatever might be said of Catholics, this was a truly Christian act ; and heaven will not let it pass unnoticed. In the evening I addressed a company of traders and Indians. I found the Indians in a miserable state ; the cause of which I attribute wholly to their intercourse w^ith the traders, the principal part of whom are noto- riously wicked and profane. I felt very thankful, how- ever, that WT were here ; yet I w^as filled with anxieties ; for how should I begin my labors? Brother Simpson and I commenced by fitting up the old mission house, formerly occupied by the Rev. Mr. Ely, who had taught many to read and write. The school house, also, was fitted up, and in it Brother Simpson taught, till the spring Our prospects seemed to brighten up, and we had good reason to think that the Indians were glad to have uc KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 123 with them ; for they sent their children regularly to school, and our religious meetings were well attended. During the winter several became seriously and religious- ly affected ; and in the spring, a few believed that they had experienced a change of heart. This encouraged us much. I can never forget the happy seasons I en- joyed, in my visits from house to house, and in the woods. I endeavored to seek out all; and the good Master was gracious tome. I have often traveled about among them on snow shoes, weeping for joy Often, too, did I sleep alone in the woods, having had to dig away the snow to prepare a place to lie on. Though frequently hungry, faint, and lonely, I enjoyed the pre- sence of the Lord. On one occasion I was sorely tried: I accompanied one of the traders about one hundred and eighty miles, to purchase cattle for our place. I bought a cow for my own immediate family ; and in the spring it was killed and eaten by the Indians. Had they been in want, there might have been some excuse for such an act. We expected her to " come in" in about three weeks, and her milk was to be our chief dependence. It was a cruel piece of work. After having traveled, too, three hundred and sixty miles for the purpose of obtaining her, and then to be thus deprived, was a hard case truly. Had she lived, many of the children of the Indians would have shared in the milk. When will the poor Indians be instructed in right principles ? From along experience and close observations among the Sioux and the Ojebwas, in regard to the hostile feel- ings existing between them, I have been brought to the following conclusions : 124 THE LIFE OF 1. That Christianity and education alone, will check their malevolent and hostile feelings, and thus put an end to their bloody wars. For this end missionaries must be sent to both nations. 2. That it is useless to send missionaries without suit- able interpreters to assist them. 3. That missions should be established in the vici- nities of the borders of the neutral grounds of these two powerful and savage nations ; because in these places there is but little, if anything, to excite them to revenge. 4. That wherever a mission is once established, it ust never be abandoned. 5. That where any Protestant mission is established in any village, no other denomination should establish another in the same place, or interfere in any other way. 6. That missionaries ought to assist each other when- ever they happen to fall in each other's way, or are re- quested to do so. 7. That missionaries ought not to preach their own peculiar doctrines, to the disadvantage of other denomi- nations; for this not only lessens their own influence, but likewise that of others. The scenery near the head of Lake Superior, is almost as splendid as that of the beautiful Hudson. There is a magnificent fall about eight miles above the mission. The Indians often kill moose, bears, and deer, in this region. In the spring, summer, and fall, they live on fish. As we had no salt, we were obliged to preserve our fish by hanging them on poles, with their heads down- wards, and in this manner they would freeze. When the spring arrived, they began to thaw, and becoming KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 125 soft, would fall from the poles. Late in the fall, white fish ascend the rapids, and can be scooped up with nets. In the spring, fish of every kind, and in great abun- dance, ascend these rapids. On the 9th of April, 1842, it pleased the Lord to bless us with a son. This was our first child — a fine healthy boy. We thanked God for his goodness and mercy in preserving all our lives in the desert, and while surrounded by savages. I committed and com- mended him to God. May he live to take his station in the missionary field. Brother Kavanaugh was kind enough to visit us ; he returned by the way of Sandy Lake Mission. I accom- panied him over the first Portage ; here we knelt down on the green, and worshipped the God of Missions. We now parted ; but I still hope to see this affectionate brother again, even in this world. But if we shall never meet on earth, I trust we shall in heaven, " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." " Where we shall forget our sorrows and pain, And with our Redeemer in glory shall reign, Shall sing the anthems resounding on high, And bathe in the ocean that never shall dry." CHAPTER XV. We were often delightfully associated with the Pres- byterian Missionaries at La Pointe, the Rev. Messrs. Hall and Wheeler, and their amiable families. Their 11* 126 THE LIFE OF benevolence and Christian courtesy are above any praise that we can render ; but we would acknowledge that our hearts overflow with great gratitude whenever we recall thera to mind. It was here that I became acquainted with the Rev. Mr. Boutwell. I preached for these beloved brethren several times, and we enjoyed sweet communion, and some thrilling seasons together. The Council of the Ojebwa nation assembled in this place about the first of October. The government agent, R. Stewart, of Detroit, treated with thera for their mineral regions, for which the government gave them a large amount in money. From this time, I shall date the dissipation, misery, and ruin, of this part of our nation. 1. Because it induced speculators to visit them yearly to sell their goods at enormous prices ; and their whiskey, which inevitably ruins both body and soul. 2. Because it opens the door for all sorts of unprinci- pled men and vagabonds. The miners, too, many of whom are no better than pickpockets. 3. Because, in possessing so much money, withoul any correct views of economy, utility, or prudence, it becomes to them " the root of all evil " — a curse in- stead of a blessing. In these appropriations, the American Government have grossly erred. What benefit can the many thou- sands of dollars, which are paid annually, be to the Indians, if they are not capable of exercising any judg- ment in relation to a proper use of money ? The fact is, that, at the end of every year, they are sunk into KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 127 deeper degradation. I Would now ask, what are mil- lions of money without education ? I do not mean that an equivalent should not be given for lands ceded to the government. No ; but I do mean that this equiva- lent should be appropriated in such a way as to pro- duce the greatest benefits and the happiest results. If a certain amount had been given in cash, another amount in cattle and farmer's utensils, another in cloth- ing, another in houses and school houses, and the like ; and with these, if a few mechanics, farmers and teachers, had been sent among them, the Indians might have be- come industrious, intelUgent, and useful citizens. One- third of each annual payment would be sufficient to educate, and to supply all the wants of their children. It may be supposed by some, that the white people settled near them give them good advice, and urge upon them the propriety and necessity of appropriating their monies in the manner just suggested. Yet this is not only not the case, but these very whites, at least a large majority of them, are continually laying plans by which they can extort from these unlettered and igno- rant Indians, whatever they possess. I write not at random, on these matters. I am too well acquainted with them from painful observation and bitter experi- ence. I have been present at ten payments; viz. at Sault St. Marie, Mackinaw, Green Bay, Prairie Du Chien, and St. Peters. During these payments, quan- tities of whiskey w^ere brought to the Indians, or else they were seduced to go elsewhere to purchase it. Poor untutored red men ! you were deluded, and maae drunk by white men, and then in jour hellish and 128 THE LIFE OF drunken passions, you turned around and imbrued your hands in the blood of your own relatives and brethren. And were I to narrate some of the scenes which occurred among the white faces (with black hearts) on these occasions, it would sicken the heart ; nay, it w^ould make mad the guilty, and appal the inno- cent. The very devil himself might shudder. It was now two years since I left Canada ; I received letters from there, from the Rev. Messrs. Stinson, Green, and Jones, requesting me to return home and labor with them. At first, I did not deem it advisable to go, because I felt under many obligations to those who had sent me to school for two years ; and had rendered me other kind services. But it was not until after repeated solicitations had been made, and money to defray my traveling expenses had been remitted, that I consented. I obtained permission from my Superin- tendent, Rev. J. R. Goodrich, to depart. I left La Pointe, Oct. 10th, in the schooner Algonquin for Sault St. Marie. From there w^e took a row boat for Mack- maw, and at M. took a steamboat for Buffalo ; we now proceeded onwards and arrived at Toronto on the 28th r>f October. My wife's parents and relatives, and very many dear friends were delighted to see us again, after ?»n absence of tw^o years. We found them all well, and felt grateful to God for another expression of his abun- dant goodness and mercy. I spent much of my time in narrating the scenes we had witnessed, and a full account of my mission. In about a month, I was sent to Credit River, (Mrs. C. remained behind in her father's family.) Here I KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 129 taught school till Christmas, when I began traveling with Rev. Wm. Ryerson, on a missionary tour towards Montreal. We were absent about three months, and preached or spoke every day. We collected about a thousand dollars per month. The eloquence and piety of Brother R. seemed to be duly appreciated where- ever we went. He is the best platform speaker, that T ever heard in the Methodist connexion. I had sup- posed, however, that he would be dull and monotonous ; but this was far, very far from the fact. Having returned from this tour, to Toronto, I was next appointed by the Missionary Society to labor at the Saugeeng Mission, in the place of the Rev. Thomas Williams. On this journey my wife accompanied me. The distance was one hundred and sixty miles ; 'and we reached there on the 12th of April, *43. On our way, we stopped at Goderich ; and from thence we took a canoe about sixty-five miles. I entered upon my duties as a missionary among the Christian Indians. I met with difficulties, for I could obtain nothing without money ; and even when a re- quest was made, it was not met by the Society. I could not be convinced that it was my duty to starve, and therefore concluded I must leave. My Indian bre- thren stepped forward at this time, and petitioned Go- vernor Metcalf. to afford me a living from the Govern- ment. Their request was granted, and I was paid by Government $400 per year, for three years. I should have continued here, but the next year my services were demanded among my relatives at Rice Lake. In the summer, I took Mrs. Cop way to Toronto, and 130 THE LIFE OF left her at her father's, while I was absent at Montreal with the Rev. Mr. Jones. Here we waited on the Go- vernor General, and presented our views, and those of our people, respecting the formation of a Manual Labor School for the benefit of the Indians. The Governor expressed himself as favorably disposed, but was too sick to take an active part in it. But before this, the Canada Conference had appointed Rev. P. Jones and myself, to visit the Missions, and ascertain how much each Mission was willing to contribute for this object.* During this fall, Mr. Jones and family left for England. I returned to Toronto and took my family back to Saugeeng Mission. While on our passage, in a schooner, our litde son, who was about three years old, fell overboard ; we heard him fall into the water. I ran immediately to the side of the vessel and jumped into the lake. The schooner was sailing quite rapidly, ana had passed him about twenty yards. I swam as fast aj possible, and saw him sink. When I reached the spot where he sank, I dove down about seven feet, seized hold of him, and brought him to the surface. As the waves were runnmg high, it was with the greatest diffi- culty that I could keep him above the water so that he could breathe ; and I was compelled at times to let him sink an instant, that I might breathe myself. I heard him cry, which was encouraging, for I was fearful that he was dying. At one time I almost despaired of saving either of our lives. I was about giving up all hope, when I saw the yawl boat near me, and I was *The amount reported from the Indians alone, was $2,800 KAH-GE-GA-QAH-BOWH. 131 told that I was just about sinking, when the captain res- cued us from a water}^ grave. The captain, and all on board, were so frightened, that ihey lost some time in concluding what to do. Had they luffed at once, and despatched the yawl, two or three minutes might have been saved. But, I ought not to complain ; our lives were spared, and thanks be to a kind Providence for his timely deliverance. I then gave him up to God, and prayed that he might be preserved, and be devoted to the cause of Christ. We now resumed our labors at the Mission. While at this station there where many hopeful conversions. A remarkable circumstance is, that during the whole three years of my sojourn in this field of labor, I never knew but one single case in which fire-water was used. I must not omit noticing here, a very faithful teacher in my charge. Jacob Jackson ; his influence was of the best kind; he was also a very pleasant and interesting singer. It has been but a few years since these In- dians were converted. They now have good farms, dweUings, school houses, meeting houses, and a saw mill. How wonderful are the effects of the gospel! They also take delight in praying, and in singing the praises of God. Had the American Government adopted the same course towards the La Pointe Indians, that the British Government adopted toward these, the same lasting blessings would have ensued. 132 THE LIFE OF CHAPTER XVI. Of late, the General Councils of the Christianized Ojebwas have been convened, and conaucted, in the same manner as public and other business meetings are conducted among the "whites. The last General Coun- cil, which consisted of Ojebwas and Ottawas, was held at Saugeeng. The chiefs came from Lakes St. Clair, Huron, Ontario, and Simcoe, and from Rice and Mud Lakes. The object of this convention was to devise plans by which the tract of land now owned by the Saugeeng Indians, could be held for the sole benefit of the Ojebwa Nation; to petition the Government for aid in establishing a Manual Labor School; to ascertain the views and feelings of the chiefs in relation to forming one large settlement among themselves at Owen's Sound, there to live in future ; and to attend to other things of minor importance. There were forty-eight chiefs present, from Canada West alone. Chief Sawyer took the chair, and the writer had the honor of being Vice President. Chief John Jones, of Owen Sound, was selected to deliver the opening address, in which he was to give an outline of the subjects to be discussed. The meeting was now called to order ; and after sing- ing, and an appropriate prayer by Chief John Sunday, Chief Jones arose; all was silent, and every eye was turned towards him. After rolling his small but piercing black eye over the vast assembly, he spoke as follows : " Brothers ! You have been called from all parts of KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 133 Canada, and even from the north of Georgian Bay. You are from your homes, your wives, and your chil- dren. We might regret this, were it not for the circum- stances that require you here. " Fellow Chiefs and Brothers, I have pondered with deep solicitude, our present condition ; and the future welfare of our children, as well as of ourselves. I have studied deeply and anxiously, in order to arrive at a true knowledge of the proper course to be pursued to secure to us and to our descendants, and even to others around us, the greatest amount of peace, health, happi- ness, and usefulness. The interests of the Ojebwas and the Ottawas are near and dear to my heart ; for them, I have passed many sleepless nights, and have often suffered from an agitated mind. These nations, I am proud to say, are my brothers ; many of them, are bone of my bone, and for them, if needs be, I could willingly, nay, cheerfully, sacrifice any thing. Brothers, you see my heart. [Here the speaker held out a piece of white paper, emblematical of a pure heart.] *' Fellow Chiefs and Warriors ! I have looked over your wigwams throughout Canada, and have arrived at the conclusion, that you are in a warm place ; your neighbors, the whites, are kindling fires all around you [that is, clearing the lands.] One purpose for which you have been called together, is to devise some plan by which we can live together, and become a happy people, so that our dying fires may not go out [our nation may not become extinct,] but may be kindled in one place, which will prove a blessing to our children. " Brothers ! Some of you are living on small parcels 12 134 THE LIFE OF of land, and others on Islands. We low offer you any portion of the land which we owi? m this region ; that we may, the rest of our days, smoke the pipe of friend- ship ; live and die together ; and see our children play, and be reared on one spot. We ask no money of you. We love you ; and because we love you, and feel for your children, we propose this. *' Brothers! There are many other subjects which w^e think ought to come under your consideration besides those already stated. But the most important are : " 1. Whether it would not be better for the whole Ojebwa Nation to reside on this, our territory. '* 2. Would it not be well to devise ways and means to establish Manual Labor Schools for the benefit of the nation. "3. Ought not a petition to be drawn up and presented to our Great Father [the Governor General,] for the purpose of fixing upon a definite time for the distribu- tion of the annual *' presents," and the small annuities of each tribe. " 4. Is it not desirable to petition the Governor General, to appoint a resident Indian interpreter, to assist the agent in Toronto. "5. As we [the Christian part of our nation] have abandoned our former customs and ceremonies, ought we not to make our own laws, in order to give character and stability to our chiefs, as well as to empower them to treat with the Government under which we live, that they may, from time to time, present all our grievances and other matters to the General Government. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 135 " My Chiefs, Brothers, Warriors ! This morning, [the speaker now pointed his finger towards heaven] look up, and see the blue sky ; there are no clouds ; the sun is bright and clear. Our fathers taught us, that at such assemblies when the sky was without clouds, the Great Spirit was smiUng upon them. May he now preside over us, that we may make a long, smooth, and straight path for our children. It is true, I seldom see you all ; but this morning, I shake hands with you all in my heart. " Brothers ! This is all I have to say." On taking his seat eighty-four chiefs responded ** Hah .'" an exclamation of great applause. Several chiefs spoke, and highly approved of what had been proposed ; and expressed their gratitude for the kind offer of the lands. It was proposed to petition his Excellency the Governor, to grant and secure to the Indians, the whole of this territory. The following was drawn up by John Jones, Jacob Tackson, and David Wa-wa-nosh. The Petition of the Ojebwa Chiefs, in General Council, respecting the unceded lands north of Saugccng and Owen's Sound, June 5tL 1845. To our Great Father Lord Metcalf, Governor General of British North America^ and Captain General of the same, &c., &c. The Ojebwa Chiefs in General Council assembled, humbly sheweth: Father — Your Petitioners having ceded a great portion of their once extensive territory about Saugeeng and Owen's Sound, and a portion of it having been restored to them since the treaty of 1836, by your Excellency's gracious commands; Father — Your Petitioners are very anxious that the reserve /'now still known as the Indian Territory) be a perpetnal reserve: 136 THE LIFE OF as a fulnre refuge for a general colonization of the Ojebwa Nation, comprising the scattered Tribes in Canada West; Father — And that these lands may now and for ever be open- eil to all the Tribes ; that whenever any tribe is disposed to move, that they may have nothing to fear, but have access to any of the good lands to settle upon ; Father — You have settled your white children on those lands that once were our fathers ; we ask now to let us have the only remaining land we have, to ourselves, unmolested ; Father — This is the prayer of your red children ; and feeling confident that you will give it every important consideration which it requires, your red children will listen to hear the answer of their Great Father. And they, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Forty-seven names, besides that of the President, were attached to this petition. Never was I more delighted than with the appearance of this body. As I sat and looked at them, I contrasted their former (degraded) with their present (elevated) condition. The Gospel, I thought, had done all this. Tf any one had told me twenty years ago, that such would be their condition,! should have ridiculed the idea, and set the narrator down for a fool or a maniac. This assembly was not convened for the purpose of devising schemes of murder ; plans by which they could kill their enemies ; but to adopt measures by which peace, har- mony, and love, might be secured, and a " smooth and straight path" made for their children. I see nothing at present, to hinder them from increasing in knowledge, happiness, and usefulness, except the con- duct of the Government Agents, many of whom are inimical to our nation, and often prove a curse to her. Several other papers were drawn up, and signed by KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 137 the President, by order of the General Council. One of these I must be allowed to give, although it concerns myself: To ALL TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. In the General Council of the Ojebwa nation of Indians. We, the Chiefs, of the various Tribes of the Ojebwa Indians, do hereby appoint and authorize our beloved brother, the Rev. George Cop way, as our agent for the Manual Labor School, to procure subscriptions for the same^ believing tiiat this will be one of the greatest means, if estab- lished, of raising our young men, to become like our white brothers; to learn industry, economy, and to gain knowledge, that we may become a happy and a prosperous people. Signed by order of the General Council. JOSEPH SAWYER, [l. s.] President of the General Council of the Ojebwa Nation. Saugeeng, July 4, 1845. I will also give an extract of my letter to the Rev. Mr. Wilkinson, who was then President of the Canada Conference, immediately after the close of the General Council. ^Extract from Letter Book, Page 151.^ Saugeeng Mission, ") July 14, 1845. $ To the President of the Conference, Rev. Mr. Wilkinson. The late General Council, have appointed me their agent for the Manual Labor School. I shall be happy to receive any in- structions you may think proper to give, on my way down Qo Montreal] for I am anxious to see this going on. * * * I remain yours, &c., GEORGE COPWAY. Missionary at Saugeeng. I give these, for the benefit and instruction of thoeCj 12* 138 THE LIFE OF who have been so kind as to insinuate, or assert, that I was not an authorized agmt to forward the interests of my poor people. Those who have been the loudest and most active in this slander, have done the least, in rendering the Indians any essential service. Let them go on, with their gossippings, while I go on my way re- joicing in doing all I can for my poor people, indepen- dently of the Canada Conference. Neither have I any disposition to court the favor of this Conference. In- deed, my heart has often sickened at the divisions and subdivisions of the Canada Methodists. The speeches of Jones, Sunday, Taunchey, McCue, D. Sawyer, J. Youngs, W. Herkermer, were excellent. That of John Sunday, particularly, was uncommonly eloquent. His keen black eyes, flashing fire ; and his large brawny arms extended, gave great effect to his speech. As a matter of course, there were often diflfer- ences of opinion, as well as warm discussions, upon various subjects ; some would even feel that their views were not fairly treated ; still, there were no unkind re- marks, no calling of hard names, no abuse, no ridi- cule, no insults, no threats, no intrigues, no blows, and no challenges to meet on the field o/* honor (?). The individual who had the floor, was never interrupted ; profound attention was giv^en, and a death-like silence was observed. Occasionally, it is true, there was per- petrated a pleasant, and innocent Jew d^ esprit; an ex- ample of which, I will give. During a protracted debate, in which Chief John Jones took a very active part, some facts were elicited, and some views were presented, which induced him to change some of his former opinions, and vote on the KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BO\VH. 139 other side. One of the speakers at the close of his re- marks, referred to this fact, and observed, very good humoredly " If he wishes to be like ^Jlsh worm without a head — capable of moving forwards or backwards, let him alone." I have often been asked the question, " What is the reason that the Indians are diminishing in numbers in the midst of their white neighbors ?" To state all that might be said in replying to this question, would re- quire almost a separate volume. But the following are a few of the principal reasons : 1. The introduction of King Alcohol among them. 2. The introduction of new diseases, produced by their intercourse with the whites ; and by adopting their intemperate habits. 3. Their inability to pursue that course of living, after abandoning their wigwams, which tends to health and old age. 4. Their spirits are broken down in consequence of seeing that their race are becoming homeless, friendless, moneyless, and trodden down by the whites. 5. Their future prospects are gloomy and cheerless — enough to break down the noblest spirits. There are many other reasons which could be assigned for their diminution. But are not these suffi- cient of themselves to crush and exterminate even any white race, if not protected and defended by friends and whoiesome laws ? Our people have been driven from their homes, and have been cajoled out of the few sacred spots where the bones of their ancestors and children lie ; and where they themselves expected to 140 THE LIFE OF lie, when released from the (rials and troubles of hu. Were it possible to reverse the order of things, by placing the \vhites in the same condition, how long would it be endured ? There is not a white man, who deserves the name of man, that would not rather die than be deprived of his home, and driven from the graves of his relatives. " Oh shame, where is thy blush!" With all the wholesome and enlightened laws ; with all the advantages and privileges of the glorious Gospel, that shines so richly and brightly all around the white man ; the poor ignorant Indians are compelled, at the point of the bayonet, to forsake the sepulchres of those most dear to them, and to retire to a strange land, where there is no inhabitant to welcome them ! ! ! May the day soon dawn, when Justice will take her seat upon the throne. If I did not think that there were some who are alive to the interests of my people, and often shed a tear for them ; if I did not think that I could discover a gleam of light and hope in the future, " I should of all men be most miserable." " Surely the bitterness of death " would be " past." I look then to the Gospel and to education as my only hope. I will now state, in a very brief manner, what I think ought to be done, by those whose benevolent feelings lead them to commiserate the condition of the Abori- gines of Ainerica. 1. They should establish missions and high schools wherever the whites have frequent intercourse with them. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 141 2. They should use their influence, as soon as the Indians are well educated, and understand the laws of the land, to have them placed on the same footing as the whites. 3. They should try to procure for them a territorial or district government, so that they may represent their o\yn nation. 4. They should obtain for them, deeds of their own lands ; and, if qualified, according to law, urge their right to vote. The Indians will be sure to waste and squander what- ever they may receive from the American or British Government, unless some, at least, of the above sugges- tions, shall have been put into practice. The Council was now dissolved. The President, Chief Sawyer, proceeded to His Excellency, the Gover- nor General, and presented the petitions, in the name of the General Council. These petitions, as we learned afterwards, were received with a simple nod ! of the head. mercy ! is this for ever to be our destiny ? Common humanity, at least, might have induced his Lordship to speak a few consolatory words, if nothing else. Our reception was both discouraging and chill- ing. When we have a press of our own, we shall, perhaps, be able to plead our own cause. Give us but the Bible, and the influence of a Press, and we ask no more. The General Council appointed me to go to Walpolc, to present their address to the Walpole Island Indians, entreating them to embrace Christianity. I visited them in July. 142 THE LIFE OF CHAPTER XVII. A GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE OJEBWA, OR CHIPPEWAY, NATION. As the Ojebwa Nation are within the bounds of the two Governments — the American and the British — I will give a separate account of each. The number of our nation, according to Drake, in 1842, was thirty thou- sand ; and this is not far from the truth. The best work upon the Indians, however, is that deservedly popular book, by Col. McKinney, of New York ; the undoubted friend of the red man. I will now speak of that part of the nation who oc- cupy places within the bounds of the United States. They inhabit all the northern part of Michigan, or the south shore of Lake Huron ; the whole northern part of Wisconsin Territory ; all the south shore of Lake Supe- rior, for eight hundred miles; the upper part of the Mis- sissippi, and Sandy, Leach, and Red Lakes. That part of our nation who live in the British posses- sions, occupy from Gononaque, below Kingston, through- out all western Canada ; the north of Lake Huron ; the north of Lake Superior ; the north of Lake VVine'pig ; the north of Red River Lake, about one hundred miles. The whole extent, therefore, occupied is over one thousand nine hundred miles east and west, and from two to three hundred miles north and south. There are over five thousand hving under the British Government, and less than twenty-five thousand under KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 143 the American Government. There are about five thou- sand of these who receive religious instructions ; mis^ sionaries of different denominations being sent from Canada and the United States. The Methodists were the first who preached to the Ojebwas. or Massissaugas (as they are frequently called.) They commenced at Credit River, in Canada West, in 1824, and at Grape Island, in 1827, The conversion of some of the Ojeb- was commenced during those years. Native teachers were then sent to their brethren in the West, where the influence of Christianity is still felt. There are twenty- three Methodist Missionary Stations: six of which are in the States, and the remainder in Canada. There are four Presbyterian Missions, all of which are in the States ; viz. La Pointe, Bad River, Leach Lake, and Red Lake. There are seven Episcopalian Mission Sta- tions; all of which are in Canada, except one, which is at Green Ba}'. There are two Baptist Mission Sta- tions, one at Sault St. Marie, and the other at Green Bay. The Roman Catholics have their missionaries in nearly all the principal places in the west. Those who are not under religious instruction, al- though accessible, are wandering without the gospel. There is a field in the Territory of Wisconsin where missionaries should be sent. There are Indians all around the shores of Lake Superior who have, from time to time, called for missionaries, and have not yet been supplied. The Hudson's Pay Company have, of late, adopted a plan which in my opinion does them much credit ; they employ Misrionaries to give instruc- tion to the Indians and their chddren in the principles 144 THE LIFE OF of Christianity. There are persons who once belonged to other nations, who now live in the territory of the Ojebwas. The present state of the christianized Ojebwas is such, that they are fully ripe for greater advancement in reli- gion, literature, and the arts and sciences. Multitudes have left their wigwams, their woods, and the chase, and are now endeavoring to tread in the footsteps of worthy white men. The reasons for all this, are the fol- lowmg : 1. Their chiefs have seen the necessity of making a "smooth, strait path for their children," by appropria- ting as much of their means as they could spare. 2. The rising generation are beginning to thirst for learning, and are cultivating a taste for improvement more than ever. 3. Native teachers are now being trained to go to their brethren, and preach to them in their ow^n language, Christ, and him crucified. By this means the nation must be elevated. Our prospects as a nation, are becoming brighter through missionary efforts. There are many in Wiscon- sin, and at Lake du Flambeau, w^hp have requested that missionaries be sent along the south shore of Lake Su- perior, The same may be said of those residing about Winepeg and Red Lakes. Much of the western part of Red Lake, is full of " the habitations of cruelty ;" for the Chippewas and Sioux are habitually destroying each other. I will here give extracts from the Report of the Com- missioners, in 1842, to the Provincial Parliament, rela- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 145 tive to the Mission Stations ; also subjoin the names of the villages with their condition, and the chiefs of each village, as far as I could ascertain them, which will show their progress, and their present state ; and also those who have abandoned the wigwam and the chase, and resort to farming for a living. 1. Chippewas on the River Thames. The Chippewas and Munsees occupy a tract of land contain- ing about 9000 acres, in the Township of Caradoc, within the London District, a distance of about twenty-five miles from the Moravian village. It is only within ten years that the Chippe- was have been reclaimed from a wandering life, and settled in their present location. The Munsees have been settled since the year 1800, on land belonging to the Chippewas, with the consent of that tribe. The present number of Chippewas is 378, and of Munsees 242. The Chippewas and Munsees are not collected in a village, but live on small farms scattered over their tract. Some of the Chippewas are settled on surveyed lots of twenty acres each. This tribe occupies 76 log houses, and six wigwams ; they pos- sess 25 bams. They have 450 acres under cultivation. Their stock consists of 30 oxen, 27 cows, 44 heifers, 82 horses and colts, and 400 swine Their agricultural implements include 9 ploughs, 9 harrows, 23 scythes and sickles, 19 ox chains, a fanning mill, 4 wagons and carts, 7 spades, &c. ; they have a blacksmith's forge, and two and a half setts of carpenter's tools John Riley, Chief. 2. The CmppEWAs at Amherstburg. They all profess ChrLstianity, and several of them are exam- ples of true piety. The majority are Wesleyan Methodists, and the others Roman Catholics. They have no place of worship of their own. They can command the means. The Method- ist minister, however, who is stationed in the town of Amherst- burg, visits those of his persuasion every Sunday, and with the 13 146 THE LIFE OF aid of an Interpreter, preaches, reads, and expounds the Scrip- tures to them. They also have a general Prayer Meeting among themselves, once a fortnight, and they meet occasionally more privately for social prayer; some of them maintain family wor- ship. The Roman Catholics attend chapel at Amherstburg, which is about three miles from their settlement. There is at present no school among them, but they have expressed their desire to establish one, and would gladly avail theiTiselves of instruction for their children. When there was one, the attendance of the scholars was very irregular, but their ability in acquiring knowledge was in no way inferior to that of the white children. 3. Chippewas of the St. Clair. These Indians are among the first whom Sir John Colborne endeavored to settle and civilize. Previously to 1830, they were wandering heathen like their brethren elsewhere, scat- tered over the western part of the Upper Province; they were drunken and dissipated in their habits, and without either reli- gious or moral restraint. In 1830 and 31, a number of them were collected on a reserve in the Township of Sarnia, near the head of the River St. Clair, and containing 10,280 acres. A number of houses were built for them, and an officer was appointed for their superintendence. Their conversion to Chris- tianity and their progress in religious knowledge, and in the acquisition of sober, orderly, and industrious habits, have been, under the care of missionaries of the Wesleyan Methodist So- ciety, both rapid and uniform. From the formation of the mis- sion 221 adults and 239 children have been baptized and admitted into the INIethodist community. The total number up to the year 1839-40 does not appear to have exceeded 350. Since then their number has increased greatly by immigration, chiefly from the Saginaw Bay, in the State of Michigan, and by the settlement of wandering Indians; and in 1842, as many as 741 received presents. The Indians of the River aux Sables have about sixty acres under improvement, and one log house. Those at Kettle Point have twenty acres of improved land and twc log houses. The KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 147 and on the Upper Reserve was regularly surveyed and laid out mto farms. The chief, with the approval of the Superinten- dent, placed most of the present occupants on these lands, but It is not indispensable that he should be consuUed, as the mem- bers of the tribe may choose any unoccupied spot ; when once in possession they are secure from intrusion, but repeated ill conduct or drunkenness would subject them to be expelled from the reserve of the chief. Wa-wa-nosh, Salt, 4. Chippewas at Walpole Island. Chiefs. These Indians are also known under the name of Chippewas of Chenaille Ecarte. The Chippewas who have long hunted over the waste lands about the Chenaille Ecarte and Bear Creek, are a branch of the same nation which is settled in Sarnia, and share in the same annuity. The Pottawatamies are recent immigrants from the United States. The settlement at Walpole Island was commenced at the close of the American war, when Col. M'Kie, called by the Indians ^' White Elk," collected and placed upon the island which lies at the junction of the River and Lake St. Clair, the scattered remains of some tribes of Chippewas who had been engaged on the British side. Being left for many years with- out any interference or assistance on the part of the Govern- nent, they became a prey to the profligate whites settled on the frontier, who, by various frauds and in moments of intoxica- tion, obtained leases and took possession of the most fertile and valuable part of the island. 5. Chippewas of the River Credit. These Indians are the remnant of a tribe which formerly possessed a considerable portion of the Home and Gore Dis- tricts, of which in 1818, they surrendered the greater part, for an annuity of ^532.10, reserving only certain small tracts a1 the River Credit, and at Sixteen and Twelve Mile Creeks. 148 THE LIFE OF They were the first tribe converted to Christianity in Upper Canada. Previous to the year 1823, they were wandering pagans. Tn that year, Messrs. Peter and John Jones, the sons of a white sur- veyor and a Alississaga woman, having been converted to Chris- tianity, and admitted members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, became anxious to redeem their countrymen from their degraded state of heathenism and destitution. They, accordingly, collected a considerable number together, and by rote and frequent repetitions, taught the first principles of Christianity to the adults, who were too far advanced in years to learn to read and write. In this manner the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Commandments, were committed to me- mo^}^ As soon as the tribes were converted, they perceived the evils attendant on their former state of ignorance and va- grancy. They began to work, which they never had done before; they recognized the advantage of cultivating the soil ; they totally gave up drinking, to which they had been greatly addicted, and became sober, industrious, and consistent Christians.. J. Jones, War Chief 6. The Chippewas of Alnwick. These Indians were converted to Christianity in the years 1826--7. They were then pagans, wandering in the neighbor- hood of Bellville, Kingston, and Gananoque, and were known under the name of the Mississagas of the Bay of Quinte ; in those years, between 200 and 300 were received into the Wes- leyan Methodist Church, and settled on Grape Island, in the Bay of Quinte, six miles from Bellville, where they commenced planting, and where schools were established by the missionary for their instruction. On this island they resided eleven years, subsisting by agriculture and hunting. Their houses were erected partly by their own labor, and partly at the expense of the Methodist Missionary Society. The number, at length, amounted to twenfy-three ; besides which, they had a commo- dious building for religious service and school, another room KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 149 for an infant school, a hospital, smithery, a shoemaker's shop, and a building for joiners' and cabinet work. Sunday, Chiefs. G. CoMEGO, Ch. & M. Inter. Simpson, 7. Chippewab at Rice Lake. These Indians belong to the same tribe, the Mississagas, or Chippewas of Rice Lake, who, in 1818, surrendered the greater part of the tract now forming the Newcastle District, for an annuity of ^6740. They have all been reclaimed from their primitive\randering life, and settled in their present locations within the last ten or twelve years. The Rice Lake settlement is on the northem side of the lake, and at about twelve miles from Peterborough. The number of Indians is 114. They possess about 1550 acres of land, which are subdivided into 50 acre lots; of this, 1120 acres were granted in April, 1834, to trustees, ^4n trust, to hold the same for the benefit of the Indian tribes in the Province, and with a view to their conversion and civilization ;" and the remaining 430 have been since purchased with their own funds. They have rather more land cleared than the Indians of Alnwick, about 400 acres ; but the cultivation is not so good. The village contains thirty houses, three bams, a school-house, and a chapel with a bell. The head chief of the tribe resides here. For some time these Indians were under the charge of an officer appointed by the Indian Department, who assisted in their settlement; but at present they have no special Superintendent. POUDASH, ^ CoPWAY, > Chiefs. Crow, 3 Chippewas at Mud Lake. The Mud Lake Indians are settled on a point of land on the Mud or Chemong Lake, sixteen miles north-west of Peterbo- rough. They are ninety-four in number, and possess twenty dwelling houses, with three stables. They occupy a grant of 13* 150 THE LIFE OF 1600 acres in the township of Smith, made to the New Eng- land Company for their benefit, in April, 1837, of which about 200 acres are in cuUivation. These Indians were for some time under the management of the late Mr. Scott, agent for the the New England Company, and belong to the Wesleyan Me- thodist Church. A chapel is in the course of erection at the village, where there is already a mission house and a school NOGEE, ^ Iron, > Chiefs. McKuE, S 9. Chippewas at Balsam Lake. The Balsam Lake Indians, ninety in number, are at present settled within the Township of Bexley, on a point of land jut- ting out into Lake Balsam, which is the most northerly of the chain of lakes, running northwest across the back Townships of the district of New Castle. The reserve which was granted to them by the Crown, is 1206 acres in extent. Of this they have about 200 acres in cultivation. Their village contains twelve houses, a barn, and a commodious school-house, in which divine service is .performed by a resident Methodist mis- sionary. But within the present year, (1843,) these Indians having become dissatified with the climate and the quality of the land at the Balsam Lake, have purchased six hundred acres on the banks of Lake Scugog, to be paid out of their share of heir annuity, and are making preparations for removing from their former settlement. Their improvements will be sold for their benefit. Their reason for removing evinces their desire to advance in the pursuit of agriculture. Crane, Chief. 10. Chippewas of Rama, These Indians formerly occupied the lands about Lake Sim- coe, Holland River, and the unsettled country in the rear of the Home District. General Darling reported of them in 1828, that they had expressed a strong desire to be admitted to Christian- ity, and to adopt the habits of civilized life ; and that in these respects they might be classed with the Mississagas of the Bay KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 151 of Quinte and Rice Lake, but were then in a more savage state. In 1830, Lieutenant-Governor Sir J. Colborne, collected them on a tract of land on the northwest shore of Lake Simcoe. of 9800 acres in extent, where they cleared a road between that lake and Lake Huron. They consisted of three tribes of Chip- pewas, under chiefs Yellowhead, Aisance, and Snake, and a band of Pottawataniies from Drummond Island ; their number was about 500, imder the care of Mr. Anderson, now the Super- intendent at Manitoulin, who was appointed to take charge of their settlement and civilization; they m.ade a rapid progress* The tribe under -^he chief Yellowhead, now settled at Rama, were located at the Narrows on Lake Simcoe; Aisance's tribe, at present residing at Beausoleil, Matchadash Bay, was settled at Coldwater at the other extremity of the reserve, the distance between them being fourteen miles. Yellowhead, ^ Na-nah-ge-skung, > Chiefs. Big Shillinge, _) 11. Chippewas of Beausoliel Island, Matchadash Bay, Lake Huron. This band, under the chief '^ Aisance," is the same which was settled by Sir John Colbome, at Coldwater. Their present village, which is not very distant from the former settlement, was only commenced last year. It contains fourteen houses, and a bam; the number of the band is 232. They have about 100 acres under cultivation. The majority of these Indians are Roman Catholics. They have not as yet any place of worship, or schooL In the former settlement they were occasionally vished by the Roman Catho- lic priest, resident at Penetanguishene. Aisance, James Ka-dah-ge-quon, y Chiefs. h J 12. Chippewas of Snake Island, Lake Simcoe. This body of Indians was one of the three bands established at Cold water and the Narrows, and separated from them on the abandonment of those settlements. They now occupy one of 152 THE LIFE OF the three Islands on Lake Slmcoe, which was set apart for thifl tribe many years ago. They are 109 in number, and occupy twelve dwelling houses. They have also two bams and a school house, in which their children aie instructed by a respectable teacher, and Divine Service is performed by a resident Mission- ary of the Methodist persuasion, to which these Indians belong. They have about 150 acres in cultivation, and are improving in habits of industry and agricultural skill. Their missionary, who has been acquainted with them since July, 1839, states that the majority of them are strictly moral in their character, that most of the adults are decidedly pious, and that many of them for consistency of character, would not suffer by a comparison with white Christians of any denomination. J. Snake, Chief. 13. Chippewas of Saugeen, (Lake Huron.) It was from these Indians, and their brethren, since settled at Owen's sound, that Sir Francis Head, in 1836, obtained a surrender of the vast tract of land lying north of the London and Gore Districts, and between the Home District and Lake Huron, containing 1,600,000 acres. He reserved, at the same time, for the Indians, the extensive peninsula, lying between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, north of Owen's Sound, and supposed to contain about 450.000 acres. J. Metegoub, J Alexander, > Chiefi Ah-yah-bance, } 14. Chippewas of Big Bay, in Owen's Sound, Lake Huron. These Indians were formerly either wanderers in the Sau- geen tract, surrendered to Sir F. Head, or Vved in scattered wigwams, on the shores of Big Bay. According to the agree- ment then made with them, it was proposed that they should either repair to Manitoulin or to that part of their former terri- tory which lies north of Owen's sound; upon which it was promised '• that houses should be built for them, and proper assistance given, to enable them to become civilized, and to cultivate land." John Jones, ? ^, . o Porn, l^''"^- KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 153 15. Chippewas and others, in the Township of Bedford. Within a few years past, some stragglers from the Rice Lake tribe have settled in the township of Bedford, about twenty-five miles north of the town of Kingston ; and recently, they have been joined by a band of eighty-one Indians from Lower Canada^ belonging to the post of the Lake of Two Mountains. As the settlement is of recent formation, and the claim of these Indians upon the attention of the Department of Upper Canada has only been brought forward last year, they have not yet been visited by any officer of the Department, and no account can be given of the settlement. By Instructions issued in 1843, they were transferred from the Roll of Lower Canada to that of the Upper Province, and, accordingly, received their presents for the first time in that Province. My beloved Reader — I am now about closing my narrative, and in doing this there are but a few things to say. Throughout the work, I have confined my re- marks chiefly to my own nation. But it must not be supposed, on this account, that I am forgetful of my brethren of the other Indian nations. The prayers and benevolent efforts of all Christendom should be directed towards all men every where. The gospel should be preached to every creature ; and the field is the wide WORLD. The Menomenees in Wisconsin, the Winebagoes and Potawatamie.s in Iowa, the warlike nations of the Sacs and Foxes, the Osages, Pawnees, Mandans, Kan- sas, Creeks, Omahas, Otoes, Delawares, lowas, and a number of others elsewhere, must perish as did their brethren in the Eastern States, unless the white man send them the Gospel, and the blessings of education. There is field enough for all denominations to labor in, without interfering with each other. It is too late in 154 THE LIFE OF the day to assert that the Indians cannot be raised up out of their degraded state, and educated for God and heaven. None need be discouraged since the Ojebwas in Western Canada have been converted. No lan- guage is adequate to portray the misery, wretchedness, and degradation in which we were, when the word of God was first brought and preached to us. It is not necessary to detail each and every wrong, that my poor people have suffered at the hands of the white man. Enough has already been said in various parts of the work, to prove that they have been most grossly abused, peeled, and wronged. Nor shall I notice the personal wrongs that I myself have received ; and from those, too, of w^hom I had good reason to hope better things. I once thought, that there were some things that I could never forgive ; but the rehgion of Jesus, and the law of love, have taught me differently. I do forgive them ; and may God forgive them and me too. I have sometimes heard it said, that our forefathers w^ere cruel to the forefathers of the whites. But was not this done through ignorance, or in self defense ? Had your fathers adopted the plan of the great philan- thropist, William Penn, neither fields, nor clubs, nor waters, would have been crimsoned with each other's blood. The white men have been like the greedy lion, pouncing upon and devouring its prey. The) have driven us from our nation, our homes, and posses- sions ; compelled us to seek a refuge in Missouri, among strangers, and wild beasts ; and will, perhaps, soon compel us to scale the Rocky Mountains ; and, KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 155 for aught I can tell, we may yet be driven to the Pacific Ocean, there to find our graves. My only trust is, that there is a just God. Was it to perpetrate such acts that you have been exalted above all other nations ? Providence intended you for a blessing and not a curse to us. You have sent your missionaries to Burmah, China, the Sandwich Islands, and to almost every part of the world ; and shall the Indians perish at your own door ? Is it not well known that the Indians have a generous and magnanimous heart ? I feel proud to mention in this connection, the names of a Pocahontas, Massasoit, Skenandoah, Logan, Kusic, Pushmataha, Philip, Te- cumseh, Osceola, Petalesharro, and thousands of others. Such names are an honor to the world! Let a late Governor of Massachusetts* speak for our fathers, when they first beheld the trembling white man : — " Brothers ! when our fathers came over the great waters, they were a small band. The red man stood upon the rock by the seaside, and saw our fathers. He might have pushed them into the water and drowned them. But he stretched out his arms to our fathers and said, ' Welcome, white men !' Our fathers w^ere hungry, and the red man gave them corn and venison. Our fathers were cold, and the red man wrapped them up in his blanket. We are now numerous and power- ful, but we remember the kindness of the red man to our fathers." And what have we received since, in reti m ? Is it * Edward Everett, Esq. 156 THE LIFE OF for the deeds of a Pocahontas, a Massasoit, and a host of others, that we have been plundered and oppressed, and expelled from the hallowed graves of our ances- tors ? If help cannot "be obtained from England and America, where else can we look ? Will you then, lend us a helping hand ; and make some amends for past injuries ? It is often said, that the Indians are revengeful ^ cruel and ungovernable But go to them with nothing but the Bible in your handsy and Love iii your hearts, and you may live with them in perfect safety, share their morsel with them, and, like the celebrated Bartram, return to your homes unharmed. They very soon learn to venerate the Bible ; as a proof of this, I will give an instance, that came under my own eye: — While at the Rabbit River Mission, a chief from the west, visited me. After reading to him several chap- ters from the Bible, he said, with much surprise, " Is this the book, that I hear so much about in my country ?" I replied, yes ; and these are the words of Ke-sha-mon- e-doo (the Great Spirit.) *' Will you not," said he, " o-ive me one ? I wish to show it to my people." I told him, not without you first promise that you will take care of it. He promised me that he would. I handed it to him ; he took it, and turned it over and over, and then exclaimed, *' Wonderful, wonderful! this is the book of the Great Spirit .'" He then wrapped It up hi a silk handkerchief, and the handkerchief in three or four folds of cloth. I heard, afterwards, from the trader, that the book was still kept sacred. 0, if my poor brother could but read and understand that KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 157 blessed volume, how soon would his dumb idols be ** cast down to the moles and to the bats!" Will no one go and tell him and his nation, of the boundless, beseeching, bleeding, dying love of a Saviour ; and Urge upon them the importance of such a preparation of heart, as will enable them ** to give up their account with joy V The Great Spirit is no respecter of persons; He has made of one blood all the nations of the earth ; He lo\cs all his children alike; and his highest attri- butes are loue, mercy, and justice. Tf this be so, — and who dare doubt it "? — will He not stretch out his hand and help them, and avenge their wrongs'? **If offences must come," let it be recollected, that woe is denounced against them "from icliom they come." I again propose that the territories of the Indians, in the British dominions, be annexed to that Government, and those in the American dominions to the Federal Union.^ And, finally, in the language of that excellent, magnanimous, and benevolent friend of the poor chil- dren of the forest, Col. Thomas McKenney, I would say, " 1 have already referred, in the conimencement of this proposal to annex the Indian territory to our Union, to those good men, who, in the character of missiona- ries, have kept side by side with the Indians in so many of their afflictions and migrations. I will again refer to them, and implore them by all the lost labor of the past, and by the hopes of the future ; by the critical con- dition of the pacific relations that exist between the Indians and us ; and by the sacredness of the cause in which they are engaged, to look well and earnestly into this subject, and learn from the past what must attend upon their labors in the future, if the change I propose, 14 158 THE LIFE OF or some other change equivalent to it, be not brought about. And, seeing, as they must see, that the plan I propose, or some other, is indispensable to the success they seek to command, 1 imj^lore them to take up the subject in all its bearings, and by the instrumentalities which they have at command, manufacture, collect, and embody public opinion, in regard to what may be de- termined to be done ; and by memorial, and personal agencies, bring this ojiiuion to bear upon Congress, with whom alone the j^jower is vested, to redeem, dis- enthrall, and save, and bless, the remnants of this abo- riginal race. And I make the same appeal to all the good, of all religious persuasions, both in the Church and out of it, and politicians of all parties, to second this attempt, feeble as I know it to be, to save the Indians, and consolidate, and perpetuate peace between them and us, and, by so doing, ward off the terrible retribu- tion which must sooner or later, unless it be averted, fall upon this nation." TO THE READER. I have given two of the speeches which were deliv- ered in the Legislature of South Carolina, Dec. 1848, and the other in Harrisburgh, Fenn. Legislature, on a subject which has occupied my whole attention in be- half of my brethren, the North- West Indian Tribes. Besides the Speeches, the Letters which have ap- peared in the " Flag of Our Union," a widely circula- ted paper in Boston. By the request of my friends, they are given, with a few Notices of the Press, (as my time has been so occupied with other matters,) as a continuation of my crooked Travels. KAH-GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. Mew York, Feb. bth^ 1850. '^- ^^^ ADDRESS BEFORE BOTH HOUSES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. A correspondent of the Charleston Courier, writing from Columbia, gives the following address de- livered by the Rev. Geo. Copway, (or Ka-ge-ga- gah-bowh,) well and favorably known in this com- munity, before both Houses of Legislature of South Carolina, on the subject of Indian Civilization, and the best means of promoting it : Gentlemen of the Legislature of South Carolina: My limited knowledge of your language renders it somewhat difficult for me to make myself distinctly understood. I speak with some embarrassment a lan- guage which is not my native tongue. I must beg you, therefore, to pardon any errors, of diction I may com- mit when advoqating the claims of the Indian. Extend to me personally your charity, and, at the same time, allow me to ask your sympathy for the cause in which I am. engaged. ^ In presenting my claims before your august body, 1 cannot but recur to an early period in the intercourse of my forefathers with yours, 356 years ago. The In- dian, then, roamed over the country unmolested. It was a vast world of grandeur. The Indian was as free as the air he breathed. He then knew no bounderies. No cloud appeared which foreboded dangers. The mountains were covered with the game he lived on. The vales swarmed with the natural productions of the SPEECH. 161 land. The whole was his dominion. The shout of his children answered shout from peak to peak of his mountains across the vales. He was then happy. The Paleface was then a small nation, and while he trembled with cold on Plymouth rock, the Indian took him, and placed his billow-tossed limbs by his \varm fires and nerved him to walk ! We reared your fore- fathers ; until now the country, w^iich was then our sires', belongs to you. Here are now your planta- tions. The changes with my nation have been great. In return, w^e now look to you as our guardians. To- day I come to lay before your body a plan, w^hich if folio we(J out, will ensure the salvation of the Indian ; when you have listened to my remarks, you cannot, 1 am sure, reasonably charge me with selfishness, for I have studied the interests of your Government, as well as the w^ants of my nation. My plan is this — to collect the Indians in bodies in the West, in some portion of the country, where enjoy- ing a permanent home, they may improve in science, in agriculture, in morality, and the arts of civilized life. Before we can do the Indians much good, we must col- lect them together, for thus only thej^ will be likely to improve. The first means to be employed in accom- plishing this object is, to move Congress to apportion them a tract of country, say near the bank of the upper waters of the Missouri River, about sixty miles square, more or less, as they might need for agricultural pur- poses. Thus, the whole of the Northern scattered tribes, the Indians north of the southern boundary of the State of Missouri, all the tribes of the Lakes, Upper Mississippi and Iowa, the Shawnees, Soukees, 162 SPEECH. Foxes, Chippeways, Ottowas, Delawarcs, Minominees, Winebagoes, and Sioux, might be gathered together in one general settlement. This country would become the great nucleus of the Indian nations. In advocating this plan in this country, I have been asked, " Have not the Indians homes now which the Government has assigned to them ]" The answer is, Yes ! they have the same kind of homes which they had East of the Mississippi, before they left their country. There have been 96,000 removals since the policy of removing the Indians cammenced, and there are 24,000 more still waiting their removal Westward, according to their agreement with the Government. I am not opposed to their being removed by Govern- ment, provided they are placed in such a position in the AVestern country that future migration may not bring trouble upon them. What is the nature of the country they now hold as their present home 1 It ex- tends, in detached portions, from Texas to the head waters of the great Mississippi. Unfortunately, the Commissioners appointed some years ago, selected a country which the Indians cannot hold, for several rea- sons; among others, I would notice, in the first place, that the position of the country is like a great barrier, through which emigration must necessarily pass, and the majority of it must obtain vent through their coun- try, and this will again disturb the minds of the In- dians, and prevent them from improving. They will begin to suspect that the Government are anxious, as heretofore, to get the whole of their lands. Who, in such case, will guarantee to them the undisturbed pos- session of their homes, when various influences, which SPEECH. 168 will always continue to operate, are at work to disturb their tranquility 1 Rail roads must pass through their country, canals and military roads be opened, and it will be impossible to carry out these internal improve- ments without disturbing the Indians and preventing their peaceable enjoyment of their lands. This will be constant and fruitful cause of discontent and dis- satisfaction. In the second place, I would remark that the vast quantity of land assigned to them by the Gov- ernment, amounting in all to 15,000,000 acres, is de- cidedly injurious to my countrymen. It encourages roving habits among themselves, and holds out a per- petual temptation to the emigrant. The lands are fer- tile, and the Indians easily duped by artful speculators into selling them at a price vastly under their value. Thirdly, in their present situation, they have not the means of educatino; their children and of advancino- in intelligence. They live only from day to day, and pro- vide very little for the future. When they see the wicked white man standing by his barrel of cider, they long to partake of the intoxicating draught. They en- gage in drunken revels during the night, and the mis- sionaries, consequently, however desirous to promote their temporal and spiritual Vv^elfare, do them little or no good. If you can place them in some situation where they would have opportunities for moral, intel- lectual and religious instruction, beyond the sphere of the temptations and mischievous influences by which they are now surrounded, you might then hope for their permanent improvement and progressive eleva- tion in the scale of nations. Fourthly. The Indian, as he is now situated, can 164 SPEECH live and live comfortable on the proceeds arising from the the sale of his lands. It is very obvious, so long as this state of things continues, that he will have little or no inducement to turn his attention to agriculture. The disposition to rove, Avhich is natural to the Indian, will still continue to form one of his marked charac- teristics. The children will retain all the predilections of tlieir fathers for a roving life, hoping and expecting to fare no worse than their fathers have done. As his means of living become less and less, lie will at last be compelled to sell all, and will be left without any resource. Fifthly. In their present situation they do not see the necessity of turning their attention to agriculture. By circumscribing their domain, they would soon learji that they had no other means of living than what was furnished by the culture and production of the soil, and they would be compelled from the force of circum- stances, to adopt industrious habits. But until they see the absolute necessity of industry, they will never become industrious — never become an agricultural people, but will continue to rove through -the forests in pursuit of deer and will live by hunting ; and when their lands are all gone and the last deer is killed what then ] They will retire to the frontier, and issuing from their fastnesses in the Rocky Mountains, they will prosecute an exterminating war against whites. Sixthly. U the Indians remain as they now are, their peculiarities and natural traits will be perpetual. You will have to send your agents to each tribe, and the labor of civilising them, in detached portions, will be greatly increased. But bring them all together in SPEECH, 165 some central spot, and you will have a better chance to break down and merge in the higher forms of civiliza- tion the distinctive peculiarities which now separate the different tribes from each other, and which prevent their actinaf tog-ether for their common g^ood. Give them, as I before suggested, some sixty miles square on the banks of the Missouri, where they shall remain unobstructed by the land-speculator and the trafficker in firewater — that curse of the poor Indian — and you may then look for some radical changes in their condi- tion and character for the better. Until this is done, I despair of their making much progress under their present circumstances. As to the quantity of land, sixty square miles is enough, 1 would not recommend a larger quantity. Let this land be properly distribu- ted, each Indian receiving a certain number of acres to till. In this way he would become attached to the soil, and would feel a pride in cultivating it. The results of such an arrangement would be : 1. That the JS^orth Western, Indians would remove there and have perm a?ient homes. Hitherto they have had to move from place to place. 2. Seminaries of learning would not be rooted up. They would become permanent establishments, and their effects be felt to future generations. 3. Necessity will compel them to become agricul- turists. xMy nation has become agriculturists. This has resulted in part from their becoming Christians, for some twenty years ago my nation embraced Christian- ity. Ten years ago many of them were hunters. They had to go twelve or fifteen miles for deer. But they now have their little farms, and they find it much bet- \66 SPEECH. ter to stay at home and cultivate the land, than to wan- der abroad for an uncertain subsistance. For example, my uncle, last year, raised on his farm 978 bushels of wheat. He employed two horses to carry it to market, and got his money for it. In all ages men try to get a living in some way ; and the Indian, while he holds a gun in one hand, now holds a hoe in the other. He has made this approach to civilization, and only requires encouragement and opportunity to become still more civilized and more Christianized. 4. The Indians are a remarkably social race. If they had some central interest, such as I propose to give them, their individualities would be lost as they be- come better acquainted with each other, and they would become one people, all having common objects and in- terests to promote and pursucmg them with energy. I can scarcely unfold to you all the benefits which would result from the establishment of Schools among them, but I would mention one of the most important and obvious of those benefits. When the children of various nations go to a common school, their parents, however hostile they may have been heretofore, will, in the common advantages which they see their chil- dren enjoy, find new bonds of union to connect them with each other. 5. Nothing will contribute more to tranquility of mind than the assurance that they are no more to be removed from the home they occupy. This is what the Indian has always wanted. Give them settled and permanent homes and you will make them contented. 6. When they are once convinced that they derive great advantages from a common intercourse in some SPEECH. 167 central position, their objections will give way to the force of argument. The Indian is not obstinate when his reason is convinced. 7. The improvements of which I speak m the con- dition of the Indian, though certain, will be gradual. You cannot accomplish them at once. When you give them a government, the laws should not only prohibit and punish drunkeness, but prohibit the sale of liquor to the Indians by those who now traffic in the article. The government of the United States would thus hold a hammer over those bad men, one good consequence of which would be, that quarrels and wars which now re- sult from the intemperate use of ardent spirits, would cease. 8. A spirit of emulation would spring up among the Indians which would be attended with the happiest re- sults. In 15 or 20 years the country would be settled, provided, in the mean time, they are not disturbed in the occupation of their lands ; but, begin to construct Rail Roads through their territory, and they will burn them as fast as you build them. 9. The present government fund for the education of the Indians amounts to $10,000 ; but under the present distribution of it among the scattered tribes, it does lit- tle or no good. Let seminaries of education be estab- lished ; let a college be founded with the proceeds of the sale of their lands ; give the Indians a single fort in this central position for their defence ; give them Courts of Justice in which they should adjust their quarrels according to the laws of Indians, in connection with the Courts of the United States, and a better understanding would spring up between them and the Government of 168 SPEECH. the United States, and there would no Jonger be any reason to apprehend hostility and war on their part. 10. Your Government expenses would be less. You now have to guard the whole of your frontier, from Texas along the whole of your Southern border. But concen- trate the Indians, and give them for their defence a single fort, and you will have nothing more to fear from the in- cursion of the border tribes. Not one grain of powder, not a single ball will be necessary. 11. Y^ou will liave to give only one price for their lands, instead of two or three prices, which you now give when you wish to remove them. 12. The expense of sending out agents will be less. You now employ many agents. You are obliged to do it : but, if my plan is adopted, only two or three agents will be necessary. 13. There need be no expense for transporting them. Give the first settlers a premium and they will go there fast enough at their own charges. 14. The Missionaries would then become permanent among them. The agents are now in the habit of slan- dering the Missionaries, representing them as being unfavorable to the Government. In conclusion, in asking this favor of the American people, 1 have not consulted my own feelings. I ask them only to give the Indian education and literature. He loves to live by his own stream, as the bee loves to gather sweets as he flies from flower to flower. When we come rmong you, we like to reciprocate the friendly feelings you entertain towards Us. If you are prosperous, and, sitting in halls like this, our children come to you and ask you for bread, will you give it to them 1 Wi!l you SPEECH. 169 put the plough in their hands and teach them how to use it ] Then will our children be merry around our fireside, with a Bible in their hands, and a touch o? God's fire in their hearts. Then will our people participate in the blessings of religion and civilization. Then will peace, love and unity prevail ; and our poor neglected race will occupy a high place in the scale of nations. Fanatics have talked of extending universal suffrage, even to the colored man, but their hemg silent in reference to that which would elevate the North American Indian, proves that they assent to his downfall. He must receive something in return f.jr giving up his whole country. In return give him but institutions of learning, and he wi!I give you noble examples, perhaps a Patrick Henry, or a Kandolph, v/ho shall do honor to his race, and who shall handle the lightning, as a mere plaything, with a Frank- lin or travel with a Newton from star to star. The wide world looks with wild intensity to our shores for a model — a noble example it finds in him who loved liberty, the father of liberty, George Washington. I ask you to give the Indian that liberty, and then he will, like the eagle {the emblem of liberty) stretch his wings abroad and soar aloft. It is my purpose to collect all the expressions of sympa- thy from the people and from the different Legislatures, until next March, and in this way move Congress to adopt some plan for the permanent good of the Indians in the West. I ask your favorable consideration of this plan. It is true, you have but few Indians in this State — a mis- erable remnaiit of the Catawbas. But ever remember after this, that, on the 15th day of December, an Indian dropped his tears in this Hall, when he, in a reasonable 170 SPEECH. manner, presented the claims of the Indian /or your cch operation. Finally, for success, I depend not on these arms — nor on any natural endowments I may have been blessed with ; but for success, in the God of the Universe will 1 trust In all my journeys on the shores of Lake Superior, while I endeavored to hold up the Cross before my breth- ern, I have watched the movements of Providence, step by step, and if I can but be a connecting link betwen the United States and my race, I shall then be happy. Those of you who pray to the Great Spirit, ask his blessing on me, that the same angel who has watched over me in the woods, may guide and shield me and them: and if, when dying, I shall be so happy as to see my children and yours enjoying prosperity and happiness, I shall die in peace. ADDRESS BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA. The following is an address delivered before the Legis- lature of Pennsylvania, on the 25th of January last, by Mr. George Copvvay, (or Kah-ge-ga-gah-bowh,) a chief of the Chippewa tribe. Mr. Copway has recently been in this City and lectured before re- spectable and interested audiences. We presume all feel an interest in the welfare of the Indians — and we place this address before our readers, feel- ing that they will be instructed in its reading. Gentleme?i of the Legislature of Pennsylvania : My limited knowledge of your language will render it somewhat difficult for me to be understood this evening, as I speak a tongue which is not my own — which is not my native language. Permit me, however, to ask your indulgence while I endeavor to present to you the claims of the Indian, and at the same time, I solicit you to extend to me, personally, your sympathy, as well as to the cause in which I am engaged. Be- sides the embarrassments under which I labor at the present moment, I have had for several days past a severe cold, which, in a great degree, incapaciates me from speaking with that ease and freedom that I could wish, in order to lay my heart open to you. In presenting the claims of my unfortunate race, I cannot resist recurring to the period when the Indian 172 SPEECH. and the white man first commenced their intercourse, three hundred and fifty-six years ago. The Indian was then an inhabitant of all the Eastern Countries on which rests the different cities of the Atlantic States. The Indian was the sovereign of the whole country ; the mountain echoed with his voice, and all he saw was his. The game of the forest he claimed as his own, the fish of the waters and the course of the rivers were also his. Proudly he then roamed through the country where now stand your farms and your mighty cities. There was then no cloud that the heathen saw portend- ing his danger. The heavens were clear before his eye. He knew no bounderies ; he knew no limits to his desire. And when he was found in this country, he had no extent of society, he had no extensive insti- tutions, which have since been established where he then lived. There v>'ere no palaces, with their gaudy attendants ; but, wherever you now see the mountains of your State, whether in the north, the south, or the west, you may picture to your mind's eye the noble form of the Indian standing on one of their lofty peaks. He made his native mountains his throne, and it was from thence he could see, to a limited extent, his boundless empire. While the paleface trembled on Plymouth Rock, shivering there with cold, his billow-tossed limbs were gathered by our fathers, who brought him to their firesides, and introduced him to their people. The palefaces were then a small nation, but they have since become a great one, and the proud sons of the forest have, one by one, fallen away, like the stars that die at a distance in the skies. In return for our kindness SPEECH. 173 and friendly feeling- towards you, we look to you for protection, for guadianship, for instruction, as we protected and taught your fathers in the early history of this country. Several years hack, with much soli- citude, I endeavored to study the peculiar wants of my poor people, as well as the condition of the emigrants westward ; and in order to promote the welfare and interests of both. I attemped, to the best of my abili- ty, to mature a plan which, I think, if caried into ef- fect, will prove highly beneficial and advantageous to both people, the whites as well as the Indians. Gentle- men, I feel assured that when you shall have heard all my remarks on this important and interesting subject, you will not accuse me of selfishness on this occasion, as I have not overlooked your nation in advocating the claims of my own. In presenting my plan before you this evening, gen- tlemen, permit me to state, in as few words as possible, what I have to say, as I Avish to accomplish my visits to the different State Legislatures now in session, on this errend, with as little delay as possible. On the 31st of March last, you may remember that a meeting was held in the city of Philadelphia, where I attended for the first time, and broached the subject of civiliza- tion among the Indians in a more extensive and elabor- ate manner than on the present occasion. I found however, that it was done at a consumption of a great deal more time and an expenditure of money than I could conveniently afford. I found that the getting up of meetings in cities was a more tardy and ineffi- cient method of obtaining the action of Congress in the matter than in personally soliciting and enlisting 174 SPEECH. the aid, influence and action of the Legislatures of the several States. I have visited the different States of the Union, presented to them my views in relation to saving the Indians, and, if possible, to get their expressions of approbation of my plan, in order that their resolutions might be addressed to Congress, in the hope that they may set apart a territory in the West, in v^^hich all the Indian tribes shall be collected, and there remain unmo- lested for ever. Gentlemen, I have found this project, as far as I have gone, meet the views of those who have counselled me in the matter. The object I have in view, is to call upon the General Government to grant to the Indians a part of the north western territory, west of the Iowa territory, and between the Nebraska and Minesotta territories, for the use and occupancy of all those Indians who are living there in a scattered condition, where they can enjoy permanent homes, the advantages of education and agricultural in- struction, so that, after a time, when they shall have be- come Christianized and enlightened, they may be incor- porated into the Federal Union as a State. Before we can do much good for the Indians, we must, as I have already said, provide them permanent homes, and by that means, secure to them peace of mind, which is abso- lutely necessary to ensure their improvement and pro- gress in the arts of civilization. Much good can be ef- fected in this way ; and all the Indian tribes will assem- ble together, and go to their new and permanent homes, there to live in peace and harmony. But the Indians, in their present isolated condition, are eternally at war with each other, and every influ- ence is now brought to bear upon them, that is calcu- SPEECH. 175 iated to increase their revengeful feelings towards one another. I do not refer to the civilized, educated and enlightened portion of the Indians that are now living in different parts of the United States, as, for instance, the Indians of the State of New York, and those in Mich- igan, and the States of North and South Carolina, as well as Georgia. All these Indians, however, will go to the far West, and there join their brethren and form one family. I repeat, that I do not mean that the more improved and educated portion of them, will remove from their present homes but only those who are not so advanced m civilization. Let them remain where they are, and go on improving and enjoying all the blessings of civilization. I mean that those Indians that are scat- tered in Michigan, the territory of Iowa, and on the banks of the Mississippi, shall go to one place, and form a great settlement among themselves. Gentlemen, in advocating this plan in the different States of the Union, I have been asked the question — *Have not the Indians now homes in the West, which theUnited States have granted them, on the other side of the Mississippi V Those Indians in Arkansas — the Chickasaws and Creeks, and several other nations have homes there, and the same kind that they had when they were east of the Mississippi river. It is said that their homes have been so secured to them that no one can buy their homes from them. That, gentlemen, is our present version of the acts of the general government with the Indians : but have they not been violated in by- gone ages ] Have not the laws which have been secur- ed to this people, been violated by those who succeeded to the law-making power. Most assuredly they have. 176 SPEECH. LFiifortunateiy for the government of the United States, the commissioners appointed by it to select a territory for the Indians, selected the best portions of the west, and the consequence has been that circumstances liave rendered it impossible — and unfortunately — for them to hold their lands. In the first place, their position is such that their land extends all the way from Texas to the North, like a barrier through which emigration must press. There, roads are to be constructed and canals opened through their country. Military roads, too, will be opened for emigrants j and, no sooner do you propose to go and buy one acre of land to open these higliAvays, than the eye of the Indian will be directed with suspicion to their Great Father, and the Indians will be removed from the last acre of land that they hold. 2. The quality of their land is another great induce- ment to deprive them of it, and they never can hold it. Several months ago, I was conversing on the subject with Mr. Albert Gallatin, of New York, when he re- marked 'that is one of the greatest reasons why the In- dians can never hold the lands which the United States 1ms ceded to them. The quality is such, that the people living out West will tease the Indian, and also the government of the United States, that in the end the land will be bought again from the Indians by the government. Then, again, the day will come when we will see trouble, as in the State of Georgia. 3. The quantity of the land is so great that they can- not hold it. And what do the Indians want with so much land when we are attempting to teach them the science of agriculture 1 for, the having so much land SPEECH. 177 begets a feverish anxiety on their part for deer hun- ting; and, as long as there is a deer on their territory, so long will they let fall every agricultural implement from their hand and take their guns in order to maintain themselves by hunting. 4. They have no means of educating their children, because they are inhabiting so broad an extent of coun- try, that it is impossible for the people of the United States to supply them with schools, and teachers of mo- rality, and the arts and sciences, which are necessary to elevate their condition, 5. They depend upon the proceeds of the sales of their lands, and having a great quantity for sale, they dispose of it and will reason thus : 'my children will fare no worse than I have fared. I was living yonder ; my father sold a portion of the territory, which we oc- cupy, to the United States, upon the proceeds of which I and my children have lived, and now the United States will buy this land from us. My children will fare the same as I fared ever since I sold it to the Uni- ted States. Therefore, it will not be worth while to have plantations, because they will only be a loss to us ; for, no sooner have we our plantations and our farms, than we must be compelled to sell them through necessity. This moving, then, must still go on west- wardly, till the last Indian shall stand on the barren peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and gaze on the land which has been taken from him. The kind-hearted, then, will drop a tear for the fate of that race which was once noble and free as the eagle that soars in the skies. 6. The scarcity of food which must follow, will pro- cluce trouble between the Indians and the government 178 SPEECH. of the United States ; for, as long as there is a deer or a buffalo on this side of the Rocky Mountains, no cloud of discoid will be over the head of the Indian and the white man. But, no sooner will the last resourc^of the Indian be gone, than he will nerve himself for the worst, and take up his weapons of warfare. He will feed for a time upon the cattle on the frontier, and no sooner has he kill- ed a bullock or a steer for his subsistence, than the news- papers abroad will proclaim that 'the Indians are com- ing against us, that they are killing our cattle by hun- dreds ;' and the whole country is in danger, and soon the soldiers will be on the spot, and the rattling of their firearms be heard, giving proof of the destruction of a race that once lived in this country. And when, gentle- men, that day comes, the Indian will die with his wea- pons of war — for he will not die but at the mouth of the cannon, when desperation has driven him to it. In or- der to avert this state of things, I have addressed the Leg- islatures of the several States. I love peace — I am for peace. 7. The Indians in their present distinctive position — in the isolated condition in which they are found — will perpetuate the peculiarities which characterize them as a nation apart from others. The Sioux, the Winneba- goes, the Pottawatamies, the Osages, and the rest of the Indians have their several peculiarities, but when you come to throw their interest in the centre, the effect will be to unite the one tribe to the other — an interest which the United States alone is capable of giving and control- ling. What, I ask, would be the natural results of such an arrangement, if carried into operation ? In the first place, there would be a perceptible improvement in the SPEECH. 179 physical, intellectual and moral condition of the Indi- ans. Their seminaries of learning would be permanent There is now annually appropriated by the generosity of the people of the United States, for the purpose of educating the Indians, the sum of $10,000 and that is so divided in the West, that some times two or three dollars of it come to us at the head waters of the Mis- sissippi and the Lake Superior. The money, in short, is so scattered along the banks of the Mississippi river, and the banks of the great Northern Lakes, as not to be of any perceptible advantage to those for whom it is intended. The small sum of $10,000 circulated over so extensive a country, and intended to be used in paying teachers to educate the Indians, does little or no good. Suppose you were to go and sow seed on the ground, putting two grains there, and one here, and another yonder, when the ground was rich to produce fruitj and, in the spring of the year, on going to it, you would find but a ver}^ sparse crop — a little stick here and an- other there only — the little birds having had access to the seed at all times, and much of which Avould be de- stroyed by disease. This by way of illustration. But, gentlemen, put the Indians on one territory, in a cen- tral position, and use the fund now set apart for school purposes and you w411 have schools and seminaries of learning that shall reflect credit alike upon the Indians as the government of the United States, the benefits and good effects of which will be felt for ages to come. Wherever the government and the missionaries have succeeded in educating the Indians, they have become an industrious, moral, and well-behaved people. We 180 SPEECH. have learned to read and write. We have tried to be- come like the white people, but when the Indian sees the deer bounding before him, he will let drop all his implements of hiisbandrj^, and follow the chase. But no sooner have the Indians gone on and made improvements, and our children began to like to go to the school houses which have been erected, than we hear the cry of the United States government, 'We want your lands j' and, in going from one place to an- other, the Indian looses all tbat he had previously learn- ed. But weie they to be placed in a position, where they would forever be free from molestation, then they would profit by the establishment of schools among them, and religion and piety would increase and flour- ish among that people. The disastrous effects of re- moving the Indians has been shown on the banks of the Ohio and the Sandusky, and in Georgia and New York, where the Presbyterians, labored hard to make the Indians what they were twenty-five or thirty years ago. And no sooner did the tree of piety begin to ex- pand its limbs, than comes the request, 'We want you to go Westward. We want your lands.' The In- dian reluctantly gives up his land to the American gov- ernment, not believing, at first, that they were in earn- est j but, when he was convinced of the fact, and his soul being almost teased out of him, and the soldiers having dug up the tree, and taking it to the woods of Arkansas, there to plant it, he surrendered. We have ever been told that while the eye of philos- ophy has ever looked on, that under all favorable cir- cumstances, the Indian would be Indian still. And, 1 would ask, who, under such circumstances, would SPEECH. 181 improve 1 We cannot find institutions of learning, even among the whites, cherished though they may be to a greater extent, always patronized according to their worth. 2. When the Indians have a permanent home given, then what they did on their plantations would of course be permanent. When you give them a home, you will find contentment around their firesides ; but, if they see a probability of their being removed still further westward, the Indians will act as they have always done, showing that they have no faith in the govern- ment of the United States. Yes ! when I went to Washington last April, I saw there a Chief from Green Bay, whose name was John Quincy, to whom I opened my heart as to what I in- tended, if possible to accomplish. No sooner did he learn what my object was, than he rose from his seat, and stretching forth his hands — the tears running from his eyes — he said, 'I hope the Great Spirit will pre- serve your life till you accomplish this object, for if the day shall come when the United States shall grant to the Indians a country to the West, I will be the first one to move there, for I am tired of moving about from place to place ; for, when we came from the State of New York to Green Bay, w^e were told that we should not have to remove again ; and now, again, Col. Medilly will not settle with us for $7,000, in order that we might sell our lands again, as we did several years ago.' The poor man then sat down. Ah, my dear friends, if there be any one here who calls himself a man, I would ask him if he would not feel for any one placed in such circumstances as t.hese. 182 SPEECH. 3. By circumscribing the domains of the Indians, you will make agriculturists of them. Twenty-five years ago, in Canada, we were all hunters' and it is now 17 or 18 year since we become agriculturists. So long, as there was a deer to hunt, within a range of 18 or 20 miles, we did not regard agricultural pursuits ; but no sooner was the country cleared and settled, than we be- came agriculturists. No sooner did they find that they could raise grain in the quantity of 1,000 bushels a year, than they were encouraged to labor. 4. The Indians are a social race. They are social among themselves, and were they to be placed in a central position, the intimacy between the several na- tions would soon become strong, and they would be on the most friendly terms. Their respective nationalities would, before the lapse of many years, be lost, and they would become social and kind towards each other, and thus would be brought about a peaceful state of society which is necessary in order to their improvement. 5. Contentment would be followed by all its atten- dant blessings. The missionary societies would have great influence, and one school teacher can be employed in educating hundreds ; but, v\hile the Indians are in a separate and isolated condition, they cannot avail them- selves of these advantages. So that in forty or fifty years hence, the condition of the Indians will be greatly ame- liorated and improved. I say it is impossible for you, according to your present system, to succeed in conver- ting the whole of the North American Indians. 6. You must convince the Indians that it is for their good and their salvation — that it will be just and right. The Indian is not a stupid being. When he is to be SPEECH. 183 convinced by the advice and arguments of some kind- bearted man, that his home is never to be touched again — that his children are never to be removed, and that the fruit of his labor is never to be blasted as heretofore, — then will he accej^t it and 9ct upon it. 7. The improvement of which I speak cannot be ac- complished in one day, or in one year, or five years. The elements are now ripening in the far West. If the government of the United States would look to the ex- ample of Wm. Penn, and assure the Indians that their new home should be permanent, then they need never fear that one arrow is ever to be directed against it, or the people of the United States. So long as the people follow the example of that kiiul and good-hearted man, William Penn, towards the Indians of Delaware, when he first came to this country, they need never be at war with the Indian tribes. 8. Emulation would spring up all around them. Some may do well, and thus set an example to those who are not doing well. We do nut expect much frum the old men, but after they shall have passed away — liave ceased to exist — their children will imbibe a different spirit from them. Tliey will be guided and governed by Christianity on the one hand, and education on the other. 9. Your government expenses would become less. Now you are trying to fortify the whole of ihe West by means of barracks and garrisons. -You have spent thou- sands upon thousands and millions upon millions of dol lars, for the last 40 or 50 years, and what has it been for 1 Because, it is said, it is necessaryto defend the frontier set- tlements from the encroachments of the Indians. There- fore it is, that you have sent your soldiers to your gar- 184 SPEECH. sons from Arkansas away down to the North. Now all that we have to ask is to have but one garrison in the central part of the territory. If^here is any bad feeling among the Indians, that will be a check upon them, in- stead of incurring so much expense and trouble in un dertaking to fortify the entire far West with barracks and garrisons. 1 would ask the government to give us four or five hundred soldiers, to go (not as a great many have done to break down and overawe the Indian spirit, under pretext that they are encroaching upon the white people) to ward off the hard-hearted white men, who dis- turb the peace of the Indians by selling them liquors — for many of them are worse than the worst kind of Indi- ans I ever did see. (^^ipplause and Laughter.) 10. In buying up the country which lies on this side of the Rocky Mountains, I would have given but one price for it — for, according to Col. rlcKenney's state- ment, you have given a quarter of a cent per acre for the land to the Indians, who have afterwards sold it to the government for half a cent, by having to pur- chase it so often. 11. The expense of sending agents to reside among the Indians, has become a loss on the part of the gov- ernment, for we would ask but one or two. You have got ten or fifteen among the Chippewas, and ten or fif- teen among other nations, and consequently you have expended thousands of d(dlars needlessly. And some of these agents do not know the Indian character, and are, therefore, unfit to be agents. We want agents who wo. lid keep the door, and all the whites that should come aiaong us, w^ould have to come through SPEECH. 185 them. By this means we would ward off a great many wicked men ; and when there are any offenders against the laws of the United States, we will hand them over for punishment, and when also, there should happen to be any offenders against our own laws we will punish them. If there is any misunderstanding between the Indians and the agents, then tho difficulty can be adjusted between the parties. .12. The expenses of transporting the Indians has been great to the government, but as soon as you give a country to the Indians, you v*411 be relieved from the trouble of removing them, for they will go there of themselves. 13. The missionary labors there would become per- manent, which has not been the case since their labors have been broken up. And the Indian has always been the sufferer. 14. Gentlemen, in conclusion, I deem it necessary to give the reasons why the Indians have decreased and not improved — why they have decreased in a vast- ly greater proportion since the introduction of the white race on this continent, than before. Prior to their landing on these shores, the small pox and many other virulent and noxious diseases, were unknown among the Indians. The wars that have raged among themselves. Before the discovery of America, and before the introduction of fire-arms from Europe, the wars among the Indians were not so fatal and destructive as they are now. They have been taught to handle fire-arms with a groat deal of skill. The history of Pennsylvania — the 186 SPEECH. history of the New England States, and the history of the South, all tells in what manner those wars were conducted. Champlain, in 1612, supplied the the Indians in the North with fire arms, to oppose the Six Nations in that part of Canada, now composing a portion of the State of New York, who at length be- came so reduced in numbers, that they were compelled to give up the contest. And so it was with the Span- iards in the South, w^ho, as well as the French and English, also furnished arms to the Indians. In all the wars that have been waged in this country among the European powers, the Indian was always asked to show his fearless nature on the battle field, in be- half of the English, French, Spaniards and Americans. And when the Indian has received these weapons of war from them, his heart has bled, and he has suffer- ed. Yes ! look towards the South. In 1763, the Span- iards were A^Tiging war against the French. Look in the state of New York, among that class of people, who were of German descent, who encouraged the Indian to war against each other. Look, too, among the people of the North, in Canada, where the British govern- ment furnished the Indians with munitions of war, and encouraged them to fight against the North Amer- icans. Sometimes the Indian has been called a sav- age, because he has been called upon to go and show his bravery in the field. I ask you, gentlemen, as intelligent men — men who live m an enlightened age, which was the most sav- age, the ones who knew not the origin of these wars, or those who did 1 Spirituous liquor has been the great cause of the decrease of the Indians of this coun- SPEECH. 187 try. Disease, war, and famine, have alike preyed up- on the life of the Indian. Bnt, ah, alcoholic spirits have cut off the existance of those nations who have left the records of their existance upon their rivers and their mountains. I remember well when 1 was but a child, that my mother related to me the intro- duction of liquor on the shores of Lake Superior. Some young men (said she,) were urged to go down to Montreal. They went, and returned late in the year ; a council of the nation was called, and one of the men seized a war club and knocked down another. He then fled into the woods, and his brother took the place of the murderer, ordered the men to make two fires, and place a post behind him ; then to paint his bare breast black, and put a white spot near the place where he felt his heart beating. And when all these things had been done, twelve warriors came forth with their bows and arrows to shoot him in the breast as soon as he was ready. 'Don't shoot me,' he said, 'till I have sung the death song.' When he was ready, he called out to his brother, 'I am now reader to die in your stead, and if you can live to endure the idea, that the world shall look upon you as a coward, you will not disgrace the clan to which you belong, by shrink- ing from that which you merit ; and then he be- gan to sing. The murderer now ran to him and push- ing him aside, pointed to his breast, and made a white spot where he felt his heart beating. He then ex- claimed, 'I am not a coward — I am not afraid to die — I went to the woods to get sober for I would not die drunk.' After saying this, he commenced singing the death song, and when he gave the signal that he was 188 SPEECH. ready to die, twelve arrows pierced his heart, and ho fell, one of the first victims to alcohol. 'Ah! brandy, brandy, bane of life, Spring of tumult, source of strife ; Could I but half thy curses tell, The wise would wish the safe in hell.' [Here Mr. Copway read the series of resolutions which had been passed, by the Legislatures of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively.] Mr. C. resumed, saying — In conclusion, gentlemen, I will say that I have detained you too long. I ask nothing more than what is reasonable, and in asking this of the people of the United States, I feel more confident that my humble petition will be granted by this Legislature, at least, on account of Pennsylvania's early history, in connection with the Indians, 1 am convinced that there has been friendly relations exis- ting between the Indians and the people of Pennsyl- vania particularly. Oh, when 1 think of that day when peace reigned between the Indians and William Penn. That was a glorious period, and he was a kind-hearted and humane man. I have ever venerated the name of William Penn, and whenever I thought of the tree under which he made his treaty, which never has been broken, I have often thought if I had only been under the boughs of that old elm tree, I should have been satisfied. I sent to Philadelphia three or four years ago, to endeavor to procure a little piece of that tree, but I failed to obtain it. And 1 never succeeded in getting hold of any of it SPEECH. 189 until yesterday. Yesterday I received a card from a lady in Philadelphia, requesting me to call at her house. 1 did so, and, on entering one of the rooms, I saw a picture of the old tree. After salutation, she said, 'there is the tree under which William Penn made his treaty with the Indians. I have understood that you were inquiring for a piece of it, and many have tried to get it from me ; and I do not know why I have not parted with it before ; and now, it seems to me is the proper time to part with it. I will give it to you.' And, I took it in my hand and pressed it to my bo- som. There it is, and I hope as long as I live, and venerate the name of William Penn, that I shall keep it close to where my heart beats, for I revere the mem- ory of that old man. I venerate the very day when he first came to negotiate with the Indians of this coun- try. For seventy years not a cloud in the Heavens portended danger and discord. The Great Spirit even smiles upon the wild Indian and the white man, as they smoked the pipe of peace. Oh, last summer, when I was in the city of Washington, on the 4th of July, I thought to myself, when I saw the people en- joying themselves, and flocking around at the laying of the corner-stone of the monument to the memory of Washington, that if the day came when the Indi- ans shall have peaceable possession of their homes iia the West, I would get my people to raise another mon- ument to the memory of George Washington. We will point our children to his noble form, and speak of his exalted character, and love of country, in the hope that they may emulate his spirit, and follow his glorious example in all that was. great and good. 190 SPEECH. We trust that the time may come when the Indians of the far West will have it in their power as it is their inclination, to erect a monument as well to the memory of Gen. Washington as to that of William Penn. The eagle of liberty is stretching forth his wings all over the earth, and the mountains of France and Germany have received . him. The isles of the sea are celebrating their songs of liberty; and will not, I ask, the Indian participate in the glorious jubi- lee 1 You, gentlemen, have too much patriotism in your hearts, — you have too much love in your hearts, to let the Indian die without being lamented. Many have asked — 'Who is that Indian % Where has he come from, and where was he born 1 And what is he about V They have asked one another these questions when I have been endeavoring to ex- plain my views in relation lo the salvation of my poor countrymen. Thank Heaven, I am an Indian. Yes j were I to be the last to stand on the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, 1 would still raise my hand to the world as a part of a noble specimen of humanity, the representative of the Indians who once lived in this country. I heard one gentleman say to another —