Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1815-10-11

From the Conandmgua PatTfot, # .Sebem5er 10.
MR.. STEvENs--Having Lately returned
from Detroit, and observing various unfouad-
ed reports circulating through the news
papers which have tendency 70 excite I'M
easiness, on account of the allcdged hostile
temper of the numerous tribes of Indians,
residing in the north western territories of
tn United States I deem it proper to
communicate a hasty sketch of what took
place in relation TO the Indians, during nv
residence sc y trot, and few observati-
oas, which the subject has suggested.
In consequence of the reported hostility
manifested by she Indians at Mlchillimacki-
nae, the government wisely ordered an eff
icient force from the frontiers of this state,
Tor the pnipose OF taking possession of that
plac, and OF gairisoning the various
posts which form Gordon on the margin
OF the great western lakes.-Impediment
too, had been interposed by the Indians in
Michigan territory, to the survey Of the
lands set apart for the troops vino served
during the late war. The arrival uf the
troops at Detroit, in point OF time, prece-
ded the day which had been appointed for
holding 2 council with the indians, who
were invited to meet for that purpose, =
bout the middle ofAugust. As the troops
passed mp The Straits, they we're in view of
the Indians, who were encamped on the
Canada shore, from Maiden to Sandwich.
Their fears were excited by this circum
stance, and the agents of the government
in Canada, did not fail to attempt creating
as much alarm among them as they could,
by insinuatiGg that this aSsemblage Of tro p
took place at this tire, for the purpose of
filling upon the Indians, when pretended
sfC fr,o- !, Ill 4 l.
trCyiug the chiefs and warriors who had
been hostile to the U. States during tile
late war.
1t has for a long time been a part Of the
policy Of the British government t. Ike D us
embroiled with the Indians, ard the enor-
nous distribution Of presents (said to g.
mount in value to 8O,OOOl. sterling the pre-
Sc Year, gives them an almost uncontro'-
able influence among the .cading chiefs &
warriors, to whom the larg st share ofthcse
presents are given.---It is not surprising,
then, that the part Of the Shawanese nation,
wins have welded the tomah wk and seal
ping knife against us during the late war,
der the Immediate guidance f tic late
Iccumseh and the prophst, his brother,
should retain their hostile feelings, and
would listen to the counsel Of the British
agents when enforced by the usual ;rgu-
mcnts Of preSenis, to prevent, if possible,
auy meeting, which might probably termi-
nate all causes Of further Hostility. On
IN invitation to the tribes at Maiden to at
tend the meeting, disinclinatioa TO acc ut
It, was at FIRST manifested An Intercourse
Was kept up between ourf iend,y Indians
and them, and on receiving assurances o.
protection, and Of a friendly disposition on
the part of QUE government, they promis-
ed TO come over, ard the meeting finally
took place at Spring Wells, three miles be-
low y trot, on the S1st August, at which
the following nations Of Indians were repre-
sented by their chief men, viz:
Wyandotts, Shawanese, Delaware, Mi
aniess Fottawatsomiee, Otcways, Seneess,