The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1815-10-04

by insinusting llist this assrmblaee Of troops,
took place a, this time, Tor the purpose OF
falling upon the Indians, when q pretended
pacific meeting was TO be held, and OF de-
s,rosng the chiefs aud warriors who had been
hostile to the United States, during the late
war. 1t has for a long time been part of
the policy Of the British government to keep
us embroiled with tie Indians, and the enor-
nous distribution Of presents (ssid 10 amount
in value TO 100000. sterling the present Year,
gives them an. almost uncomfortable influence
among the leading chiefs and Warriors, to
whom the largest share OF these presents, is
given.--lt is not surprising then, that that
part Of the Shawanese nation, who have
welded the tomahawk and scalping knife a.
gainst US during the late w"r, under the i'm.
mediate guidance of the late Tecunisch and
the prophet his brother, should st'li retain
,hcie hostile their hostile feelings, and would
listen TO the council of Inc British agents
when enforced by the usual arguments oil
presents, TO prevent If possible any meeting
which might probably terminate all causes OF
further hostility. On an inyitatitn to the
,rises al Maiden to attend the meeting, Gis-
inclination To accept it, was at flrA manifest-
cd. An intercourse was kept w between
ous friendly Indians and them, andWn rcceiv-
log assurances Of protection and OF friendly,
disposition on the part Of our government,
they promised TO come over, and the!meeting
finally took place at Spring Wells, miles
below Detroit, On the 3lsl of August, at
which.the following nations Of Indians were
represented by their Chief Men, viz:
MIyandots, Shavanese, De!awarcs, Mia
mics, Pottowattomies, Ouoways, Scnecas
and Mohawks.
NV limits will not permit me TO furnish
even sketch OF the speeches trat were made
by General Harrison, one Of our Commis-
stone rs, and several OF the Chiefs, III reply
can only state III substance, that our Com-
missiooers proposed to bury the hatche!, aC-
cording 10 ancient practice, and lhat this
should be done in such AN ehectual manner,
that our peace could not be easily disturbed
again--lhat il Was now necessary that the In
diaus should determine whether they would
accedc to the terms Of the treaty OF Client,
in which their allies, the British, had includ-
ed them-that being free and independent
people, A. we are, il was Tor them alone TO
decide whe her they would become parties
to II, and thereby secure to themselves It's ad-
vantages, or by rejecting it, sill remain at
war with us. That the policy OF the United
States was pacific and equitable, and that We
wished them To enjoy oil the blessings we
enioyeG--but that our people were brave IN
bstlle, and that we did not fear war, when
dIived to i, by the injusSise OF an enemy. A
Chief OF the Shawanese made reply, Gic-
te,ed, apparcnus, by the prophet which sat
by his side, in which he acknowledged the
arrors which they had comnitted, and ap-
pcoled 10 the, pity Of the Uoited States Gov
eeonent.----rhey had suffered by the evils OF
waT aod by sickness, and were glad that the
Gteat Sprii mad Afforded this opportunity OF
meeting 10 accomplish the great undertaking
OF buryug the hstched. The Indians mani
tested pacific disposition, and have no
doubt from the tenor Of the speeches which
they delivered, and OF their general appear
ancc aud department, that every arrangement
will be made, which the government contem-
plated 10y this meeting, and that, if We have
wisdom enough.,c see the propriety OF keep
iog up strong military force on that remote
fronties, that we shall, for many years, be
free Gom an Indian war and the dreadful ap'
prehensions of having our women add chill
drcn q prey to the tomahawk- and sca!ping
knife. Yours, A.. b.