The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-09-05
BANGOR, AUG. "a.
Treaty NTH The Pcnobscot Indians.

the advice OF Council under authority OF Ne
solve of the Legislature of Maine to treat with
the Penobscot Indians, respecting their clam on
Massachusetts, and for transferring the same to
the Government of Maine-met the Governor
and Chiefs Of the tribe by appointment at the
Court House in this town, on Tuesday the 18th
instant. MIR. Lewis made speech in which he
stated the objects of their meeting, the principal
Of which is thus stated
Brothers am authorized by our Gov
ernor and his Chiefs, TO receive from you a
release OF all your claims under the late treaty,
on the Government OF Massachusetts,, aud en-
Ter into new Treaty 10 secure TO you the ex-
act fuIiiIment OF every thing that was prom-
sed you by the old"
The Governor and Chiefs having attentive
ly heard The speech, requested time TO bold
a council ct the chefs, captains and men OF
The tribe, 10 consider the proposition made by
Col. Lewis Aud on Thursday, the 18th,
the Governor, Lieut.. Governor and Chiefs as
sembled at the Court House. when Capt.
Francis, one Of the chiefs made speech in
the Indian language, which was translated
aud read
OUR GOOD FRIEND COL. LEWIS.
Broher-lt gives Us great satisfaction, that
in meeting you as the Commissioner tor the
aud acquaintance.
We Join with you in acknowledging The
goodness Of the Great Spirit. who made US all.
the white, as we'll as the red men TO him we
lock as the source OF all good, to him we pray
to guide and direct US in all our transactions
with each other, aud our brothers the white
men.
Broiher-The Good spiri, who made and
placed The red men here before the white men
came, gave US all the land from whence the
waters run into the Penobscoi. He caused
the forests to abound with game, and the riv-
ers with fish, for our use and subsistence
we then were coptened and happy. When
The white meR came over the great waters 10
our country, we received them as friends and
brothers: we then were many and strong
they few aud weak we gave them land and
permitted them to live peaceably among US,
aud have remained their friends.
The white men are now very strong we
are weak, and now want them to be oun
llicads.
Brother-Wc have considered on VIVA, you
have said US, and are much pleased with
your talk-You say that since the last treaty.
by the cansen! OF the Governor and people OF
the old State, and our father, the President Of
the United States, Maine has teeo formed in
arc well pleased, and hope the time will soon
come when the land formerly owned and in.
habied by the once great tribe Of Penobscot
Indians, may contain white meh enough 10
form another new State. You also say that
the Governor and people of the newState wish
To take US under their care aud protection, and
they will do and perform all things promised
us, by our good friends the Governor and PEG
pie OF Massachusetts,. ii We will relinquish our
claim on the old State.
Brother We place the greatest confidence
in the Governor, Chiefs and PEOPLE oi the
State of Maine, md are willing 10 put ourselves
under their care aud prorecIioD, hoping aud
expecting they viii perform all their prom
Uses TO Us as faithfully as our good friends
the Governor, Chiefs end people of Massa-
ehuselts have done.
Bro,her.-By the last treaty made with
Massachusetts,, we relinqui-bed The claim 10 all
our lands. excep, four townships, and the
ISLANDS in Pcuobscot River, above 4 including
Old Town. which oar good friends the com
mssioners, Messrs. Rrs5ns, Davis and Hill
Told US we were TO hold lurour use, improve
meui aud benefit, SO long as The sun shines.
waters run, trees grow, aud the world lasts.
This is III. tenure under which we hold the
land we now possess. We wish the govern
menl Of Maine to understand this, and fulfil
all the promises made US by our good friends
The Governor aud Chief, OF The OLD State.
Brcthcr--We wish TO express TO you our
satisfaction with all the arrangements made for
us. by our good friends the Governors, Chiefs
aud people, both Of the old and new State -
and we hope they will continue to he our
friends, and that the new state may always be
governed ard ruled by good men. And that
under the protection 1.-THE Great Spirit il may
soon become the most powerful State il the
Union.
Erosher.--We are now ready 10 relinquish
our claim on the old, and make treaty with
the new State and we sincerely pray tina,
the good Spir, may guide and drec, you and