The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-14

The SENECA INDIANS IN coUNcn..-The council
held by the Senecas, at the Cattaraugus Creek Res
ervation was attended by considerable number OF
the chiefs and people from Buffalo and Catiaraugus,
and by delegation from the Allegheny Reserya-
ton. The council was called together by commit
Of the Society of Friends, in order to bring about
a radical change in the system of Indian domestic
economy, and especially regards the division OF
labor among them, the withdrawal Of their fe-
males from the labors Of the field, and other employ
ments not suited to the deicacy of their SEX The
result was promise by the Indians that they would
endeavor gradually to introduce and follow the sys-
tenn recommended for their adoption.
The particular business of the council being over,
curious ceremony was performed--the induction of
Friend into an Indian tribe. One of the chiefs lin
his own language) thus addressed the council:
brothers In the course Of human events i,
sometimes happens that nations distantly situated
become bound together by the ties friendship This
is the second session of the present council between
the Seneca nation and the Society of Friends. To
our nation the subjects of deliberation have been
very important. Among them, there is one Of much
interest to us, which it is my duty to open this
council. In order to express the high regard we en-
terrain for the friendship long existing between
the Friends and the Seneca Indians, have solemn
ly concluded to adopt into our nation one of their
number, and for that purpose have selected our ven
cradle friend, Philip E. Thomas According to
the ancient custom Of our tribes, we by this act,
Friends, and make fast the chain which has SO long
bound us together"
The chief then rising from his seat, and APP
preaching p. +. Thomas, who was sitting at the
council table, took him by the arm, and raised him
on his feet. After three times laying his hand on
his shoulder, he made Grafton in the Indian lam
guage, which, being afterwards interpreted, to
the following purpose:
''By this ceremony we do, at this time, adopt into
the Seneca nation this friend Philip E. Thomas,
by which he becomes member of the tribe, and n
brother of the Swan clan, and is entitled to the
of Seneca Indian, and to all the rights and mmu-
mites of the nation. We now give him the name of
SAGoUkN, BENEVOLENT GIvER, or BoUNTiFUL,) by
which we express our sense of his character, and
under which he will hereafter be recognised among
us; and we have appointed George Deer to be his
cousIn.n
This ceremony of initiation being performed, and
the chief who oiciaed having returned to his place,
"My friends and brothers: | receive with great
sensbity the evidence you have afforded me OF
your regard and confidence II is true, j have al
ways been disposed to render you every service IN
my power. Having now by your kindness become
of your nation, feel myself more closely iden-
tilted with YOU and shall take lively interest IN
your affairs, and at all times will be ready TO CO.
operate in whatever measures may be calculated
to promote the prosperity and happiness OF the
Senecas."
Upon the conclusion Of this ceremony, the council
fire was covered up, and the council adjourned.
Baltimore Patriot