The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-11-14

The INDIAN CoUxrnY IN CAxApA.--A cores
pendent OF the Rochester American, from Brant-
ford, Canada West, gives the following picture Of
life among the Mokawks in Canada;
4 A few leisure moments enables me TO send you
word Of greeting from the Indian country upon
Grand river We came up here TO spend fe~
days among the Mohawks, away from the per-
plexities of civilized life. AT the commencement
ofthe Revolution, il is well known that this nation
| abandoned their establishment on the Mohawk,
and retired to Canada The British government
eventually assigned them large and beautiful
tract upon Grand river, where they have since re-
siaed, ana from appearances nave enjoyed a large
degree OF prosperity. At present they number
ABOUT seven hundred. Soon after their establish
ment upon this river they were Joined by bands
from Onondaga and Cayuga, and also by large
numbers of Tuscaroras, Senecas and Oneidas.
The settlement of Western New York pushed
tide OF population upon the Indian districts which
the iroquols nations were unable TO resist, and the
largest part of each naton except the Seneca, emf
grated tn this country and IN the West.
There il now upon the Grard river a miniature
representation of the Six Nations, still divided by
boundary lines, preserving Their NATIONAL names
and affinities and many OF their ancient customs.
The MohawiSs are upon the upper part of Grand
river, near Brentford. Next below them are the
Tuscaroras, numbering about three hundred, aud
next To then, are the Onomdagas, numbering about
four hundred. Descending the river you next
enter the reserve at the CayuSas, who number
dDOut seven Hunureu. hWut TWO oHti-
das, Senecas, and Chippewas are settled among
them, thus making the total Indian population up
the banks Of the river about twenty -three hun
dred. The Onedas removed Ia the river Thames,
and to Green bay ...+. .eaE ar.t la
The river, called Swargeh by the lroqnis, is a
beautiful stream. II little larger than the Genesee.
The soil is extremely fertile, yielding abundantly
with careful tnge, and very respeciaby under
Indian husbandry; and the general appearance of
the country is very attractive. The Indians have
no villages, but their habitaiinns, VIII ch are prn-
cipally upon the West side of the river, are scat
tered along the stream within six miles OF the
river. and from Branrford down for about twenty
TANNED, also the Tuscaroras, but the larger
part of the Cayugas and Onondagas sill adhere to
their ancient faith This portion Of the Iroquois
family rapidly advancing in their social condi-
ton, It external appearances are to be trusted and
something highly credittble may be expected Of
them hereafter AS a people. should not omit to
mention that steamer plies up Grand river as far
as Branlford.
We have had the pleasure OF several converse
tons with Catherine Brandt, the youngest daugh-
ter Of the celebrated Joseph Brandt -Iheyandane-
gea. She is the last surviving child of this distIn-
guished chief, and is herself quire advanced in
years. Having been familiar with English society
from childhood, and received an early education,
the results Of both are quite apparent in her grace
fu and dignifed department, and general intel
ligence upon great variety OF subjects.