The republic., 1852-01-07
visit Of Indians 10 tho pre.ldent.

United States and the representatives of vari-
tribes Of Indians who have for some weeks
past been on visit to this city. The party
of Indians consisted of fifteen chiefs and four
squaws; five Of the former being Sioux, three
ArApahoes, three Cheyennes, two Ottoes, and
two lowas.
About noon, the party, habited in full Indian
costume, and accompanied by Major FITz-
PATRICK, the Indian Agent, and JOHN $. SMITH
and JOSEPH lesson HoNoRE, interpreters, re-
paired to the department Of the Commissioner
of Indian Affairs to smoke the pipe of peace,
and make some preliminary arrangements.
Some doubt existed in regard to the right OF
one of the Sioux to represent his nation, but
it was finally agreed that he should be received
on an equal footing with the others. This de-
cided, Hon. LUKE LEA, the Commissioner,
briefly addressed them.
Colonel LEA said he intended to introduce the
delegation to the President, and advised them TO
express to him fully and freely all they might de-
sire to say. He Colonel L. said he had ascer-
tained, through those who accompanied them on
the part Of the Government that the various tribes
which they represented were on terms of mutual
good fellowship; and he trusted that what might
be done here would be kept sacred and in good
faith. As they had before visited the President
he need not inform them how they should conduct
themselves; they would, however, find the Presi
dent their friend, ready to hear them, and to in
struct them.
At the close Of the conversation, the party
proceeded to the Presidential mansion, where,
after few minutes delay, they were ushered
into one of the parlors, and with little ceremony
squatted upon the carpet. The PRESIDENT
was already seated at table in the centre o
the room, and around him were grouped a large
number of ladies and gentlemen. Amongst
those present were Madame KossUTH, Madame
PuLzsKY, Mrs. FILLMORE and daughter, Hon
A. II. IL. STUART Hop. Mr.. CRITrENDEN, and
NJ. PULzsKy.
Col. LEA Commissioner of Indian Affairs, re.
marked that the Indians came as the representa-
tves of their various tribes to pay their respects &c
him previous to leaving for the Far West; that they
had been informed that the President, their bes,
friend, would speak kindly and freely with them,
and they had been requested to say to the President
whatever they might wish, without fear reser
vation
President FILLMORE, in response, said he was
happy to receive them, and would be pleased to
hear from them any thing they might have to say
This reply having been communicated to the In
dians, representative of the Iowas came forward
IAN educated Indian, speaking the English Ian
guage very well,) called the Black Elk and said
Father, we have come to see you, and are pleased;
shall let others speak; and, after them, may then
have something to say.
The PaEsIDEST, addressing the Indians, said il
afforded him much qualification to them; be
hoped the Great Spirit had kept them in good health
since leaving their homes; and that he should be
pleased TO hear from them any thing they might
have to say.
SroRM, chief of the Arapahoes, then came for
ward, and addressing the President as the Great
Father, said they had come long way to see him,
and hoped he would have pity on them, as they
arc poor at home; they wished to take back some
tokens of generosity-some emblems OF their visit
and reception and they would do all in their power
to preserve peace at home. He was glad to meet
here and under such circumstances, representa-
tives of tribes he had seen, except once upon
the plains. where they had assembled preparatory
20 coming this journey, and with whom they
had previously been at enmity. He hoped, by the
aid of the Government agents, to keep peace with
them, and all nations. forever. And he further
hoped that the return Of himself and the other
delegates TO their respective tribes would be
ducive Of the happiest results.
RED PLUME a chief Of the Sioux. addressing the
President great grandfather, said they did not
come tn ere Of their accord; they had been
invited. Since leaving home they were satisfied
with the treatment they had received They loved
their superintendent and agents for their kind
ness. lie was glad TO shake hands with those
present, and should cndcavor to make no enemies.
When he started from home he never thought Of
coming here; but, being selected by his nation,
he was pleased TO obey and to be here, and hoped
20 return on friendly terms. He hoped to go home
on "A horse, as a proof OF having seen the great-
erandfathcr. He had come with Major Fitzpa,-
rick, and hoped TO return safe home. He could
not speak for other tribes, bu, the Sioux would
hold 20 any terms OF peace they bad made
wmrr ANTELOPE, chief Of the Cheyenncs,
next came forward, and said bc was under many
obligations for the privilege of shaking hands to-
day. lie felt glad at meeting go much company.
ile had no idea Of the distance when hc started.
but wac now glad he and his friends had
come lie had elt behind him his wife, children,
and property, but hoped all would go right. He
desired tho q rent Father 20 look at them, far from
honc and needy. Traders bad bces prohibited
srom going among them. and they wanted much.
and hoped to take back something. He had left
his horses behind, and might lose them. lie hoped.
therefore, they would return home on horses; and
he wished to have some money in bis pocket when
be started to pay his way. Colonel Fitzpatrick,
their agent, soG Mr.. Smith, their interpreter,
knew their wants. lie had never entertained an
idea Of the President until Colonel r told him that
there was a greater man than those whites he bad
seen, and he (Whte Antelopc) was glad to ace
him He wished TO be allowed TO return by way
of the Arkansas, in order to meet his tribe, which
had gone TO that region since he and his comrades
had been delegated on this mission.
President FILLMORE addressed the Indians
n reply as follows:
am very happy TO meet my red children here to-
day. hope that during the time they have remained
ia this city they have been occupied pleasantly and
sgrecably, andthat they will return TO their homes
ia the forest with agreeable recolcotions Of Wash
ington ! am very happy also to hear that some Of
you have been willing to make a treaty Of friend
ship with the Government of the United States, and
that they have also made peace with each other.
and intend to adhere to it. The Great Spirit will
bless you if you do
We know that you poor in the western for
csts; we know that the game every year becomes