Middletown transcript., 1897-05-22
INp1AN SLAVES.

We should not expect to find the subject
Of Indian slavery mentioned in the history
of colonial Pennsylvania. In the land oil
Penn, the rights of the Red Man were held
sacred. The proprietor continually exerted
himself to promote the general welfare Of
the Indians in every respect. Their lands
were bought and their numerous requests
were granted. Justice was used instead Of
the sword. No Indians were captured in
war to be sold into slavery, for there was
no war. Nevertheless, there were few
Indian slaves in the province of Pennsyl-
vania.
In 1905, the General Assembly passed an
"Act to prevent the importation Of Indian
Slaves" From the preamble Of that act,
we learn that the Indian slaves were i'm
ported from Carolina or other places
and that it hath been observed to Igive the
Indians of this Province some Umbrage for
Suspicion and Dissatisfaction" A fellow
feeling for those whom they saw enslaved,
or fear of being thus enslaved themselves.
led the Indians to protest against the con-
duct of the sons of "Onas" Ia name the In
dians called Penn. Weems says it signi6ed
"quill,n being the nearest word to Penn;
but Weems had a wonderful imagination,
and this, like his "hatchet story" was no
doubt a mere fancy). Perhaps it was
the latter consideration, for in the early
part of the year 17i0, they again manifested
some uneasiness, and when the Governor
sent committee to learn their wishes, the
Indians sent the Governor and Council
eight wampum belts. THE general import
of these, was significant, as will be seen
from the following:
"They sig nifed 10 us, said the Commit
tee in their report, "by Belt of Wampum.
which was sent from their old Women,
that these Implored their friendship Of the
Christians and Indians of this Government
that without danger or trouble they might
fetch wood and water
The second Belt was sent from their chill
dren born. and those yet in the womb
Requesting that Room to sport and play
without danger of Slavery, might be al
lowed them
1.-THE third Belt was sent from theii
young men fit TO Hunt, that privilege to
leave their Towns, and seek Provision fol
their aged might be granted to them with
out fear of Death or Slavery"
"The sixth was sent from their Kings
and Chiefs Desiring lasting peace with
the Christians and Indiaas of this Govern.
ment, that thereby they might be secured
against those fearful apprehensions they
have for these several years felt.
The seventh was sent in order to intreal
cessation from numbering and taking
them, that by the allowance thereof, they
may net be afraid Of mouse, or anything
that Russles the Leaves"
Here is unmistakable evidence that the
act of 1905 had not secured the indians
aagainst those fearful apprehensions,n Oh
was inadequate for the prevention Of In.
dian slavery. There is direct proof that the
law forbidding the importation of Indian
slaves was not entirely obeyed.
In l7o9, sat the instance Of Coll. Evans
an Indian boy called Mingos said to be i'm
ported into this Province, contrary to
the Act of Assembly, Untitled an act to pre-
vent the Importation of Indian slaves,
passed in the year 1705; was presented to
the Board to be disposed Of according to
the Directions of that act; But no evidence
being produced how be was imported, the
matter was REFEREED But on inFestiea-
ting the case the board found that the act
does not prescribe after what manner the
conyicon OF such forfeitors shall be, " and