Red Jacket Forcefully Defends The Indian Religion

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009

An Indian Speech, 4pp., 8" x 12," tight yet very legible manuscript, nd., circa 1805, VG. In the opening, "In the summer of 1805, a number of the principal Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations of Indians, principally Senecas assembled at Buffalo Creek, in the State of New York, at the particular request of a gentleman Missionary from the State of Massachusetts The Missionary being furnished with an Interpreter, and accompanied by the Agent of the United States for Indian affairs met the Indians in Council when the following talk took place," It continues with the exchange of religious views between the Indians and the Missionary. The Missionary states his purpose "Brothers, I have not come to get your lands or your money, but to enlighten your minds, and to instruct you how to worship the Great Spirit agreeably to his mind and will, and to preach to you the gospel of his son Jesus Christ. There is but one religion, and but one way to serve God, and if you do not embrace the right way, you cannot be happy hereafter. You have never worshipped the Great Spirit in a manner acceptable to him; but have, all your lives, been in great errors and darkness. To endeavor to remove these errors, and open your eyes, so that you might see clearly, is my business with you. ..... You have now heard what I have to propose at present. I hope you will take it into consideration, and give me an answer before we part.""After about two hours consultation amongst themselves, the Chief commonly called by the white people, Red Jacket, rose and spoke as follows." Red Jacket's response is 2-1/2 pages. In small part, "There was a time when our forefathers owned this great island. Their seats extended from the rising to the setting sun. The Great Spirit had made it for the use of Indians. He had created the buffalo, the deer, and other animals for food. He had made the bear and the beaver. Their skins served us for clothing. He had scattered them over the country, and taught us how to take them. He had caused the earth to produce corn for bread. All this He had done for his red children, because He loved them. ... But an evil day came upon us. Your forefathers crossed the great water, and landed on this island. Their numbers were small. They found friends and not enemies They told us they had fled from their own country for fear of wicked men, and had come here to enjoy their religion. They asked for a small seat. We took pity on them ...." Red Jacket continues, "Our seats were once large and yours were small. You have now become a great people, and we have scarcely a place left to spread our blankets. You have got our country, but are not satisfied, you want to force your religion upon us." .... "You say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion ; why do you white; people differ so much about it ? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the book ?" ..."We do not wish to destroy your religion, or take if. from you. We only want to enjoy our own." ... "We are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while, and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said."

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