A Short Narration of My Last Journey to the Western Contry (1794)
A Short Narration of My Last Journey to the Western Contry (1794)
A Short Narration of My Last Journey to the Western Contry (1794)
By Hendrick Aupaumant
From Memoirs of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (1827)
Internet Archive
[* “Big knifes” = white settlers]
Having agreed with the great men of the United States, to take a tour, with their message of peace to the hostile nations — which enterprise some of the principal chiefs of the Five Nations did oppose — alledged that it would be folly for the United States to send me on that business — (says they,) the Western Nations will not regard the voice of One Nation — but the business ought to be negotiated by the Five Nations and the British. But on my part, I have hitherto had a persuasion on my mind, that if the Western Nations could be rightly informed of the desires of the United States, they would comply for peace, and that the informer should be an Indian to whom they look upon as a true friend, who has never deceived or injuried them.
When I come to reflect in the path of my ancestors, the friendship and connections they have had with these western tribes, and my own feelings towards them, I conclude that I could acquaint them my best knowledge with regard of the dispositions, desires, and might of the United States, without partiallity — and without groundless opinion I could be more useful in that particular embassage than those who have been opposing my undertaking, &c.
Before I proceed in the business I am upon, I think it would be necessary to give a short sketch what friendship and connections, our forefathers, and we, have had with the western tribes.
The Delawares, who we calld Wenaumeeu, are our Grandfathers according to the ancient covenant of their and our ancestors, to which we adhere without any devition in these near 200 years past, to which nation the Five Nations and British, (after finding themselves incapaple of completeing a union of all who has one colar,) have commit the whole business. For this nation had the greatest influence with the southern, western, and northern nations.
The Shawannese, who we calld Weshauwonnoow, are our younger brothers according to ancient covenant between our forefathers — for our ancestors, near 200 years ago rescued them from the mouth of many nations, as well as of the Five Nations who were ready to swallow my younger brother Shawany, for which kind deliverance they ever have felt themselves under the greatest obligation to obey our voice — and many nations had knowledge of this.
The Miamies, who we calld Wemaumeew, are our grandchildren according to an ancient covenant between our forefathers, which friendship their and our fathers have maintained, and in every few years they renew this covenant, and have given to our forefathers a large tract of land, &c.
The Monthees, who we calld Wemintheew, and the Wehuhtokowuk and Kuhnauwautheew, are our brothers according to ancient agreement, to which we ever have stood stedfast.
The Wyondots,