Search

Opposes the possible appointment of Col. Elias Bowker as agent for the Saint Regis Nation. Expresses hope that the Indians will dispose of their lands, "as they are an [encumbrance] to all of us that own property at Hogansburgh … "

Describes encounters with people from various Native American Tribes. Trading with Seminoles from Florida, observing a war dance from the Osages who were coming to speak to Capt. Armstrong, and Kickapoos traveling through from the Rocky Mountains. Describes Native Americans in an othering manner – “[the Seminoles] look rather savage and wild,” “they are stout, robust looking men none of them less than 6 feet… they will travel 100 miles in 24 hours with ease.” States that there is a small group of white people settled roughly ten miles from the Agency, and that his brother and wife are currently living in the East. Anticipates that things will “be more lively as the annuity will be paid out soon” and that it was meant to be paid out the previous October. Also anticipating that the Baptists of Ohio will establish a mission nearby. Refers to the temperance movement, using Native Americans as a cautionary tale to support temperance efforts. “If they were to see the Indians in one of their drunken frolics I think the most abandoned would be induced to drop his cups at once.”

Concerning several groups of Onondagas who are demanding annuity payments. Their number on reservations has not decreased, "and we do most solemny protest against the payment of our annuities [at] Syracuse or Onondaga Hollow We have had trouble enough of this kind and are determined to Compel the State to fulfill the Stipulations & [provisions] of the Treaty [with] us."

Onondaga Chiefs' version of the agreement between the government, Senecas and Onondagas regarding annuity payments; discussion of Onondagas living on Seneca land, including Buffalo, Allegany, Tuscarora, and Cattaraugus.

Visited Joseph Brant's daughter who supplied him with the Seneca word for Buffalo, in case there is a move to rename the city. "The word, as pronounced by her, is TEHO'SARO'RO … It is a Seneca word, adopted by the Mohawk, and she was unable to give its etymology." He has provided this in case "popular opinion, hereafter justify a change of the name of your city, which is destined, in my opinion..."

Appointment of Jean Baptiste Saonwentisiowane as attorney to manage the annuity claim of the Caughnawaga [Kahnawake] Nation. Includes two-page manuscript of the same date confirming a man as an interpreter, agent, and magistrate in the Caughnawaga village in Canada, and a letter from the Indian Office in Montreal, dated December 20, 1843, confirming the names of "Grand Chiefs of the Iroquois Tribe of Caughnawaga" and that the men, or most of them, are empowered to represent those Indians.

Glad for her correspondence and that she initiated communication with his wife, Elizabeth Arndt Eastman. Recently returned from a "ride fifty miles in the country, the farthest that Liz has ever been in the country though she has been here near twenty years." Describes Stockbridge and Brothertown settlements near Lake Winnebago, commenting on their farms, character, religion, education. "They are now citizened and have beautiful farms... They have churches and schoolhouses - ministers of the gospel and ministers of the Law; exhorters and pettifoggers and teachers and diciples [sic] of all the arts and sciences known in civilized life." Briefly compares the Stockbridge and Brothertown, claiming "The Stockbridges retain their native language and dress but the Brothertowns neither the one nor the other." Expects to receive appropriation for improving the Fox River and touts the financial opportunities in Wisconsin. Describes his and Liz's finances, home, and family, and hints at Liz's pregnancy. Includes a brief note from Elizabeth Arndt Eastman.

Recommendation of John Mack to oversee the Seneca migration to their western location; "It ought not to be a Stranger! Mr. Mack talks our language has been our Neighbor and a peacemaker and referee of domestic troubles for almost thirty years..."

Letter to his young grandson, noting that he should be learning to read and write and may be desiring letters from family. Provides general updates and expresses hope that he will visit soon. Ending tells his understanding of the story of William Filley, a man who was known for being kidnapped as a child by Native Americans. N.B.: Foote states that Filley was held in captivity for around seven years, while Filley’s publication Life and Adventures of William Filley… asserts that he was held captive for twenty-nine years.

Addressed "Esh-ton-greet (Chippewa Chief) to his Brother." Acknowledges receipt of D'Este's letters and being "pleased with being called Brother." Upset by the Americans' treatment of the Chippewa "with regard to our Lands and we are now thinking of going over to reside in Canada if they will not fulfil their promises." Would like to visit D'Este in England to discuss matters "and bring my son also who is now finishing his Education at the Mission School." Tells of his marriage to a "Taw-way chiefs Daughter and have two children by her" and one of his daughter's marrying a Chippewa man and having a child. Docketed on verso by D'Este.