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Kananoorohara, Oneida, 1775
Speech
As my younger brother of the New-England Indians, who have settled in our vicinity, are now going to visit
their friends, and to move up part of their families that are left behind, we send this belt by them,
to open the road wide, clearing it of all obstacles, that they may visit their friends, and return to
their settlements here in peace.
We Oneidas are induced to this measure, on account of the disagreeable situation of affairs that way, and we hope, by the help of God, they may go and return in peace.
We earnestly recommend them to your charity, through their long journey.
Now, we more directly address you our brother, the Governor and Chiefs of New-England.
Brothers, We have heard of the unhappy differences, and great contention, betwixt you and Old England; we wonder greatly, and are troubled in our minds.
Brothers, Posses your minds, in peace, respecting us Indians, we cannot intermeddle in this dispute betweien two brothers, the quarrel seems to be unnatural; you are two brothers of one blood; we are unwilling to join on either side in such a contests for we bear an equal affection to both of you, Old England and New England. Should the great king of England apply to us for our aid, we shall decline him. If the Colonies apply, we shall refuse. The present situation of you two brothers, is new and strange to us. We Indians cannot recollect in the tradition of our ancestors the like case, or a similar instance.
Brothers, For these reasons possses your minds in peace, and take no umbrage that we Indians refuse joining in the contest: We are for peace.
Brother, Was it a foreign nation who struck you, we should look into the matter. We hope, through the wise government and good pleafure of God, your differences may soon be relieved, and the dark cloud be dispersed.
Brothers, As we have declared for peace, we desire you would not apply to our Indian brethren in New England for their assistance: Let us Indians be all of one mind, and live in peace with one another; and you white people settle your dispntes betwixt yourselves.
Brothers, We have now declared our mind. Please write to us that we may, know yours.
We the sachems, warriors, and female governesses of the Oneida, send our love to you brother, governor, and all the other chiefs in New England.
We Oneidas are induced to this measure, on account of the disagreeable situation of affairs that way, and we hope, by the help of God, they may go and return in peace.
We earnestly recommend them to your charity, through their long journey.
Now, we more directly address you our brother, the Governor and Chiefs of New-England.
Brothers, We have heard of the unhappy differences, and great contention, betwixt you and Old England; we wonder greatly, and are troubled in our minds.
Brothers, Posses your minds, in peace, respecting us Indians, we cannot intermeddle in this dispute betweien two brothers, the quarrel seems to be unnatural; you are two brothers of one blood; we are unwilling to join on either side in such a contests for we bear an equal affection to both of you, Old England and New England. Should the great king of England apply to us for our aid, we shall decline him. If the Colonies apply, we shall refuse. The present situation of you two brothers, is new and strange to us. We Indians cannot recollect in the tradition of our ancestors the like case, or a similar instance.
Brothers, For these reasons possses your minds in peace, and take no umbrage that we Indians refuse joining in the contest: We are for peace.
Brother, Was it a foreign nation who struck you, we should look into the matter. We hope, through the wise government and good pleafure of God, your differences may soon be relieved, and the dark cloud be dispersed.
Brothers, As we have declared for peace, we desire you would not apply to our Indian brethren in New England for their assistance: Let us Indians be all of one mind, and live in peace with one another; and you white people settle your dispntes betwixt yourselves.
Brothers, We have now declared our mind. Please write to us that we may, know yours.
We the sachems, warriors, and female governesses of the Oneida, send our love to you brother, governor, and all the other chiefs in New England.
Years
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