Sioux Chief named The Leaf

My Father,

When I heard the good news which my father the Red Head communicated to me I took the same road as my deceased Father used to take to come here; and my arrival is a fine day to me; for I see the good works of my English Father.

You ordered your children to lift the Tomahawk; But as for me I have not yet taken it in hand; it is neither through fear nor laziness; it is because I want strength, I say because I want strength! I have neither arms nor ammunition & that I live at a great distance But I should ere this have begun it, if the want of what I have already mentioned had not prevented me.

It is not from today that I know you My Father; it is since the old Fort was built that you have supported us & we wait for that support this day.

My Father in speaking to you I say since the old fort was built as also before, for there it was that my deceased Father the Leaf took great pains to support the Sioux Nation; but they had the misfortune to lose him too soon & we have suffered much since that time; more especially so since the Americans have adopted us for their children; but we have the good fortune to have the Red Head for a friend, who in spite of the barriers which the Americans made, always found a passage to come & save the Indians from perishing.  At present he is our father.  He has had some difficulty to bring the Indians on the right way; but it is requisite that he should have force with him, in order to be attended to, I speak not of my nation for we are his true children.

My father I conclude by pressing your hand & begging you to stretch out your arms in support of your children in the Mississippi.