Feed

Powhatan to John Smith

"I have seen two generations of my people die. Not a man of the two generations is alive now but myself. I know the difference between peace and war better than any man in my country. I am now grown old, and must die soon; my authority must descend to my brothers, Opitchapan, Opechancanough and Catatough; then to my two sisters, and then to my two daughters. I wish them to know as much as I do, and that your love to them may be like mine to you. Why will you take by force what you may have quietly by love? Why will you destroy us who supply you with food? What can you get by war?

Chitimacha to French, 1720

My heart laughs for joy on seeing myself before thee; we have all of us heard the word of peace which thou have sent us: the hearts of our whole nation laugh for joy on that occasion; the women, forgetting that instant all that passed, have danced; and the children have leapt like young roe-bucks.

Shegenaba to Virginia Council

Fathers, after the insinuations of the commandant of Detroit, I accepted your invitation with distrust, and measured my route with trembling feet toward this 'Council of Fire.'  Your reception proves his falsehood, and that my fears were groundless.  Truth and him have been a long time enemies.

ASheNonQua to Governor of Indiana, 1811

The following is a speech delivered by A-she-non-qua, a leader of the Wea people, who are a branch of the Miami people.  This speech was delivered in 1811, during a general council at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Tecumseh Response, 1807

In 1807, Captain William Wells sent a messenger to deliver a message to Tecumseh and his band of people that were staying in Greenville, OH. Tecumseh responded with the following response: "Go back to Fort Wayne, and tell Capt. Wells that my fire is kindled on the spot appointed by the Great Spirit above ; and if he has any communication to make to me, he must come here."

Black Hawk

Black Hawk, Sauk Leader

Black Hawk was a Sauk leader that was born in Saukenuk, Illinois in 1767.

Red Jacket, April 10th, 1792

Brother Con-neh-sauty: Yesterday, when you made your proposals, the Oneidas accepted them, and thanked you.  They spoke for those Oneidas, Onondagas, and Tuscaroras who all lie under one blanket. We, the Senecas, have considered them, and are now going to speak.

Father Pierre Jean de Smet, Welcomed by Blackfeet

Blackrobe, this is the happiest day of our lives.  Today for the first time we see among us a man who comes so near to the Great Spirit.  Here are the principal braves of my tribe.  I have bidden them to the feast that I have had prepared for you, that they may never lose the memory of so happy a day.

William P Ross, Cherokee

To the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory:
Subscribe to Feed