Oneida Nation

Speech of John Scanando, Oneida Chief

My warriors and my children! Hear! It is cruel, it is very cruel! A heavy burden lies on my heart, it is very sick. This is a dark day.  The clouds are black and heavy over the Oneida nation and a strong arm is heavy upon us, and our hearts groan under it.  Our fires are put out, and our beds are removed from under us.  The graves of our fathers are destroyed, and their children are driven away.  The Almighty is angry with us; for we have been very wicked: therefore his arm does not keep us.  Where are the Chiefs of the rising Sun?

Kananoorohara, Oneida, 1775

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.

Good Peter, Oneida Speech

Brother, Possess your mind in peace.  You are sensible that in affairs of importance, omissions may be made, and that a person is allowed afterwards to correct them.

You have greatly encouraged us, by promising to watch over our peace, and to provide for our welfare.  It is probable, that when we have completed our business here, some bad men may break over the fence you have set around us. There are, excuse us Brother, some bad men among the white people of this Island.
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