1856 Delegations
President in 1856: Franklin Pierce
Commissioner of Indian Affairs 1856: George Washington Manypenny
Jan.19, 1856: Ballou's Pictorial Drawing Room Companion [Boston]: [Chippewa]
[Includes line drawing from a photograph by Masury & Silsbee of Mah yah-che-wa-we-tong, War-be-de-yah, Nah-nah-aug-a-yash, A-yah-be-dwa-we-tong, Ke-be-dwa-ke-yhick, Ne-she-ka-o-ge-mah.]
The Chippewa Indians.
The recent visit of a party of full-blooded Chippewa Indians to our city [Boston] has afforded us the opportunity of presenting to our readers a group of red men as they appear in their native dignity, contrasted with the miserable and degenerate specimens of the race we see in our streets at rare intervals, peddling baskets and moccasins. It is very rarely that we meet, on our seaboard, with a fair representation of the lords of the forest. Some eighteen years since, a delegation of Sacs and Foxes were here, among whom were Keokuk and Black Hawk's son, and the visit was something more than a nine days' wonder. They visited the State House, where they were received and addressed by Governor Everett, and afterwards exhibited some of their war dances and ceremonials on the Common, in the presence of a vast concourse of spectators. The group of red men here depicted were drawn for us by Mr. Barry from a photograph by Masury & Silsbee, and each head is an accurate likeness. The artist has done himself great credit by this spirited representation. The Indians of this party rejoice in names which, though they may appear musical to Indian ears, do not strike us as being particularly dulcet, and we doubt whether even Mr. Longfellow, notwithstanding his most skillful management of Indian nomenclature in Hiawatha, could manage to weave them into melodious rhythm. We have numbered the individuals composing the group.
April 25, 1856: Evening Star [Creek, Seminole]
Arrived--Messrs. G. W. Stidham and Chilly [sic] McIntosh of the agency, Creek Nation, and John Jumper, James Factor, and Tuste-nuc-o-chee, of the Seminoles, arrived in this city yesterday, on business with the Government. They are stopping at Browns' Hotel.
April 25, 1856: Daily Union: [Ottawa, Pottawatoni]
Indian Bureau.--Kansas Indians.--On Monday [April 21] last there reached this city from Kansas Territory a delegation of Indians of the tribes of Ottawas and Pottawatomies, ten in number, who day before yesterday waited upon the commissioner of Indian Affairs at his office, accompanied by their interpreters.
The Ottawas present were Kom-chaw, Shaw-pun-dah, Pan-tee, and John T. Jones, (interpreter.) The Pottawatomies were Wab-sei, Mo-tei, Waw-law-so, Sow-ko-ack, Mi-shuck-ke-yaw, and J. W. Barrow, (interpreter.)
These bands live about fifty miles apart, and their languages resemble in sound, and are, in fact, so much alike that they can understand each other.
On being interrogated by the Commissioner as to the objects of their visit to the indian department, the spokesman of the Ottawas (Shaw-pun-dah) stated that they had been thinking for a long time of changing their relations to the government, and that they had a plan which they proposed to pursue, and which he would now lay before him, (the Commissioner;) but, before going into a detail about the new work, he would tell him a little more, and go back to a brief notice of the past. While they lived at the east, and since they moved to where they now are, they desired to inquire whether the government has done all for them which it promised by treaty? In accordance with some treaty (the exact time or date of which he did not recollect) with our band, when living near Toledo, Ohio, they were to receive $3,800 annuity per annum, which they received for several years; but that afterwards $700 a year was taken out of their annuity to be given to their neighbors living across the line in the state of Michigan. They wanted to have this explained. There was, however, this reason assigned at the time: That, if they lent that sum for the relief of their neighbors, who were poor and in want, the money would be paid back to them when their lands were sold.
That they were also told that, when the time came for them to leave their reserve and go to the West, the government would sell their land for them; and, after deducting seventy cents per acre to pay their debts, the expenses of their removal, &c., would invest the balance of the money thus arising in five-per-cent. stocks, and pay over to them the annual income.
That at a certain treaty (no date given) there were two sections of land reserved back of Toledo, which they cannot tell whether sold or not.
In answer to a question put by the Commissioner, as to what they meant by the proposed change of their relations to government" and so on, the above-named chief replied, that since your (the Commissioner's) visit to Kansas they have been constantly talking about this very matter, and have come to the unanimous conclusion that it was for their interest to change their relations to the government. They have determined to have their lands sectionized, giving to each member of the tribe his own portion of the same, whatever that may be. They are perfectly willing to cede a portion of their reserve if government will give them a fair price for it.
That, in respect to the annuity of $2,600 a year to which they are now entitled, they wished to put an end to that mode of payment, and receive the principal at once.
The Ottawas having concluded, the Commissioner expressed a wish to hear the Pottawatomies speak and make known their wants.
In compliance, Sow-ko-ack (a chief of the Pottawatomies) stated that they could not understand why at the lat annuity payment the government had only sent them half the amount to which they were entitled by treaty and that it is one of the objects of their long journey to find out the cause of this.
Ni-shuck-ke-yaw (another Pottawatomie chief) was glad they had arrived here safe. They had come to be advised, because there is so much difficulty and disunion among their people. He stated also that a great many settlers living near their thirty-mile reserve are in the habit of trespassing upon their land by cutting timber, &c., and that they wanted to be protected against their intrusions; that they did not know where their lines run, and wanted them distinctly marked out; that it is the wish of the Prairie band of Pottawatomies to quit the chase and go to cultivating the earth; that they wanted agricultural implements, and also wanted to know the amount of money they have in government hands. They complained that one of their missionaries did not do his duty in teaching their children, and that the blacksmith, miller, and wheelwright were of very little use to them--they preferred the missionary in the stone building to teach their children that the mechanics do not teach their people to work at these trades. Here the Commissioner informed them that he would consider their talk, and let them know hereafter what he thinks of it; and, also, that he had received a mail a protest from the Pottawatomie chiefs against his recognizing or having anything to do with the present delegation.
The conference then closed.
May 8, 1856: Sun [Baltimore]: [Ottawa, Pottawatomi]
The delegation of Indian Chiefs from Kansas left in the cars [sic] this afternoon, bound homeward.
May 20, 1856: Daily National Intelligencer: [Creek, Seminole]
Indian Delegations.--A delegation of five Seminoles and seven Creek Indians from the Indian territory west of Arkansas met at the Indian Bureau yesterday. We understand that the business of the former relates chiefly to an attempt to obtain a separate tribal organization, being now attached to the Creek Nation. They will also probably assist in concerting measures to bring about, if possible, the peaceable removal West of their brethren in Florida.
May 21, 1856: Alexandria Gazette [Creek, Seminole]
A delegation of five Seminoles and seven Creek Indians, from the Indian territory west of Arkansas, met at the Indian Bureau on Monday. We understand that the business of the former relates chiefly to an attempt to obtain a separate tribal organization, being now attached to the Creek nation. They will also probably assist in concerting measures to bring about, if possible, the peaceable removal West of their brethren in Florida
May 24, 1856: Daily Union: [Creek, Delaware, Seminole]
Interior Department.
Indian Delegations.--On Thursday, 22d instant, the delegates of the Creek, Seminole, and Delaware Indians now in this city, in company with Hon. George W. Manypenny, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the Creek agent, Col. W. H. Jarrett, and Seminole agent, J. W. Washbourne, esq., paid their respects to the President of the United States, the "Great Father."
These are the Creek delegates: Tuck-a-vatchee Micco, principal chief; Echo Harjo and D. B. Asberry, second chiefs; Chilly McIntosh, B. Marshall, G. W. Stidham, and D. N. McIntosh; the Seminole: John Jumper, principal chief; Tus-te-nuc Ochee, Pars-co-fer, and Jas. Factor, with G. W. Brinton, interpreter; the Delaware, Jos. Secundy, Jas. Ketchum, and Charles Johnnycake.
The President met, greeted, and addressed them in the renowned "East Room." As their "Great Father" he was happy to meet his "children." He had their welfare at heart, and he would exert all the ability given him by the laws of the land to advance their interests, to assist them in their efforts towards civilization. He was pleased to see the evidences they exhibited of advances already made, and regarded them as indications of future progress; advised them to use the means of religion, education, and agriculture to raise their people still higher, and by such elevating influences to abolish ancient customs, and destroy the evils produced by vice and ardent spirits. He commended the efforts that missionaries had made among them. He presented to them the honorable Commissioner as their faithful friend, and one in whom they could trust as a guardian.
The delegations were much gratified with the spirit and manner of the President and his "talk." Tuck-a-vatchee Micco, the Creek chief, responded in a short and pertinent speech, which was fluently translated by the interpreters.
The chief reviewed the past success of his people in agriculture, education, and religion; alluded to the changes made and making, by which they had abandoned and were abandoning their old customs and superstitions; by which they made laws for the suppression of the trade in spirituous liquor; and by which they were becoming "white men." This was not mere talk, but what he stated was fact easily substantiated.
To this the President replied that the appearance of the delegations and the words of the chief evinced that what the chief had told him was true.
The interview was an interesting one. The President of the greatest nation of earth held intercourse with members of a weak, but once powerful, and recently savage, people; he encouraged them to press onward in the good work commenced among them. His manner will be remembered, and his words repeated to the tribes upon the return home of the delegations, and will exercise a happy influence. Encouragement from one filling so exalted a station will strongly urge these people to secure and maintain all the blessings of civilization and religion. The interest and intellect of the Indians will be stimulated, which will avert the annihilation that elsewhere stares them in the face, and convert them into happy, intelligent, and prosperous citizens amid the race which has from them conquered a continent.
The disposition displayed by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to do justice to the Indians, and protect them in their rights, and listen to their reasonable desires, invites them to the confidence that the results of the pending negotiations will be in a high degree favorable and satisfactory.
The delegations trust to settle all their affairs and claims so that no future dissatisfaction may arise, the faith and intents of treaties be confirmed and carried out, and the race towards improvement become unimpeded.
A finer looking number of men than these delegates cannot be found anywhere--not even in the honorable Congress of this great nation. They are men who thoroughly understand the rights of their people, their claims to the consideration of this government, and they are prepared to advance the best and truest interests of their people. They are trustful, too, in the justice of the United States, for their appreciation of the rights of their people necessarily makes them so.
May 25, 1856: Alexandria Gazette: [Creek, Delaware, Seminole]
On Thursday, 22nd inst, the delegates of the Creek, Seminole, and Delaware Indians now in this city, in company with Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the Creek agent, Col. W. H. Jarrett, and Seminole agent, J.W. Washburne, esq., paid their respects to the president of the United States, their "Great Father."
The delegations trust to settle all their affairs and claims, so that no future dissatisfaction may arise, the faith and intents of treaties be confirmed and carried out, and the race towards improvement become unimpeded.
A finer looking number of men than these delegates cannot be found anywhere--not even in the honorable Congress of this great nation. They are men who thoroughly understand the rights of their people, their claims to the consideration of this government, and they are prepared to advance the best and truest interests of their people.--They are trustful, too, in the justice of the United States; for their appreciation of the rights of their people necessarily makes them so.--Union
June 20, 1856: Evening Star: [Chippewa, Wyandot]
Indian Delegations--Jeo. [sic] W. Grey Eyes, J. S. Bearskin, and Joel Walker, of the Wyandott tribe of Indians accompanied by Gen. J. W. Whitfield, of Kansas, arrived in this city yesterday on business with the Government, and have taken lodgings at Browns' Hotel. Hole-in-the-day, chief of the Chippewas in Minnesota, arrived here last night. In addition to those named there are other delegations of Indian chiefs in this city to transact business for their tribes with the Department. Generally these delegations are composed of educated men who stand high in the estimation of their people.
June 23, 1856: Evening Star: [Chippewa, Creek, Seminole, Seneca, Wyandot]
Arrival of Native Americans--There have been several arrivals within the lat few weeks of aboriginals of the soil from different parts of the Far West. Of course their visit to Washington is not political--having nothing to do with parties or their principles, the "five loaves and two fishes"--but on business with the Government, to make treaties and complete unsettled claims. Mostly they stop at the Union hotel, whose obliging and cheerful hostess (Mrs. Maher) provides for them all the material comforts of life. In appearance some of them are robust and handsome, and possess attainments of mind to a commendable degree. Among the representatives or agents of the different tribes arrived, and stopping at the Union hotel, we find three Creeks, headed by the Chief Each-Harjo or Crazy-Deer, a dignified and good looking man. There are four Seminoles, whose chief is Nehar-ica or John jumper, a tall, athletic and dark complexioned personage' and there are four Senecas, prominent among whom is Wm. King, Chief. The Wyandott tribe are represented in the person of Silas Armstrong. He is light colored and tolerably good looking, and has a polish of mind rarely met with in the ordinary walks of life. To conclude, though with an incomplete list, there is the noted Chief Hole-in-the-day, of the Chippewas, and wife. He has the rustic appearance of the wile man of the forest, and no doubt feels as he acts, unrestricted by the forms of conventionality and fashion of civilization. His wife is a likely woman, with beaming countenance and sparkling eyes.
June 24, 1856: Alexandria Gazette: [unid.]
Several Indian delegations from the far West are now in Washington.
June 26, 1856: Daily Union: [Seneca]
Indian Bureau--The Seneca Indian Delegation.--A delegation of Seneca Indians, from the Indian country west of Arkansas, waited upon the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at his office day before yesterday morning. The ostensible object of this "talk" appeared to be a desire on the part of the Indians to annul a treaty which was entered into by them with the United States about two years ago, and which has not yet been ratified by the Senate. These Indians are all large and stout-looking, and wear citizens' dress, and their feelings towards the United States are quite friendly.
[Aug. 7, 1856: TREATY SIGNED in D. C. w/ Creek and Seminole]
Aug. 11, 1856: Daily National Intelligencer: [Creek]
Indian Treaty. It is said that a treaty has been signed by the head men of the Creek Nation and the Secretary of the interior by which the former are to receive for their Alabama lands, claims, &c, a million of dollars. Two hundred thousand dollars of this sum are to be applied to agricultural purposes and the remainder per capita.