The Cornplanter Memorial.

AN

HISTORICAL SKETCH

OF

AND OF THE

SIX NATIONS OF INDIANS.

By JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN,

AND THE REPORT OF

Samuel P. Johnson,

ON THE ERECTION OF THE MONUMENT AT JENNESADAGA, TO THE MEMORY OF CORNPLANTER.

HARRISBURG, PA:
SINGERLY & MYERS, STATE PRINTERS.
1867.

NOTE.

Senate of Pennsylvania,
Harrisburg, March 15, 1867.

The report of Hon. Samuel P. Johnson, on the completion of the monument authorized by the last Legislature, to be erected to the memory of Cornplanter, a Chief of the Six Nations, having been presented to the Senate, by Senator Brown, of Mercer, the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That one thousand copies of said report, together with the historical sketch, with accompanying documents, prepared by Hon. James Ross Snowden, be printed, and that the thanks of the Legislature be presented to these gentlemen for the able and satisfactory manner in which they have discharged the duties assigned them.

PREFATORY.

A joint resolution of the Legislature of Pennsylvania was passed on the 7th day of March, 1867, inviting Hon. James Ross Snowden to deliver, in the Hall of the House of Representatives, his historical address on Cornplanter, and the Six Nations of Indians.

Pursuant to this resolution, on the 14th of March, the members of both Houses, and a number of citizens, being convened, Hon. John P. Glass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was called to the chair; and Geo. W. Hamersly, Esq., Clerk of the Senate, A. W. Benedict, Esq., Clerk of the House of Representatives, and John A. Smull, Esq., Resident Clerk of the House of Representatives, were appointed Secretaries.

Mr. Snowden was introduced to the audience by Mr. Speaker Glass, with some appropriate remarks.

Previous to the delivery of the historical sketch, Mr. Snowden made the following introductory remarks:

At the last session of the Legislature a joint resolution was adopted, appropriating a sum of money for the erection of a monument to the memory of Cornplanter, the celebrated Chief of the Seneca Nation of Indians. The same resolution placed the subject in charge of the Hon. Samuel P. Johnson, President Judge of the Sixth Judicial District. Under his direction, an appropriate monument was prepared and placed in position over the grave of the Chief, at Jennesadaga, (Cornplanter's village,) in the county of Warren, on the Allegheny river, fifteen miles above the borough of Warren. I was selected, by Judge Johnson, to deliver an address upon the occasion. This duty I performed. The monument was dedicated with appropriate exercises, on the 18th of October last. There were present about four hundred Indians, and a large concourse of citizens of Pennsylvania and New York.

I have, at hand, the report of Judge Johnson, to the Legislature, showing the manner in which he has discharged the duties assigned him. His report embraces his introductory remarks and the historical sketch which I delivered. Also, the responses made by a Chief of the Six Nations, and a councillor of the Seneca Nation. The responses were made in the Indian language. They were reported, and taken down by me as they were translated by an interpreter at the time of delivery.

I have here, also, a photograph of the monument and the audience, taken during the delivery of the historical address. This report, with the accompanying papers, will be presented to the Legislature. I am here, this evening, at the request of the Senate and House of Representatives, to deliver the historical and biographical sketch which I pronounced at the grave of Cornplanter, when the monument, erected to his memory, was dedicated. For the honor of this invitation, I beg to present to the members of the Legislature my sincere thanks.

After Mr. Snowden had concluded his address, the following resolutions, offered by Senator M. B. Lowry, of Erie, and seconded by Senator Thomas J. Bigham, of Allegheny, were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the members of the House of Representatives, jointly assembled, hereby tender our thanks to the Hon. James Ross Snowden, for his excellent and carefully prepared historical address, prepared for and delivered on the occasion of the dedication of the Cornplanter monument, and which we have heard repeated with lively interest and satisfaction.

Resolved further, That the thanks of the members of both Houses is also tendered to Hon. Samuel P. Johnson, for the judicious and admirable manner in which he has discharged the duty assigned him, by the last Legislature, in causing to be erected an appropriate and suitable monument over the grave of the Seneca Chief.

Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be furnished to Colonel Snowden and Judge Johnson: and that the same be prefixed to the publication of the Cornplanter memorial.

JOHN P. GLASS, President

CONTENTS.

REPORT OF HON. S. P. JOHNSON.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

At the last session of the Legislature a joint resolution was passed by your honorable bodies, appropriating five hundred dollars, for the erection of a monument to the memory of Cornplanter, an Indian Chief of the Seneca tribe, whose remains were deposited at Jennesadaga, where he had resided, in the county of Warren. By said resolution, I was appointed to superintend the execution of this generous purpose.

This duty might have been committed to more competent, but not more willing hands. My personal relations with the venerated chieftain in his life-time, had left a vivid recollection of his virtues that the abrasion of more than thirty years could not obliterate.

In discharge of the duty thus imposed, I procured a monument of marble, to be erected by Mr. W. H. Fullerton, of South Dorset, Vermont. In size, design and workmanship, it more than met my expectation, and was very creditable to the artificer. The monument itself, of beautiful Vermont marble, is over eleven feet high, and stands on a handsomely cut native stone base, four feet in diameter, by one and a-half feet deep. It is located immediately between the grave of Cornplanter, and that of his wife, from whom he was separated by death but about three months. On the second section are four well carved dies, in the form of a shield. Upon the spire facing west, is cut in large raised letters:

"GIANTWAHIA, THE CORNPLANTER."

Upon the die on the same side, is inscribed,

"John O'Bail alias Cornplanter, died at
Cornplanter town, February 18, 1836, aged about 100 years."

On the die fronting south, the following inscription is handsomely lettered:

"Chief of the Seneca tribe, and a principal Chief of the
Six Nations, from the period of the Revolutionary
war, to the time of his death. Distinguished for
talents, courage, eloquence, sobriety and love of
his tribe and race, to whose welfare he devoted
his time, his energies and his means,
during a long and eventful life."

On the die upon the East side is engraved:

"ERECTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
BY ACT JANUARY 25, 1866."

Desiring to make the munificence of the State as gratifying to the family and friends of the good old Chief as possible, I appointed a time for the erection and dedication of the monument, and was fortunate enough to procure the services of Col. James Ross Snowden, of Philadelphia, to prepare an address suitable to the occasion, commemorative of the character and services of the distinguished Chief.

These ceremonies took place on the 18th of October last, in presence of the family and descendants of Cornplanter, about eighty in number, and a large assembly of native Indians, remnants of the once formidable Six Nations, from the Allegheny, Cattaraugus and Tonnawanda reservations in the State of New York, and also a large concourse of the pale faces from the surrounding country. Everything went off most satisfactorily, and to the high gratification of our aboriginal friends. The exercises of the day were conducted according to the following programme:

1. Invocatory prayer by the Chaplain.

2. Introductory address by your representative, as master of ceremonies.

3. Dedicatory address, by Hon. James Ross Snowden.

4. Address on the personal character of Cornplanter, and the lessons it taught, by Rev. W. A. Rankin.

5. Responsive addresses, in the Seneca language, by John Luke, of the Cattaraugus reservation, a Councillor of the Seneca Nations, and by the Rev. Stephen S. Smith, a native of the Tonnawanda reservation, Gennessee county, N. Y., also a Seneca chief of the Six Nations.

These two latter addresses, as also those made by the Rev. Mr. Rankin and myself, were interpreted, as delivered, by Harrison Halftown and another educated native of the Seneca nation. Before the dedicatory services commenced, the assembly was addressed in the Seneca language, by Solomon O'Bail, a grandson of Cornplanter, and a chief of his tribe, dressed in the full regalia of aboriginal royalty.

Three of Cornplanter's children still survive, and were present to enjoy the occasion; and, by them, I was solemnly charged to communicate to your honorable bodies, their sincere and reiterated thanks for the distinguished honor thus rendered to their beloved ancestor. I have seldom seen deeper gratitude in human hearts than swelled the bosoms of these now venerable children, and those of many grand-children of the hero, whose virtues and memory it has delighted you to honor.

Of the excellent music, by a native brass band, that enlivened the occasion, the pic-nic that followed, and the exciting war dance, that closed the exercises of the day, I will not stop to speak.

There remains yet in my hands, unexpended, about $45 of the appropriation made. The lateness of the season, the paucity of funds and the pressure of other engagements, combined to prevent the erection of such an enclosure around the monument as which Legislature evidently contemplated, and as would be suitable for its permanent protection.

To construct such a fence, of imperishable material, as ought to surround this memorial of State gratitude, to a public benefactor, will require at least $100, judiciously expended. I think it is due to the credit of the State, as it would be highly pleasing to the heirs and friends of Cornplanter, that a small additional appropriation should be made to consistently complete the work so generously begun. I am willing to bestow my time and attention, gratuitously, to accomplish it. I append to this report, the introductory remarks made at the dedication ceremonies, and the excellent address delivered by Col. Snowden, together with brief sketches of the responses made by the native orators who graced the occasion, that you may make such a disposition of them as, in your judgment, may be creditable to the State and beneficial to posterity.

S. P. JOHNSON.

Warren, January 25, 1867.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
OF
HON. S. P. JOHNSON.

Friends of Cornplanter and fellow citizens:

By a joint resolution of the Pennsylvania Legislature, approved by the Governor the 25th of January, 1866, the State Treasurer was directed to pay to me, the sum of five hundred dollars, "to be expended in erecting and enclosing a suitable monument to Cornplanter, as a recognition of his eminent services to the State during its early history."

This duty I have endeavored to perform, as well as the limited means at my disposal would permit. You have before you to-day, the result of that effort, which, for the price paid, is highly creditable to the State, the Chieftain, whose virtues it is intended to commemorate, and the architect who designed and executed it. It is befitting that the virtues and services of public benefactors should receive public recognition and be perpetuated by suitable memorials. There is much in the history of Cornplanter, after his alliance with the American government, to elicit admiration and secure the gratitude of this State and the nation.

Immediately upon the close of the Revolutionary war he became the fast friend of the white man and the government. Satisfied that his nation had been fraudulently decoyed into alliance with the British during the war, and basely betrayed by then allies at its close, he hastened to repair the wrong, by giving all his influence and energies to the inauguration of a peace between the United States and the Six Nations, of which he was then a distinguished Chief. Although resisted by all the craftiness of Brant, and the eloquence of Red Jacket, he persisted until his purpose was consummated by the treaties of Fort Stanwix and Fort Harmar, both of which were secured through and executed by himself. By them the Indian claims to most of the land in Western New York, and North-Western Pennsylvania, was surrendered, and a perpetual peace ordained.

But the great merit of his life, and which most entitled him to the gratitude of the American government, and the State of Pennsylvania, was his successful efforts to prevent the Six Nations uniting in the Confederacy of western Indians formed in 1790-91. Had these tribes, then the most powerful on the continent, joined that Confederacy, the bloody realities of the war that followed, would have spread over the entire western frontier of Pennsylvania, and its termination in 1794, by the victory of General Wayne, rendered exceedingly doubtful.

General St. Clair anticipated and forwarned against this union, after his defeat in '91, and General Knox, then Secretary of War, dreaded and fortified against it. But Cornplanter, with untiring exertions, and at the hazard of his own life, prevented such a disastrous result, and thus saved the settlers on the Allegheny and upper Ohio, from the horrors of a merciless Indian warfare. For his invaluable services in the procurement and maintenance of peace between his people and the infant nation, just recuperating from its exhausting conflict with the British lion, Cornplanter received the thanks and liberal donations of the government and General Washington.

We are now assembled upon the homestead which Cornplanter lived, and where, after an eventful life, during the most eventful period of this continent, he lived and died, at peace with himself, with all the world, and, we trust, with his Merciful Creator. For many years, the appearance of his venerable form, at any point in the Valley of this beautiful river, from its source to its outlet, was the signal for a courteous and kindly greeting by all who knew him. His visitors, whether on business or for curiosity, were always treated with a dignified kindness and hospitality that would have graced the castle of a Duke, in the days of chivalry.

On this beautiful spot, of his own selection, the gift of a grateful Commonwealth for appreciated merit, he spent the last forty-five years of his life, surrounded by his family and descendants, in the practice of all those virtues that adorn both civilized and savage life.

He was the dauntless warrior and wisest statesman of his nation, the patriarch of his tribe and the peacemaker of his race. He was a model man from nature's mould. Truth, temperance, justice and humanity, never had a nobler incarnation or more earnest and consistent advocate than he. As we loved him personally, and revere the noble, manly character he bore, we erect this tribute to his memory, that those who live after us may know and imitate his virtues.

GY-ANT-WA-CHIA, OR CORNPLANTER,

The last War Chief of the Senecas, and of the Iroquois, or Six Nations.

AN HISTORICAL SKETCH BY

JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN.

A solitary traveler, after the close of the Revolutionary war, in 1783, wandering near the shores of Chatanque lake,[A] found himself benighted; and ignorant of the path which should lead him to his place of destination, he feared he would be compelled to pass the night in the forest and without shelter. But when the darkness of the night gathered around him, he saw the light of a distant fire in the woods, to which he immediately bent his steps. There he found an Indian wigwam, the habitation of a Chief with his family. He was kindly received and hospitably entertained. After a supper of corn and venison, the traveler returned thanks to God, whose kind Providence had directed his way, and preserved him in the wilderness. He slept comfortably on the ample bear skins provided by his host.

In the morning the Indian invited the traveler to sit beside him on a large log in front of his cabin. They were seated side by side; presently the Indian told the traveler to move a little; which he did; and, keeping by his side, again requested him to move. This was repeated several times. At length, when near the end of the log, the Chief gave an energetic push, and requested his companion to move further. The traveler remonstrated, and said, "I can go no further; if I do I shall fall off the log." "That is the way," said the Indian, in reply, "that you white people treat us. When the United People, the Six Nations, owned the whole land, from the lakes to the great water, they gave to Corlaer[B] a seat on the Hudson, and to Onas[C] a town and land on the Delaware. We have been driven from our lands on the Mohawk, the Gennessee, the Chemung and the Unadilla. And from our western door we have been pushed, from the Susquehanna, then over the great mountains, then beyond the Ohio, the Allegheny and the Conewango; and now we are here on the borders of the great lakes, and a further push will throw me and my people off the log. If I ask, where is our land? a bird whispers in my ear, the Great King over the water has made peace with Washington and the thirteen fires, and divided the land between them by a line through the great lakes. Our Chiefs were not at the council, we were not warmed by its fire, nor protected by its heat. Our ally, in his hurry to make peace, forgot his red brethren; and did not even invite them to smoke the calamut which he had prepared for the thirteen fires which had rebelled against him." The Chief, in conclusion, with a sad and anxious countenance, asked the question, "Where are we to go?" The only response that was made was the sighing of the wind through the leaves of the forest. The traveler was silent.[D]

I have seen a large medal of Washington, on one side of which is his bust in armor facing to the right. On the reverse or opposite side, is a full length figure of an Indian chief looking to the left, with an arrow in his right hand, and leaning on a bow; it contains the inscription "The land was ours." It also inscribes to Washington these words: "Innumerable millions yet unborn will venerate the memory of the man who obtained their country's freedom." Both these inscriptions command our assent. It thus appears that what was partial evil to the red man may be regarded as universal good to the human race. The former gives way to the advancing column of civilization, and will disappear from the land unless he abandons the life of a wanderer, and acquires a fixed home, where he can cultivate the soil and pursue the arts of civilized industry.

It would be inappropriate to this occasion, to enter upon a discussion of the causes of the gradual disappearance of the Indian race, when coming in contact with white men, nor of the tendency of the intercourse between these races of men to deteriorate the former and reduce their numbers. Neither can I enter upon the ethics involved in such a discussion. I leave these topics to the moral philosopher and the historian.

The distinguished Chief whose memory we this day commemorate, met these questions as practical facts. Cornplanter had learned from observation as well as experience, the influence and power of the whites, and as an able statesmen and friend of his race, he yielded to the superior force, and endeavored to preserve the existence of his family and nation, by securing for his people, land and other property where they would not be disturbed by the encroachment of the whites. It is a noticeable fact, and highly illustrative of his far-seeing policy, that in the treaties in which he took part as a Chief or representative of his tribe, he declined to stipulate for, or receive money or goods, but asked for well defined boundaries to their territories, or for land by title in fee simple to himself and to his people. He had the sagacity to perceive that if his nation and people depended upon a mere hunter's right to roam over a section of country, they would be driven, like other Indian tribes, from place to place, and at length be either exterminated or removed to distant lands, where they would be regarded as new comers, and be oppressed or destroyed by the Indians who had a prior claim to the territory.

Before making further remarks upon the life, character and public services of Cornplanter, I deem it proper to present some general observations respecting the Indian League or Confederacy,[E] known originally as the Five Nations, called by the French, Iroquois, and afterwards as the Six Nations, of which the tribe of Cornplanter, the Senecas,[F] was the most numerous and powerful. The Confederacy was originally composed of the Senecas, Oneidas, Mohawks, Onondagos and Cayugas. To these were added in the year 1712, the Tuscaroras, who had previously resided, and had their hunting ground in North Carolina, but in that year were driven north by the southern Indians, and were added to the League, thence afterwards called the Six Nations. In many authorities and manuscripts, however, they continued to be denominated the Five Nations.

The power and influence of this Confederacy of nations, or Iroquois, at the time when the emigrants from Europe set their feet upon the extensive country, now embraced in the States of New York and Pennsylvania, and the extensive region beyond the Ohio, even to the Mississippi, were greats and overshadowed, if they did not actually control and govern, all other tribes of Indians within what is at the present time a large portion of the United States.

Their power even extended to the New England colonies and to Virginia. In 1684 the Governors of New York, Massachusetts and Virginia, met in council with the representative Chiefs of the Five Nations at Albany, "to strengthen and burnish," so says the treaty, "the covenant chain, and plant the tree of peace, of which the top should reach the sun, and the branches shelter the wide land." This treaty related not only to the territory in the actual possession of the Iroquois—called by them "The Long House," but embraced the extensive country from the St. Croix to the Albemarle. It may be interesting here, in order to illustrate the extent of their claims and authority, to quote a few words from the journal of Messrs. Mason and Dixon, when running their famous line. One of the original manuscript copies of which is in possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It is understood that there were three copies, in manuscript, prepared by these celebrated surveyors. I quote the following entries from the manuscript journal: "July 16, 1767. This day we were joined by fourteen Indians, deputed by the Chief of the Six Nations, to go with us on the line. With them came Mr. Hugh Crawford, interpreter," "October 9, 1767.—Crossed a war path near Dunkard creek. This day the Chief of the Indians, which joined us on the 16th July, informed us that the above mentioned war path was the extent of his commission from the Chief of the Six Nations, that he should go with us with the line; and that he would not proceed one step farther."

Their principal seats, however, were in Western New York and North-western Pennsylvania. They were thus situated between the advancing column of emigration and settlements of the English from the Hudson, the Delaware, the Susquehanna and the Potomac on the one hand, and the French from Canada, the St. Lawrence, and the great lakes on the other. A territorial position, alike perilous to their aboriginal habits, customs and means of subsistence, as to their existence as a free and independent nation. And yet, notwithstanding these adverse circumstances, they stood for nearly two centuries, with an unshaken front, against the devastations of war, the blighting influence of foreign intercourse, and the still more fatal encroachments of a restless and advancing border population. United under their federal system, they maintained their independence and their power of self-protection long after the New England and Virginia races had surrendered their jurisdiction and fallen into the condition of conquered and dependent nations. And they now stand forth upon the canvas of Indian history prominent alike for the wisdom of their civil institutions, their sagacity in the administration of the affairs of the League and their courage in its defence. (Morgan's League of the Iroquois.)

Their system of government was remarkable for its simplicity and strength. The separate tribes, though united in one council fire, which was usually kindled and kept burning at Onondago, were, to some extent, sovereign and independent. In fact, their government was somewhat similar in structure to that which is established in the United States. Several republics were embraced in one. There were Chiefs for each tribe. Hereditary to a qualified extent, but dependent upon a ceremony of confirmation or investiture. Sometimes merit and public confidence would induce this investiture, without regard to hereditary right.

Sir William Johnston states, "that the Sachems of each tribe of the Six Nations were annually chosen in a public assembly of the Chiefs and Warriors, whenever a vacancy happened by death or otherwise. They were selected from among the oldest Warriors, for their sense and bravery, and approved of by all the tribe, after which they were selected as Sachems. Military services were the chief recommendations to this rank; but in some instances, a kind of inheritance in the office was recognized." I think there was a distinction between the Sachems and the Chiefs. The former had the direction of civil affairs and government, and the latter led the tribes in war. The rank of Sachem was in general hereditary, whilst that of Chief was conferred on account of ability, and especially bravery in war. A certain number of Chiefs were assigned to the different tribes. These Chiefs formed the council of the League, and in them was lodged the executive, legislative and judicial authority, for the general purposes of the united nations. As illustrative of the character of their government, I here insert the address of the Six Nations, to the colonies of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, delivered at the treaty made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1744. "We heartily recommend union and agreement between you, our brethren. Never disagree, but preserve a strict friendship for one another, and thereby you, as well as we, will become the stronger. Our wise forefathers established amity and friendship among the Five Nations. This has made us formidable, and has given us weight and authority with the neighboring nations. We are a powerful Confederacy, and by your observing the same means which our wise forefathers pursued, you will acquire fresh strength and power. Therefore whatever befalls you, never fall out with one another."

These are memorable words, and indicate the complacency of the members of the Confederacy with their own condition and power. Feeling secure in their castles beyond the mountains, and contented with their homes, amidst their beautiful lakes, and rivers and forests, where they possessed towns and villages, cultivated fields and orchards of various fruits, and being kindly disposed to their white brethren of the English colonies, they ventured the friendly task of giving them such wise and excellent counsel and advice, as is worthy of being re-produced on this occasion, although one hundred and twenty-two years have passed away since its delivery on the banks of the Conestoga.

Governor De Witt Clinton, in his address before the Historical Society of New York, December 6, 1811, quotes the foregoing address, and says: "This ancient and cementing principle of union and fraternity, which has connected them in friendship, and which was the basis of their power, and the pillar of their greatness, has been entirely driven from them. Party, in all its forms and violence, rages among them with uncontrolled sway. The nations are split up into fragments; the son is arrayed against the father; brother against brother; families against families; tribes against tribes. They are divided into factions—religious, political and personal; Christian and Pagan; American and British—the followers of Cornplanter and Red Jacket, of Skonadoi and Captain Peter. The minister of destruction is hovering over them; and before the passing away of the present generation, not a single Iroquois will be seen in this State."

This sad picture, although true to some extent, was somewhat overdrawn in consequence of the agitation and disputes which preceded the war with England in 1812; the Indian tribes being divided upon that question, some of them taking up the hatchet for England, and others, among whom were the Six Nations, for the United States. But Gov. De Witt Clinton's prophecy has utterly failed. The influence and example of Cornplanter, assisted by other good men, white as well as red, leading their people to agriculture, and to habits of industry and temperance, has saved from destruction a remnant of the brave and once powerful nations, who lived on these rivers and lakes, and possessed the land, both far and near.

Here, at the grave of the venerated Cornplanter, we can see the results of his principles, his measures and example. Here he rests from his labors, but his works do follow him. I see this in the evidences of civilization, industry and competency around me. I see it in the countenances of these intelligent and respectable people of the Indian race, who are endeavoring to imitate his example, and who come here this day to do honor to his immortal memory.

The Indian name of the venerable Chief, to whose memory this monument is erected, is written in different manners, in publication documents and papers, which have come under my notice. At the treaty of Fort Harmer, his name was given thus: "Gy-ant-wa-chi-a;" and this orthography I prefer. It means The Planter. But it is, also, elsewhere written, "Gy-ant-wa-hia," and in this form it appears on this monument; also "Ki-on-twog-ky," "Gy-ant-wa-ka," "Ki-end-twoh-ke," and "Cy-ent-wo-kee." In Mr. Day's historical collection of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Stone's Life of Red Jacket, and in some other modern works, he is named, "Ga-nio-di-euh," or "Handsome Lake;" but this is an error. That was the name of a half-brother of our Chief, who was also designated as the prophet, to whom I shall hereafter have occasion to refer. Our Chief was frequently designated as Captain O'Bail, or ABeel, (Captain being the highest military distinction known to the Indians;) but he was generally named and best known as Cornplanter or The Cornplanter.

He was born at Ganowaugus, otherwise written Connewaugus, an important town of the Seneca Indians, situated on the Genessee river, and on the trail or main road through the country of the Six Nations, to Niagara.

We have no precise knowledge of the date of his birth. He has been heard to say, that he and General Washington were about the same age. This would place his birth in the year 1732. In 1831, Thomas Struthers, Esq., of Warren, visited Cornplanter at his house, in this town, on which occasion the Chief, in answer to the question, "How old are you?" replied, "One hundred years." I saw him in the summer of 1834. At my interview with him, Mr. George Powers, of Franklin, Venango county, acted as interpreter. On that occasion he said he was more than one hundred years of age. A learned writer,[G] speaking of a younger brother of Cornplanter, named "Ganeodiyo, or Handsome Lake," says "he was born at the Indian village of Ga-no-wau-ges, near Avon, about the year 1735." He was a half-brother of our hero, having the same mother. Mr. Thatcher, in his Indian biography, and some other writers, have fallen into the gross error of making their relationship through a common father. I refer, in this connection, to the statement of the time of the birth of "Handsome Lake," in conjunction with the other facts mentioned, as corroborative of the probability, that the subject of these remarks was born about the year 1732.