by the Twelve United Colonies to attend and watch the fire that they had kindled up at this place, when we have repeatedly told you that they had appointed five persons, whose business it is to attend and preserve it bright and clear; and that two of those five lived in this Town, who would take particular care of it, and who had full authority from the Twelve United Colonies to keep the flame pure and bright. For fear you should not have understood us fully, we again acquaint you that the Twelve United Colonies have appointed General Schuyler and Mr. Douw, both of this Town, to keep the fire burning, that it may illuminate the whole country of the Six Nations, who may always see the way down to it, and may sit in peace around it.

“Brothers: You yesterday desired that the trade might be again opened at this place and Schenectady. We also wish it, and it will be done; so that you may trade as you formerly did, and be able to return home with your goods, to your satisfaction.

“Brothers: You yesterday mentioned some matters concerning land claimed by the people of Albany, and also land in dispute between Connecticut and Governour Penn. We now inform you that we are not authorized to transact any business of that kind at present, but will represent the matter to the Grand Congress at Philadelphia.

“Brothers: We have now finished, and let you know that the presents that we have brought you from the Twelve United Colonies are preparing for you, and when ready to be delivered we will acquaint you. Wagons shall be provided when you are ready to set off for Schenectady.”—(Six strings of wampum.)

After which, each of the different Nations gave the yoehaas.

Captain Solomon, the Chief of the Stockbridge Indians, then addressed the Commissioners as follows:

“Brothers, appointed by the Twelve United Colonies:

“We thank you for taking care of us and supplying us with provisions since we have been at Albany. Depend upon it, we are true to you, and mean to join you. Wherever you go, we will be by your sides. Our bones shall lie with yours. We are determined never to be at peace with the red coats, while they are at variance with you. We have one favour to beg. We should be glad if you would help us to establish a Minister among us, that when our men are gone to war, our women and children may have the advantage of being instructed by him. If we are conquered, our lands go with yours; but if we are victorious, we hope you will help us to recover our just rights.”—(A belt.)

To which, the Commissioners replied:

“Brothers of STOCKBRIDGE: We have heard what you have said, and thank you. It is not in our power to answer the two questions you have put to us—the first respecting a Minister, the second concerning your lands. We say it is not in our power to give you an answer just now; but we will represent your case to the Continental Congress, and we dare say they will re-establish you in all your just rights.”

Albany, September 1, 1775.

We, the subscribers, appointed by the honourable the Continental Congress as Commissioners for Indian Affairs for the Northern Department, do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of all matters and proceedings relative to a Treaty began with the Indians of the Six Nations and their allies, at the German Flats, on Tuesday, the fifteenth day of August, 1775, and finished at the City of Albany, on Friday, this first day of September, 1775.

TURBUTT FRANCIS,
OLIVER WOLCOTT,
VOLKERT P. DOUW.

TENCH TILGHMAN,

Sec’y to Commissioners for Northern Dep’t.

Albany, Friday, September 1, 1775.

This day finished our Treaty with the Indians of the Six Nations, and informed them that to-morrow morning the Presents from the Twelve United Colonies would be ready to be delivered to them, and that Wagons should be prepared to carry them to Schenectady, whenever they pleased to move homewards.

Resolved, That we recommend to the honourable the Continental Congress the Rev. Samuel Kirkland and Mr. Dean, for their service in this present Treaty.

Resolved, That whereas it has been customary to keep two Smiths in the Indian country, for the purpose of mending their Arms and Utensils, that we recommend it to the Continental Congress to appoint two proper persons, with adequate salaries.

TURBUTT FRANCIS,
OLIVER WOLCOTT,
VOLKERT P. DOUW.

TENCH TILGHMAN,

Sec’y to Commissioners for Northern Dep’t.

Albany Committee Chamber, September 2, 1775.

“Resolved, That an invitation be immediately sent to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, desiring their attendance at the Presbyterian Meeting-House this morning, at eleven o’clock, as this Board will then answer the Speech of the Indians.”

The Committee, at the time appointed, repaired to the Meeting-House, and there delivered, in the presence and with the consent and approbation of the Commissioners, the following Answer:

“Brothers of the SIX NATIONS: We beg you will acquaint us when you are complete.

“Brothers: We suppose it will not be insisted upon to repeat the whole of your speech, as we conceive it unnecessary, and therefore shall only take notice of the material parts.

“Brothers: You said that you were glad to see us at this place on the 25th August, in consequence of our invitation, and that you were glad to see some sparks of the old council fire yet remained, and that you rejoiced even to excess to find it so.

“Brothers: We thank you for your kind congratulations and salutations at meeting us here, and rejoice in the opportunity you have given us at this time of meeting one another in friendship and peace, to talk of old times and renew our ancient treaty.

“Brothers: We are happy to find that you so readily accepted our request to come and see us, and that you have had so much patience and behaved so orderly during your short stay among us.

“Brothers: At the conference of our Deputies with you at the German Flats, they showed you some old belts of wampum which you expressed a desire to see. Here are those belts, and we hope even time will not wear them out. This is the belt given by the Oneida Nation, and is the old covenant between the whole Oneida Nation and Gorah Queder. This is the belt that was given by the Indian called Kayiuguaraghtoh, in behalf of the Six Nations.

“Brothers, attend: In your speech you further observed that you had long since taken a resolution to take no active part in the present contest for liberty. We do not offer to censure you for your conduct, but admire your wisdom, praise your pacifick disposition, and hope you will have fortitude to maintain and persevere in it.—(A belt.)

“Brothers: You further said that the road to the westward you heard by the bird was to be stopped up. This matter is beyond our limits. The Commissioners of the Twelve United Colonies having spoken to you at large about the roads, that they shall be left open; we entirely agree with them in this, and therefore shall add nothing on this point, and return the belt.

“Brothers: You said, further, and delivered us this belt, that you were anxious about and concerned for your Minister, Mr. Kirkland, and asked our advice about his remaining among you, who we do not see that you should be deprived of without your consent, any more than the Mohawk Tribe should be deprived of their Missionary: We highly approve of your concern for the Ministers of the gospel, and your attachment for the pure precepts and doctrine of Christianity. But if your Minister is removed, we should fear the consequence, it would certainly give occasion of jealousy to your brethren, the white people, that