From this fact the inference has been derived, that the orator was
_insincere_ in his opposition to the sales made of his people's lands.
His sincerity though questioned now, was never after this a matter of
doubt. If he had been insincere before, the effect of this sale on the
destiny of his people, imposed upon him considerations of so grave a
nature, as to render the idea of his indifference extremely improbable,
and no one after this ever thought of imputing to him such a motive. Yet
in all the sales the Senecas made of their land, subsequent to this
period, Red Jacket's name, however much he may have resisted the act, was
appended to the deed or instrument of conveyance. The reason he assigned
for this, was his desire to have his name go, whether for better or worse,
with the destinies of his people. Having exerted all his energies to
prevent the sale of their lands, he felt that his duty had been
discharged. And when his people decided against him, he regarded the
responsibility of the transaction as resting on those who had effected it,
and whether he gave or witheld his name, it would have no influence in
determining the result.
He may have had some pride also in having his name appended to a document,
which he knew the white people regarded, as of much importance, and were
very careful to preserve.
It is related of him as having transpired at a later period, when Mr.
Greig of Canandaigua, acting for the Ogden Company, was holding a council
with a view to purchase some of the smaller Indian reservations, lying
along the Genesee river, he was opposed step by step, by the persistent
efforts of Red Jacket.
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