Several causes seemed to
influence such a result.
First of all was the condition of his people, as affected by the whites.
They had been wasted and greatly enfeebled by the wars carried on between
the whites, taking sides, as in the Revolution, against each other. And in
their own conflicts, though in some instances successful, they had been so
effectually overcome, that no hope now remained to them of resistance by
war; no matter what combinations they might be able to effect among
themselves.
A still deeper source of regret, was the loss of so large a portion of
their wide and beautiful country. Since parting with it, swarms of
settlers had been flocking to the more favored portions, and were
irresistibly advancing to full and entire possession. The idea that they
could have their country to hunt in, as well after it was sold as before,
was rapidly dissipated by the busy sounds, all through the forest, of the
woodman's axe, and by the roar of the stately trees, as they fell down
before the enterprising pioneer. The Indian brooded over this in silence,
while all of these sounds, delightful to the emigrant, were as a knell of
death to his ear. The eloquence of Red Jacket had been exerted in vain, to
arrest the progress of the white men. Onward they swept, bidding defiance
to all the obstacles in their way. They were in possession of the ancient
seats of the Iroquois. The red man's inheritance, was but a beggarly
portion, when compared with his former princely domain.
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