"So great a length of time has passed since that interview, that there
must be supposed a failure in the attempt perfectly to report what was
said. I am well assured I cannot do justice to his language, even as
diluted by the ignorant interpreter; and his manner cannot be described.
But it was so impressive a conversation, and I have so often been called
on to repeat it, that the substance of his remarks has been faithfully
retained by my memory. It is only attempted here to recite a small part of
what was then said, and that with particular reference to the illustration
of his character, mind and opinions.
"It has already been mentioned and is largely known, that Red Jacket
cherished the most violent antipathy toward the American missionaries, who
had been located among his people. This led to very strenuous resistance
of their influence, and to hatred of their religion, but of the true
character of which, he was totally ignorant. His deep attachment to his
people, and his great principle that their national glory and even
existence, depended upon keeping themselves distinct from white men, lay
at the foundation of his aversion to Christianity. Though a pagan, yet his
opposition was political, and he cared very little for any religion except
so far as it seemed to advance, or endanger the glory and safety of the
tribe.
"He had unfortunately been led by designing and corrupt white men, who
were interested in the result, falsely to associate the labors of the
missionaries, with designs against his nation; and those who wished the
Senecas removed from their lands that _they_ might profit by the
purchase, and who saw in the success of the mission the chief danger to
_their_ plans, artfully enlisted the pagan party, of which Red Jacket
was the leader, to oppose the missionaries, and thus effectually led to
the final frustration of Red Jacket's policy; in and by the defeat of the
missionary enterprise.
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