But as this question is discussed in the sequel, I
will not anticipate. Thus much it was necessary to premise, in order to
explain the nature and ends of my interview with Red Jacket.
"My object was to explain the true state of the case to him, and after
this to recommend the doctrine of Christ to his understanding and heart.
My first step, therefore, was to ask him why he so strongly opposed the
settlement and labors of the missionaries? He replied, because they are
the enemies of the Indians, and under the cloak of doing them good are
trying to cheat them out of their lands. I asked him what proof he had of
this. He said he had been told so by some of his wise and good friends,
among the white men, and he observed that the missionaries were constantly
wanting more land, and that by little and little, for themselves, or those
who hired them to do it, they would take away all their lands, and drive
them off.
"I asked him if he knew there was a body of white men, who had already
bought the exclusive right to buy their lands, from the government of New
York, and that therefore the missionaries could not hold the lands given
or sold them by the Indians, a moment after the latter left their lands
and went away. He seemed to be startled by the statement, but said
nothing. I proceeded to tell him that the true effect of the missionary
influence on the tribe was to secure to them the possession of their
lands, by civilizing them, and making them quit the chase, for the
cultivation of the soil, building good houses, educating their children,
and making them permanent citizens and good men.
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