At the close of this council, they were, however, reminded of the dangers to which they were exposing themselves, and the advantages that might be taken by their enemies, of their divided state, and especially by those who wished to obtain their lands. They were told that, “we still considered them as brethren--that we were not divided in our good wishes for them--that we had always desired, and continued to desire, the welfare of all Indians, and that, on bidding them farewell, on the present occasion, we still hoped the Great Spirit might incline their minds to unite together in love as brethren, and that they would yet join in promoting the education of their children, and in advancing in all the improvements that were necessary for the comfort and real benefit of man.”
From Alleghany the committee proceeded to the Cattaraugus settlement, and spent some time in viewing the improvements of the Indians at that place. They found that considerable progress had been made within three years past, in building houses, and enclosing more land on the rich fiats, which was cultivated with corn, oats, potatoes, turnips, and other vegetables of various kinds, affording a prospect of a plentiful supply of provisions.
A council was held with the Indians, and after an introductory speech from the chief warrior, which is customary on all such occasions, the following address was delivered to them.
“Brothers, having been preserved through a long journey, we are now, by the favour of the Great Spirit, enabled once more to meet you in council.
“Brothers, in passing through your land, we are glad to see that you are situated on a rich and fruitful soil, where, by reasonable care and industry, every thing necessary for a comfortable subsistence may be readily obtained.
“Brothers, it affords us satisfaction to observe the improvements you have already made--your well fenced fields, your corn, and other grain, and your cattle--and we feel, as your old and true friends, a strong desire that you may be stirred up to increased industry.
“Brothers, by perseverance and daily attention to business, the industrious man prospers, and is able to make a comfortable provision for his family; and it is not only our duty to labour for their support, but to train our children to assist in all the business they are capable of--to begin with them young, and thus, while they are useful to their parents, it adds greatly to their own real comfort.