Those who knew CORNPLANTER personally, had the greatest respect for him. Dr. IRVINE, of Brokenstraw, a son of General C. IRVINE, an intimate friend of the Chief, in a letter to me, says: "I frequently heard my father say, that CORNPLANTER was one of the most honest and truthful men he ever knew, whether white or red." Judge JOHNSON, of Warren, under whose direction this (CORNPLANTER) monument is erected, states to me, "so far as he was personally known to residents in this section of country, he was regarded as a living example of integrity, truthfulness, purity, temperance, fatherly affection for his tribe and race, and a generous Indian hospitality to all. He possessed the universal affection and veneration of his tribe and of all men who knew him."
Such was the life and career of CORNPLANTER; and such his character as shown from history, from the testimony of contemporaries, and of living witnesses. He died in this Indian village, (Jennesadaga,) on the 18th of February, 1836, aged about one hundred and five years.
This is no ordinary occasion. A great Commonwealth, by a solemn act of legislation, and by her agents here this day, honors the memory of the distinguished Indian Chief, whose mortal remains lie mouldering in this grave. We this day dedicate this monument to the memory of CORNPLANTER, an Indian Chief of the Seneca tribe and of the Six Nations--and may we, both white men and red men, and our children's children, as long as this beautiful river bears its waters to the ocean, venerate his memory and emulate his virtues.
I have recently examined Mr. KETCHUM'S history of Buffalo and the Senecas. The _facts_ he presents corroborate the views I have presented of the character and services of CORNPLANTER. I am surprised, however, to notice that he expresses an _opinion_ adverse to our Chief. He does him great injustice when he says; "There is no doubt that CORNPLANTER was at heart in the British interest, up to the period of WAYNE'S victory in 1794." He also makes the extraordinary assertion, that CORNPLANTER acted in concert with BRANT, during the period of the Indian troubles in Ohio, after the Revolutionary war!
The contrary most clearly appears by the whole course of conduct of our Chief; as well as by his speeches, his letters and his participation in treaties. With BRANT, CORNPLANTER never was on friendly terms, and after the war of the Revolution, their policy, and even personal relations, were adverse and hostile. Mr. KETCHUM, himself, shows that there existed between these Chiefs "a personal dislike."