NOTE B.
The treaty of Lancaster, made in 1744, presents a very correct idea of
the manner in which the simple-hearted children of the forest were dealt
with by their Christian brethren.
The necessity for this treaty grew out of the fact that settlements had been
made on the Indian lands in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Passing
over the first three days' proceedings as detailed by Marshe, one of the Secretaries,
we commence with the operations of Monday, June 24th. "On
this day, speaking began, to the satisfaction of all parties, and ended merrily
with dancing and music, and a great supper. On Tuesday and Wednesday
also, speeches were made, varied by dances, in which appeared some
very disagreeable women,
who danced wilder time than any Indian! On
Thursday, the goods were opened, wherewith the Maryland people wished to
buy the Indian claim to the lands on which settlements had been made.
These goods were narrowly scanned by the red men, but at last taken for
£220, Pennsylvania money, after which,
they drank punch. Friday, the Six
Nations agreed to the grant, and
punch was drank again. On Saturday, a
dinner was given the Indians, at which they drank heartily, fed heartily,
and were very greasy before they finished! After this, came the Commissioners
from Virginia,
supported by a due quantity of wine and bumbo,[82]
and received
`a deed releasing their claim to a large quantity of land lying in that
colony,' the Indians being persuaded to `recognize the King's right to all
lands that are, or by his Majesty's appointment shall be within the colony
of Virginia.' For this, they received £200 in gold, and a like sum in goods,
with a promise, that as settlements increased, more should be paid, which
promise was signed and sealed."
[83]
Such was the treaty of Lancaster, upon which the British based their claim
by purchase to the lands on the Ohio.
