Red Jacket near Cleveland, 1816

Brothers: We have been preserved in health, strength and spirit, to meet you again at our council fire. The Great Spirit has protected us, and we are thankful again to meet you.  You will recollect, brothers, that we listened with attention to what the com missioner said, and to the words of our great father through his mouth.  As this council was called by the voice of our great father, you barely told us of his care for his red children.  You further promised us that the Yorkers (meaning the preemptioners), had communications for us.  We now welcome you all to this council, and are ready to hear what you have to say.  We see here our bro ther from Massachusetts.  He, too, is welcome, and we are ready to hear from him.

Brothers: We wish you to open your minds to us.  Let us hear frankly all that you have to communicate, that we may be ready to answer.

We have now heard our great father and Mr. Ogden.  We must take time to deliberate upon these propositions and agreements.  When we are ready we will send you word.  We are slow, and the subjects are important.  We have nothing farther to decide at this council fire.