The year is 1798. The place, the banks of the Genesee River. The air is crisp with the promise of winter, and a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Seneca Nation and the burgeoning state of New York is unfolding. On this day, November 21st, a public council convenes, a gathering orchestrated to foster understanding and ensure justice. From within the Seneca delegation emerges Ho-na-ya-wus, a respected leader known to the white settlers as Farmer’s Brother. His words, carefully chosen and rich with symbolism, will be transcribed, interpreted, and ultimately, delivered to the legislature of New York, bearing the signatures of the principal chiefs present. The Speech by Farmer’s Brother at Genesse River, November 21, 1798 is not merely a statement; it is a plea, a request, and a testament to the complex dynamics of a changing world.
This historical document provides a rare glimpse into the perspective of the Seneca Nation during a period of significant upheaval. The aftermath of the American Revolutionary War cast a long shadow, reshaping the political landscape and forcing Indigenous peoples to navigate a new reality defined by westward expansion and the assertion of state sovereignty. The speech, carefully crafted and delivered with solemnity, reveals the Seneca’s understanding of these shifts and their attempts to secure their interests within this evolving context.
Farmer’s Brother begins his address with a formal greeting, acknowledging the assembly and emphasizing the importance of attentive listening. He addresses the New York legislators as "Brothers," a term that signifies both respect and an appeal to a shared sense of humanity. The opening lines, "As you are once more assembled in council for the purpose of doing honour to yourselves, and justice to your country; we, your brothers, the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the Seneca nation, request you to open your ears and give attention to our voice and witness," immediately establish the gravity of the situation and the sincerity of the Seneca’s intentions. This is not a casual conversation; it is a formal petition, a carefully considered statement intended to resonate with the legislative body.
The speech then transitions into a historical reflection, referencing "the late contest between you and your father, the great king of England." This is not merely a recounting of past events; it is a carefully chosen analogy. The Revolutionary War, described as a "great tumult and commotion, like a raging whirlwind," serves as a metaphor for the disruptive forces that have impacted the Seneca Nation. The image of a whirlwind tearing through the land, scattering leaves and uprooting trees, vividly illustrates the chaos and uncertainty that the war brought to their traditional way of life. The description continues, "…which tears up the trees, and tosses to and fro the leaves, so that no one knows from whence they come, or where they will fall."
Within this chaotic whirlwind, however, lies a story of unexpected connection. Farmer’s Brother recounts how "the Great Spirit above" directed the whirlwind to throw "into our arms two of your infant children, Jasper Parrish, and Horatio Jones." This is a reference to the adoption of two young white men into the Seneca Nation. These individuals, taken in during a time of conflict and uncertainty, were embraced as family. The Seneca "loved them and nourished them," integrating them into their community and treating them as their own. The adoption of Parrish and Jones represents a powerful act of compassion and highlights the Seneca’s capacity for empathy even in the face of adversity.
The narrative then shifts to a period of peace and reconciliation. "At length," Farmer’s Brother states, "the Great Spirit spoke to the whirlwind, and it was still. A clear and uninterrupted sky appeared. The path of peace was opened, and the chain of friendship was once more made bright." This imagery evokes a sense of hope and renewal, signifying the end of the war and the possibility of a restored relationship between the Seneca and the newly formed United States. The "chain of friendship," a common metaphor in diplomatic discourse between Indigenous nations and European powers, symbolizes the potential for a lasting and mutually beneficial alliance.
With the return of peace, Parrish and Jones chose to return to their original families. The Seneca, however, did not forget them. Recognizing their potential value as intermediaries, they extended an invitation: "We wished them to remain among us, and promised, if they would return and live in our country, to give each of them a seat of land for them and their children to sit down upon." This promise of land represents a significant gesture of goodwill and demonstrates the Seneca’s understanding of the evolving economic and social landscape. Land, a valuable commodity in the eyes of the white settlers, was offered as an incentive for Parrish and Jones to remain within the Seneca community and serve as cultural bridges.
The Speech by Farmer’s Brother at Genesse River, November 21, 1798 now reaches its central point: the formal request for the New York legislature to honor the Seneca’s promise to Parrish and Jones. Farmer’s Brother states, "They have returned, and have, for Several years past, been serviceable to us as interpreiers. We still feel our hearts beat with elation for them, and now wish to fulfil the promise we made them, and to reward them foi’ their services." He emphasizes the value of their service as interpreters, highlighting their role in facilitating communication and understanding between the two cultures.
The speech then details the specific land grant being offered: "We have, therefore, made np onr minds to give them a seat of two square miles of land, lying on the outlet of Lake Erio, about three miles below Black Rock, beginning at the mouthof a creek known by the name of Scoy-gu-quoydes creek, ruHuing one mile from the river Niagara, up said creek, thence northerly, as the riverruns, two miles; thenc« westerly owe mile, to the river ; thence up the river, as the river runs, two miles, to the place of beginning, so as to contain two square miles." The precise description of the land, referencing geographical landmarks such as Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and Scoy-gu-quoydes creek, underscores the seriousness of the offer and the Seneca’s commitment to fulfilling their promise. This level of detail is crucial in ensuring that the land grant is clearly defined and legally recognized.
Farmer’s Brother concludes his address with a direct appeal to the New York legislature: "We have now made known to you our minds. We expect, and earnestly request, that you will permit our friends to receive this our gift, and will make the same good to them, according to the laws and customs of your nation." This is the heart of the matter: a request for the state of New York to formally recognize and validate the Seneca’s gift of land to Parrish and Jones.
He further reinforces the plea with a rhetorical question: "Why should you hesitate to make our minds easy with regard to this our request? To you it is but a little tlilng, and have you not complied with the request, and confirmed the gift of our brothers the Oneidas, the Onondagas, and Cayugas, to their interpreters? And shall we ask and not be heard?" This appeal to precedent, referencing similar land grants made to interpreters by other Iroquois nations, suggests that the Seneca’s request is reasonable and consistent with established practices. The question, "And shall we ask and not be heard?" carries a subtle undertone of frustration and highlights the Seneca’s desire for equal treatment and respect.
The Speech by Farmer’s Brother at Genesse River, November 21, 1798 closes with a final directive: "We send you this our speech, to which we expect your answer before the breaking up of your great council fire." This emphasizes the urgency of the matter and underscores the Seneca’s expectation of a timely response.
In conclusion, the Speech by Farmer’s Brother at Genesse River, November 21, 1798 provides a valuable historical record of the Seneca Nation’s interactions with the state of New York in the late 18th century. It reveals their understanding of the changing political landscape, their efforts to maintain their autonomy, and their attempts to forge mutually beneficial relationships. The speech is a testament to the Seneca’s diplomacy, their commitment to their word, and their resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the complex history of Indigenous-settler relations and the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives. The address offers insight into the Seneca’s worldview and their adept navigation of the political realities of their time.