Also in the Bullis Room we have a display of a replica of the Canandaigua Treaty wampum belt. This belt is the George Washington belt and is composed of thirteen figures holding hands connected to two figures and a house. The 13 figures represent the 13 States of the newly formed United States of America. The two figures and the house symbolize the Haudenosaunee. The two figures next to the longhouse are the Mohawk (Keepers of the Eastern Door) and the Seneca (Keepers of the Western Door). President George Washington had this belt made to ratify the Treaty of 1794.From A History of Ontario County, New York and Its People by Charles F. Milliken (Vol. 1 - pages 32-33), we have an excerpt of Friend William Savery's journal. "14th of the Tenth month - - The party of Senecas, headed by the Farmer's Brother, Little Billy, etc., having arrived, last evening, within four miles, were expected this afternoon; but having to paint and ornament themselves before their public entry, they did not arrive till 3 o'clock this afternoon. The Oneidas, Cayugas, and Onondagas were drawn up, dressed and painted, with their arms prepared for a salute, before General Chapin's door. The men able to bear arms marched in, assuming a good deal of importance and drew up in a line facing the Oneidas, etc. Colonel Pickering, General Chapin, and many white people being present. The Indians fired three rounds which the other Indians answered by a like number, making a long and loud echo through the woods. Their commanders then ordered them to form a circle around the Commissioner and General Chapin; then, sitting down on the ground, they delivered a speech, through the Farmer's Brother, and returned the strings of wampum which were sent them when they were requested to come to the treaty. Colonel Pickering answered them in the usual complimentary manner, and ordered several kettles of rum to be brought, after drinking which they dispersed and went to prepare their camp. Each chief delivered a bundle of sticks, answerable to the number of persons, men, women, and children, under his command, which amounted to 472. They made a truly terrific and warlike appearance." On October 14th was the initial arrival of participants of the treaty group and meetings continued until the Treaty was finalized on November 11, 1794. Some interesting facts reported in the above book: there were at least 1600 Native Americans there, including Red Jacket and Cornplanter; on October 25th seven or eight inches of snow fell; to provide food for everyone in one day, one hundred deer were killed.
The treaty was written on parchment in duplicate and signed by 50 of the sachems and war chiefs. This treaty is still in effect although it has had some breaches. This November 11 there will be a commemoration in Canandaigua. And you are invited. Click on the link for information.
