1752 Nanticokes and Shawnee Nations Negotiations & Pact - Gnadenhütten & Bethlehem

Translated Excerpts from the Report on the Brethren’s Negotiations in Bethlehem and Gnadenhütten with the Nanticokes and Shawnee Nations from April 1752, and also on the Pact Made with Both Nations at That Time in Gnadenhütten, on the same visit to Bethlehem in July 1752 etc.

Being grieved once again, about the nations of the Nanticokes and Shawnees in and around Wyoming (which made Jünger’s {Johanan’s} heart heavy for 10 years already); so it was resolved to send a couple of Brethren from Gnadenhütten to visit the Indians. For this purpose both Brothers Nathanael and Petrus were selected. To that end they came to Bethlehem on Thursday, March 30th. Monday, April 3rd 1752, as on the second Easter holiday, there was a Lovefeast at 8 o’clock in the morning in a small hall in Bethlehem, where various messengers and pilgrims received their dispatch and so did these two Brothers Nathanael and Petrus receive orders pertinent to their intended visit to Wyoming. Tuesday, April 4th, they left together from Bethlehem to go to Gnadenhütten. Thursday, April 6th immediately after the morning blessing Br. Martin held one more Lovefeast with Brothers Nathanael and Petrus and also had a heart-felt dialogue with them, especially about a close relationship with the dear Savior. And then we let them follow their road blessed and in peace to Nescopeko and Wyoming.

Sunday, April 16th. Brothers Nathanael and Petrus came back from their visit to Nescopeko and Wyoming delighted and pleased.

On April 7th they arrived in Nescopeko healthy and pleased and our Gottlieb’s brother himself took them into his hut and gave them a very friendly reception. In a short while the Indians who were at home came to the hut, where they [Nathanael & Petrus] lodged and welcomed them. They sat down at their fire, and discussed various matters, which gave Br. Nathanael an opportunity to say a little about the love of the Savior with the friendliness of his heart. The Indians sat very quietly and listened attentively. And so on the next day they visited again and took the opportunity to tell them a little more about the Savior.

On the 9th Br. Nathanael visited old Nutumer, who rejoiced over the visit of his beloved Indian Brethren from Gnadenhütten. Br. Nathanael told him, that they came here for the same reason, because they loved him. They also told him a little about the Savior’s love. On the 10th, in the afternoon, they visited the Indians in their huts once again and took leave together. The Indians for their part were very friendly and thanked them for the visit. And so they [Nathanael & Petrus] traveled several miles to Wyoming in the evening. On the 11th in the afternoon, they arrived at Wyoming where a Chief, whom Nathanael knew from last autumn, welcomed them and lodged them in his house, and put them up in the same space they occupied last fall. They were not there long when the Chiefs who were at home arrived and visited with them. The Chiefs were very friendly and brotherly and expressed their regret that most of their young people were not at home, but out hunting; they stayed with each other until late in the night.

Brother Nathanael had an opportunity to evoke our God and Savior lovingly and with a warm heart. All who were present listened eagerly, and Nathanael and Petrus felt well in their hearts. In the morning of April 12th Nathanael and Petrus visited elder John Cosse, who is also a Chief. They spent most of the day with him and the man could hardly testify enough to his love and his joy over the Brethren’s visit. Brother Nathanael took the opportunity to describe the loving heart of Jesus and also the heart of Brethren in a pleasant and loving manner. John Cosse said: he had really loved the Brethren in his heart, and it had always particularly pleased him when the Brethren visited him, and he hoped that thereby something good would come about for the others, and that their people would now come even more to Gnadenhütten and become more acquainted with the Brethren. On the 13th, they spent the whole day there, and all the people were friendly and testified to their love for the Brethren. The Brethren had plenty of opportunity during the course of the day to tell the people and especially the Chiefs something about the Savior and his love for all human beings and so again they visited with each other until midnight. Early on April 14th the Brethren prepared themselves for their trip, and the Chief’s wife made something to eat for them to take on the way back. The Chiefs came and visited them once more and said that in a few days several of them would also visit us in Gnadenhütten, in order to become better acquainted with each other. John Cosse said: If he had not had such pains in his foot, he would have immediately gone with the Brethren to Gnadenhütten. The Brethren then took leave of the Indians, and as they left, Brother Nathanael saw a poor child sitting by the fire, almost naked and very cold; Brother Nathanael took a blanket, which he had wrapped around him and presented it to the poor child. It gave people such an impression and they said: we take your gesture, as if you had done it to us. Hereupon the Brethren went away, the Indians watching after them as far as they could see. They went from Wyoming straight to Gnadenhütten through the woods, and arrived happily on the 16th. They remarked that, it was not any longer from here to Wyoming through the woods than from here to Nescopeko, and the road was not as bad as to Nescopeko. Overall Brothers Nathanael and Petrus testified, that they felt very well among the Nanticokes and had good hope that the loving Savior would soon receive Brethren and Sisters among them.

The Nanticokes have a completely different language from the Mahicans and Delawares, but mostly they comprehend English well, therefore our Indians have to speak to them in English.

Monday, April 24th, in the evening two Indians came as messengers from the Nanticokes in Wyoming with the words they wished to say to the Brethren. Thursday, April 27th, two Nanticokes visited Brother Martin in the afternoon. Brothers Jonathan and Nathanael were also there. The Nanticokes brought [the news of] a great famine. In remembrance of these people’s brave manner of facing hardship, we offered to accept them, and if we could, to assist them with some Welsh-corn.

They told us how last year they had had a very poor harvest. Because their old and young suffer so much from the famine, so they are of the opinion that they would be sent help from us. To confirm this, they presented us a Fathom of Wampom, which the Chief gave in name of all, in order to make a better acquaintance with the Brethren and to renew their friendship. With this intention that it concerns friendship, we have accepted the Fathom of Wampom. We and some of the Indian Brethren also gave them some welsch-corn to help them, out of love and compassion for them.

Friday April 28. After the morning services we held a conference with the Workers, in which it the Nanticokes’ Fathom of Wampum was considered, and it was resolved that there should be another Fathom of Wampum sent to their Chiefs. They then prepared for their journey and took leave cheerfully.

On this, see the Gnadenhütten diary for April 1752. [Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pa: Box 117, Gnadenhütten Diary 1750-1753].

Brother Joseph [Spangenberg] reports the following from his visit to Wyoming, a stop during his travel from Shomoko back to Gnadenhütten and Bethlehem:

 

Wednesday, May 31st, We (namely Brothers Joseph, Nathanael, David Zeisberger and Kaske) arrived in Wyoming. A foreign [fremder] Indian servant led us straight to the Governor’s adjutant. We were received in a friendly manner and fed venison. Our host regretted that he could not give us anything else. He had no bread. The Chiefs of the Indians’ came to our quarters and greeted us amiably. They greeted every one with the words: "How do you do Brother" and " welcome Brother." Our host said that we came at an opportune time. There were Chiefs from the six different Nations gathered and they would dispatch emissaries to Onondago. At noon, one of them called us for a meal. He led us to a kettle, which contained eight buckets. We sat around on the ground and ate with a big appetite. They had a delicious meal of welsh-corn baked with bear fat. After the meal we went back to our quarters and slept for a while. As we stood on the Susquehanna and observed the village, there came three Indians, and invited us to their council. We brought our Brothers Abraham and Jacob with us, and sat down with them. There were 40 Indian Chiefs present together. They had over 35 Belts of Wampum spread out next to one another on a blanket and one of their ambassadors took one after another and demonstrated to the whole company what he had to say. The smallest of them was four fingers wide and a yard long. There were many Fathoms of Wampum, each of which had its own meaning.

As the council broke up, we went back to our quarters. Hereupon I took our host aside and let him know that we had heard about their poverty and that we had therefore resolved to deliver 50 bushels cornmeal to Gnadenhütten, where they could retrieve it. He demonstrated his gratitude with special expressions. What gladdened us the most was an elderly Indian woman whom the disciple [Jünger] missionary had gotten to know 10 years ago. She implored Abraham to have his son bring her to Gnadenhütten with a horse. And he promised to do so.

We set out again and went to our night quarters, but before we did, we gave our hosts a piece of bread from our own poverty; it was a pleasant present for them. We left early on Thursday and arrived in Gnadenhütten at noon on Friday June 2nd.

See the Bethlehem Diary from May 1752. Addendum subtitled: Continuation of this travel report.

Friday, July 14th. Two deputies arrived from Wyoming before evening with the news that 50 Nanticokes and 15 Shawnee were on their way and would be here tomorrow. Brother Abraham received them into his house and they were given food immediately because they were very hungry. I cannot describe the joy this news brought among white and among brown Brethren. There was only one grievance; namely, where would we get enough food for so many people this time of year. Brother Joshua said: there is no other way but for the Brethren who are still at home to go hunting tomorrow. It was so decided upon, and the Brethren were willing to do it. Thursday, July 15th, two messengers were dispatched at dawn, one to Bethlehem to deliver the joyful news to Brother Joseph in a letter, and another to Meniolagomekah to bring news of their arrival to the congregation. This was said to the two messengers, because they had great longing to see Brothers Joseph and Nathanael Seidel, who had been with them recently. Our Brethren went hunting.

The Lovefeast was canceled today, and only the necessary arrangements for their room and board were made. After the morning service, Indian Brother Nathanael and young Moses came from hunting and brought a deer, so we had the best for a meal. Several sisters were sent to cook right away. They made arrangements, to give them meat Sapan [soup] when they arrived.

At 9 o’clock, the Overseer gave a Fathom of Wampum with the following words:

1. That your Brethren, the two sent before, were sent to let the Brethren in Gnadenhütten know, that many of their people are coming.

2. That they are on their way and during the whole journey had nothing but strawberries to eat for themselves and for their children, whereby some of the elderly are already weakened.

3. That at first they were willing to go to Bethlehem, but because they are so exhausted from lack of nourishment, they only want to come here.

4. That Gnadenhütten had a big name among them, and therefore their elderly came along too see Gnadenhütten, and they hope to become better acquainted with us within half a year.

Brother Schmick let him know through Indian Brother Nathanael, that we would be very pleased by their visit and rejoice from the heart. Then young Moses brought several loaves of bread straight away to the arriving party. At George Mack’s, half an hour from us, he met four Nanticokes, who were emaciated and hungry. Moses gave them the bread to distribute among others. As they thanked him for it they said: when we are together, and have eaten the bread, we will come to you.

Brother Schmick sent them some tobacco with Nathanael. In the meantime, food was put on the fire, so they could be fed right after their arrival.

At four o’clock they heard singing from a distance. The closer they came, the more delightful it sounded (according to Nathanael, the Indian’s testimony, it was a song of praise and went: we are happy, that we may visit) the song could be heard as far as our houses. Even if we did not understand immediately, one could not resist tears of joy in the face of such an arrival.

As they came upon our barn, our old Abraham went to greet them, welcomed them sincerely and led them through our yard to old Solomon’s cottage, which he had tidied up for them. The elderly went ahead one after another, the men carried their rifles over their shoulders, followed by the women with their children also one after another, in such an orderly and calm way, that it was very gratifying and respectable to watch. There were 52 Nanticokes with three children.

Our brown Brethren stood in front of the cabins and were pleased about these people’s arrival, and we thanked the Savior for the grace, which he grants us through the visit to Gnadenhütten, and wished from our hearts, that the Savior may see to it that today’s watchword: I am the Master your God be fulfilled to these people.

As soon these guests were well lodged in their huts, except the weak ones, whom our congregation laid down, our Indian servants brought them cooked deer meat with Sapan to eat. It was then distributed by their own table servants among themselves: during the meal there came 20 more, who also received their share, so that they were all quite happy and grateful.

The white congregation watched from a distance and was happy that it tasted so good to them. Toward evening, the Chiefs handed over a white and blue Fathom of Wampum though White who interpreted into the English language to our Nathanael with the following words:

Brothers! I come from my house to your house and I follow the path from my house to your house. As I have come to you, so I have rejoiced: you have given me plenty to eat and drink, tobacco and everything else. Now I want to say one more word:

Brothers! Now you are one, white and brown Brethren, we would like to know the day, which you should tell us, when we can let you hear our words [i.e. when we will deliver our message].

Brother Schmick answered through Nathanael: They may be patient until tomorrow. This morning a messenger was sent to Brother Joseph in Bethlehem, and tomorrow we are expecting the Brethren from there, possibly Brother Martin too, and when they had come, so the day would be made known to them.

They were satisfied with this answer and were happy that Brothers Joseph and Nathanael Seidel, who have visited them, are coming here.

Soon thereafter, our Brethren came back from hunting and brought two deer for the guests. At the same time twelve foreign Indians arrived from the Susquehanna for a visit, among them were Gottlieb’s mother, brother and sister and Amos with his wife and children.

During the evening service the hall was quite full, and several were standing in front of the windows. The Savior was close to us and we could feel his wounds.

Sunday, July 16th, last night at 1 o’clock Brother Martin came back from Bethlehem with Simon the Indian with a message that Brother Joseph with several other Brethren will come to us today. In the morning our Indian Brethren made a green covered passageway at Salomon’s cabin, so that the guests would have room and shade.

At 10 o’clock, as the Nanticokes were eating their breakfast, 15 Shawnee arrived with three children.

Brother Abraham went to meet them, greeted them and led them to the Nanticokes, who were happy about their arrival and asked to join them for breakfast.

One hour later, 17 more Nanticokes came with their wives and children, whom Nathanael the Indian received and provided food for them. Now together they numbered 107. Brother Martin and Schmick visited them. Many among them knew Brother Martin and were happy that he was also there. Brother Martin told them that the two Brethren who have visited them before, will come from Bethlehem, at which everyone rejoiced. Old Cossy was especially happy, that he could see Brother Martin with his own eyes again.

Brothers Joseph, Nathanael Seidel, Hermann, Webe, who recently came up from St. Thomas, David Zeisberger and Rundt arrived at 2 o’clock to our and especially to our guests’ gratification.

After 4 o’clock Brother Joseph invited distinguished Nanticokes and Shawnee to a small council: from them there were five, from the white and brown Brethren there were thirteen. Brother Joseph opened the meeting with a sincere salutation and the rest of the Brethren did the same. Then we sat down across from them, and Brother Joseph attested in the English language his and other Brethren’s great happiness for their arrival. Their Interpreter White translated it for them in their language, and they returned many thanks. Right after that Brother Joseph gave them new pipes and tobacco for smoking, as he discussed much with them, with which they were very pleased.

Brother Bechtel arrived from Bethlehem with his daughter, sister Jungmann and Brother Fransou. They were also very happy that they got to see so many Indians together at the same time.

At 5 o’clock these guests, who now numbered 107, had a touching individual welcome, at which only our Indian worker’s congregation was present. It was set up at first as a Lovefeast for our Indian congregation, but out of their love they allowed them to feast alone and wished that they might soon be united in one heart.

It had the dearest appearance and one could not help shedding tears of joy, at the sight of so many Nanticokes and Shawnees at once in our hall, and in such an order and silence, as if only one man had sat there. We felt well among them, and a gentle breeze of Grace wafted, and the Savior was near and present to us.

After the Chiefs from both Nations, namely Nanticokes and Shawnee, appeared at the given time and place; they received the answer to their inquiry about the day when the Brethren would listen to their words, that it could take place today in the afternoon; which they were happy about, and asked for only one thing: that it take place where more of their and our people could be present, so as to hear everything that would be negotiated between us.

Afterwards we gathered on a small elevation on the other side of the Mahoney, right opposite of Gnadenhütten, at the foot of the steep mountain, which extends all the way to the Lecha [Lehigh]. There was a big area surrounded with many trees, which was cleared and in the middle mats were spread out and covered with a blue cloth. On both sides lay mats for sitting down, where at first the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnee sat down on the one side and the Brethren from Bethlehem and Gnadenhütten on the opposite side. Women and children sat in a circle within a short distance, so that again Gnadenhütters and Nanticokes and Shawnee sat apart from each other. And because the speakers always stood up, both sides could hear and understand everything.

Fire was made on both sides and there was a little basket of tobacco in the middle at their disposal; as it is customary among the Indians to smoke a pipe when they had something to say.

An opportune circumstance occurred when just before our gathering a thundershower cooled the weather and made it quite pleasant, for it had been unbearably hot before.

Hereupon an old Chief named Joinopom emerged with a double String of Wampum of 350 beads in his hand and reported his business in such a lively manner, and with such natural gesticulations, that one could almost learn what he was saying from his motions. After he had finished speaking another Chief called White took the aforementioned String in his hand and gave a report of the same speech in English. After that, Nathanael the Indian took up the String and reiterated the same speech to his people in Mahican. At last, Brother Joseph took it from him and presented exactly the same in German. The above mentioned speech was as follows:

"The Chiefs of two Nations present here, namely the Nanticokes and Shawnee, tell the Mahicans from Gnadenhütten (by which they also mean the white Brethren from Bethlehem, because they are all one) Brothers! This String of Wampum should first wipe your eyes, so that you become cheerful, it should clean your ears, so that you hear better, it should dry off your sweat, so that you become lively, it should make your throat smooth, so that everything goes down nicely, it should cleanse your insides, so that evil does not find shelter in you and good has entrance. Brethren Mahican!" Here he pointed to white and brown Brethren and said: "I mean white and brown with that, for you are one, as we, the Nanticokes and Shawnee are one. It is a double string, yet it holds together, and that’s how we look upon you. You reported to us in the Spring that you would like to talk to us about the one who is up there (he pointed to with his finger to the sky) we have taken up the matter fully and are very satisfied with it. Our Chiefs deliberated over this among themselves and they are pleased with it. We told our youth about it, and they have answered us, what our Chiefs want is also right for us. We spoke with our women about it, and they testified, that they felt the same way as us. The children, many of whom are present and listening, know about it and are happy and say they would also like to hear. Children in their mothers’ wombs, even though they can’t speak yet, say nevertheless, that once we come into the world, we will be fond of what our Chiefs did to serve our best interests." Every proposition was concluded with an acclamation from both sides.

Hereupon, the old speaker stood up for the second time, with a Belt of Wampum in his hand of eight strings, all together 1016 beads. Most of them were white, and six diagonal strings were blue. His speech was translated into English by the Indian White, into Mahican by Brother Nathanael, and into German by Br. Joseph and was as follows:

"Brother Mahican! I have lived over there (he pointed to the southwest) and have lived over there (he pointed to the northeast). At that time we knew each other well and we were brothers, the path between you and us was often used, and our forefathers have often visited each other. Afterwards the path between you and us was not used any more, and we became alien to each other. After that, Brother Mahican, you have come to Gnadenhütten and we settled ourselves in Wyoming: but we were strangers to each other. Finally, you have come to us, we have looked in each other’s eyes, and there we found that you are our brother. This is the Belt. That which, Brother Mahican, (here he pointed to the white and brown Brethren and said) I mean both of you, because you are one, you should keep safe and cherish, for I recognize you as my older Brother. It should stay this way, as long as we are alive, and as long as God lets this world stand." After the Mahican pronounced their "Kehenne", the Delawares their "Gehelle" and the Brethren their "very well" about this speech, the old speaker stood up for the third time with a Belt of Wampum in his hand, which was made of strings of Indian hemp, in which six rows of Wampum were interwoven, numbering 780 beads, most were white, with nine diagonal black rows. White translated his speech into English, Nathanael into Mahican, Brother Joseph into German and Jonathan repeated it once more in Mahican. Every one of the interpreters held the Belt in their hands as they spoke, and after our brown and white Brethren took a look at it one after another, it was returned to Brother Joseph’s hands. The speech itself was as follows: "My Mahican Brethren, and my Brethren from Bethlehem; I only want to combine you both under the word Gnadenhütten, for you are both one. Hear these words from the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnee Nations, which are one, and hold on to each other firmly like this Belt of Wampum. This is the chain of brotherhood, which exists among us, and which should never be torn; not even one link should be severed from it, it should always be kept pure. We do not want to be two any more, but to be one, and it [the chain] should go on as long as God, the Master, lets the world stand, and as long as the sun shall shine (as long as we are alive, and as long as the world remains) and when a Chief dies, so there will always come another, who will be of the same mind, and even when we all die, our children will still be here, and will continue the brotherhood. Even the children in their mothers’ wombs will be happy when they come into this world and realize that their Chiefs had done such a useful thing for them. Take this Belt of Wampum, protect it for your own memory and hold on to it ever so firmly." Here the Chief of Shawnee Paxnous folded both of his hands firmly, and raised them high so as to show how closely we should cling together. All this was accompanied with a customary acclamation "atto" from their side, and with "Kehenne" from our side. After this speech was over, the old speaker stood up for the fourth time with a triple String of Wampum, of 260 beads, in his hand. The Nanticokes’ interpreter said: it is a shame, that we do not understand each other. Brother Joseph replied: and good after all, because we understand each other. That it is repeated in several languages serves us good. We keep every word in mind and don’t let any of them fall on the ground. He responded: I cannot express myself well, but where there’s a word lacking and if I should say something that doesn’t sound good, so take it in the right way and in a good sense, because I mean well. Brother Joseph: We understand you well, and you express yourself well. The speech was as follows: "My Mahican Brethren! And I mean brown and German Brethren with it, for you are all one. This String of Wampum says that we are not strangers to each other to each other any more as before, but we are brothers. When we encounter each other in the woods, or wherever we meet each other, we will not look upon one another as strangers, but as brothers. When one is hunting and meets someone from Nanticokes or Shawnee, they will look upon one another as brothers. If one is lacking gunpowder, or lead or provisions, so the other will share with him what he has. One shall help the other, however little he may have himself, and even if he has enough gunpowder left for only two shots, and only two bullets, he will nevertheless share with the one who has nothing; so that he can shoot something to refresh himself with. Our women think likewise and are of the same opinion. Our young men think the same, and want to abide by the same. Neither do our young women exclude themselves from it, on the contrary, they are proud of it. For example when a woman has a child and has something to do, so the other one, who has no child will help the first one, just as the men help each other with gunpowder and lead and provisions. Our children, many of whom are present and are listening to what we speak about with you, also agree with us. Even our children in their mothers’ wombs will follow the same path when they are born into this world. As long as God the Master keeps this world standing, so this will continue, as we become one with one another. All this was received with cheerful "Kehenne" and the first Chief of the Shawnee put in "atto" in addition. This triple String of Wampum was made of brown and white Wampum, which were fastened together, possibly to symbolize the brown and white Brethren, and one String consisted only of white wampum. In the end the Old Nanticoke stood up again with a triple white string of 340 pieces of wampum in his hand. His speech was translated punctually as the previous ones. He confirmed the first string with the words: "I know I have said everything that I wanted to say and this is the end of the whole speech." After that he took hold of the two remaining Strings and said: "My Mahican Brethren and my Brethren from Bethlehem! You have joined together and you are now one (here he put his right and left had index fingers tightly together to demonstrate). In three months from now we are thinking about visiting Bethlehem, but five days before our arrival we will send a messenger to let you know in the name of our Chiefs our arrival. And of that which you let us know in the spring (namely, that you wanted to tell us about our God and Master) we have given the Six Nations news. We also let them know of the chain of brotherhood we have with each other and of our journey here. They are well satisfied and approve. The Indian White expressed it in the following way "they are proud of it". All of this was sealed on both sides with cheerful sound of shouting. The Indian White remembered hereupon:

It is time their women and children went back to Wyoming now, but he himself and several other Chiefs would visit us in Bethlehem. Between 5 and 6 o’clock the gathering ended and the Nanticokes and Shawnee took their meals. Afterwards Brother Joseph preached in English and told the story of Jesus Christ the Crucified in a very simple manner. They were very attentive throughout the story, and one of the Chiefs made his people stay after the sermon, and repeated it in his own way.

Tuesday as on July 18th we had much to do with preparations for our treaty. The Indian sisters cooked for everyone, for we wanted to all eat together after the treaty. Some searched together for wampum, which were to be found in Gnadenhütten, and made Belts as well as Strings of wampum. Some of our Brethren were baking, because we were all out of bread. We held a conference and agreed together on how we wanted to respond to the Nanticokes and Shawnees’ proposal.

The whole Gnadenhütten congregation was summoned and they were informed about what we intended to say at the treaty. Among them also came Brother Christian Seidel and Jacob Loesch from Christiansbrun and brought us a wagon of provisions. We were barely ready with our preparations when it was already time for the treaty. The Gnadenhütten and Bethlehem Congregation went out first, and then came the Nanticokes and Shawnees. We camped as the days before. Between the two parties lay a mat, on a mat a blue cloth and on top of that a Charlaken cloth. As soon as everything was in order, Brother Joseph arose and said: "Brothers! You the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnee, who are one, you have come a long way with your people: you have withstood much heat: you have endured great hunger, your feet are tired and dusty, sweat runs from your bodies, and as you have come to us, and so with this String of Wampum, (here he showed the first string that they gave us).

You have wiped our eyes, cleansed our ears, dried our sweat, smoothed our throats and cleaned our insides, so that all the evil would come out, and there would be room for the good. And with this String you attested that you loved our words, which we told you in spring, (it was namely this, that we wanted to be your friends, but we would also want to introduce the Savior to you). You have also told us that your youth, your women and children, even the children in their mothers’ wombs would rejoice to hear the words of Jesus Christ. With this String you also said that you and the Shawnees were one, just as we the white Brethren from Bethlehem and the brown Brethren from Gnadenhütten are one. Brothers! Receive this String of Wampum (here Brother Joseph raised up a double String). We thank you for coming to us, refresh yourselves, dry off your sweat, wipe off the dust from your feet, have enough to eat, rest yourselves, cool off and be content among us. May God bless the word, which we will preach to you and your children". The Indian White, one of the Chiefs, took the String from Brother Joseph’s hand, and repeated the whole speech in the Nanticoke language and according to custom the Indians gave a round of applause with loud outcries at every pause. As he sat down, Brother Joseph rose with the first Belt of Wampum, which was given by the Nanticokes and Shawnees, and repeated the whole discourse that accompanied this Belt of Wampum. The Nanticokes and Shawnees attested with the customary loud sound after each proposition, that these had been their words. After that Brother Joseph placed the Belt over his arm and took another Belt, which would confirm his response to the Indians and said: "Brothers! You, Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnees, who are one, it is a great joy for us, that you have found your brothers again and we ours. It should stay this way, as you have said. We do not want to be two but one.

As you have said so it is, the Brethren from Bethlehem and the Brethren from Gnadenhütten are one. This will hold true as long as God lets the world go on. The Indian White took the Belt in his hand, and repeated the whole speech in the Nanticoke language and the Indians approved everything heartily with a loud sound at the end of each proposition. Then Brother Joseph stood up for the third time with a second Belt in his hand, which the Indians had given, and repeated the whole discourse that accompanied it. Afterwards he hung it over his arm and took that Belt, which would serve as an answer. He said: "Brothers! You, Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnees, who are one. We the united Brethren of Bethlehem and Gnadenhütten want to preserve the chain steadfastly, not even one link shall be broken or eaten by rust. In addition, God (from whom all good comes) will give us his grace, that it should continue so for us and our children, as long as the world remains." At the end of the speech he handed over the Belt. The speech was repeated in Indian and concluded with a joyful outcry at every proposition. Brother Joseph stood up for the fourth time afterwards with a String of Wampum in his hand, which was presented by the Indians at their fourth word [i.e. speech]. At first he recited what they had said as they gave the Belt, then hung it over his arm. After that he took another String of Wampum in the name of the Brethren of Bethlehem and Gnadenhütten and said: "You, Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnees, what you have said is agreeable with our hearts. It is a joy for us to serve our fellow men. Even if our enemies need our help, we will not refuse. If we can help our dear Brethren the Nanticokes and Shawnees we will do it with pleasure. Our children are of the same opinion." At that he handed over the String of Wampum. His speech was repeated in the Indian language and all the Indians attested their satisfaction with a loud sound. Brother Joseph stood up then for the fifth time, and had the String of Wampum in his hand, with which the Indians confirmed their fifth speech. He recited their speech and hung the String over his arm. Then he took another String of Wampum in confirmation of his answer and said: "Brothers! You the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnee, we thank you for wanting to tell us so much. We understood all your words and did not let any of them fall on the ground. It is very good that you want to visit us in Bethlehem in three months from now. When Brothers visit each other often some of the suspicion is averted. It also serves as a renewal of love. We are pleased that you have let it be known to the 6 Nations what we told you in the spring, namely that we very much want to make our God and Master known among you. It is good that everything is sent on the day. The 6 Nations have been our brothers for ten years now. We have also visited them couple of times in Onondago and there are two of us present here who were there (Tgergitonty1 and Ganouserachery2).

In the end, Brother Joseph in the name of the Brethren, gave them a prepared deerskin. They had to mend their children’s shoes, which probably were torn on the way here. They also told them that they had 60 bushels of flour and 80lb of tobacco as a present for them, which they could share among each other. They accepted the gifts with great acclamation. After that their food was placed at their feet. The Chiefs ordered some servants from their people to distribute the food. At first five kettles were set down for our people and one basket with meat and bread. But they [Indians] shared 12 small kettles among each other, along with a big basket of meat and 2 baskets of bread. Everything went extremely nicely and orderly with almost unbelievable quietude. At the Treaty there was an indescribable attentiveness. After the meal the Chief said: "We are very pleased and grateful and will rest very well tonight."

Before they dispersed, the Speaker stood up and held a speech for his people with following meaning: that they view all our Gnadenhütten and Bethlehem Brethren as their Brothersand had to help them whenever they could. The Shawnee Chief did the same with his people and so everyone went to their huts very pleased.

On Wednesday July 19th, Brother Joseph and his entourage traveled to Bethlehem. And the Nanticokes and Shawnee resolved to do the same.

1 Spangenberg received this name during a trip to Onondaga in 1745. It means a row of trees, and was the name of an old chief belonging to the Bear clan. Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pa. Box 331, folder 6, item 3.
2 Martin Mack’s name as given in April 1748 on a trip to the Five Nations, meaning the first in a company (of warriors). It is a name in the Turtle clan. Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pa. Box 331, folder 6, item 3.

 

A Short Report on the Visit of the

Nanticokes and Shawnee in Bethlehem

On Thursday July 20th the Nanticokes and Shawnee sent a message to Bethlehem with a String of Wampum and the following words: "Brothers! I am close to Bethlehem and rejoice that I can visit. I come not to discuss affairs, but tosee you. Every one is looking forward to it, the Chiefs, young men, women, children and even children in their mothers’ wombs.

Meanwhile Brother Owen Rice, who just visited here, Brother Horsefield and Brother Burnside had casually met the whole company of Nanticokes and Shawnee by the Monacacy on the way from Gnadenhütten and refreshed them with some wine and water and a little bit of bread. Soon after that they came approaching over the mountain in a good order. The men had their weapons on their shoulders and an elderly Chief led them carrying a peace pipe, (a long tobacco pipe nicely decorated with ribbons, which among the Indians signifies much) and sang on the way there: "I am glad that I may visit the Brethren."

Right at the gates of Bethlehem Brother Joseph met them, shook the above-mentioned Chief’s hand, turned around after that and marched with whole company through Bethlehem. At the single Brethren’s house stood not only the Brethren but also boys from the little house and all were pleased to see them.

The music sounded in their trumpets. Men, women and every one else who was at hand came out in front of their doors to show their pleasure at the Indians’ arrival. So they moved into the tents of peace, for we built so many huts in the space of two to three hours, that they all could be properly lodged.

After that they were given something to eat, were visited in the course of the day in their huts and they rested a little again. (There was great heat, at the time of their journey.)

In the evening the Chiefs let us know that they had a speech for us, so we would have to determine a time and place, when and where they would be able to bring their speech forward.

On Friday July 21st there came together not only the Chiefs in our small hall, but also all the rest and after both sides exchanged friendly greetings, the Speaker stood up with a String of Wampum in his hand and said the following: "Brothers! I have come from Gnadenhütten to Bethlehem. I do not want to repeat what I have told you in Gnadenhütten, yet with this String of Wampum I want to clear your eyes, open your ears, dry your sweat, smooth out your throat and clean your insides, the way I have done in Gnadenhütten. At the same time I attest once again, that we are glad to see Bethlehem. It pleases us all, even the children in their mothers’ wombs.

After that he [the Speaker] handed over the String of Wampum, which Brother Joseph received and affirmed so much, that they were welcome, which they probably already have noticed themselves, that everyone was happy about their arrival.

The Speaker appeared for the second time with another String of Wampum and said: "Brothers! I have come from Wyoming to Gnadenhütten, from Gnadenhütten to Bethlehem and from Bethlehem to my quarters. I have cleared the whole path with great diligence, the rocks that scuffed one’s feet were removed from the way. I have wiped out sticks, chopped off the shrubs, raised the valleys and leveled the mountains, so that one can go without difficulty not only from Bethlehem to Gnadenhütten, but also from Bethlehem to Wyoming.

One can see without difficulty from Wyoming to Bethlehem and from Bethlehem to Wyoming, for there is nothing in the way anymore. I have swept everything clan for you in Bethlehem. One can go without difficulty from Bethlehem to our quarters and from our quarters to Bethlehem, and everything is smooth and level as here in this hall.

After that Brother Joseph took the String of Wampum in his hand and said: "This is very important to us and it makes us very happy. We want to talk about it with each other and will give you an answer, as soon as we are ready."

In the evening all the Indians came to the singing service, which Brother Owen Rice held in English. He spoke to the Indians, who understood most of the English, so sincerely, thoroughly and affectionately and they received his words with such attention, that it was a joy for all of us.

On Saturday July 22nd we held a rest-day. We did not undertake any affairs with the Indians, still they were visited often and were admitted to those occasions that befitted them.

On Sunday July 23, Brother Joseph preached in English and all the Indians were present. (There were 136 persons young and elderly, with those who followed from the Susquehanna and with the Brethren and the Sisters from Gnadenhütten and Meniolagomekah). He described the heart of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God out of love, and as proof, he would God and Master and Creator of things, who came down as a man to deliver humanity, he even let himself be cruelly tortured to death in order for us to have life and peace for time and eternity. They were very attentive.

In the afternoon there was a baptism, and all the Indians were present.

The baptism candidate was Brother Andreas’ wife from Meniolagomekah. A circle was formed in which she sat with her godparents, Sisters Kraus, Huberin, Bischoff, and Boehler, in the middle with a white dress. The Indians were seated in a way to hear and see everything.

Brother Joseph spoke in English the words: "You are all children of God through your belief in Jesus Christ, for however many of you are baptized they have all been drawn by Christ." He could clearly explain the belief in Jesus Christ and baptism. In the congregation there was such feeling of Jesus Christ’s presence and the peace of God reigned so strongly among us, that one could not express it with words.

After the baptism the godparents (Mother Anna Maria and our present disciple sister Wagner also joined in) put their hands on her and blessed her. She fell to the floor at her godparent’s side and prayed.

One could see many Indian tears in the congregation.

Then there was a children’s gathering, where a little Indian child was baptized, whose mother’s name is now Anna. The children sat in the front, behind them the Indians and behind the Indians other congregants. Sister Böhler [Boehler] brought the child and gave it to her husband, who held it for baptism and then carried it around to receive the congregants’ benediction. Indian Brother Nathanael (certainly a God’s man) laid hands and blessed the child. Brother Nathan Seidel performed the baptism. The child was named Balthasar and it received everything good in sleep. It neither inherited it nor acquired it. The Indians were very attentive. The rest of the day they [Indians] were visited by the congregants.

On Monday July 24th we let them know that we were ready with our answer.

In the middle of the small hall a roundtable was set, which was covered with a salmon-red cloth. On the table stood two burning candles. On one side of the table sat the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnee and behind them all of their people. On the other side of the table sat our Brethren and missionaries [Heiden-Boten] and around them as many congregants as the hall could hold.

Three men from Philadelphia came also to attend.

Brother Joseph bid them welcome, then asked whether they now wanted to hear their answer. They said they would like to. He said then: Brothers! You have come from Gnadenhütten to us, in great heat, and with your arrival you have cleared our eyes, wiped away our sweat, cleaned our ears, made our throats smooth, and our innards cleared. With this String of Wampum (he showed the String, that they gave, and that Father Nitschmann had laid on his lap.) You have also let us know that the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnees and their young men, their wives, their children and even the children in their mother’s wombs are happy to come to Bethlehem and visit the Brethren. We thank you for coming to visit us. We had wanted to clear your eyes, wipe away your sweat, make your ears clean, your throat smooth, and your innards clean. But we have found what we did in Gnadenhütten

What we did toward this end was sufficient. Your eyes have become lighter, your ears attentive, your faces merry, our words went down good and nothing evil stuck inside you, but the good found a way in. We are glad about your presence here and no doubt you have seen that old and young, men and women alike were pleased with your presence. Yes we believe that even the children in their mothers’ wombs were pleased."

After that the Indian Speaker took the speech with the String of Wampum which Brother Joseph held in his hand, when he did his report. He repeated it in the Nanticoke language and each proposition was strongly approved by the Indians.

When the Speaker sat down, Brother Joseph stepped forward and answered the second speech of the Indians, which referred to the second String of Wampum that Father Nitschmann had laying in his lap and to which he pointed his finger.

He said: "Brothers! You Nanticokes and Shawnee, you have told us with this String of Wampum that you have cleared the paths not only in Bethlehem, but also from here to Gnadenhütten and even to Wyoming. You have raised all the valleys, leveled all the mountains, removed all rocks and brush, which could get in one’s way, and you have chopped down all the bushes, so that one can see and go from Bethlehem to Wyoming and from Wyoming to Bethlehem without difficulty. It is very important to us and we are happy. We want to stick to this and we want to use the path often, so that no grave will grow on it. When evil people throw a rock on the path, we want to remove it diligently, when the roots come out, we want to chop them off again, so that the path always remains. You will also use the path often and it will be our joy." After that he handed over the String of Wampum. The Speaker accepted it and reported the speech to his people in the Nanticoke language and every proposition was received with joy.

After everyone settled down, Brother Joseph produced a String of Wampum, which the Chiefs of Six Nations had given to the disciple (in confirmation of their wellbeing) who was with the Indian Johanan in Conr. Weiser’s house ten years ago and learned their language and told them about our common Master and God.

He also showed them the Belt of Wampum which the Six Nations gave our Gallichwio (Camerhof) two years ago in a great council at Onondago, with which they confirmed and renewed the alliance, that they made with our Brother Johanan. At the same time it appeared that a pair of our Brethren could live with them and learn their language, where it would be helpful to them to stay in the land of the Cayugas, the Oneidas, the Mohawk, Onondagas, or the Seneca and in this way they could become familiar with all the languages.

After that he brought the Belt to the Chiefs of the Nanticokes and Shawnee and they looked at it thoroughly and reported to each other the meaning and the interpretation of it.

He took the opportunity to tell them once again that Brother Martin, David Zeisberger and Gottfried Rundt would soon set out on their journey to the Five Nations. He also reassured them that we would like to see the Nanticokes and Shawnee here again in three months according to their promise. Then he said: "Brothers! You have said several times that it hurts you that we don’t understand each other. It hurts us too. Think it over with each other as to what we can do to learn to understand each other and when you come back here in three months share your thoughts with us.

After they have spoken among themselves about this matter for a while, the Speaker appeared and said: "we want to take this speech with us, consider with each other and tell you our thoughts in three months."

After everyone settled down, Brother Schlegel came and set a big basket of tobacco in front of Brother Joseph’s feet. Sister Schlegel came in the name of the Sisters and brought two small baskets which were filled with [Zerirn], strings/ribbons, sewing, pins scissors, thimbles and the like and told Brother Joseph that because the Sisters saw that the Brethren were giving presents they did not want to be left out. Here Brother Joseph stood up again and said: "Brothers! Our youth is happy about your coming here and have brought you a small present of tobacco. You have a long way home, so please take it in love.

Our women have seen that the Brethren were giving you a present, so they brought couple of boxes, where you will find presents for your women.

A house of our children, which is not far awayfrom here, (namely in Maguntsche) have heard about your presence here and each has resolved to bring you his bread. But because they were afraid that the bread would go stale during your journey, they had sent flour instead, five bushels that is, which you should distribute among each other."

Hereupon the Indians concluded the whole event in their manner. The oldest Chief of Shawnee stood up and attested his satisfaction and all the people acclaimed at that.

One of the Nanticoke Chiefs stood up and told his people the same and they concluded with unanimous applause. Another Chief stood up and attested to us in English that they were sincerely pleased and grateful. After that the old Speaker stood up again, took both Fathoms of Wampum in hand, which the Brethren gave to the Nanticokes and Shawnee, held them up high and went with very gentle steps around the table, when he came to Brother Joseph, he remained standing for a little while and then he went around the whole circle. He sang a short thank you song in a very pleasant tone. The whole people acclaimed and so the whole ceremony was concluded.

Here are the names of the Nanticoke Chiefs present at the visit in Bethlehem:

Sampentiques

John Kossy

John Dutschman

White

Jainopom

The Shawnee Chiefs:

Paxnous

Pertrick

 

*Translation by Rachel Wheeler & Irakly Chkhenkely

 

To read the complete original report, see bellow.