Wednesday 19th
“This morning the representative Indians who were not absent from the Fort assembled and a conference was held. Mr. Scott thro an Interpreter (Sinclair Ritch) stated to them that the King had sent the Commission to see how his people were and to enter into a Treaty with them, and that the King wished to help his subjects and see that they were happy and comfortable, giving them as a present this year $8 per capita and an annuity pf $4 per annum, also setting aside for their sole use and benefit a tract of land 1 square mile to each family of 5 that no white man should put his foot on without their permission the Indians were then asked if they had anything to say, “Yesno” replied that he was willing to enter into treaty and advised the others to act likewise.”
“Monias said, I should like to consult with my Aunts and cousins, if I buy as small an article as a needle I have to pay for same. You come here offering money we have not asked for. I do not understand, and should like to have it explained, after an explanation, he along with the others signified his assent and the Treaty was signed. After hand shaking they departed to prepare for their Feast and to talk over the election of Chief and Councillors.”
“In the afternoon the pay lists having been completed, Mr. Scott commenced paying the Indians who were called up in families and carefully counted the Indians [illegible] present of money with that same indifference characteristic of their race, sometimes smiling as they looked at the bills and received their ticket numbered for future use and identification, some of them one or two returned the money thinking that they had not received their just due, not being able to distinguish between one and two dollar bills, but in every instance it was found to be correct and they turned away perfectly satisfied.”
“Lists were closed for the day at 6:15 p.m.”
Queen’s University Archives. MacMartin Papers