Tuesday, July 11th, 1905
“… at 3:30 rounding a long sandy point with flags flying came in view of post – lining the canoes up we moved on abreast to the landing at Osnaburg – landing at 4:40 p.m. We were received by Mr. Williams the Agent and at once proceeded to shake hands with the Indians who had assemble for the purpose of meeting the Commissioners shortly afterwards – a conference with the following leading Indians was held in one of the Agents rooms –
Oombash
David Skunk
George Wawaashkung
Missabay – Chief (blind)
Thomas Kewooshiss
Nahookeesheck
Kwaish
Patequash
John Skunk
Mr. D.C. Scott having stated the object of our coming(sic) so long a distance to meet them, thro Jim Swaine as Interpreter and having ordered a feast similar to that as held yearly – the Indians departed – shortly afterwards sending word thro’ the Agent Mr. Williams – that they would give a reply the following morning.”
Wednesday 12th
“Camp No. 10 – at 12 n. The H.B. bell tolled announcing the feast was prepared. Chief Massabay(sic) accompanied by the leading men of the Band approached the H.B. House (Agents) being requested to take seats, and asked if they had anything to say – Chief Massabay said, “Whatever you say we will do, Mr. Scott thanked them and asked if they were ready to sign the Treaty, which they did by making their mark, departing immediately after to the “Feast Ground” in front of the H.B. store where the Band encircled the complete supply of provisions afforded for the occasion. Massabay the blind chief, moving up and down on the plank walk crossing part of the ground, delivered an oration to which the Band listened attentively, the pith of his speech being that the white men were their friends, there(sic) good, kind, assisted them giving money and lands for their benefit, that the H.B. was good to them and that they could not get along without the white men, they must be good and obey the laws, they were poor and needed assistance and could only expect help by proving themselves good. At the conclusion of the Chiefs address the Band seemed to thoroughly enjoy the Feast prepared for them.”
Queen’s University Archives. MacMartin Papers