“9th August. A meeting was held with principal men of the non treaty Indians of Long Lake, when the usual explanations were made as to the terms of the treaty to which their adherence was desired. The Indians were asked to speak their minds freely as to its terms. The Indians at once signified their acceptance of the proposed terms, and Peter Taylor one of their number speaking for them expressed their pleasure of the band that they were to receive annuity like their brethern [sic] of the Robinson Treaty and also that they were to be granted land which they could feel was their own. The signatures of four of the leading men were then attached to the treaty, the syllabic characters being used by them, these being witnessed by Mr and Mrs Tremain, P Godchere and Mr P Edgar. The gratuity was then paid to 188 Indians, all of whom appeared to be very grateful for the generosity shown them. In the evening the Indians held their feast at the close of which a flag was presented to Newatchigegwabe who was now the recognized chief of both bands. At the conclusion of the feast the chief spoke, thanking the government for what had been done for the Indians of Long lake. He said that the Indians who had been receiving annuity money for years were glad that their brethern [sic] were now placed on an equal footing with them. He hoped that provision would be made for their sick and destitute, as even in the best seasons the Indians found it to be very difficult to do more than make a living, and were able to do very little towards assisting one another. In reply, the Chief was informed that the government was always ready to assist those actually requiring help, but that the Indians must rely as much as possible upon their own exertions for their support. The Chief also complained of the high prices charged by the H.B. Co. for goods, and of the very small price paid the Indians for their furs. The Commissioners felt that there was some reason for complaint in regard to both these matters, but could promise no relief beyond representing the matter to the inspector of the Company. After the feast and the speeches a bon-fire was lit in the field where the feast was held, and four old men took turns on beating a drum while the Indians, men, women and children, circled around the fire, dancing, kicking and yelling. After carrying on this dance for a couple of hours, the younger members of the band retired to a near by shack where they danced a good part of the night.”
Samuel Stewart LAC RG 10 Vol. 11399, file 2