Desiring to make the munificence of the State as gratifying to the family and friends of the good old Chief as possible, I appointed a time for the erection and dedication of the monument, and was fortunate enough to procure the services of Col. JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN, of Philadelphia, to prepare an address suitable to the occasion, commemorative of the character and services of the distinguished Chief.
These ceremonies took place on the 18th of October last, in presence of the family and descendants of CORNPLANTER, about eighty in number, and a large assembly of native Indians, remnants of the once formidable Six Nations, from the Allegheny, Cattaraugus and Tonnawanda reservations in the State of New York, and also a large concourse of the pale faces from the surrounding country. Everything went off most satisfactorily, and to the high gratification of our aboriginal friends. The exercises of the day were conducted according to the following programme:
2. Introductory address by your representative, as master of ceremonies.
3. Dedicatory address, by Hon. JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN.
4. Address on the personal character of CORNPLANTER, and the lessons it taught, by Rev. W. A. RANKIN.
5. Responsive addresses, in the Seneca language, by JOHN LUKE, of the Cattaraugus reservation, a Councillor of the Seneca Nations, and by the Rev. STEPHEN S. SMITH, a native of the Tonnawanda reservation, Gennessee county, N. Y., also a Seneca chief of the Six Nations.
These two latter addresses, as also those made by the Rev. Mr. RANKIN and myself, were interpreted, as delivered, by HARRISON HALFTOWN and another educated native of the Seneca nation. Before the dedicatory services commenced, the assembly was addressed in the Seneca language, by SOLOMON O'BAIL, a grandson of CORNPLANTER, and a chief of his tribe, dressed in the full regalia of aboriginal royalty.
Three of CORNPLANTER'S children still survive, and were present to enjoy the occasion; and, by them, I was solemnly charged to communicate to your honorable bodies, their sincere and reiterated thanks for the distinguished honor thus rendered to their beloved ancestor. I have seldom seen deeper gratitude in human hearts than swelled the bosoms of these now venerable children, and those of many grand-children of the hero, whose virtues and memory it has delighted you to honor.