"To the Delaware Indians" by Richard C. Adams
Seen the rivers and the mountains, the broad and fertile plain,
Where the Indian chased the buffalo, the antelope and deer,
When the smoke from Indian wigwams arose from far and near;
Seen the lovely Susquehanna, where our council fire would burn,
And all the tribes and warriors would gather there to learn
The wise teachings of our chieftains and their traditions old,
And to tell it to their children as to them it had been told.
I see, from time immemorial, by stories handed down,
We had exclusive title to our homes and hunting-ground,
But then there came some pilgrims from a far and distant shore,
As they said "with Christian motives," our country to explore;
For us, "a poor heathen nation," their hearts were truly sad;
And to save us from the infernal powers they'd be very glad.
But to provide the daily bread of those who laid the plan,
Well, of course, we d be expected to give them plenty of land.
But for that we should not care, they would lead us on to light,
And "in heaven we'll be rewarded" they say, for doing right,
For there the Bible teaches, "our treasures we should store;"
If our rights are there established, we need for nothing more."
"And Christians will gladly show us the path the pilgrims trod,
That leads unto eternal joy in paradise with God."
So we gave close attention to their actions one by one,
And this, as we have found it, is part that they have done.
They took with pious gratitude the land that was our own,
They killed the buffalo and deer and drove us from our home!
Some of our people plead with them, our country to retain,
While others did contest our rights with arms, but all in vain.
With sorrow, grief and suffering, we were forced at last to go,
From the graves of our forefathers to a land we did not know.
But this was now guaranteed to us, "as long as water shall run,"
Yet on they pushed us, on and on toward the setting sun!
"And this will be the last move," they tell us, if we go;
"You will hold the country this time as long as grass shall grow,
"For the good Great Father s promise is a very sacred pledge,
"And to all his children does he give the greatest privilege;"
That is to all children he adopts from every race of man,
Except the rightful owners of this broad and bounteous land!
They must in meek submission bow unto the hand of might,
To them the courts of law are barred, they can make no legal fight!
If the Indian seeks the Government, there his grievance to relate,
He must first obtain permission from those who rule the State!
If his rights are there denied him and an attorney he would seek,
He is sternly then reminded he has no right to speak!
"For under section so and so, which guides your legal move,"
"You see no attorneys can appear for you, except if we approve;
"And if, in our opinion, your claim does not adhere
"To the interests of the public, then your cause we cannot hear."
"This is a Christian Nation," they oft with pride maintain,
And even on their money their faith they do proclaim.
And none can hold an office here in this Christian land,
Unless he believes in Heaven and the future state of man;
In every town are churches, God's word is everywhere,
E'en legislation, good or bad, begins each day with prayer,
"This is the home of freedom, where justice rules the land!
"And all (save Indian people) their rights may here demand!"
The foreigner from Europe's shore or the ignorant African
Has the right to sit in Congress' halls and legislation plan!
Turning the treaty records o'er, in the first that comes to view,
I see this gracious Government guaranteed these rights to you,
And why you're treated as children, or ruled with an iron hand,
Nor allowed to be politically free, is more than I understand,
Unless it be "in Heaven you are to find your treasures dear,"
And your pious Christian teachers are to take "their treasures" here.
But I do not blame the Christians, if Christians true they be,
Andit's not their Bible teachings that bring such grief to thee;
It is not the faith that men believe, it is the deeds they do,
That sometimes hurt their fellowmen and probe their conscience, too.
If "we are all children of one God," are we not equal here?
Are not the Indian's liberties and rights, to Him as dear?
If we an earnest effort make, our rights here to obtain,
Then, perhaps with His assistance, that privilege we shall gain.
I believe the American people are just and kind and true,
They would fight for our protection, if our grievance they but knew.
True, some with selfish motives would keep us still suppressed,
But the great controlling public would strive to do what is best.
And none has their attention called to our sad, humiliated state,
Or quickly would they all demand that Congress reparation make.
So the fault with us has partly been, because we don't complain,
But allow ourselves thus to be robbed for selfish plotter's gain!
Why should we be a separate people, the target of every man?
We, who owned this country once, should be right in the van.
No one would objections raise and surely Congress can
Declare all Indians vested with the rights of every man.
And grant us prompt permission to prove our every claim,
And pay us the obligations the Government has made in vain;
Then to our oppressors will we prove, who deny our right to live,
That Indians will make good citizens, if to them a chance you give.
Yours Sincerely,
Richard C. Adams
Representing the Delaware Indians.