Indian Nullification of the Unconstitutional Laws of Massachusetts Relative to the Marshpee Tribe | Page 5

much to them about their worldly concerns. He asked me if I thought it
proper to preach about such things. I answered that I thought it proper
to do good in any way; that a variety was not amiss, and that such a
course would convince his flock that he had their welfare at heart.
I had now appointed to meet my brethren on Wednesday evening
following, when I expected to bid them farewell forever; and in the
mean while I had obtained a letter of introduction to Mr. Pratt, of Great
Marshes. There I gave the audience a word in season, upon the subject
of Indian degradation, which did not appear to please them much. I
then visited Barnstable, and finding no resting place there for the sole
of my foot, I journeyed as far as Hyannis, where I was entertained with
hospitality and kindness. On the evening of the fourteenth day, I again
preached on the soul-harrowing theme of Indian degradation; and my
discourse was generally well received; though it gave much offence to
some illiberal minds, as truth always will, when it speaks in
condemnation. I now turned my face toward Marshpee, to preach the
word there.
I had made up my mind to depart early on the morrow, and therefore,
that I might hear of their concerns, and how they fared from their own
mouths, I intended to commence my labours early in the day. I had not
the least intention of staying with my brethren, because I saw that they
had been taught to be sectarians, rather than Christians, to love their
own sect and to hate others, which was contrary to the convictions of

my own experience as well as to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. What
ensued led me to look farther into their case. The lecture I had
delivered in the Meeting-house, had wrought well, and a small
pamphlet that contained a sketch of the history of the Indians of New
England had had a good effect. As I was reading from it, an individual
among the assembly took occasion to clap his hands, and with a loud
shout, to cry, "Truth, truth!" This gave rise to a general conversation,
and it was truly heart-rending to me to hear what my kindred people
had suffered at the hands of the whites.
Having partook of some refreshment, we again met to worship God in
the School-house; where I believe that the Spirit of the Lord was
revealed to us. Then, wishing to know more of their grievances, real or
supposed, and upon their invitation, I appointed several meetings; for I
was requested to hear their whole story, and to help them. I therefore
appointed the twenty-first of May, 1833, to attend a council to be called
by my brethren. In the mean while I went to Falmouth, nine miles
distant, where I held forth upon the civil and religious rights of the
Indians. Some, who apparently thought that charity was due to
themselves, but not to the red men, did not relish the discourse; but
such as knew that all men have rights and feelings, and wished those of
others to be respected as well as their own, spoke favourably of it. Of
this number was Mr. Woodbury, the minister, who thought it would do
good. I then returned to Marshpee, to attend the council.
The meeting was held in the school-room. Business commenced at
about nine in the morning, and continued through the day. The first that
arose to speak was an Indian, Ebenezer Attaquin by name. Tears
flowed freely down his time-furrowed cheeks, while he addressed us in
a manner alike candid and affectionate. The house was well filled.
After listening patiently to the tale of their distresses, I counselled them
to apply for redress to the Governor and Council. They answered, that
they had done so; but had never been able to obtain a hearing. The
white agents had always thrown every obstacle in their way. I then
addressed them in a speech which they all listened to with profound
attention.
I began by saying that, though I was a stranger among them, I did not
doubt but that I might do them some good, and be instrumental in
procuring the discharge of the overseers, and an alteration of the

existing laws. As, however, I was not a son of their particular tribe, if
they wished me to assist them, it would be necessary for them to give
me a right to act in their behalf, by adopting me; as then our rights and
interests would become identical. They must be aware that all the evil
reports calumny could invent, would be put in circulation against me by
the whites interested, and that no means to set them against me would
be