INDIANS

From the Belvedere Apollo

We publish in this paper the 'Indian Bill' and rejoice with Samuel L. Southard over its passage, as a matter of Jersey history. ;Mr. Southard volunteered his services in behalf of humanity and justice, by advocating the claims of the Delaware, before the committee of the Legislature, to whom their petition was referred, and at the conclusion of his speech, which did him honor as a man and an orator, he remarked:-

'That it was a fact, a proud fact in the history of New Jersey, that every foot of her soil had been acquired from the Indians by fair and voluntary purchase and transfer-a fact that no other state of the Union, not even the land which bears the name of Penn; can boast of.'

The operation of this bill will be to prolong the existence of the Lenni Lenappi tribe of the Delawares. It will enable them to purchase implements of agriculture to cultivate their lands on the Fox River, and to dispense those blessings which a civilized and Christian people and of red men can effect by the influence of their example, in the midst of the wild and savage tribes of the west.

Bartholomew S. Calvin, the chief of the Lenni Lenappi, is about eighty years of age, of pure Indian blood-'his eyes is(sic) still undimmed, and his natural force unabated.' He received his education at Princeton at the expense of the Scotch Missionary Society, where he remained in the pursuit of his studies until the commencement of hostilities between the colonies and the mother country, when he shouldered his musket and marched against the common enemy.

The following letter of thanks was composed and written by Calvin. It was send (sic) to the two Houses of the Legislature, in joint meeting, on the 14th inst. and was received with shouts of acclamation:

TRENTON, MARCH 12. A. D. 1832

Bartholomew S. Calvin takes this method to return his sincere thanks to both houses of the State Legislature, and especially to their committee, for their very respectful attention to and candid examination of the Indian claims, which he was delegated to present.

The final act of official intercourse between the State of New Jersey and the Delaware Indians, who once owned nearly the whole of its territory has now been consummated and in a manner which must redound to the honor of this growing state, and in all human probably to the prolongation of the existence of a wasted, yet grateful people. Upon this parting occasion, I feel it to be an incumbent duty to bear the feeble tribute of my praise to the high toned justice which, in this instance, and so far as I am acquainted in all former times, has actuated the councils of this commonwealth, in dealing with the aboriginal inhabitants.

'Not a drop of our blood have you spilled in battle-not an acre of our land have you taken but by our consent. These facts speak for themselves, and need no comment-they place the character of New Jersey in bold relief and bright example to those states within whose territorial limits our brethren still remain.- Nought save benison can fall upon her from the lips of a Lenna Lenappi.

'There may be some who would despise an Indian benediction; but when I return to my people, and make known to them the result of my mission, the ear of the Great Sovereign of the Universe, which is still graciously open to our cry, will be penetrated with our invocation of blessings upon the generous sons of New Jersey.'

'To those gentlemen, members of the Legislature, and others who have evinced their kindness to me, I cannot refrain from paying unsolicited tribute of my heartfelt thanks.'

'Unable to return them any other compensation, I fervently pray that God will have them in his holy keeping-will guide them in safety through the vicissitudes of this life, and ultimately, through the rich mercies of our blessed Redeemer, receive them into the glorious entertainments of his kingdom above.'

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STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

An act for the extinguishment of every right, title, or claim, which the Delaware tribe of Indians, formerly residents of New Jersey,and now located at Green Bay, in the territory of Michigan,now have, or ever had to any part of the territory of New Jersey or its franchises.

Whereas the Delaware tribe of Indians, formerly residents of New Jersey, and now located at Green Bay in the territory of Michigan, have memorialized the legislature of the state, setting forth that in the respective treaties, deeds, and conveyances, whereby the lands south of the river Raritan, was reserved, and has never been relinquished or alienated, which fisheries are now used and possessed by the citizens of this state; and have authorized Bartholomew S. Calvin, a chief and principal member of said tribe, resident at Green Bay aforesaid, to lease, sell, or transfer said fisheries, and to receive such compensation for the same as this legislature may deem proper to grant:

And whereas, it is represented that the legal claims or title of said Indians to the fisheries aforesaid, are debarred by reason of their voluntary abandonment of the use and occupancy of the same; but that this legislature should grant a remuneration for the right to said fisheries, as an act of voluntary justice, as a memorial kindness and compassion to the remnant of a once powerful and friendly people, occupants and natives of this state and as a consummation of a proud fact in the history of New Jersey, that every Indian claim, right, and title to her soil and its franchises, have been acquired by fair and voluntary transfer-Therefore,

Be it enacted, 'c. That the treasurer of this state for the time being, shall pay to the aforesaid Bartholomew S. Calvin, the sum of $2,000, as soon as the said Bartholomew S. Calvin shall make and file in the office of the secretary of this state, such deed or other instrument of transfer, which shall be approved by the Governor of this state, as a good and valid conveyance and transfer in law, to the state of New Jersey; of all the soil, fisheries, or other rights or reservations which now are or ever were owned or possessed by the aforesaid Delaware Indians, to any portion of the territory of New Jersey.