Two official printings of a petition submitted before the 26th Congress, 2nd Session, one page both sides, 6 x 9.5, containing the "Petition of a Number of Citizens of Chatauque County, New York, praying That the treaty with the Seneca Indians may not be enforced in regard to those who may be averse to emigration," February 23, 1841. The text of the petition, in part: "The undersigned, citizens of the county of Chatauque, and of the State of New York, being convinced that a very large majority of the Seneca nation of Indians are decidedly averse to emigration, and have never given their assent to the treaty for the sale of their lands, as amended by the Senate, either in person or by their authorized agents; and believing that the honor, dignity, and interest of the United States do not require that treaty to be forced upon said Indians; and that, on the contrary, it would be a violation of our national faith, as virtually pledged to them by the resolution of the Senate of June 11, 1838, in which it is distinctly stated that the treaty shall not be binding until the assent of the Indians to the amendments shall be given in open council—would most respectfully petition your honorable bodies to adopt such measures as in your wisdom shall appear best adapted to sustain the honor of the United States, and prevent injustice to the Indians." In overall fine condition, with some light edge wear and toning.
