"Father:
"We have heard of the wicked attempt to destroy the Monument of our
old Chief, Sir Isaac Brock; and are also informed of the intention
of the White Man to rebuild it.
"Father:
"We respect the memory of the brave, and are sorry to find that
there are any who do not.
"Some of us fought on the same field on which the gallant general
fell. We then felt the same sorrow in our hearts that our loyal
brothers in arms, the White Men, felt, and we still unite with them
in the deepest regret at our common loss. These feelings urge us
readily to contribute our share to the expense of re-building that
Monument which was designed to perpetuate the fame of such noble
deeds.
"Father:
"We, who are thus ready to assist in the present exigency, will
never be backward in testifying our loyal principles by still more
substantial proofs, whenever our Great Mother, the Queen, shall lay
her commands upon us. We will never refuse to hear her words. Our
Great Fathers, her Royal predecessors, have been very kind to her
people. We are not unthankful. We do not wish to be idle; but
whenever we may be called upon to defend the honour and rights of
the British Crown, we will most heartily strain every nerve, and do
all the service in our power.
"Father:
"We authorize you to subscribe from our monies the sum of Fifteen
Pounds, in aid of the praiseworthy work about to be performed; and
may the blessing of the Great Spirit make it prosper.
"Dated at Rice Lake Mission, Otonabee, January 7, 1841.
"GEORGE PAUDASH, Principal Chief.
"JOHN CROW, Chief.
"JOHN COPOWAY, Chief.
"JOHN TAUNCHEY, Chief.
"Read over to the Chiefs and signed by them
in presence of--
HENRY BALDWIN, Jun."
The generous action of the Indians was much appreciated by the British
Government and the following acknowledgment was made by Lord John
Russell, on its behalf:--
"Downing Street,
"6th May, 1841.
"No. 372.
"My Lord:
"I received by the last mail from Canada a pamphlet, containing the
correspondence, addresses, etc., connected with the subscription of
various Indian Tribes in Upper Canada, in aid of the funds for the
reconstruction of Sir Isaac Brock's Monument on Queenston Heights.
"The feelings evinced by the Indians on this occasion are much to
their credit. I have to request that your Lordship will convey to
them the thanks of the British Government and nation for their
zealous co-operation, and renew to them the assurances of the
Queen's regard for their welfare.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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