"It is said that BRANT and THE CORNPLANTER were never friends after the massacre of Cherry valley. Some have alleged, because the Wyoming massacre was, in part, perpetrated by the Senecas, that THE CORNPLANTER, was there. Of the justice of this suspicion, there are many reasons for doubt. It is certain that he was not the Chief of the Senecas at that time. "As he stood before me--the ancient Chief in ruins--how forcibly was I struck with the truth of the beautiful figure of the old aboriginal Chieftain, who, in describing himself, said 'he was like an aged hemlock, dead at the top, and whose branches alone were green.' After more than one hundred years of most varied life--of strife--of danger--of peace--he at last slumbers in deep repose on the banks of his own beloved Allegheny." Pennsylvania has acted with liberality and kindness to this venerated Chief. She granted to him three valuable tracts of land; on one of which he had fixed his residence. It is the place where he now rests in the quietude of the grave. The first report on the subject of these grants to CORNPLANTER, is dated March 24, 1789. It is contained in a communication from General MIFFLIN, then President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, to RICHARD PETERS, Speaker of the General Assembly, in which he encloses General RICHARD BUTLER'S letter, recommending the grant of fifteen hundred acres of land to THE CORNPLANTER, a Seneca Chief.[AA] General BUTLER'S letter is dated March 23, 1789. In it he says: "I beg leave to mention, that Captain ABEEL, _alias_ THE CORNPLANTER, one of the principal Chiefs of the Seneca tribe of the Six Nations, has been very useful in all the treaties since 1784, inclusive, and particularly to the State of Pennsylvania; this he has demonstrated very fully, and his attachment, at present, to the State, appears very great. This has induced me to suggest to your Excellency and Council, whether it may not be good policy to fix this attachment by making it his interest to continue it. This, from the ideas he possesses of civilization, induces me to think if the State would be pleased to grant him a small tract of land within the late purchase, it would be very grateful to him, and have that effect. This may be done in a manner that would render him service without lessening his influence with his own people. The quantity need not be large; perhaps one thousand or fifteen hundred acres. My wishes for the quiet and interest of the State, as well as the merits of the man, induced me to mention this matter."[AB] [AA] Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, volume I, p. 37. [AB] Pennsylvania Archives, 1786-90, p. 562.