HE famous Red Jacket was a chief of the Senecas. His Indian name, Sagouatha, or, _one who keeps awake_, was affixed to many of the important treaties concluded between the Senecas and the white people, and he became renowned among both races for his wisdom and eloquence. Without the advantages of illustrious descent, and with no extraordinary military talents, Red Jacket rose to a high position in the esteem of the red men. In the year 1805, a council was held at Buffalo, New York, at which many of the Seneca chiefs and warriors were present. At this council, Red Jacket made a speech, in answer to a missionary from Massachusetts, which in force and eloquence was worthy of the great orators of antiquity. The following is the most remarkable portion of this great effort: “_Friend and Brother_: It was the will of the Great Spirit that we should meet together this day. He orders all things, and he has given us a fine day for our council. He has taken his garment from before the sun, and caused it to shine with brightness upon us; our eyes are opened, that we see clearly; our ears are unstopped, that we have been able to hear distinctly the words that you have spoken; for all these favors we thank the Great Spirit, and him only. “Brother, this council-fire was kindled by you; it was at your request that we came together at this time; we have listened with attention to what you have said; you request us to speak our minds freely; this gives us great joy, for we now consider that we stand upright before you, and can speak what we think; all have heard your voice, and all speak to you as one man; our minds are agreed. “Brother, you say you want an answer to your talk before you leave this place. It is right you should have one, as you are a great distance from home, and we do not wish to detain you; but we will first look back a little, and tell you what our fathers have told us, and what we have heard from the white people.