146 IN THE ACADIAN LAND. 



through the eel-pot." The fact is that an 

 eel-pot as still made by the Micraacs is really a 

 lattice-work in hoops, to allow the escape of the 

 water, but not the eels, when it is set in a 

 stream. 



The Micmacs were a comparatively docile 

 and gentle people, and the missionaries found 

 the task of conversion much easier on that 

 account. In New York State, where the Five 

 Nations dwelt, an Indian confederacy, there was 

 a stern opposition to the introduction of Chris- 

 tianity. Their great Seneca chief, Red Jacket, 

 who died in 1830, was an eloquent pagan to the 

 last. A missionary visited them, and they came 

 together to hear him. Among other things, he 

 told them "there was but one religion, and 

 without that they could not prosper. They had 

 lived all their lives in gross darkness, and, 

 finally, if any objections could be made he 

 would like to hear them." 



To show how the matter looked to Red 

 Jacket I introduce his famous speech, as it will 

 at the same time give the reader a good idea of 

 Indian argument and eloquence : 



"Brother, you say you want an answer to 

 your talk before you leave this place. Listen 

 to what we say: There was a time when our 

 forefathers owned this great land. Their seats 



