Peter Tenet among^ the Oneida Indians. 301 



Art. 19. The national assembly's desire is, that distinct 

 rule, order, submission and obedience be paid to the chiefs 

 of the Grand Council, who shall be fitted with marks of 

 distinction. In consequence of the same it is resolved, 

 /hat so soon as convenient material can be procured, 

 eighteen proper marks of distinction shall be given for 

 that purpose ; three, representing the tribe of the Bear ; 

 three, the tribe of the Wolf ; and three, the tribe of the 

 Tortoise. The marks of the Chiefs of War are, a green 

 ribbon, striped on the side with red, to be worn on the left 

 side. Nine marks of distinction for the Chiefs of the 

 Councillors, with the mark of an eagle on a red ribbon, to 

 go round the neck, and hang between the breasts. Be it 

 remembered that those chiefs, whether warriors or coun- 

 cilors, who wear this badge, must be men of truth, honor 

 and wisdom, to discharge the great trust of national busi- 

 ness now put into their hands ; and whether at home, or 

 abroad, when these marks are seen, it will be remembered 

 thatthej are this Great Couucil, and great respect will, at 

 all times be shown them. 



Art. 20. All things that will be for the national benefit 

 and may hereafter happen to occur, which are not here 

 written, will at all times, by this Great Council, be rectified 

 to the satisfaction of the whole nation. 



We, the Sachems, Chiefs and Head Warriors, in behalf 

 of all the Oneida nation, after consideration of our present 

 situation, have desired to establish a regular government, 

 good rules, religion and principles, not only to the ad- 

 vancement of civilization, but also, to assure our friendship 

 and zeal to all our brethren the Americans, as well as 

 their allies the French nation. In consideration whereof, 

 we, the aforesaid nation, have established twenty articles 

 of government, in the presence of the Honorable Peter 

 Penet, Esquire, our true and trusty friend, adopted and 

 chosen Agent forever : to act for us, and for the good and 

 happiness of our nation : which twenty articles of govern- 

 ment, we, the Oneida nation, in council assembled, do 



[Trans. i\] 39 



