This year, if it had been completed, would have made my tenth year as a captive of the Wyandots.

This last period of captivity, which has been nearly four years, I have not been ill-treated and have enjoyed more comfort than any of you can imagine.

Probably you are all familiar with the reason for my long captivity.

Because of the interest of Myeerah, the Indian Princess, they have importuned me for years to be adopted into the tribe, marry the White Crane, as they call Myeerah, and become a Wyandot chief.

To this I would never consent, though I have been careful not to provoke the Indians.