New York Court of Appeals
The Seneca Nation of Indians, Appellant v. Harrison B. Christie, Respondent
April 14, 1891126 N.Y. 122
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court, holding that the 1826 treaty and purchase of Seneca lands by the Ogden Land Company was valid despite the lack of United States Senate ratification, because the state of New York, under its pre‑emptive right and the authority of a United States commissioner, could extinguish Indian title. The court also held that the Indian Intercourse Act of 1802 did not invalidate the transaction and that the plaintiff’s action was barred by the applicable statute of limitations.