Part 11

You told us Yesterday, that since there was now nothing in Controversy between us, and the Affair of the Land was settled to your Satisfaction, you would now brighten the Chain of Friendship which hath subsisted between you and us ever since we became Brethren; we are well pleased with the Proposition, and we thank you for it; we also are inclined to renew all Treaties, and keep a good Correspondence with you. You told us further, if ever we should perceive the Chain had contracted any Rust, to let you know, and you would take care to take the Rust out, and preserve it bright. We agree with you in this, and shall, on our Parts, do every thing to preserve a good Understanding, and to live in the same Friendship with you as with our Brother _Onas_ and _Assaragoa_; in Confirmation whereof we give you this Belt of Wampum.

_On which the usual Cry of_ Yo-hah _was given_.

_Brethren_,

We have now finished our Answer to what you said to us Yesterday, and shall now proceed to _Indian_ Affairs, that are not of so general a Concern.

_Brother_ Assaragoa,

There lives a Nation of _Indians_ on the other Side of your Country, the _Tuscaroraes_, who are our Friends, and with whom we hold Correspondence; but the Road between us and them has been stopped for some Time, on account of the Misbehaviour of some of our Warriors. We have opened a new Road for our Warriors, and they shall keep to that; but as that would be inconvenient for Messengers going to the _Tuscaroraes_, we desire they may go the old Road. We frequently send Messengers to one another, and shall have more Occasion to do so now that we have concluded a Peace with the _Cherikees_. To enforce our Request, we give you this String of Wampum.

_Which was received with the usual Cry of Approbation_.

_Brother_ Assaragoa,

Among these _Tuscaroraes_ there live a few Families of the _Conoy Indians_, who are desirous to leave them, and to remove to the rest of their Nation among us, and the strait Road from them to us lies through the Middle of your Country. We desire you will give them free Passage through _Virginia_, and furnish them with Passes; and, to enforce our Request, we give you this String of Wampum.

_Which was received with the usual Cry of Approbation_.

_Brother_ Onas, Assaragoa, _and_ Tocarry-hogan,

At the Close of your respective Speeches Yesterday, you made us very handsome Presents, and we should return you something suitable to your Generosity; but, alas! we are poor, and shall ever remain so, as long as there are so many _Indian_ Traders among us. Theirs and the white Peoples Cattle have eat up all the Grass, and make Deer scarce. However, we have provided a small Present for you, and though some of you gave us more than others, yet, as you are all equally our Brethren, we shall leave it to you to divide it as you please.--And then presented three Bundles of Skins, which were received with the usual Ceremony from the three Governments.

We have one Thing further to say; and that is, We heartily recommend Union and a good Agreement between you our Brethren. Never disagree, but preserve a strict Friendship for one another, and thereby you, as well as we, will become the stronger.

Our wise Forefathers established Union and Amity between the _Five Nations_; this has made us formidable; this has given us great Weight and Authority with our neighbouring Nations.

We are a powerful Confederacy; and, by your observing the same Methods our wise Forefathers have taken, you will acquire fresh Strength and Power; therefore whatever befals you, never fall out one with another.

The Governor replied:

The honourable Commissioners of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_ have desired me to speak for them; therefore I, in Behalf of those Governments, as well as of the Province of _Pensylvania_, return you Thanks for the many Proofs you have given in your Speeches of your Zeal for the Service of your Brethren the _English_, and in particular for your having so early engaged in a Neutrality the several Tribes of _Indians_ in the _French_ Alliance. We do not doubt but you will faithfully discharge your Promises. As to your Presents, we never estimate these Things by their real Worth, but by the Disposition of the Giver. In this Light we accept them with great Pleasure, and put a high Value upon them. We are obliged to you for recommending Peace and good Agreement amongst ourselves. We are all Subjects, as well as you, of the great King beyond the Water; and, in Duty to his Majesty, and from the good Affection we bear to each other, as well as from a Regard to our own Interest, we shall always be inclined to live in Friendship.

Then the Commissioners of _Virginia_ presented the hundred Pounds in Gold, together with a Paper, containing a Promise to recommend the _Six Nations_ for further Favour to the King; which they received with _Yo-hah_, and the Paper was given by them to _Conrad Weiser_ to keep for them. The Commissioners likewise promised that their publick Messengers should not be molested in their Passage through _Virginia_, and that they would prepare Passes for such of the _Conoy Indians_ as were willing to remove to the Northward.

Then the Commissioners of _Maryland_ presented their hundred Pounds in Gold, which was likewise received with the _Yo-hah_.

_Canassatego_ said, We mentioned to you Yesterday the Booty you had taken from the _French_, and asked you for some of the Rum which we supposed to be Part of it, and you gave us some; but it turned out unfortunately that you gave it in _French_ Glasses, we now desire you will give us some in _English_ Glasses.

The Governor made answer, We are glad to hear you have such a Dislike for what is _French_. They cheat you in your Glasses, as well as in every thing else. You must consider we are at a Distance from _Williamsburg, Annapolis_, and _Philadelphia_, where our Rum Stores are, and that although we brought up a good Quantity with us, you have almost drunk it out; but, notwithstanding this, we have enough left to fill our _English_ Glasses, and will shew the Difference between the Narrowness of the _French_, and the Generosity of your Brethren the _English_ towards you.

The _Indians_ gave, in their Order, five _Yo-hahs_; and the honourable Governor and Commissioners calling for some Rum, and some middle-sized Wine-Glasses, drank Health to the _great King of_ England, and the _Six Nations_, and put an end to the Treaty by three loud Huzza's, in which all the Company joined.

In the Evening the Governor went to take his Leave of the _Indians_, and, presenting them with a String of Wampum, he told them, that was in return for one he had received of them, with a Message to desire the Governor of _Virginia_ to suffer their Warriors to go through _Virginia_ unmolested, which was rendered unnecessary by the present Treaty.

Then, presenting them with another String of Wampum, he told them, that was in return for theirs, praying him, that as they had taken away one Part of _Conrad Weiser_'s Beard, which frightened their Children, he would please to take away the other, which he had ordered to be done.

_The_ Indians _received these two Strings of Wampum with the usual Yo-hah_.

The Governor then asked them, what was the Reason that more of the _Shawanaes_, from their Town on _Hohio_, were not at the Treaty? But seeing that it would require a Council in Form, and perhaps another Day to give an Answer, he desired they would give an Answer to _Conrad Weiser_ upon the Road on their Return home, for he was to set out for _Philadelphia_ the next Morning.

_C A N A S S A T E G O in Conclusion spoke at follows:_

We have been hindered, by a great deal of Business, from waiting on you, to have some private Conversation with you, chiefly to enquire after the Healths of _Onas_ beyond the Water; we desire you will tell them, we have a grateful Sense of all their Kindnesses for the _Indians_. Brother _Onas_ told us, when he went away, he would not stay long from us; we think it is a great while, and want to know when we may expect him, and desire, when you write, you will recommend us heartily to him; which the Governor promised to do, and then took his Leave of them.

The Commissioners of _Virginia_ gave _Canassatego_ a Scarlet Camblet Coat, and took their Leave of them in Form, and at the same time delivered the Passes to them, according to their Request.

The Commissioners of _Maryland_ presented _Gachradodow_ with a broad Gold-laced Hat, and took their Leave of them in the same Manner.

_A true Copy, compared by_

Richard Peters, Secr.

[Footnote 7: Onandio, the Governor of _Canada_.]

[Footnote 8: _Tarachawagon, Conrad Weiser_.]

A

=T R E A T Y=

BETWEEN

H I S E X C E L L E N C Y

The Honourable George Clinton,

Captain-General and Governor in Chief of the Province of _New-York_, and the Territories thereon depending in America, Vice-Admiral of the same, and Vice-Admiral of the Red Squadron of His Majesty's Fleet.

A N D

The Six United _Indian_ Nations, and other _Indian_ Nations, depending on the Province of _N E W-Y O R K_.

Held at _A L B A N Y_ in the Months of _August_ and _September_, 1746.

_A_ T R E A T Y _between his Excellency the Governor of the Province of_ New-York, _and the_ Six Nations, _and other_ Indian _Nations, depending on said Province._

It is well known in the Province of _New-York_, that the _Six Nations_ of _Indians_ depending on this Province, (called _Iroquois_ by the _French_) had lately on several Occasions, appear'd dissatisfied and wavering in their Fidelity to the _British_ Crown. No doubt, this was principally occasion'd by the Artifices of the _French_ of _Canada_, who had constantly Emissaries among them: But at the same Time there is Reason to think, the suspicious Behaviour of these Nations, in Favour of their once inveterate Enemy the _French_, could not have arriv'd to the Pitch it did, otherwise than by some Neglects or Misconduct of those who were entrusted by the Government of _New-York_ with the Management of the _Indian_ Affairs.

His Excellency the Governor of _New-York_, having received his Majesty's Commands, to engage the _Indian_ Nations depending on his Government, to join in the Expedition then intended against _Canada_, and to make them the usual Presents on that Occasion; and being sensible of the great Use these _Nations_ might be to the Success of this Enterprize, and likewise of the Difficulties that probably might attend his Endeavours at this Time, was desirous to have had the Assistance of as many of the Members of his Majesty's Council as the Circumstances of Affairs would permit; but they all declined to give their Attendance, except Mr. _Colden_ and Mr. _Livingston_. His Excellency was therefore obliged to act with the smallest Number of Members, which by his Majesty's Commission can form a Council, _viz_. Three; the above two Gentlemen and Capt. _Rutherford_, who was then at his Post in _Albany_.

As soon as his Excellency received his Majesty's Commands, he dispatched from _Albany_ such Persons as, by the best Information he could receive, had Influence among the _Six Nations_, to invite them severally to meet him at _Albany_, on the 20th of _July_. His Excellency arriv'd at _Albany_ the 21st of _July_, where having heard, that, besides the Small-Pox, (which his Excellency never had) many were sick of a contagious malignant Fever, he continued on board the Sloop which carried him up, to consider where to lodge with the least Danger to his Person from the Infection of these Distempers; and the next Morning resolved to go into the Fort. He was received at his Landing with the usual Marks of Respect from the Corporation, the independent Companies of regular Troops then in the Place, and the Militia, under a Discharge of the Cannon of the Fort and Town.

In the Afternoon of the same Day on which his Excellency came on shore, three _Indians, viz_. two _Onandagos_ and an _Oneydo_, brought two _French_ Scalps and presented to his Excellency: At which Time the Leader of the Party made a formal Speech to the following Purpose: 'That having had repeated Accounts of the Mischiefs done by the _French_, and of the frequent Murders committed by them, and that the _Mohawks_, notwithstanding their Professions of Friendship, suffered this Bloodshed to remain unrevenged, his Heart could bear it no longer; he thereupon resolved to open for his Brethren the Path to Revenge: That these two Scalps which he now presented were taken at Noonday in sight of the _French_ Fort at _Crown Point_.' His Excellency told him how well he took this special Mark of his Fidelity, and assured him, that he would not only now reward him and his Companions, by particular Presents, but would always remember this Act of Friendship. They had already received the Reward given by the Act of Assembly. His Excellency gave each of them four _Spanish_ Dollars; to the Leader a fine laced Coat and Hat, and a silver Breast-Plate; and to each of the others a Stroud Blanket and lac'd Hat.

These _Indians_ told us, that they lay several Days among the Bushes, from whence they could see every Man that came out of the Fort-Gate. They endeavoured for some time to take a Prisoner, but observing that none went to such a Distance from the Fort that they could hope to carry him off, they resolved to take the first Opportunity for a Scalp: Two Soldiers coming out of the Fort, after the Chapel Bell had rung about Noon, one of the _Indians_, by their Leader's Order, fired with Swan Shot upon them while they were near to each other. It is a constant Rule among these sculking Parties, never to fire without Orders from their Leader. One of the _French_ Men was killed upon the Spot, the other wounded, and fled immediately towards the Fort Gate, the _Indian_ who had fired, pursu'd, and with his Hatchet brought him down within a hundred Steps of the Fort Gate; and, though the _French_ in the Fort rushed out at the Gate, he took his Scalp off; the others had scalped the Man that was first killed, and then they all fled. The _French_ in their Hurry had run out without their Arms, and upon recollecting themselves return'd to arm, which facilitated the Escape of the _Indians_.

His Excellency being informed, that the Leader of this Party was desirous to be distinguished by his Excellency's giving him a new Name, and that a Name, which in the Language of the _Six Nations_ signified the _Path-opener_, would be most acceptable to him; his Excellency honour'd him with that Title; which he accepted very thankfully, and seem'd exceedingly pleased with it: Whereupon he said, that the other two _Indians_ having associated with a _Mehikander_, or _River Indian_, were resolved to go out against the Enemy: But as he thought he might be more useful by staying, to assist at the ensuing Treaty, he was resolved to remain here. He added, that in case the Interpreter, and others sent to invite the _Six Nations_ to meet here, fail'd in any Part, he would go among the _Six Nations_, and doubted not to bring many by his Influence, who otherwise might stay.

In a Day or two after, six of seven _Indians_, who had been sent out by the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs to _Crown-Point_, to take Prisoners, and gain Intelligence, returned and said, That they had gone to that Place, and that in sight of it they had separated, with, Design thereby to surprize any Stragler that might have come out of the Fort: That while they were thus separated, two of their Number were suddenly surrounded and taken by the Enemy: One of these two, after having been detained three or four Days, join'd the others at _Saraghtoga_. He said, that he had been threatened with death by the _Adirondacks_[9]; but that the _Cahnuagas_[10] interpos'd, and by their Intercession he was set at Liberty; and some of the _Cahnuagas_ conducted him through _Lac Sacrement_. He reported, that there was a great Number of Men, _French_ and _Indians_, at _Crown-Point._ The other Prisoner, an _Onondaga_, consented to remain with the _French_, and was sent to _Canada_.

Soon after this, sixteen _Mohawk Indians_ came to the Town, who had been sent out from the lower _Mohawk_ Castle by Mr. _Johnson_, to gain Intelligence near _Crown-Point_, and to take Prisoners. They reported that they had discovered so great a Number of _French_ and _Indians_ at _Crown-Point_, that they had no Hopes of being able to bring off any Prisoners, and thought it adviseable to return speedily and inform of the great Danger they thought this Place was in. His Excellency invited them to go thither again, in order to descry the Motions of the Enemy: And as a farther Encouragement to them, to either Scalp or take Prisoners, he offered every Person of said Party that should take a Scalp or Prisoner, a Piece of Stroud, and a Suit of laced Clothes, besides the Bounty; but they, being frightened with the Apprehensions of Danger, declined going back, and said, they must return Home and acquaint their Friends and Relations with what they had heard and seen. Several other _Indians_ likewise alarmed the _Mohawks_, by telling them that the _French_ had a great Force at _Crown-Point_, and that they would certainly attack either _Albany_ or _Schenectade_, or the Settlements on the _Mohawks_ River, or perhaps several Places at the same Time.

Mr. _Johnson_, and the commanding Officer of the Garrison of regular Troops in the _Mohawks_ Country, by their Letters to his Excellency, confirm'd these Reports; and added, the _Mohawks_ had entertain'd Apprehensions of the _French_ Force at _Crown-Point_, which was like to have a bad Effect. On this his Excellency wrote to Mr. _Johnson_, that all these Stories of the _French_ Force at _Crown-Point_ were only Artifices of the _French_ to intimidate the _Indians_, or to amuse them, with Design to frustrate the Treaty which he intended to have with them; and that he was to assure the _Indians_, that they could be in no Danger from the _French:_ However, that they might see that he would omit nothing which they might think necessary for their Security, he had ordered a Lieutenant of Militia, with thirty Men, to reinforce the lower Castle, and had likewise ordered the Captain of Militia near the upper Castle, to assist the _Indians_ there in fortifying their Castle, and to hold himself in Readiness to support them on any Emergency.

One _John Colan_, a _Frenchman_, who some Years since had removed from _Canada_, and settled and married at _Schenectade_, and who has since that Time lived in good Reputation there, was sent by Major _Glen_ to inform his Excellency, that one _Aaron_, a noted _Mohawk_ Sachem, who with several others of the _Six Nations_, had been last Spring in _Canada_ to treat with the Governor there, did then entertain two _Cahnuaga Indians_. This Man, _John Colan_, acquainted his Excellency, that having discovered the _Cahnuaga Indians_, he told them he was a _Frenchman_, and was desirous of returning to his own Country, on which they began presently to propose to him Methods for his Escape; at which Time, this _Aaron_ coming near them, he express'd his Fears of being discovered by him. They answered, that he need not fear _Aaron_, for he was their Friend, and designed to go with them. As they proposed to him to escape privately by himself, and to meet them at a Place they named, he told them of his Fears, in that Case, of meeting with the _French Indians_ while he was alone. They answered, that if he dress'd himself like an _Indian_, the _French Indians_ would do him no Hurt, without first calling to him; upon which, if he stopp'd and call'd out _Maria_, the _French Indians_ would be so far from hurting him, that they would immediately come up to him and take him by the Hand. From this, and several other Incidents, which it would be tedious to relate, his Excellency was convinced of some secret Understanding between the _Six Nations_ and the _Cahnuagas_, or _French Indians:_ And that, however any Party of our _Indians_ might be induced to fall upon the _French_, they would not at that Time molest the _French Indians_, nor prevent the Mischiefs which the Inhabitants received from their sculking Parties.

For this Reason, his Excellency endeavoured to send out again the Company of Rangers, which had formerly been employed against the sculking _Indians:_ But, as the Assembly had made no Provision for this Expence, they refused to go, unless he gave his personal Bond for their Pay, at _three Shillings_ a Day for each private Man, besides their Provision; and would not be satisfied with the Promises that he, by the Advice of the Council, made them of recommending their Service to the General Assembly, and the Assurances he gave them of their being rewarded as they desired.

On their continuing obstinate, his Excellency was of Opinion, that no considerable Service could be expected from Men, who were moved by no other Principle but that of excessive Wages: And he had Reason afterwards to be confirmed in this Opinion, when Captain _Langdon_, and afterwards Captain _Thebout_, voluntarily went with their Companies of the new-levied Troops to scour the Woods, and took some of these _Albany_ Men with them as Guides, who whenever they apprehended themselves in Danger, by the Discovery of recent Tracts, some one or other of them could not be kept from firing their Guns, or making some Noise, by which the _French Indians_, if any were near them, must know how to avoid them. Some _Indians_, who were likewise sent out in Company with these Men, complained in like Manner.

The publick Interpreter, whom the Governor (as before observed) had sent with others, to invite the _Six Nations_ to meet him at _Albany_, wrote to the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs, That they met with great Difficulties and Obstructions from the _Sachems_, who had been lately at _Canada:_ That the _Oneydoes_ refused to give any Answer, tho' they had staid there thirteen Days endeavouring to persuade them; and that the _Cayugas_ had absolutely refused to meet the Governor. On which his Excellency desired to be informed by the Commissioners of _Indian_ Affairs, whether they knew of any Person of Influence or Interest with the _Indians_, and fit to be sent among them on this Occasion. They answered, that they knew of none; and that the _Indians_ were in a very bad Disposition, and much under the Influence of the _French_.

About this time his Excellency being informed, that the Interpreter, and others sent with him, had neglected to send proper Invitations to the _Indians_ living on the Branches of _Susquehannah_ River; and that Captain _Vroman_, of _Scohary_, was a proper Person to be sent to those _Indians_; he sent him, in Company with Captain _Staats_, with a Belt of _Wampum_ to invite them.

While the _Indian_ Affairs appear'd in this discouraging State, an Account came to Town, that about twenty young _Chickesaws_ were come to the _Senekas_, to desire them to shew them the Way to _Canada_. The _Chickesaws_ had always been Enemies to the _French:_ A Party of about five hundred Men had, four Years before, been sent out against them from _Canada_, who were so entirely routed by the _Chickesaws_, that few returned. These young _Chickesaws_ told the _Senekas_, that the _French_ of _Canada_ had, about four Years since, made them a Visit, and were so kind to leave them four hundred Guns, which were now wore out; and, since the _French_ had not thought fit to bring them any more Guns, they were resolved to go to _Canada_ to fetch new ones; and promised, that if the _Senekas_ would shew them the Way, they would go Home and return with four hundred stout Fellows. Some other _Indian_ Nations who lived to the Westward, discovering their Aversion to the _French_ at the same Time, these Incidents assisted the Governor's Messengers in bringing more _Indians_ to _Albany_ than they expected, when they wrote to the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs.