PART I.

_The History of the_ Five Nations, _from the Time the Christians first knew any Thing of them, to that of the Revolution in_ Great-Britain.

* * * * *

CHAP. I.

_Of the Wars of the_ Five Nations _with the_ Adirondacks _and_ Quatoghies.

The first Settlers of _New-York_ having been little curious in inquiring into the _Indian Affairs_, further than what related to Trade; or, at least, having neglected to transmit their Discoveries to Posterity, it is much more difficult to give a just History of these Nations before, than since the Time of their being under the _Crown of England_. What we can learn of Certainty, however, is this. The _French_ settled at _Canada_ in the Year 1603, six Years before the _Dutch_ possessed themselves of _New-Netherlands_, now called _New-York_, and found the _Five Nations_ at War with the _Adirondacks_, which, they tell us, was occasioned in the following Manner.

The _Adirondacks_ formerly lived three-hundred Miles above _Trois Rivieres_, where now the _Utawawas_ are situated; at that Time they employ'd themselves wholly in Hunting, and the _Five Nations_ made planting of Corn their Business. By this Means they became useful to each other, by exchanging Corn for Venison. The _Adirondacks_, however, valued themselves, as delighting in a more manly Employment, and despised the _Five Nations_, in following Business, which they thought only fit for Women. But it once happened, that the Game failed the _Adirondacks_, which made them desire some of the young Men of the _Five Nations_ to assist them in Hunting. These young Men soon became much more expert in Hunting, and able to endure Fatigues, than the _Adirondacks_ expected or desired; in short, they became jealous of them, and, one Night, murdered all the young Men they had with them. The _Five Nations_ complained to the Chiefs of the _Adirondacks_, of the Inhumanity of this Action; but they contented themselves with blaming the Murderers, and ordered them to make some small[3] Presents to the Relations of the murdered Persons, without being apprehensive of the Resentment of the _Five Nations_; for they looked upon them, as Men not capable of taking any great Revenge.

This however provoked the _Five Nations_ to that Degree, that they soon resolved, by some Means, to be revenged; and the _Adirondacks_ being informed of their Designs, thought to prevent them, by reducing them with Force to their Obedience.

The _Five Nations_ then lived near where _Mont Real_ now stands; they defended themselves at first but faintly against the vigorous Attacks of the _Adirondacks_, and were forced to leave their own Country, and fly to the Banks of the Lakes where they live now. As they were hitherto Losers by the War, it obliged them to apply themselves to the Exercise of Arms, in which they became daily more and more expert. Their _Sachems_, in order to raise their People's Spirits, turned them against the _Satanas_[4], a less warlike Nation, who then lived on the Banks of the Lakes; for they found it was difficult to remove the Dread their People had of the Valour of the _Adirondacks_. The _Five Nations_ soon subdued the _Satanas_, and drove them out of their Country; and their People's Courage being thus elevated, they, from this Time, not only defended themselves bravely against the whole Force of the _Adirondacks_, but often carried the War into the Heart of the _Adirondacks_'s Country, and, at last, forced them to leave it, and to fly into that Part of the Country, where _Quebeck_ is now built.

There are more Instances than one in History, of poor dispirited Nations, that by some signal Affront or Abuse have had their Spirits so raised, that they have not only performed notable Things on a sudden, but, if they happened, at the same Time, to be led and governed by wise Men, have so far kept up, and improved that Spirit, that they have become, in a Manner, a different People. Let us examine History, and we shall find, that the different Figure every Country has made in the World, has been ever principally owing to the Principles which were inculcated into, and carefully cultivated in the People. In this chiefly consists the Art of making a Nation glorious, or the Crime of debasing them into Servitude or Slavery. It was from the Notions of Liberty, Honour, and Glory, and such wise and generous Principles, which the meanest Citizen among the old _Romans_ entertained, that they became so great and powerful, and a Terror to all Nations; as the sordid, timorous, cunning Artifices, and the Love of Wealth and sensual Pleasures, cultivated among the present _Romans_, has debased them now into the meanest and least feared Nation on the Earth. The History of the _Five Nations_ will readily shew, how far the ancient _Roman_ Principles have been cultivated among them.

Soon after this Change of the People of these Nations, the _French_ arrived at _Canada_, and settled at _Quebeck_; and they thinking it adviseable to gain the Esteem and Friendship of the _Adirondacks_, in whose Country they settled, _Monsieur Champlain_, the first Governor of _Canada_, joined the _Adirondacks_ in an Expedition against the _Five Nations_. They met a Party of two-hundred Men of the _Five Nations_ in _Corlar's Lake_, which the _French_, on this Occasion called by _Monsieur Champlain's_ Name, and both Sides went ashore to prepare for Battle, which proved to the Disadvantage of the _Five Nations_. The _French_, in short, kept themselves undiscover'd, till the Moment they began to join Battle; and their Fire-arms surprised the _Five Nations_ so much, that they were immediately put into Confusion; for, before that Time, they had never seen such Weapons. The Trade with the _French_, soon after this, drew most of the neighbouring Nations to _Quebeck_, and they all joined in the War against the _Five Nations_.

The _Adirondacks_ having their Numbers thus increased, and their Fire-arms giving them new Confidence, proposed nothing less to themselves, than the intire Destruction of the _Five Nations_. Upon this, their young Warriors became fierce and insolent, and would not be kept under any Discipline or Subjection to their Captains; but, upon all Occasions, rashly attacked the Enemy, who were obliged to keep themselves upon the defensive; and to make up what they wanted in Force, by Stratagems, and a skilful Management of the War. The young Men of the _Five Nations_ soon perceived the Advantages they gained by this Conduct, and every Day grew more submissive to their Captains, and diligent in executing any Enterprize.

The _Five Nations_ sent out small Parties only, who meeting with great Numbers of the _Adirondacks_, retired before them with seeming Terror, while the _Adirondacks_ pursued them with Fury, and without Thought, till they were cunningly drawn into Ambuscades, where most of their Men were killed or taken Prisoners, with little or no Loss to the _Five Nations_.

The _Adirondacks_, by this Means, wasted away, and their boldest Soldiers were almost intirely destroy'd, while the Number of the _Five Nations_ were increased, by the Addition of the Prisoners, which they took from the _Satanas_.

The wisest and best Soldiers of the _Adirondacks_, when it was too late, now at length discovered, that they must learn the Art of War from those Enemies that they at first despised; and now five of their Captains endeavoured to perform by themselves singly, with Art and by Stratagem, what they could not do by Force at the Head of their Armies; they had however no longer any Hopes of conquering, their Thoughts were only set on Revenge.

It is not improper to observe here, once for all, that in writing the History of _Indians_, it is often necessary to give an Account of the Enterprizes of single Persons, otherwise the _Indian_ Genius can never be known, or their Manner of making War understood. An _Indian_ named _Piskaret_ was at this Time one of the Captains of greatest Fame among the _Adirondacks:_ This bold Man, with four other Captains, set out for _Trois-Rivieres_ in one Canoe, each of them being provided with three Musquets, which they loaded with two Bullets apiece, joined with a small Chain ten Inches long; they met with five Canoes in _Sorel River_, each having ten Men of the _Five Nations_ on Board. _Piskaret_ and his Captains, as soon as those of the _Five Nations_ drew near, pretended to give themselves up for lost, and sung their Death Song,[5] then suddenly fired upon the Canoes, which they repeated with the Arms that lay ready loaded, and tore those Birch Vessels betwixt Wind and Water. The Men of the _Five Nations_ were so surprized, that they tumbled out of their Canoes, and gave _Piskaret_ and his Companions the Opportunity of knocking as many of them on the Head as they pleased, and saving the others, to feed their Revenge, which they did, by burning them alive with the most cruel Torments. This however was so far from glutting _Piskaret_'s Revenge, that it seemed rather to give a keener Edge to it; for he soon after undertook another Enterprize, in which none of his Countrymen durst accompany him: He was well acquainted with the Country of the _Five Nations_, and set out about the Time the Snow began to melt, with the Precaution of putting the hinder Part of his Snow Shoes forward, that if any should happen upon his Footsteps, they might think he was gone the contrary Way; and, for further Security, went along the Ridges and high Grounds, where the Snow was melted, that his Track might be often lost; when he came near one of the Villages of the _Five Nations_, he hid himself till Night, and then entered a Cabin, while every Body was fast asleep, murdered the whole Family, and carried their Scalps into his lurking Place. The next day the People of the Village searched for the Murderer in vain. The following Night he murdered all he found in another Cabin. The Inhabitants next Day searched likewise in vain for the Murderer; but the third Night a Watch was kept in every House. _Piskaret_ in the Night bundled up the Scalps he had taken the two former Nights, to carry, as the Proof of his Victory, and then stole privately from House to House, till at last he found an _Indian_ nodding, who was upon the Watch in one of the Houses; he knockt this Man on the Head; but as this alarmed the rest, he was forced immediately to fly. He was however under no great Concern from the Pursuit, being more swift of Foot than any _Indian_ then living. He let his Pursuers come near him from Time to Time, and then would dart from them. This he did with Design to tire them out with the Hopes of overtaking Him. As it began to grow dark, he hid himself, and his Pursuers stop'd to rest. They not being apprehensive of any Danger from a single Man, soon fell asleep, and the bold _Piskaret_ observing this, knock'd them all on the Head, and carried away their Scalps with the rest. Such Stories as these are told among the _Indians_, as extraordinary Instances of the Courage and Conduct of their Captains. The _Indians_ will often travel thus three or four Hundred Miles singly, or two or three in Company, and lurk about their Enemy's Borders for several Weeks, in Hopes to revenge the Death of a near Relation or dear Friend. Indeed they give themselves so very much up to Revenge, that this Passion seems to gnaw their Souls, and gives them no Rest till they satisfy it. It is this Delight in Revenge, that makes all barbarous Nations cruel; and the curbing such Passions is one of the happy Effects of being civilized.

The _Five Nations_ are so much delighted with Stratagems in War, that no Superiority of their Forces ever make them neglect them. They amused the _Adirondacks_ and their Allies the _Quatoghies_ (called by the _French Hurons_) by sending to the _French_, and desiring Peace. The _French_ desired them to receive some Priests among them, in Hopes that those prudent Fathers would, by some Art, reconcile them to their Interest, and engage their Affections. The _Five Nations_ readily accepted the Offer, and some _Jesuits_ went along with them: But after they had the Jesuits in their Power, they used them only as Hostages, and thereby obliged the _French_ to stand neuter, while they prepared to attack the _Adirondacks_ and _Quatoghies_, and they defeated the _Quatoghies_ in a dreadful Battle fought within two Leagues of _Quebeck_.

The _French_ own, That if the _Five Nations_ had known their Weakness at that Time, they might have easily destroyed the whole Colony.

This Defeat, in Sight of the _French_ Settlements, struck Terror into all their Allies, who were at that Time very numerous, because of the Trade with the _French_, which furnished them with many the most useful Conveniences; for before that Time the _Indians_ had no Iron Tool among them.

The _Nipeceriniens_, who then lived on the Banks of _St. Laurence River_, fled upon this to the Northward, believing that the extreme Coldness of the Climate, and a barren Soil, would be the securest Defence against the Ambition of the _Five Nations_. The Remainder of the _Quatoghies_ fled with the _Utawawas_ Southwestward; and for the greater Security, settled in an Island, which being further than the Name of the _Five Nations_ had then reached, they trusted to the Distance of the Place, and the Advantage of its Situation.

Their last Expedition having succeeded so well, the _Five Nations_ gave out, that they intended next Winter to visit _Yonnendio_, (the Name they give to the Governor of _Canada_;) these Visits are always made with much Shew. Under this Pretence they gathered together 1000 or 1200 Men. Their out Scouts met with _Piskaret_ near _Niccolet River_, and still pretending a friendly Visit to the Governor of _Canada_, as their only Design, he told them, that the _Adirondacks_ were divided into two Bodies, one of which hunted on the North Side of _St. Laurence River_ at _Wabmake_, three Leagues above _Trois Rivieres_, and the other at _Nicolet_. As soon as they had gained this Information, they killed him, and returned with his Head to the Army. The _Five Nations_ divided likewise into two Bodies; they surprized the _Adirondacks_ in both Places, and in both cut them in pieces.

Thus the most warlike and polite Nation of all the _Indians_ in _North America_, was almost intirely destroyed by a People they at first despised, and by a War which their Pride and Injustice brought upon them; and we here see, that all the Advantages of Numbers, Courage and Weapons, is not equal to good discipline in an Army.

A very few _Adirondacks_ only now remain in some Villages near _Quebeck_, who still waste away and decay, by their drinking strong Waters, tho' when the _French_ first settled at _Quebeck_, 1500 fighting Men of them lived between that Place and _Sillerie_, which are only a League distant, besides those that lived at _Saquenay, Trois Rivieres_, and some other Places. And since this decisive Battle, the _Adirondacks_ have never been considered as of any Consequence, either in Peace or War.

The _Quatoghies_ and _Atawawas_ now soon began to be in Want of the _European_ Commodities, which had made them considerable among their new Friends. In order therefore to supply themselves anew, they returned to Trade at _Quebeck_; and by this Means the Place of their Retreat was discovered to the _five Nations_; and they not having their Revenge satiated, while the _Quatoghies_ had a Being, soon convinced them, that no Extent of Country could set bounds to that Passion, when it rages in the Hearts of the _Five Nations_, for they soon after attack'd them in their new Settlement. The _Quatoghies_ had the good Fortune to discover the _Five Nations_ Time enough to make their Escape, and fled to the _Putewatemies_, who lived a Day's Journey further, where they, and all the Neighbouring Nations, secured themselves in a large Fort. The _Five Nations_ followed, but, being in Want of Provision, they could not attempt a Siege, and therefore proposed a Treaty with the _Putewatemies_, which was accepted. The _Putewatemies_ acknowledged the _Five Nations_ as Masters of all the Nations round them, applauded their Valour, and promised them their Friendship, and to supply them with Provisions; they would not however trust themselves out of their Fort, but sent out a Supply; and even this they did, only with Design to do that by Treachery, which they durst not attempt by Force; for the Provisions were poisoned. The Treachery was discovered however to the _Five Nations_, by an old _Quatoghie_, who had a Son Prisoner among them; his Affection for his Son overcoming even his Hatred to his Country's Enemies. This Treachery highly enraged the _Five Nations_ against the _Putewatemies_, and the neighbouring People; but Famine obliging them to retire at this Time, they divided their Armies into Parties, the better to provide for their Subsistence, by Hunting; one of these Parties in their Chace fell in with a Village of the _Chicktaghicks_ (called by the _French Hinois_) and surprized the old Men, Women and Children, when the young Men were abroad hunting; but the young Men, upon their Return, gathering together all the rest of the Villages, pursued this Party of the _Five Nations_, and recovered the Prisoners.

This was the first Time that the _Five Nations_ had been seen in those Parts, but their Name was become so terrible, that the _Chictaghicks_, notwithstanding this Advantage, left their Country, and fled to the Nations that lived westward, till the General Peace was settled by the _French_, and not till on that Occasion returned to their own Country.

[Footnote 3: It is still a Custom among the _Indians_, to expiate Murder by Presents to the Relations of the Person killed.]

[Footnote 4: They are called _Shaouonons_, by the _French_, and live now on one of the Banks of the Misissipi.]

[Footnote 5: It is a Custom among the _Indian_ Prisoners of War, when led to Death, to sing an Account of their own Exploits; and this they are hardy enough to continue even in the midst of Tortures.]

CHAP. II.

_The Wars and Treaties of Peace of the_ Indians _of the_ Five Nations _with the_ French, _from_ 1665 _to_ 1683, _and their Affairs with_ New-York _in that Time_.

In _June_ 1665 _Monsieur De Trasi_ appointed _Vice-Roy_ of _America_ by the _French King_, arrived at _Quebeck_, after he had visited the _French Islands_ in the _West Indies_, and brought with him four Companies of Foot; and in _September_ of the same Year, _Mr. Coursel_ arrived Governor General of _Canada_; he brought with him a Regiment and several Families, with all Things necessary for establishing of a Colony. Their Force being now thus considerably augmented, the _French_ Governor resolved to chastise the Insolence of the _Five Nations_; and for that Purpose, in the Winter, sent out a Party against the _Mohawks_, but these by the Cold, and their not knowing the Use of Snow Shoes, suffered very much, without doing any Thing against the Enemy.

This Party however fell in with _Skenectady_[6], a small Town which _Corlear_ (a considerable Man among the _Dutch_) had then newly settled. When they appeared near _Shenectady_, they were almost dead with Cold and Hunger; and the _Indians_, who were then in that Village, had intirely destroyed them, if _Corlear_, (in Compassion to his fellow Christians) had not contriv'd their Escape. He had a mighty Influence over the _Indians_; and it is from him, and in Remembrance of his Merit, that all Governors of _New-York_ are called _Corlear_ by the _Indians_ to this Day, tho' he himself was never Governor. He persuaded the _Indians_, that this was a small Party of the _French_ Army come to amuse them, that the great Body was gone directly towards their Castles, and that it was necessary for them immediately to go in Defence of their Wives and Children. This they believed, and readily obeyed; and as soon as the _Indians_ were gone, he sent to the _French_, and supplied them with Provisions and other Necessaries to carry them back. The _French_ Governor, in Order to reward so signal a Service, invited _Corlear_ to _Canada_; but as he went through the great Lake, which lies to the Northward of _Albany_, his Canoe was overset, and he was drowned; and from this Accident that Lake has ever since been called _Corlear_'s _Lake_, by the People of _New-York_. There is a Rock in this Lake, on which the Waves dash and fly up to a great Height; when the Wind blows hard, the _Indians_ believe, that an old _Indian_ lives under this Rock, who has the Power of the Winds; and therefore, as they pass it in their Voyages over, they always throw a Pipe, or some other small Present to this old _Indian_, and pray a favourable Wind. The _English_ that pass with them sometimes laugh at them, but they are sure to be told of _Corlear_'s Death. Your great Countryman _Corlear_ (say they) as he passed by this Rock, jested at our Fathers making Presents to this _Old Indian_, and in Derision turned up his Backside, but this Affront cost him his Life.

In the following Spring the _Vice-Roy_ and the _Governor of Canada_, with twenty eight Companies of Foot, and all the Militia of the Colony, marched into the Country of the _Mohawks_, with a Design to destroy this Nation, which by their Wars not only prevented their Commerce with the western _Indians_, but likewise often put their Colony in Danger. It certainly was a bold Attempt, to march above 700 Miles from _Quebeck_ through vast unknown Forests. The _Mohawks_ however, on their Approach, Men, Women, and Children, retired into the Woods, and all that the _French_ were able to do, was to burn some Villages, and to murder some old _Sachems_ that (like the old Roman Senators,) chose rather to dye than to desert their Houses.

The _French_ were so conceited before, of their Superiority over the _Indians_ in their Skill of War, and their Weapons, that they thought they could not escape, but the little Honour or Advantage they got by this Expedition lessened their Vanity, and made them desirous of Peace; and the _Five Nations_ remaining fearful of the _French fire Arms_, it was without much Difficulty concluded in the Year 1667.

The _Five Nations_ however being naturally very enterprizing and haughty, one of their Parties some Time after met with some _French_ in their hunting, and quarrelled with them. The _Indians_ had the Advantage, they killed several of the _French_, and carried one Prisoner into their own Country. _Monsieur de Coursel_ sent on this to threaten the _Five Nations_ with War, if they did not deliver up these Murderers; and the _Five Nations_, to shew their publick Displeasure at this Breach of Peace, sent _Agariata_, the Captain of the Company that did the Mischief, with forty others, to beg Pardon; but _Monsieur Coursel_ was resolved to make an Example of _Agariata_, and ordered him to be hanged in Sight of his Countrymen; and the _French_ think that this Severity was a great Means of preserving the Peace till the Year 1683.

The _Dutch_, who settled in the _New Netherlands_, now called _New-York_, in 1609, entered into an Alliance with the Five Nations, which continued without any Breach on either Side, till the _English_ gained this Country. The _Dutch_ gained the Hearts of the _Five Nations_ by their kind Usage, and were frequently useful to the _French_, in saving those of them that were prisoners from the Cruelty of the _Indians_.

In 1664, _New-York_ being taken by the _English_, they likewise immediately entered into a Friendship with the _Five Nations_, which has continued without the least Breach to this Day; and History, I believe, cannot give an Instance of the most Christian or most Catholick Kings observing a Treaty so strictly, and for so long a Time as these Barbarians, as they are called, have done.

The _English_ and _French_ (Peace being every where settled) now endeavoured to extend their Commerce and Alliances among the _Indian Nations_, that live to the westward of _New-York_. The _French_ however, in their Measures, discovered always a Design of conquering and commanding; for with this View _Mr. de Frontenac_, who had succeeded in the Government of _Canada_, in the Year 1672, persuaded the _Five Nations_ to allow him to build a Fort on the north Side of _Cadarackui Lake_, under Pretence of a Store for _Merchandise_, and the Security of his Traders, and under the same Pretence built several other Forts at some other considerable Places far in the Country.

The _English_ and _Dutch_, on the contrary, prosecuted their Measures only with the Arts of Peace, by sending People among the _Indians_ to gain their Affections, and to persuade them to come to _Albany_ to trade; but the War with the _Dutch_, which happened about this Time, prevented even these honest Designs from having the Success they otherwise might have had; for in the Year 1673, _New-York_ being surprised by the _Dutch_, and restored the next Year to the _English_, the Alterations of Government, and of Masters, obstructed very much any Measures that could have been taken for the publick Good. Their Trade was likewise considerably hindered by the War which the _Five Nations_ had at that Time with the River Indians[7], which forced many of those _Indians_ to seek Shelter among the _Utawawas_, who fell under the _French_ Government at last; however, the _English_, _Dutch_ and _French_ having all made Peace in _Europe_, and the Government of _New-York_ likewise having obtained a Peace between the _Five Nations_ and _Mahikandars_ or _River Indians_, both the _English_ and _French_ were at full Liberty to prosecute their Designs of extending their Commerce among the _Indians_, which both did with very considerable Success and Advantage to the Inhabitants of their respective Colonies.

But this Justice must be done to the _French_, that they far exceeded the _English_ in the daring Attempts of some of their Inhabitants, in travelling very far among unknown _Indians_, discovering new Countries, and every where spreading the Fame of the _French_ Name and Grandeur. The _Sieur Perot_ travelled in the Year 1667 as far as _the Fall St. Mary_ beyond _Missilimakinak_, and having learned those _Indians_ Language, gained them over to his Country's Interest.

The Courage and Resolution of many of these Adventurers are deservedly recorded by the _French_; but the _English_ give it another Turn, and say it is the Barrenness and Poverty of _Canada_ that pushes the Men of Spirit there, upon Enterprizes, that they would not have attempted, if they had lived in the Province of _New-York_. The chief Reason, in my Opinion, however, of the _French_ having so far succeeded beyond the _English_ is, that the _Indian Affairs_ are the particular Care of the Governor and other principal Officers in _Canada_, who have the greatest Knowledge and Authority; whereas those Affairs in _New-York_ are chiefly left to the Management of a few Traders with the _Indians_, who have no Care for, or Skill in publick Affairs, and only mind their private Interest.

[Footnote 6: The _French_ call this Town _Corlear_, from the Persons Name who first settled there. It is situate on the _Mohawks_ River sixteen Miles from _Albany_.]

[Footnote 7: The _Indians_ living on the Branches of _Hudson_'s River, within or near the _English_ Settlements at that Time.]

CHAP. III.

_Of the Transactions of the_ Indians _of the_ Five Nations _with the neighbouring_ English _Colonies_.

The _Five Nations_ being now amply supplied by the _English_ with Fire-Arms and Ammunition, give full Swing to their warlike Genius, and soon resolved to revenge the Affronts they had at any Time received from the _Indian_ Nations that lived at a greater Distance from them. The nearest Nations, as they were attack'd, commonly fled to those that were further off, and the _Five Nations_ pursued them. This, together with a Desire they had of conquering, or Ambition of making all the Nations round them their Tributaries, or to acknowledge the _Five Nations_ to be so far their Masters, as to be absolutely directed by them in all Affairs of Peace and War with their Neighbours, made them overrun great Part of _North-America_. They carried their Arms as far South as _Carolina_, to the Northward of _New-England_, and as far West as the River _Mississipi_, over a vast Country, which extends twelve hundred Miles in Length, from North to South, and about six hundred Miles in breadth; where they intirely destroyed many Nations, of whom there are now no Accounts remaining among the _English_.

These warlike Expeditions often proved troublesome to the Colonies of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_; for not only the _Indians_ that were Friends to those Colonies became Victims to the Fury of the _Five Nations_, but the Christian Inhabitants likewise were frequently involved in the same Calamity.

The _French_ having a long Time felt the Inconveniencies and Dangers they were in from this restless warlike Spirit of the _Five Nations_, made use of this Time of Peace to guard against it for the future, and were very diligent in pursuing the most prudent Measures. They sent some of their wisest Priests and Jesuits to reside among them, and the Governors of _New-York_ were ordered, by the _Duke of York_, to give these Priests all the Incouragement in their Power. The chief View of these Priests was, to give the _Indians_ the highest Opinion of the _French Power_ and Wisdom, and to render the _English_ as suspected and as mean as possible in their Eyes. They waited likewise for every Opportunity to breed a Quarrel between the _English_ and the _Indians_, and to withdraw the _Five Nations_ from fighting with those Nations that traded to _Canada_. For these Purposes these Priests were instrumental in turning the Resentment of the _Five Nations_ against the _Indians_, that were in Friendship with _Virginia_ and _Maryland_. The Governor of _Maryland_, on the other Hand, to prevent the ill Consequences, that might happen by Wars between Nations that were in Friendship with the _English_, and lived in their Neighbourhood, sent _Colonel Coursey_, in the Year 1677, to _Albany_, to increase the Friendship between _Virginia_ and _Maryland_ on the one Part, and the _Five Nations_ on the other; and, accordingly, both Sides gave mutual Promises at _Albany_: But this good Understanding was soon shaken by some Parties of the _Oneydoes_, _Onondagas_, and _Senekas_, who were out when this Treaty was made, and were ignorant of it. One of them met with the _Susguehana Indians_, who were in Friendship with _Maryland_, and fell upon them; they killed four of the _Susguehanas_, and took six Prisoners. Five of these Prisoners fell to the Share of the _Senekas_, who, as soon as they arrived in their own Country, sent them back with Presents, to shew that they kept their Promises with _Maryland_; but the _Oneydoes_ detained the Prisoner they had.

Another Party, that went against the _Canagesse Indians_ (Friends of _Virginia_) were surprised by a Troop of Horse, who killed one Man, and took a Woman Prisoner: The _Indians_, in Revenge, killed four of the Inhabitants, and carried away their Scalps, with six Christian Prisoners.

The _Mohawks_, all this while, kept strictly to their Words, and suffered none of their Men to go towards _Virginia_ and _Maryland_.

There is Reason to think that the _Dutch_, who lived about _Albany_ at that Time, spirited up the _Indians_ against the _English_; the national Differences, that were then recent, bred a Rancour in their Spirits. Some _Dutchmen_ persuaded the _Oneydoes_, that the _English_ at _New-York_ were resolved to destroy them, and put them into a terrible Disturbance; for here the _Dutch_ and the _French_ Priests joined in the same Measures. The Commandant at _Albany_ hearing of this, sent two Interpreters of the _Indian_ Language, to persuade the _Oneydoes_ to come to _Albany_, in Order to be assured of the _English_ Friendship, and to have their Jealousy removed; which being done, _Swerise_, one of the chief _Sachems_ of the _Oneydoes_, excused his Countrymen at _Albany_ the fifteenth of _February_ 1678/9, by laying the Blame on the People of _Schenectady_, who had informed not one, but several of their People, and at several Times, that the _English_ designed to cut them all off; and said, had they not Reason to believe the People of _Schenectady_, who are Friends and Neighbours to the _English_? They brought with them a Christian Woman and her Child, that had been taken Prisoners, and restored them, praying the Governor to use his Interest to have their People restored, that had been taken by the People of _Virginia_; but they kept another Christian Woman and her two Children, which they said they did only till such Time as their Prisoners should be restored, or some _Canastoga Indians_ given in their Place.

When the _Five Nations_ make Peace with another Nation, that has taken some of the _Five Nations_ Prisoners, if these Prisoners be dead, or cannot be restored, they usually demand some _Indians_, in Friendship with the _Five Nations_, in their stead; who either are adopted in Place of their dead Friends, or restored to their own Nation; and sometimes they desire some of their Enemies to be given to them, and even those frequently are adopted by a Father in Place of a Son, or by a Sister in Place of a Brother, and, most frequently, by a Wife in Place of a Husband lost in the Wars; but if they chance not to be agreeable to the Relations, then they are certainly made Sacrifices to their Revenge.

Governor _Andross_, being acquainted by Letter with this last Proposal of the _Oneydoes_, required the immediate Delivery of the Christian Prisoners, and promised to write to _Virginia_ to have the _Indian_ Prisoners sav'd. Some Presents being given to the _Oneydoes_, and they promised to bring them in a Month's Time.

They, at the same Time, informed the Commandant at _Albany_, that eight of their Men were then out against the People of _Virginia_; that they knew nothing of what was now promised; and therefore, in Case they should do any Harm, they desired that it might not be taken as a Breach of their Promises they now made. They promised likewise to inform the Governor of every Thing these Parties shou'd happen to do. In the last Place they said, we shall be very sorry if any Thing should happen to the Prisoners that we have promised to restore, lest it should create some Jealousies of us, we hope that you will consider that they are mortal. Accordingly, in _May_ following, the _Oneydoes_ brought the other three Prisoners to _Albany_, and, on the Twenty-fourth of that Month, _Swerise_, when he delivered them to the Commandant at _Albany_, and the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs, said,

"_Brethren_,

"We are come to this Place with much Trouble, as we did last Winter, and renew the Request we then made, that six _Indians_ be delivered to us in the Room of these six Christians, in Case our People, who are Prisoners, be dead. None of us have gone out against the Christians since we were last here; but we told you then that some were then out, who knew nothing of the Governor's Orders, and we desired, that if any Thing happened it might not be taken ill. Now thirteen of our People, who went out against our _Indian_ Enemies, met eighteen Men on Horseback, as far from any of the _English_ Plantations as _Cahnuaga_ is from _Albany_, they fired upon our People; our Men, being Soldiers, returned their Fire, and killed two Men and two Horses, and brought away their Scalps.

"It would be convenient that the Governor tell the People of _Virginia_, not to send their Men so far from Home; for if they should meet our Parties in their Way against our Enemies, the _Cahnowas_, whom the _English_ call _Arogisti_, we cannot answer for the Consequences.

"We have now observed the Governor's Orders, in bringing the three other Christian Prisoners; and we trust the Affair of our Prisoners wholly to the Governor.

"We have now performed our Promises: But where are our Prisoners; or, if they be dead, the others in their Room, now when it is so late in the Spring? However, we will still trust this to the Governor."

Then delivering the Prisoners one by one, said, "We have, we say, now performed our Promises, and are not ashamed. We hope _Corlaer_, who governs the whole Country, will likewise do that, of which he need not be ashamed.

"_Corlaer_ governs the whole Land, from _New-York_ to _Albany_, and from thence to the _Senekas Land_; we, who are his Inferiors, shall faithfully keep the Chain: Let him perform his Promise, as we have ours, that the Chain be not broken on his Side, who governs the whole Country."

Then the Commissioners gave them Presents for their kind Usage of the Prisoners.

After which _Swerise_ stood up again and said; "Let _Corlaer_ take Care, that the _Indian_ Woman, that is wanting, be restored, and, for those that are killed, others in their Room. If _Corlaer_ will not give Ear to us in this Affair, we will not hereafter give Ear to him in any Thing."

Hearing afterwards, that these last Words were ill taken, _Swerise_, with two more of the chief _Oneydoe Sachems_, excused it, saying; "What we said, of not hearkening any more to _Corlaer_, did not proceed from the Heart, but was spoken by Way of Argument, to make _Corlaer_ more careful to release our People that are Prisoners; and you may be convinced it was so, when you consider that it was said after your Answer, and without laying down either Bever, or any Belt or Wampum, as we always do, when we make Propositions[8]; therefore we desire, that, if it be noted, it may be blotted out, and not made known to _Corlaer_, for we hold firmly to our Covenant, as we said in our Propositions."

They, at the same Time, told them, That the _Sinondowans_[9] came to them with eight Belts, desiring them no longer to prosecute the War with the _Virginia Indians_, but to go to War against the _Dewaganas_[10], a Nation lying to the North-westward; and that the _Sennekas_ did desire them to set these Christians at Liberty, and to carry them to _Albany_; all which we promised to do.

The _Five Nations_ continuing however still to be troublesome to _Virginia_, that Government, in _September_ following, sent Colonel _William Kendall_, and Colonel _Southley Littleton_, to _Albany_, to renew and confirm the Friendship between _Virginia_ and the _Five Nations_. Colonel _Littleton_ died at _Albany_, before the _Indians_ arrived; and Colonel _Kendall_ spoke first to the _Oneydoes_, and told them in a set Speech, "That their People had taken away and destroyed their Goods and People, and brought some of the Women and Children of _Virginia_ Captives into their Castles, contrary to that Faith and Promise, and in Breach of the Peace made with Colonel _Coursey_, without any the least Provocation, or Injury done, by the People of _Virginia_. However, through the great Respect _Virginia_ has to their Nations, and by the Persuasions of the Governor of _New-York_, and the Information he has given the Government of _Virginia_, that they had quietly and peaceably delivered to him the Prisoners taken from _Virginia_, who were returned safely; and their excusing the same, and Inclination to live peaceably, without injuring _Virginia_ for the future; the Government of _Virginia_ did forgive all the Damages the _Five Nations_ have done to the People of _Virginia_, though very great; provided that they, or any living among them, for the future, do not offend, or molest the People of _Virginia_, or _Indians_ living among them."

He spoke to the _Mohawks_ and _Sennekas_, separately from the _Oneydoes_, because they had not done any Mischief, and promised them kind and neighbourly Usage when they came to _Virginia_, and gave them Presents; they returned the Compliment, with an Assurance of their Friendship, and condoled Colonel _Littleton_'s Death, after the _Indian_ Manner, by a =Present of a Belt of black Wampum=, besides the Belt given, on renewal of the Friendship.

The _Onnondagas_ did not come till _November_; on the fifth of which Month the _Virginia_ Agent spoke to them, in the same Words he did to the _Oneydoes_. It does not appear, by the Register of _Indian_ Affairs, what Answer the _Oneydoes_ and _Onnondagas_ made, but it is certain they did not observe Friendship with _Virginia_, but molested them with reiterated Incursions of their Parties. It is observable, however, that these two Nations, and the _Cayugas_, only had _French_ Priests among them at that Time, and that none of the rest ever molested the _English_; for which Reason, Colonel _Dongan_, notwithstanding the Orders he had received from his Master, and that he himself was a Papist, complained of the ill Offices these Priests did to the _English_ Interest, and forbid the _Five Nations_ to entertain any of them; though the _English_ and _French_ Crowns, while he was Governor of _New-York_, seemed to be more than ever in strict Friendship.

The _French_ had no Hopes of persuading the _Five Nations_ to break with _New-York_ directly, but they were in Hopes, that, by the _Indian_ Parties doing frequent Mischief in _Virginia_, the Government of _New-York_ would be forced to join, in resenting the Injury, and thereby that Union, between the Government of _New-York_ and the _Five Nations_, would be broke, which always obstructed, and often defeated, the Design the _French_ had, of subjecting all _North America_ to the Crown of _France_. For this Reason, the Governors of _New-York_ have always, with the greatest Caution, avoided a Breach with these Nations, on Account of the little Differences they had with the neighbouring Colonies. These new Incursions of these two Nations were so troublesome to the People of _Virginia_, that their Governor, the Lord _Howard of Effingham_, thought it necessary, for their Security, to undertake a Journey to _New-York_.

I shall give a particular Account of this Affair, which was thought of such Consequence, that a Peer of _England_ left his Government, and travelled four-hundred Miles, to treat with the _Five Nations_; and shall take this Opportunity of describing some Ceremonies they use, in making Peace.

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ being called to _Albany_, eight _Mohawks_, three _Oneydoes_, three _Onnondagas_, and three _Cayuga Sachems_, met his Lordship there; and, on the thirteenth of _July_, 1684, he, accompanied by two of the Council of _Virginia_, spoke to the _Sachems_ as follows, in the Presence of Colonel _Thomas Dongan_, Governor of _New-York_, and the Magistrates of _Albany_. The _Senekas_ being far off, were not then arrived.

_Proposals made by the Right Honourable_ Francis _Lord_ Howard of Effingham, _Governor-general of his Majesty's Dominion of_ Virginia.

_To_

_The_ Mohawks, Oneydoes, Onnondagas, _and_ Cayugas.

"It is now about seven Years, said he, since you (unprovoked) came into _Virginia_, a Country belonging to the great King of _England_, and committed several Murders and Robberies, carrying away our Christian Women and Children Prisoners into your Castles. All which Injuries we designed to have revenged on you, but at the Desire of Sir _Edmond Andross_, then Governor-general of this Country, we desisted from destroying you, and sent our Agents, Colonel _William Kendal_, and Colonel _Southley Littleton_, to confirm and make sure the Peace, that Colonel _Coursey_ of _Maryland_ included us in, when he first treated with you. We find, that as you quickly forgot what you promised Colonel _Coursey_, so you have wilfully broke the Covenant-chain which you promised our Agent, Colonel _Kendal_, should be kept more strong and bright, if we of _Virginia_ would bury, in the Pit of Oblivion, the Injury then done us; which, upon Governor _Andross_'s Intercession, and your Submission, we were willing to forget: But you not at all minding the Covenant then made, have every Year since, come into our Country in a war-like Manner, under Pretence of fighting with our _Indians_, our Friends and Neighbours, which you ought not to have done, our Agent having included them likewise in the Peace. You not only destroyed, and took several of them Prisoners, but you have also killed and burnt our Christian People, destroying Corn and Tobacco, more than you made Use of, killed our Horses, Hogs, and Cattle; not to eat, but to let them lie in the Woods and stink: This you did, when you were not denied any Thing you said you wanted.

"I must also tell you, that, under the Pretence of Friendship, you have come to Houses at the Heads of our Rivers (when they have been fortified) with a white Sheet on a Pole, and have laid down your Guns before the Fort; upon which, our People taking you for Friends, have admitted your great Men into their Forts, and have given them Meat and Drink, what they desired. After the great Men had refreshed themselves, and desiring to return, as they were let out of the Fort-gates, the young Men commonly rushed into the Fort, and plundered the Houses, taking away, and destroying all the Corn, Tobacco, and Bedding, and what else was in the Houses. When they went away, they generally also took several Sheep with them, and killed several Cows big with Calf, and left them behind them cut to Pieces, and flung about, as if it were in Defiance of us, and in Derision of our Friendship. These, and many more Injuries that you have done us, have caused me to raise Forces, to send to the Heads of our Rivers, to defend our People from these Outrages, till I came to _New-York_, to Colonel _Thomas Dongan_, your Governor-general, to desire him, as we are all one King's Subjects, to assist me in warring against you, to revenge the Christian Blood that you have shed, and to make you give full Satisfaction for all the Goods that you have destroyed: But by the Mediation of your Governor, I am now come to _Albany_ to speak with you, and to know the Reason of your breaking the Covenant-chain, not only with us and our neighbour _Indians_, but with _Maryland_, who are great King _Charles_'s Subjects; for our _Indians_ have given King _Charles_ their Land; therefore I, the Governor of _Virginia_, will protect them, as your Governor, under the great _Duke of York_ and _Albany_, will henceforth you, when the Chain of Friendship is made between us all.

"Now I have let you know, that I am sensible of all the Injuries you have done us, and by the Desire of your Governor-general, I am willing to make a new Chain with you for _Virginia_, _Maryland_, and our _Indians_, that may be more strong and lasting, even to the Word's End; so that we may be Brethren, and great King _Charles_'s Children.

"I propose to you, _first_, That you call out of our Countries of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_, all your young Men or Soldiers that are now there.

"_Secondly_, That you do not hinder or molest our friendly _Indians_ from hunting in our Mountains, it having been their Country, and none of yours; they never go into your Country to disturb any of you.

"_Thirdly_, Though the Damages you have done our Country be very great, and would require a great deal of Satisfaction, which you are bound to give; yet we assure you, that only by the Persuasions of your Governor, who is at a vast deal of Trouble and Charge for your Welfare, which you ever ought to acknowledge, I have pass'd it by and forgiven you; upon this Condition, that your People, nor any living among you, for the future, ever commit any Incursions upon our Christians or _Indians_ living among us, or in _Maryland_.

"For the better Confirmation of the same, and that the Peace now concluded may be lasting, I propose to have two [11] Hatchets buried, as a final Determination of all Wars and Jarrings between us; one on behalf of us and our _Indians_, and the other for all your _Nations_ united together, that ever did us any Injury, or pretended to war against our _Indian_ Friends, or those of _Maryland_.

"And that nothing may be wanting for Confirmation thereof (if you desire it) we are willing to send some of our _Indian Sachems_, with an Agent, next Summer, about this Time, that they may ratify the Covenant with you here, in this prefixed House, where you may see and speak together as Friends.

"That the Covenant now made between us, in this prefixed House, in the Presence of your Governor, may be firmly kept and performed on your Parts, as it always has been on ours; and that you do not break any one Link of the Covenant-chain for the future, by your People's coming near our Plantations; when you march to the Southward, keep to the Feet of the Mountains, and do not come nigh the Heads of our Rivers, there being no Bever-hunting there; for we shall not for the future, though you lay down your Arms as Friends, ever trust you more, you have so often deceived us."

The next Day the _Mohawks_ answer'd first by their Speaker, saying:

"We must, in the first Place, say something to the other three Nations, by Way of Reproof, for their not keeping the former Chain, as they ought; and therefore we desire you, great _Sachem of Virginia_, and you _Corlaer_, and all here present to give Ear, for we will conceal nothing of the Evil they have done." [Then turning to the other Nations.] "You have heard Yesterday all that has been said; as for our Parts, we are free of the Blame laid on us; we have always been obedient to _Corlaer_, and have steadily kept our Chain with _Virginia_, _Maryland_, and _Boston_; but ye are stupid and brutish, and have no Understanding, we must stamp Understanding into you. Let the new Chain made Yesterday be carefully preserved for the future. This we earnestly recommend to you, for we are ready to cry for Shame of you; let us be no more ashamed on your Account, but be obedient, and =take this Belt=, to keep what we say in your Memory.

"Hear now, now is the Time to hearken; the Covenant-chain had very near slipt, by your not keeping it firmly. Hold it fast now, when all former Evils are buried in the Pit.

"You _Oneydoes_, I speak to you as Children; be no longer childish, or void of Understanding.

"You _Onondagas_, our Brethren, you are like deaf People, that cannot hear, your Senses are covered with Dirt and Filth.

"You _Cayugas_, do not return into your former Ways. There are three Things we must all observe.

"_First_, The Covenant with _Corlear_. _Secondly_, the Covenant with _Virginia_ and _Maryland_. _Thirdly_, with _Boston_. We must stamp Understanding into you, that you may be obedient; and =take this Belt= for a Remembrancer."

Then _Cadianne_, the same _Mohawk_ Speaker, turning to my Lord, said:

"We are very thankful to you, great _Sachem_ of _Virginia_, that you are persuaded by _Corlear_, our Governor, to forgive all former Faults. We are very glad to hear you, and see your Heart softened. =Take these three Bevers= as a Token.

"We thank the great _Sachem_ of _Virginia_ for saying, that the Axe shall be thrown into the Pit. =Take these two Bevers=, as a Token of our Joy and Thankfulness.

"We are glad that _Assarigoa_[12] will bury in the Pit what is past. Let the Earth be trod hard over it; or rather, let a strong Stream run under the Pit, to wash the Evil away out of our Sight and Remembrance, and that it may never be digged up again.

"_Assarigoa_, you are a Man of Knowledge and Understanding, thus to keep the Covenant-chain bright as Silver; and now again to renew it, and make it stronger. (Then pointing to the three other Nations, said,) But they are Chain-breakers. I lay down this as a Token, that we _Mohawks_ have preserved the Chain intire on our Parts. =Gives two Bevers and a Racoon.=

"The Covenant must be kept; for the Fire of Love of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_ burns in this Place, as well as ours, and this House of Peace must be kept clean. =Gives two Bevers.=

"We now plant a Tree[13], whose Top will reach the Sun, and its Branches spread far abroad, so that it shall be seen afar off; and we shall shelter ourselves under it, and live in Peace without Molestation. Here he =gave two Bevers=.

"You proposed Yesterday, that if we were desirous to see the _Indians_ of _Virginia_, you are willing to send some of their _Sachems_ next Summer, about this Time, to this Place. This Proposal pleases me very much, the sooner they come the better, that we may speak with them in this House, which is appointed for our speaking with our Friends; and =give two Belts= to confirm it.

"You have now heard what Exhortation we have made to the other three Nations; we have taken the Hatchet out of their Hands; we now therefore pray, that both your Hatchets may likewise be buried in a deep Pit. =Giving two Bevers.=

"_Assarigoa_, some of us _Mohawks_ are out against our Enemies, that lie afar off, they will do you no Harm, nor plunder, as the others do. Be kind to them, if they shall happen to come to any of your Plantations; give them some Tobacco and some Victuals; for they will neither rob nor steal, as the _Oneydoes_, _Onnondagas_, and _Cayugas_ have done.

"The _Oneydoes_ particularly thank you, great _Sachem_ of _Virginia_, for consenting to lay down the Axe. The Hatchet is taken out of all their Hands. =Gives a Belt.=

"We again thank _Assarigoa_, that he has made a new Chain. Let it be kept bright and clean, and held fast on all Sides; let not any one pull his Arm from it. We include all the _four Nations_, in giving this Belt.

"We again pray _Assarigoa_, to take the _Oneydoes_ into his Favour, and keep the Chain strong with them; for they are our Children. =Gives a Belt.=

"The _Oneydoes_ =give twenty Bevers=, as a Satisfaction for what they promised the Lord _Baltimore_, and desire that they may be discharged of that Debt."

The two Governors told them, that they would use their Endeavours with the Lord _Baltimore_, to persuade him to forgive what remained.

Then the _Indians_ desired that the Hole might be dug, to bury the Axes, _viz._ one in Behalf of _Virginia_ and their _Indians_, another in Behalf of _Maryland_ and theirs, and three for the _Onnondagas_, _Oneydoes_, and _Cayugas_. The _Mohawks_ said, there was no Need of burying any on their Account, for the first Chain had never been broke by them.

Then the three Nations spoke by an _Onnondaga_, called _Thanohjanihta_, who said:

"We thank the great _Sachem of Virginia_, that he has so readily forgiven and forgot the Injuries that have been done; and we, for our Parts, gladly catch at, and lay hold of the new Chain. Then each of them delivered an Axe to be buried, and =gave a Belt=.

"I speak in the Name of all three Nations, and include them in this Chain, which we desire may be kept clean and bright like Silver. =Gives a Belt.=

"We desire that the Path may be open for the _Indians_ under _Assarigoa_'s Protection, to come safely and freely to this Place, in order to confirm the Peace." =Gives six Fathom of Wampum.=

Then the Axes were buried in the south-east End of the Court-yard, and the _Indians_ threw the Earth upon them; after which the Lord _Howard_ told them, since now a firm Peace is concluded, we shall hereafter remain Friends, and _Virginia_ and _Maryland_ will send once in two or three Years to renew it, and some of our _Sachems_ shall come, according to your Desire, to confirm it.

Last of all the _Oneydoes_, the _Onnondagas_, and _Cayugas_, jointly sang the Peace-song, with Demonstrations of much Joy; and thanked the Governor of _New-York_ for his effectual Mediation with the Governor of _Virginia_ in their Favour.

Colonel _Dungan_ had gained the Affections of the _Five Nations_, and they esteemed him much.

They desired the _Duke of York_'s Arms to put upon their _Castles_, which, from the Sequel of their Story, we may suppose they were told would save them from the _French_. Colonel _Dungan_ desired them to call Home those of their Nations that had settled in _Canada_[14]. To which they answered, _Corlear_ keeps a Correspondence and Friendship with _Canada_, and therefore he can prevail more than we can. Let _Corlear_ use his Endeavours to draw our _Indians_ Home to their own Country.

The Government of the _Massachusets Bay_ had appointed Colonel _Stephanus Cortland_, one of the Council of _New-York_, their Agent at this Time, to renew their Friendship likewise with the _Five Nations_, and to give them some small Presents; which was accordingly done.

The Governor of _New-York_, Colonel _Dungan_, concluded with this Advice to them: Keep a good Understanding among yourselves; if any Difference happen, acquaint me with it, and I will compose it. Make no Agreement with the _French_, or any other Nation, without my Knowledge and Approbation. Then he gave the Duke's Arms to be put up at each of their Castles, in Hopes it might deter the _French_ from attacking them, (as they were threatened from _Canada_) by this so manifest a Declaration of their being under the Protection of the Crown of _England_, when the two Crowns were in the strictest Friendship; but it is probable the _French_ chose this very Time to attack them, to bring them off from that Confidence they seemed to have in the _English_.

It may be proper, before I proceed, to insert here also a remarkable Speech made by the _Onnondagas_ and _Cayugas_ to the two Governors, on the second Day of _August_, _viz._

"_Brother_ Corlear,

"Your _Sachem_ is a great _Sachem_, and we are but a small People; but when the _English_ came first to _Manhatan_,[15] to _Aragiske_[16] and to _Yakokranagary_[17], they were then but a small People, and we were great. Then, because we found you a good People, we treated you kindly, and gave you Land; we hope therefore, now that you are great, and we small, you will protect us from the _French_. If you do not, we shall lose all our Hunting and Bevers: The _French_ will get all the Bevers. The Reason they are now angry with us is, because we carry our Bever to our Brethren.

"We have put our Lands and ourselves under the Protection of the great _Duke of York_, the Brother of your great _Sachem_, who is likewise a great _Sachem_.

"We have annexed the _Susquehana_ River, which we won with the Sword, to this Government; and we desire it may be a Branch of the great Tree that grows in this Place, the Top of which reaches the Sun, and its Branches shelter us from the _French_, and all other Nations. Our Fire burns in your Houses, and your Fire burns with us; we desire it may be so always. But we will not that any of the great _Penn_'s People settle upon the _Susquehana_ River, for we have no other Land to leave to our Children.

"Our young Men are Soldiers, and when they are provoked, they are like Wolves in the Woods, as you, _Sachem_ of _Virginia_, very well know.

"We have put ourselves under the great _Sachem Charles_, that lives on the other Side the great Lake. We =give you these two white dressed Deer-skins=, to send to the great _Sachem_, that he may write on them, and put a great red Seal to them, to confirm what we now do; and put the _Susquehana_ River above the Falls, and all the rest of our Land under the great _Duke of York_, and give that Land to none else. Our Brethren, his People, have been like Fathers to our Wives and Children, and have given us Bread when we were in Need of it; we will not therefore join ourselves, or our Land, to any other Government but this. We desire _Corlear_, our Governor, may send this our Proposition to the great _Sachem Charles_, who dwells on the other Side the great Lake, with this =Belt of Wampum=, and this other =smaller Belt= to the _Duke of York_ his Brother: And =we give you, _Corlear_, this Bever=, that you may send over this Proposition.

"You great Man of _Virginia_, we let you know, that great _Penn_ did speak to us here in _Corlear_'s House by his Agents, and desired to buy the _Susquehana_ River of us, but we would not hearken to him, for we had fastened it to this Government.

"We desire you therefore to bear witness of what we now do, and that we now confirm what we have done before. Let your Friend, that lives on the other Side the great Lake, know this, that we being a free People, though united to the _English_, may give our Lands, and be joined to the _Sachem_ we like best. We =give this Bever= to remember what we say."

The _Senekas_ arrived soon after, and, on the fifth of _August_, spoke to the Lord _Howard_ in the following Manner:

"We have heard and understood what Mischief hath been done in _Virginia_; we have it as perfect as if it were upon our Fingers Ends. O _Corlear_! we thank you for having been our Intercessor, so that the Axe has not fallen upon us.

"And you _Assarigoa_, great _Sachem of Virginia_, we thank you for burying all Evil in the Pit. We are informed, that the _Mohawks_, _Oneydoes_, _Onnondagas_, and _Cayugas_, have buried the Axe already; now we that live remotest off, are come to do the same, and to include in this Chain the _Cahnawaas_, your Friends. We desire therefore, that an Axe, on our Part, may be buried with one of _Assarigoa_'s. O _Corlear! Corlear!_ we thank you for laying hold of one End of the Axe; and we thank you, great Governor of _Virginia_, not only for throwing aside the Axe, but more especially for your putting all Evil from your Heart. Now we have a new Chain, a strong and a straight Chain, that cannot be broken. The Tree of Peace is planted so firmly, that it cannot be moved, let us on both Sides hold the Chain fast.

"We understand what you said of the great _Sachem_, that lives on the other Side the great Water.

"You tell us, that the _Cahnawaas_ will come hither, to strengthen the Chain. Let them not make any Excuse, that they are old and feeble, or that their Feet are sore. If the old _Sachems_ cannot, let the young Men come. We shall not fail to come hither, tho' we live farthest off, and then the new Chain will be stronger and brighter.

"We understand, that because of the Mischief that has been done to the People and Castles of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_, we must not come near the Heads of your Rivers, nor near your Plantations, but keep at the Foot of the Mountains; for tho' we lay down our Arms, as Friends, we shall not be trusted for the future, but looked on as Robbers. We agree however to this Proposition, and shall wholly stay away from _Virginia_: And this we do in Gratitude to _Corlear_, who has been at so great Pains to persuade you, great Governor of _Virginia_, to forget what is past. You are wise in giving Ear to _Corlear_'s good Advice, for we shall now go a Path which was never trod before.

"We have now done speaking to _Corlear_, and the Governor of _Virginia_; let the Chain be for ever kept clean and bright by him, and we shall do the same.

"The other Nations from the _Mohawks_ Country to the _Cayugas_, have delivered up the _Susquehana_ River, and all that Country, to _Corlear_'s Government. We confirm what they have done by =giving this Belt=."

Coll. _Bird_, one of the Council of _Virginia_, and _Edmond Jennings Esq_; Attorney General of that Province, came with four _Indian Sachems_, (according to the Lord _Howard_'s Promise) to renew and confirm the Peace, and met the _Five Nations_ at _Albany_ in _September_ 1685.

Coll. _Bird_ accused them of having again broke their Promise, by taking an _Indian_ Girl from an _English_ Man's House, and four _Indian_ Boys Prisoners.

They excused this, by its being done by the Parties that were out when the Peace was concluded, who knew nothing of it; which Accident they had provided against in their Articles. They said, the four Boys were given to the Relations of those Men that were lost; and it would be difficult to obtain their Restoration: But they at last promised to deliver them up.

The _Senakas_ and _Mohawks_ declared themselves free of any Blame, and chid the other Nations.

So that we may still observe the Influence which the _French_ Priests had obtained over those other Nations, and to what Christian like Purpose they used it.

The _Mohawks_ Speaker said, "Where shall I seek the Chain of Peace? Where shall I find it but upon our Path[18]? And whither doth our Path lead us, but into this House? This is a House of Peace;" after this he sang all the Links of the Chain over. He afterwards sang by Way of Admonition to the _Onondagas_, _Oneydoes_, and _Cayugas_, and concluded all with a Song to the _Virginia Indians_.

The _French Priests_ however still employed their Influence over the _Onnondagas_, _Cayugas_, and _Oneydoes_; and it was easy for them to spirit up the _Indians_ (naturally revengeful) against their old Enemies. A Party of the _Oneydoes_ went out two Years after this against the _Wayanoak Indians_, Friends of _Virginia_, and killed some of the People of _Virginia_, who assisted those _Indians_. They took six Prisoners, but restored them at _Albany_, with an Excuse, that they did not know they were Friends of _Virginia_. But Coll. _Dungan_ on this Occasion told them, That he only had kept all the _English_ in _North-America_ from joining together to destroy them; that if ever he should hear of the like Complaint, he would dig up the Hatchet, and join with the rest of the _English_ to cut them off Root and Branch; for there were many Complaints made of him to the King by the _English_, as well as by the Governor of _Canada_, for his favouring of them.

We have now gone through the material Transactions which the _Five Nations_ had with the _English_, in which we find the _English_ pursuing nothing but peaceable and Christian-like Measures; and the _Five Nations_ (tho' Barbarians) living with the People of _New-York_, like good Neighbours and faithful Friends, and generally with all the _English_ also, except when they were influenced by the _Jesuites_; at the same Time, one cannot but admire the Zeal, Courage, and Resolution of these Jesuites, that would adventure to live among _Indians_ at War with their Nation; and the better to carry their Purposes, to comply with all the Humours and Manners of such a wild People, so as not to be distinguished by Strangers from meer _Indians_. One of them, named _Milet_, remained with the _Oneydoes_ till after the Year 1694; he was advanced to the Degree of a _Sachem_, and had so great an Influence over them, that the other Nations could not prevail with them to part with him. While he lived with them, the _Oneydoes_ were frequently turned against the Southern _Indians_ (Friends of the _English_ southern Colonies) and were always wavering in their Resolutions against the _French_ at _Canada_.

We shall now see what Effect the Policy of the _French_ had, who pursued very different Measures from the _English_.

CHAP. IV.

_Mr_. De la Barre'_s Expedition, and some remarkable Transactions in_ 1684.

The _French_, in the Time they were at Peace with the _Five Nations_, built their Forts at _Taidonderaghi_ and _Missilimakinak_, and made a Settlement there. They carried on their Commerce among the numerous Nations that live on the Banks of the great Lakes, and the Banks of the _Mississipi_; they not only prosecuted their Trade among these Nations, but did all they could to secure their Obedience, and to make them absolutely subject to the Crown of _France_, by building Forts at the considerable Passes, and placing small Garisons in them. They took in short all the Precautions in their Power, not only to restrain the _Indians_ by Force, but likewise to gain their Affections, by sending _Missionaries_ among them. The only Obstruction they met with was from the _Five Nations_, who introduced the _English_ of _New-York_ into the Lakes to trade with the _Indians_ that lived round them. This gave the _French_ much Uneasiness, because they foresaw, that the _English_ would not only prove dangerous Rivals, but that the Advantages which they had in Trade, beyond what it was possible for the Inhabitants of _Canada_ to have, would enable the People of _New-York_ so far to undersel them, that their Trade would soon be ruined, and all the Interest lost which they had gained with so much Labour and Expence. The _Five Nations_ likewise continued in War with many of the Nations, with the _Chictaghicks_ particularly, who yielded the most profitable Trade to the _French_; and as often as they discovered any of the _French_ carrying Ammunition towards these Nations, they fell upon them, and took all their Powder, Lead and Arms from them. This made the _French_ Traders afraid of travelling, and prevented their _Indians_ from hunting, and also lessened the Opinion they had of the _French_ Power, when they found that the _French_ were not able to protect them against the Insults of the _Five Nations_.

The _Senakas_ lie next to the Lakes, and nearest to the Nations with whom the _French_ carried on the greatest Trade, these People were so averse to that Nation, that they would never receive any Priests among them, and of Consequence were most firmly attach'd to the _English_ Interest, who supplied them with Arms and Powder (the Means to be revenged of their Enemies.) For these Reasons Mr. _De la Barre_ (Governor of _Canada_) sent a Messenger to Coll. _Dungan_, to complain of the Injuries the _Senakas_ had done to the _French_, and to shew the Necessity he was under to bring the _Five Nations_ to Reason by Force of Arms. This Messenger happening to arrive at the Time the _Indians_ met the Lord _Howard_ at _Albany_, Coll. _Dungan_ told the _Senakas_ the Complaints that the _French_ Governor made of them. To which they gave him the following Answer, in Presence of Mr. _De la Barre_'s Messenger, on the 5th of _August_ 1684.

"We were sent for, and are come, and have heard what you have said to us, that _Corlear_ hath great Complaints of us, both from _Virginia_ and _Canada_. What they complain of from _Canada_ may possibly be true, that some of our young Men have taken some of their Goods, but _Yonnendio_ the Governor of _Canada_, is the Cause of it. He not only permits his People to carry Ammunition, Guns, Powder, Lead, and Axes to the _Tuihtuih-ronoons_[19] our Enemies, but sends them thither on purpose. These Guns which he sends knock our Bever Hunters on the Head, and our Enemies carry the Bevers to _Canada_ that we would have brought to our Brethren. Our Bever Hunters are Soldiers, and could bear this no longer. They met some _French_ in their Way to our Enemies, and very near them, carrying Ammunition, which our Men took from them. This is agreeable to our Customs in War; and we may therefore openly own it, tho' we know not whether it be practised by the Christians in such like Cases.

"When the Governor of _Canada_ speaks to us of the Chain, he calls us Children, and saith, I am your Father, you must hold fast the Chain, and I will do the same: I will protect you as a Father doth his Children. Is this Protection, to speak thus with his Lips, and at the same Time to knock us on the Head, by assisting our Enemies with Ammunition?

"He always says, I am your Father, and you are my Children; and yet he is angry with his Children, for taking these Goods.

"But, O _Corlear_! O _Assarigoa_! we must complain to you; you _Corlear_ are a Lord, and govern this Country; is it just that our Father is going to fight with us for these Things, or is it well done? We rejoiced when _La Sal_ was sent over the great Water; and when _Perot_ was removed, because they had furnished our Enemies with Ammunition; but we are disappointed in our Hopes, for we find our Enemies are still supplied. Is this well done? Yea, he often forbids us to make War on any of the Nations with whom he trades; and at the same Time furnishes them with all Sorts of Ammunition, to enable them to destroy us.

"Thus far in Answer to the Complaint the Governor of _Canada_ hath made of us to _Corlear_. _Corlear_ said to us, that Satisfaction must be made to the _French_ for the Mischief we have done them. This he said before he heard our Answer. Now let him that hath Inspection over all our Countries, on whom our Eyes are fixed, let him, even _Corlear_, judge and determine. If you say that it must be paid, we shall pay it, but we cannot live without free Bever Hunting.

"_Corlear_, hear what we say, we thank you for the Duke's Arms, which you have given us to be put in our Castles, as a Defence to them. You command them. Have we wandered out of the Way, as the Governor of _Canada_ says? We do not threaten him with War, as he threatens us. What shall we do? Shall we run away, or shall we sit still in our Houses? What shall we do? we speek to him that governs and commands us.

"Now _Corlear_, and _Assarigoa_, and all People here present, remember what we have answered to the Complaints of the Governor of _Canada_; yea, we wish that what we here said may come to his Ears." Then they =gave a Belt=.

Monsieur _De la Barre_ at this Time was gone, with all the Force of _Canada_, to _Cadarackui Fort_, and ordered the three Vessels to be repaired which the _French_ had built on _Cadarackui Lake_: His Design was to frighten the _Five Nations_ into his own Terms, by the Appearance of the _French_ Army, which consisted of 600 Soldiers of the regular Troops, 400 _Indians_, and 400 Men that carried Provisions, besides 300 Men that he left to secure _Cadarackui Fort_, and the western _Indians_, that he expected would join him. But while he was at this Fort, the Fatigue of travelling in the Month of _August_, together with the Unhealthiness of that Place (the Country thereabout being very marshy) where he tarried six Weeks, occasioned so great a Sickness in his Army, that he found himself unable to perform any Thing but by Treaty; and therefore sent Orders to Monsr. _Dulhut_, who was come from _Missilimakinak_ with 600 Men, _French_ and _Indians_, to stop. Monsr. _De la Barre_ passed across the Lake, with as many Men as were able to travel, and arrived at the River which the _French_ call _La Famine_, by the _Indians_ called _Kaihohage_, which falls into the South Side of _Cadarackui Lake_, about thirty Miles from _Onnondago_. There were two Villages of the _Five Nations_ on the North Side of the Lake, about fifteen Miles from the _French_ Fort, consisting of those _Indians_ that had the most Inclination to the _French_: They provided the _French_ Army with Provisions, while they remained at the Fort; but it is probable, sent an Account to their own Nations of every Thing that happened; and that this was the Reason of the Usage they afterwards met with from the _French_.

When Monsr. _De la Barre_ sent to Coll. _Dungan_, he was in Hopes, from the strict Alliance that was then between the Crowns of _England_ and _France_, and from Coll. _Dungan_'s being a Papist, that he would at least sit still till he had reduced the _Five Nations_. But none of these Reasons permitted that Gentleman to be easy, while the _French_ attempted such Things, as in their Consequences would be of the highest Degree prejudicial to the _English_ Interest, and might put all the _English_ Colonies in _America_ in Danger. Wherefore he dispatched the publick Interpreter, with Orders to do every Thing in his Power to prevent the _Five Nations_ going to treat with Monsr. _De la Barre_.

The Interpreter succeeded in his Design with the _Mohawks_, and with the _Senakas_, who promised that they would not go near the _French_ Governor: But he had not the like Success with the _Onnondagas, Oneydoes_, and _Cayugas_, who had received the _French_ Priests, for they would not hear the Interpreter, but in Presence of the _French_ Priests, and Monsr. _la Main_, and three other _Frenchmen_ that Monsr. _De la Barre_ had sent to persuade them to meet him at _Kaihohage_; they gave the following Answer to the Interpreter.

"_Arie_, you are _Corlear's Messenger_, _Ohquesse_[20] (Monsr. _la Maine_) is the Governor of _Canada_'s; and there[21] sits our Father; _Yonnondio_ acquainted us some Time ago, that he would speak with us, before he would undertake any Thing against the _Senakas_. Now he hath sent for all the Nations to speak with him in Friendship, and that at a Place not far from _Onnondaga_, even at _Kaihohage_. But our Brother _Corlear_ tells us, that we must not meet the Governor of _Canada_ without his Permission; and that if _Yonnondio_ have any Thing to say to us, he must first send to _Corlear_ for Leave to speak with us. _Yonnondio_ has sent long ago to us to speak with him, and he has lately repeated that Desire by _Onnissantie_ the Brother of our Father _Twirhaersira_[22] that sits there; he has not only entreated us by our Father, but by two praying _Indians_, one an _Onnondaga_, the other the Son of an old _Mohawk Sachem_, _Connondowe_. They brought five great Belts of Wampum, not a Fathom or two only, as you bring. Now _Ohquesse_ has been sent with three _Frenchmen_; _Yonnondio_ not being content with all this, has likewise sent _Dennehoct_, and two other _Mohawks_, to persuade us to meet him, and to speak with him of good Things. Should we not go to him after all this Intreaty, when he is come so far, and so near to us? Certainly if we do not, we shall provoke his Wrath, and not deserve his Goodness. You say we are Subjects to the King of _England_ and _Duke of York_, but we say we are Brethren. We must take Care of ourselves. Those Arms fixed upon the Posts, without the Gate, cannot defend us against the Arms of _la Barre_. Brother _Corlear_, we tell you, that we shall bind a Covenant Chain to our Arm, and to his, as thick as that Post, (pointing to a Post of the House) be not dissatisfied; should we not embrace this Happiness offered us, _viz_. Peace, in the Place of War; yea, we shall take the Evil Doers, the _Senekas_, by the Hand, and _la Barre_ likewise, and their Ax and his Sword shall be thrown into a deep Water. We wish our Brother _Corlear_ were present, but it seems the Time will not permit of it."

Accordingly _Garangula_, one of the chief _Sachems_ of the _Onondaga's_, with thirty Warriors, went with Mr. _Le Maine_, to meet the Governor of _Canada_ at _Kaihohage_. After he had been two Days in the _French_ Camp, Monsr. _la Barre_ spoke to him as follows, (the _French_ Officers making a Semi-circle on one Side, while _Garangula_, with his Warriors, compleated the Circle on the other.)

_Monsr_. De la Barre's _Speech to_ Garangula.[23]

"The King, my Master, being informed that the _Five Nations_ have often infringed the Peace, has ordered me to come hither with a Guard, and to send _Ohguesse_ to the _Onondagas_, to bring the chief _Sachem_ to my Camp. The Intention of the great King is, that you and I may smoke the _Calumet_[24] of Peace together, but on this Condition, that you promise me, in the Name of the _Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas_, and _Mohawks_, to give intire Satisfaction and Reparation to his Subjects; and for the future never to molest them.

"The _Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes_, and _Mohawks_ have robbed and abused all the Traders that were passing to the _Illinois_ and _Umamies_, and other _Indian_ Nations, the Children of my King. They have acted, on these Occasions, contrary to the Treaty of Peace with my Predecessor. I am ordered therefore to demand Satisfaction, and to tell them, that in case of Refusal, or their plundering us any more, that I have express Orders to declare War. This Belt confirms my Words. The Warriors of the _Five Nations_ have conducted the _English_ into the Lakes, which belong to the King, my Master, and brought the _English_ among the Nations that are his Children, to destroy the Trade of his Subjects, and to withdraw these Nations from him. They have carried the _English_ thither, notwithstanding the Prohibition of the late Governor of _New-York_, who foresaw the Risque that both they and you would run. I am willing to forget these Things, but if ever the like shall happen for the future, I have express Orders to declare War against you. This Belt confirms my Words. Your Warriors have made several barbarous Incursions on the _Illinois_ and _Umamies_; they have massacred Men, Women, and Children, and have made many of these Nations Prisoners, who thought themselves safe in their Villages in Time of Peace. These People, who are my King's Children, must not be your Slaves; you must give them their Liberty, and send them back into their own Country. If the _Five Nations_ shall refuse to do this, I have express Orders to declare War against them. This Belt confirms my Words.

"This is what I have to say to _Garangula_, that he may carry to the _Senekas, Onondagas, Oneydoes, Cayugas_, and _Mohawks_ the Declaration which the King, my Master, has commanded me to make. He doth not wish them to force him to send a great Army to _Cadarackui_ Fort, to begin a War which must be fatal to them. He would be sorry that this Fort, that was the Work of Peace, should become the Prison of your Warriors. We must endeavour, on both Sides, to prevent such Misfortunes. The _French_, who are the Brethren and Friends of the _Five Nations_, will never trouble their Repose, provided that the Satisfaction which I demand be given, and that the Treaties of Peace be hereafter observed. I shall be extremely grieved if my Words do not produce the Effect which I expect from them; for then I shall be obliged to join with the Governor of _New-York_, who is commanded by his Master to assist me, and burn the Castles of the _Five Nations_, and destroy you. This Belt confirms my Words."

_Garangala_ was very much surprised to find the soft Words of the _Jesuit_, and of the Governor's Messengers, turned to such threatening Language. This was designed to strike Terror into the _Indians_; but _Garangula_ having good Information from those of the _Five Nations_ living near _Cadarackui_ Fort, of all the Sickness and other Misfortunes which afflicted the _French_ Army, it was far from producing the designed Effect. All the Time that _Monsieur de la Barre_ spoke, _Garangula_ kept his Eyes fixed on the End of his Pipe; as soon as the Governor had done speaking, he rose up, and having walked five or six Times round the Circle, he returned to his Place, where he spoke standing, while _Monsieur de la Barre_ kept his Elbow-Chair.

Garangula's _Answer_.

"_Yonnondio_,

"I honour you, and the Warriors that are with me all likewise honour you. Your Interpreter has finished your Speech; I now begin mine. My Words make haste to reach your Ears, hearken to them.

"_Yonnondio_, you must have believed, when you left _Quebeck_, that the Sun had burnt up all the Forests which render our Country inaccessible to the _French_, or that the Lakes had so far overflown their Banks, that they had surrounded our Castles, and that it was impossible for us to get out of them. Yes, _Yonnondio_, surely you must have dreamt so, and the Curiosity of seeing so great a Wonder has brought you so far. Now you are undeceived, since that I and the Warriors here present are come to assure you, that the _Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes_, and _Mohawks_ are yet alive. I thank you, in their Name, for bringing back into their Country the _Calumet_, which your Predecessor received from their Hands. It was happy for you, that you left Underground that murdering Hatchet, that has been so often dyed in the Blood of the _French_. Hear, _Yonnondio_, I do not sleep, I have my Eyes open, and the Sun, which enlightens me, discovers to me a great Captain at the Head of a Company of Soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreaming. He says, that he only came to the Lake to smoke on the great _Calumet_ with the _Onondagas_. But _Garangula_ says, that he sees the contrary, that it was to knock them on the Head, if Sickness had not weakened the Arms of the _French_.

"I see _Yonnondio_ raving in a Camp of sick Men, whose Lives the great Spirit has saved, by inflicting this Sickness on them. Hear, _Yonnondio_, our Women had taken their Clubs, our Children and old Men had carried their Bows and Arrows into the Heart of your Camp, if our Warriors had not disarmed them, and kept them back, when your Messenger, _Ohguesse_, came to our Castles. It is done, and I have said it. Hear, _Yonnondio_, we plundered none of the _French_, but those that carried Guns, Powder, and Ball to the _Iwikties_ and _Chictaghicks_, because those Arms might have cost us our Lives. Herein we follow the Example of the Jesuits, who stave all the Caggs of Rum brought to our Castles, lest the drunken _Indians_ should knock them on the Head. Our Warriors have not Bevers enough to pay for all these Arms, that they have taken, and our old Men are not afraid of the War. This Belt preserves my Words.

"We carried the _English_ into our Lakes, to trade there with the _Utawawas_ and _Quatoghies_, as the _Adirondacks_ brought the _French_ to our Castles, to carry on a Trade which the _English_ say is theirs. We are born free, we neither depend on _Yonnondio_ nor _Corlear_.

"We may go where we please, and carry with us whom we please, and buy and sell what we please: If your Allies be your Slaves, use them as such, command them to receive no other but your People. This Belt preserves my Words.

"We knock'd the _Twihtwies_ and _Chictaghicks_ on the Head, because they had cut down the Trees of Peace, which were the Limits of our Country. They have hunted Bevers on our Lands: They have acted contrary to the Customs of all _Indians_; for they left none of the Bevers alive, they killed both Male and Female. They brought the _Satanas_[25] into their Country, to take Part with them, after they had concerted ill Designs against us. We have done less than either the _English_ or _French_, that have usurped the Lands of so many _Indian_ Nations, and chased them from their own Country. This Belt preserves my Words. Hear, _Yonnondio_, what I say is the Voice of all the _Five Nations_; hear what they answer, open your Ears to what they speak: The _Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes_, and _Mohawks_ say, that when they buried the Hatchet at _Cadarackui_ (in the Presence of your Predecessor) in the Middle of the Fort, they planted the Tree of Peace in the same Place, to be there carefully preserved, that, in Place of a Retreat for Soldiers, that Fort might be a Rendezvous for Merchants; that, in Place of Arms and Ammunition of War, Bevers and Merchandise should only enter there.

"Hear, _Yonnondio_, take Care for the future, that so great a Number of Soldiers, as appear there, do not choak the Tree of Peace planted in so small a Fort. It will be a great Loss, if after it had so easily taken Root, you should stop its Growth, and prevent its covering your Country and ours with its Branches. I assure you, in the Name of the _Five Nations_, that our Warriors shall dance to the _Calumet_ of Peace under its Leaves, and shall remain quiet on their Matts, and shall never dig up the Hatchet, till their Brethren, _Yonnondio_ or _Corlear_, shall either jointly or separately endeavour to attack the Country, which the great Spirit has given to our Ancestors. This Belt preserves my Words, and this other, the Authority which the _Five Nations_ has given me."

Then _Garangula_ addressing himself to Monsieur _le Maine_, said:

"Take Courage, _Ohguesse_, you have Spirit, speak, explain my Words, forget nothing, tell all that your Brethren and Friends say to _Yonnondio_, your Governor, by the Mouth of _Garangula_, who loves you, and desires you to accept of =this Present of Bever=, and take Part with me in my Feast, to which I invite you. This Present of Bever is sent to _Yonnondio_ on the Part of the _Five Nations_."

When _Garangula_'s Harangue was explained to Monsieur _de la Barre_, he returned to his Tent, much inraged at what he had heard.

_Garangula_ feasted the _French_ Officers, and then went Home, and Monsieur _de la Barre_ set out in his Way towards _Montreal_; and as soon as the General was imbarked, with the few Soldiers that remained in Health, the Militia made the best of their Way to their own Habitations, without any Order or Discipline.

Thus a very chargeable and fatiguing Expedition (which was to strike the Terror of the _French_ Name into the stubborn Hearts of the _Five Nations_) ended in a Scold between the _French_ General and an old _Indian_.

CHAP. V.

_The_ English _attempt to trade in the Lakes_, _and the_ French _attack the_ Senekas.

The _Marquis de Nonville_ having now succeeded Monsieur _de la Barre_, in the Year 1685, and having brought a considerable Reinforcement of Soldiers with him, resolved to recover the Honour the _French_ had lost in the last Expedition, and revenge the Slaughter the _Five Nations_ continued to make of the _Twihtwies_ and _Chictaghicks_, who had put themselves under the _French_ Protection; for the _Five Nations_ having intirely subdued the _Chictaghicks_[26], after a six Years War, they resolved next to fall upon the _Twihtwies_, and to call them to an Account for the Disturbance they had given some of their People in their Bever Hunting. The _Five Nations_ have few or no Bever in their own Country, and for that Reason are obliged to hunt at a great Distance, which often occasions Disputes with their Neighbours about the Property of the Bever. The Bever is the most valuable Branch of the _Indian_ Trade, and as the _Twihtwies_ carried their Bevers to the _French_, the _English_ encouraged the _Five Nations_ in these Expeditions, and particularly, in the Beginning of the Year 1687, made the _Five Nations_ a Present of a Barrel of Powder, when their whole Force was preparing to go against the _Twihtwies_. The _English_ were the better pleased with this War, because they thought that it would divert the _Five Nations_ from the _Virginia Indians_: But the _French_ were resolved to support their Friends more effectually by a powerful Diversion, and to change the Seat of the War.

For this Purpose Mr. _de Nonville_ sent, in _May_ 1687, great Quantities of Provision to _Cadarackui_ Fort, and gathered the whole Force of _Canada_ to _Montreal_. His Army consisted of fifteen hundred _French_ of the regular Troops and Militia, and five hundred _Indians_ that lived near _Montreal_ and _Quebeck_. He sent likewise Orders to the Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ to assemble all the Nations living round him, and to march them to _Oniagara_, in order to join the Forces of _Canada_ designed against the _Senekas_, and the other Officers posted among the _Indians_ Westward had the like Orders.

The _Twihtwies_ received the Hatchet with Joy from the Hands of the _French_ Officer. The _Outagamies_, _Kikabous_, and _Maskuticks_, who were not used to Canoes, were at first persuaded to join the _Twihtwies_, who were to march by Land to _Teuchsagrondie_, where there was a _French_ Fort, at which they were to be supplied with Ammunition. But after the _French_ Officer left them, the _Utagamies_ and _Maskuticks_ were dissuaded by some of the _Mahikander Indians_, who happened to be with a neighbouring Nation at that Time.

The _Putewatemies, Malhominies_, and _Puans_ offered themselves willingly, and went to the Rendezvous at _Missilimakinak_; where they were received by the _Utawawas_ with all the Marks of Honour usually paid to Soldiers. Though the _Utawawas_ had no Inclination to the present Enterprize; they could not tell however how to appear against it, otherwise than by inventing what Delays they could, to prevent their March.

In the mean while a Canoe arrived, which was sent by Mr. _de Nonville_, with his Orders to the Officers. This Canoe, in her Passage, discovered some _English_, commanded by Major _Mac Gergory_, in their Way to _Teiodonderaghie_. The _English_ thought (after they had an Account of the new Alliance their King had entered into with the _French_) that the _French_ would not disturb them in prosecuting a Trade with the _Indians_ every where, and that the Trade would be equally free and open to both Nations. With these Hopes a considerable Number of Adventurers went out, under the Conduct of Major _Mac Gergory_, to trade with the _Indians_ that lived on the Banks of the Lakes; and that they might be the more welcome, persuaded the _Five Nations_ to set all the _Dionondadie_ Prisoners at Liberty, who went along with the _English_, and conducted them towards _Missilimakinak_, or _Teiodonderaghie_; but the _English_ found themselves mistaken, for the _French_ Commandant at _Teiodonderaghie_, as soon as he had Notice of this, sent three-hundred _French_ to intercept the _English_.

[27] The _Utawawas_ and _Dionondadies_ having likewise an Account of the _English_, designed to support their own Independency, and to incourage the _English_ Trade. The return of the _Dionondadie_ Prisoners made that Nation very hearty in favouring the _English_, they therefore marched immediately off, with Design to join Major _Mac Gergory_; but the _Utawawas_ were divided in their Inclinations, their Chief, with about thirty more, joined the _French_, the rest remained in suspence, and stood neuter.

The _Utawawas_ thus wavering, disconcerted the Measures of the _Dionondadies_, for they began to suspect the _Utawawas_, and therefore immediately returned to secure their Wives and Children that they had left near the _French_ Fort with the _Utawawas_. The _English_ and their Effects were seized without any Opposition, and were carried to the _French_ Fort at _Teiodonderaghie_.

The _English_ brought great Quantities of Rum with them, (which the _Indians_ love more than their Lives) and the _French_ being afraid, that if the _Indians_ took to Drinking, they would grow ungovernable, did what they could to keep them from it. They were most concerned that the _Putewatemies_ (who had no Knowledge of the _English_, or of that bewitching Liquor, and were firmly attached to the _French_) should not taste it.

The _Utawawas_ still contrived Delays to the March, and having got some of the _Putewatemies_ privately by themselves, they offered them a Cag of Rum, and said: "We are all Brethren, we ought to make one Body, and to have one Soul. The _French_ invite us to war against the _Five Nations_, with Design to make us Slaves, and that we should make ourselves the Tools to effect it. As soon as they shall have destroyed the _Five Nations_, they will no longer observe any Measures with us, but use us like those Beasts they tie to their Ploughs. Let us leave them to themselves, and they will never be able to accomplish any Thing against the _Five Nations_."

But the _Putewatemies_ had entertained such Notions of the _French_, as made them deaf to the Politicks of the _Utawawas_.

The _French_ however grew jealous of these Caballings, and therefore resolved to delay their March no longer, and would not stay one Day more for the _Utawawas_, who desired only so much Time to pitch their Canoes, and went away without them.

Mr. _Tonti_, Commandant among the _Chictaghicks_, met with another Party of the _English_ of about thirty Men, in Lake _Erie_, as he marched with the _Chicktaghicks_ and _Twihtwies_, and other neighbouring Nations, to the general Rendezvous. He fell upon the _English_, plundered them, and took them Prisoners. The _French_ divided all the Merchandize among the _Indians_, but kept the Rum to themselves, and got all drunk. The _Deonondadie_ Prisoners, that conducted the _English_, joined with the _Mahikander_ _Indians_ that were among Mr. _Tonti_'s _Indians_ (who had privately dissuaded about twenty of the neighbouring Nations from going with _Tonti_) and endeavoured to persuade all the _Indians_ to fall upon the _French_, while they were drunk, and destroy them; saying, the _French_ are a proud, imperious, covetous People, that sell their Goods at an extravagant Price; the _English_ are a good natured honest People, and will furnish you with every Thing at reasonable Rates. But these Arguments were to no Purpose, for these far _Indians_ had entertained an extraordinary Opinion of the _French_ Power, and knew nothing of the _English_.

The _French_ and _Putewatemies_ being gone from _Teiodonderaghie_, the _Utawawas_ began to be afraid of the _French_ Resentment, and therefore, the better to keep up the Colour they had put on their Delays, marched over Land, with all possible Expedition, to the general Rendezvous near _Oniagara_, where all the _French_ Force, both Christians and _Indians_, was to meet.

The _Five Nations_ being informed of the _French_ Preparations, laid aside their Design against the _Twihtwies_, and prepared to give the _French_ a warm Reception. Upon this the Priest at _Onondaga_ left them, but the Priest at _Oneydo_ had the Courage to stay. The _Senekas_ came to _Albany_ to provide Ammunition, and the Commissioners made them a Present of a considerable Quantity of Powder and Lead, besides what they purchased. They were under a great deal of Concern when they took Leave of the Commissioners, and said, "Since we are to expect no other Assistance from our Brethren, we must recommend our Wives and Children to you, who will fly to you, if any Misfortune shall happen to us. It may be we shall never see you again; for we are resolved to behave so, as our Brethren shall have no Reason to be ashamed of us."

We must now return to Monsieur _de Nonville_'s Army.

Monsieur _Campagnie_ marched eight or ten Days before the rest of the Army, with between two and three hundred _Cannadians_. As soon as they arrived at _Cadarackui_, they surprised two Villages of the _Five Nations_, that were settled about eight Leagues from that Place, to prevent their giving any Intelligence to their own Nation of the _French_ Preparations, or of the State of their Army, as it was supposed they did in the last Expedition under Monsieur _de la Barre_. These People were surprised when they least expected it, and by them from whom they feared no Harm, because they had settled there at the Invitation, and on the Faith of the _French_. They were carried in cold Blood to the Fort, and tied to Stakes, to be tormented by the _French Indians_, (Christians, as they call them) while they continued singing in their country Manner, and upbraiding the _French_ with their Perfidy and Ingratitude.

While Monsieur _de Nonville_ was at _Cadarackui_ Fort, he had an Account, that the _Chicktaghicks_ and _Twihtwies_ waited for the _Quatoghies_ and _Utawawas_ at Lake _St. Clair_[28], with whom they designed to march to the general Rendezvous, at the Mouth of the _Senekas_ River. For this Expedition was chiefly designed against the _Senekas_, who had absolutely refused to meet Monsieur _de la Barre_, and were most firmly attached to the _English_. The _Senekas_, for this Reason, were designed to be made Examples of the _French_ Resentment to all the other Nations of _Indians_.

The Messenger having assured the General, that it was Time to depart, in order to meet with the western _Indians_, that came to his Assistance, he set out the twenty-third of _June_, and sent one Part of his Army in Canoes, along the North Shore of the Lake, while he, with the other Part, passed along the South, that no Accidents of Wind might prevent the one or the other reaching, within the Time appointed, at the Place the _Indians_ were to meet him. It happened, by reason of the good Weather, that both arrived on the same Day, and joined the western _Indians_ at _Trondequat_, As soon as the Men were put on Shore, they hawled up the Canoes, and began a Fort, where four hundred Men were left to guard the Canoes, and the Baggage. Here a young _Cannadian_ was shot to Death, as a Deserter, for conducting the _English_ into the Lakes, though the two Nations were not only at Peace, but their Kings in stricter Friendship than usual. But this Piece of Severity is not to be wondered at, when this War was undertaken, chiefly to put a Stop to the _English_ Trade, which now began to extend itself far into the Continent, and would in its Consequence ruin theirs. The next Day the Army began to march towards the chief Village of the _Senekas_, which was only seven Leagues distant, every Man carrying ten Biskets for his Provision. The _Indian_ Traders made the Van with Part of the _Indians_, the other Part marched in the Rear, while the regular Troops and Militia composed the main Body. The Army marched four Leagues the first Day without discovering any Thing; the next Day the Scouts advanced before the Army, as far as the Corn of the Villages, without seeing any Body, though they passed within Pistol-shot of five-hundred _Senekas_, that lay on their Bellies, and let them pass and repass without disturbing them.

On the Report which they made, the _French_ hastened their March, in hopes to overtake the Women, Children, and old Men; for they no longer doubted of all being fled. But as soon as the _French_ reached the Foot of a Hill, about a Quarter of a League from the Village, the _Senekas_ suddenly raised the Warshout, with a Discharge of their Fire-arms. This put the regular Troops, as well as the Militia, into such a Fright, as they marched through the Woods, that the Battalions immediately divided, and run to the Right and Left, and, in the Confusion, fired upon one another. When the _Senekas_ perceived their Disorder, they fell in among them pell-mell, till the _French Indians_, more used to such Way of fighting, gathered together and repulsed the _Senekas_. There were (according to the _French_ Accounts) a hundred _Frenchmen_, ten _French Indians_, and about fourscore _Senekas_ killed, in this Rencounter.

Monsieur _de Nonville_ was so dispirited with the Fright that his Men had been put into, that his _Indians_ could not persuade him to pursue. He halted the remainder of that Day. The next Day he marched on with Design to burn the Village, but when he came there, he found that the _Senekas_ had saved him the Trouble; for they had laid all in Ashes before they retired. Two old Men only were found in the Castle, who were cut into Pieces and boiled to make Soup for the _French_ Allies. The _French_ staid five or six Days to destroy their Corn, and then marched to two other Villages, at two or three Leagues distance. After they had performed the like Exploits in those Places, they returned to the Banks of the Lake.

Before the _French_ left the Lakes, they built a Fort of four Bastions at _Oniagara_, on the South-side of the Straights, between Lake _Erie_ and _Cadarackui_ Lake, and left a hundred Men, with eight Months Provisions in it. But this Garison was so closely blocked up by the _Five Nations_, that they all died of Hunger, except seven or eight, who were accidentally relieved by a Party of _French Indians_.

The western _Indians_, when they parted from the _French_ General, made their Harangues, as usual, in which they told him, with what Pleasure they saw a Fort so well placed to favour their Designs against the _Five Nations_, and that they relied on his never finishing the War, but with the Destruction of the _Five Nations_, or forcing them to abandon their Country. He assured them, that he would act with such Vigour, that they would soon see the _Five Nations_ driven into the Sea.

He sent a Detachment of Soldiers to _Teiodonderaghie_, and in his Return to _Canada_, which was by the North Side of the Lake, he left a sufficient Number of Men, and a Quantity of Provisions, at _Cadarackui_ Fort.

The _French_ having got nothing but dry Blows by this Expedition, sent thirteen of the _Indians_, that they surprised at _Cadarackui_, to _France_, as Trophies of their Victory, where they were put into the Galleys, as Rebels to their King.

CHAP. VI.

_Colonel_ Dongan's _Advice to the_ Indians. Adario's _Enterprize_, _and_ Montreal _sacked by the_ Five Nations.

Colonel _Dongan_, who had the _Indian_ Affairs very much at Heart, met the _Five Nations_ at _Albany_ as soon as possible after the _French_ Expedition, and spoke to them on the fifth of _August_, in the following Words, _viz_.

"_Brethren_,

"I am very glad to see you here in this House, and am heartily glad that you have sustained no greater Loss by the _French_, though I believe it was their Intention to destroy you all, if they could have surprised you in your Castles.

"As soon as I heard their Design to war with you, I gave you Notice, and came up hither myself, that I might be ready to give all the Assistance and Advice that so short a Time would allow me.

"I am now about sending a Gentleman to _England_, to the King, my Master, to let him know, that the _French_ have invaded his Territories on this Side of the great Lake, and warred upon the Brethren his Subjects. I therefore would willingly know, whether the Brethren have given the Governor of _Canada_ any Provocation or not; and if they have, how, and in what Manner; because I am obliged to give a true Account of this Matter. This Business may cause a War between the King of _England_ and the _French_ King, both in _Europe_ and here, and therefore I must know the Truth.

"I know the Governor of _Canada_ dare not enter into the King of _England_'s Territories, in a hostile Manner, without Provocation, if he thought the Brethren were the King of _England_'s Subjects; but you have, two or three Years ago, made a Covenant-chain with the _French_, contrary to my Command, (which I knew could not hold long) being void of itself among the Christians; for as much as Subjects (as you are) ought not to treat with any foreign Nation, it not lying in your Power, you have brought this Trouble on your selves, and, as I believe, this is the only Reason of their falling on you at this Time.

"Brethren, I took it very ill, that after you had put yourselves into the Number of the great King of _England_'s Subjects, you should ever offer to make Peace or War without my Consent. You know that we can live without you, but you cannot live without us. You never found that I told you a Lye, and I offered you the Assistance you wanted, provided that you would be advised by me; for I know the _French_ better than any of you do.

"Now since there is a War begun upon you by the Governor of _Canada_, I hope without any Provocation by you given, I desire and command you, that you hearken to no Treaty but by my Advice; which if you follow, you shall have the Benefit of the great Chain of Friendship between the great King of _England_ and the King of _France_, which came out of _England_ the other Day, and which I have sent to _Canada_ by _Anthony le Junard_. In the mean Time, I will give you such Advice as will be for your good; and will supply you with such Necessaries, as you will have Need of.

"_First_, My Advice is, as to what Prisoners of the _French_ you shall take, that you draw not their Blood, but bring them Home, and keep them to exchange for your People, which they have Prisoners already, or may take hereafter.

"_2dly_, That if it be possible, that you can order it so, I would have you take one or two of your wisest _Sachems_, and one or two of your _chief Captains_, of each Nation, to be a Council to manage all Affairs of the War. They to give Orders to the rest of the Officers what they are to do, that your Designs may be kept private; for after it comes among so many People, it is blazed abroad, and your Designs are often frustrated; and those chief Men should keep a Correspondence with me by a trusty Messenger.

"_3dly_, The great Matter under Consideration with the Brethren is, how to strengthen themselves, and weaken their Enemy. My Opinion is, that the Brethren should send Messengers to the _Utawawas_, _Twihtwies_, and the _farther Indians_, and to send back likewise some of the Prisoners of these Nations, if you have any left, to bury the Hatchet, and to make a Covenant-chain, that they may put away all the _French_ that are among them, and that you will open a Path for them this Way, they being the King of _England_'s Subjects likewise, tho' the French have been admitted to trade with them; for all that the _French_ have in _Canada_, they had it of the great King of _England_; that by that Means they may come hither freely, where they may have every Thing cheaper than among the _French_: That you and they may join together against the _French_, and make so firm a League, that whoever is an Enemy to one, must be to both.

"_4thly_, Another Thing of Concern is, that you ought to do what you can to open a Path for all the _North Indians_ and _Mahikanders_, that are among the _Utawawas_ and further Nations: I will endeavour to do the same to bring them Home; for, they not daring to return Home your Way, the _French_ keep them there on purpose to join with the other Nations against you, for your Destruction; for you know, that one of them is worse than six of the others; therefore all Means must be used to bring them Home, and use them kindly as they pass through your Country.

"_5thly_, My Advice further is, that Messengers go, in behalf of all the _Five Nations_, to the _Christian Indians_ at _Canada_, to persuade them to come Home to their native Country. This will be another great Means to weaken your Enemy; but if they will not be advised, you know what to do with them.

"_6thly_, I think it very necessary, for the Brethren's Security and Assistance, and to the endamaging the _French_, to build a Fort upon the Lake, where I may keep Stores and Provisions, in Case of Necessity; and therefore I would have the Brethren let me know what Place will be most convenient for it.

"_7thly_, I would not have the Brethren keep their Corn in their Castles, as I hear the _Onondagas_ do, but bury it a great Way in the Woods, where few People may know where it is, for fear of such an Accident as has happened to the _Senekas_.

"_8thly_, I have given my Advice in your General Assembly by Mr. _Dirk Wessels_, and _Akus_ the Interpreter, how you are to manage your Parties, and how necessary it is to get Prisoners, to exchange for your own Men that are Prisoners with the _French_; and I am glad to hear that the Brethren are so united, as Mr. _Dirk Wessels_ tells me you are, and that there are no rotten Members nor _French_ Spies among you.

"_9thly_, The Brethren may remember my Advice, which I sent you this Spring, not to go to _Cadarackui_; if you had, they would have served you as they did your People that came from hunting thither; for I told you then, that I knew the _French_ better than you did.

"_10thly_, There was no Advice or Proposition that I made to the Brethren, all the Time that the Priest lived at _Onondaga_, but what he wrote to _Canada_, as I found by one of his Letters, which he gave to an _Indian_ to carry to _Canada_, but which was brought hither; therefore I desire the Brethren not to receive him or any _French Priest_ any more, having sent for _English Priests_, with whom you may be supplied to your Content.

"_11thly_, I would have the Brethren look out sharp, for Fear of being surprized. I believe all the Strength of the _French_ will be at their Frontier Places, _viz_. at _Cadarackui_ and _Oniagara_, where they have built a Fort now, and at _Trois Rivieres_, _Montreal_, and _Chambly_.

"_12thly_, Let me put you in Mind again, not to make any Treaties without my Means, which will be more advantageous for you, than your doing it by yourselves, for then you will be looked upon as the King of _England_'s Subjects, and let me know, from Time to Time, every Thing that is done.

"Thus far I have spoken to you relating to the War."

Then he chid them for their Breach of Faith with _Virginia_. He told them, that he was informed, that last Spring they had killed a fine Gentleman, with some others; and that a Party of the _Oneydoes_ was now there at the Head of _Tames River_, with Intention to destroy all the _Indians_ thereabout. They had taken six Prisoners, whom he ordered them to bring to him, to be restored; and that for the future they should desist from doing any Injury to the People of _Virginia_, or their _Indians_, otherwise all the _English_ would unite to destroy them. But at the same time he freed the _Senekas_ from any Blame, and commended them as a brave and honest People, who never had done any Thing contrary to his Orders, except in making that unlucky Peace with the _French_, three Years ago.

_Lastly_, He recommended to them, not to suffer their People to be drunk during the War: A Soldier thereby (he said) loses his Reputation, because of the Advantages it will give the Enemy over him.

This honest Gentleman earnestly pursued the Interest of his Country; but it seems his Measures were not agreeable to those his Master had taken with the _French_ King; for he had Orders to procure a Peace for the _French_ on their own Terms, and was soon after this removed from his Government. Indeed such an active, as well as prudent Governor of _New-York_, could not be acceptable to the _French_, who had the universal Monarchy in View, in _America_ as well as in _Europe_.

The great Dispute between Coll. _Dungan_ and the _French_ was in this, that Coll. _Dungan_ would force the _French_ to apply to him, in all Affairs relating to the _Five Nations_, and the _French_ would treat with them independently of the _English_. For this Reason Coll. _Dungan_ refused any Assistance to the _French_, till they, by such Application, should acknowledge the Dependance of the _Five Nations_ on the Crown of _England_. But King _James_ ordered him to give up this Point; and that he should persuade the _Five Nations_ to send to _Canada_, to receive Proposals from the _French Governor_; and for this Purpose, forced them to agree to a Cessation of Arms, till their Deputies should go and return from _Canada_; and that they should, in the mean Time, deliver up all the Prisoners they had taken from the _French_; and that no Accident might prevent this, and blast so favourable an Opportunity of making Peace to the best Advantage, Monsr. _De Nonville_ sent his Orders to all his Officers in the _Indian_ Countries, to observe a Cessation of Arms, till the Ambassador of the _Five Nations_ should meet him at _Montreal_, as they had given him Reason to expect they would in a little Time, to conclude the Peace in the usual Form.

In the mean Time, _Adario_, the Chief of the _Deonondadies_, finding that his Nation was become suspected by the _French_, since the Time they had shewn so much Inclination to the _English_, when they attempted to trade at _Missilimakinak_, resolved, by some notable Action against the _Five Nations_, to recover the good Graces of the _French_.

For this Purpose, he marched from _Missilimakinak_, at the Head of a Hundred Men; and that he might act with the more Security, he took _Cadarackui_ Fort in his Way for Intelligence: The Commandant informed him, that Monsr. _De Nonville_ was in Hopes of concluding a Peace with the _Five Nations_, and expected their Ambassadors in eight or ten Days at _Montreal_ for that Purpose, and therefore desired him to return to _Missilimakinak_, without attempting any Thing that might obstruct so good a Design.

The _Indian_ being surprised with this News, was under great Concern for his Nation, which he was afraid would be sacrificed to the _French_ Interest, but dissembled his Concern before the _French_ Officer. He went from _Cadarackui_, not to return home as the Commandant thought, but to wait for the Ambassadors of the _Five Nations_, near one of the Falls of _Cadarackui_ River, by which he knew they must pass. He did not lurk there above four or five Days, before the Deputies came guarded by forty young Soldiers, who were all surprised, and killed or taken Prisoners. As soon as the Prisoners were all secured, the cunning _Deonondadi_ told them, "That he having been informed, by the Governor of _Canada_, that fifty Warriors of their Nation were to pass this Way about this Time, he had secured this Pass, not doubting of intercepting them."

The Ambassadors being much surprised at the _French_ Perfidy, told _Adario_ the Design of their Journey, who, the better to play his Part, seemed to grow mad and furious, declaring against Monsr. _De Nonville_, and said he would, some time or other, be revenged of him, for making a Tool of him, to commit such horrid Treachery. Then looking stedfastly on the Prisoners (among whom _Dekanefora_ was the principal Ambassador) _Adario_ said to them, Go, my Brethren, I unty your Bonds, and send you home again, tho' our Nations be at War: The _French_ Governor has made me commit so black an Action, that I shall never be easy after it, till the _Five Nations_ shall have taken full Revenge.

This was sufficient to persuade the Ambassadors of the Truth of what he said, who assured him, that he and his Nation might make their Peace when they pleased. _Adario_ lost only one Man on this Occasion, and would keep a _Satana_ Prisoner (adopted into the _Five Nations_) to fill up his Place. Then he gave Arms, Powder and Ball to the rest of the Prisoners, to enable them to return.

The Ambassadors were chiefly, if not all, _Onondagas_, and _Oneydoes_, who had been long under the Influence of the _French_ Priests, and still retained an Affection to them; but this Adventure thoroughly changed their Thoughts, and irritated them so heartily against the _French_, that all the _Five Nations_ prosecuted the War unanimously.

_Adario_ delivered the Slave (his Prisoner) to the _French_ at _Missilimakinak_, who to keep up the Enmity between the _Deonondadies_ and the _Five Nations_, ordered him to be shot to Death. _Adario_ called one of the _Five Nations_, who had been long a Prisoner, to be an Eye Witness of his Countryman's Death, then bid him make his Escape to his own Country, to give an Account of the _French_ Cruelty, from which it was not in his Power to save a Prisoner, he himself had taken.

This heightned the Rage of the _Five Nations_ so, that Monsr. _De Nonville_'s sending to disown _Adario_ in this Action, had no Effect upon them; their Breasts admitted of no Thoughts but that of Revenge. It was not long before the _French_ felt the bloody Effects of this cruel Passion, for 1200 Men of the _Five Nations_ invaded the Island of _Montreal_, when the _French_ had no Suspicion of any such Attempt, while Monsr. _De Nonville_ and his Lady were in that Town. They landed on the South Side of the Island, at _La Chine_, on the 26th of _July_ 1688, where they burnt and sacked all the Plantations, and made a terrible Massacre of Men, Women, and Children. The _French_ were under Apprehension of the Town's being attack'd, for which Reason, they durst not send out any considerable Party to the Relief of the Country, only once, when the _Indians_ had blocked up two Forts, Monsr. _De Nonville_ sent out a hundred Soldiers, and fifty _Indians_, to try to bring off the Men in those Forts. The _French_ of this Party were all either taken or cut to Pieces, except one Soldier, and the commanding Officer, who, after he had his Thighs broke, was carried off by twelve _Indians_ that made their Escape. There were above a Thousand of the _French_ killed at this Time, and twenty-six were carried away Prisoners, the greatest Part of which were burnt alive. The _Five Nations_ only lost three Men on this Expedition, that got drunk and were left behind. This, however, did not satiate their Thirst after Blood, for, in _October_ following, they destroyed likewise all the lower Part of the Island, and carried away many Prisoners.

The Consequence of these Expeditions were very dismal to the _French_, for they were forced to burn their two Barks, which they had on _Cadarackui_ Lake, and to abandon their Fort there; they designed to have blown up their Works, when they left that Place; and for that End left a lighted Match where the Powder lay, but were in such a Fright, that they durst not stay to see what Effect it had. They went down _Cadarackui_ River in seven Birch Canoes; and for greater Security, travelled in the Night. One of the Canoes, with all the Men in it, were lost, by their Precipitation, as they passed one of the Falls in that River. The _Five Nations_ hearing the _French_ had deserted _Cadarackui_ Fort, fifty _Indians_ went and took Possession of it, who found the Match the _French_ had left, which had gone out, and twenty eight Barrels of Powder in the same Place, together with several other Stores.

The News of the Success the _Five Nations_ had over the _French_ soon spread itself among all the _Indians_, and put the _French_ Affairs every where into the greatest Disorder.

The _Utawawas_ had always shewn an Inclination to the _English_, and they therefore immediately sent openly four _Sachems_, with three Prisoners of the _Senekas_, which they had, to assure them, that they would for ever renounce all Friendship with the _French_, and promised to restore the rest of the Prisoners. They also included seven Nations, that lived near _Missilimakinak_, in this Peace.

This put the _French_ Commandant there under the greatest Difficulty to maintain his Post; but there was no Choice, he must stand his Ground, for the _Five Nations_ had cut off all Hopes of retiring.

The _Nepairinians_ and _Kikabous_, of all their numerous Allies, only remained firm to the _French_; every one of the others endeavoured to gain the Friendship of the _Five Nations_; and would certainly have done it, by murdering all the _French_ among them, had not the Sieur _Perot_, with wonderful Sagacity and eminent Hazard to his own Person, diverted them.

_Canada_ was now in a most miserable Condition, for while the greatest Number of their Men had been employed in the Expedition against the _Five Nations_, and in trading among the far Nations, and making new Discoveries and Settlements, Tillage and Husbandry had been neglected; and they lost several Thousands of their Inhabitants, by the continual Incursions of small Parties, so that none durst hazard themselves out of fortified Places; indeed, it is hard to conceive what Distress the _French_ were then under, for tho' they were every where almost starving, they could not plant nor sow, or go from one Village to another for Relief, but with imminent Danger of having their Scalps carried away by the sculking _Indians_; at last the whole Country being laid waste, Famine began to rage, and was like to have put a miserable End to that Colony.

If the _Indians_ had understood the Method of attacking Forts, nothing could have preserved the _French_ from an entire Destruction at this Time; for whoever considers the State of the _Indian_ Affairs during this Period, how the _Five Nations_ were divided in their Sentiments and Measures; that the _Onondagas_, _Cayugas_, and _Oneydoes_, under the Influence of the _French_ Jesuites, were diverted from prosecuting the War against _Canada_, by the Jesuites cunningly spiriting up those three Nations against the _Virginia Indians_, and persuading them to send out their Parties that Way: That the _Senekas_ had a War at the same Time upon their Hands with three numerous _Indian_ Nations, the _Utawawas_, _Chicktaghicks_, and _Twihtwies_; and that the Measures the _English_ observed all King _James_'s Reign, gave the _Indians_ rather Grounds of Jealousy than Assistance: I say, whoever considers all these Things, and what the _Five Nations_ did actually perform, under all these Disadvantages against the _French_, will hardly doubt, that the _Five Nations_ by themselves were at that Time an Overmatch for the _French_ of _Canada_.

[Footnote 8: The Word Proposition has been always used by the Commissioners for _Indian Affairs_ at _Albany_, to signify Proposals or Articles in the Treaties or Agreements made with the _Indians_.]

[Footnote 9: A Castle of the _Sennekas_, from whence the _French_ call the _Sennekas Tonontouan_.]

[Footnote 10: Comprehended under the general Name of _Utawawas_.]

[Footnote 11: All _Indians_ make Use of a Hatchet or Axe, as an Emblem to express War.]

[Footnote 12: The Name the _Five Nations_ always give the Governor of _Virginia_.]

[Footnote 13: The _Five Nations_ always express Peace by the Metaphor of a Tree.]

[Footnote 14: The _French Priests_ had, from Time to Time, persuaded several of the _Five Nations_ to leave their own Country, and to settle near _Montreal_; where the _French_ are very industrious in encouraging them. Their Numbers have been likewise increased by the Prisoners the _French_ have taken in War, and by others that have run from their own Country; because of some Mischief that they had done, or Debts which they owed the Christians. These _Indians_ are all profess'd Papists, and for that Reason are commonly called the _praying Indians_ by their Countrymen, and they are called _Cahnuagas_ by the People of _Albany_, from the Place where they live; the _French_ value them on Account of the Intelligence they give in Time of War, and their Knowledge of the Countries.]

[Footnote 15: _New-York._]

[Footnote 16: _Virginia._]

[Footnote 17: _Maryland._]

[Footnote 18: The _Mohawks_ Country is situated between the other Nations and _Albany_.]

[Footnote 19: _Ronoon_ signifies Nation or People, in the Language of the _Five Nations_; they say _Tuihtuih-ronoons, Chichighik-ronoon, Deonondadik-ronoon_, &c.]

[Footnote 20: That is, the _Partridge_.]

[Footnote 21: Pointing to the _Jesuite_.]

[Footnote 22: The _Indians_ commonly gave a new Name to any Person they receive or adapt into their Nation. This is the _Jesuites Indian_ Name, the Interpretation whereof I know not.]

[Footnote 23: Voyages du _Baron de la Hontan_, Tome 1. Letter 7.]

[Footnote 24: The _Calumet_ is a large smoaking Pipe made of Marble, most commonly of a dark red, well polished, shaped somewhat in the Form of a Hatchet, and adorned with large Feathers of several Colours. It is used in all the _Indian_ Treaties with Strangers, and as a Flag of Truce between contending Parties, which all the _Indians_ think a very high Crime to violate. These _Calumets_ are generally of nice Workmanship, and were in Use before the _Indians_ knew any Thing of the Christians; for which Reason we are at a Loss to conceive by what Means they pierced these Pipes, and shaped them so finely, before they had the Use of Iron.]

[Footnote 25: Called _Sawanons_ by the _French_.]

[Footnote 26: Called _Illinois_ by the _French_.]

[Footnote 27: History de le Amerique Septentrionale, par Mr. de la Poterie, Tome ii. Cap. 16.]

[Footnote 28: In the Straights between Lake _Erie_ and _Quatoghie_ Lake.]

THE

H I S T O R Y

OF THE

FIVE Indian NATIONS

DEPENDENT

On the Province of NEW-YORK.