O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1849.

If you approve of this I could wish you would recommend it to the Government as I purpose to do & I imagine if they agree to it, it will greatly facilitate the Service. -- Should the plan be laid aside, I must Indeed lay before the Gov*^ the necessity there is for my being impowered to purchase Goods in England to a certain Annual Am*^ for the annual pubhc Congress, and such …

Amongst the rest I have certain acco*^, from some Indians who never yet deceived me, & who are returned from the War ag* the Southern Indians that they have discovered a general discontent arising am^f^ all the Nations thro' which they passed on ace* of the many late Murders committed on the frontiers & the Settlements making in their Country, -- that the spirit of resentment …

I am well informed that Chaberf Joncair is preparing to set out with a Cargo of goods for Niagara, and heartily wish he could by some means be prevented, for I am convinced that no good can come of that Journey, and that he will be as ready to infuse dangerous Sentiments into the Minds of the Indians as they will be to give credit to all he says from the great esteem in which …

Croghans last Acco^ given in to the General, who Mr. Croghan writes me allowed of it and required my Order on him for the payment. I also Enclose to M"". Henry White an Order on you for ^£1568. ]3. 7. Y Curry, being the Ammount of the pay, Expences &c of M^ Cole Commissary at the Ilinois, which (according to the Letters I have received) you was to pay so soon as you received …

Previous to my setting out I received very unfavorable accots of their disposition & unwillingness to come down, wliich obliged me to take such steps as would shew them that we continued our friendship as usual, I accordingly purchased some Goods which added to the present from the Provinces of Maryland and Pensilvania afforded them all a part and sent them away Contented …

here, -- It will nevertheless be a groat pity & a general loss should they alliect the public Service or the Security of the Country, Avhich must be the case if they are hasty in their Resolutions. The withdrawing the Garrisons from the Small posts may not be attended with ill consequences ; but care certainly should be taken of the frontiers otherwise such a scope will be …

Co'i Gladwin for their past Conduct this appears pretty odd as he made the most particular Charges against them, and transmitted the strongest proofs to support them. I wish (from the tenor of the Gov^^. Letter) that the Inhabitants of that Government may not have prejudiced him in their favor, which I am induced to think they will do, having one Common interest to support …

If the officers of the Crown differ in Sentiments with the Government, as Avell as with one another, the Service must fail in its principal obj6ct, and the Commissaries unsupported, & of Course Complained of from all Quarters must prove a needless Expense. These appointments did not originate with me and I have no reason to enter into the Merits of the affair but that it was a …

The Comissy. (admitting the Complaints true) not having Exercised as much power as required by the plan, neither can it be insinuated that I should give any officers of the Department the least countenance to do so. I have rec«i. and forwarded the Order respect?, the Cloaths remaining at the posts, & shall write to Major Rogers to incurr no more Expenses, as you desire …

Col Gladwin for a Character during the late Indian War -- this is really Extraordinary as no Gentleman was more acquainted with or discovered more resentment at their Conduct of which he was daily transmitting proofs, -- I have now just rec*^. a Copy of a Letter from M^ Carleton to some Traders, wherein he Expresses his Astonishment that the Commiss^^. sho^. have any thing to …

Whereas it is well known no CoraissY. was hitherto at Michilimackinac the prin^ Rendezvous of the Canadians, and as for the rest I have never heard any Complaint but agt M"" Hay & that for the very reverse of what he is charged, the Complaints made to me against him by pet^s. signed by sundry persons being for manifesting a blind & bigotted partiality to the Canadn^. all w"^'' …

In fact the 'Traders both English & French, but particularly the latter generally do as'they please and it is not in the power of the Comissys to prevent them One of the consequences of their Liberty is the murder of Jadot, & the Indian we must Expect many such accidents if they Trade where they please with people who have it not in their power to obtain justice from us be …

Capt Browne writes me that he has at y®. request of Comis^ry Roberts caused Two Traders to be apprehended at Toronto where they were Trading contrary to Authority I hope L*. Gov"^. Carleton will agreeable to the Declarao"! in one of his Letters have them prosecuted and punished as examples to the rest -- I am informed that there are Several more from Canada trading with the …

prejudice him against that nation, that having now bought a Large Cargo for the purposes of Trade he & family must be ruined unless allowed to dispose of it, from all which and from his repeated intreatys and assurances of behaving in such a manner as should render him worthy that indulgence, I was at a loss how to refuse him, ami therefore have wrote by him to Brig^ …

Your favour of the 2Sth ult<» was handed me by M'" Croghan, who will have the honour of delivering you this, & to whom I must beg leave to refer you for the particulars, as sent to me, of that unhappy affair of the murder of Cap* S* Clairs Serv* by 2 Mississagays or Chippaways in Lake Huron as well as for several other things w<=h I really have now no time to write, owing to …

I heartily wish that Cap* Murray may be able to persuade ^he Virginians to abandon their Encroachments at Red Stone Creek, & Cheat River, as such an Instance of the governments good intentions of doing the Ind^ Justice would certainly at this time have a good effect. MJ" Croghan laid before me an ace* of Ind" Expenses at I ort Pitt from y« ]ct June 1766, to 3^ June 1767, by …

Curcy, as you will see by the enclosed which is vastly more than I could have thought of, or wished him to have expended in so short a time & w<^^ makes me imagme He must not have received my letter wherein I strongly recommended the greatest Economy that the nature of the service would admit of & M'' Croghan to whom I have committed the cart of that quarter of my Department …

THE SAME TO THE SAME. Johnson-hall Aug. 6th. 1767. Dear Sir I have had tlie pleasure of your Letters of the 12th & 20 ult", and am much obliged to you for the kind concern you Express for L*. Johnsons misfortune, he offers his best respects to you, & notwithstanding his Second Accident so soon after the former is now in a very fair way of recovery. Capt Claus is Quite Well & …

Hay instruct^s how to act on their Arrival at Detroit which is all can be done at present, Indeed I have since reC^ Sundry particulars from persons there sufficient to invalidate the charge brought against them, and that notwithstanding the Seeming indiference of their Chiefs both they and their neighbors are greatly incensed inasmuch as they have lost so many of their people …

that Quarter have for the French & the hopes they still Entertain from that Quarter adds that last year they sent to N Orleans to enquire of the French into these matters who dismissed them with valuable presents, plenty of Ammunition & assurances that they would shortly attack the English & that the Ind^, sho'i. hold themselves in readiness that this Spring they were assured …

Exert themselves with more Vigor and be better Assisted than in the late War -- As he well understood their Language, & that they had for a Long time expected he would never Leave them he had an opportunity of hearing their Real sentiments, & observes that the Prini cause of their dissaffection is owing to the French Traders & others amongst them who fill their minds with the …

Coles it is really considerable, & I dont know Justly what to say to it till we hear farther -- the Conduct of the Virginians, & the desire to win the Indians over may have contributed to them, but I hope we shall hear something more fully on that head. Enclosed you have an Ace* of the expences since March last, I should not have troubled you with this until 7^^ were it not …

Croghan do proceed from Fort Pi t to the Detroit which is a Journey of only 6 Days as he is not on y better Acquainted with the steps to be taken but also can there Examine into the Abuses and Dis})utes concerning the Tr iders, in which he apprehends he can do good Service, -- I find as well from the sevK Letters I have received as from Major Bayard & other Gentlemen from …

As my Stay will be but a fev' days Your Answer will I hope find me at,'or near home. SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 863 THE SAME TO THE SAME.. Johnson hall Septr. 6th 1767. Dear Sir, Being Just returned from the Springs from whence I think I have received some benefit, I Judged it proper to Write by M'. Croghan who is the bearer of this and who in case you approve of the Journey …

I Left the Springs Sooner than I should otherwise have done on ace*, of Some Letters &<= transmitted me by L' Johnson which were received from the frontiers and from some Acc^^ received from the Indians which I don't much like, on my Airival at Albany I was Surrounded by people with Drafts drawn on me by Major Rogers to a very considerable Amm*. those 1 have already Seen come …

the Sioux & Chipeweighs, with w^h I think we have very little to do, in good policy or otherwise. By Letters I have this day received from Capt Claus I find that farther drafts on me have been shown to him at Montreal to the amount of ,£1100, and I hear the whole Exceeds j£5000. In short from the several acc^s I have received I am induced to think there must be some particular …

The Traders have been vastly indulged to procure thtnr Esteem, but are nevertheless very importunate for their Money and I am at a loss what to say to them upon it, for Expences seem to have been made & Ind^ called purely to shew authority and gain reputat" the business was given into the hands of the Commissy with a bad orace, and much has been done to draw the latter into …

The Government are I believe at a Loss w^hat to do about the Department from the representations of Traders &c perhaps you have received by the pacquet some advices on these heads -- I have said enough on these Subjects to explain fully the Conduct of the Inhabitants, Traders &c with their effects upon the Indians, which sufficiently point out the means whereby we can live in …

Croghan set out yesterday for Philadelphia in his way to the Detroit, and I have been for some Hours busy in writing Letters for him to carry there. The officer Commanding will give him every assistance in his Power to compleat the Commissions with which he is charged, and if it shall be found necessary, the better to authenticate any examinations or enquirysMr Croghan is …

I have sent orders that he shall return no more to Missilimakinak, or be permitted to hold any Conferences publick or private with any of Indian Nations, and to watch his motions very narrowly. Of all this you will take no Notice for some time to come. I have wrote very fully to Lieu* Roberts to send the fullest Information upon every part of his Conduct, and given Orders to …

The Insults they have received on the Frontiers should no doubt be redressed, and every method has been taken to do it, But in some of the Quarrells which have happened, the Indians were in fault, and the first aggressors, as far as I have been able to learn. I have received no advices from the Government on the subject of your Department these many Packets ; am inclined to …

The Indians are much more dissatisfied at the appearance of Settlers than even at a Garrison, as the former increases and overspreads the Country, these people having no liCgall title where they are are with all very imprudent, and sooft as the Indians buy rum from them they will be troublesome. The Character of Capt Sinciairs Servant is certainly no Justification of the …

Indeed the Discontent now amongst them is the more dangerous as it is carried on under disguise and their conferences secret. The want of settling the Boundary Line & the Neglect of establishing many other points of the Plan, as well as redressing Grievances of which agreable to my orders I gave them assurances long since, appears to me to be the principal cause of their …

York concerning Lands, and to you, to cooperate & give y assistance in removing tlie South" Intrusions &c the difficulty attending which from the unwillingness of the Col^. to call for military aid I have observed to him. This moment I have received advice of the death of the chiet all the Senecas, the Messengers dispatched on that occasion being not yet arrived, I know no …

He made a long Speech: the perport of which was, that he was much dissatisfide at the behavour of the Sinecas : that he was very glad to see me : that he was very hungry, and beged I would give him some provisions, rum, powder and Shott : Then gave four Strings of wampom : he again spoke much to the Same purpose with this addition that he was going to Toronto to Consult with …

powder and Shott, told them it was only a drunken quarel and ought not to be taken further Notice of, espetially as the Messesaga was the agresser, and I desired that nothing Should be done in the affair without first Consulting me. gave them five Strings Wampom, They promised nothing should be done without my being first Acquainted with it. This day I sent four strings of …

I am sent here by your Father Sir William Jonson to take care of your Trade and to prevent abuse's therein, I have no sort of news for I suppose you have heard of the drunken Chippewas that kiled an English man and wounded his Wife very much ; above Detroit ; they are sent down the Country by Consent and approbation of the head Men of the Nation, I am sorry to acquaint You …

I hope you will prevent it for the future, all of You know the reason of this Belt of wampom being left at this place, I then shewed them a large Belt, left here five or six years ago by Wabacommegat, by which belt he was under promise not to allow any body whatever to Carry on trade at Toronto. Now Children I have no more to say but desire you to remmember and keep Close to …

Father, we have heard You with attention ; I think it was verry wrong in the People to kill Captain Grants Cattle I shall discover the men that did it and will bring them in here in the fall : We will allow no more Trade to be Carried on at Toronto, as to myself its well known I don't approve of it, as I went with the Interpreter to bring in those that were tradeing at that …

Wabacommegat thank'd me and said that the dninkin Quarrel on the Carrying place was forgot and no more thought of, as it was rum did it. July 20th. Aseushan one of the head warriors of the Senecas came to me told me he was verry Sick and begged he might be cur'd ; as the white People are better doctors then the Indians, and said he would remain here untill he should Recover, I …

I told them I was glad to see them but sorry to here that the Indians were so idle as to destroy there own flesh and blood, as to the People in arms that were going to Fort Pitt, I could not with Certainty give any account of, but I believed they were going to disposses some People that were living on the Indian lands with out haveing any right so to do. Castesh answered that …

Castesh came to me alone, said they had in spring received a good deal of Cloaths and other presents from Sir William Johnson: but that they were now wore out, and hopped I would have pity on them and give them some Cloaths, and other things, for the use of there old People, Women Children and warriors, I answered him I would tell him in Council how f&r it was in my power to …

Brethren I am glad to see you, and I hope you will give ear • to what I am going to say. Bretheren You allready have heard of my being appointed by Sir William to take care of the Indian Trade at this place to heare b72 MANUSCRIPTS OF your Complaints, lo redress your greivances, and transact all business with you under Sir William, It shall be my studdy to serve you, and …

I therefore hope the Cheifs will advise and pervent their Young Men from Commiting such folley, I also hope the Young Men will hsten to their Cheifs advice in that, as well as their advice of allway's doing good, and never think of harm, I strongly recommend peace and friendship to You, wath all his Majesty's subjects^ as I can with truth assure you there's no violence …

Sir William hopes that You wall be convinced of the Extraordinary Expence occasioned by these appointments ; and that they are all intended for Your benifets, and he farther hopes that when You are convinced of the above it will prevent your makin unnecesseary demands for presents or provisions. Notwithstanding the strictness of my orders, as it is the first time I have had …

We have heard what You have said and think it is very good, I shall lett Sir William know of the good things You have said, and of the good respection we have met with at this place ; we are Convinsed of the good intentions of the English towards us, and will stick to their interest, as to the Cattle that have been taken from this place, whatever theres of them at Our Castle's …

Mons^: Chabiere arrived here, Castesh and a good number of others came the 16th: and spoke to him, he afterwards spoke to them in public before Nor<l Mac Leod Com^y: of Indian affairs, and Cap*. John Brown of the 2*1; Batt": of the Royal Americans, who Commanded the Garrison; he having nrst told the CommeO": and Commanding Officer, that it was by desire of Sir Will'": Johnson …

Indians told them it was a shame for them to behave as they did, in carrying away and killing tlie Kings Cattle on the Carrying place, and begged of them never to be guilty of the like folly again, told them to adhear to the English intrist and not to believe anything about the French's comeing again to this Cpwutry if they Could come it would be to digg a great Hole and put …

Chabiere the same answer as they made me on the 8th of August. The Indians remained on the plains till Mr. Chabiere went off. Aug^. 20*11. Mr: Chabiere went away from this place he carry«i Castesli the head Chief with him in his Boat^ the rest of the Indians followed him by land and I believe some of them went as far a Fort Erie with him. some were to have gone to Detroit but …

I was informed of some bad belts having come amongst the Sinecas (from the Delaway®) I heard that the two great Cheifs of that Nation was still on the Carrying place, I sent my Interpreter M^: De Couagne to spake to them and try if he Could get any Certain intelligence about the above mentioned Belts, he overtook them a few miles from the Road, they told him the Belts had not …

Carry 11 their News to ; and where they would get all the news that was amongst us as he intended to winter there, I was informed this day that M^: Chabiere had made the Indians some presents when on the Carrying place. I this day received a Message from Wabacommegat Chief of the Messesagas that he was to come and see me in a few days and bring me News that was not good. ^ugt …

Sep'' 3d Nanebojou a Chippawa Chief came and told me that Wabacommegat would be in soon he told DeCouagne the Intirpretor that there had some bad Belts gone amongst the upper Nations, but they had not come to his band or to the Messesagas. when I spoke to him he told me he could tell me no news untill such time as, Wabacommagat came in. I was this day inform'd by Tacudese …

I told him I should send De Couagne Out with him to the village to bring back the Stolen Horses and get all the News. Sep''. lOtb. Wabacommegat arrived in the Evening Sep'''. IV^. He came to visit me and told me he could not S7G MANUSCRIPTS OF speake to me as he Expected Three more Canoes that clay, but as soon as they shoukl come He wold tell me all the News, if I wold mine …

That the Indians about Detroit had very bad harts, but whether their bad designs were against the white People or some Indian Nations he could not pretend to tell. That the Shawanese had sent bad Belts amongst the upper Nations, but the Chippawas and Messenger did not agree, When they were just about accepting of the Belt, and going to shake hands some diffrenee arose and the …

I hope therefore You will not do as You did last time I was at this place, which was to give me only about as much powder as would once loade my firelock. I am ashamed to return home, and tell my Young People I have been well received by my Brothers the English always take care of us and use us well, and at the same time I have not so much as one load of Powder and Shott to …

I then told them as it was late in the day, I had not time to give them an answer that night but the next day I should speak to them. Sep"". 13*^*1. The Congress met agahi. Nor^. MacLeod Esq"". Comry. of Indian affiirs. Jean Bapt*. De Cougne Interpretor. Cap*. John Brown of the Royal Americans Present 7 Lieu^ John Poison of the Royal Americans Capt. Sower Engineer Cap*. Lee …

prisoners to Detroit they asked pardon for the Crimes they had commited, by which I hope they will be wiser for the future, or the Bung will be put in the Barrel, which will prevent their geting any more liquor out of it, and consequently will make them keep sober. I allso heard of some Belts from the Shawanese and Delawars having been sent amongst the upper Nations. I am glad …

I wish the Senecas had made an answer to the Belt You sent them, as theres one of their Nation here present on this place, I shall by him let the Nation know what You have said, I hope he will use his intrest amongst them to desire them to let You know their sentiments, which I hope is good, I hope you will always keep the strings of wampom I gave You when last here, they will …

Brother the Belts did not pass by Our nation, we had the News of them from Other people, I know not what Nations have received the Belts, but it is my opinion that the Hurons at Detroit have keeped a little bit of it, we know not the meaning of the Belt as it did not come our way : Brother when you> know the sentiments of the Sinecas I hope You'll let us know them ; as to the …

I desired he should tell the Nation what the Messesagas had said, and they should (by De Couagne who was to sent off to their Village in two or three days) send me word what they intend'd to do in that affair, as well as concerning the Belt they had received from the Delewars ; at the time the Speaker and I were in Close Conversation Cap^ Brown came in, told the Speaker to …

Asueshan came in with a quantity of Curious Oyl, taken of the top of the water of some very small Leake near the Village he belongs to. Sep^. 20th. I sent for him and asked him his news, he told me he had none, but that if I had any he hoped I would tell it to him, I told him what Wabacommagat had said to me and to Tacudase and also told him what Castesh had said to De Couagne …

I ask'd Ascushan if he knew any thing of bad Belts haveing gone amongst the six Nations he answer'd no but there was allways People enough amongst them to propegate bad News whither true or false, it was his own Opinion that the Indians at present ment no harm to the English, whatever they did towards one an other ; at all events no harm was to be done this winter he did not …

I then gave De Couagne a belt of wampom of seven Rows upon which he was to speak to the Genesee and get their News, and also sixteen string of wampom left with me by the Messesagas, In Order to be sent to the Senecas to know their Intentions Concerning Affairs in General and in particular about the murder of the four Squas. Sej)^. 22^. Ascushan and De Couagne set off for the …

I imagine M^ Stiiart has not yet received some of my last Letters otherwise he would have found that the Deputys have been expected here &may come with safety & treat about an accommodation. I reserve the Subject of affairs at Michilimackinac for a separate Letter which is herewith inclosed and herein answer the remainder of yours of the 21^^. Sept^. and 4.^^ of this Inst …

The Greatest Grievances with regard to Lands are the Kayaderosseras patent & the Grant of the Lower Mohock Flatts to y-' corporation of Albany the several Intrusions made & threatened to be made in almost every Quarter to the Southward occasions likewise a Gen^ discontent. on all these points they w.ere assured of Speedy and Effectual redress, which they have in Vain Expected …

This is the boundy, I have so oiten spoke of, not that between Pensilvania & Maryland which is a private affair, & Concerning this Gen', Boundary (agreeable to my Orders) I conferred with the Whole Confederacy & Assured them that it would forthwith be settled, and Lines determined on, beyond which no purchases whatsoever should be attempted As nothing appeared better …

Murray the reasons they gave were Just, them Lands being the Sole property of the Six Nations, and the Mingoes (as the Six Nations are called there) were the people agreable to their practise who should have attended hun altho' such intrusions were equally disagreable to rhe rest. Some of their people may at times be bro*. to encourage Settlements & even thro' Lucre dispose of …

I met the Indians at the Tuscarora Creek in Oneida Lake, they were greatly affected at the death of a remarkable Chief of the Onondagas, and I was obliged to perform all the Ceremony on that occasion after which they told me of the various Reports & Injuries they had received, that their heads were quite turned with them, that they had in Vain waited the fullfilling of our …

I Should have sent Down my acct^by this opportimity but that 1 have not yet rec^ those from Niagara -- the present Method of payff off the department, is attended with the greatest inconveniency to me -- the Officers at the Outposts draw occasionally, I must ans^'. them or hurt their Credit & I have been often obliged to take up money for that purpose. I think it will be best …

It appears to me necessary that the Govemm* should be fully informed of these particulars, and you will doubtless agree with me concerning the necessity there appears for preventing him from putting his resolutions into practice or eluding the plan you proposed for bringing him from thence. He is a weak, Vain man, and however romantick his scheme may appear, I believe him …

The Traders there tho ignorant of his particular project, begin to be greatly alarmed on acco* of their persons & propertys from some discoveries they have made, and my opinion is, that as he now knows he is discovered, he will be driven to any thing thro' despair, & that he will Leave the Garrison imediately having concerted a plan with those Seduced to follow his fortune & …

I am greatly distressed for want of provisions for the Ind"' resorting this way, some of them have been here for a Considerable time, and I am obliged to buy up Cattle for them which is a greater Expence to the Crown than Kings provisions. I must beg you will Order some this way as there are none to be spared from this Quarter or from Albany or Schenectady. Geni Gage. SIR …

Croghan orders concerning them agreeable to a former Letter of mine) for the am*, of w^h I beg the favor of you to order a Warrant being really much distressed for cash to answer them. Since my last I have received more Letters from Michilimackinac concerning Affairs there by which I find that the Commissx has been Led off the parade by a File of Men & Confined on acco*^ of …

In the present critical situation of affairs with the Indians I am at a Loss what Step first to take, the Ministry are fully apprized of every thing but the time will not permit me to receive their ansvfer concerning the Calling a Gen^ Congress, to meet next Year, as this must be attended with a considerable Expence I would willingly have your Sentiments & direction concern? …

will fully answer is to me a matter of doubt, the feeble state of the Governments, and the Interests and pursuits of the people of all which you are fully sensible must prove a bar to the most salutary measures, If a Government was formed on the plan you mention it would prove a good barrier against the Encroachments of others, and have strength enough in itself to restrain …

I have wrote to Major Gorham about his acco*^ and the Establishments he has made some of which I by no means approve of, Such an expence in that Quarter may I think be well dispensed with. What I meant with regard to the Officers Sallarys was that agreeable to the Estimate I should furnish I might have a sum of money put into my hands to answer their several demands. The …

These lesser Expences am*, to so much annually that they are introduced into the public accot^. and sev^. of them serve to augment mine, which besides its giving a Latitude I don't approve of. Creates Irregularities in acct* and therefore I long since intended to rectify it by a fixed augmentation to their Sallary of jEIOO p ann. for all their Travelling charges & Expenses of …

All that the Commissaries can now do, is, to hear the Complaints- of the Indians, to report the forfeiture of the Traders bonds, & to Gain and Transmit Intelligence, & as the spirit for a free trade prevails daily more & more thro' the distressed Circumstances of the majority of them, whose Credit failing they wo^. undertake anything for delaying their fate, we must manage as …

Chabert notwithstanding his promises to me, and the plausible speech he made in public to the Indians at Niagara, afterwards assembled them privately told them that what he had said he was compelled to by the presence of the English, but that they might be assured of the King of France's design to assist them, & advised them to be ready to begin upon us. This I have had from …

Rogers has Goods trading for his benefit in the Ind". Country to a very considerable amount, and the Returns may soon be in, as I am informed j for which reason I thought it best to hint, that it would not be amiss to have them secured for his Creditors. I have a Letter from Capt Spicemaker on the subject of Lt. Robert's Confinement, I hear the latter is near this place on his …

Shewing them the conduct of their Provinces before with respect to Encroachments, for which no Justice could be obtained : which at length obliged the Indians to throw themselves into the arms of the French for Protection, and had occasioned the Hostilities commenced upon us in 1754 & 1755, and the war that followed. If their Laws were insufficient, that others should be made …

I have talked here of the affair of Kayadorosseras, & lower Mohock Flatts. People say, that the first might be settled between the Patentees and the Indians to mutual satisfaction. You will know this best, and if you send me proper Information and your opinion concerning it, I will move in it. I can say nothing to the Trade, unless there is proper Information against any …

The money may be in hand by the Day it is due. I am to beg that you will not advance the Pay of your oflScers till you have proper Consent and Authority for it. Their present sallarys have been laid before Parliament and an Increase thereof without knowing by what authority it is done, will probably occasion Questions and heighten the Complaints abeady made in Parliament of …

But as the Ice will probably prevent their getting up so far, they will its likely, land at the Manor or Claverack and proceed to Albany by Land, from whence they will be forwarded to you. I have provided each with a warm Jacket, a Pass, and Letters to Albany. You will hear of the ten men belonging to Wharton's Boats, that they were killed by the Indians of Saguinam Bay, as …

These ten, with the one killed at Detroit, a Trader in the Shawnoe Country, and one lately in a Field whilst asleep near Turtle Creek, by a Delawar Indian said to be a half Brother of one Powell who lives near Turtle Creek, makes in all thirteen white men killed by the Indians within four or five months ; so that upon the whole, they seem pretty even with us in tRe article of …

The Colonel would not pay it, but if I remember well gave a Certificate, which was transmitted to you If the Demand has not been paid by you be so good to look out for the Certificate, for the money is justly due ; and somebody should pay the Trader ; but Colonel Bradstreet objected, that the Price demanded was too high. If you can make out an affair of so long standing I …

As my former letter went by post, I have no doubt, it will reach you, long before they will arrive, and deliver you this, which in that case, will serve only to inform you, that I have advanced the Interpreter Thirty pounds Y Curry, in order to defray their Expenses to you, For the Expenditure of which, he is directed to account with you, and you can add it to the charge of …

Fauquiere, but Governor Penn shews the greatest readiness to cooperate with me, and tells me that he shall lay the matter before his Assembly, & recommend it in the strongest manner to them, to concur with him in the most certain expedients for the Removal of all the People settled on the Indian's Lands within the Province, which has been hitherto attempted in vain by …

The main object of the Indians resentment is what they will not probably be so ingenious as to confess. -- But it is obvious to me that the first principle of their discontent arises from the natural apprehensions they have of our growing power, which they cannot view without the utmost jealousy, accompanied by a fear which they will not however acknowledge, under these …

These are my real sentiments in the matter, and the Case between us now is Whether the Government think it worth attention to remove their apprehensions and reconcile them to a pacific Life by a redress of Grievances, & by some Efficacious plan for preventing the Like hereafter, with an occasional attention to their affairs & distribution of some favors am^* them, or to 894 …

As to what you say on the particular Case oi Kayadarosseras,Ih.iive been already applied to by the Pattentees, and have in consequence thereof endeavored to effect an accommodation between them, and the Indians by the formers relinquishing their Claim to a part of the Tract, but there are so many Claimants under the Origi Grant that it will be difficult if not impossible to …

Particular Instances can be given of Frauds, & Misconduct of Traders, but should they come to posts without having given Security, or if there is any reason to apprehend they would be acquitted, it is better to let them alone, -- this I have Experienced, & am certain of it that in matters regarding the Ind^. who are incapable of allowing for the prejudice of a party, or the …

The Approach of the Cherokee Deputys at this time is a little unlucky, as it is a bad Season to assemble the Six Nations however I shall do it iraediately, but am greatly distressed about provisions, there is none at Albany, or the posts & Cattle neither being plenty or Cheap here I shall be obliged to send for them to New England, & as It will be a good opportunity for me to …

THE SAME TO THE SAME. Johnson-hall Dec. 26th. 1767. Dear Sir This will be delivered to you by Lieut Roberts who arrived here some days ago. It is Judged necessary that as he was sent as a prisoner from Michilimack^. he should wait upon you notwithstanding he was not received as such by the Comds Officer at the Detroit, to whom he was ordered to be delivered up, but was left at …

He thinks himself Greatly Injured but you wnll be the best Judge on hearing what he has to Say & Examining the papers which he'll lay before you As the Bonds &c. entered into by the Traders are in his hands & that the most necessary time for a Commissys presence is Early in the Spring I think it best that he should return to his post after waiting upon you without any other …

Johnson-hall, July 20tli 1768. My Lord, M'" Johnson my Deputy has during my Absence received your Lordships Letters Numbr^ one, two and three, and acquainted you with the occasion of my going to the sea side from whence I returned a few days ago somewhat recovered of my late Indisposition-- he likewise reported in General terms to your Lordship the steps taken towards …

Sincerely to Congratulate you on your late Appointment and dutifully to Submit my thoughts, on the Reform which as an Old, and I believe a most faithfull Servant to the Crown, I am enabled and bound to offer to his Majestys Consideration, wherein I shall Speak without the Smallest Interest or prejudice beyond what in me naturally arises for the true Interests of the Crown, and …

Your Lordship will please to recollect that the plan for the more effectual regulating of Indian affairs which came out in 1764 was formed under your Lordships direction & honored with his Majesty's Approbation when you so Wisely presided at the head of the Board of Trade, and has been since in part carried into Execut" attended with as much Success as could have been possibly …

not impowereil to Carry this plan effectually into Execution and that some parts of it howeA'er Judicious & political appeared from reasons that occurred since impracticable to be inforced,yetI have still received Assurances that something Similar thereto was under Consideration, & that I should speedily receive such powers as would Answer those ends & that in the interim I …

Now, my Lords, was I governed by Interest, or did it in any manner influence my Representations, I should not offer any farther thoughts upon it seeing that my Sallary is augmented, and my Cares and Trouble in some measure Lessened, Considerations of no small Weight with the generality of Mankind, but when 1 reflect that this Reform is a matter of the most serious Consequence …

produced in the politicks and Sentiments of both, from a Consideration of which I flatter myself some Conclusions may be drawn relative to the Event of the present System & its future Operations. The General misconduct & Neglect of Provincial managera*. is too well known and has been repeatedly Expressed as the sense of Government, It is however said by some that they formerly …

The Enghsh were unknown to the Western Confederacy before this Century, and the Nature of Our Government, Genius & pursuits of our people, prevented them from being objects of Jealousy to the Six Nations & others with whom they were somewhat acquainted, The little we had to do with them was easily & reasonably transacted whilst they had few suspicions of our designs, a slender …

them for the French spare;l neither pains or money upon these occasions, whilst we avoiiled both, & what little was given was so ill timed, and passed thro' the hands of such Avaricious, Ignorant & Slothfull managers, as rendered it of little or no purpose, S6 that whoever shall peruse the Records of Ind". affairs will find that their Complaints have been encreasing from the …

The French saw that they must share with other Colonies that Trade which they before held unrivalled, and many of them flattering themselves wuth the hopes of a Change & stimulated by interest spread false reports amongst the Indians, at the same time those residing in the Western Country & some of their Partizans who had retreated thither on the reduction of Montreal were …

One of the principal Causes of this War was the Apparent Change in our behavior to the Indians, the Want of proper Agents with fit Power amongst them, and the Alarming Circumstance of our being the Sole Europeans here by the reduction of Canada, -- Those Numerous Nations to whom we were introduced by the Conquest had their Natural aversions -- aggravated by this circumstance …

Insulted, & wronged them, and altho they paid dear for this during the Indian War, yet no sooner was it terminated in 1764, than elated thereby, & by the Conquest of Canada, and seemingly insensible that this Conquest had encreased the Number of our Indian Enemys & rendered the Managing them an Allair of much more difficulty than before they pushed on their Encroachments, & at …

Their Reliance is & has been entirely on the Crown thro' the powers Vested in its Officer, founded on a Certainty of the utter impossibility of receiving it at other hands whether the same be owing to Inexperience, Want of Leisure, disinclenation, The want of Legal provision adapted to the peculiarity of their Affairs, or to that particular biass of the Colonists which …

These thoughts are with all becoming deference Humbly submitted to your Lordship. I am to assure your Lordship that I shall Lose no time in com'pleating & fulfilling his Majestys orders touching the carrying the Reform into Execution omitting no pains necessary for explaining & reconciling it to the Indians relying on his Majestys support for the more effectual discharge of …

In the next place The absolute necessity there is for my having some subordinate Officers for the Carrying on the various operations & dutys of this Office, Those Deputys & Interpreters who are Essential thereto do not appear to have a provision made for them the sum I formerly proposed for a present alone was je4000 The Contingencies are besides as uncertain as they are …

The other Affairs of the Department, the necessity for continuing the boundary Line Northerly from Owegy so as to Establish bounds between them & New York in such manner as the Ind^. shall be prevailed upon to agree to, I hope to receive your Lordships Com*l^ upon. -- As to the other objects of Concern & the Extraordinary Intelligences received I am doing all in my power …

To the Earle of Hillsboro. Points out the Necessity of an add^. allowance for the Dep^y* &c. THE SAME TO THE SAME. Johnson Hall Augt 17th 1768. My Lord I had the honor of addressing a Letter (N°. 2) of the 20tl» ulto to your Lordship, iraediately after my return from the Sea coast, therein I took the liberty to offer some thoughts concerning the present Reform and Arrangements …

Confirmed all the Accots I have received of the practices of the Spaniards and French, of the Assurances they give them of assistance from Europe, and of the Belts, Messages and presents sent amongst them, They are endeavouring to encrease the spirit of distrust Jealousy & Aversion by every means in their power, amongst the Indians & it will be utterly impossible to keep them …

Major Rogers brings a considerable charge ag*. the Crown for Mediating a peace between some Tribes of the Sioux and some Chippeweighs which had it been attended with success would have been only interesting to a verry few French & others that had Goods in that part of the Indian Country, but the contrary has happened, and they are now more Violent than ever ag*. one another …

Moore in consequence of which on the Arrival of their Agents they met the Mohocks who on Examining the Indian deed & Survey, & receiving a handsome sum of money were at length prevailed on to yield their claim to the Patentees in my presence, This will save some trouble, and Expence to the Crown as according to the opinion of the Lawyers there were not sufficient grounds to …

At the same time it is presumed that all those UnLocated Land at the Back of the Colonies which Shall be So ceded to his Majesty by the Indians will be added to and become a part of Such Provinces as have just claims, or pretensions to Comprehend them within their bounds, or with which they may be most naturally conected, but with this I apprehend I have nothing to do, and …

In my last I took the Liberty to observe to your Lordship concerning the Slender provisions made for the Expences of my Department which had been always considered as the most consid- SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 907 erable & by much the most important of the two Superintendencys, That no mention ia made of my Depys or of Interpreters without whom the business of the Department, could …

But to Manifest my Zeal & readiness to carry on the Management of Indian affairs on a New Arrangement in the manner they ought to be Conducted, I presumed to propose an addition of jEIOOO. p Ann for the Sallarys of 3 Depy^ & Interpreters, and Small as the other Sum may appear resolved to endeavor my utmost that it should answer the purposes of promoting Tranquility & Extending …

York at the rate ^f JEIOO Ster p ann to -w^^ I generally procured an addition, as no man properly Qualified will undertake that troublesome duty in this Country on Such a Sallary. My Dep>"^ considering their respective dutys, the Expences to which they are liable & that there is no allowance for Travelling charges &c. will find 200 Ster p ann a very Slender provis" for them, & …

Whitehall 12th October 1768. SiK, The experience the King has had of your ability and zeal for His service, in the department of Indian affairs, will always induce His Majesty to give attention to whatever you may think fit to submit upon that subject. His Majesty has therefore fully considered the remarks you make in your letter to me N" 2, upon the present state of the …

The relieving this kingdom from every expence, that can with safety be avoided, is, in its present state, a consideration of the greatest importance, it is one great object of this plan, and I have it in command from the King in an especial manner to recommend to you the strictest (Economy in those services, the expence of which is to be defrayed by this Kingdom • and it is …

His Majesty observes by General Gage's letters, received at the same time with your's, that you have estimated the expence of running the boundary line at no less a sum than ^£10,000 Sterling, which, without knowing the ground on which this calculation is made, appears to imply demands on the part of the savages, which cannot but be thought very unreasonable, when it is …

persuaded you will give to CEconomy, in resisting every exorbitant demand, such expence is to be incurred, and the gratifications to the Indians on this occasion are so far to exceed what might reasonably have been hoped for, it becomes highly expedient that the colonies interested in this measure, and whose limits of settlement are extended by it, should be early apprized of …

Having signified to you His Majesty's commands upon all those parts of your letter, upon which you desire instruction, I cannot avoid taking some notice of the observations you make upon the plan for Indian Affairs, prepared by the Lords of Trade in 1764, when I had the honour of a Seat at that Board : But before I make any remarks upon the plan itself as applied to the …

But since it has been thought advisable to withdraw the troops from and to abandon the posts ; since the colonies themselves do not think that a general regulation for commerce consists with their interests, and have each for itself desired to make its own regulations, and since it is become more difficult in the present state of the colonies to create a general fund to defray …

Your Most Obedient Humble Servant Sir William Johnson Bar*. Hillsborough. SECY. POWNALL TO SIR W^. JOHNSON. Whitehall 13th. October 1768. Sir, Your dispatch to the Earl of Hillsborough numbered 3, was received at this Office yesterday, and immediately communicated by express to his Lordship who is in the country at some distance. I have his Lordship's directions to acquaint …

I was in hopes that about this time I should have been enabled to transmit your Lordship the agreable account of my having setled the boundary Line between Us and the Indians, but a train of unforeseen Accidents, together with a Variety of Obstructions given to it by the Spaniards and French at the Misisipi, and others Lurking amongst the Indians have, as yet, denyed me that …

The Commissioners from Virginia set out before me, the Governor of New Jersey accompanied me, and I was followed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, The Govi^. of N York thought it unnecessary to send Commissioners as I w^as to transact the business, -- After waiting here sev'. Days during which many Indians came in & Encamped I heard that the Shawanese, Delawares, & Senecas …

them for a much longer time than could have been Expected, by the beginning oi this month we had 805 Indians here, but the much greater part & those of the most consequence were still behind, I dispatched Messengers to hurry them, by whom I Avas informed of the sudden death of a Seneca Chief, and that the Condolances usual on such Occasions would detain them some days more in …

As my last and former Letters will shew their disappointment that no plan had been hitherto adopted (as they had been promised) with due regard to the peculiar circumstances of their situation, with proper powers in the Department for the discharge of their sev^. affairs I need not to add more than that it has had a Visible Effect upon them all, and that their Suggestions …

the prospect of aid which it is more than probable they would afTord them the first occasion that offered, to effect this they avail themselves of every circumstance in the affairs of America^ of every instance of our ill treatment, & of every uneasiness manifested by the Indians, The Reduction of Officers & Retrenchment of Expences in the Indian Departm* has been already …

All this is carried on with a secrecy which renders it the more dangerous, the public in general are ignoran* hereof, & unguarded against them, & thus American affairs are represented as best suits the views of party, or the pursuits of Interest. -- It has been admitted & is most certain that the Colonies can neither attend to these matters or correspond in sentiments so as to …

The French & SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 915 Spaniards have given them a formal invitation, and used every medns in their power to draw them to a Gen'. Congress at the Misisipi. . And I have undoubted authority for assuring your Lordship that had not my Belts and Messages arrived when they did to the Southward, the Chiefs would have complied with the Invitation. The accots, from all …

Notwithstanding this disagreeable aspect of affairs, the difficulties I have to encounter, and the want of authority for giving the Inds. a satisfactory assurance on many subjects of their concern, I am determined to persevere, in the Execution of my Orders as well as in every endeavor which shall appear to me most necessary at this Juncture to the best of my Judgment, & the …

The unfriendly and unsettled disposition of the western Indians towards the British Interests and Government, occasioned, as you ' represent, by the artifices and intrigues of the French and Spaniards, is a matter of a very serious nature in whatever view it is considered, whether in reference to the present inconveniences arising out of the great expense of presents and other …

If on the contrary there should notwithstanding the assurances given to General Gage, be any settled plan of seduction of the Indians adopted and attempted by France or Spain, every possible diligence and vigilance should be exerted to trace it to its source, and to verify the information by such facts and evidence as may justify the strongest representation and complaint. As …

I had the honor to write your Lordship (No 4) from Fort Stanwix Just before the opening the Treaty, wherein I represented the many difficulties in the way to the settlement of the Line, which however I have at length Surmounted and Settled in a manner which will I hope be agreeable to his Majesty for the particulars of which I beg Leave to referr your Lordship to a Copy of my …

Your Lordship will find that the Six Nations, insisting on their right to the Lands as far South as the Cherokee River have Ceded the Same to his Majesty, and Notwithstanding that the Report of the board of Trade Spoke of Great Kanhawa River as their Southern bounds I found from what passed at sev' private Meetings, that I could not deny them the Liberty of asserting their …

cease Whereas should the Cherokees now or hereafter under Colour of a Claun farther North be treated with and Surrender it up, It would occasion much Expence and Trouble to obtain the Consent of the Northern Indians, who are a much more formidable people, all which is as I apprehend prevented by tlie present Cession, which is nevertheless submitted to his Majesty, The next …

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 919 committed to Writing or comprised in any moderate bounds. I have staked my reputation with the Indians that the several Articles they have made shall be observed, without which the Charges attending the Assembling them at this time and all other endeavors would have been Ineffectual, They have at length relied on my assurances and I am confident that …

The Provisions & other Incidental Expences attends this Treaty were unavoidable from the Number of Indians, & the Length of time it took up. The Amount of the Goods and Cash given on the part of the Crown was the most moderate that could have been offered for so Valuable &, Extensive a cession, Upon the whole I flatter myself that this Transaction will be honored with his …

On my return from Fort Stanwix I had ,the honor to receive your Lordships of the 13^^. August (N°. 5) with the enclosures concerning the Application to his Majesty for a Grant of Copper Mints near Lake Superior directing me toma^e enquirys concerning the same, to which I sho^. have paid all due obedience sooner, but for the Pacquets & Dispatches I had to make up, and the …

I have likewise understood that the Indians themselves would at a very trifling rate procure large Qnantitys of it, to which I may answer that the Indians are a Lazy people, & naturally Enemies to Labour, and therefore it is 7-nrich to be doubted whether interesting them in it would be nttended with advantage, altho' the Ind^. of that Country can be satisfied on much more …

The River Ottawa being obstructed by 42 Portages, small and great, would much retard & Enhance the transportation of so heavy an article, & give place to the carrying it by the Lakes as the most ElHgible, notwithstanding the latter are at some seasons very uncertain & the navigation often tedious. The length and severity of the winter at Lake Superior will likewise require …

Touching this, I am of opinion that if the Object in View is deemed worthy the pursuit, It cannot hereafter be prejudicial to his Majesty's Interests with the Indians, provided their consent is first obtained, that the utmost Care is taken to prevent their being wronged or ill-treated by any Concerned, and that no Settlements be undertaken, or Lands cultivated beyond what is …

Indis resulting from the proposals must be the effect of time, & will solely depend upon the good Conduct, Civil Treatment, & Strict Integrity of the Company's factors who if they can be expected to concur in so doing will doubtless by degrees acquire the system of the Indians and give them favorable prepossessions of the Enghsh, to which the adding some small presents …

At the same time I am of opinion that provided the object is worthy attention, and that the Distance from the Sea, with the other Obstructions and Expences attending it, do not render the plan unprofitable, a Circumstance on which I cannot positively decide, the Inds may be reconciled to the Opening & Working those Mines, and that if strict care be taken to do them Justice in …

I could have wished it were in my power to have more diligently enquired and to have offered more particular remarks regarding this proposal, but when it is known that I have scarcely had a moment's Leisure, from the number and importunity s of Ind^ since my return last month from the Treaty at Fort Stanwix, I persuade myself I shall be in some measure Excusable sho<l it …

J^st nor ever meant to stand on punctilios with you about a Letter as I must from my sev'. avocations often trespass in my Correspondence, and indeed I should have wrote you long since but that ever since my last severe Illness I have been abroad either to try for health, or on publick business, and the Delays at the late Treaty kept me at Fort Stanwix two months -- Indeed my …

ence'I have acquired of Indian affairs may yet be found wanting, and altho' I cannot think so favorably of myself as your friendship may induce you to do, I cannot help agreeing in the opinion of the impracticability of the Trades being conducted in a proper manner on the footing now proposed for reasons which I have little occasion to point out to you, nor is it probable they …

In short the whole system of Indian politicks is changed Since the reduction of Canada we have now to do with a Vast body of new Allies, (or whatever they may be called) who with the rest View us in a perfect new Lifht, and if we do not do so by them, and establish one general management for the whole, we may soon feel the consequences, for admitting that those who are to have …