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.