The 18th proving a cold stormy Day, with Snow, he was informed, by a

Deserter, that the _French_ were upon their March, it not being easy to

follow their Tracks, or to discover them in such Weather. The Officers

were commanded to pursue and retard their March, till the Reinforcement

should come up, but the Men refused to march without Provision. The

Officers, with about 60 Men, and a Body of _Indians_, followed the Enemy

till Night, when they began to secure themselves, by fortifying their

Camp. The Officers wanting a sufficient Number to secure themselves in

like Manner, or to sight the Enemy, returned, leaving about forty

Christians, and one hundred _Indians_, to observe them. On the 19th the

Provisions, with about 80 Men, arrived, under the Command of Captain

_Sims_ of the regular Troops. Every Man, as he was served with

Provision, marched towards the Enemy. The Van was commanded by Captain

_Peter Matthews_ of the regular Troops, who coming up with the Enemy's

Rear, would have attacked them, to retard their March, but the _Mohawks_

were averse to fighting. The French dropt on purpose several of their

Prisoners, who told the _Mohawks_, that the _French_ were resolved to

put all the Prisoners to the Sword, if they should be attacked. The

Enemy passed the North Branch of _Hudson_'s River upon a Cake of Ice,

which, very opportunely for them, stuck there in one Place, while it was

open by a late Thaw, both above and below. The Weather continuing very

cold, and the _Indians_ averse to fighting, Major _Schuyler_ gave over

the Pursuit on the 20th, having lost only four private Men, and as many

_Indians_, two Officers and twelve Men Christians and _Indians_ were

wounded. The _French_ lost thirty three Men (the Bodies of twenty seven

were found) of whom four were Officers, and twenty-six wounded, as the

Deserters told him. Between forty and fifty Prisoners were recovered. I

have been told, that Captain _Matthews_ desired Coll. _Schuyler_, when

he came first up with the _French_, to summon them to surrender; he

said, the _French_ are in great Distress, and this will give them an

Opinion of our Strength; but Coll. _Schuyler_ refused, tho' he was

brave, he was no Soldier; and it is very probable, that the _French_

observing the want of Conduct and Discipline, were encouraged. It is

true, the _English_ were in great Want of Provisions at that Time. The

_Indians_ eat the Bodies of the _French_ that they found. Coll.

_Schuyler_ (as he told me himself) going among the _Indians_ at that

Time, was invited to eat Broth with them, which some of them had ready

boiled, which he did, till they, putting the Ladle into the Kettle to

take out more, brought out a _French_ Man's Hand, which put an End to

his Appetite.

The _French_ went home as fast as they could carry their wounded Men

with them; but coming to a Place, where they had hid Provisions for

their Supply in their return, they found it all spoiled. This put them

in great Distress, so that they were forced to eat their Shoes; they

sent some of the nimblest Men forward to _Montreal_, that Provision

might meet them. As soon as they came near the Settlements they

dispersed, every Man running home to eat, so that they returned to

_Canada_ like an Army routed. The _French_ own they lost eighty Men, and

had thirty three wounded in this Expedition.

One may wonder how it is possible for Men to march several hundred Miles

in the Wilderness, while the Ground is every where covered with Snow,

two or three Feet deep at least; but the foremost march on Snow Shoes,

which beat a firm Track for those that follow. At Night, when they rest,

they dig a Hole in the Snow, throwing the Snow up all round, but highest

towards that Side from whence the Wind blows, so large, as to contain as

many Men as can lye round a Fire: They make the Fire in the Middle, and

cover the frozen Ground round it with the small Branches of the

Fir-Trees. Thus they tell me a Man lyes much warmer, than one imagines

that never tried it.

When the Information of the _French_ came to _Schenectady_, an Express

was sent to _New-York_ to Coll. _Fletcher_ then Governor there; the

Express reached _New-York_, an hundred and fifty Miles from _Albany_,

the 12th at ten in the Night. The Governor got the City Regiment under

Arms by eight the next Morning.

He called out to know who were willing to go with him to the Frontiers,

they all immediately threw up their Hats, and answered one and all.

Indeed the People of this Province have, upon all Occasions, shewn

their Courage and Resolution in Defence of their Country; but the

Misfortune is, they are under no Discipline, and have been seldom led by

Men that knew their Duty. The Governor ordered an hundred and fifty

Voluntiers for this Service, and as many more from _Long-Island_. The

River then happened to be open by a sudden Thaw, which does not, at that

Time of the Year, happen once in twenty Years. He embarked three hundred

Men in five Sloops, by four in the Afternoon of the 14th, and arrived at

_Albany_ the 17th at nine in the Morning. The same Day the Governor went

to _Schenectady_, and ordered the Men to follow, but before they could

get every Thing ready for their March into the Woods, they had an

Account, that Major _Schuyler_ was upon his Return. Several Gentlemen of

_Albany_, particularly Mr. _Lanslear_, a Gentleman of the best Estate

there, went out Voluntiers under Major _Schuyler_, which I ought not to

have forgot.

Coll. _Fletcher_ made a Speech to the _Mohawks_ at _Albany_, he blamed

their supine Negligence, in suffering themselves to be surprised in the

Manner they were in Time of War. He told them that they had Reason to be

convinced, that the _English_ were their Friends heartily, by the Number

of Men he had marched to their Assistance in a very little Time, upon

the first Notice. He promised to wipe away their Tears in the Spring, by

considerable Presents; and that he would, in the mean while, take Care

of their Subsistence, by providing Houses and Victuals for them. He told

them, he doubted they had some false Brethren among them, that gave the

_French_ Information, and favoured their Designs; and in the last Place,

advised them to convince the _French_, that they had not lost their

Courage with this Misfortune.

The _Mohawks_, in their Answer, called Coll. _Fletcher_ by the Name of

_Cayenguirago_; and he was called so by the _Indians_ always after

this. It signifies _a great swift Arrow_, as an Acknowledgement of the

Speed he made to their Assistance. But they appeared, in their Answer,

to be quite disheartned; they had not, in the Memory of any Man,

received such a Blow. They said their Strength was quite broke, by the

Continuance of the War; but they added, if all the _English_ Colonies

would join, they could still easily take _Canada_: Their being so ill

armed, was the Reason (they said) that the _French_ had now escaped.

The _French_, continued they, arm their _Indians_ compleatly, and

furnish them with every Thing necessary for War, as we find every Time

we meet with them.

The _French_ had got a great Quantity of Furs, and other Peltry, at

_Missilimakinak_, by their Trade with the _Indians_; but the _Five

Nations_ had so effectually blocked up the Passage between that and

_Canada_, that they had remained there useless to the _French_ for

several Years. The Count _de Frontenac_, after his Success against the

_Mohawks_, was in Hopes the _Five Nations_ would keep more at home in

Defence of their own Castles, and with these Hopes sent a Lieutenant,

with eighteen _Canadians_, and twenty _praying Indians_, to open the

Passage to _Missilimakinak_; but this Party fell in with another of the

_Five Nations_, who entirely routed them, so that a few escaped only, to

give an Account of their Misfortune; at last 200 Canoes, loaded with

Furs from _Missilimakinak_, arrived at _Montreal_, which gave as

universal a Joy to _Canada_, as the Arrival of the _Galleons_ give in

_Spain_.

CHAP. X.

_The Treaties and Negotiations the_ Five Nations _had with the_ English

_and_ French, _in the Years_ 1693 _and_ 1694.

As by this Time the Reader may be tired with the horrid Scenes of a

barbarous War, it may be some Relief to observe the _Indian_ Genius in

the Arts of negotiating; and see how a barbarous People, without any of

the Arts and Sciences in which we value our selves, manage their

Interest with the most learned, most polite, and artificial Nation in

_Europe_. The _Five Nations_ were informed, that the Governor of

_Canada_ had received from _Europe_ a very considerable Recruit of

Soldiers, and of all Sorts of Ammunition. This, with the great Loss the

_Mohawks_ had lately suffered, while they had been amused by the

_English_ with great Hopes, and very little real Assistance, made the

_Oneydoes_, at last yield to the Solicitations of the Jesuit _Milet_, to

send a Message to the _French_ for Peace. It is probable he had the Art

to influence the People at _Albany_ to favour his Designs, by giving

them Hopes of being included in the Peace, as may be conjectured, from

what will appear in the Sequel.

Coll. _Fletcher_ being informed, that the _Oneydoes_ had sent a

Messenger to _Canada_, sent for the _Five Nations_ to _Albany_. He spoke

to them the third of _July_ 1693.

He first excused his not meeting them as he had promised, at the Time

the Sap begins to run in the Trees, by Reason of his having received a

Commission to be Governor of _Pensilvania_, to which Place he was

obliged at that Time to go. He put them in Mind with what Speed he came

to their Assistance last Winter, and how effectual, in all Probability,

it would have been, had they only retarded the Enemy's March till he

could have reached them: He advised them to guard against being drunk,

and shewed them the ill Consequences of it in Time of War.

Then he said, "I have received Information, that some of the Brethren

are wavering, and inclined to Peace with the Enemy; and am assured,

that such Thoughts must arise from the Instigation of the Jesuit

_Milet_, whom some of the Brethren have suffered to live so long among

them, and whose only Practice is to delude and betray them. Let me

therefore advise you to remove that ill Person from among you."

In the End he condoled their Dead, and made them a very considerable

Present of ninety Guns, eight hundred and ten Pound of Powder, eight

hundred Bars of Lead, a Thousand Flints, eighty seven Hatchets, four

Gross of Knives, besides a considerable Quantity of Cloathing and

Provisions. This Present, he told them, their King and Queen had sent

them, and renewed the Covenant for all the _English_ Colonies.

The King usually sends them a considerable Present with every new

Governor sent to _New-York_, which is not always applied as it is

designed. If this Present had been made sooner, it had been of much more

Use to the _English_, as well as to the _Five Nations_.

The _Five Nations_ the next Day spoke as follows.

Brother _Cayenguirago_,

"We are involved in a bloody War, which makes us sit in Sorrow

and Grief; and being about to speak of Matters of Importance,

we, in the first Place, clear the Mouth and Throat of our

Interpretess, by =giving her these three Bever Skins=."

Then they repeated his Excellency's Speech, in Answer to which they

said,

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we rejoice, that the great King and

Queen of _England_ take such Notice of us, as we find, by the

large Present sent us; we return hearty Thanks for the

Ammunition especially.

"We are glad that our Brother _Cayenguirago_ renews the Chain,

not only between us and this Government, but likewise with

_New-England_, _Virginia_, _Maryland_ and _Pensilvania_; it

shall be kept inviolable by us the _Five Nations_, as long as

the Sun shines. We pray our Brother _Cayenguirago_ to have a

watchful Eye, that none of the other Colonies keep any

Correspondence with the Enemy, but use their Endeavours to

destroy them. We heard nothing of what you told us of the Priest

_Milet_, who lives at _Oneydo_, till we came to this Town. We

have enquired the Truth of our Brethren the _Oneydoes_, who

confess, that the Priest sent an _Indian_ to _Canada_ with

Letters, which has surprised us very much.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, you are our great Tree, whose Roots

extend to the utmost Bounds of this Government; we desire you

may not be disturbed when any of our Prisoners misbehave, for

they are not countenanced by us; and all proper Methods shall be

taken, to prevent the like for the future. In like Manner we beg

you to take Care, that none of the Prisoners you have correspond

with the Enemy, as we suspect the Chevalier _D'O_. did; and that

he was sent with Letters to _Canada_ by some of our Brethren.

(He made his Escape from _Boston_.)

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, In former Times our Propositions to one

another were only Discourses of Peace and Friendship, and in

giving Presents; but how much is the Case altered of late? Now

we talk of nothing but War, and are continually prompting one

another to it. As to our Parts, we will keep close to the War to

the last Drop of our Blood; and tho' we be tossed to and fro

with Storms, we will remain stedfast to the last Man, as it was

resolved by both in the Beginning of the War.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we were told in our own Country, not

only that the King had made you Governor of _Pensilvania_, but

likewise that you were preparing a Fleet to take _Canada_. O!

what joyful News this was to our young Men. _Sadagarus_, the

great _Seneka_ Captain, was to command them. Now they said, we

need only make one hearty Push, while the Fleet is before

_Quebeck_. Now there will be an End to this bloody War, and all

our Troubles; But alas, now we are come here, we hear not one

Word of this Design.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, you are that flourishing Tree that

covers us; you keep the Chain bright; we have one Request to

make to you, that you may stay with us, and not return to

_England_; for you know our Ways and Manners. If you have any

Thing to tell the King and Queen, write it to them, for the King

knows you to be a wise Man, and will therefore believe you.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we are very glad to hear that

_Pensilvania_ is come under your Government, bring their young

Men here, with their Bows and Arrows and Hatchets in their

Hands, for this is the Place of Action. We are pleased that the

_Showonons_ or _Satanas_, who are our Enemies, have applied to

you for Protection; and that you sent them to us to endeavour a

Peace, and that you sent Christians with them, to conduct them

back again. We wish they were come to assist us against the

common Enemy.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, now we have done, but must tell you

again, that we roll and wallow in Joy, by Reason of the great

Favour the great King and Queen has done us, in sending us Arms

and Ammunition, at a Time when we are in the greatest Need of

them; and because there is such Unity among the Brethren."

They made the Governor a considerable Present of Furs, to shew their

Respect to his Person; but they did not give one Belt to confirm any one

Article; so that the whole of it is, according to their Stile, only

argumentative.

Coll. _Fletcher_ not being satisfied with their Answer, concerning the

Jesuit _Milet_, made this further Proposal to them. "As to _Milet_ the

Priest, whom the Brethren of _Oneydo_ still harbour among them, I must

tell you again, that he betrays you, and all your Councils; and that you

may see I desire not to diminish your Number, I am willing to give you a

pretty _Indian_ Boy, in Lieu of the old Priest; and accordingly the Boy

was brought and delivered to them."

In answer to this the _Oneydo Sachem_ said, "As soon as the _Indian_

Messenger returns all his Papers shall be taken from him, and be

forthwith brought to our Brother _Cayenguirago_, before the Priest shall

see any of them: we are willing to take the Boy in Exchange for the

Priest, but it is not safe to do it, while our Messenger is in the Power

of the Enemy; let the Boy stay here till we bring the Priest, which

shall be as soon as the Messenger shall return". But he gave no Belt, or

other Present, to confirm this Promise. He added,

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, we now acquaint you that it is proposed by all

the _Five Nations_, to make Peace with the _Dionondadies_, a Nation of

_Indians_ near in Alliance with the _French_ of _Canada_. This will both

strengthen us and weaken the Enemy. The _Senekas_, who live nearest

them, have undertaken this Treaty, and take Belts of Wampum from the

other Nations, to confirm the Peace. We desire your Approbation, that

you would send your Belt in Concurrence, as our eldest Brother in our

Chain."

The Governor approved of this, and =gave them a Belt= to carry in his

Name.

Notwithstanding what the Speaker of the _Five Nations_ had promised to

the Governor, to bring all the Papers the _Oneydo_ Messenger should

bring from _Canada_, before the Jesuit _Milet_ should have Liberty to

see them, it could not be difficult for the Jesuit, to persuade them to

keep the Power of making Peace in their own Hands, and for that Purpose,

to call a Meeting of the _Sachems_ of _Onondago_, where all such Matters

had been formerly transacted among themselves, and there to determine

independently, rather than to submit themselves to another Nation at

_Albany_. They only invited the _English_ to assist at the general

Council. The _English_ used what Arguments they could to dissuade this

Meeting, but rather to observe the Promise made to the Governor; and it

seems used some Threatning. The _Mohawks_ had so much Regard to the

_English_, that they refused to assist at the Council. The other four,

notwithstanding this, met, and resolved on an Answer to be sent to the

Governor of _Canada_; but at the same Time, to shew their Regard to the

_Mohawks_ and _English_, these Resolutions were not to be final, till

they should first be communicated to the _English_ and _Mohawks_, and

their Advice received thereon; for which Purpose several _Sachems_ were

sent to _Albany_, of whom _Decanesora_ was the Principal and the

Speaker.

_Decanesora_ had for many Years the greatest Reputation among the _Five

Nations_ for speaking, and was generally employed as their Speaker, in

their Negotiations with both _French_ and _English_: He was grown old

when I saw him, and heard him speak; he had a great Fluency in speaking,

and a graceful Elocution, that would have pleased in any Part of the

World. His Person was tall and well made, and his Features, to my

thinking, resembled much the Bustos of _Cicero_. I shall give an Account

of these Negotiations from _Decanesora_'s Mouth, because his Narration

agrees in the main with the Account the _French_ give of them, and

carries along with it as strong Evidences of Truth, as that of the

_French_ do: but the chief Reason is, that I intend to give the Reader

as perfect a Notion as I can of the _Indian_ Genius; and here it will

appear, what Art _Decanesora_ had, to make an Account of an Affair less

disagreeable to _English_ Ears, which had been undertaken against their

Advice, and contrary to their Interest.

_Decanesora_ spoke to Major _Schuyler_ (_Quider_) and the Magistrates of

_Albany_, the second of _February_ 1693-4 as follows.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_[38], we are come to acquaint you, that

our Children the _Oneydoes_ having of themselves sent a

Messenger to _Canada_, he has brought back with him a Belt of

Peace from the Governor of _Canada_.

"As soon as _Tariha_ (the Messenger) arrived at _Canada_, he was

asked, where the six hundred Men were that were to attack

_Canada_, as they had been informed by _Cariokese_ a _Mohawk_

Deserter? He assured them there was no such Design.

"He was carried to _Quebeck_, where he delivered his Belt, with

the following Propositions. _Onondio_, if you would have Peace

go to _Albany_, and ask it there, for the _Five Nations_ will do

nothing without _Cayenguirago_. The Governor of _Canada_ was

angry at this, and said, he had nothing to do with the Governor

of _New-York_, he would treat only with the _Five Nations_; the

Peace between the Christians must be made on the other Side the

great Lake. He added, he was sorry to see the _Five Nations_ so

far degenerated, as to take a sixth Nation into their Chain, to

rule over them. If you had desired me to come and treat in any

of your Castles, I would have done it; but to tell me I must go

to _Albany_, is to desire of me what I can by no Means do. You

have done very ill, to suffer the People of _New-York_ to

govern you so far, that you dare do nothing without their

Consent. I advise you to send two of each Nation to me, and let

_Decanesora_ be one of them. I have Orders from the King my

Master to grant you Peace, if you come in your proper Persons to

ask it. The Governor of _Canada_ afterwards said,

"Children of the _Five Nations_, I have Compassion for your

little Children, therefore come speedily, and speak of Peace to

me, otherwise I'll stop my Ears for the future: By all Means let

_Decanesora_ come; for if the _Mohawks_ come alone, I will not

hear them, some of all the _Five Nations_ must come. Now

_Tariha_ return home, and tell the _Five Nations_, that I will

wait for their coming till the Trees bud, and the Bark can be

parted from the Trees. I design for _France_ in the Spring, and

I leave a Gentleman to command here, to whom I have given Orders

to raise Soldiers, if you do not come in that Time, and then

what will become of you? I am truly grieved to see the _Five

Nations_ so debauched and deceived by _Cayenguirago_, who is

lately come to _New-York_, and by _Quider_. Formerly the chief

Men of the _Five Nations_ used to converse with me; but this

Governor of _New-York_ has so deluded you, that you hearken to

none but him; but take Care of what will follow, if you hearken

to none but him."

Then _Decanesora_ excused the not sending the Letters to _Albany_, which

came by _Tariha_, as they had promised, saying, the other Nations

trusted this to the _Oneydoes_, because the Messenger was to return to

them, and the _Oneydoes_ deceived the others. He likewise excused their

not coming to _Albany_ as soon as _Tariha_ returned, which was in

_November_. He said the chief _Sachem_ of the _Onondagas_, who was

entrusted (as their Speaker) by the _Five Nations_ with their general

Affairs, by the general Council of _Onondaga_, had a sore Leg, and could

not travel[39].

That in such Case he (_Decanesora_) did all that was in his Power, that

is, he called a Council at _Onondaga_, to give Directions in this

Affair; and that he invited _Quider_ to this Council. He continued,

"The four Nations that met there resolved to send Deputies to

_Canada_, and that I _Decanesora_ was to be one of them; but at

the same Time ordered me, with some others, to communicate the

Resolutions of the General Council to our Brethren at _Albany_,

and to the _Mohawks_, to be farther advised by them.

"The Resolutions are, to =send three Belts= to the Governor of

_Canada_, with the following Propositions.

* * * * *

"I. _Onondio_, you have sent for me often, and as often asked,

why I am afraid to come? The great Kettle of War that you have

hung over the Fire is the Reason of it. Then laying down the

first Belt, I am to ask his Consent to the other two Belts which

I still keep in my Hand.

"II. We now not only throw down the Kettle, and thereby throw

the boiling Water out of it, but likewise break it to Pieces,

that it may never be hanged up again by this second Belt.

"III. Hearken, _Onondio_, you are sent from the _French_ King,

your Master, as _Cayenguirago_ is from the great King and Queen

of _England_. What I am now about to speak to you, is by

Inspiration from the great God of Heaven. You say that you will

have nothing to do with our Brethren of _Cayenguirago_, but I

must tell you, that we are inseparable, we can have no Peace

with you so long as you are at War with them; we must stand and

fall with them; which I am to confirm, by laying down the third

Belt.

* * * * *

"When this was concluded the Jesuit _Milet_, and another

_French_ Gentleman (who had been taken Prisoner, and was taken

into the Place of the chief _Sachem of Onondaga_, formerly lost

in the War, and thereby became a _Sachem_) desired Leave to add

two Belts to the other three. By their being _Sachems_ they had

a Vote in the General Council, and a Right to propose any Thing.

They wrote and read to us the Purports of their Belts, and we

have brought their Papers with us, to shew to our Brethren."

To shew the Necessity they were under of making Peace, speedily he

added:

"That two Women, who were Prisoners at _Canada_, had made their Escape,

on Purpose to inform them that the _French_ were making great

Preparations of Battoes, and other Necessaries for an Expedition; one

said, she had informed one of the _Sachems_ of the _Praying Indians_ of

her Design, who sent an _Indian_ with her to advise the _Five Nations_,

to prevent the great Danger they were threatened with by a speedy

Conclusion of the Peace; and added, that they had sent one of their

People back with this _Praying Indian_, to assure them that Deputies

would certainly go to _Canada_ in the Spring to treat of Peace." I make

no Doubt, this was only an Article to hasten the _Five Nations_ to

conclude the Peace, lest the _English_, if it were delayed, should find

Means to prevent it. Then he shewed the Flag which the Governor of

_Canada_ sent them to be carried by their Deputies, that the _French_

might know them. Upon these Resolutions being taken, the _Five Nations_

recalled six hundred Men, that they had placed along _Cadarackui River_,

to intercept the _French_, as they passed to and from _Missilimakinak_.

The Jesuit's Papers being read to them, several Things were found in

them which he had not read to the General Council. To this _Decanesora_

answered; "We know that the Priest favours his own Nation, and deceives

us in many Things; but it is not in his Power to alter our Affection to

our Brethren, we wish you would bury all Misunderstandings that you have

conceived on his Account; and we likewise wish you gave less Credit to

the Rum-Carriers than you do."

Here we see, by this Appellation, what a contemptible Character the

Traders have among the _Indians_, and yet the Government of _New-York_

has almost perpetually trusted the Management of the _Indian_ Affairs to

these Traders.

_Decanesora_ ended his Conference as follows:

"The Governor of _Canada_'s Words, and the Resolutions of the

four Nations are now before you, consult therefore what is to be

done, and if it be necessary for the Brethren to go to our

Castles to advise us farther, be not unwilling; and then he laid

down a large Belt eleven Rows deep, and seven Fathom of Wampum."

The next Day Major _Schuyler_ told them that he could consent to no

Treaty with the _French_; but proposed to them to meet the Governor here

in seventy Days, and that _Decanesora_ in particular should return at

that Time, and gave a Belt.

They agreed to meet the Governor at that Time;

"But as for myself (says _Decanesora_) I cannot promise; I am

now the Minister of the General Council, and cannot dispose of

myself, but by their Directions; if they order me, I shall

willingly return. We did not expect to hear such positive

Prohibition of keeping any Correspondence with the _French_;

seventy Days must pass before we meet again, if any Mischief be

done by the Enemy in that Time, let us not blame one another.

Consider again what is most for the publick Good, and let it be

spoken before we part, and laid down a large Belt of fourteen

deep."

Major _Schuyler_ then asked them again, whether they promised to stop

all Correspondence with the _French_, either by the Jesuit or otherwise,

for seventy Days, and till they shall have his Excellency the Governor's

Answer.

_Decanesora_ answered to this, "I have no Authority to answer this

Question. I shall lay the Belt down in every one of the Castles, and

tell, that by it all Correspondence is desired to stop with the

_French_; but I cannot promise that this will be complied with."

Major _Schuyler_ on the sixth called the _Indians_ again together: He

advised them not to submit to, nor trust such a perfidious Nation as the

_French_ are, who have upon all Occasions proved themselves such. Be not

discouraged, (says he, =giving a Belt=) Heaven begins again to favour us.

This Day the Forerunners of the _Shawonons_ are come to Town, seven

Nations are on their March following them, one Thousand in Number,

including Men, Women and Children, as you may learn from their own

Mouths. Take Courage, and be not afraid, =giving five Fathom of Wampum=.

This seemed a lucky Incident, and accordingly it had more Influence than

all other Arguments together.

_Decanesora_, the next Day, called the Magistrates together, and told

them, you have at last shut up the Way to _Canada_, but we have one

Thing to ask, after mature Deliberation, which we expect will not be

refused us. Major _Schuyler_ assured them that every Thing should be

granted, which was either for their Safety or Honour. We desire then,

said he, that you send a Messenger along with ours to the _Praying

Indians_ at _Canada_, to tell them that the Priest is false; that we

are to meet _Cayenguirago_ in the Spring, and therefore cannot go to

_Canada_ at that Time; and that a further Cessation of Arms be agreed

to, till such Time as we can go. We desire at least, that if you will

not send a Messenger, that you put the Message in Writing, as a Token of

your Assent to it. This last was agreed to, and the Message was put in

Writing in the following Words, and translated into _French_.

* * * * *

The =Dispatch of three Belts=, which two Messengers of the _Five Nations_

carry to the _Caraguists_ and Catholick _Indians_, according to what was

resolved by the _Agayandres_ or _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_, at

_Albany_, _February_ the ninth 1694.

_First Belt_.

The _Agayandres_ of the _Five Nations_ cannot go to _Canada_ in the

Spring, as they gave Reason to expect by the last Message from

_Onondaga_, because _Cayenguirago_ has called all the _Five Nations_,

and other _Indians_, to meet him at _Albany_, in the Month of _April_

next, to which the _Five Nations_ have agreed.

_Second Belt_.

If the _Caraguists_, or _French_, have any Thing to propose to the _Five

Nations_, they may safely come into our Country. This Belt opens the

Path, and secures it to them both coming and going.

_Third Belt_.

The _Five Nations_, and their Friends, lay down the Hatchet till they

shall have an Answer, which they expect in forty Days. Provided

nevertheless, that the _Caraguists_ and _French_ tye their Hatchets down

at the same Time.

* * * * *

These Belts were accordingly presented to the _Praying Indians_ of

_Cahnuaga_, who refused to receive them but in the Presence of Mr. _de

Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_. Mr. _de Callieres_ acquainted the

Count _de Frontenac_ with the Contents. After which the _Praying

Indians_, in Presence of Mr. _de Callieres_, gave the following Answer.

"We will have no Correspondence with the _Five Nations_, but by

Order of the Governor of _Canada_ our Father, and unless

_Decanesora_, and the other Deputies, come before the Feast of

St. _John_, the Way will be shut up for ever after, and our

Father's Ears will be stopt. We however assure you, that if the

Deputies come in that Time the Path shall be safe both coming

and going."

Whether the Accounts given of the coming of the _Shawonons_ was only an

Amusement, or whether they were diverted on their March, I know not, for

I find no farther Account of them in the Register of the _Indian_

Affairs: However it was, the Impression made on the _Indians_ by that

News, was not sufficient to withstand the Force of the resolute Answer

their Messenger received from the _Praying Indians_. _Decanesora_ and

the other Deputies went early in the Spring to _Canada_; the other

_Sachems_ met Colonel _Fletcher_ at _Albany_, the fourth of _May_ 1694.

The _Indians_ spoke first by _Sadakanahtie_, an _Onondaga Sachem_, as

follows:

"_Brother_ Cayenguirago,

"Some of our _Sachems_ agreed last Winter that we should keep no

Correspondence with the _French_; we confess that we have broke

that Promise, and that we have received a Messenger from

_Canada_, and have sent our Deputies likewise thither. The Belt

is not yet arrived, by which we are to acknowledge our Fault in

doing this. The Reason of our doing it is truly this, we are

afraid of the Enemy.

"When a Messenger came last Year from _Canada_ to _Onondaga_,

our Brother _Cayenguirago_ discharged our Meeting in General

Council at _Onondaga_, to consult on that Message, and ordered

us to hold our General Council here at _Albany_ on that Affair.

The Privilege of meeting in General Council, when we please, is

a Privilege we always have enjoyed; no former Governor, of the

Name of _Corlear_, ever obstructed this Privilege. We planted a

Tree of Peace in this Place with them, its Roots and Branches

extend as far as _Virginia_ and _New-England_, and we have

reposed with Pleasure under its Shade. Brother, let us keep to

that first Tree, and let us be united and unanimous; such

Prohibition of our Assemblies will be of ill Consequence, and

occasion Differences between us.

"We acknowledge, I say, our sending Agents to _Canada_ for

Peace, we were incouraged in doing this, by the Knowledge we

have of the Governor of _Canada_. He is an old Man, and was

formerly Governor of that Place. He was always esteemed a wise

peaceable Man, and therefore we trust our Message will have a

good Issue. We did not take it amiss that you sent to the

_Dewagunhas_, nor that _Arnout_ was sent to the _Satanas_, both

of them our Enemies; and, for the same Reason, our Brother

_Cayenguirago_ ought not to be displeased with our sending to

the _French_ for Peace.

"We, _Onondagas_, acknowledge ourselves to have been the chief

Promoters of this Message, we have sent in all nine _Sachems_

with nine Belts. It is true we are now under much Uneasiness in

having trusted so many _Sachems_ in the _French_ Hands, being

almost half the Number we have in our Nation, but we were in

haste to prevent the Designs the _French_ had against our

Countries and yours, by the great warlike Preparations they were

making in _Canada_."

Then he told all the Orders and Directions which their Ambassadors had

received; which agreeing with the Account which _Decanesora_ gave of his

Negotiation, I shall here pass over. He finished all by =giving a Belt=.

Colonel _Fletcher_ told them, he would give no Answer to what they had

said, before they discovered to him what Reason they had to say, that he

had forbid their holding any Assembly at _Onondaga_, and that he had

made Peace with the _Dewagunhas_ and _Satanas_, without their Consent

and Concurrence.

To this the Speaker the next Day answered; "I was sick, and absent when

the Affairs you mention were transacted, and I was at a Loss how to

excuse our sending to the _French_ contrary to your Advice; but several

_Sachems_ being arrived since I spoke, I have been better informed by

them, who were present at those Transactions. We find it, in every

Circumstance, as our Brother _Cayenguirago_ says; that you did not

obstruct our keeping General Councils at _Onondaga_, but only cautioned

us in hearkening to the Fallacies of the _French_, and in holding

Meetings on that Occasion. We assure you we will never separate from

you, we still have one Head, one Blood, one Soul, and one Heart with

you; and as a Confirmation of this I =give this Belt seven deep=.

"As to the _Dewagunhas_ and _Shawonons_, we are confident _Cayenguirago_

will not admit them into his Government, till they have made Peace with

us, which we shall willingly grant. When our Enemies are humbled, and

beg Peace, why should they not have it? Let them come and live with us,

it will strengthen our Country.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, when the Christians first arrived in this

Country, we received them kindly. When they were but a small People, we

entered into a League with them, to guard them from all Enemies

whatsoever. We were so fond of their Society, that we tied the great

Canoe which brought them, not with a Rope made of Bark to a Tree, but

with a strong iron Chain fastened to a great Mountain. Now before the

Christians arrived, the General Council of the _Five Nations_ was held

at _Onondaga_, where there has, from the Beginning, a continual Fire

been kept burning; it is made of two great Logs, whose Fire never

extinguishes. As soon as the Hatchet-makers (their general Name for

Christians) arrived, this General Council at _Onondaga_ planted this

Tree at _Albany_, whose Roots and Branches have since spread as far as

_New-England_, _Connecticut, Pensilvania, Maryland_ and _Virginia_; and

under the Shade of this Tree all these _English_ Colonies have

frequently been sheltered. Then (=giving seven Fathom of Wampum=) he

renewed the Chain, and promised, as they likewise expected, mutual

Assistance, in Case of any Attack from any Enemy.

"The only Reason, to be plain with you, continued he, of our sending to

make Peace with the _French_, is the low Condition to which we are

reduced, while none of our Neighbours send us the least Assistance, so

that the whole Burthen of the War lyes on us alone. Our Brethren of

_New-England, Connecticut_, _Pensilvania, Maryland_ and _Virginia_, of

their own accord thrust their Arms into our Chain; but since the War

began we have received no Assistance from them. We alone cannot continue

the War against the _French_, by Reason of the Recruits they daily

receive from the other Side the great Lake.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, speak from your Heart, are you resolved to

prosecute the War vigorously against the _French_, and are your

Neighbours of _Virginia, Maryland, Pensilvania, Connecticut_ and

_New-England_, resolved to assist us? If it be so, we assure you,

notwithstanding any Treaty hitherto entered into, we will prosecute the

War as hotly as ever. But if our Neighbours will not assist, we must

make Peace, and we submit it to your Consideration, by =giving this great

Belt fifteen deep=.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, I have truly told you the Reasons which have

induced us to offer Peace to the _French_; we shall likewise, from the

Bottom of our Hearts, inform you of the Design we have in this Treaty.

When the Governor of _Canada_ shall have accepted the nine Belts, of

which I have just now told you, then we shall have something more to say

by two large Belts, which lye still hid in our Bosom. We shall lay down

first one and say, We have a Brother _Cayenguirago_, with whose People

we have been united in one Chain from the Beginning, they must be

included in this Treaty; we cannot see them involved in bloody War,

while we sit in easy Peace. If the Governor of _Canada_ answer, that he

has made a separate Peace with us, and that he cannot make any Peace

with _Cayenguirago_, because the War is from over the great Lake; then

we shall lay down the second great broad Belt, and tell the Governor of

_Canada_, if you will not include _Cayenguirago_'s People, the Treaty

will become thereby void, as if it had never been made; and if he

persists, we will absolutely leave him."

While the _Sachems_ were at _Albany_, _Decanesora_ and the other

Ambassadors arrived at the Castle of the _Praying Indians_, near the

Falls above _Montreal_. They were conducted from thence, by the Superior

of the Jesuits, to _Quebeck_. They had their Audience of the Governor of

_Canada_ with great Solemnity, in the Presence of all the Ecclesiasticks

and Officers of Distinction, and of the most considerable _Indians_ then

in the Place. They were every Day, while they staid in the Place,

entertained at the Governor's Table, or at the Tables of the most

considerable Officers. _Decanesora_ on his Side made a good Appearance,

being cloathed in Scarlet trim'd with Gold, and with a laced Bever Hat

on his Head, which had been given him by Colonel _Fletcher_ before he

went.

The Jesuit _Milet_ had by Letter informed the Governor of every Thing in

their Commission, and though he was thereby enabled to have answered

them immediately, he consulted three Days, after the Ambassadors had

delivered what they had to say, before he would return an Answer, that

it might appear with more Solemnity. The _Indians_ never return a sudden

Answer on any Occasion of Importance, however resolved they be

beforehand, and despise those that do, though their Answer be never so

much to the Purpose. I choose to give an Account of this from

_Decanesora_'s Mouth, as I did of the former, and for the same Reason.

The Account given of it by the _Indians_ agrees, in all the material

Points, with that published by the _French_, and I am confident it is

not less genuine.

Colonel _Fletcher_ being sensible of what Consequence this Treaty

between the _French_ and _Five Nations_ might be of to all the _English_

Colonies, gave them Notice of it, and informed them of the Reasons which

had induced the _Indians_ to enter into it. He told them, there was no

Possibility of preventing it, but by the _Indians_ being assured of more

effectual Assistance, than they had hitherto received, and advised them

to send Commissioners for that Purpose to _Albany_ in _August_, at which

Time he intended to meet the _Five Nations_ there, after the Return of

their Messengers from _Canada_. Accordingly, _Andrew Hamilton_, Esq;

Governor of _New-Jersey_, Colonel _John Pinchon_, _Samuel Sands_, Esq;

and Major _Pen Townsend_, Commissioners from _Massachuset's Bay_, and

Colonel _John Hauley_ and Captain _Stanley_, Commissioners from

_Connecticut_, waited on Colonel _Fletcher_ at _Albany_, who carried

with him likewise a Part of the Council of _New-York_.

These Gentlemen having met the _Indians_ at _Albany_ the fifteenth of

_August_, _Decanesora_ rose up first, and desired Leave to sing a Song

or two of Peace, before they began on Business. Then _Rode_, a _Mohawk

Sachem_, rose up, and addressing himself to the other _Sachems_, said,

we have great Reason to rejoice, seeing so many of those, who are in our

Chain, are now met, to consult together on the general Weal; after which

they sang two or three Songs.

_Sadakanahtie_ being chosen Speaker for that Day, rose up, spoke much to

the same Purpose as he had done to Colonel _Fletcher_ in _May_ last;

giving a metaphorical Account of their League with the _English_, how it

began, and by what Steps it had been inlarged and strengthened; how the

other Colonies had thrust their Arms into this Chain, but had given

little or no Assistance against the common Enemy. "Our Brother

_Cayenguirago_'s Arms (says he) and ours are stiff, and tired with

holding fast the Chain, whilst our Neighbours sit still and smoak at

their Ease. The Fat is melted from our Flesh, and fallen on our

Neighbours, who grow fat while we grow lean: They flourish while we

decay.

"This Chain made us the Envy of the _French_, and if all had held it as

fast as _Cayenguirago_, it would have been a Terror also. If we would

all heartily join and take the Hatchet in our Hand, our common Enemy

would soon be destroyed, and we should for ever after live in Peace and

Ease. Do you but your Parts, and Thunder itself cannot break our Chain."

Then he mentioned some Jealousies they had entertained of _New-England_,

by their suffering the Chevalier _D'O_ to escape to _Canada_, which they

suspected had been concerted between him and the People of

_New-England_, in Order to treat of Peace. "Our Agents, said he, saw the

Chevalier _D'O_ at _Canada_, who told them that he had been set at

Liberty by the _English_, and that it was in vain that the _Five

Nations_ warred against the _French_, while the _English_ favoured

them." On this Occasion he shewed them a Fish painted on Paper, which

the Commissioners of _New-England_ had given them, when they first

entered into the Chain, as a Seal to the League.

He finished by telling them, that they would next Day give all the

Particulars of their Negotiation in _Canada_.

The next Day _Decanesora_ proceeded to the Account of his Negotiation,

as follows: "The Governor of _Canada_ having often sent to us to come to

_Canada_ to treat with him, we went thither, and told him that we were

come to treat of Peace. We made the following Proposals.

"Father, if we do not conclude a Peace now, it will be your Fault; for

we have already taken the Hatchet out of the Hands of the _River

Indians_ (_Hudson_'s River) whom we incited to the War. But we must tell

you, that you are an ill Man, you are inconstant and not to be trusted;

we have had War together a long Time, and though you occasioned the War,

we never hated the House of _Oghessa_, (a Gentleman living at

_Montreal_) let him undertake the toilsome Journey to _Onondaga_; for if

he will he shall be welcome.

"Father, we are now speaking of Peace, and therefore I must speak a Word

to the _Praying Indians_, and first to those of _Cahnuaga_ (chiefly

_Mohawks_) you know our Customs and Manners, therefore make _Onondio_

acquainted therewith, and be assisting in the prosecuting of this good

Work. Then to the other Castle, called _Canassadaga_, (chiefly

_Onondagas_) you are worse than the _French_ themselves, you deserted

from us, and side with our Enemies to destroy us; make some amends now,

by forwarding Peace.

"You have almost eat us up, our best Men are killed in this bloody War;

but we now forget what is past. Before this we once threw the Hatchet

into the River of _Kaihohage_[40], but you fished it up, and

treacherously surprised our People at _Cadarackui_. After this you sent

to us to have our Prisoners restored; then the Hatchet was thrown up to

the Sky, but you kept a String fastened to the Helve, and pulled it

down, and fell upon our People again. This we revenged to some Purpose,

by the Destruction of your People and Houses in the Island of

_Montreal_.

"Now we are come to cover the Blood from our Sight, which has been shed

by both Sides during this long War.

"_Onondio_, we have been at War a long Time, we now give you a Medicine

to drive away all ill Thoughts from your Heart, to purge it and make it

clean, and restore it to its former State.

"_Onondio_, we will not permit any Settlement at _Cadarackui_; you have

had your Fire there thrice extinguished; we will not consent to your

rebuilding that Fort, but the Passage through the River shall be free

and clear. We make the Sun clean, and drive away all Clouds and

Darkness, that we may see the Light without Interruption.

"_Onondio_, we have taken many Prisoners from one another, during the

War. The Prisoners we took have been delivered, according to our Custom,

to the Families that have lost any in the War. They no longer belong to

the Publick, they may give them back if they please, your People may do

the same. We have brought back two Prisoners, and restore them to you.

"After I had finished what I had to say, continued he, the Governor of

_Canada_ told me, that he would not make Peace with _Cayenguirago_. To

this I answered, these Words displease me much, you shall keep Peace

with him. _Onondio_ said again, I must fight with _Cayenguirago_, it is

not in my Power to make Peace; this can only be done by my Master, who

lives over the great Water. To this I replied, I cannot bear this

Discourse; if you should fight him now, and not stay till I get Home,

all the Country will look on me as a Traytor; I can treat with you no

longer. The Argument on this Subject lasted three Days, at last the

Governor of _Canada_ assured me, that he would not undertake any

Enterprize against _Cayenguirago_ this Summer, but would wait to hear

what he wou'd say.

"The Governor of _Canada_ insisted three Days to have Hostages left,

which I refused, but two agreeing of their own accord to stay, they were

left, _viz_. one an _Onondago_, another a _Seneka_.

"Then the Governor of _Canada_ made the following publick Answer:

"I. I accept of Peace as you offer.

"II. Son, bring all the Prisoners back that you have taken from me,

and yours shall have Liberty to return Home, if they please.

"III. Children, erect my Fire again at _Cadarackui_, and plant

there the Tree of Peace.

"After this the Governor of _Canada_ delivered me a Belt, which I now

lay down before you; by it he said, desire _Cayenguirago_ to send a wise

Man to me, and he shall have Protection according to the Custom of

Christians; and added,

"Children of the _Five Nations_, if _Cayenguirago_ shall employ you to

do any Service for him, do not accept of it, let him send his own

People."

_Decanesora_ added, that the Governor of _Canada_ had fixed eighty Days

for a Return to this Belt.

He continued and said, "The _Sachems_ of the _Dionondadies_ were

present; after I had finished my Speech, they said; May what you have

now said be from your Hearts; we suspect you are not sincere; let us no

longer feel the Smart of the Hatchet, and gave this Belt which I now lay

down.

"The _Praying Indians_ next said, Brethren, our Father _Onondio_ has

told you to bring Home all the Prisoners, do not fail in this; =giving

two Belts=.

"Brother _Cayenguirago_, you will find what I have now said confirmed by

this Paper, which the Governor of _Canada_ gave me. I brought Letters

likewise for the Jesuit _Milet_, who was to read the Paper to us." The

Paper contained the Articles in _French_, in which the Governor of

_Canada_ was willing to make Peace.

But besides what _Decanesora_ here tells, the _French_ Accounts say,

that he brought two Belts underground (that is privately) from three

_Onondaga Sachems_, to assure the Governor of _Canada_ of their

particular Affection, which the Governor of _Canada_ answered, by a

private Belt to them.

As soon as _Decanesora_ had done speaking, Colonel _Fletcher_ rejected

the Belt sent by the Governor of _Canada_, saying; If the Governor of

_Canada_ have any Thing to say to me, let him send some of his People to

_Albany_, and they shall have Protection.

Next Day _Sadekanahtie_, after he had sung a long Song, gave the

following Account of their Negotiations with the _Dewagunhas_ and

_Dionondadies_, which they had undertaken by the Governor's Advice.

"We were afraid, says he, to send Messengers of our own People,

and therefore we employed two Prisoners we had of the

_Dionondadies_ with the Governor's Belt. Some time after this,

some of the _Senekas_ hunting near the _Dionondadies_, two of

them were taken; but when they were carried to the _Dionondadie_

Castle, they were not treated like Prisoners; they were used

kindly, and sent back with the following Offers of Peace.

"We are glad to see you Face to Face to speak to you, since the

Sun has been so propitious to send home the Men that were

Prisoners with you, giving a few Strings of Wampum.

"We are glad of this Opportunity to tell you, that we have been

both drunk in making War on one another; we now give you a

Cordial to ease your Hearts, that there be no longer War between

us, by =this Belt=.

"We are glad that you have set the Doors open as far as

_Cayenguirago_'s House, that we may freely go thither. Carry him

=this second Belt=.

"Brethren, we thank you for having prepared a Place for us at

your General Council of _Onondaga_. Our Country is every where

free to you to treat with us, by =this third Belt=.

"Brethren, our whole Country rejoiced when you invited us into

your Country, and from thence to go where _Cayenguirago_ dwells;

be not afraid to come to our Country, you shall meet with no

Molestation.

"Brethren, we thank you for putting us in Mind of what was

formerly agreed to, _viz_. that when any ill Accident happens,

we were to meet together to compose Matters, and not to revenge

it with War. We are now together to put an End to all

Misunderstanding, by =this fourth Belt=.

"Brethren, (we include all the Nations from the _Senekas_

Country to _New-York_ in this Name) hearken to us. We rend the

Clouds asunder, and drive away all Darkness from the Heavens,

that the Sun of Peace may shine with Brightness over us all;

=giving a Sun= of a round red polished Stone.

"Brethren, we put the Hatchet into the Hands of the

_Chightaghies_, _Twithtwies_, and _Odsirachies_, to war against

you; but we shall in three Days go to these Nations and take the

Hatchet out of their Hands; =giving half a Stone Pipe=.

"You _Senekas_ are stupid Creatures, we must therefore warn you

not to hunt so far from your Castles, lest you be hurt by any of

these three Nations, and then blame us. They then =gave the other

half of the Pipe=.

"But Brother _Cayenguirago_, says _Sadakahnitie_, do not suffer

these Nations to come nearer than the _Senekas_ Country, lest

they discover our Weakness, and to what a low Condition the War

has reduced us. These Nations have been so long in Friendship

with the _French_, and are so much under their Influence, that

we cannot trust them yet, or be too much upon our Guard against

them."

Colonel _Fletcher_ not being able to give the _Five Nations_ any

Assurance of a vigorous Assistance, he called the principal _Sachems_ to

a private Conference on the twentieth. He asked them, whether they had

made Peace with the Governor of _Canada_; they answered, that it only

wanted his Approbation, and added, that they could no longer carry on

the War without Assistance. You have the whole Negotiations before you,

say they, and we submit it to your Prudence.

He then allowed them to make Peace, provided they kept faithful in their

Chain with the _English_; but told them, that as to his Part he could

make no Peace with the Governor of _Canada_. They were under great

Uneasiness to leave their Friends in the War, they said, and wished,

since neither the Governor of _Canada_ nor he would receive Proposals by

their Hands, that they might think of some neutral Place to treat. The

Governor answered, that he could neither receive nor send any Message on

that Head; and that Peace could be only made between them by the two

Kings.

The Governor next asked them, whether they would permit the _French_ to

build again at _Cadarackui_; they answered, they would never permit it,

and were resolved to insist on it, in all the ensuing Treaties, that he

never shall. Then the Governor added, if you permit the French to build

any where on that Lake, there will be an End to your Liberty, your

Posterity will become Slaves to the _French_. If ever you should permit

them, I will look on it as an absolute Breach of the Chain with us: If

the _French_ attempt it give me Notice, and I will march the whole Force

of my Government to your Assistance. We shall find afterwards, however,

that the Government of _New-York_ was far from making good this Promise.

The Governor told them, that they had lost much of their Honour in

creeping to the _French_, in such an abject Manner; for, says he, the

Governor of _Canada_'s Paper, which you brought with you, says, that you

came in the most humble and penitent Manner, and begged Peace. To which

they answered, the Governor of _Canada_ has no Reason to make such

Reflexions, we have many of his Belts to shew, by which he again and

again sued to us for Peace, before we would hearken to him. But, replies

the Governor, how came you to call him Father? For no other Reason, they

replied, but because he calls us Children. These Names signify nothing.

They desired the Governor not to say any Thing particularly of

_Cadarackui_, in his publick Speech that he was to make next Day, for

they had, they said, some among them that would tell all to the Governor

of _Canada_; and concluded, with wishing that they had some one, who

could write and read all that the Governor had said to them, that they

might not forget any Part of it, when they come to consult and resolve

on this weighty Affair, at their General Council at _Onondaga_.

Here we see these Barbarians, these Savages, as we call them, acting

with the greatest regard to the Treaties they had entered into with

their Allies, and that at a Time when the Exigences of their own

Affairs, and when the faint feeble Assistance, which their Allies had

contributed in the common Cause, would, among Christian Potentates, have

been thought a sufficient Excuse for their taking Care of themselves

separately, in breach of the most solemn Confederacy they could enter

into.

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ being met at _Onondaga_, to consult

on the Terms offered by the _French_, they were divided in their

Opinions; the _Cayugas_, and Part of the _Senekas_, were most favourable

to the _French_ Proposals; but the major Part was absolutely against

allowing the _French_ to rebuild a Fort at _Cadarackui_, nor would they

consent to include all the _French_ Allies in the Treaty, with some of

which they had particular Causes of Animosity.

The Party that was most for Peace obtained Leave to go to _Canada_, to

try whether they could obtain Terms less disagreeable. They accordingly

went thither, within the Time prefixed by the Governor of _Canada_, for

an Answer; and to make themselves more acceptable to the _French_, they

carried thirteen Prisoners with them, and delivered them up. The Jesuit

_Milet_ was of this Number, who had been taken in the Year 1689, and one

_Jonscaire_, who had been long a Prisoner among the _Senekas_: He had

been delivered up to a Family of the _Senekas_, that had lost some

considerable Relation, and was by them adopted. He ingratiated himself

so much with that Nation, that he was advanced to the Rank of a

_Sachem_, and preserved their Esteem to the Day of his Death; whereby

he became, after the general Peace, very useful to the _French_ in all

Negotiations with the _Five Nations_, and to this Day they shew their

Regard to his Family and Children.

When the Governor of _Canada_ came to Particulars with these Deputies,

he could obtain nothing but ambiguous or dubious Answers, as to the

rebuilding of _Cadarackui Fort_, and the including of all the _French_

Allies in the Peace. Whereupon he dismissed them with Presents, and made

them many fair Promises, in Case of their Compliance; but threatened

them with utter Destruction, in Case of their refusing the Terms he had

offered. Many of the _French Indian_ Allies were present, when the

Governor of _Canada_ refused any Agreement without his Allies being

included in it, and this attached them exceedingly to the _French_

Interest. This Regard, which the _French_ generally shew for the

Interest of their Allies, is a Piece of Policy which, upon all

Occasions, proves useful to them; whereas, the Neglect of this Piece of

natural Justice has as often been prejudicial to others, who have not

had so tender a Sense of it. But it is not so easy for a weak State to

keep up its Honour in such Cases, as it is for a powerful Prince.

[Footnote 38: When the Affair of which they speak concerns the

Government of _New-York_, the _Indians_ always address themselves to the

Governor, whether he be present or not.]

[Footnote 39: This, in the _Indian_ Idiom, signifies a trifling Excuse

of an unwilling Person.]

[Footnote 40: The _French_ call it _la Famine_, near Oswego. The Treaty

with Mr. _de la Bar_ was made there.]

CHAP. XI.

_The War renewed_. _The_ French _repossess themselves of_ Cadarackui

_Fort_, _and find Means to break off the Treaty between the_ Five

Nations _and_ Dionondadies.

The _Five Nations_ refusing to come to the Governor of _Canada_'s Terms,

he resolved to force them; and as he suspected that they continued

obstinate, by the Advice of the _English_, and the Confidence they had

of the _English_ Assistance, he thought he would most effectually lessen

that Confidence, by attacking and destroying the remainder of the

_Mohawks_, who liv'd adjoining to the _English_ Settlements. For this

Purpose he resolved to march, in the Winter, the whole Force of _Canada_

against that Nation; but one of the Prisoners learning their Design,

made his Escape, and informed the _Mohawks_ of it. This made him alter

his Measures, knowing well enough, that if the _English_ were prepared

to receive them, such an Enterprize would only lead those engaged in it

to certain Destruction. He then sent three hundred Men into the Neck of

Land between _Lake Erie_ and _Cadarackui Lake_, the usual hunting Place

of the _Five Nations_, in hopes of surprising them while they hunted

carelessly there, and at the same Time to view the old _French_ Fort

there, to observe in what Condition it remained.

This Party met with three or four Men, who defended themselves

obstinately, till they all fell dead on the Spot. They surprised

likewise a Cabin, where they took some Men and Women Prisoners; and four

of them were publickly burnt alive at _Montreal_. So far the Count _de

Frontenac_ thought it more proper to imitate the _Indians_ in their most

savage Cruelties, than to instruct them, by his Example, in the

Compassion of the Christian Doctrine. A Party of one hundred and fifty

of the _Five Nations_ fell upon the _Dewagunhas_, in their Way to

_Canada_, and entirely routed them. Ten Prisoners were taken, nine of

which were burnt alive, in revenge of the same Fate the four Men of the

_Five Nations_ had received at _Montreal_.

This Year also some sculking _French Indians_ murdered some People near

_Albany_ and _Schenectady_.

The Party sent to view _Cadarackui Fort_ found it in a better Condition

than they expected, the _Indians_ having neglected to demolish and level

the Bastions, and probably they had not Instruments sufficient to do it.

The Count _de Frontenac_ therefore, in the Summer of the Year 1695, sent

a considerable Body of Men, both _French_ and _Indians_, thither, to

repair the Fortifications, and to cover those that should be at work.

The _Five Nations_, in _August_, sent Messengers to _Albany_, to

acquaint the _English_ that the _French_ had taken Possession of

_Cadarackui_, and were repairing of it. They demanded, in Consequence of

the Promise Colonel _Fletcher_ had given them, the Assistance of five

hundred Men and some Cannon, which they promised they would draw over

Land, where they could not be carried by Water. At the same Time they

desired, that the People of _New-England_ might be told, that many of

the _Owenagungas_ were gone with the _French_ to _Cadarackui_, and that

this was a proper Time to fall upon those that remained, and to destroy

them, and the Women and Children.

Coll. _Fletcher_ came to _Albany_ in _September_; there, in a Speech to

the _Five Nations_, he blamed them for being asleep, when they suffered

the _French_ to take Possession of _Cadarackui_; it would have been much

easier, he said, to have prevented their getting the Possession, than to

drive them out, now they are in it, especially as now you yourselves are

convinced, that it is impossible to carry Cannon thither from this

Place. All, says he, I can now do, is to advise you to invest the Place

with your Parties, so as to prevent their receiving any Supply of

Provisions: By this Means you may force them to desert it. Then he gave

them 1000 Pound of Powder, two Thousand Pound of Lead, 57 Fusees, one

Hundred Hatchets, three Hundred and forty eight Knives, and two

Thousand Flints, besides Cloathing, &c. But in my Opinion, the

Government of _New-York_ have, on all Occasions, been exceedingly to be

blamed, in not having some Men of Experience among the _Five Nations_ to

advise and direct them on all Emergencies of Importance. The _French_

are very careful of this, and the _Officers_ of the regular Troops are

obliged to take their Tours among their _Indians_, while the Captains of

the independent Companies of Fusiliers at _New-York_ live like military

Monks, in Idleness and Luxury.

The _French_ gained a great Advantage, by possessing this Place, as it

is of great Security to their Traders, in their passing between

_Montreal_ and _Missilimakinak_. It served likewise as a Place of

Stores, and Retreat in all their Enterprizes against the _Five Nations_,

that Place being nearly about half Way between _Montreal_ and the

Country of the _Five Nations_. It likewise exposed the _Five Nations_ in

their hunting, to the Incursions of that Garison, by its being in the

Neighbourhood of their principal hunting Place for Bever.

The _French_ grew exceedingly uneasy, when they found, that the

_Dionondadies_, who live near _Missilimakinak_, had almost concluded a

Peace with the _Five Nations_, and that the rest of their Allies were

like to follow their Example: Some of these Nations had been at

_Montreal_, and at their Return forwarded the Peace, that thereby they

might be at Liberty to go to _Albany_; for they informed their

Neighbours, that the _Five Nations_ had intirely shut up the Path to

_Montreal_; and besides that, the _French_ were not in a Condition to

supply them, for they had nothing for themselves, not so much as a Drop

of strong Spirits. If these Nations had, at that Time, deserted the

_French_, it might probably have put an End to the _French_ Colony; for

as the Lands of _Canada_ barely produce sufficient for the Subsistence

of its Inhabitants, the only Means they have of purchasing Cloathing and

other Necessaries is by their Trade with the _Indians_. The _French_

likewise had been in Danger of greater Mischief by the Peace, for these

Nations being at War with the _Five Nations_, and lying on the Back of

them, obliged the _Five Nations_ to keep always a very considerable Part

of their Force at home, to defend themselves against these Nations, and

to revenge the Injuries they received from them; but if the Peace had

been concluded with these Nations, the _Five Nations_ could have turned

their whole Force against _Canada_, and probably might have persuaded

these Nations to have joined with them in warring on the _French_.

The _French_ Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ had his Hands full at this

Time; and if he had not been a Man of great Abilities, he must have sunk

under the Difficulties he had to go through; in the first Place, to

contradict the Stories brought from _Montreal_, he ordered the Stores of

his Fort to be sold to the _Indians_ at the cheapest Rate, and assured

them, that great Quantities were every Day expected from _France_, which

were only detained by contrary Winds; and after these Goods shall

arrive, said he, they will be sold cheaper than ever they have been. He

told them likewise, that the Count _de Frontenac_ would never make Peace

with the _Five Nations_, but was resolved to extirpate them; for which

Purpose he was now rebuilding _Cadarackui Fort_. At the same Time he

took all possible Methods to extinguish the Beginnings of Friendship,

which appeared between the _Five Nations_ and _Dionondadies_.

The _Dionondadies_ durst not avow their treating with the _Five Nations_

to the _French_, neither durst the _Five Nations_ trust their Agents in

a Place where they knew the _French_ had so great Influence; both Sides

therefore agreed to carry on their Treaty by Means of Prisoners which

they took from one another. The Civility with which the _Dionondadies_

treated these Prisoners, their dismissing them, and their receiving

again Prisoners which had been taken by the _Five Nations_, gave the

Commandant sufficient Ground to suspect what was doing. The

_Dionondadies_ at last took seven Men of the _Five Nations_ Prisoners,

and carried them to _Missilimakinak_. The _French_ perceiving, by their

Manner of bringing them in, that the _Dionondadies_ intended to treat

them with the Civility they had lately used to others, murdered two of

them with their Knives as they stept ashore. On this the _Dionondadies_

immediately took to their Arms, saved the other Five, and carried them

safe to their Castle; and continuing in Arms, threatened Revenge for the

Insult they had received.

The _French_ were forced in like Manner to stand to their Arms, and as

there are always many different Nations at _Missilimakinak_ trading,

some of which were inveterate Enemies of the _Five Nations_, they joined

with the _French_. The _Utawawas_ stood neuter. This gave the Commandant

Means of ending the Dispute by Composition. He in the first Place

assured them, that the Christians abhorred all Manner of Cruelty, and

then told them, that as the _French_ shared with the _Dionondadies_ in

all the Dangers and Losses sustained by the War, they ought in like

Manner to partake with them in any Advantage. The _Dionondadies_ on this

were persuaded to deliver up one of the Prisoners. What I am about to

relate, I think, gives Room to charge the _French_ with a Piece of

Policy, not only inconsistent with the Christian Religion, but likewise

with the Character of a polite People; and that all Considerations from

Religion, Honour, and Virtue, must give Way to the present Exigencies of

their Affairs. That an End might be put to the Beginnings of a

Reconciliation between these People and the _Five Nations_, the _French_

gave a publick Invitation to feast on the Soup to be made on this

Prisoner, and, in a more particular Manner, invited the _Utawawas_ to

the Entertainment.

The Prisoner being first made fast to a Stake, so as to have Room to

move round it, a _Frenchman_ began the horrid Tragedy, by broiling the

Flesh of the Prisoner's Legs, from his Toes to his Knees, with the red

hot Barrel of a Gun; his Example was followed by an _Utawawa_, and they

relieved one another as they grew tired. The Prisoner all this while

continued his Death Song, till they clapt a red hot Frying-pan on his

Buttocks, when he cried out, Fire is strong and too powerful; then all

their _Indians_ mocked him, as wanting Courage and Resolution. You, they

said, a Soldier and a Captain, as you say, and afraid of Fire; you are

not a Man. They continued their Torments for two Hours without ceasing.

An _Utawawa_ being desirous to outdo the _French_ in their refined

Cruelty, split a Furrow from the Prisoner's Shoulder to his Garter, and

filling it with Gunpowder, set Fire to it. This gave him exquisite Pain,

and raised excessive Laughter in his Tormenters. When they found his

Throat so much parched, that he was no longer able to gratify their Ears

with his howling, they gave him Water, to enable him to continue their

Pleasure longer. But at last his Strength failing, an _Utawawa_ flead

off his Scalp, and threw burning hot Coals on his Scull. Then they

untied him, and bid him run for his Life: He began to run, tumbling like

a drunken Man; they shut up the Way to the East, and made him run

Westward, the Country, as they think, of departed (miserable) Souls. He

had still Force left to throw Stones, till they put an End to his Misery

by knocking him on the Head with a Stone. After this every one cut a

Slice from his Body, to conclude the Tragedy with a Feast. It is doing

no Injury, I think, to these _Frenchmen_, who thus glory in this horrid

Cruelty, to ask them, whether they did not likewise regale their

revengeful Appetites with a Share of this inhuman Feast?

Though I have had frequent Occasions to mention these barbarous inhuman

Cruelties, transacted by the _Indians_, yet I have avoided to relate the

particular Circumstances of them, because I believe few civilized Ears

can bear the reading of them without Horror. But when they are

perpetrated by Christians, and so far gloried in, as to be recorded in

their own History, I am willing to shew it to my Countrymen in its

proper Colours. This last Piece of _French_ History is taken from

_Histoire de l'Amerique Septentrionale, par Monsr. de la Poterie_,

published at _Paris_ with the Royal Licence, and recommended to the

Publick by Mons. _Fontenelle_, Vol. ii. Page 298.

Though this cruel Act had its designed Effect, in breaking off this

Method of negotiating between the _Five Nations_ and _Dionondadies_, it

did not prevent the Peace; and it had very near raised a Civil War with

their own _Indians_, which was only prevented by the dextrous Conduct of

the _French_ Officers, who, in all kind of Artifice, have always been

superior to the _Indians_. But let me observe on this Occasion, that

the avoiding any Misfortune, by any base or wicked Action, is commonly

the Cause of greater Mischiefs than what is thereby avoided; and of this

numerous Examples may be given.

CHAP. XII.

_The Count_ de Frontenac _attacks_ Onondaga _in Person_, _with the whole

Force of_ Canada. _The_ Five Nations _continue the War with the_ French,

_and make Peace with the_ Dionondadies.

The Count _de Frontenac_ having secured _Cadarackui Fort_, which was

called by his Name, as a Place of Arms and Provisions, and for a Retreat

to the Men that should happen to be sick or wounded, resolved to make

the _Five Nations_ feel his Resentment of their refusing his Terms of

Peace. For this Purpose he assembled all the regular Troops of _Canada_,

the Militia, the _Owenagungas_, the _Quatoghies_ of _Loretto_, the

_Adirondacks_, _Sokokies_, _Nepiciriniens_, the _Praying Indians_ of the

_Five Nations_, and a few _Utawawas_, at _Montreal_, in _June_ 1696. The

other western _Indians_ near _Missilimakinak_, by their late

Correspondence with the _Five Nations_, and the Dissatisfaction they had

manifested, were not trusted. The Manner of making War with the

_Indians_ in a Country wholly covered with Woods, must be so much

different from the Methods used in _Europe_, that I believe the Reader

will be pleased to have a particular Account of the Count _de

Frontenac_'s Conduct in this, who was an old experienced General, in the

seventy fourth Year of his Age.

It is to be observed, that it is impossible to pass the vast Forests

between the Countries of the _Five Nations_ with Waggons, or other

Carriages, or on Horseback, or even on Foot, in the summer Time, by

Reason of many impassible thick Swamps and Morasses. For this Reason,

the only Method of travelling is in Bark Canoes, or very light Battoes,

along the Rivers, which may be easily carried on Men's Shoulders, where

the Stream of the River becomes too rapid, and from one River to

another; for which Purpose the shortest Passes are always chosen, and

are called, for this Reason, Carrying Places.

The Count _de Frontenac_ marched from _la Chine_, in the south End of

the Island of _Montreal_, the fourth of _July_. He divided five hundred

_Indians_ so, that the greatest Number of them should always be in the

Van, which consisted of two Battalions of the regular Troops. They were

followed by the Canoes which carried the Provisions. The Van was

commanded by the Chevalier _de Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_; he

had with him two large Battoes, which carried two small Pieces of

Cannon, small Mortars, Granadoes, and the Utensils of the Artillery. The

Count _de Frontenac_ was at the Head of the main Body, accompanied by

the Engineer and several Gentlemen Voluntiers. The Body consisted of

four Battalions of the Militia, who, in War with _Indians_, were then

more depended on than the regular Troops; these were commanded by

Monsieur _Ramsay_, Governor of _Trois Rivieres_. The Rear, which

consisted of two Battalions of regular Troops, and of the rest of the

_Indians_, was under the Command of the Chevalier _de Vaudreuil_. All

the _Indians_ had _French_ Officers set over them.

In this Order the Army marched, only those that were in the Van one Day,

were in the Rear the next; and they always kept a Number of _Indians_ on

the Scout, to discover the Tracks of the Enemy, for fear of Ambuscades.

And when they were obliged to carry the Canoes, and drag the large

Battoes, several Parties were detached to cover the Men that worked.

After twelve Days March they arrived at _Cadarackui Fort_, one hundred

eighty Miles from _Montreal_. Here they waited for the _Utawawas_, who

disappointed them; and in the mean Time raised a Bark, which had

remained sunk since _Cadarackui Fort_ was deserted. They crossed over

_Cadarackui_ Lake to _Onondaga_ River (now _Ohswega_). This River being

narrow and rapid, they ordered fifty Men to march on each Side of it, to

prevent their being surprised, and the Army moved slowly along the

River, according to the Intelligence they received from their Scouts.

They found a Tree, as they passed along, on which the _Indians_ had, in

their Manner, painted the _French_ Army, and had laid by it two Bundles

of cut Rushes. This was a Defiance in the _Indian_ Manner, and to tell

them by the Number of Rushes, that fourteen hundred thirty four Men

would meet them. The _French_ passed the little Lake, between _Ohswega_

and _Onondaga_, in Order of Battle; and the two Wings, to prevent their

being surprised, and to make the Place of their Landing more uncertain

to the Enemy, took a Circuit along the Coast. As soon as they had landed

they raised a Fort. A _Seneka_, who had been some time a Prisoner in

_Canada_, and pretended an Attachment to the _French_, was sent out to

make a Discovery. He deserted to the _Onondagas_. He found them waiting

for the _French_, with a Resolution to defend their Castle, and to fight

the _French_; for which Purpose they had sent away their Women and

Children. The _Seneka_ told them that the _French_ Army was as numerous

as the Leaves on the Trees; that they had Machines which threw Balls up

in the Air, and which falling on their Castle burst to Pieces, and

spread Fire and Death every where, against which their Stockadoes could

be of no Defence. This was confirmed by another _Seneka_, who deserted.

Upon which the _Onondagas_ thought it most adviseable to retire, leaving

their poor Fort and bark Cottages all in Flames.

After the General had an Account of this, he marched to their Village in

Order of Battle. The Army was divided into two Lines: The first

commanded by the Chevalier _de Callieres_, who placed himself on the

Left, consisted of two Battalions of the Inhabitants in the Center, and

a Battalion of the regular Troops on each Wing. The Artillery followed

them. Most of the _Indians_ of this Division were upon the Right, who

continually sent out Scouts. The second Line was commanded by the

Chevalier _de Vaudreuel_, composed of the same Number of Battalions, and

in the same Order. The Count _de Frontenac_ was carried in a Chair

directly after the Artillery. But it was impossible for them to keep

their Order, in passing through thick Woods, and in passing Brooks. In

this formidable Manner the aged General marched up to the Ashes of the

Village, and his Army exerted their Fury on the _Indian_ Corn, which

covered a large Field in thick Ranks.

An _Indian Sachem_, about one hundred Years old, would not retire with

the rest, but chose this Time to end his Days. The _French Indians_ had

the Pleasure of tormenting him, which he bore with surprising Evenness

of Mind, and with that Resolution which becomes a _Sachem_ of the _Five

Nations_. He told his Tormentors to remember well his Death, when his

Countrymen should come to take terrible Vengeance of them. Upon which,

one stabbing him several Times with his Knife, he thanked him but said,

you had better make me die by Fire, that these Dogs of _Frenchmen_ may

learn how to suffer like Men. You _Indians_, their Allies, you Dogs of

Dogs, think of me when you shall be in the like State. Thus this old

_Sachem_, under all the Weakness of old Age, preserved a Greatness of

Soul, and a due Regard for the Honour of his Country, to the last Moment

of his Breath.

The Chevalier _de Vaudreuil_ was sent with a Detachment of six or seven

hundred Men to destroy the _Oneydoes_ Corn, who liv'd but a small

Distance from _Onondaga_, which he performed without any Resistance. The

Jesuit _Milet_ had lived for the most Part with the _Oneydoes_; he had

infused into them the most favourable Sentiments of the _French_, and

they had been the most inclined to Peace on the _French_ Terms. Thirty

five of them staid in their Castle to make the _French_ welcome; but the

only Favour they obtained, was to be made Prisoners, and carried to

_Montreal_. The _French_ Governor declared his Resolutions to extirpate

the _Onondagas_, and for that Reason gave Orders to give no Quarter.

The Difficulty of supporting so many Men in these Deserts, made it

necessary for the Count _de Frontenac_ to return as speedily as

possible. Though the _French_ Army was much an Overmatch for the

_Onondagas_, both in Number of Men and in their Arms, the _Onondagas_

were not so far dispirited, as not to follow them in their Return. They

found Opportunities to revenge themselves in some Measure, by cutting

off every Canoe that happened at any Time to be at a Distance from the

main Body. This obliged the Count to hasten his March, so that he

returned to _Montreal_ the tenth of _August_.

The _Onondagas_ suffered nothing by this chargeable Expedition, but the

Loss of their Corn, and their Bark Cottages. They lost not one Man, but

the old _Sachem_, who resolved to die a Martyr to his Country's Honour.

The _French_ suffered considerably by its Consequences; for all the

Planters being taken off from their Labour, either in this Expedition,

or in watching and securing their Forts and Country, a Famine ensued;

and this I find has often happened in _Canada_, where all the Men, fit

to bear Arms, have been employed in such like Expeditions. If the

_Oneydoes_ had not timely surrendered themselves, the Count had not been

able to have carried Home the least Token of a Victory. And all that can

be said for this Enterprize is, that it was a kind of heroick Dotage.

The Influence that the Jesuit _Milet_ had obtained over the _Oneydoes_

was such, that some Time after this, thirty of them deserted to the

_French_, and desired that he might be appointed their Pastor.

In the following Winter the _Mohawks_, with the Governor of _New York_'s

Privacy, =sent one to the _Praying Indians_ with two Belts=, and he

carried two Prisoners with him. By the first Belt he asked, whether the

Path was entirely shut up between their two Countries; and, by the

second, demanded the Restitution of a Prisoner the _Praying Indians_ had

taken: But his real Design was, to learn the State of their Country, and

what Designs were forming. Notwithstanding the Influence and Artifice of

the _French_ Priests over these Converts, they still retained an

Affection to their Countrymen; for which Reason the Count _de Frontenac_

entertained a Jealousy of these Intercourses, and threatened to put to

Death any that should come in that Manner again; but the Messenger had

the Satisfaction of discovering the distressed Condition of _Canada_ by

Famine.

A Party of the _French_ was sent out in the Winter, to make some Attempt

upon the _English_ Settlements near _Albany_; but some _Mohawks_ and

_Scahkook Indians_ meeting with them, before they reached the

Settlements, they were intirely routed. The commanding Officer, one _du

Bau_, and two others, saved themselves from the Fury of the _Indians_,

by running to _Albany_; the rest were either killed or perished in the

Woods, so that not one Man of this Party got back to _Canada_.

It was much easier for the _French_ to set the _Praying Indians_ upon

the _English_, against whom it is possible many of them had personal

Animosities, that made them go over to the _French_, than to fight their

Countrymen. Several of them came this Winter skulking about

_Schenectady_ and _Albany_; and being well acquainted with the Country,

and speaking likewise the _Mohawk_'s Language, by which they sometimes

deceived the Inhabitants, they surprised some of the Inhabitants, and

carried away their Scalps.

The _Five Nations_, to shew that the Count _de Frontenac_'s Expedition

had no Way discouraged them, sent out several Parties against _Canada_.

One of them met with a Party of _French_ upon _St. Laurence River_, near

_Montreal_. The _French_ were routed, and their Captain killed. As soon

as this was heard at _Montreal_, _Repentigni_ was sent out after them

with a considerable Party of _French_, _Nepicirinien Indians_ and

_Praying Indians_; but this Party was likewise defeated, and the

Captain, with many of his Men, killed.

Thus the War was continued till the Peace of _Reswick_, by small Parties

of _Indians_, on both Sides, harassing, surprising, and scalping the

Inhabitants near _Montreal_ and _Albany_.

Some Time this Year the chief _Sachem_ of the _Dionondadies_ (whom the

_French_ call the _Baron_) went to _Quebeck_, pretending a strong

Attachment to the _French_, but really to conceal the Treaty of Peace

that he was on the Point of concluding with the _Five Nations_; for

which Purpose he had =sent his Son with nineteen Belts= to the _Senekas_.

The Substance of whose Commission was as follows:

The _French_ have for many Years confounded our Resolutions, and

deceived us, but now we are resolved to break all their Artifices, by

stopping our Ears. We come now to unite with you, while the _French_

know nothing of the Matter. The Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ has told

us many Lies, he has betrayed us, and made us kill one another, but we

are firmly resolved never to hearken to him any more. The Peace was

accordingly firmly concluded, notwithstanding all the Opposition the

_French_ could make. The _French_ Authors say, the only Reason that

induced the _Dionondadies_ was, that the _English_ sold them Goods

cheaper than the _French_ could.

Some Time before the News of the Peace arrived, the _French_ at

_Montreal_ being informed that a Party of the _Five Nations_ were

discovered near _Corlear's Lake_, sent out a Captain with a Party of

Soldiers and _Indians_, who being well experienced in the Manner of

making War with _Indians_, marched through the thickest Woods, and by

the least frequented Places, so that he discovered the Enemy, without

being discovered. He surprised that Party, killed several, and took one

Prisoner. The _Utawawas_ being then trading at _Montreal_, the Count

_de Frontenac_ invited them to a Feast to be made of this Prisoner, and

caused him to be burnt publickly alive at _Montreal_, in the Manner of

which I have already given two Accounts from the _French_ Authors.

CHAP. XIII.

_The Conduct which the_ English _and_ French _observed_, _in regard to

the_ Five Nations, _immediately after the Peace of_ Reswick.

Soon after the News of the Peace of _Reswick_ reached _New-York_, the

Governor sent an Express to _Canada_, to inform the Governor there of

it, that Hostilities might cease. The _Five Nations_ having an Account

of the Peace earlier than they had it in _Canada_, took Advantage of it,

in hunting Bever near _Cadarackui Fort_. The Governor of _Canada_ being

informed of this, and believing that the _Five Nations_ thought

themselves secure by the general Peace, resolved to take his last

Revenge of them. For this Purpose he sent a considerable Party of

_Adirondacks_ to surprise them, which they did, and killed several, but

not without Loss of many of their own Men. The Loss of one of their

greatest Captains at that Time gave the _Five Nations_ the greatest

Affliction. After he was mortally wounded, he cried out: "Must I, who

have made the whole Earth tremble before me, now die by the Hands of

Children?" for he despised the _Adirondacks_.

A Dispute at this Time arose, between the Government of _New-York_ and

_Canada_, about the _French_ Prisoners which the _Five Nations_ had in

their Hands. The Earl of _Bellamont_, then Governor of _New-York_, would

have the _French_ receive those Prisoners from him, and directed the

_Five Nations_ to bring them to _Albany_ for that Purpose. The _French_,

on the other Hand, refused to own the _Five Nations_ as subject to the

Crown of _Great-Britain_, and threatened to continue the War against the

_Five Nations_, if they did not bring the Prisoners to _Montreal_, and

deliver them there. The Count _de Frontenac_ sent some of the _Praying

Indians_ with a Message to this Purpose, and to have all the _French_

Allies included in the general Peace.

The Messenger on his Return told the Count, publickly in Presence of

several _Utawawas_, that the _Five Nations_ refused to include several

of his Allies, but were resolved to revenge the Injuries they had

received. The _Utawawas_ were exceedingly discomposed at hearing this,

and the Count, to recover their Spirits, assured them, that he never

would make Peace without including all his Allies in it, and without

having all their Prisoners restored. At the same Time he made

Preparations to attack the _Five Nations_ with the whole Force of

_Canada_.

The Earl of _Bellamont_ being informed of this, sent Captain _John

Schuyler_ (of the Militia) to tell the Count, that he had the Interest

of the King his Master too much at Heart, to suffer the _French_ to

treat the _Five Nations_ like Enemies, after the Conclusion of the

general Peace; for which Reason he had ordered them to be on their

Guard, and had furnished them with Arms and Ammunition; that he had

ordered the Lieutenant-Governor, in Case they were attacked, either by

the _French_ or their Allies, to join them with the regular Troops; and

that, if he found it necessary, he would raise the whole Force of his

Government in their Defence.

This put a Stop to the _French_ Threatening, and both Sides made

Complaint to their Masters. The two Kings ordered their respective

Governors to be assisting to each other, in making the Peace effectual

to both Nations, and to leave the Disputes, as to the Dependency of the

_Indian Nations_, to be determined by Commissioners, to be appointed

pursuant to the Treaty of _Reswick_.

It is exceedingly impolitick, when weaker Potentates, ingaged in a

Confederacy against one powerful Prince, leave any Points to be

determined after the Conclusion of a Peace; for if they cannot obtain a

Concession, while the Confederacy stands and their Force is united, how

can a weaker Prince hope to obtain it, when he is left alone to himself,

after the Confederacy is dissolved? The _French_ have so often found the

Benefit of this Piece of Imprudence, that in all their Treaties they use

all the Cajoling, and every Artifice in their Power, to obtain this

Advantage, and they seldom miss it.

About the Time of the Conclusion of the Peace at _Reswick_, the noted

_Therouet_ died at _Montreal_. The _French_ gave him Christian Burial in

a pompous Manner, the Priest, that attended him at his Death, having

declared that he died a true Christian; for, said the Priest, while I

explained to him the Passion of our Saviour, whom the _Jews_ crucified,

he cried out; "Oh! had I been there, I would have revenged his Death,

and brought away their Scalps."

Soon after the Peace was known at _Montreal_, three considerable Men of

the _Praying Indians_ came to _Albany_; they had fine laced Coats given

them, and were invited to return to their own Country. They answered,

that they were young Men, and had not Skill to make a suitable Answer,

and had not their ancient Men to consult with; but promised to

communicate the Proposals to their old Men, and would bring back an

Answer in the Fall. I find nothing more of this in the Register of

_Indian Affairs_, though it might have been of great Consequence had it

been pursued to Purpose; but such Matters, where there is not an

immediate private Profit, are seldom pursued by the _English_ with that

Care and Assiduity, with which they are by the _French_.

While Captain _Schuyler_ was in _Canada_, he entered into some

indiscreet Discourse with Monsieur _Maricour_, for whom the _Five

Nations_ had a particular Esteem, and call _Stowtowisse_. Captain

_Schuyler_, in asserting the Dependency of the _Five Nations_ on

_New-York_, said, that those Nations were their Slaves. Mr. _Maricour_

told this Discourse to an _Onondaga_, with all the Aggravations he

could, and added, that it was intirely owing to the _English_ that the

Peace was not absolutely concluded, and that Captain _Schuyler_

prevented their Prisoners being restored, because he would have them

sent to _Albany_, as being Slaves to the _English_. That the _French_

had no Dispute with the _English_, but for the Independency of the _Five

Nations_. This indiscreet Conduct of Captain _Schuyler_ was so much

resented by the _Five Nations_, that a Deputation of the most

considerable _Sachems_ was sent to _Albany_ in _June_ 1699, to complain

of it; and they sent at the same Time Deputies to _Canada_ to conclude

the Peace, independently of the _English_. These Deputies that came to

_Albany_ were so far convinced that the _French_ had abused them, and

how much more it was for their Security to be included in the general

Peace with the _English_, than to have only the _French_ Faith for their

Security, that they immediately dispatched a Messenger after their

Deputies that were gone to _Canada_. Though this Messenger reached them

too late to stop their Proceeding, it convinced the Deputies so far of

its being for their Interest to be joined with the _English_ in the

Peace, as they had been in the War, that they insisted that the

Exchange of Prisoners be made at _Albany_. At the same Time the

Messenger was sent after their Deputies to _Canada_, Colonel _Peter

Schuyler_ was sent with others to _Onondaga_, to remove the Prejudices

they had received there.

The Count _de Frontenac_ died while these Disputes continued. Monsieur

_de Callieres_, who succeeded him, put an End to them, by agreeing to

send to _Onondaga_ to regulate the Exchange of Prisoners there; for

which Purpose Monsieur _Maricour_, _Ioncaire_, and the Jesuit _Bruyas_,

were sent.

When the _French_ Commissioners were come within less than a Mile of

_Onondaga_ Castle, they put themselves in Order and marched with the

_French_ Colours carried before them, and with as much Show as they

could make. _Decanesora_ met them without the Gate, and =complimented

them with three Strings of Wampum=. By the first he wiped away their

Tears for the _French_ that had been slain in the War. By the second he

opened their Mouths, that they might speak freely; that is, promised

them Freedom of Speech. By the third he cleaned the Matt, on which they

were to sit, from the Blood that had been spilt on both Sides: The

Compliment was returned by the Jesuit, then they entered the Fort, and

were saluted with a general Discharge of all the fire Arms. They were

carried to the best Cabin in the Fort, and there entertained with a

Feast. The Deputies of the several Nations not being all arrived, the

Jesuit, and Monsieur _Maricour_, passed the Time in visiting and

conversing with the _French_ Prisoners. The General Council being at

last met, the Jesuit made the following Speech, which I take from the

Relation the _Five Nations_ afterwards made of it to the Earl of

_Bellamont_.

"1. I am glad to see the _Five Nations_, and that some of them

went to _Canada_, notwithstanding _Corlear_ forbid them: I am

sorry for the Loss of your People killed by the remote

_Indians_; I condole their Death, and wipe away the Blood by

this Belt.

"2. The War Kettle boiled so long, that it would have scalded

all the _Five Nations_ had it continued; but now it is overset,

and turned upside down, and a firm Peace made.

"3. I now plant the Tree of Peace and Welfare at _Onondaga_.

"4. Keep fast the Chain you have made with _Corlear_, for now we

have one Heart and one Interest with them; but why is _Corlear_

against your corresponding with us, ought we not to converse

together when we are at Peace and in Friendship?

"5. Deliver up the _French_ Prisoners you have, and we shall

deliver not only those of your Nation we have, but all those

likewise taken by any of our Allies; and gave a Belt.

"6. I offer myself to you to live with you at _Onondaga_, to

instruct you in the Christian Religion, and to drive away all

Sickness, Plagues and Diseases out of your Country, and gave a

third Belt.

"7. This last Belt, he said, is from the _Rondaxe_, or _French

Indians_, to desire Restitution of the Prisoners taken from

them."

The Jesuit in the Conclusion said; "Why does not _Corlear_ tell

you what passes between the Governor of _Canada_ and him? He

keeps you in the Dark, while the Governor of _Canada_ conceals

nothing from his Children. Nor does the Governor of _Canada_

claim your Land, as _Corlear_ does."

The General Council immediately rejected the Belt by which the Jesuit

offered to stay with them, saying, We have already accepted _Corlear's_

Belt, by which he offers us Pastors to instruct us. _Decanesora_ added,

The Jesuits have always deceived us, for while they preached Peace, the

_French_ came and knocked us on the Head. To this the Jesuit replied,

that if he had known that _Corlear_ intended to send them Pastors, he

would not have offered this Belt.

It is to be observed that the _Indian_ Council refused to hear the

_French_, or to give them an Answer, but in Presence of the

Commissioners from _Albany_.

The _French_ Commissioners having assured the Peace with the _Five

Nations_, the Inhabitants of _Canada_ esteemed it the greatest Blessing

that could be procured for them from Heaven; for nothing could be more

terrible than this last War with the _Five Nations_. While this War

lasted, the Inhabitants eat their Bread in continual Fear and Trembling.

No Man was sure, when out of his House, of ever returning to it again.

While they laboured in the Fields, they were under perpetual

Apprehensions of being killed or seized, and carried to the _Indian_

Country, there to end their Days in cruel Torments. They many Times were

forced to neglect both their Seed Time and Harvest. The Landlord often

saw all his Land plundered, his Houses burnt, and the whole Country

ruined, while they thought their Persons not safe in their

Fortifications. In short, all Trade and Business was often at an intire

Stand, while Fear, Despair, and Misery appeared in the Faces of the poor

Inhabitants.

The _French_ Commissioners carried several of the principal _Sachems_ of

the _Five Nations_ back with them, who were received at _Montreal_ with

great Joy. They were saluted by a Discharge of all the great Guns round

the Place, as they entered. The _French_ Allies took this amiss, and

asked if their Governor was entering. They were told, that it was a

Compliment paid to the _Five Nations_, whose _Sachems_ were then

entering the Town. We perceive, they replied, that Fear makes the

_French_ shew more Respect to their Enemies, than Love can make them do

to their Friends.

Monsieur _de Callieres_ assembled all the _French_ Allies, (who were

then very numerous at _Montreal_) to make the Exchange of Prisoners, and

they delivered the Prisoners they had taken, though the _Five Nations_

had sent none to be exchanged for them. Thus we see a brave People

struggle with every Difficulty, till they can get out of it with Honour;

and such People always gain Respect, even from their most inveterate

Enemies.

I shall finish this Part by observing, that notwithstanding the _French_

Commissioners took all the Pains possible to carry Home the _French_,

that were Prisoners with the _Five Nations_, and they had full Liberty

from the _Indians_, few of them could be persuaded to return. It may be

thought that this was occasioned from the Hardships they had endured in

their own Country, under a tyrannical Government and a barren Soil: But

this certainly was not the only Reason; for the _English_ had as much

Difficulty to persuade the People, that had been taken Prisoners by the

_French Indians_, to leave the _Indian_ Manner of living, though no

People enjoy more Liberty, and live in greater Plenty, than the common

Inhabitants of _New-York_ do. No Arguments, no Intreaties, nor Tears of

their Friends and Relations, could persuade many of them to leave their

new _Indian_ Friends and Acquaintance; several of them that were by the

Caressings of their Relations persuaded to come Home, in a little Time

grew tired of our Manner of living, and run away again to the _Indians_,

and ended their Days with them. On the other Hand, _Indian_ Children

have been carefully educated among the _English_, cloathed and taught,

yet, I think, there is not one Instance, that any of these, after they

had Liberty to go among their own People, and were come to Age, would

remain with the _English_, but returned to their own Nations, and became

as fond of the _Indian_ Manner of Life as those that knew nothing of a

civilized Manner of living. What I now tell of Christian Prisoners among

_Indians_, relates not only to what happened at the Conclusion of this

War, but has been found true on many other Occasions.

_The End of the_ Second Part.

[Illustration]

=Transcriber's Notes:=

hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in the original

Page ii, extra word to removed

Page 3, who remembred the ==> who remembered the

Page 12, I immmediately told ==> I immediately told

Page 18, to exereise Cruelty ==> to exercise Cruelty

Page 31, that the Chigtaghcicks ==> that the Chictaghicks

Page 35, and Mahikindars or ==> and Mahikandars or

Page 51, desire may may be ==> desire may be

Page 52, the Peace. Gives ==> the Peace." Gives

Page 65, on the other. ==> on the other.)

Page 67, be extreamly grieved ==> be extremely grieved

Page 67, confirms my Words. ==> confirms my Words.

Page 71, Way towards Monreal ==> Way towards Montreal

Page 72, the Begining of ==> the Beginning of

Page 75, the Mihikander Indians ==> the Mahikander Indians

Page 83, which he gave to to an _Indian_ ==> which he gave to an _Indian_

Page 84, Troies Rivieres ==> Trois Rivieres

Page 84, to the War. ==> to the War.

Page 87, intercepting them. ==> intercepting them.

Page 107, Belt of Wampum ==> Belt of Wampum.

Page 107 footnote, Ersel signifies ==> Ertel signifies

Page 111, Therhansera, Oghuesse and ==> Therhansera, Ohguesse and

Page 111, Our Far-fighters shall ==> Our Fair-fighters shall

Page 140, we are but ==> We are but

Page 141, the Brethrens Backwardness ==> the Brethren's Backwardness

Page 143, de Magdaleine the ==> de Magdeleine the

Page 152, three Bever Skins. ==> three Bever Skins.

Page 155, delivered to them. ==> delivered to them.

Page 172, those of Cahnaaga ==> those of Cahnuaga

Page 172 footnote, near Ohswego. ==> near Oswego.

Page 179, most favorable to ==> most favourable to

Page 181, an Enterprise would ==> an Enterprize would

Page 182, and some Canon ==> and some Cannon

Page 183, their Enterprises against ==> their Enterprizes against