_Your Excellency's_
_Most obedient humble Servants_,
_R. Walter_,
_Rip Van Dam_,
_John Barberie_,
_Fr. Harrison_,
_Cadwallader Colden_,
_Ja. Alexander_,
_Abraham van Horn_.
* * * * *
_A Memorial concerning the Furr-Trade of the Province of_
New-York.
_Presented to his Excellency_ William Burnet, _Esq_; _Captain
General and Governor_, &c. _by_ Cadwallader Colden, _Surveyor
General of the said Province_, the 10_th of_ November 1724.
It has of late been generally believed, that the Inhabitants of the
Province of _New-York_ are so advantageously situated, with respect to
the _Indian Trade_, and enjoy so many Advantages as to Trade in
general, that it is in their Power not only to rival the _French_ of
_Canada_, who have almost entirely engrossed the Furr-Trade of
_America_, but that it is impossible for the _French_ to carry on that
Trade in Competition with the People of this Province. The enquiring
into the Truth of this Proposition, may not only be of some Consequence,
as to the Riches and Honour of the _British Nation_, (for it is well
known how valuable the Furr-Trade of _America_ is) but likewise as to
the Safety of all the _British Colonies_ in _North-America_.
_New-France_ (as the _French_ now claim) extends from the Mouth of the
River _Misissippi_, to the Mouth of the River _St. Lawrence_, by which
the _French_ plainly show their Intention of enclosing the _British
Settlements_, and cutting us off from all Commerce with the numerous
Nations of _Indians_, that are every where settled over the vast
Continent of _North-America_. The _English_ in _America_ have too good
Reason to apprehend such a Design, when they see the _French_ King's
Geographer publish a Map, by which he has set Bounds to the _British
Empire_ in _America_, and has taken in many of the _English Settlements_
both in _South-Carolina_ and _New York_, within these Boundaries of
_New-France_. And the good Services they intend us, with the _Indians_,
but too plainly appears at this Day, by the _Indian War_ now carried on
against _New-England_.
I have therefore for some Time past, endeavoured to inform myself, from
the Writings of the _French_, and from others who have travelled in
_Canada_, or among the _Indians_, how far the People of this Province
may carry on the _Indian Trade_, with more Advantage than the _French_
can; or what Disadvantages they labour under, more than the _French_ do.
As all Endeavours for the good of ones Country are excusable, I do not
doubt but my Intention in this will be acceptable to your Excellency,
though I be not capable of treating the Subject as it deserves.
I shall begin with _Canada_, and consider what Advantages they have
either by their Situation, or otherwise. _Canada_ is situated upon the
River of _St. Lawrence_, by which the five great Lakes (which may
properly be called, _The five Inland Seas of North-America_) empty
themselves into the Ocean. The Mouth of this great River is in the Lat.
of 50 Degrees, overagainst the Body of _Newfoundland_. It rises from the
_Cataracui Lake_, (the Eastermost of the five great Lakes) about the
Lat. of 44 Degrees, and runs from thence about North-East to the Ocean,
and is about nine hundred Miles in Length, from that Lake to the Ocean.
The five great Lakes which communicate with each other, and with this
River, extend about one thousand Miles Westward, further into the
Continent. So far the _French_ have already discovered, and their
Discoveries make it probable, that an Inland Passage may be found to the
_South-Sea_, by the Rivers which run into these Lakes, and Rivers which
run into the _South-Sea_.
The Method of carrying Goods upon the Rivers of _North-America_, into
all the small Branches, and over Land, from the Branches of one River to
the Branches of another, was learned from the _Indians_, and is the only
Method practicable through such large Forests and Deserts as the Traders
pass thro', in carrying from one Nation to another, it is this; the
_Indians_ make a long narrow Boat, made of the Bark of the Birch-tree,
the Parts of which they join very neatly. One of these Canoes that can
carry a Dozen Men, can itself be easily carried upon two Men's
Shoulders; so that when they have gone as far by Water as they can
(which is further than is easily to be imagined, because their loaded
Canoes don't sink six Inches into the Water) they unload their Canoes,
and carry both Goods and Canoes upon their Shoulders over Land, into the
nearest Branch of the River they intend to follow. Thus, the _French_
have an easy Communication with all the Countries bordering upon the
River of _St. Lawrence_, and its Branches, with all the Countries
bordering upon these In-land Seas, and the Rivers which empty themselves
into these Seas, and can thereby carry their Burdens of Merchandize
thro' all these large Countries, which could not by any other means than
Water-carriage be carried thro' so vast a Tract of Land.
This, however, but half finishes the View the _French_ have, as to their
Commerce in _North-America_. Many of the Branches of the River
_Misissippi_ come so near to the Branches of several of the Rivers which
empty themselves into the great Lakes, that in several Places there is
but a short Land-Carriage from the one to the other. As soon as they
have got into the River _Misissippi_, they open to themselves as large a
Field for Traffick in the southern Parts of _North-America_, as was
before mentioned with respect to the northern Parts. If one considers
the Length of this River, and its numerous Branches, he must say, _That
by means of this River, and the Lakes, there is opened to his View such
a Scene of inland Navigation as cannot be parallel'd in any other Part
of the World_.
The _French_ have, with much Industry, settled small Colonies, and built
stockaded Forts at all the considerable Passes between the Lakes, except
between _Cataracui Lake_ (called by the _French Ontario_) and _Lake
Erie_, one of our Five Nations of _Indians_, whom we call _Sennekas_,
(and the _French Sonontouans_) having hitherto refused them leave to
erect any Buildings there.
The _French_ have been indefatigable in making Discoveries, and carrying
on their Commerce with Nations, of whom the _English_ know nothing but
what they see in the _French_ Maps and Books. The Barrenness of the
Soil, and the Coldness of the Climate of _Canada_, obliges the greatest
number of the Inhabitants to seek their living by travelling among the
_Indians_, or by trading with those that do travel. The Governor, and
other Officers, have but a scanty Allowance from the King, and could not
subsist were it not by the Perquisites they have from this Trade;
neither could their Priests find any means to satisfy their Ambition and
Luxury without it: So that all Heads and Hands are employ'd to advance
it, and the Men of best Parts think it the surest way to advance
themselves by travelling among the _Indians_, and learning their
Languages; even the Bigotry and Enthusiasm of some hot Heads has not
been a little useful in advancing this Commerce; for that Government
having prudently turn'd the Edge of the Zeal of such hot Spirits upon
converting the _Indians_, many of them have spent their Lives under the
greatest Hardships, in endeavouring to gain the _Indians_ to their
Religion, and to love the _French Nation_, while, at the same time, they
are no less industrious to represent the _English_ as the _Enemies of
Mankind_. So that the whole Policy of that Government, both civil and
religious, is admirably turn'd to the general Advancement of this Trade.
Indeed the Art and Industry of the _French_, especially that of their
religious Missions, has so far prevail'd upon all the _Indians_ in
_North-America_, that they are every where directed by _French
Councils_. Even our own _Five Nations_, (the _Iroquois_) who formerly
were mortal Enemies of the _French_, and have always liv'd in the
strictest Amity with the _English_, have, of late, (by the Practices of
the _French Priests_) been so far gain'd, that several of the _Mohawks_,
who live nearest the _English_, have left their Habitations, and are
gone to settle near _Monreal_ in _Canada_; and all the rest discover a
Dread of the _French Power_. That much of this is truly owing to the
_Priests_, appears from many of the Sachems of the _Iroquois_ wearing
Crucifixes when they come to _Albany_: And those _Mohawk Indians_ that
are gone to _Canada_, are now commonly known, both to the _French_ and
_English_, by the Name of _The Praying Indians_, it being customary for
them to go through the Streets of _Monreal_ with their Beads, praying
and begging Alms.
But notwithstanding all these Advantages, the _French_ labour under
Difficulties that no Art or Industry can remove. The Mouth of the River
of _St. Lawrence_, and more especially the Bay of _St. Lawrence_, lies
so far North, and is thereby so often subject to tempestuous Weather and
thick Fogs, that the Navigation there is very dangerous, and never
attempted but during the Summer Months. The Wideness of this Bay,
together with the many strong Currents that run in it, the many Shelves,
and sunken Rocks that are every where spread over both the Bay and
River, and the want of Places for anchoring in the Bay, all increase the
Danger of this Navigation; so that a Voyage to _Canada_ is justly
esteem'd much more dangerous than to any other Part of _America_. The
many Shipwrecks that happen in this Navigation, are but too evident
Proofs of the Truth of this, particularly the Miscarriage of the last
Expedition against _Canada_. The Channel is so difficult, and the Tides
so strong, that after their Shipping get into the River, they never
attempt to sail in the Night, tho' the Wind be fair, and the Weather
good. These Difficulties are so considerable, that the _French_ never
attempt above one Voyage in a Year to _Europe_, or the _West-Indies_,
tho' it be really nearer _Europe_ than any of the _English Colonies_,
where the Shipping that constantly use the Trade, always make two
Voyages in the Year.
The Navigation between _Quebeck_ and _Monreal_ is likewise very
dangerous and difficult: The Tide rises about 18 or 20 Feet at
_Quebeck_, which occasions so strong a Stream, that a Boat of six Oars
cannot make way against it: The River in many Places very wide, and the
Channel at the same time narrow and crooked; there are many Shelves and
sunken Rocks, so that the best Pilots have been deceived; for which
reason the Vessels that carry Goods to _Monreal_ are always obliged to
anchor before Night, tho' both Wind and Tide be fair. The Flood goes no
further than _Trois Rivieres_, half way to _Monreal_, and about ninety
Miles from _Quebeck_: After they pass this Place they have a strong
Stream always against them, which requires a fair Wind and a strong Gale
to carry the Vessels against the Stream. And they are obliged in this
Part of the River, as well as under the _Trois Rivieres_, to come to an
anchor at Night, though the Wind be good. These Difficulties make the
common Passages take up three or four Weeks, and sometimes six Weeks;
tho' if they have the chance of a Wind to continue so long, they may run
it in five or six Days.
After they pass _Monreal_ they have a strong Stream against them till
they come near the Lakes; so that in all that, which is about one
hundred and fifty Miles in Length, they force their Canoes forward with
setting Poles, or drag them with Ropes along shoar; and at five or six
different Places in that way the River falls over Rocks with such Force,
that they are obliged to unload their Canoes, and carry them upon their
Shoulders. They never make this Voyage from _Monreal_ to _Cataracui_ in
less than twenty Days, and frequently, twice that Time is necessary.
Now we are come so far as the Lake, my Design leads me no further, for
at this Lake all the far _Indians_, that go to _Canada_, must pass by
our Traders. And from thence the Road to the _Indian Countries_ is the
same from _Albany_ that it is from _Monreal_.
Besides these Difficulties in the Transportation, the _French_ labour
under greater in the purchasing of the principal Goods proper for the
_Indian Market_; for the most considerable and most valuable Part of
their Cargo consists in _Strouds, Duffils, Blankets_, and other
_Woollens_, which are bought at a much cheaper Rate in _England_ than in
_France_. The _Strouds_ (which the _Indians_ value more than any other
Cloathing) are only made in _England_, and must be transported into
_France_ before they can be carried to _Canada_. _Rum_ is another
considerable Branch of the _Indian Trade_, which the _French_ have not,
by reason they have no Commodities in _Canada_ fit for the _West India_
Market. This they supply with _Brandy_, at a much dearer Rate than Rum
can be purchased at _New-York_, tho' of no more Value with the
_Indians_. Generally, all the Goods used in the _Indian Trade_, except
_Gun-Powder_, and a few Trinkets, are sold at _Monreal_ for twice their
Value at _Albany_. To this likewise must be added, the necessity they
are under of laying the whole Charge of supporting their Government on
the _Indian Trade_. I am not particularly informed of their Duties or
Imposts, but I am well assured, that they commonly give six or seven
hundred Livres for a Licence for one Canoe, in proportion to her
Largeness, to go with her Loading into the _Indian Country_ to trade.
I shall next consider the Advantages the Inhabitants of _New-York_ have
in carrying on this Trade. In the _first_ place, the Ships that
constantly use the Trade to _England_, perform their Voyage to and from
_London_ twice every Year; and those that go to _Bristol_ (the Port from
whence the greatest part of the Goods for the _Indian Trade_ are
exported) frequently return in four Months. These Goods are bought much
cheaper in _England_ than in _France_: They are transported in less
Time, with less Charge, and much less Risque, as appears by the _Premio_
for Insurance between _London_ and _New-York_, being only _Two per
Cent_. Goods are easily carried from _New-York_ to _Albany_, up
_Hudson's River_, the Distance being only 140 Miles, the River very
strait all the way, and bold, and very free from Sandbanks, as well as
Rocks; so that the Vessels always sail as well by Night as by Day, and
have the Advantage of the Tide upwards as well as downwards, the Flood
flowing above _Albany_. It may therefore be safely concluded, that all
sorts of Goods can be carried to _Albany_ at a cheaper Rate than they
can be to _Quebeck_, which is also three times further from the _Indian
Country_ than _Albany_ is. To put the Truth of this out of all dispute,
I need only observe what is well known both at _New-York_ and _Albany,
viz_. That almost all the Strouds carried by the _French_ into the
_Indian Countries_, as well as large Quantities of other Goods, for the
Use of the _French_ themselves, are carried from _Albany_ to _Monreal_.
There has been an Account kept of nine hundred Pieces of Strouds
transported thither in one Year, besides other Commodities of very
considerable Value. The Distance between _Albany_ and _Monreal_ is about
two hundred Miles, all by Water, except twelve Miles between _Hudson's
River_ and the _Wood-Creek_, where they carry their Bark Canoes over
Land, and about sixteen Miles between _Chambly_ and _La Prairie_,
overagainst _Monreal_. And tho' the Passage be so short and easy, these
Goods are generally sold at double their Value in _Albany_.
But as this Path has been thought extremely prejudicial to the Interest
of this Colony, I shall leave it, and go on to another, that leads
directly from _Albany_ into the _Cataracui_ or _Ontario Lake_, without
going near any of the _French_ Settlements.
From _Albany_ the _Indian Traders_ commonly carry their Goods sixteen
Miles over Land, to the _Mohawks River_ at _Schenechtady_, the Charge of
which Carriage is _Nine Shillings New-York_ Money, or _Five Shillings
Sterling_ each Waggon-Load. From _Schenechtady_ they carry them in
Canoes up the _Mohawks River_, to the Carrying-place between the
_Mohawks River_, and the River which runs into the _Oneida Lake_; which
Carrying-place between is only three Miles long, except in very dry
Weather, when they are obliged to carry them two Miles further. From
thence they go with the Current down the _Onondaga River_ to the
_Cataracui Lake_. The Distance between _Albany_ and the _Cataracui Lake_
(this Way) is nearly the same with that between _Albany_ and _Monreal_;
and likewise with that between _Monreal_ and the _Cataracui Lake_, and
the Passage much easier than the last, because the Stream of the
_Mohawks River_ is not near so strong as the _Cataracui River_ between
the _Lake_ and _Monreal_, and there is no Fall in the River, save one
short one; whereas there are (as I have said) at least five in the
_Cataracui River_, where the Canoes must be unloaded. Therefore it
plainly follows, that the _Indian Goods_ may be carried at as cheap a
Rate from _Albany_ to the _Cataracui Lake_, as from _Albany_ to
_Monreal_. So that the People of _Albany_ plainly save all the Charge of
carrying Goods two hundred Miles from _Monreal_ to that Part of the
_Cataracui Lake_, which the _French_ have to carry before they bring
them to the same Place from _Monreal_, besides the Advantage which the
_English_ have in the Price of their Goods.
I have said, That when we are in the _Cataracui Lake_, we are upon the
Level with the _French_, because here we can meet with all the _Indians_
that design to go to _Monreal_. But besides this Passage by the _Lakes_,
there is a River which comes from the Country of the _Sennekas_, and
falls into the _Onondaga River_, by which we have an easy Carriage into
that Country, without going near the _Cataracui Lake_. The Head of this
River goes near to _Lake Erie_, and probably may give a very near
Passage into that Lake, much more advantageous than the Way the _French_
are obliged to take by the great Fall of _Jagara_, because narrow Rivers
are much safer for Canoes than the Lakes, where they are obliged to go
ashore if there be any Wind upon the Water. But as this Passage depends
upon a further Discovery, I shall say nothing more of it at this time.
Whoever then considers these Advantages _New-York_ has of _Canada_, in
the first buying of their Goods, and in the safe, speedy, and cheap
Transportation of them from _Britain_ to the _Lakes_, free of all manner
of Duty or Imposts, will readily agree with me, that the Traders of
_New-York_ may sell their Goods in the _Indian Countries_ at half the
Price the People of _Canada_ can, and reap twice the Profit they do.
This will admit of no Dispute with those that know that Strouds (the
Staple _Indian Commodity_) this Year are sold for _Ten Pounds_ apiece at
_Albany_, and at _Monreal_ for _Twenty-five Pounds_, notwithstanding the
great Quantity of Strouds said to be brought directly into _Quebeck_
from _France_, and the great Quantities that have been clandestinely
carried from _Albany_. It cannot therefore be denied that it is only
necessary for the Traders of _New-York_ to apply themselves heartily to
this Trade, in order to bring it wholly into their own Hands; for in
every thing besides Diligence, Industry, and enduring Fatigues, the
_English_ have much the Advantage of the _French_. And all the _Indians_
will certainly buy, where they can, at the cheapest Rate.
It must naturally be objected, _That if those things are true, how is it
possible that the Traders of_ New-York _should neglect so considerable
and beneficial Trade for so long time?_
In answering this Objection, I shall show the Difficulties _New-York_
has labour'd under, by giving a short History of the Country, so far as
it relates to this Trade. Which Method, I think, can be liable to the
least Objection, and put the whole in the truest Light.
When this Country (the Province of _New-York_) came first under the
Crown of _Great-Britain_, our _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ were mortal
Enemies of the _French_ at _Canada_, and were in a continual War with
them, and all the _Nations_ of _Indians_ round the Lakes; so that then
it was not safe for the _English_ to travel further than the Countries
of the _Five Nations_; nor would our _Indians_ permit the far _Indians_
(with whom they had constant War) to pass thro' their Countries to
_Albany_. Besides, the _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ were at that time so
numerous, (consisting of ten times the Number of fighting Men they now
do) that the Trade with them alone was very considerable for so young
and small a Colony. In the latter End of King _Charles_'s Reign, when
the _Duke of York_, and _Popish Councils_ prevail'd, the Governor of
_New-York_ (who was likewise a _Papist_) had Orders to use all his
Endeavours to make up a Peace between our Nations (the _Iroquois_) and
the _French_; and that he should persuade the _Five Nations_ to admit
_French Priests_ among them, in order to civilize them. The Consequence
of which was, that the _French_ thereby obtained a free Commerce upon
the _Lakes_, and obtain'd leave to build _Cataraqui Fort_ upon the
North-side of _Cataracui Lake_, and have two Vessels of Force upon the
same Lake. From this Time, during all King _James_'s Reign, the
_French_, whenever they had any Differences with our _Five Nations_,
threaten'd, that the _English_ of _New-York_ would join with them, and
destroy the _Five Nations_; by which, and the Practices of the _French
Priests_, our _Five Nations_ became very much alienated in their
Affections from the _English_, and look'd upon them as a People
depending upon the _French_. The Consequences of this appeared so
dangerous to Colonel _Dungan_, the Governor of _New-York_, (though, as I
have said, a _Papist_) that he again and again complain'd to his Master
of the ill Offices the _French Priests_ did the _English_ among _our
Nations_. When the _English_ had thus procur'd a Peace for the _French_,
they thought they might justly reap some Advantage from it; and it's
hardly to be doubted but that they had Promises of that kind. They were
therefore encouraged to send forty Men, with great Quantities of Goods,
into the _Lakes_, under the Command of Major _McGregory_, to trade with
the far _Nations_. At this time Mr. _Denonville_, Governor of _Canada_,
was gathering together all the Force of _Canada_, and of the _Indians_,
(Enemies of the _Five Nations_) in order to surprize the _Five Nations_,
and destroy them, at the Time they thought themselves secure by the
Peace so lately made. Major _McGregory_, and his Company, were met by a
_French_ Officer on _Lake Erie_, coming with a great Number of Men to
the general Rendezvous of the _French_, and he, with all the _English_,
were made Prisoners. They were used with such Severity as has never been
practis'd between _Christian Nations_ in open War, tho' the two Crowns,
at that time, were not only at Peace, but under the strictest Ties of
mutual Friendship; for the _French_ used these People as Slaves in
building _Cataraqui Fort_, and a poor _Frenchman_ that had conducted
them, was publickly shot to Death, as if he had brought an Enemy into
their Country. Such was their Apprehensions then of the _English_
getting any Footing among the _Indians_.
The _French_ Governor surprized a Village of the _Five Nations_, who, on
the _French_ Faith, liv'd in great Security, but seven or eight Leagues
from the _French_ Fort, and sent these miserable People to the Galleys
in _France_. He afterwards fell upon the _Sennekas_, and burnt their
Villages, but without any Advantage to the _French_, they having lost
more Men than the _Indians_ did. This renew'd the War with greater Fury
than ever, between the _French_ and _our Indians_. For some time
afterwards, _our Indians_, in a great Body, fell upon the Island of
_Monreal_, while Mr. _Denonville_ was in the Town: They burnt and
destroy'd all the Villages and Houses round _Monreal_, and kill'd some
hundreds of Men, Women, and Children. Afterwards they came into the
open Fields before _Monreal_, and there defy'd the _French_ Governor,
who did not think it proper to fight them. And when they had done all
the Mischief they could, they retir'd without any Loss.
About this Time the Revolution happen'd in _Great-Britain_, which was
succeeded by a War between _Great-Britain_ and _France_. In _February_,
1689/90, a Party of three hundred Men, consisting of equal Numbers of
_French_ and _Indians_, surprized _Schenechtady_ in the Night-time, when
the poor People were in their Beds, in the greatest Security, where they
barbarously murdered sixty-three Men, Women, and Children, in cold
Blood, laid the Village in Ashes, and then retir'd, without reaping any
other Advantage besides this cruel Revenge on innocent People, for the
Mischief _our Indians_ had done them. This rais'd a cruel War between
the two Colonies, in which there was much Mischief done, and Blood shed,
without any Advantage to either side.
In Time of this War, the _most Christian King's_ Governor of _Canada_
was so much provoked, that he thought fit to follow the Example of our
barbarous _Indians_, and burn his _Indian Prisoners_ alive, in the most
cruel Manner, in sight of all the Inhabitants of _Quebeck_, and to
deliver up the _English Prisoners_ to the _French Indians_, who indeed
had more Mercy, for they kill'd none of them.
King _William_'s Peace put an End to this War; but the Peace lasted so
short a while, that the People of this Province hardly had time to
re-settle their Farms on the Frontiers, which they had deserted in the
Time of the War, much less to adventure trading in the _Indian
Countries_, so lately the Scene of so much Cruelty. But both Colonies
having now an Abhorrence of the Cruelties of the last War, agreed on a
kind of Neutrality for the _Indians_, during Queen _Anne_'s War, in
which Time we lost much ground with our own _Indians_: For the _French_
having learn'd, by dear Experience, that it was not possible for them
to conquer _our Five Indian Nations_, resolv'd to try all Means to gain
their Affections, and in this Art the _French_ are always more
successful than in that of War; and the _English_ failing in two
ill-concerted Expeditions against _Canada_, the _Indians_ lost much of
the Opinion they had of the _English_ Power and Valour.
In Time of this last War, the clandestine Trade to _Monreal_ began to be
carried on by _Indians_, from _Albany_ to _Monreal_. This gave Rise to
the _Kahnuaga_, or _Praying Indians_, who are entirely made up of
Deserters from the _Mohawks_ and _River Indians_, and were either
enticed thither by the _French Priests_, or by our Merchants, in order
to carry Goods from _Albany_ to _Monreal_, or run away for some Mischief
done here. These _Indians_ now consist of about eighty fighting Men, and
live about four Leagues above _Monreal_: They neither plant nor hunt,
but depend chiefly upon this private Trade for their Subsistence. These
_Indians_, in time of War, gave the _French_ Intelligence of all Designs
here against them: By them likewise the _French_ engaged our _Five
Nations_ in a War with the _Indians_ Friends of _Virginia_, and from
them we might expect the greatest Mischief in Time of War, seeing every
Part of the Province is as well known to them as to any of the
Inhabitants. But if this Trade was entirely at an end, we have reason to
believe, that these _Indians_ would return to their own Tribes, for they
then could not long subsist where they now are.
As soon as the Peace was proclaim'd, an open Trade with _Monreal_ was
carried on with such Earnestness, that _Monreal_ was fill'd with _Indian
Goods_, and _Albany_ exhausted; by which means _Monreal_ became the
principal, if not the only _Indian Market_, and the _Indians_ depended
entirely on the _French_ for what they wanted.
Our Merchants were fond of the _Canada_ Trade, because they sold large
Quantities of Goods without any Trouble, the _French_ taking them from
their Doors; whereas the Trade with the _Indians_ is carried on with a
great deal of Toil and Fatigue; and as to the Interest of the Country,
they either never thought any thing about it, or if they did, had no
regard to it.
* * * * *
Now I have brought this Account to the Time your Excellency arriv'd;
what has happen'd since, your Excellency knows better than I can by any
means inform you. From the whole, it seems plain, that any Difficulties
and Disadvantages this Province has been under, have only proceeded from
the Wars, which have continued since the first settling of the Province,
to the beginning of the last general Peace. But now, that not only _this
Province_, but likewise our _six Nations_ of _Indians_ are at Peace, and
in Amity, both with the _French_, and all the _Indian Nations_ with whom
we can have any Commerce, these Difficulties are all remov'd, and we now
enjoy the most favourable Time, that at any time can be hoped for, in
order to extend the _British Commerce_ in _North-America_, while the
_French_ not only labour under the Difficulties which I have shown to be
inseparable from the Situation of their Colony, but likewise under
another Disadvantage, (not before taken notice of) by the Furr-Trade of
_Canada_ being restrain'd to one Company. This Company is obliged to pay
heavy Duties in _France_ upon the Importation of Beaver, or any other
Furr; for which reason they always fix a Price upon Beaver, and their
other Furrs, in _Canada_; and the _Indian Traders_ of _Canada_ being
restrain'd from selling to any but the Company's Agents there, they
cannot raise the Price of _Indian Goods_ as the Price of _European_
rise, or as their Profit on the Goods they sell to the _Indians_ is
lessen'd.
The Merchants of _New-York_ allow our _Indian_ Traders double the Price
for Beaver, that the _French_ Company allow their _Indian_ Traders, the
Price established by the Company for Beaver, in _Canada_, being two
Livres, or _eighteen Pence Sterling_, the Pound-weight; and the current
Price of Beaver in _New-York_ being _five Shillings New-York_ Money, or
_three Shillings Sterling_ the Pound-weight. Therefore it plainly
follows, that our _Indian Traders_ could under-sell the _French
Traders_, tho' they were to give as great a Price for _European Goods_
as the _French_ do, and did transport them at as great Charge, because
of the double Price they have for their Furrs in _New-York_.
But as our _Indian Traders_ not only have a double Price for their
_Indian Goods_, but likewise buy the Goods they sell to the _Indians_,
at half the Price the _French Indian Traders_ do, the _French Traders_
must be ruin'd by carrying on this Trade, in Competition with the
_English_ of _New-York_. And the _French Indian Traders_ had been ruin'd
before now, if they had not found means to carry their Beaver to
_Albany_, where they got double the Price they must have sold for in
_Canada_.
It may be objected, against this Argument, _That the_ Canada _Company as
soon as they find that the Traders cannot sell at their established
Price, will allow a greater Price_. But if we consider the Duties the
_French Company_ is obliged to pay to the King, they cannot allow so
great a Price as the _English_ can at _New-York_. And if it should be
insisted, _That the_ French Company _may obtain a Remission of those_,
yet if the clandestine Trade with _Albany_ be entirely stopt, the
_French Traders_ will be ruin'd before such Remission can be obtain'd,
and their Trade will be at an end.
* * * * *
My Inclination led me to show what Advantages not only the _Indian
Trade_ would reap by extending our Frontiers as far as the Lakes, but
likewise the _British Trade_ in some other Branches, which the
Parliament of _Great Britain_ seem to have much at heart, _viz. Naval
Stores_; for the Soil on both Sides of the _Mohawks River_ being as rich
as it is possible (I believe) for any Land to be, will be found the most
proper for raising of Hemp, of any Part of _America_, and the whole
Country round it being full of the largest Pines, the royal Navy is as
likely to be well provided with Masts there, and at as cheap a rate as
any where else. But I have already too far presum'd on your Excellency's
Patience.
_Cadwallader Colden_.
* * * * *
To this it may not be improper to add the following Original Letter.
_From_ J. A. _Esq; to Mr_. P. C. _of_ London, _shewing the
Success of the Measures taken at that Time_.
_New-York_, 1740.
_S I R_,
If you should be at the Pains to read these printed Papers, it will be a
Pleasure to you to hear of the Success of the Measures taken by Governor
_Burnet_ for redeeming the _Indian_ Trade out of the Hands of the
_French_. He has succeeded far above our Expectations.
Governor _Burnet_, through his earnest Application, and at first chiefly
with his Money, Credit, and Risque, erected a Trading-House and
Fortification at the Mouth of the _Onondagues_ River, called _Osneigo_,
where the Province of _New-York_ supports a Garrison of Soldiers,
consisting of a Lieutenant and twenty Men, which are yearly relieved.
At this Place a very great Trade is carried on with the remote
_Indians_, who formerly used to go down to the _French_ at _Monreal_,
and there buy our _English_ Goods, at second Hand, at above twice the
Price they now pay for them at _Osneigo_; whilst, at the same time, the
_French_ were chiefly supplied by one Gentleman at _New-York_, who
almost entirely engrossed the _Indian_ Trade of this Province, and
thereby acquired a very great Estate and Influence. But the prudent
Steps taken by our late worthy Governor, to open a free Trade, was the
Cause of the Engrosser's losing his.--The Probability of doing this, was
the principal Motive of our applying to the King, which is shown by
these printed Papers.
The _Indian_ Trade, to the great Advantage of this Province, is now
divided into several hundred Hands, and there have been for many Years
past upwards of one hundred young Men of this Province, who have gone
yearly among the _Indians_, to supply them with our Goods.
By this means, at a modest Estimate, I am assured, that the _Indian_
Trade of this Province is now far above five times as much as when
Governor _Burnet_ began to put his Scheme in execution.
And this is not all the Advantages reaped thereby, but a much more
considerable one to this, and all the other _English_ Colonies is, that
not only our own six Nations, but also many far and remote _Indian_
Nations are drawn off from their Dependance on the _French_, and made,
by Trade and Intercourse, dependant on the _English_; by this means a
great Security and Protection is acquired by the _English_, in case of a
War with _France_; and by this Trade our Settlements in this Province
are extended up to the _Onondagues_ Carrying-place, which is now well
attended with Waggons, for the more commodious transporting of Goods to
trade in the Lakes.
And they are now settling on the Branches of _Sasquehanah_ River; and
from the western Branches of this River, there is but a small
Land-Carriage to _Allegheny_, a Branch of that great River _Misissippi_;
which Branch extending a thousand Miles from its Mouth, where it enters
the said River; and which joins so near to our Settlements, as is above
taken notice of, opens us a Trade to that vast Country, called by the
_French Louisiana_, which they possess on the _Misissippi_.