Your Excellency'sMost obedient humble Servants,R. Walter,Rip Van Dam,John Barberie,Fr. Harrison,Cadwallader Colden,Ja. Alexander,Abraham van Horn.
Most obedient humble Servants,R. Walter,Rip Van Dam,John Barberie,Fr. Harrison,Cadwallader Colden,Ja. Alexander,Abraham van Horn.
R. Walter,Rip Van Dam,John Barberie,Fr. Harrison,Cadwallader Colden,Ja. Alexander,Abraham van Horn.
It has of late been generally believed, that the Inhabitants of the Province ofNew-Yorkare so advantageously situated, with respect to theIndian Trade, and enjoy so many Advantages as to Trade in general, that it is in their Power not only to rival theFrenchofCanada, who have almost entirely engrossed the Furr-Trade ofAmerica, but that it is impossible for theFrenchto 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 theBritish Nation, (for it is well known how valuable the Furr-Trade ofAmericais) but likewise as to the Safety of all theBritish ColoniesinNorth-America.New-France(as theFrenchnow claim) extends from the Mouth of the RiverMisissippi, to the Mouth of the RiverSt. Lawrence, by which theFrenchplainly show their Intention of enclosing theBritish Settlements, and cutting us off from all Commerce with the numerous Nations ofIndians, that are every where settled over the vast Continent ofNorth-America. TheEnglishinAmericahave too good Reason to apprehend such a Design, when they see theFrenchKing's Geographer publish a Map, by which he has set Bounds to theBritish EmpireinAmerica, and has taken in many of theEnglish Settlementsboth inSouth-CarolinaandNew York, within these Boundaries ofNew-France. And the good Services they intend us, with theIndians, but too plainly appears at this Day, by theIndian Warnow carried on againstNew-England.
I have therefore for some Time past, endeavoured to inform myself, from the Writings of theFrench, and from others who have travelled inCanada, or among theIndians, how far the People of this Province may carry on theIndian Trade, with more Advantage than theFrenchcan; or what Disadvantages they labour under, more than theFrenchdo. 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 withCanada, and consider what Advantages they have either by their Situation, or otherwise.Canadais situated upon the River ofSt. 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 ofNewfoundland. It rises from theCataracui 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 theFrenchhave already discovered, and their Discoveries make it probable, that an Inland Passage may be found to theSouth-Sea, by the Rivers which run into these Lakes, and Rivers which run into theSouth-Sea.
The Method of carrying Goods upon the Rivers ofNorth-America, into all the small Branches, and over Land, from the Branches of one River to the Branches of another, was learned from theIndians, 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; theIndiansmake 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, theFrenchhave an easy Communication with all the Countries bordering upon the River ofSt. 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 theFrenchhave, as to their Commerce inNorth-America. Many of the Branches of the RiverMisissippicome 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 RiverMisissippi, they open to themselves as large a Field for Traffick in the southern Parts ofNorth-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.
TheFrenchhave, with much Industry, settled small Colonies, and built stockaded Forts at all the considerable Passes between the Lakes, except betweenCataracui Lake(called by theFrench Ontario) andLake Erie, one of our Five Nations ofIndians, whom we callSennekas, (and theFrench Sonontouans) having hitherto refused them leave to erect any Buildings there.
TheFrenchhave been indefatigable in making Discoveries, and carrying on their Commerce with Nations, of whom theEnglishknow nothing but what they see in theFrenchMaps and Books. The Barrenness of the Soil, and the Coldness of the Climate ofCanada, obliges the greatest number of the Inhabitants to seek their living by travelling among theIndians, 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 theIndians, 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 theIndians, many of them have spent their Lives under the greatest Hardships, in endeavouring to gain theIndiansto their Religion, and to love theFrench Nation, while, at the same time, they are no less industrious to represent theEnglishas theEnemies 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 theFrench, especially that of their religious Missions, has so far prevail'd upon all theIndiansinNorth-America, that they are every where directed byFrench Councils. Even our ownFive Nations, (theIroquois) who formerly were mortal Enemies of theFrench, and have always liv'd in the strictest Amity with theEnglish, have, of late, (by the Practices of theFrench Priests) been so far gain'd, that several of theMohawks, who live nearest theEnglish, have left their Habitations, and are gone to settle nearMonrealinCanada; and all the rest discover a Dread of theFrench Power. That much of this is truly owing to thePriests, appears from many of the Sachems of theIroquoiswearing Crucifixes when they come toAlbany: And thoseMohawk Indiansthat are gone toCanada, are now commonly known, both to theFrenchandEnglish, by the Name ofThe Praying Indians, it being customary for them to go through the Streets ofMonrealwith their Beads, praying and begging Alms.
But notwithstanding all these Advantages, theFrenchlabour under Difficulties that no Art or Industry can remove. The Mouth of the River ofSt. Lawrence, and more especially the Bay ofSt. 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 toCanadais justly esteem'd much more dangerous than to any other Part ofAmerica. 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 againstCanada. 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 theFrenchnever attempt above one Voyage in a Year toEurope, or theWest-Indies, tho' it be really nearerEuropethan any of theEnglish Colonies, where the Shipping that constantly use the Trade, always make two Voyages in the Year.
The Navigation betweenQuebeckandMonrealis likewise very dangerous and difficult: The Tide rises about 18 or 20 Feet atQuebeck, 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 toMonrealare always obliged to anchor before Night, tho' both Wind and Tide be fair. The Flood goes no further thanTrois Rivieres, half way toMonreal, and about ninety Miles fromQuebeck: 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 theTrois 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 passMonrealthey 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 fromMonrealtoCataracuiin 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 farIndians, that go toCanada, must pass by our Traders. And from thence the Road to theIndian Countriesis the same fromAlbanythat it is fromMonreal.
Besides these Difficulties in the Transportation, theFrenchlabour under greater in the purchasing of the principal Goods proper for theIndian Market; for the most considerable and most valuable Part of their Cargo consists inStrouds, Duffils, Blankets, and otherWoollens, which are bought at a much cheaper Rate inEnglandthan inFrance. TheStrouds(which theIndiansvalue more than any other Cloathing) are only made inEngland, and must be transported intoFrancebefore they can be carried toCanada.Rumis another considerable Branch of theIndian Trade, which theFrenchhave not, by reason they have no Commodities inCanadafit for theWest IndiaMarket. This they supply withBrandy, at a much dearer Rate than Rum can be purchased atNew-York, tho' of no more Value with theIndians. Generally, all the Goods used in theIndian Trade, exceptGun-Powder, and a few Trinkets, are sold atMonrealfor twice their Value atAlbany. To this likewise must be added, the necessity they are under of laying the whole Charge of supporting their Government on theIndian 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 theIndian Countryto trade.
I shall next consider the Advantages the Inhabitants ofNew-Yorkhave in carrying on this Trade. In thefirstplace, the Ships that constantly use the Trade toEngland, perform their Voyage to and fromLondontwice every Year; and those that go toBristol(the Port from whence the greatest part of the Goods for theIndian Tradeare exported) frequently return in four Months. These Goods are bought much cheaper inEnglandthan inFrance: They are transported in less Time, with less Charge, and much less Risque, as appears by thePremiofor Insurance betweenLondonandNew-York, being onlyTwo per Cent. Goods are easily carried fromNew-YorktoAlbany, upHudson'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 aboveAlbany. It may therefore be safely concluded, that all sorts of Goods can be carried toAlbanyat a cheaper Rate than they can be toQuebeck, which is also three times further from theIndian CountrythanAlbanyis. To put the Truth of this out of all dispute, I need only observe what is well known both atNew-YorkandAlbany, viz. That almost all the Strouds carried by theFrenchinto theIndian Countries, as well as large Quantities of other Goods, for the Use of theFrenchthemselves, are carried fromAlbanytoMonreal. 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 betweenAlbanyandMonrealis about two hundred Miles, all by Water, except twelve Miles betweenHudson's Riverand theWood-Creek, where they carry their Bark Canoes over Land, and about sixteen Miles betweenChamblyandLa Prairie, overagainstMonreal. And tho' the Passage be so short and easy, these Goods are generally sold at double their Value inAlbany.
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 fromAlbanyinto theCataracuiorOntario Lake, without going near any of theFrenchSettlements.
FromAlbanytheIndian Traderscommonly carry their Goods sixteen Miles over Land, to theMohawks RiveratSchenechtady, the Charge of which Carriage isNine Shillings New-YorkMoney, orFive Shillings Sterlingeach Waggon-Load. FromSchenechtadythey carry them in Canoes up theMohawks River, to the Carrying-place between theMohawks River, and the River which runs into theOneida 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 theOnondaga Riverto theCataracui Lake. The Distance betweenAlbanyand theCataracui Lake(this Way) is nearly the same with that betweenAlbanyandMonreal; and likewise with that betweenMonrealand theCataracui Lake, and the Passage much easier than the last, because the Stream of theMohawks Riveris not near so strong as theCataracui Riverbetween theLakeandMonreal, and there is no Fall in the River, save one short one; whereas there are (as I have said) at least five in theCataracui River, where the Canoes must be unloaded. Therefore it plainly follows, that theIndian Goodsmay be carried at as cheap a Rate fromAlbanyto theCataracui Lake, as fromAlbanytoMonreal. So that the People ofAlbanyplainly save all the Charge of carrying Goods two hundred Miles fromMonrealto that Part of theCataracui Lake, which theFrenchhave to carry before they bring them to the same Place fromMonreal, besides the Advantage which theEnglishhave in the Price of their Goods.
I have said, That when we are in theCataracui Lake, we are upon the Level with theFrench, because here we can meet with all theIndiansthat design to go toMonreal. But besides this Passage by theLakes, there is a River which comes from the Country of theSennekas, and falls into theOnondaga River, by which we have an easy Carriage into that Country, without going near theCataracui Lake. The Head of this River goes near toLake Erie, and probably may give a very near Passage into that Lake, much more advantageous than the Way theFrenchare obliged to take by the great Fall ofJagara, 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 AdvantagesNew-Yorkhas ofCanada, in the first buying of their Goods, and in the safe, speedy, and cheap Transportation of them fromBritainto theLakes, free of all manner of Duty or Imposts, will readily agree with me, that the Traders ofNew-Yorkmay sell their Goods in theIndian Countriesat half the Price the People ofCanadacan, and reap twice the Profit they do. This will admit of no Dispute with those that know that Strouds (the StapleIndian Commodity) this Year are sold forTen Poundsapiece atAlbany, and atMonrealforTwenty-five Pounds, notwithstanding the great Quantity of Strouds said to be brought directly intoQuebeckfromFrance, and the great Quantities that have been clandestinely carried fromAlbany. It cannot therefore be denied that it is only necessary for the Traders ofNew-Yorkto 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, theEnglishhave much the Advantage of theFrench. And all theIndianswill 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 ofNew-Yorkshould neglect so considerable and beneficial Trade for so long time?
In answering this Objection, I shall show the DifficultiesNew-Yorkhas 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 ofNew-York) came first under the Crown ofGreat-Britain, ourFive NationsofIndianswere mortal Enemies of theFrenchatCanada, and were in a continual War with them, and all theNationsofIndiansround the Lakes; so that then it was not safe for theEnglishto travel further than the Countries of theFive Nations; nor would ourIndianspermit the farIndians(with whom they had constant War) to pass thro' their Countries toAlbany. Besides, theFive NationsofIndianswere 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 KingCharles's Reign, when theDuke of York, andPopish Councilsprevail'd, the Governor ofNew-York(who was likewise aPapist) had Orders to use all his Endeavours to make up a Peace between our Nations (theIroquois) and theFrench; and that he should persuade theFive Nationsto admitFrench Priestsamong them, in order to civilize them. The Consequence of which was, that theFrenchthereby obtained a free Commerce upon theLakes, and obtain'd leave to buildCataraqui Fortupon the North-side ofCataracui Lake, and have two Vessels of Force upon the same Lake. From this Time, during all KingJames's Reign, theFrench, whenever they had any Differences with ourFive Nations, threaten'd, that theEnglishofNew-Yorkwould join with them, and destroy theFive Nations; by which, and the Practices of theFrench Priests, ourFive Nationsbecame very much alienated in their Affections from theEnglish, and look'd upon them as a People depending upon theFrench. The Consequences of this appeared so dangerous to ColonelDungan, the Governor ofNew-York, (though, as I have said, aPapist) that he again and again complain'd to his Master of the ill Offices theFrench Priestsdid theEnglishamongour Nations. When theEnglishhad thus procur'd a Peace for theFrench, 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 theLakes, under the Command of MajorMcGregory, to trade with the farNations. At this time Mr.Denonville, Governor ofCanada, was gathering together all the Force ofCanada, and of theIndians, (Enemies of theFive Nations) in order to surprize theFive Nations, and destroy them, at the Time they thought themselves secure by the Peace so lately made. MajorMcGregory, and his Company, were met by aFrenchOfficer onLake Erie, coming with a great Number of Men to the general Rendezvous of theFrench, and he, with all theEnglish, were made Prisoners. They were used with such Severity as has never been practis'd betweenChristian Nationsin open War, tho' the two Crowns, at that time, were not only at Peace, but under the strictest Ties of mutual Friendship; for theFrenchused these People as Slaves in buildingCataraqui Fort, and a poorFrenchmanthat had conducted them, was publickly shot to Death, as if he had brought an Enemy into their Country. Such was their Apprehensions then of theEnglishgetting any Footing among theIndians.
TheFrenchGovernor surprized a Village of theFive Nations, who, on theFrenchFaith, liv'd in great Security, but seven or eight Leagues from theFrenchFort, and sent these miserable People to the Galleys inFrance. He afterwards fell upon theSennekas, and burnt their Villages, but without any Advantage to theFrench, they having lost more Men than theIndiansdid. This renew'd the War with greater Fury than ever, between theFrenchandour Indians. For some time afterwards,our Indians, in a great Body, fell upon the Island ofMonreal, while Mr.Denonvillewas in the Town: They burnt and destroy'd all the Villages and Houses roundMonreal, and kill'd some hundreds of Men, Women, and Children. Afterwards they came into the open Fields beforeMonreal, and there defy'd theFrenchGovernor, 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 inGreat-Britain, which was succeeded by a War betweenGreat-BritainandFrance. InFebruary, 1689/90, a Party of three hundred Men, consisting of equal Numbers ofFrenchandIndians, surprizedSchenechtadyin 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 Mischiefour Indianshad 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, themost Christian King'sGovernor ofCanadawas so much provoked, that he thought fit to follow the Example of our barbarousIndians, and burn hisIndian Prisonersalive, in the most cruel Manner, in sight of all the Inhabitants ofQuebeck, and to deliver up theEnglish Prisonersto theFrench Indians, who indeed had more Mercy, for they kill'd none of them.
KingWilliam'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 theIndian 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 theIndians, during QueenAnne's War, in which Time we lost much ground with our ownIndians: For theFrenchhaving learn'd, by dear Experience, that it was not possible for them to conquerour Five Indian Nations, resolv'd to try all Means to gain their Affections, and in this Art theFrenchare always more successful than in that of War; and theEnglishfailing in two ill-concerted Expeditions againstCanada, theIndianslost much of the Opinion they had of theEnglishPower and Valour.
In Time of this last War, the clandestine Trade toMonrealbegan to be carried on byIndians, fromAlbanytoMonreal. This gave Rise to theKahnuaga, orPraying Indians, who are entirely made up of Deserters from theMohawksandRiver Indians, and were either enticed thither by theFrench Priests, or by our Merchants, in order to carry Goods fromAlbanytoMonreal, or run away for some Mischief done here. TheseIndiansnow consist of about eighty fighting Men, and live about four Leagues aboveMonreal: They neither plant nor hunt, but depend chiefly upon this private Trade for their Subsistence. TheseIndians, in time of War, gave theFrenchIntelligence of all Designs here against them: By them likewise theFrenchengaged ourFive Nationsin a War with theIndiansFriends ofVirginia, 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 theseIndianswould 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 withMonrealwas carried on with such Earnestness, thatMonrealwas fill'd withIndian Goods, andAlbanyexhausted; by which meansMonrealbecame the principal, if not the onlyIndian Market, and theIndiansdepended entirely on theFrenchfor what they wanted.
Our Merchants were fond of theCanadaTrade, because they sold large Quantities of Goods without any Trouble, theFrenchtaking them from their Doors; whereas the Trade with theIndiansis 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 onlythis Province, but likewise oursix NationsofIndiansare at Peace, and in Amity, both with theFrench, and all theIndian Nationswith 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 theBritish CommerceinNorth-America, while theFrenchnot 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 ofCanadabeing restrain'd to one Company. This Company is obliged to pay heavy Duties inFranceupon the Importation of Beaver, or any other Furr; for which reason they always fix a Price upon Beaver, and their other Furrs, inCanada; and theIndian TradersofCanadabeing restrain'd from selling to any but the Company's Agents there, they cannot raise the Price ofIndian Goodsas the Price ofEuropeanrise, or as their Profit on the Goods they sell to theIndiansis lessen'd.
The Merchants ofNew-Yorkallow ourIndianTraders double the Price for Beaver, that theFrenchCompany allow theirIndianTraders, the Price established by the Company for Beaver, inCanada, being two Livres, oreighteen Pence Sterling, the Pound-weight; and the current Price of Beaver inNew-Yorkbeingfive Shillings New-YorkMoney, orthree Shillings Sterlingthe Pound-weight. Therefore it plainly follows, that ourIndian Traderscould under-sell theFrench Traders, tho' they were to give as great a Price forEuropean Goodsas theFrenchdo, and did transport them at as great Charge, because of the double Price they have for their Furrs inNew-York.
But as ourIndian Tradersnot only have a double Price for theirIndian Goods, but likewise buy the Goods they sell to theIndians, at half the Price theFrench Indian Tradersdo, theFrench Tradersmust be ruin'd by carrying on this Trade, in Competition with theEnglishofNew-York. And theFrench Indian Tradershad been ruin'd before now, if they had not found means to carry their Beaver toAlbany, where they got double the Price they must have sold for inCanada.
It may be objected, against this Argument,That theCanadaCompany 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 theFrench Companyis obliged to pay to the King, they cannot allow so great a Price as theEnglishcan atNew-York. And if it should be insisted,That theFrench Companymay obtain a Remission of those, yet if the clandestine Trade withAlbanybe entirely stopt, theFrench Traderswill 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 theIndian Tradewould reap by extending our Frontiers as far as the Lakes, but likewise theBritish Tradein some other Branches, which the Parliament ofGreat Britainseem to have much at heart,viz. Naval Stores; for the Soil on both Sides of theMohawks Riverbeing as rich as it is possible (I believe) for any Land to be, will be found the most proper for raising ofHemp, of any Part ofAmerica, and the whole Country round it being full of the largest Pines, the royal Navy is as likely to be well provided withMaststhere, 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.
New-York, 1740.
SIR,
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 GovernorBurnetfor redeeming theIndianTrade out of the Hands of theFrench. He has succeeded far above our Expectations.
GovernorBurnet, through his earnest Application, and at first chiefly with his Money, Credit, and Risque, erected a Trading-House and Fortification at the Mouth of theOnondaguesRiver, calledOsneigo, where the Province ofNew-Yorksupports 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 remoteIndians, who formerly used to go down to theFrenchatMonreal, and there buy ourEnglishGoods, at second Hand, at above twice the Price they now pay for them atOsneigo; whilst, at the same time, theFrenchwere chiefly supplied by one Gentleman atNew-York, who almost entirely engrossed theIndianTrade 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.
TheIndianTrade, 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 theIndians, to supply them with our Goods.
By this means, at a modest Estimate, I am assured, that theIndianTrade of this Province is now far above five times as much as when GovernorBurnetbegan 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 otherEnglishColonies is, that not only our own six Nations, but also many far and remoteIndianNations are drawn off from their Dependance on theFrench, and made, by Trade and Intercourse, dependant on theEnglish; by this means a great Security and Protection is acquired by theEnglish, in case of a War withFrance; and by this Trade our Settlements in this Province are extended up to theOnondaguesCarrying-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 ofSasquehanahRiver; and from the western Branches of this River, there is but a small Land-Carriage toAllegheny, a Branch of that great RiverMisissippi; 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 theFrench Louisiana, which they possess on theMisissippi.
I am,SIR,Your humble Servant,J. A.
SIR,Your humble Servant,J. A.
Your humble Servant,J. A.
J. A.
The Deputies of the six Nations having, at their last Visit, agreed to release their Claim to all the Land on both Sides of the RiverSasquehanah, as far South as this Province extends, and to the Northward to those called theEndless Mountains, orKittochtinny Hills; in Consideration whereof, they then received a large Quantity of valuableIndianGoods for the Lands situate on the Eastern Side of the said River, but declined at that Time to receive any for those on the Western Side of the said River, chusing to defer the same till another Visit; a large Number arrived from these Nations atPhiladelphia, onWednesdaythe 30thofJune, with Deputies duly impowered to receive the said Goods; and acquainted the Governor, that being weary from the Fatigue of their long Journey, they should crave three or four Days to rest themselves before they proceeded to their Business: In the mean time they would wait on the Governor to discourse, according to their usual Method, about News and other Occurrences; which the Governor readily agreed to, and ask'd them when they would chuse to pay their first Visit; which they desiring might be onFridaythe 2dofJuly, in the Afternoon, the Council was accordingly summon'd, and met at Mr.Logan's House, where were
The Honourable
GEORGE THOMAS
, Esq; Lieutenant-Governor.
James Logan
, }
Clement Plumsted
, }
Samuel Hasell
, }
Abraham Taylor
, } Esqrs;
Samuel Preston
, }
Thomas Lawrence
, }
Ralph Asheton
, }
Robert Strettell
, }
The Chiefs of the
Six Nations
, with the Chiefs of the
Shawanese
.
CANASSATEEGO
, the
Onondago
Chief, Speaker.
CONRAD WEISER
, Interpreter.
The Governor opened the Conference as follows.
BRETHREN,'The Proprietor having purchased certain Lands from your Nations about six Years ago, a Moiety of what was agreed to be given in Consideration of that Purchase was at that Time delivered to them, and the other being at their Desire left in the Proprietor's Hands, he pressed you byShikalamyto send last Year for it, and would have been glad to have seen you, and taken you by the Hand before his Departure. But as the Design of this Meeting is to hear your News, and converse together in a free and friendly Manner, I shall say no more about the Goods than that they lie ready at the Proprietor's House, and will be delivered when you shall have sufficiently rested from the Fatigue of your Journey.'
BRETHREN,
'The Proprietor having purchased certain Lands from your Nations about six Years ago, a Moiety of what was agreed to be given in Consideration of that Purchase was at that Time delivered to them, and the other being at their Desire left in the Proprietor's Hands, he pressed you byShikalamyto send last Year for it, and would have been glad to have seen you, and taken you by the Hand before his Departure. But as the Design of this Meeting is to hear your News, and converse together in a free and friendly Manner, I shall say no more about the Goods than that they lie ready at the Proprietor's House, and will be delivered when you shall have sufficiently rested from the Fatigue of your Journey.'
The Chief of theOnondagoesspoke.
'BRETHREN,'We propose to rest four Days, and then come to the main Business. At present we are at a private Conference about News, and have something of this sort to mention to our BrotherOnas.' And on the Governor's signifying they would be glad to know what it was, the Chief proceeded.
'BRETHREN,
'We propose to rest four Days, and then come to the main Business. At present we are at a private Conference about News, and have something of this sort to mention to our BrotherOnas.' And on the Governor's signifying they would be glad to know what it was, the Chief proceeded.
BRETHREN,'It is our Way when we come to our Brethren, or any other Persons, whom we live in strict Friendship with, to remove all Obstructions to a good Understanding; with this View we are to inform you of a Piece of disagreeable News that happen'd in our Journey.——Some White People living at a Place calledConegocheegoe, whose Names we cannot tell, nor whether they belong to this or the neighbouring Government, but one of them, as we heard, had his House burnt over his Head some Years ago, and he was brought down a Prisoner and committed to the Goal of this City: These People lighting of our young Warriors, as they were hunting, made some Proposals about the Purchasing of Land from them, and our young Men being indiscreet, and unacquainted with publick Business, were foolish enough to hearken to them, and to receive five Duffil Strowds for two Plantations on the RiverCohongoronto. AConestogoe Indian, and aFrench Indian, and some others that were in Company, had three Duffil Strowds, and went away with them; and our young Men carried off the other two. As soon as this came to our Knowledge, we sent for our Warriors, and after examining and rebuking them severely, we took away their two Strowds, and publickly censured them for exposing us to our Brethren ofPensylvania, in doing a Thing so inconsistent with our Engagements to them; "You are, said we aloud, that all our People might hear and take Notice, to know and remember, that the Six Nations have obliged themselves to sell none of the Land that falls within the Province ofPensylvania, to any other but out BrotherOnas, and that to sell Lands to any other is an high Breach of the League of Friendship." Brethren, this rash Proceeding of our young men makes us ashamed. We always mean well, and shall perform faithfully what we have promised: And we assure you, this Affair was transacted in the Manner we have related, without our Privity or Consent. And that you may be fully convinced of this, and of the Sincerity of our Intentions, we have brought you these two Strowds [here he presented two red Strowds to the Governor] they are the very Strowds our foolish young Men received; we took them from them, and we give them to you to return to those white People who made the Bargain, and desire when the Strowds are returned to them, they may be told what we now say, and that we shall not confirm such Bargains, nor any other that may interfere with our Engagements to our BrotherOnas.'
BRETHREN,
'It is our Way when we come to our Brethren, or any other Persons, whom we live in strict Friendship with, to remove all Obstructions to a good Understanding; with this View we are to inform you of a Piece of disagreeable News that happen'd in our Journey.——Some White People living at a Place calledConegocheegoe, whose Names we cannot tell, nor whether they belong to this or the neighbouring Government, but one of them, as we heard, had his House burnt over his Head some Years ago, and he was brought down a Prisoner and committed to the Goal of this City: These People lighting of our young Warriors, as they were hunting, made some Proposals about the Purchasing of Land from them, and our young Men being indiscreet, and unacquainted with publick Business, were foolish enough to hearken to them, and to receive five Duffil Strowds for two Plantations on the RiverCohongoronto. AConestogoe Indian, and aFrench Indian, and some others that were in Company, had three Duffil Strowds, and went away with them; and our young Men carried off the other two. As soon as this came to our Knowledge, we sent for our Warriors, and after examining and rebuking them severely, we took away their two Strowds, and publickly censured them for exposing us to our Brethren ofPensylvania, in doing a Thing so inconsistent with our Engagements to them; "You are, said we aloud, that all our People might hear and take Notice, to know and remember, that the Six Nations have obliged themselves to sell none of the Land that falls within the Province ofPensylvania, to any other but out BrotherOnas, and that to sell Lands to any other is an high Breach of the League of Friendship." Brethren, this rash Proceeding of our young men makes us ashamed. We always mean well, and shall perform faithfully what we have promised: And we assure you, this Affair was transacted in the Manner we have related, without our Privity or Consent. And that you may be fully convinced of this, and of the Sincerity of our Intentions, we have brought you these two Strowds [here he presented two red Strowds to the Governor] they are the very Strowds our foolish young Men received; we took them from them, and we give them to you to return to those white People who made the Bargain, and desire when the Strowds are returned to them, they may be told what we now say, and that we shall not confirm such Bargains, nor any other that may interfere with our Engagements to our BrotherOnas.'
The Governor then spoke: