TheCount De Frontenacbeing desirous, as before observed, to raise the drooping Spirits of theFrenchinCanada, by keeping them in Action, and engaging the most daring of them, in Enterprizes that might give Courage to the rest, had sent out three Parties against theEnglishColonies, in Hopes thereby to lessen the Confidence which theFive Nationshad in theEnglishAssistance, now thatEnglandhad declared War againstFrance. The Party sent againstNew-Yorkwas commanded byMonsr. De Herville, and was ordered to attempt the surprising ofSchenectady, the nearest Village to theMohawks; It consisted of 150French Bush-lopersorIndianTraders, and of as manyIndians, the most of themFrenchConverts from theMohawks, commonly called thePraying Indians, settled at a Place nearMontreal, calledCahnuaga. They were well acquainted with all that Part of the Country roundSchenectady; and came in Sight of the Place the 8th ofFebruary1689-90.
The People ofSchenectadywere at that Time in the greatest Security, notwithstanding that they had Information from theIndians, of a Party ofFrench, andFrench Indiansbeing upon their March that Way. They did not think it practicable, in that Season of the Year, while it was extremely cold, and the whole Country covered with Snow. IndeedEuropeanswill hardly think it possible, that Men could make such a March through the Wilderness in the severest Frosts, without any Covering from the Heavens, or any Provision, except what they carried on their Backs.
Tho' the People ofSchenectadywere informed in the Evening before the Place was surprised, that several sculkingIndianswere seen near the Place, they concluded, that they could be only some of the neighbouringIndians; and as they had no Officer of any Esteem among them, not a single Man could be persuaded to watch in such severe Weather, tho', as theFrenchowned afterwards, if they had found the least Guard or Watch, they would not have attempted the Place, but have surrendered themselves Prisoners: They were so exceedingly distressed with the Length of their March, and with Cold, and Hunger, but finding the Place in fatal Security, they marched into the Heart of the Village, without being discovered by any one Person; then they raised their War Shout, entered the Houses, murdered every Person they met, Men, Women, and Children, naked and in cold Blood; and at the same Time set Fire to the Houses. A very few escaped, by running out naked into the Woods in this terrible Weather: And several hid themselves, till the first Fury of the Attack was over; but these were soon driven from their lurking Places by the Fire, and were all made Prisoners.
CaptainAlexander Glen, at this Time, lived at a Distance by himself, on the other Side of the River, and was the most noted Man in the Place. He had at several Times been kind to theFrench, who had been taken Prisoners by theMohawks, and had saved several of them from the Fire. TheFrenchwere sensible what Horror this cruel sacking of a defenceless Place, and murdering People in cold Blood, must raise in Mens Minds; and to lessen this, they resolved to shew their Gratitude to CaptainGlen. They had passed his House in the Night, and observing that he stood on his Defence the next Morning, some of them went to the River Side, and calling to him, assured him, that they designed him no Injury. They persuaded him to come to theFrenchOfficer, who restored to him all his Relations that were Prisoners.
SomeMohawksbeing also found in the Village, theFrenchdismissed them, with Assurance, that they designed them no Hurt.
This Conduct was not only necessary to promote the Peace which theCount De Frontenacwith so much Earnestness desired, but likewise to secure their Retreat, by making theMohawksless eager to pursue them.
TheFrenchmarched back, without reaping any visible Advantage from this barbarous Enterprize, besides the murdering sixty-three innocent Persons in cold Blood, and carrying twenty-seven of them away Prisoners.
The Care theFrenchtook to sooth theMohawkshad not intirely it's Effect, for as soon as they heard of this Action, a hundred of their readiest young Men pursued theFrench, fell upon their Rear, and killed and took twenty-five of them.
This Action frightened the Inhabitants in and aboutAlbanyso much, that many resolved to desert the Place, and retire toNew-York. They were packing up and preparing for this Purpose, when theMohawk Sachemscame toAlbanyto condole, according to their Custom, with their Friends, when any Misfortune befals them. I shall give their Speech on this Occasion, as it will be of Use to the Reader, in order to his forming a true Notion of theIndian Genius. They spoke the twenty-fifth ofMarchas follows.
"Brethren, the Murder of our Brethren atSchenectadyby theFrenchgrieves us as much, as if it had been done to our selves, for we are in the same Chain; and no Doubt our Brethren ofNew-Englandwill be likewise sadly affected with this cruel Action of theFrench. TheFrenchon this Occasion have not acted like brave Men, but like Thieves and Robbers. Be not therefore discouraged. Wegive this Beltto wipe away your Tears."Brethren, we lament the Death of so many of our Brethren, whose Blood has been shed atSchenectady. We don't think that what theFrenchhave done can be called a Victory, it is only a farther Proof of their cruel Deceit. The Governor ofCanadasends toOnondaga, and talks to us of Peace with our whole House, but War was in his Heart, as you now see by woful Experience. He did the same formerly atCadarackui, and in theSenekasCountry. This is the third Time he has acted so deceitfully. He has broken open our House at both Ends, formerly in theSenekasCountry, and now here. We hope however to be revenged of them. One Hundred of our bravest young Men are in Pursuit of them, they are brisk Fellows, and they will follow theFrenchto their Doors. We will beset them so closely, that not a Man inCanadashall dare to step out of Doors to cut a Stick of Wood; But nowwe gather up our Dead, to bury them, bythis second Belt."Brethren, we came from our Castles with Tears in our Eyes, to bemoan the Bloodshed atSchenectadyby the PerfidiousFrench. While we bury our Dead murdered atSchenectady, we know not what may have befallen our own People, that are in Pursuit of the Enemy, they may be dead; what has befallen you may happen to us; and thereforewe come to bury our Brethren atSchenectady withthis third Belt."Great and sudden is the Mischief, as if it had fallen from Heaven upon us. Our Forefathers taught us to go with all Speed to bemoan and lament with our Brethren, when any Disaster or Misfortune happens to any in our Chain. Take this Bill of Vigilance, that you may be more watchful for the future.We give our Brethren Eye-Waterto make them sharp sighted,giving a fourth Belt."We are now come to the House where we usually renew the Chain; but alas! we find the House polluted, polluted with Blood. All theFive Nationshave heard of this, and we are come to wipe away the Blood, and clean the House. We come to inviteCorlear, and every one of you, andQuider(calling to every one of the principal Men present by their Names)to be revenged of the Enemy, bythis fifth Belt."Brethren, be not discouraged, we are strong enough. This is the Beginning of your War, and the whole House have their Eyes fixed upon you at this Time, to observe your Behaviour. They wait your Motion, and are ready to join in any resolute Measures."Our Chain is a strong Chain, it is a Silver Chain, it can neither rust nor be broken. We, as to our Parts, are resolute to continue the War."We will never desist, so long as a Man of us remains. Take Heart, do not pack up and go away,[36]this will give Heart to a dastardly Enemy. We are of the Race of the Bear, and a Bear you know never yields, while one Drop of Blood is left.We must all be Bears;giving a sixth Belt."Brethren be patient, this Disaster is an Affliction which has fallen from Heaven upon us. The Sun, which hath been cloudy, and sent this Disaster, will shine again with its pleasant Beams. Take Courage, said he, Courage, repeating the Word several Times as theygave a seventh Belt.
"Brethren, the Murder of our Brethren atSchenectadyby theFrenchgrieves us as much, as if it had been done to our selves, for we are in the same Chain; and no Doubt our Brethren ofNew-Englandwill be likewise sadly affected with this cruel Action of theFrench. TheFrenchon this Occasion have not acted like brave Men, but like Thieves and Robbers. Be not therefore discouraged. Wegive this Beltto wipe away your Tears.
"Brethren, we lament the Death of so many of our Brethren, whose Blood has been shed atSchenectady. We don't think that what theFrenchhave done can be called a Victory, it is only a farther Proof of their cruel Deceit. The Governor ofCanadasends toOnondaga, and talks to us of Peace with our whole House, but War was in his Heart, as you now see by woful Experience. He did the same formerly atCadarackui, and in theSenekasCountry. This is the third Time he has acted so deceitfully. He has broken open our House at both Ends, formerly in theSenekasCountry, and now here. We hope however to be revenged of them. One Hundred of our bravest young Men are in Pursuit of them, they are brisk Fellows, and they will follow theFrenchto their Doors. We will beset them so closely, that not a Man inCanadashall dare to step out of Doors to cut a Stick of Wood; But nowwe gather up our Dead, to bury them, bythis second Belt.
"Brethren, we came from our Castles with Tears in our Eyes, to bemoan the Bloodshed atSchenectadyby the PerfidiousFrench. While we bury our Dead murdered atSchenectady, we know not what may have befallen our own People, that are in Pursuit of the Enemy, they may be dead; what has befallen you may happen to us; and thereforewe come to bury our Brethren atSchenectady withthis third Belt.
"Great and sudden is the Mischief, as if it had fallen from Heaven upon us. Our Forefathers taught us to go with all Speed to bemoan and lament with our Brethren, when any Disaster or Misfortune happens to any in our Chain. Take this Bill of Vigilance, that you may be more watchful for the future.We give our Brethren Eye-Waterto make them sharp sighted,giving a fourth Belt.
"We are now come to the House where we usually renew the Chain; but alas! we find the House polluted, polluted with Blood. All theFive Nationshave heard of this, and we are come to wipe away the Blood, and clean the House. We come to inviteCorlear, and every one of you, andQuider(calling to every one of the principal Men present by their Names)to be revenged of the Enemy, bythis fifth Belt.
"Brethren, be not discouraged, we are strong enough. This is the Beginning of your War, and the whole House have their Eyes fixed upon you at this Time, to observe your Behaviour. They wait your Motion, and are ready to join in any resolute Measures.
"Our Chain is a strong Chain, it is a Silver Chain, it can neither rust nor be broken. We, as to our Parts, are resolute to continue the War.
"We will never desist, so long as a Man of us remains. Take Heart, do not pack up and go away,[36]this will give Heart to a dastardly Enemy. We are of the Race of the Bear, and a Bear you know never yields, while one Drop of Blood is left.We must all be Bears;giving a sixth Belt.
"Brethren be patient, this Disaster is an Affliction which has fallen from Heaven upon us. The Sun, which hath been cloudy, and sent this Disaster, will shine again with its pleasant Beams. Take Courage, said he, Courage, repeating the Word several Times as theygave a seventh Belt.
(To theEnglish.)
Brethren, three Years ago we were engaged in a bloody War with theFrench, and you encouraged us to proceed in it. Our Success answered our Expectation; but we were not well begun, whenCorlearstopt us from going on. Had you permitted us to go on, theFrenchwould not now have been able to do the Mischief, they have done, we would have prevented their sowing, planting or reaping.
We would have humbled them effectually, but now we dye. The Obstructions you then made now ruin us. Let us after this be steady, and take no such false Measures for the future, butprosecute the War vigorously.Giving a Bever Skin.
The Brethren must keep good Watch, and if the Enemy come again, send more speedily to us. Don't desertSchenectady. The Enemy will glory in seeing it desolate. It will give them Courage that had none before,fortify the Place, it is not well fortified now: TheStockadoesare too short, theIndianscan jump over them.Gave a Bever Skin.
Brethren, The Mischief done atSchenectadycannot be helped now; but for the future, when the Enemy appears any where, let nothing hinder your sending to us by Expresses, and fire great Guns, that all may be alarmed. We advise you to bring all theRiver Indiansunder your Subjection to live nearAlbany, to be ready on all Occasions.
Send toNew-England, tell them what has happened to you. They will undoubtedly awake and lend us their helping Hand. It is their Interest, as much as ours, to push the War to a speedy Conclusion. Be not discouraged, theFrenchare not so numerous as some People talk. If we but heartily unite to push on the War, and mindour Business, theFrenchwill soon be subdued.
The Magistrates having returned an Answer on the twenty seventh, to the Satisfaction of theIndians, they repeated it all over, Word by Word, to let the Magistrates see how carefully they minded it, and then added,
Brethren, we are glad to find you are not discouraged. The best and wisest Men sometimes make Mistakes. Let us now pursue the War vigorously. We have a hundred Men out, they are good Scouts. We expect to meet all theSachemsof the other Nations, as they come to condole with you. You need not fear our being ready, at the first Notice. Our Ax is always in our Hands, but take Care that you be timely ready. Your Ships, that must do the principal Work, are long a fitting out. We do not design to go out with a small Company, or in sculking Parties; but as soon as the Nations can meet, we shall be ready with our whole Force. If you would bring this War to a happy Issue, you must begin soon, before theFrenchcan recover the Losses they have received from us, and get new Vigour and Life, therefore send in all Haste toNew-England. Neither you nor we can continue long in the Condition we are now in, we must order Matters so, that theFrenchbe kept in continual Fear and Alarm at home; for this is the only Way to be secure, and in Peace here.
TheScahkok Indians, in our Opinion, are well placed where they are (to the Northward ofAlbany); they are a good Out-guard; they are our Children, and we shall take Care that they do their Duty: But you must take Care of theIndiansbelow the Town, place them nearer the Town, so as they maybe of most Service to you.
Here we see theMohawksacting like hearty Friends, and if the Value of the Belts given at that Time be considered, together with what they said on that Occasion, they gave the strongest Proofs of their Sincerity. Each of these Belts amount to a large Sum in theIndianAccount.
TheEnglishofNew-Yorkand theFrenchofCanadawere now entering into a War, in which the Part theFive Nationsare to take is of the greatest Consequence to both; the very Being of theFrenchColony depended on it, as well as the Safety of theEnglish. TheIndiansat this Time had the greatest Aversion to theFrench, and they desired nothing so much, as that theEnglishmight join heartily in this War. We shall see by the Sequel how a publick Spirit, directed by wise Counsels, can overcome all Difficulties, while a selfish Spirit loses all, even natural Advantages. In the present Case, the Turn Things took seems to have been entirely owing to one Thing. The French in making the Countde FrontenacGovernor ofCanada, chose the Man every Way the best qualified for this Service: TheEnglishseemed to have little Regard to the Qualification of the Person they sent, but to gratify a Relation or a Friend, by giving him an Opportunity to make a Fortune; and as he knew that he was recommended with this View, his Counsels were chiefly employed for this Purpose.
By this Means anEnglish Governorgenerally wants the Esteem of the People; while they think that a Governor has not the Good of the People in View, but his own, they on all Occasions are jealous of him; so that even a good Governor, with more Difficulty, pursues generous Purposes and publick Benefits, because the People suspect them to be mere Pretences to cover a private Design. It is for this Reason, that any Man, opposing a Governor, is sure to meet with the Favour of the People, almost in every Case. On the other Hand, the Opinion theFrenchhad of the Countde Frontenac's publick Spirit, and of his Wisdom and Diligence, made them enter into all his Measures without hesitating, and chearfully obey all his Commands.
TheGovernorofCanadareceived Hopes that theFive Nationsinclined to Peace, by their returning an Answer toTherawaet's Message, and thought he might now venture to send someFrenchto them with further Proposals. The ChevalierD'O, with an Interpreter calledCollin, and some others, went; but they had a much warmer Reception than they expected, being forced to run the Gauntlet through a long Lane ofIndians, as they entered their Castle, and were afterwards delivered up Prisoners to theEnglish.
TheFive Nationskept out at this Time small Parties, that continually harassed theFrench. The Countde Frontenacsent CaptainLouvignitoMissilimakinak, to relieve the Garison, and he had Orders, by all Means, to prevent the Peace which theUtawawasandQuatoghieswere upon the Point of concluding with theFive Nations. He carried with him one hundred forty threeFrench, and sixIndians, and was likewise accompanied with a Lieutenant and thirty Men, till he got one hundred twenty Miles fromMontreal. They were met inCadarackui River, at a Place called theCats, by a Party of theFive Nations, who fell vigorously on their Canoes, killed several of theFrench, and made them give Way; butLouvigni, by putting his Men ashore, at last got the better, after a smart Engagement, in which theIndianshad several Men killed, and two Men, and as many Women, taken Prisoners. I am obliged to rely on theFrenchAccount of these Skirmishes; they do not mention the Number of theIndiansin this Rencounter, but I suspect them to have been much fewer than theFrench; for when the Enemy are equal in Number, or greater, they seldom forget to tell it. One of theIndianPrisoners was carried by them toMissilimackinak, to confirm this Victory, and was delivered to theUtawawas, who eat him. The Lieutenant carried the other back with him. He was given toTherawaet.
To revenge this Loss, theFive Nationssent a Party against theIsland of Montreal, who fell on that Part called theTrembling Point; and though they were discovered before they gave their Blow, they attacked a Party of regular Troops, and killed the commanding Officer, and twelve of his Men: Another Party carried off fifteen or sixteen Prisoners fromRiviere Puante, over againstTrois Rivieres. This Party was pursued, and finding that they were like to be overpowered, murdered their Prisoners and made their Escape. These Incursions kept all the River, fromMontrealtoQuebeck, in continual Alarm, and obliged the Governor to send all the Soldiers to guard the south Side of the River. Notwithstanding this, five Persons were carried away in Sight ofSorel Fort, by a small skulking Party, but they were soon afterwards recovered by the Soldiers. About the same Time another Party burnt the Plantations atSt. Ours.
TheFive Nationshad conceived great Hopes from the Assistance of theEnglish, as the Magistrates ofAlbanyhad promised theMohawks, when they came to condole, after the surprising ofSchenectady; but theEnglishwere so far from performing these Promises, that many of the Inhabitants retired fromAlbanytoNew-York; and they who had the Administration of Affairs, were so intent on their party Quarrels, that they intirely neglected theIndianAffairs. Indeed the People ofNew-Yorkhave too often made large Promises, and have thereby put theIndiansupon bold Enterprizes, when no Measures were concerted for supporting them. This made theIndiansthink, that theEnglishwere lavish ofIndianLives and too careful of their own. TheMohawks, who lived nearest theEnglish, were most sensible of these Things, and soon entertained Notions prejudicial to the Opinion they ought to have had of theEnglishPrudence and Conduct; it is even probable, theseIndiansbegan to entertain a mean Opinion of both theEnglishCourage and Integrity. It is not strange then, that theMohawksat last gave Ear to the assiduous Application of their Countrymen, thepraying Indians, who, withFrenchArguments, persuaded them to make Peace as soon as possible, without trusting longer to theEnglish, who had so often disappointed or deceived them.
TheMohawkssent one of theirSachems,Odigacege, to thepraying Indians, who introduced him to the Countde Frontenac. The Count made him welcome, and told him, that he was sorry for the Injuries his Predecessors had done them; but that he would treat them like Friends, if their future Conduct did not prevent him, andgave him a Belt, with Proposals of Peace to his Nation.
ColonelSlaughter, who was then Governor ofNew-York, being informed that theFive Nationswere like to make Peace with theFrench, by their having lost much of their Confidence in theEnglishAssistance, found it necessary to meet them, which he did in the End ofMay1691. There were present at that Time sixOneydo, elevenOnondaga, fourCayuga, and tenSeneka Sachems. He renewed the Covenant with them, and gave them Presents. TheMohawkshaving entered into a Treaty with theFrench, did not join with the other four Nations in their Answer.
On the second ofJunethe Speaker, in Name of the other four Nations, told him, they were glad to see a Governor again in this Place; that they had learned from their Ancestors, that the first Ship which arrived in this Country surprized them exceedingly; that they were curious to know what was in its huge Belly. They found Christians in it, and among them oneJacques, with whom they made a Chain of Friendship, which has been preserved to this Day. By that Chain it was agreed, that whatever Injury was done to the one, should be deemed, by both Sides, as likewise done to the other. Then they mentioned the Confusion that had lately been in the Government ofNew-York, which had like to have confounded all their Affairs, but hoped all would be reduced to their wonted Order and Quiet. They complained of several of the Brethren leavingAlbanyin Time of Danger, and praised those by Name who staid, and then said: Our Tree of Peace, which grows in this Place, has of late been much shaken, we must now secure and fasten its Roots; we must frequently manure and dress it, that its Roots may spread far.
They assured the Governor, that they were resolved to prosecute the War against theFrenchas long as they lived, and that they would never speak of Peace, but with the common Consent. They abhor those that do otherwise, and desired that the Brethren might not keep a Correspondence withCanadaby Letters. You need not (said they) press us to mind the War, we mind it above all Things; do you but your Parts, lay aside all other Thoughts but that of the War, for it is the only Thing we have at Heart. Theygave Beversat the End of every distinct Part of their Answer.
On the fourth theMohawksspoke to the Governor, in Presence of the other four Nations: They confessed the Negotiations they had with thePraying Indians, and with the Governor ofCanada, and that they had received a Belt from him. Then they restored one of the Prisoners taken atSchenectady, as the Fruit of that Negotiation. They desired the Governor's Advice, and the Advice of the whole House, what Answer to return to the Governor ofCanada; and lastly, desired theSenekasto release the Prisoners they had taken from thePraying Indians.
ColonelSlaughtercheck'd theMohawksfor entering into a separate Treaty with the Enemy, and said he could admit of no Proposals of Peace. He told them, that the Prisoners taken from thePraying Indiansmust not be restored; putting them in mind, that some of them having been formerly released, soon after returned and murdered several People, and burnt several Houses.
He assured them of his Assistance, and then added, You must keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. TheMohawksthanked him for his Assurance of Assistance; but took Notice of his saying,Youmust keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. Why don't you say, they replied, We will keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. In the last Place, theMohawksrenewed their League with all theEnglishColonies; adding, Though an angry Dog has endeavoured to bite the Chain in Pieces, we are resolved to keep it firm, both in Peace and in War: We now renew the old Chain, that so the Tree of Peace and Prosperity may flourish, and spread its Roots through all the Country.
In the last Place, the four Nations answered theMohawks.
"Mohawks, our Brethren, in answer to your Proposals from the Governor ofCanada, we must put you in Mind of his Deceit and Treachery; we need only give one recent Instance, how he lately sent to theSenekasto treat of Peace, and at the same Time fell uponSchenectady, and cut that Place off. We tell you, that the Belt sent by theFrenchGovernor is Poison; we spew it out of our Mouths, we absolutely reject it, and are resolved to prosecute the War as long as we live."
"Mohawks, our Brethren, in answer to your Proposals from the Governor ofCanada, we must put you in Mind of his Deceit and Treachery; we need only give one recent Instance, how he lately sent to theSenekasto treat of Peace, and at the same Time fell uponSchenectady, and cut that Place off. We tell you, that the Belt sent by theFrenchGovernor is Poison; we spew it out of our Mouths, we absolutely reject it, and are resolved to prosecute the War as long as we live."
Then they left the Belt lying on the Ground.
It was now evident that theIndianscould no longer be amused with Words, and that, unless theEnglishentered soon upon Action, theFrenchwould carry their Design of making Peace with theFive Nations, and theEnglishbe left to carry on the War inAmericaby themselves. Certainly a more proper Opportunity of doing it with Success could not be expected, than at present, while theFrenchinCanadahad neither recovered their Spirits, nor the Strength they had lost, by the terrible Incursions of theFive Nations. A joint Invasion onCanadawas concerted withNew-England, they were to attackQuebeckby Sea, whileNew-YorkattackedMontrealby Land. The Governor therefore proposed to theIndiansto join with him in attackingCanada, for which Purpose he told them, that he designed to send a considerable Force this Summer. They desired Time to consult on it at their general Meeting, which was soon to be held atOnondaga, and to know what Number of Christians he designed to send, that they might join a suitable Number of their Men. To this the Governor answered, that he must not communicate the Particulars of his Design to so many, because they could not then be kept secret from the Enemy; as he found by the Discoveries that were last Year made to theFrenchby that Means.
It was at last agreed, that theMohawksshould join with the Christians that were to march fromNew-Yorkdirectly againstMontreal, and that the other four Nations should send a considerable Party downCadarackui Lake, and join them beforeMontreal.
MajorPeter Schuyler, the same whom theIndianscallQuider, commanded the Party sent fromNew-York, which consisted of three hundred Men, one half Christians, the otherMohawksandScahkook Indians. He set out fromAlbanyabout Midsummer. As he was preparing his Canoes to passCorlear's Lake, he was discovered by theFrench Indians, who immediately returned toMontreal, to give Information of what they had seen. The ChevalierClermontwas sent out to make further Discoveries: He found theEnglishaboveChamblie, and went immediately back with the Intelligence he there gained. In the mean while Mr.de Callieres, Governor ofMontreal, did all in his Power to give MajorSchuylera proper Reception, by drawing the Militia and regular Troops together for the Defence of the Place. There happened to be a very considerable Number ofUtawawastrading at that Time atMontreal, Mr.de Colliere, in Order to engage them to join him, made a great Feast for them, went among them, and, after theIndianManner, began the war Song, leading up the Dance with his Axe in his Hand, and shouting and hollowing in the same wild Manner theIndiansdo. This done, he carried his whole Force, which consisted of twelve hundred Men, cross the River, and encamped on the south Side, atla Prairie de la Magdeleine, together with a great Number ofUtawawas, thePraying Indians, and otherFrench Indians. The famousTherawaetbeing now entirely gained by the Caresses of the Countde Frontenac, made one of the Number. They encamped round the Fort, which stood on a steep rising Ground between two Meadows.
MajorSchuylerhaving left forty of his Men to guard his Canoes, which had carried him cross the Lake, marched on without stopping. He got into a Hollow, which led into the Meadow, without being discovered; and marching under that Cover, he fell suddenly upon the Militia, who were soon put into Confusion, and many of them, and of theUtawawas, who were posted with them, were killed. He pursued them as they fled to the Fort, which he attacked briskly, but was obliged to leave it, by the Approach of the regular Troops who came to relieve it. He received them however bravely, and, after they had lost several Officers and many Men, they retired. MajorSchuylerfinding the Number of the Enemy much greater than was expected, and being informed that a considerable Party of the Enemy had marched Southward, he began to apprehend, that this Party was sent to cut off his Retreat, by destroying his Canoes. It was resolved therefore immediately to follow this Party; he overtook them, and they covering themselves behind some large fallen Trees, he attacked them, and made his Way through them, but with considerable Loss.
In this Attack theMohawkssignalized themselves, but theScahkook Indiansdid not behave themselves well. TheMohawks, upon no Occasion, yielded an Inch of Ground, till theEnglishfirst gave Way. TheFrench, by their own Accounts, lost, in the several Attacks made bySchuyler, two Captains, six Lieutenants, and five Ensigns, and, in all, three hundred Men, so that their Slain were in Number more than MajorSchuylerhad with him. TheMohawkssuffered much, having seventeen Men killed, and eleven wounded. They returned toAlbanythe eleventh ofAugust.
After theEnglishunder MajorSchuylerhad retired, anOwenagunga Indiancame fromNew-England, with an Account of the Preparations made there againstCanada, and that they had actually sailed.
This Fleet, which was commanded bySir William Phips, was discovered inSt. Laurence Bay, while the Countde Frontenacremained atMontreal; and thereupon he made all possible Haste toQuebeck, and carried three hundred Men with him.
The Fleet, which consisted of thirty Sail, did not reachQuebecktill the seventh ofOctober. SirWilliamspent three Days in nothing but Consultation, while theFrenchmade all possible Preparation for a Defence, and, by this Means, suffered them to get over the Fright and Consternation, into which the first Appearance of the Fleet had thrown them; for the Place was not in any Posture of Defence. It gave them Time likewise to draw all the Country round them into the Town. And on the fourth Day SirWilliamsummoned theCountto surrender, who returned him such an Answer as his Conduct deserved.
TheEnglishlanded four Miles below the Town, and had thick Woods to march through, before they could come at it, in which Ambuscades ofFrenchandIndianswere made at proper Distances, by whom theEnglishwere repulsed with considerable Loss. They attempted the Wood again the next Day with no better Success.
TheFrench, in their Account of this Action, say, that the Men, though they appeared to be as little disciplined as Men could be, behaved with great Bravery, but that SirWilliam's Conduct was such, that, if he had been in Concert with them, he could not have done more to ruin the Enterprize; yet his Fidelity was never suspected. In short, this Descent was so ill managed, that theEnglishgot on Board again in the Night, with the Loss of all the Cannon and Baggage which they had landed.
TheFrenchthought themselves in such great Danger at that Time, that they attributed their Deliverance to the most immediate Protection of Heaven, in confounding the Devices of their Enemy, and by depriving them of common Sense; and for this Reason the People ofQuebeckmake an annual Procession, in Commemoration of this Deliverance.
SirWilliamcannonaded the Town for some Time with little Execution, and then returned in Hast, Winter approaching; indeed that Season was already so far advanced, that he lost eight Vessels in his Return.
TheFive Nationscontinued their Incursions all alongSt. Laurence River, fromMontrealtoQuebeck, and carried away many Scalps. At one Time aFrenchOfficer, with thirty eight Men, surprised some of theFive Nationsin a Cabin, which they had built nearLake St. Piere. Some of them escaped and informed two other Cabins, which theFrenchhad not discovered, and they returned with their Companions, and killed the Captain and Lieutenant, and one half of the Men.
Notwithstanding that theFrenchpreserved their Country, these warlike Expeditions, and the Necessity they were under of being on their Guard, prevented their cultivating the Ground, or of reaping the Fruit of what they had sowed or planted. This occasioned a Famine inCanada, and, to increase the Misery of the poor Inhabitants, they were forced to feed the Soldiers gratis, while their own Children wanted Bread.
InOctobertheOnondagas,Cayugas, andOneydoescame toAlbany, to condole with theEnglish, for the Men lost in the Expedition againstMontreal, as they had already done with theMohawks. They said it was ever their Custom to condole with their Friends when they lost any Number of Men in Battle, though they had the Victory. They at the same Time, as they had often done before, complained of the Dearness of Powder: Why, say they, do you call us your King's Soldiers, when you will not sell us Powder at the usual and reasonable Rates?
And in answer to a Complaint, of there not being a sufficient Number ofEnglishsent againstMontreal, the People ofAlbanyupbraided them with a Breach of Promise, in not sending that Party downCadarackui Riverwhich they promised, which they said was the chief Reason of the want of Success in that Expedition.
The oldFrenchGovernor kept up his Vigour and Spirits wonderfully, no Fatigue made him ever think of Rest. He knew of what Use it would be to convince theFive Nations, that the joint Attack of theEnglishandIndianshad neither weakened him, nor frightened him from carrying on the War with as much Vigour as before.
It was absolutely necessary that theUtawawasand otherWestern Indians, who came toMontrealto trade, should return safe to their own Country, otherwise there would be an End to theFrenchTrade with those Nations, upon which the Being ofCanadadepends; for it is only by theFur-tradewith these Nations that they make Returns toEurope; and if these Nations did not return in Time, all theWestern Indianswould look on theFrenchas lost, and consequently would make Peace with theFive Nations, and perhaps join in the Destruction ofCanada.
Captainla Forest, with one hundred and ten Men, was sent to conduct theUtawawasHome; he carried with him considerable Presents sent by the King ofFrance, to confirm these Nations in theFrenchInterest.
TwoIndianPrisoners, taken atla Prairie, were given to theUtawawas, and carried with them, to confirm the Stories they were to tell of their Successes against theEnglishandFive Nations. These poor Men were there burnt alive; and if I should add, that it was done byFrenchInstigation, what I shall relate by and by will clear me of the want of Charity. I believe it was so, in Order to rivet the Hatred between these People and theFive Nations.
TheFive Nationscontinued their Incursions all Winter onCanada. Forty of theMohawksfell uponFort Vercheres, and carried off twenty of the Inhabitants; but the Alarm reachingMontreal, Mr.de Crizaei, with one hundred Men of the regular Troops, was sent in pursuit of them, who recovered most of the Prisoners.
The Countde Frontenacbeing informed, that a considerable Party of theFive Nationshunted Bever on the Neck of Land betweenCadarackui LakeandLake Erie, with great Security, resolved to give them a better Opinion of the Strength and Courage of theFrench. For this Purpose he sent three hundred and twelve Men to surprise them, under the Command of Mr.Beaucour, a young Gentleman. ThePraying IndiansofMontrealwere of the Party. This Expedition being in the Winter, they were obliged to undergo cruel Fatigues, while they marched on the Snow with snow Shoes, and carried all their Provision on their Backs. Several of theFrenchhad their Feet frozen, which obliged fifteen to return, with some oldIndians, that could not bear the Fatigue; and it was with much Difficulty thatBeaucourcould persuade the rest to continue their March. After a March to a surprizing Distance, at that Season of the Year, they surprised eighty of theFive Nations, who notwithstanding made a brave Defence, and did not run before they left most of their Men dead on the Spot. Three Women were made Prisoners, with whom theFrenchimmediately turned back toMontreal. Some stragling Parties went towardsAlbany, but did no more Mischief than killing two or three stragling Persons, and alarming the Country.
The Trade toMissilimakinakbeing still intirely stopt, by the Parties of theFive NationsinvestingCadarackui River, by which, andCadarackui Lake, the Passage in Canoes is made to theWestern Indians, Captainla Noue, with a Command of the regular Troops, was ordered early in the Spring to guard the Traders through that Passage; but when he reached theFalls de Calumette, he discovered the Enemy, and returned faster than he went.
La Nouehad Orders a second Time to attempt this Passage, and went as far as the Riverdu Lievre(thirty Leagues fromMontreal) without any Obstruction; but there discovering several Canoes of theFive Nations, he went back as fast as before.
TheQuatoghiesand theBullheads[37]having informed theFrenchof another smaller River, which falls intoCadarackui River, and runs to the Northward of it, by which a Passage might be made to the Lakes, it was resolved to attempt this Passage, though it were much farther round, and more dangerous, there being many more rapid Falls in that River. Three Officers, with thirty Soldiers, were sent with the Traders for this Purpose, but a Party of theFive Nationsmeeting with them in the long Fall, before they reached this River, they were all killed or taken, except four that escaped back toMontreal.
A considerable Party of theFive Nations, under the Command ofBlackkettle, a famous Hero, continued a long Time onCadarackui River, in hopes of meeting with otherFrenchParties, in their Passage towardsMissilimakinak; but finding that no Attempts were made that Way, he resolved to make an Irruption into the Country roundMontreal. TheFrenchsay he had six hundred Men with him; but they usually increase the Number of their Enemies, in the Relation they give of these Transactions, either to excuse their Fears, or to increase their Glory.
Blackkettleoverrun the Country (to use theFrenchExpression) as a Torrent does the Low-lands, when it overflows its Banks, and there is no withstanding it. The Soldiers had Orders to stand upon the defensive within their Forts. Mr.de Vaudreuilpursued this Party (after they had burnt and ravaged the whole Country) at the Head of four hundred Men; he overtook them and surprised them. TheFive Nationsfought desperately, though the same Author, at this Place, makes them no more than two hundred Men. After they had lost twenty Men on the Spot, they broke through theFrench, and marched off. TheFrenchlost four Officers and many common Soldiers, and they took five Men, nine Women, and five Children Prisoners.
TheFive Nationsin a few Days had however some Revenge; a Captain having had Orders to guard the Vessels fromMontrealtoQuebeck, a Party of theFive Nationsattacked him in his Return, as he passed through the Islands inLake St. Pierre. He himself was killed, and the whole Party intirely routed.
TheFrenchall this Summer were obliged to keep upon the defensive within their Forts, while theFive Nations, in small Parties, ravaged the whole Country, so that no Man stirred the least Distance from a Fort, but he was in danger of losing his Scalp.
The Countde Frontenacwas pierced to the Heart, when he found that he could not revenge these terrible Incursions of theFive Nations; and his Anguish made him guilty of such a Piece of monstrous Cruelty, in burning a Prisoner alive after theIndianManner, as though I have frequently mentioned to have been done by theIndians, yet I forbore giving the Particulars of such barbarous Acts, suspecting it might be too offensive to Christian Ears, even in the History of Savages. Here however I think it useful to give a circumstantial Account of this horrid Act, to shew on one Hand, what Courage and Resolution, Virtue, the Love of Glory, and the Love of one's Country can instill into Mens Minds, even where the Knowledge of true Religion is wanting; and on the other Hand, how far a false Policy, under a corrupt Religion, can debase even great Minds.
The Countde Frontenac, I say, condemned two Prisoners of theFive Nationsto be burnt publickly alive. The Intendant's Lady intreated him to moderate the Sentence, and the Jesuits, it is said, used their Endeavours for the same Purpose. But the Countde Frontenacsaid, there is a Necessity of making such an Example, to frighten theFive Nationsfrom approaching the Plantations, since the Indulgence, that had hitherto been shewn, had incouraged them to advance with the greatest Boldness to the very Gates of their Towns; while they thought they run no other Risque, but of being made Prisoners, where they live better than at Home. He added, that theFive Nationshaving burnt so manyFrench, justified this Method of making Reprizals. But with Submission to the Politeness of theFrenchNation, may I not ask, whether every (or any) horrid Action of a barbarous Enemy, can justify a civilized Nation in doing the like?
When the Governor could not be moved, the Jesuits went to the Prison, to instruct the Prisoners in the Mysteries of our Holy Religion,viz. of the Trinity, the Incarnation of our Saviour, the Joys of Paradise, and the Punishments of Hell, to fit their Souls for Heaven by Baptism, while their Bodies were condemned to Torments. But theIndians, after they had heard their Sentence, refused to hear the Jesuits speak, and began to prepare for Death in their own Country Manner, by singing their Death Song.
Some charitable Person threw a Knife into the Prison, with which one of them dispatched himself: The other was carried out to the Place of Execution by the ChristianIndiansofLoretto, to which he walked, seemingly, with as much Indifference as ever Martyr did to the Stake. While they were torturing him, he continued singing, that he was a Warrior brave and without Fear; that the most cruel Death could not shake his Courage; that the most cruel Torment should not draw an indecent Expression from him; that his Comrade was a Coward, a Scandal to theFive Nations, who had killed himself for fear of Pain; that he had the Comfort to reflect, that he had made manyFrenchmensuffer as he did now. He fully verified his Words, for the most violent Torment could not force the least Complaint from him, though his Executioners tried their utmost Skill to do it. They first broiled his Feet between two red hot Stones; then they put his Fingers into red hot Pipes, and though he had his Arms at Liberty, he would not pull his Fingers out; they cut his Joints, and taking hold of the Sinews, twisted them round small Bars of Iron. All this while he kept singing and recounting his own brave Actions against theFrench. At last they flead his Scalp from his Skull, and poured scalding hot Sand upon it; at which Time the Intendant's Lady obtained Leave of the Governor to have theCoup-de-gracegiven, and I believe she thereby likewise obtained a Favour to every Reader, in delivering him from a further continuance of this Account ofFrenchCruelty.
Notwithstanding this Cruelty, which theFrenchGovernor manifested towards theFive Nations, and thereby his Hatred of them, he found Peace with them so necessary toCanada, that he still pursued it by all the Means in his Power. For this Purpose thePraying Indians(who, as I observed before, areMohawks, and have always kept a Correspondence with their own Nation) were employed to bring it about, and to endeavour a Cessation of Arms, that the Governor might have an Opportunity of shewing what kind Things he had in his Heart towards theFive Nations, but without Success.