"We will have no Correspondence with theFive Nations, but by Order of the Governor ofCanadaour Father, and unlessDecanesora, and the other Deputies, come before the Feast of St.John, the Way will be shut up for ever after, and our Father's Ears will be stopt. We however assure you, that if the Deputies come in that Time the Path shall be safe both coming and going."
"We will have no Correspondence with theFive Nations, but by Order of the Governor ofCanadaour Father, and unlessDecanesora, and the other Deputies, come before the Feast of St.John, the Way will be shut up for ever after, and our Father's Ears will be stopt. We however assure you, that if the Deputies come in that Time the Path shall be safe both coming and going."
Whether the Accounts given of the coming of theShawononswas only an Amusement, or whether they were diverted on their March, I know not, for I find no farther Account of them in the Register of theIndianAffairs: However it was, the Impression made on theIndiansby that News, was not sufficient to withstand the Force of the resolute Answer their Messenger received from thePraying Indians.Decanesoraand the other Deputies went early in the Spring toCanada; the otherSachemsmet ColonelFletcheratAlbany, the fourth ofMay1694. TheIndiansspoke first bySadakanahtie, anOnondaga Sachem, as follows:
"BrotherCayenguirago,"Some of ourSachemsagreed last Winter that we should keep no Correspondence with theFrench; we confess that we have broke that Promise, and that we have received a Messenger fromCanada, and have sent our Deputies likewise thither. The Belt is not yet arrived, by which we are to acknowledge our Fault in doing this. The Reason of our doing it is truly this, we are afraid of the Enemy."When a Messenger came last Year fromCanadatoOnondaga, our BrotherCayenguiragodischarged our Meeting in General Council atOnondaga, to consult on that Message, and ordered us to hold our General Council here atAlbanyon that Affair. The Privilege of meeting in General Council, when we please, is a Privilege we always have enjoyed; no former Governor, of the Name ofCorlear, ever obstructed this Privilege. We planted a Tree of Peace in this Place with them, its Roots and Branches extend as far asVirginiaandNew-England, and we have reposed with Pleasure under its Shade. Brother, let us keep to that first Tree, and let us be united and unanimous; such Prohibition of our Assemblies will be of ill Consequence, and occasion Differences between us."We acknowledge, I say, our sending Agents toCanadafor Peace, we were incouraged in doing this, by the Knowledge we have of the Governor ofCanada. He is an old Man, and was formerly Governor of that Place. He was always esteemed a wise peaceable Man, and therefore we trust our Message will have a good Issue. We did not take it amiss that you sent to theDewagunhas, nor thatArnoutwas sent to theSatanas, both of them our Enemies; and, for the same Reason, our BrotherCayenguiragoought not to be displeased with our sending to theFrenchfor Peace."We,Onondagas, acknowledge ourselves to have been the chief Promoters of this Message, we have sent in all nineSachemswith nine Belts. It is true we are now under much Uneasiness in having trusted so manySachemsin theFrenchHands, being almost half the Number we have in our Nation, but we were in haste to prevent the Designs theFrenchhad against our Countries and yours, by the great warlike Preparations they were making inCanada."
"BrotherCayenguirago,
"Some of ourSachemsagreed last Winter that we should keep no Correspondence with theFrench; we confess that we have broke that Promise, and that we have received a Messenger fromCanada, and have sent our Deputies likewise thither. The Belt is not yet arrived, by which we are to acknowledge our Fault in doing this. The Reason of our doing it is truly this, we are afraid of the Enemy.
"When a Messenger came last Year fromCanadatoOnondaga, our BrotherCayenguiragodischarged our Meeting in General Council atOnondaga, to consult on that Message, and ordered us to hold our General Council here atAlbanyon that Affair. The Privilege of meeting in General Council, when we please, is a Privilege we always have enjoyed; no former Governor, of the Name ofCorlear, ever obstructed this Privilege. We planted a Tree of Peace in this Place with them, its Roots and Branches extend as far asVirginiaandNew-England, and we have reposed with Pleasure under its Shade. Brother, let us keep to that first Tree, and let us be united and unanimous; such Prohibition of our Assemblies will be of ill Consequence, and occasion Differences between us.
"We acknowledge, I say, our sending Agents toCanadafor Peace, we were incouraged in doing this, by the Knowledge we have of the Governor ofCanada. He is an old Man, and was formerly Governor of that Place. He was always esteemed a wise peaceable Man, and therefore we trust our Message will have a good Issue. We did not take it amiss that you sent to theDewagunhas, nor thatArnoutwas sent to theSatanas, both of them our Enemies; and, for the same Reason, our BrotherCayenguiragoought not to be displeased with our sending to theFrenchfor Peace.
"We,Onondagas, acknowledge ourselves to have been the chief Promoters of this Message, we have sent in all nineSachemswith nine Belts. It is true we are now under much Uneasiness in having trusted so manySachemsin theFrenchHands, being almost half the Number we have in our Nation, but we were in haste to prevent the Designs theFrenchhad against our Countries and yours, by the great warlike Preparations they were making inCanada."
Then he told all the Orders and Directions which their Ambassadors had received; which agreeing with the Account whichDecanesoragave of his Negotiation, I shall here pass over. He finished all bygiving a Belt.
ColonelFletchertold them, he would give no Answer to what they had said, before they discovered to him what Reason they had to say, that he had forbid their holding any Assembly atOnondaga, and that he had made Peace with theDewagunhasandSatanas, without their Consent and Concurrence.
To this the Speaker the next Day answered; "I was sick, and absent when the Affairs you mention were transacted, and I was at a Loss how to excuse our sending to theFrenchcontrary to your Advice; but severalSachemsbeing arrived since I spoke, I have been better informed by them, who were present at those Transactions. We find it, in every Circumstance, as our BrotherCayenguiragosays; that you did not obstruct our keeping General Councils atOnondaga, but only cautioned us in hearkening to the Fallacies of theFrench, and in holding Meetings on that Occasion. We assure you we will never separate from you, we still have one Head, one Blood, one Soul, and one Heart with you; and as a Confirmation of this Igive this Belt seven deep.
"As to theDewagunhasandShawonons, we are confidentCayenguiragowill not admit them into his Government, till they have made Peace with us, which we shall willingly grant. When our Enemies are humbled, and beg Peace, why should they not have it? Let them come and live with us, it will strengthen our Country.
"BrotherCayenguirago, when the Christians first arrived in this Country, we received them kindly. When they were but a small People, we entered into a League with them, to guard them from all Enemies whatsoever. We were so fond of their Society, that we tied the great Canoe which brought them, not with a Rope made of Bark to a Tree, but with a strong iron Chain fastened to a great Mountain. Now before the Christians arrived, the General Council of theFive Nationswas held atOnondaga, where there has, from the Beginning, a continual Fire been kept burning; it is made of two great Logs, whose Fire never extinguishes. As soon as the Hatchet-makers (their general Name for Christians) arrived, this General Council atOnondagaplanted this Tree atAlbany, whose Roots and Branches have since spread as far asNew-England,Connecticut, Pensilvania, MarylandandVirginia; and under the Shade of this Tree all theseEnglishColonies have frequently been sheltered. Then (giving seven Fathom of Wampum) he renewed the Chain, and promised, as they likewise expected, mutual Assistance, in Case of any Attack from any Enemy.
"The only Reason, to be plain with you, continued he, of our sending to make Peace with theFrench, is the low Condition to which we are reduced, while none of our Neighbours send us the least Assistance, so that the whole Burthen of the War lyes on us alone. Our Brethren ofNew-England, Connecticut,Pensilvania, MarylandandVirginia, of their own accord thrust their Arms into our Chain; but since the War began we have received no Assistance from them. We alone cannot continue the War against theFrench, by Reason of the Recruits they daily receive from the other Side the great Lake.
"BrotherCayenguirago, speak from your Heart, are you resolved to prosecute the War vigorously against theFrench, and are your Neighbours ofVirginia, Maryland, Pensilvania, ConnecticutandNew-England, resolved to assist us? If it be so, we assure you, notwithstanding any Treaty hitherto entered into, we will prosecute the War as hotly as ever. But if our Neighbours will not assist, we must make Peace, and we submit it to your Consideration, bygiving this great Belt fifteen deep.
"BrotherCayenguirago, I have truly told you the Reasons which have induced us to offer Peace to theFrench; we shall likewise, from the Bottom of our Hearts, inform you of the Design we have in this Treaty. When the Governor ofCanadashall have accepted the nine Belts, of which I have just now told you, then we shall have something more to say by two large Belts, which lye still hid in our Bosom. We shall lay down first one and say, We have a BrotherCayenguirago, with whose People we have been united in one Chain from the Beginning, they must be included in this Treaty; we cannot see them involved in bloody War, while we sit in easy Peace. If the Governor ofCanadaanswer, that he has made a separate Peace with us, and that he cannot make any Peace withCayenguirago, because the War is from over the great Lake; then we shall lay down the second great broad Belt, and tell the Governor ofCanada, if you will not includeCayenguirago's People, the Treaty will become thereby void, as if it had never been made; and if he persists, we will absolutely leave him."
While theSachemswere atAlbany,Decanesoraand the other Ambassadors arrived at the Castle of thePraying Indians, near the Falls aboveMontreal. They were conducted from thence, by the Superior of the Jesuits, toQuebeck. They had their Audience of the Governor ofCanadawith great Solemnity, in the Presence of all the Ecclesiasticks and Officers of Distinction, and of the most considerableIndiansthen in the Place. They were every Day, while they staid in the Place, entertained at the Governor's Table, or at the Tables of the most considerable Officers.Decanesoraon his Side made a good Appearance, being cloathed in Scarlet trim'd with Gold, and with a laced Bever Hat on his Head, which had been given him by ColonelFletcherbefore he went.
The JesuitMilethad by Letter informed the Governor of every Thing in their Commission, and though he was thereby enabled to have answered them immediately, he consulted three Days, after the Ambassadors had delivered what they had to say, before he would return an Answer, that it might appear with more Solemnity. TheIndiansnever return a sudden Answer on any Occasion of Importance, however resolved they be beforehand, and despise those that do, though their Answer be never so much to the Purpose. I choose to give an Account of this fromDecanesora's Mouth, as I did of the former, and for the same Reason. The Account given of it by theIndiansagrees, in all the material Points, with that published by theFrench, and I am confident it is not less genuine.
ColonelFletcherbeing sensible of what Consequence this Treaty between theFrenchandFive Nationsmight be of to all theEnglishColonies, gave them Notice of it, and informed them of the Reasons which had induced theIndiansto enter into it. He told them, there was no Possibility of preventing it, but by theIndiansbeing assured of more effectual Assistance, than they had hitherto received, and advised them to send Commissioners for that Purpose toAlbanyinAugust, at which Time he intended to meet theFive Nationsthere, after the Return of their Messengers fromCanada. Accordingly,Andrew Hamilton, Esq; Governor ofNew-Jersey, ColonelJohn Pinchon,Samuel Sands, Esq; and MajorPen Townsend, Commissioners fromMassachuset's Bay, and ColonelJohn Hauleyand CaptainStanley, Commissioners fromConnecticut, waited on ColonelFletcheratAlbany, who carried with him likewise a Part of the Council ofNew-York.
These Gentlemen having met theIndiansatAlbanythe fifteenth ofAugust,Decanesorarose up first, and desired Leave to sing a Song or two of Peace, before they began on Business. ThenRode, aMohawk Sachem, rose up, and addressing himself to the otherSachems, said, we have great Reason to rejoice, seeing so many of those, who are in our Chain, are now met, to consult together on the general Weal; after which they sang two or three Songs.
Sadakanahtiebeing chosen Speaker for that Day, rose up, spoke much to the same Purpose as he had done to ColonelFletcherinMaylast; giving a metaphorical Account of their League with theEnglish, how it began, and by what Steps it had been inlarged and strengthened; how the other Colonies had thrust their Arms into this Chain, but had given little or no Assistance against the common Enemy. "Our BrotherCayenguirago's Arms (says he) and ours are stiff, and tired with holding fast the Chain, whilst our Neighbours sit still and smoak at their Ease. The Fat is melted from our Flesh, and fallen on our Neighbours, who grow fat while we grow lean: They flourish while we decay.
"This Chain made us the Envy of theFrench, and if all had held it as fast asCayenguirago, it would have been a Terror also. If we would all heartily join and take the Hatchet in our Hand, our common Enemy would soon be destroyed, and we should for ever after live in Peace and Ease. Do you but your Parts, and Thunder itself cannot break our Chain."
Then he mentioned some Jealousies they had entertained ofNew-England, by their suffering the ChevalierD'Oto escape toCanada, which they suspected had been concerted between him and the People ofNew-England, in Order to treat of Peace. "Our Agents, said he, saw the ChevalierD'OatCanada, who told them that he had been set at Liberty by theEnglish, and that it was in vain that theFive Nationswarred against theFrench, while theEnglishfavoured them." On this Occasion he shewed them a Fish painted on Paper, which the Commissioners ofNew-Englandhad given them, when they first entered into the Chain, as a Seal to the League.
He finished by telling them, that they would next Day give all the Particulars of their Negotiation inCanada.
The next DayDecanesoraproceeded to the Account of his Negotiation, as follows: "The Governor ofCanadahaving often sent to us to come toCanadato treat with him, we went thither, and told him that we were come to treat of Peace. We made the following Proposals.
"Father, if we do not conclude a Peace now, it will be your Fault; for we have already taken the Hatchet out of the Hands of theRiver Indians(Hudson's River) whom we incited to the War. But we must tell you, that you are an ill Man, you are inconstant and not to be trusted; we have had War together a long Time, and though you occasioned the War, we never hated the House ofOghessa, (a Gentleman living atMontreal) let him undertake the toilsome Journey toOnondaga; for if he will he shall be welcome.
"Father, we are now speaking of Peace, and therefore I must speak a Word to thePraying Indians, and first to those ofCahnuaga(chieflyMohawks) you know our Customs and Manners, therefore makeOnondioacquainted therewith, and be assisting in the prosecuting of this good Work. Then to the other Castle, calledCanassadaga, (chieflyOnondagas) you are worse than theFrenchthemselves, you deserted from us, and side with our Enemies to destroy us; make some amends now, by forwarding Peace.
"You have almost eat us up, our best Men are killed in this bloody War; but we now forget what is past. Before this we once threw the Hatchet into the River ofKaihohage[40], but you fished it up, and treacherously surprised our People atCadarackui. After this you sent to us to have our Prisoners restored; then the Hatchet was thrown up to the Sky, but you kept a String fastened to the Helve, and pulled it down, and fell upon our People again. This we revenged to some Purpose, by the Destruction of your People and Houses in the Island ofMontreal.
"Now we are come to cover the Blood from our Sight, which has been shed by both Sides during this long War.
"Onondio, we have been at War a long Time, we now give you a Medicine to drive away all ill Thoughts from your Heart, to purge it and make it clean, and restore it to its former State.
"Onondio, we will not permit any Settlement atCadarackui; you have had your Fire there thrice extinguished; we will not consent to your rebuilding that Fort, but the Passage through the River shall be free and clear. We make the Sun clean, and drive away all Clouds and Darkness, that we may see the Light without Interruption.
"Onondio, we have taken many Prisoners from one another, during the War. The Prisoners we took have been delivered, according to our Custom, to the Families that have lost any in the War. They no longer belong to the Publick, they may give them back if they please, your People may do the same. We have brought back two Prisoners, and restore them to you.
"After I had finished what I had to say, continued he, the Governor ofCanadatold me, that he would not make Peace withCayenguirago. To this I answered, these Words displease me much, you shall keep Peace with him.Onondiosaid again, I must fight withCayenguirago, it is not in my Power to make Peace; this can only be done by my Master, who lives over the great Water. To this I replied, I cannot bear this Discourse; if you should fight him now, and not stay till I get Home, all the Country will look on me as a Traytor; I can treat with you no longer. The Argument on this Subject lasted three Days, at last the Governor ofCanadaassured me, that he would not undertake any Enterprize againstCayenguiragothis Summer, but would wait to hear what he wou'd say.
"The Governor ofCanadainsisted three Days to have Hostages left, which I refused, but two agreeing of their own accord to stay, they were left,viz. one anOnondago, another aSeneka.
"Then the Governor ofCanadamade the following publick Answer:
"I. I accept of Peace as you offer."II. Son, bring all the Prisoners back that you have taken from me, and yours shall have Liberty to return Home, if they please."III. Children, erect my Fire again atCadarackui, and plant there the Tree of Peace.
"I. I accept of Peace as you offer.
"II. Son, bring all the Prisoners back that you have taken from me, and yours shall have Liberty to return Home, if they please.
"III. Children, erect my Fire again atCadarackui, and plant there the Tree of Peace.
"After this the Governor ofCanadadelivered me a Belt, which I now lay down before you; by it he said, desireCayenguiragoto send a wise Man to me, and he shall have Protection according to the Custom of Christians; and added,
"Children of theFive Nations, ifCayenguiragoshall employ you to do any Service for him, do not accept of it, let him send his own People."
Decanesoraadded, that the Governor ofCanadahad fixed eighty Days for a Return to this Belt.
He continued and said, "TheSachemsof theDionondadieswere present; after I had finished my Speech, they said; May what you have now said be from your Hearts; we suspect you are not sincere; let us no longer feel the Smart of the Hatchet, and gave this Belt which I now lay down.
"ThePraying Indiansnext said, Brethren, our FatherOnondiohas told you to bring Home all the Prisoners, do not fail in this;giving two Belts.
"BrotherCayenguirago, you will find what I have now said confirmed by this Paper, which the Governor ofCanadagave me. I brought Letters likewise for the JesuitMilet, who was to read the Paper to us." The Paper contained the Articles inFrench, in which the Governor ofCanadawas willing to make Peace.
But besides whatDecanesorahere tells, theFrenchAccounts say, that he brought two Belts underground (that is privately) from threeOnondaga Sachems, to assure the Governor ofCanadaof their particular Affection, which the Governor ofCanadaanswered, by a private Belt to them.
As soon asDecanesorahad done speaking, ColonelFletcherrejected the Belt sent by the Governor ofCanada, saying; If the Governor ofCanadahave any Thing to say to me, let him send some of his People toAlbany, and they shall have Protection.
Next DaySadekanahtie, after he had sung a long Song, gave the following Account of their Negotiations with theDewagunhasandDionondadies, which they had undertaken by the Governor's Advice.
"We were afraid, says he, to send Messengers of our own People, and therefore we employed two Prisoners we had of theDionondadieswith the Governor's Belt. Some time after this, some of theSenekashunting near theDionondadies, two of them were taken; but when they were carried to theDionondadieCastle, they were not treated like Prisoners; they were used kindly, and sent back with the following Offers of Peace."We are glad to see you Face to Face to speak to you, since the Sun has been so propitious to send home the Men that were Prisoners with you, giving a few Strings of Wampum."We are glad of this Opportunity to tell you, that we have been both drunk in making War on one another; we now give you a Cordial to ease your Hearts, that there be no longer War between us, bythis Belt."We are glad that you have set the Doors open as far asCayenguirago's House, that we may freely go thither. Carry himthis second Belt."Brethren, we thank you for having prepared a Place for us at your General Council ofOnondaga. Our Country is every where free to you to treat with us, bythis third Belt."Brethren, our whole Country rejoiced when you invited us into your Country, and from thence to go whereCayenguiragodwells; be not afraid to come to our Country, you shall meet with no Molestation."Brethren, we thank you for putting us in Mind of what was formerly agreed to,viz. that when any ill Accident happens, we were to meet together to compose Matters, and not to revenge it with War. We are now together to put an End to all Misunderstanding, bythis fourth Belt."Brethren, (we include all the Nations from theSenekasCountry toNew-Yorkin this Name) hearken to us. We rend the Clouds asunder, and drive away all Darkness from the Heavens, that the Sun of Peace may shine with Brightness over us all;giving a Sunof a round red polished Stone."Brethren, we put the Hatchet into the Hands of theChightaghies,Twithtwies, andOdsirachies, to war against you; but we shall in three Days go to these Nations and take the Hatchet out of their Hands;giving half a Stone Pipe."YouSenekasare stupid Creatures, we must therefore warn you not to hunt so far from your Castles, lest you be hurt by any of these three Nations, and then blame us. They thengave the other half of the Pipe."But BrotherCayenguirago, saysSadakahnitie, do not suffer these Nations to come nearer than theSenekasCountry, lest they discover our Weakness, and to what a low Condition the War has reduced us. These Nations have been so long in Friendship with theFrench, and are so much under their Influence, that we cannot trust them yet, or be too much upon our Guard against them."
"We were afraid, says he, to send Messengers of our own People, and therefore we employed two Prisoners we had of theDionondadieswith the Governor's Belt. Some time after this, some of theSenekashunting near theDionondadies, two of them were taken; but when they were carried to theDionondadieCastle, they were not treated like Prisoners; they were used kindly, and sent back with the following Offers of Peace.
"We are glad to see you Face to Face to speak to you, since the Sun has been so propitious to send home the Men that were Prisoners with you, giving a few Strings of Wampum.
"We are glad of this Opportunity to tell you, that we have been both drunk in making War on one another; we now give you a Cordial to ease your Hearts, that there be no longer War between us, bythis Belt.
"We are glad that you have set the Doors open as far asCayenguirago's House, that we may freely go thither. Carry himthis second Belt.
"Brethren, we thank you for having prepared a Place for us at your General Council ofOnondaga. Our Country is every where free to you to treat with us, bythis third Belt.
"Brethren, our whole Country rejoiced when you invited us into your Country, and from thence to go whereCayenguiragodwells; be not afraid to come to our Country, you shall meet with no Molestation.
"Brethren, we thank you for putting us in Mind of what was formerly agreed to,viz. that when any ill Accident happens, we were to meet together to compose Matters, and not to revenge it with War. We are now together to put an End to all Misunderstanding, bythis fourth Belt.
"Brethren, (we include all the Nations from theSenekasCountry toNew-Yorkin this Name) hearken to us. We rend the Clouds asunder, and drive away all Darkness from the Heavens, that the Sun of Peace may shine with Brightness over us all;giving a Sunof a round red polished Stone.
"Brethren, we put the Hatchet into the Hands of theChightaghies,Twithtwies, andOdsirachies, to war against you; but we shall in three Days go to these Nations and take the Hatchet out of their Hands;giving half a Stone Pipe.
"YouSenekasare stupid Creatures, we must therefore warn you not to hunt so far from your Castles, lest you be hurt by any of these three Nations, and then blame us. They thengave the other half of the Pipe.
"But BrotherCayenguirago, saysSadakahnitie, do not suffer these Nations to come nearer than theSenekasCountry, lest they discover our Weakness, and to what a low Condition the War has reduced us. These Nations have been so long in Friendship with theFrench, and are so much under their Influence, that we cannot trust them yet, or be too much upon our Guard against them."
ColonelFletchernot being able to give theFive Nationsany Assurance of a vigorous Assistance, he called the principalSachemsto a private Conference on the twentieth. He asked them, whether they had made Peace with the Governor ofCanada; they answered, that it only wanted his Approbation, and added, that they could no longer carry on the War without Assistance. You have the whole Negotiations before you, say they, and we submit it to your Prudence.
He then allowed them to make Peace, provided they kept faithful in their Chain with theEnglish; but told them, that as to his Part he could make no Peace with the Governor ofCanada. They were under great Uneasiness to leave their Friends in the War, they said, and wished, since neither the Governor ofCanadanor he would receive Proposals by their Hands, that they might think of some neutral Place to treat. The Governor answered, that he could neither receive nor send any Message on that Head; and that Peace could be only made between them by the two Kings.
The Governor next asked them, whether they would permit theFrenchto build again atCadarackui; they answered, they would never permit it, and were resolved to insist on it, in all the ensuing Treaties, that he never shall. Then the Governor added, if you permit the French to build any where on that Lake, there will be an End to your Liberty, your Posterity will become Slaves to theFrench. If ever you should permit them, I will look on it as an absolute Breach of the Chain with us: If theFrenchattempt it give me Notice, and I will march the whole Force of my Government to your Assistance. We shall find afterwards, however, that the Government ofNew-Yorkwas far from making good this Promise.
The Governor told them, that they had lost much of their Honour in creeping to theFrench, in such an abject Manner; for, says he, the Governor ofCanada's Paper, which you brought with you, says, that you came in the most humble and penitent Manner, and begged Peace. To which they answered, the Governor ofCanadahas no Reason to make such Reflexions, we have many of his Belts to shew, by which he again and again sued to us for Peace, before we would hearken to him. But, replies the Governor, how came you to call him Father? For no other Reason, they replied, but because he calls us Children. These Names signify nothing.
They desired the Governor not to say any Thing particularly ofCadarackui, in his publick Speech that he was to make next Day, for they had, they said, some among them that would tell all to the Governor ofCanada; and concluded, with wishing that they had some one, who could write and read all that the Governor had said to them, that they might not forget any Part of it, when they come to consult and resolve on this weighty Affair, at their General Council atOnondaga.
Here we see these Barbarians, these Savages, as we call them, acting with the greatest regard to the Treaties they had entered into with their Allies, and that at a Time when the Exigences of their own Affairs, and when the faint feeble Assistance, which their Allies had contributed in the common Cause, would, among Christian Potentates, have been thought a sufficient Excuse for their taking Care of themselves separately, in breach of the most solemn Confederacy they could enter into.
TheSachemsof theFive Nationsbeing met atOnondaga, to consult on the Terms offered by theFrench, they were divided in their Opinions; theCayugas, and Part of theSenekas, were most favourable to theFrenchProposals; but the major Part was absolutely against allowing theFrenchto rebuild a Fort atCadarackui, nor would they consent to include all theFrenchAllies in the Treaty, with some of which they had particular Causes of Animosity.
The Party that was most for Peace obtained Leave to go toCanada, to try whether they could obtain Terms less disagreeable. They accordingly went thither, within the Time prefixed by the Governor ofCanada, for an Answer; and to make themselves more acceptable to theFrench, they carried thirteen Prisoners with them, and delivered them up. The JesuitMiletwas of this Number, who had been taken in the Year 1689, and oneJonscaire, who had been long a Prisoner among theSenekas: He had been delivered up to a Family of theSenekas, that had lost some considerable Relation, and was by them adopted. He ingratiated himself so much with that Nation, that he was advanced to the Rank of aSachem, and preserved their Esteem to the Day of his Death; whereby he became, after the general Peace, very useful to theFrenchin all Negotiations with theFive Nations, and to this Day they shew their Regard to his Family and Children.
When the Governor ofCanadacame to Particulars with these Deputies, he could obtain nothing but ambiguous or dubious Answers, as to the rebuilding ofCadarackui Fort, and the including of all theFrenchAllies in the Peace. Whereupon he dismissed them with Presents, and made them many fair Promises, in Case of their Compliance; but threatened them with utter Destruction, in Case of their refusing the Terms he had offered. Many of theFrench IndianAllies were present, when the Governor ofCanadarefused any Agreement without his Allies being included in it, and this attached them exceedingly to theFrenchInterest. This Regard, which theFrenchgenerally shew for the Interest of their Allies, is a Piece of Policy which, upon all Occasions, proves useful to them; whereas, the Neglect of this Piece of natural Justice has as often been prejudicial to others, who have not had so tender a Sense of it. But it is not so easy for a weak State to keep up its Honour in such Cases, as it is for a powerful Prince.
TheFive Nationsrefusing to come to the Governor ofCanada's Terms, he resolved to force them; and as he suspected that they continued obstinate, by the Advice of theEnglish, and the Confidence they had of theEnglishAssistance, he thought he would most effectually lessen that Confidence, by attacking and destroying the remainder of theMohawks, who liv'd adjoining to theEnglishSettlements. For this Purpose he resolved to march, in the Winter, the whole Force ofCanadaagainst that Nation; but one of the Prisoners learning their Design, made his Escape, and informed theMohawksof it. This made him alter his Measures, knowing well enough, that if theEnglishwere prepared to receive them, such an Enterprize would only lead those engaged in it to certain Destruction. He then sent three hundred Men into the Neck of Land betweenLake ErieandCadarackui Lake, the usual hunting Place of theFive Nations, in hopes of surprising them while they hunted carelessly there, and at the same Time to view the oldFrenchFort there, to observe in what Condition it remained.
This Party met with three or four Men, who defended themselves obstinately, till they all fell dead on the Spot. They surprised likewise a Cabin, where they took some Men and Women Prisoners; and four of them were publickly burnt alive atMontreal. So far the Countde Frontenacthought it more proper to imitate theIndiansin their most savage Cruelties, than to instruct them, by his Example, in the Compassion of the Christian Doctrine. A Party of one hundred and fifty of theFive Nationsfell upon theDewagunhas, in their Way toCanada, and entirely routed them. Ten Prisoners were taken, nine of which were burnt alive, in revenge of the same Fate the four Men of theFive Nationshad received atMontreal.
This Year also some sculkingFrench Indiansmurdered some People nearAlbanyandSchenectady.
The Party sent to viewCadarackui Fortfound it in a better Condition than they expected, theIndianshaving neglected to demolish and level the Bastions, and probably they had not Instruments sufficient to do it. The Countde Frontenactherefore, in the Summer of the Year 1695, sent a considerable Body of Men, bothFrenchandIndians, thither, to repair the Fortifications, and to cover those that should be at work. TheFive Nations, inAugust, sent Messengers toAlbany, to acquaint theEnglishthat theFrenchhad taken Possession ofCadarackui, and were repairing of it. They demanded, in Consequence of the Promise ColonelFletcherhad given them, the Assistance of five hundred Men and some Cannon, which they promised they would draw over Land, where they could not be carried by Water. At the same Time they desired, that the People ofNew-Englandmight be told, that many of theOwenagungaswere gone with theFrenchtoCadarackui, and that this was a proper Time to fall upon those that remained, and to destroy them, and the Women and Children.
Coll.Fletchercame toAlbanyinSeptember; there, in a Speech to theFive Nations, he blamed them for being asleep, when they suffered theFrenchto take Possession ofCadarackui; it would have been much easier, he said, to have prevented their getting the Possession, than to drive them out, now they are in it, especially as now you yourselves are convinced, that it is impossible to carry Cannon thither from this Place. All, says he, I can now do, is to advise you to invest the Place with your Parties, so as to prevent their receiving any Supply of Provisions: By this Means you may force them to desert it. Then he gave them 1000 Pound of Powder, two Thousand Pound of Lead, 57 Fusees, one Hundred Hatchets, three Hundred and forty eight Knives, and two Thousand Flints, besides Cloathing, &c. But in my Opinion, the Government ofNew-Yorkhave, on all Occasions, been exceedingly to be blamed, in not having some Men of Experience among theFive Nationsto advise and direct them on all Emergencies of Importance. TheFrenchare very careful of this, and theOfficersof the regular Troops are obliged to take their Tours among theirIndians, while the Captains of the independent Companies of Fusiliers atNew-Yorklive like military Monks, in Idleness and Luxury.
TheFrenchgained a great Advantage, by possessing this Place, as it is of great Security to their Traders, in their passing betweenMontrealandMissilimakinak. It served likewise as a Place of Stores, and Retreat in all their Enterprizes against theFive Nations, that Place being nearly about half Way betweenMontrealand the Country of theFive Nations. It likewise exposed theFive Nationsin their hunting, to the Incursions of that Garison, by its being in the Neighbourhood of their principal hunting Place for Bever.
TheFrenchgrew exceedingly uneasy, when they found, that theDionondadies, who live nearMissilimakinak, had almost concluded a Peace with theFive Nations, and that the rest of their Allies were like to follow their Example: Some of these Nations had been atMontreal, and at their Return forwarded the Peace, that thereby they might be at Liberty to go toAlbany; for they informed their Neighbours, that theFive Nationshad intirely shut up the Path toMontreal; and besides that, theFrenchwere not in a Condition to supply them, for they had nothing for themselves, not so much as a Drop of strong Spirits. If these Nations had, at that Time, deserted theFrench, it might probably have put an End to theFrenchColony; for as the Lands ofCanadabarely produce sufficient for the Subsistence of its Inhabitants, the only Means they have of purchasing Cloathing and other Necessaries is by their Trade with theIndians. TheFrenchlikewise had been in Danger of greater Mischief by the Peace, for these Nations being at War with theFive Nations, and lying on the Back of them, obliged theFive Nationsto keep always a very considerable Part of their Force at home, to defend themselves against these Nations, and to revenge the Injuries they received from them; but if the Peace had been concluded with these Nations, theFive Nationscould have turned their whole Force againstCanada, and probably might have persuaded these Nations to have joined with them in warring on theFrench.
TheFrenchCommandant atMissilimakinakhad his Hands full at this Time; and if he had not been a Man of great Abilities, he must have sunk under the Difficulties he had to go through; in the first Place, to contradict the Stories brought fromMontreal, he ordered the Stores of his Fort to be sold to theIndiansat the cheapest Rate, and assured them, that great Quantities were every Day expected fromFrance, which were only detained by contrary Winds; and after these Goods shall arrive, said he, they will be sold cheaper than ever they have been. He told them likewise, that the Countde Frontenacwould never make Peace with theFive Nations, but was resolved to extirpate them; for which Purpose he was now rebuildingCadarackui Fort. At the same Time he took all possible Methods to extinguish the Beginnings of Friendship, which appeared between theFive NationsandDionondadies.
TheDionondadiesdurst not avow their treating with theFive Nationsto theFrench, neither durst theFive Nationstrust their Agents in a Place where they knew theFrenchhad so great Influence; both Sides therefore agreed to carry on their Treaty by Means of Prisoners which they took from one another. The Civility with which theDionondadiestreated these Prisoners, their dismissing them, and their receiving again Prisoners which had been taken by theFive Nations, gave the Commandant sufficient Ground to suspect what was doing. TheDionondadiesat last took seven Men of theFive NationsPrisoners, and carried them toMissilimakinak. TheFrenchperceiving, by their Manner of bringing them in, that theDionondadiesintended to treat them with the Civility they had lately used to others, murdered two of them with their Knives as they stept ashore. On this theDionondadiesimmediately took to their Arms, saved the other Five, and carried them safe to their Castle; and continuing in Arms, threatened Revenge for the Insult they had received.
TheFrenchwere forced in like Manner to stand to their Arms, and as there are always many different Nations atMissilimakinaktrading, some of which were inveterate Enemies of theFive Nations, they joined with theFrench. TheUtawawasstood neuter. This gave the Commandant Means of ending the Dispute by Composition. He in the first Place assured them, that the Christians abhorred all Manner of Cruelty, and then told them, that as theFrenchshared with theDionondadiesin all the Dangers and Losses sustained by the War, they ought in like Manner to partake with them in any Advantage. TheDionondadieson this were persuaded to deliver up one of the Prisoners. What I am about to relate, I think, gives Room to charge theFrenchwith a Piece of Policy, not only inconsistent with the Christian Religion, but likewise with the Character of a polite People; and that all Considerations from Religion, Honour, and Virtue, must give Way to the present Exigencies of their Affairs. That an End might be put to the Beginnings of a Reconciliation between these People and theFive Nations, theFrenchgave a publick Invitation to feast on the Soup to be made on this Prisoner, and, in a more particular Manner, invited theUtawawasto the Entertainment.
The Prisoner being first made fast to a Stake, so as to have Room to move round it, aFrenchmanbegan the horrid Tragedy, by broiling the Flesh of the Prisoner's Legs, from his Toes to his Knees, with the red hot Barrel of a Gun; his Example was followed by anUtawawa, and they relieved one another as they grew tired. The Prisoner all this while continued his Death Song, till they clapt a red hot Frying-pan on his Buttocks, when he cried out, Fire is strong and too powerful; then all theirIndiansmocked him, as wanting Courage and Resolution. You, they said, a Soldier and a Captain, as you say, and afraid of Fire; you are not a Man. They continued their Torments for two Hours without ceasing. AnUtawawabeing desirous to outdo theFrenchin their refined Cruelty, split a Furrow from the Prisoner's Shoulder to his Garter, and filling it with Gunpowder, set Fire to it. This gave him exquisite Pain, and raised excessive Laughter in his Tormenters. When they found his Throat so much parched, that he was no longer able to gratify their Ears with his howling, they gave him Water, to enable him to continue their Pleasure longer. But at last his Strength failing, anUtawawaflead off his Scalp, and threw burning hot Coals on his Scull. Then they untied him, and bid him run for his Life: He began to run, tumbling like a drunken Man; they shut up the Way to the East, and made him run Westward, the Country, as they think, of departed (miserable) Souls. He had still Force left to throw Stones, till they put an End to his Misery by knocking him on the Head with a Stone. After this every one cut a Slice from his Body, to conclude the Tragedy with a Feast. It is doing no Injury, I think, to theseFrenchmen, who thus glory in this horrid Cruelty, to ask them, whether they did not likewise regale their revengeful Appetites with a Share of this inhuman Feast?
Though I have had frequent Occasions to mention these barbarous inhuman Cruelties, transacted by theIndians, yet I have avoided to relate the particular Circumstances of them, because I believe few civilized Ears can bear the reading of them without Horror. But when they are perpetrated by Christians, and so far gloried in, as to be recorded in their own History, I am willing to shew it to my Countrymen in its proper Colours. This last Piece ofFrenchHistory is taken fromHistoire de l'Amerique Septentrionale, par Monsr. de la Poterie, published atPariswith the Royal Licence, and recommended to the Publick by Mons.Fontenelle, Vol. ii. Page 298.
Though this cruel Act had its designed Effect, in breaking off this Method of negotiating between theFive NationsandDionondadies, it did not prevent the Peace; and it had very near raised a Civil War with their ownIndians, which was only prevented by the dextrous Conduct of theFrenchOfficers, who, in all kind of Artifice, have always been superior to theIndians. But let me observe on this Occasion, that the avoiding any Misfortune, by any base or wicked Action, is commonly the Cause of greater Mischiefs than what is thereby avoided; and of this numerous Examples may be given.
The Countde Frontenachaving securedCadarackui Fort, which was called by his Name, as a Place of Arms and Provisions, and for a Retreat to the Men that should happen to be sick or wounded, resolved to make theFive Nationsfeel his Resentment of their refusing his Terms of Peace. For this Purpose he assembled all the regular Troops ofCanada, the Militia, theOwenagungas, theQuatoghiesofLoretto, theAdirondacks,Sokokies,Nepiciriniens, thePraying Indiansof theFive Nations, and a fewUtawawas, atMontreal, inJune1696. The other westernIndiansnearMissilimakinak, by their late Correspondence with theFive Nations, and the Dissatisfaction they had manifested, were not trusted. The Manner of making War with theIndiansin a Country wholly covered with Woods, must be so much different from the Methods used inEurope, that I believe the Reader will be pleased to have a particular Account of the Countde Frontenac's Conduct in this, who was an old experienced General, in the seventy fourth Year of his Age.
It is to be observed, that it is impossible to pass the vast Forests between the Countries of theFive Nationswith Waggons, or other Carriages, or on Horseback, or even on Foot, in the summer Time, by Reason of many impassible thick Swamps and Morasses. For this Reason, the only Method of travelling is in Bark Canoes, or very light Battoes, along the Rivers, which may be easily carried on Men's Shoulders, where the Stream of the River becomes too rapid, and from one River to another; for which Purpose the shortest Passes are always chosen, and are called, for this Reason, Carrying Places.
The Countde Frontenacmarched fromla Chine, in the south End of the Island ofMontreal, the fourth ofJuly. He divided five hundredIndiansso, that the greatest Number of them should always be in the Van, which consisted of two Battalions of the regular Troops. They were followed by the Canoes which carried the Provisions. The Van was commanded by the Chevalierde Callieres, Governor ofMontreal; he had with him two large Battoes, which carried two small Pieces of Cannon, small Mortars, Granadoes, and the Utensils of the Artillery. The Countde Frontenacwas at the Head of the main Body, accompanied by the Engineer and several Gentlemen Voluntiers. The Body consisted of four Battalions of the Militia, who, in War withIndians, were then more depended on than the regular Troops; these were commanded by MonsieurRamsay, Governor ofTrois Rivieres. The Rear, which consisted of two Battalions of regular Troops, and of the rest of theIndians, was under the Command of the Chevalierde Vaudreuil. All theIndianshadFrenchOfficers set over them.
In this Order the Army marched, only those that were in the Van one Day, were in the Rear the next; and they always kept a Number ofIndianson the Scout, to discover the Tracks of the Enemy, for fear of Ambuscades. And when they were obliged to carry the Canoes, and drag the large Battoes, several Parties were detached to cover the Men that worked.
After twelve Days March they arrived atCadarackui Fort, one hundred eighty Miles fromMontreal. Here they waited for theUtawawas, who disappointed them; and in the mean Time raised a Bark, which had remained sunk sinceCadarackui Fortwas deserted. They crossed overCadarackuiLake toOnondagaRiver (nowOhswega). This River being narrow and rapid, they ordered fifty Men to march on each Side of it, to prevent their being surprised, and the Army moved slowly along the River, according to the Intelligence they received from their Scouts. They found a Tree, as they passed along, on which theIndianshad, in their Manner, painted theFrenchArmy, and had laid by it two Bundles of cut Rushes. This was a Defiance in theIndianManner, and to tell them by the Number of Rushes, that fourteen hundred thirty four Men would meet them. TheFrenchpassed the little Lake, betweenOhswegaandOnondaga, in Order of Battle; and the two Wings, to prevent their being surprised, and to make the Place of their Landing more uncertain to the Enemy, took a Circuit along the Coast. As soon as they had landed they raised a Fort. ASeneka, who had been some time a Prisoner inCanada, and pretended an Attachment to theFrench, was sent out to make a Discovery. He deserted to theOnondagas. He found them waiting for theFrench, with a Resolution to defend their Castle, and to fight theFrench; for which Purpose they had sent away their Women and Children. TheSenekatold them that theFrenchArmy was as numerous as the Leaves on the Trees; that they had Machines which threw Balls up in the Air, and which falling on their Castle burst to Pieces, and spread Fire and Death every where, against which their Stockadoes could be of no Defence. This was confirmed by anotherSeneka, who deserted. Upon which theOnondagasthought it most adviseable to retire, leaving their poor Fort and bark Cottages all in Flames.
After the General had an Account of this, he marched to their Village in Order of Battle. The Army was divided into two Lines: The first commanded by the Chevalierde Callieres, who placed himself on the Left, consisted of two Battalions of the Inhabitants in the Center, and a Battalion of the regular Troops on each Wing. The Artillery followed them. Most of theIndiansof this Division were upon the Right, who continually sent out Scouts. The second Line was commanded by the Chevalierde Vaudreuel, composed of the same Number of Battalions, and in the same Order. The Countde Frontenacwas carried in a Chair directly after the Artillery. But it was impossible for them to keep their Order, in passing through thick Woods, and in passing Brooks. In this formidable Manner the aged General marched up to the Ashes of the Village, and his Army exerted their Fury on theIndianCorn, which covered a large Field in thick Ranks.
AnIndian Sachem, about one hundred Years old, would not retire with the rest, but chose this Time to end his Days. TheFrench Indianshad the Pleasure of tormenting him, which he bore with surprising Evenness of Mind, and with that Resolution which becomes aSachemof theFive Nations. He told his Tormentors to remember well his Death, when his Countrymen should come to take terrible Vengeance of them. Upon which, one stabbing him several Times with his Knife, he thanked him but said, you had better make me die by Fire, that these Dogs ofFrenchmenmay learn how to suffer like Men. YouIndians, their Allies, you Dogs of Dogs, think of me when you shall be in the like State. Thus this oldSachem, under all the Weakness of old Age, preserved a Greatness of Soul, and a due Regard for the Honour of his Country, to the last Moment of his Breath.
The Chevalierde Vaudreuilwas sent with a Detachment of six or seven hundred Men to destroy theOneydoesCorn, who liv'd but a small Distance fromOnondaga, which he performed without any Resistance. The JesuitMilethad lived for the most Part with theOneydoes; he had infused into them the most favourable Sentiments of theFrench, and they had been the most inclined to Peace on theFrenchTerms. Thirty five of them staid in their Castle to make theFrenchwelcome; but the only Favour they obtained, was to be made Prisoners, and carried toMontreal. TheFrenchGovernor declared his Resolutions to extirpate theOnondagas, and for that Reason gave Orders to give no Quarter.
The Difficulty of supporting so many Men in these Deserts, made it necessary for the Countde Frontenacto return as speedily as possible. Though theFrenchArmy was much an Overmatch for theOnondagas, both in Number of Men and in their Arms, theOnondagaswere not so far dispirited, as not to follow them in their Return. They found Opportunities to revenge themselves in some Measure, by cutting off every Canoe that happened at any Time to be at a Distance from the main Body. This obliged the Count to hasten his March, so that he returned toMontrealthe tenth ofAugust.
TheOnondagassuffered nothing by this chargeable Expedition, but the Loss of their Corn, and their Bark Cottages. They lost not one Man, but the oldSachem, who resolved to die a Martyr to his Country's Honour. TheFrenchsuffered considerably by its Consequences; for all the Planters being taken off from their Labour, either in this Expedition, or in watching and securing their Forts and Country, a Famine ensued; and this I find has often happened inCanada, where all the Men, fit to bear Arms, have been employed in such like Expeditions. If theOneydoeshad not timely surrendered themselves, the Count had not been able to have carried Home the least Token of a Victory. And all that can be said for this Enterprize is, that it was a kind of heroick Dotage.
The Influence that the JesuitMilethad obtained over theOneydoeswas such, that some Time after this, thirty of them deserted to theFrench, and desired that he might be appointed their Pastor.
In the following Winter theMohawks, with the Governor ofNew York's Privacy,sent one to thePraying Indianswith two Belts, and he carried two Prisoners with him. By the first Belt he asked, whether the Path was entirely shut up between their two Countries; and, by the second, demanded the Restitution of a Prisoner thePraying Indianshad taken: But his real Design was, to learn the State of their Country, and what Designs were forming. Notwithstanding the Influence and Artifice of theFrenchPriests over these Converts, they still retained an Affection to their Countrymen; for which Reason the Countde Frontenacentertained a Jealousy of these Intercourses, and threatened to put to Death any that should come in that Manner again; but the Messenger had the Satisfaction of discovering the distressed Condition ofCanadaby Famine.
A Party of theFrenchwas sent out in the Winter, to make some Attempt upon theEnglishSettlements nearAlbany; but someMohawksandScahkook Indiansmeeting with them, before they reached the Settlements, they were intirely routed. The commanding Officer, onedu Bau, and two others, saved themselves from the Fury of theIndians, by running toAlbany; the rest were either killed or perished in the Woods, so that not one Man of this Party got back toCanada.
It was much easier for theFrenchto set thePraying Indiansupon theEnglish, against whom it is possible many of them had personal Animosities, that made them go over to theFrench, than to fight their Countrymen. Several of them came this Winter skulking aboutSchenectadyandAlbany; and being well acquainted with the Country, and speaking likewise theMohawk's Language, by which they sometimes deceived the Inhabitants, they surprised some of the Inhabitants, and carried away their Scalps.
TheFive Nations, to shew that the Countde Frontenac's Expedition had no Way discouraged them, sent out several Parties againstCanada. One of them met with a Party ofFrenchuponSt. Laurence River, nearMontreal. TheFrenchwere routed, and their Captain killed. As soon as this was heard atMontreal,Repentigniwas sent out after them with a considerable Party ofFrench,Nepicirinien IndiansandPraying Indians; but this Party was likewise defeated, and the Captain, with many of his Men, killed.
Thus the War was continued till the Peace ofReswick, by small Parties ofIndians, on both Sides, harassing, surprising, and scalping the Inhabitants nearMontrealandAlbany.
Some Time this Year the chiefSachemof theDionondadies(whom theFrenchcall theBaron) went toQuebeck, pretending a strong Attachment to theFrench, but really to conceal the Treaty of Peace that he was on the Point of concluding with theFive Nations; for which Purpose he hadsent his Son with nineteen Beltsto theSenekas. The Substance of whose Commission was as follows:
TheFrenchhave for many Years confounded our Resolutions, and deceived us, but now we are resolved to break all their Artifices, by stopping our Ears. We come now to unite with you, while theFrenchknow nothing of the Matter. The Commandant atMissilimakinakhas told us many Lies, he has betrayed us, and made us kill one another, but we are firmly resolved never to hearken to him any more. The Peace was accordingly firmly concluded, notwithstanding all the Opposition theFrenchcould make. TheFrenchAuthors say, the only Reason that induced theDionondadieswas, that theEnglishsold them Goods cheaper than theFrenchcould.
Some Time before the News of the Peace arrived, theFrenchatMontrealbeing informed that a Party of theFive Nationswere discovered nearCorlear's Lake, sent out a Captain with a Party of Soldiers andIndians, who being well experienced in the Manner of making War withIndians, marched through the thickest Woods, and by the least frequented Places, so that he discovered the Enemy, without being discovered. He surprised that Party, killed several, and took one Prisoner. TheUtawawasbeing then trading atMontreal, the Countde Frontenacinvited them to a Feast to be made of this Prisoner, and caused him to be burnt publickly alive atMontreal, in the Manner of which I have already given two Accounts from theFrenchAuthors.