CHAP. XIII.

Soon after the News of the Peace ofReswickreachedNew-York, the Governor sent an Express toCanada, to inform the Governor there of it, that Hostilities might cease. TheFive Nationshaving an Account of the Peace earlier than they had it inCanada, took Advantage of it, in hunting Bever nearCadarackui Fort. The Governor ofCanadabeing informed of this, and believing that theFive Nationsthought themselves secure by the general Peace, resolved to take his last Revenge of them. For this Purpose he sent a considerable Party ofAdirondacksto surprise them, which they did, and killed several, but not without Loss of many of their own Men. The Loss of one of their greatest Captains at that Time gave theFive Nationsthe greatest Affliction. After he was mortally wounded, he cried out: "Must I, who have made the whole Earth tremble before me, now die by the Hands of Children?" for he despised theAdirondacks.

A Dispute at this Time arose, between the Government ofNew-YorkandCanada, about theFrenchPrisoners which theFive Nationshad in their Hands. The Earl ofBellamont, then Governor ofNew-York, would have theFrenchreceive those Prisoners from him, and directed theFive Nationsto bring them toAlbanyfor that Purpose. TheFrench, on the other Hand, refused to own theFive Nationsas subject to the Crown ofGreat-Britain, and threatened to continue the War against theFive Nations, if they did not bring the Prisoners toMontreal, and deliver them there. The Countde Frontenacsent some of thePraying Indianswith a Message to this Purpose, and to have all theFrenchAllies included in the general Peace.

The Messenger on his Return told the Count, publickly in Presence of severalUtawawas, that theFive Nationsrefused to include several of his Allies, but were resolved to revenge the Injuries they had received. TheUtawawaswere exceedingly discomposed at hearing this, and the Count, to recover their Spirits, assured them, that he never would make Peace without including all his Allies in it, and without having all their Prisoners restored. At the same Time he made Preparations to attack theFive Nationswith the whole Force ofCanada.

The Earl ofBellamontbeing informed of this, sent CaptainJohn Schuyler(of the Militia) to tell the Count, that he had the Interest of the King his Master too much at Heart, to suffer theFrenchto treat theFive Nationslike Enemies, after the Conclusion of the general Peace; for which Reason he had ordered them to be on their Guard, and had furnished them with Arms and Ammunition; that he had ordered the Lieutenant-Governor, in Case they were attacked, either by theFrenchor their Allies, to join them with the regular Troops; and that, if he found it necessary, he would raise the whole Force of his Government in their Defence.

This put a Stop to theFrenchThreatening, and both Sides made Complaint to their Masters. The two Kings ordered their respective Governors to be assisting to each other, in making the Peace effectual to both Nations, and to leave the Disputes, as to the Dependency of theIndian Nations, to be determined by Commissioners, to be appointed pursuant to the Treaty ofReswick.

It is exceedingly impolitick, when weaker Potentates, ingaged in a Confederacy against one powerful Prince, leave any Points to be determined after the Conclusion of a Peace; for if they cannot obtain a Concession, while the Confederacy stands and their Force is united, how can a weaker Prince hope to obtain it, when he is left alone to himself, after the Confederacy is dissolved? TheFrenchhave so often found the Benefit of this Piece of Imprudence, that in all their Treaties they use all the Cajoling, and every Artifice in their Power, to obtain this Advantage, and they seldom miss it.

About the Time of the Conclusion of the Peace atReswick, the notedTherouetdied atMontreal. TheFrenchgave him Christian Burial in a pompous Manner, the Priest, that attended him at his Death, having declared that he died a true Christian; for, said the Priest, while I explained to him the Passion of our Saviour, whom theJewscrucified, he cried out; "Oh! had I been there, I would have revenged his Death, and brought away their Scalps."

Soon after the Peace was known atMontreal, three considerable Men of thePraying Indianscame toAlbany; they had fine laced Coats given them, and were invited to return to their own Country. They answered, that they were young Men, and had not Skill to make a suitable Answer, and had not their ancient Men to consult with; but promised to communicate the Proposals to their old Men, and would bring back an Answer in the Fall. I find nothing more of this in the Register ofIndian Affairs, though it might have been of great Consequence had it been pursued to Purpose; but such Matters, where there is not an immediate private Profit, are seldom pursued by theEnglishwith that Care and Assiduity, with which they are by theFrench.

While CaptainSchuylerwas inCanada, he entered into some indiscreet Discourse with MonsieurMaricour, for whom theFive Nationshad a particular Esteem, and callStowtowisse. CaptainSchuyler, in asserting the Dependency of theFive NationsonNew-York, said, that those Nations were their Slaves. Mr.Maricourtold this Discourse to anOnondaga, with all the Aggravations he could, and added, that it was intirely owing to theEnglishthat the Peace was not absolutely concluded, and that CaptainSchuylerprevented their Prisoners being restored, because he would have them sent toAlbany, as being Slaves to theEnglish. That theFrenchhad no Dispute with theEnglish, but for the Independency of theFive Nations. This indiscreet Conduct of CaptainSchuylerwas so much resented by theFive Nations, that a Deputation of the most considerableSachemswas sent toAlbanyinJune1699, to complain of it; and they sent at the same Time Deputies toCanadato conclude the Peace, independently of theEnglish. These Deputies that came toAlbanywere so far convinced that theFrenchhad abused them, and how much more it was for their Security to be included in the general Peace with theEnglish, than to have only theFrenchFaith for their Security, that they immediately dispatched a Messenger after their Deputies that were gone toCanada. Though this Messenger reached them too late to stop their Proceeding, it convinced the Deputies so far of its being for their Interest to be joined with theEnglishin the Peace, as they had been in the War, that they insisted that the Exchange of Prisoners be made atAlbany. At the same Time the Messenger was sent after their Deputies toCanada, ColonelPeter Schuylerwas sent with others toOnondaga, to remove the Prejudices they had received there.

The Countde Frontenacdied while these Disputes continued. Monsieurde Callieres, who succeeded him, put an End to them, by agreeing to send toOnondagato regulate the Exchange of Prisoners there; for which Purpose MonsieurMaricour,Ioncaire, and the JesuitBruyas, were sent.

When theFrenchCommissioners were come within less than a Mile ofOnondagaCastle, they put themselves in Order and marched with theFrenchColours carried before them, and with as much Show as they could make.Decanesoramet them without the Gate, andcomplimented them with three Strings of Wampum. By the first he wiped away their Tears for theFrenchthat had been slain in the War. By the second he opened their Mouths, that they might speak freely; that is, promised them Freedom of Speech. By the third he cleaned the Matt, on which they were to sit, from the Blood that had been spilt on both Sides: The Compliment was returned by the Jesuit, then they entered the Fort, and were saluted with a general Discharge of all the fire Arms. They were carried to the best Cabin in the Fort, and there entertained with a Feast. The Deputies of the several Nations not being all arrived, the Jesuit, and MonsieurMaricour, passed the Time in visiting and conversing with theFrenchPrisoners. The General Council being at last met, the Jesuit made the following Speech, which I take from the Relation theFive Nationsafterwards made of it to the Earl ofBellamont.

"1. I am glad to see theFive Nations, and that some of them went toCanada, notwithstandingCorlearforbid them: I am sorry for the Loss of your People killed by the remoteIndians; I condole their Death, and wipe away the Blood by this Belt."2. The War Kettle boiled so long, that it would have scalded all theFive Nationshad it continued; but now it is overset, and turned upside down, and a firm Peace made."3. I now plant the Tree of Peace and Welfare atOnondaga."4. Keep fast the Chain you have made withCorlear, for now we have one Heart and one Interest with them; but why isCorlearagainst your corresponding with us, ought we not to converse together when we are at Peace and in Friendship?"5. Deliver up theFrenchPrisoners you have, and we shall deliver not only those of your Nation we have, but all those likewise taken by any of our Allies; and gave a Belt."6. I offer myself to you to live with you atOnondaga, to instruct you in the Christian Religion, and to drive away all Sickness, Plagues and Diseases out of your Country, and gave a third Belt."7. This last Belt, he said, is from theRondaxe, orFrench Indians, to desire Restitution of the Prisoners taken from them."The Jesuit in the Conclusion said; "Why does notCorleartell you what passes between the Governor ofCanadaand him? He keeps you in the Dark, while the Governor ofCanadaconceals nothing from his Children. Nor does the Governor ofCanadaclaim your Land, asCorleardoes."

"2. The War Kettle boiled so long, that it would have scalded all theFive Nationshad it continued; but now it is overset, and turned upside down, and a firm Peace made.

"3. I now plant the Tree of Peace and Welfare atOnondaga.

"4. Keep fast the Chain you have made withCorlear, for now we have one Heart and one Interest with them; but why isCorlearagainst your corresponding with us, ought we not to converse together when we are at Peace and in Friendship?

"5. Deliver up theFrenchPrisoners you have, and we shall deliver not only those of your Nation we have, but all those likewise taken by any of our Allies; and gave a Belt.

"6. I offer myself to you to live with you atOnondaga, to instruct you in the Christian Religion, and to drive away all Sickness, Plagues and Diseases out of your Country, and gave a third Belt.

"7. This last Belt, he said, is from theRondaxe, orFrench Indians, to desire Restitution of the Prisoners taken from them."

The Jesuit in the Conclusion said; "Why does notCorleartell you what passes between the Governor ofCanadaand him? He keeps you in the Dark, while the Governor ofCanadaconceals nothing from his Children. Nor does the Governor ofCanadaclaim your Land, asCorleardoes."

The General Council immediately rejected the Belt by which the Jesuit offered to stay with them, saying, We have already acceptedCorlear'sBelt, by which he offers us Pastors to instruct us.Decanesoraadded, The Jesuits have always deceived us, for while they preached Peace, theFrenchcame and knocked us on the Head. To this the Jesuit replied, that if he had known thatCorlearintended to send them Pastors, he would not have offered this Belt.

It is to be observed that theIndianCouncil refused to hear theFrench, or to give them an Answer, but in Presence of the Commissioners fromAlbany.

TheFrenchCommissioners having assured the Peace with theFive Nations, the Inhabitants ofCanadaesteemed it the greatest Blessing that could be procured for them from Heaven; for nothing could be more terrible than this last War with theFive Nations. While this War lasted, the Inhabitants eat their Bread in continual Fear and Trembling. No Man was sure, when out of his House, of ever returning to it again. While they laboured in the Fields, they were under perpetual Apprehensions of being killed or seized, and carried to theIndianCountry, there to end their Days in cruel Torments. They many Times were forced to neglect both their Seed Time and Harvest. The Landlord often saw all his Land plundered, his Houses burnt, and the whole Country ruined, while they thought their Persons not safe in their Fortifications. In short, all Trade and Business was often at an intire Stand, while Fear, Despair, and Misery appeared in the Faces of the poor Inhabitants.

TheFrenchCommissioners carried several of the principalSachemsof theFive Nationsback with them, who were received atMontrealwith great Joy. They were saluted by a Discharge of all the great Guns round the Place, as they entered. TheFrenchAllies took this amiss, and asked if their Governor was entering. They were told, that it was a Compliment paid to theFive Nations, whoseSachemswere then entering the Town. We perceive, they replied, that Fear makes theFrenchshew more Respect to their Enemies, than Love can make them do to their Friends.

Monsieurde Callieresassembled all theFrenchAllies, (who were then very numerous atMontreal) to make the Exchange of Prisoners, and they delivered the Prisoners they had taken, though theFive Nationshad sent none to be exchanged for them. Thus we see a brave People struggle with every Difficulty, till they can get out of it with Honour; and such People always gain Respect, even from their most inveterate Enemies.

I shall finish this Part by observing, that notwithstanding theFrenchCommissioners took all the Pains possible to carry Home theFrench, that were Prisoners with theFive Nations, and they had full Liberty from theIndians, few of them could be persuaded to return. It may be thought that this was occasioned from the Hardships they had endured in their own Country, under a tyrannical Government and a barren Soil: But this certainly was not the only Reason; for theEnglishhad as much Difficulty to persuade the People, that had been taken Prisoners by theFrench Indians, to leave theIndianManner of living, though no People enjoy more Liberty, and live in greater Plenty, than the common Inhabitants ofNew-Yorkdo. No Arguments, no Intreaties, nor Tears of their Friends and Relations, could persuade many of them to leave their newIndianFriends and Acquaintance; several of them that were by the Caressings of their Relations persuaded to come Home, in a little Time grew tired of our Manner of living, and run away again to theIndians, and ended their Days with them. On the other Hand,IndianChildren have been carefully educated among theEnglish, cloathed and taught, yet, I think, there is not one Instance, that any of these, after they had Liberty to go among their own People, and were come to Age, would remain with theEnglish, but returned to their own Nations, and became as fond of theIndianManner of Life as those that knew nothing of a civilized Manner of living. What I now tell of Christian Prisoners amongIndians, relates not only to what happened at the Conclusion of this War, but has been found true on many other Occasions.

FOOTNOTES:[1]This will appear by several Instances in the Second Part of this History.[2]Wampumis the Current Money among theIndians:It is of two Sorts, White and Purple; the White is worked out of the Inside of the great Conques into the Form of a Bead, and perforated, to string on Leather; the Purple is worked out of the Inside of the Muscle Shell; they are wove as broad as one's Hand, and about two Feet long; these they call Belts, and give and receive at their Treaties as the Seals of Friendship; for lesser Matters a single String is given. Every Bead is of a known Value, and a Belt of a less Number, is made to equal one of a greater, by so many as is wanting fastened to the Belt by a String.[3]It is still a Custom among theIndians, to expiate Murder by Presents to the Relations of the Person killed.[4]They are calledShaouonons, by theFrench, and live now on one of the Banks of the Misissipi.[5]It is a Custom among theIndianPrisoners of War, when led to Death, to sing an Account of their own Exploits; and this they are hardy enough to continue even in the midst of Tortures.[6]TheFrenchcall this TownCorlear, from the Persons Name who first settled there. It is situate on theMohawksRiver sixteen Miles fromAlbany.[7]TheIndiansliving on the Branches ofHudson's River, within or near theEnglishSettlements at that Time.[8]The Word Proposition has been always used by the Commissioners forIndian AffairsatAl bany, to signify Proposals or Articles in the Treaties or Agreements made with theIndians.[9]A Castle of theSennekas, from whence theFrenchcall theSennekas Tonontouan.[10]Comprehended under the general Name ofUtawawas.[11]AllIndiansmake Use of a Hatchet or Axe, as an Emblem to express War.[12]The Name theFive Nationsalways give the Governor ofVirginia.[13]TheFive Nationsalways express Peace by the Metaphor of a Tree.[14]TheFrench Priestshad, from Time to Time, persuaded several of theFive Nationsto leave their own Country, and to settle nearMontreal; where theFrenchare very industrious in encouraging them. Their Numbers have been likewise increased by the Prisoners theFrenchhave taken in War, and by others that have run from their own Country; because of some Mischief that they had done, or Debts which they owed the Christians. TheseIndiansare all profess'd Papists, and for that Reason are commonly called thepraying Indiansby their Countrymen, and they are calledCahnuagasby the People ofAlbany, from the Place where they live; theFrenchvalue them on Account of the Intelligence they give in Time of War, and their Knowledge of the Countries.[15]New-York.[16]Virginia.[17]Maryland.[18]TheMohawksCountry is situated between the other Nations andAlbany.[19]Ronoonsignifies Nation or People, in the Language of theFive Nations; they sayTuihtuih-ronoons, Chichighik-ronoon, Deonondadik-ronoon, &c.[20]That is, thePartridge.[21]Pointing to theJesuite.[22]TheIndianscommonly gave a new Name to any Person they receive or adapt into their Nation. This is theJesuites IndianName, the Interpretation whereof I know not.[23]Voyages duBaron de la Hontan, Tome 1. Letter 7.[24]TheCalumetis a large smoaking Pipe made of Marble, most commonly of a dark red, well polished, shaped somewhat in the Form of a Hatchet, and adorned with large Feathers of several Colours. It is used in all theIndianTreaties with Strangers, and as a Flag of Truce between contending Parties, which all theIndiansthink a very high Crime to violate. TheseCalumetsare generally of nice Workmanship, and were in Use before theIndiansknew any Thing of the Christians; for which Reason we are at a Loss to conceive by what Means they pierced these Pipes, and shaped them so finely, before they had the Use of Iron.[25]CalledSawanonsby theFrench.[26]CalledIllinoisby theFrench.[27]History de le Amerique Septentrionale, par Mr. de la Poterie, Tome ii. Cap. 16.[28]In the Straights between LakeErieandQuatoghieLake.[29]Called by the People ofNew-England Panocok Indians.[30]Thurenserasignifies the Dawning of the Day, and was the Name given by theIndiansto the JesuitLamberville, who had formerly resided atOnondaga.[31]Monsr.le Morne, the Word signifies a Partridge.[32]Ertelsignifies a Rose, the Name of some otherFrenchGentleman, for whom theIndianshad an Esteem.[33]TheIndiansalways paint their Faces when they go to War, to make themselves look more terrible to the Enemy. A Soldier in theIndianLanguage is expressed by a Word, which signifies a Fair-fighter.[34]TheIndiansin this Manner distinguish the Seasons of the Year, as the Time of planting Corn, or when it is ripe, when the Chesnuts blossom, &c.[35]Peter Schyler, Mayor ofAlbany.[36]This was spoke to theEnglish, who were about removing fromAlbany.[37]TheBullheadsare said to be cowardly People.[38]When the Affair of which they speak concerns the Government ofNew-York, theIndiansalways address themselves to the Governor, whether he be present or not.[39]This, in theIndianIdiom, signifies a trifling Excuse of an unwilling Person.[40]TheFrenchcall itla Famine, near Oswego. The Treaty with Mr.de la Barwas made there.

[1]This will appear by several Instances in the Second Part of this History.

[2]Wampumis the Current Money among theIndians:It is of two Sorts, White and Purple; the White is worked out of the Inside of the great Conques into the Form of a Bead, and perforated, to string on Leather; the Purple is worked out of the Inside of the Muscle Shell; they are wove as broad as one's Hand, and about two Feet long; these they call Belts, and give and receive at their Treaties as the Seals of Friendship; for lesser Matters a single String is given. Every Bead is of a known Value, and a Belt of a less Number, is made to equal one of a greater, by so many as is wanting fastened to the Belt by a String.

[3]It is still a Custom among theIndians, to expiate Murder by Presents to the Relations of the Person killed.

[4]They are calledShaouonons, by theFrench, and live now on one of the Banks of the Misissipi.

[5]It is a Custom among theIndianPrisoners of War, when led to Death, to sing an Account of their own Exploits; and this they are hardy enough to continue even in the midst of Tortures.

[6]TheFrenchcall this TownCorlear, from the Persons Name who first settled there. It is situate on theMohawksRiver sixteen Miles fromAlbany.

[7]TheIndiansliving on the Branches ofHudson's River, within or near theEnglishSettlements at that Time.

[8]The Word Proposition has been always used by the Commissioners forIndian AffairsatAl bany, to signify Proposals or Articles in the Treaties or Agreements made with theIndians.

[9]A Castle of theSennekas, from whence theFrenchcall theSennekas Tonontouan.

[10]Comprehended under the general Name ofUtawawas.

[11]AllIndiansmake Use of a Hatchet or Axe, as an Emblem to express War.

[12]The Name theFive Nationsalways give the Governor ofVirginia.

[13]TheFive Nationsalways express Peace by the Metaphor of a Tree.

[14]TheFrench Priestshad, from Time to Time, persuaded several of theFive Nationsto leave their own Country, and to settle nearMontreal; where theFrenchare very industrious in encouraging them. Their Numbers have been likewise increased by the Prisoners theFrenchhave taken in War, and by others that have run from their own Country; because of some Mischief that they had done, or Debts which they owed the Christians. TheseIndiansare all profess'd Papists, and for that Reason are commonly called thepraying Indiansby their Countrymen, and they are calledCahnuagasby the People ofAlbany, from the Place where they live; theFrenchvalue them on Account of the Intelligence they give in Time of War, and their Knowledge of the Countries.

[15]New-York.

[16]Virginia.

[17]Maryland.

[18]TheMohawksCountry is situated between the other Nations andAlbany.

[19]Ronoonsignifies Nation or People, in the Language of theFive Nations; they sayTuihtuih-ronoons, Chichighik-ronoon, Deonondadik-ronoon, &c.

[20]That is, thePartridge.

[21]Pointing to theJesuite.

[22]TheIndianscommonly gave a new Name to any Person they receive or adapt into their Nation. This is theJesuites IndianName, the Interpretation whereof I know not.

[23]Voyages duBaron de la Hontan, Tome 1. Letter 7.

[24]TheCalumetis a large smoaking Pipe made of Marble, most commonly of a dark red, well polished, shaped somewhat in the Form of a Hatchet, and adorned with large Feathers of several Colours. It is used in all theIndianTreaties with Strangers, and as a Flag of Truce between contending Parties, which all theIndiansthink a very high Crime to violate. TheseCalumetsare generally of nice Workmanship, and were in Use before theIndiansknew any Thing of the Christians; for which Reason we are at a Loss to conceive by what Means they pierced these Pipes, and shaped them so finely, before they had the Use of Iron.

[25]CalledSawanonsby theFrench.

[26]CalledIllinoisby theFrench.

[27]History de le Amerique Septentrionale, par Mr. de la Poterie, Tome ii. Cap. 16.

[28]In the Straights between LakeErieandQuatoghieLake.

[29]Called by the People ofNew-England Panocok Indians.

[30]Thurenserasignifies the Dawning of the Day, and was the Name given by theIndiansto the JesuitLamberville, who had formerly resided atOnondaga.

[31]Monsr.le Morne, the Word signifies a Partridge.

[32]Ertelsignifies a Rose, the Name of some otherFrenchGentleman, for whom theIndianshad an Esteem.

[33]TheIndiansalways paint their Faces when they go to War, to make themselves look more terrible to the Enemy. A Soldier in theIndianLanguage is expressed by a Word, which signifies a Fair-fighter.

[34]TheIndiansin this Manner distinguish the Seasons of the Year, as the Time of planting Corn, or when it is ripe, when the Chesnuts blossom, &c.

[35]Peter Schyler, Mayor ofAlbany.

[36]This was spoke to theEnglish, who were about removing fromAlbany.

[37]TheBullheadsare said to be cowardly People.

[38]When the Affair of which they speak concerns the Government ofNew-York, theIndiansalways address themselves to the Governor, whether he be present or not.

[39]This, in theIndianIdiom, signifies a trifling Excuse of an unwilling Person.

[40]TheFrenchcall itla Famine, near Oswego. The Treaty with Mr.de la Barwas made there.

Transcriber's Notes:

original hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in the original

Page 3, who remembred the ==> who remembered the

Page 12, I immmediately told ==> I immediately told

Page 18, to exereise Cruelty ==> to exercise Cruelty

Page 31, that the Chigtaghcicks ==> that the Chictaghicks

Page 35, and Mahikindars or ==> and Mahikandars or

Page 51, desire may may be ==> desire may be

Page 52, the Peace. Gives ==> the Peace." Gives

Page 65, on the other. ==> on the other.)

Page 67, be extreamly grieved ==> be extremely grieved

Page 67, confirms my Words. ==> confirms my Words.

Page 71, Way towards Monreal ==> Way towards Montreal

Page 72, the Begining of ==> the Beginning of

Page 75, the Mihikander Indians ==> the Mahikander Indians

Page 84, Troies Rivieres ==> Trois Rivieres

Page 84, to the War. ==> to the War.

Page 87, intercepting them. ==> intercepting them.

Page 107, Belt of Wampum ==> Belt of Wampum.

Page 107 footnote, Ersel signifies ==> Ertel signifies

Page 111, Therhansera, Oghuesse and ==> Therhansera, Ohguesse and

Page 111, Our Far-fighters shall ==> Our Fair-fighters shall

Page 140, we are but ==> We are but

Page 141, the Brethrens Backwardness ==> the Brethren's Backwardness

Page 143, de Magdaleine the ==> de Magdeleine the

Page 152, three Bever Skins. ==> three Bever Skins.

Page 155, delivered to them. ==> delivered to them.

Page 172, those of Cahnaaga ==> those of Cahnuaga

Page 172 footnote, near Ohswego. ==> near Oswego.

Page 179, most favorable to ==> most favourable to

Page 181, an Enterprise would ==> an Enterprize would

Page 182, and some Canon ==> and some Cannon

Page 183, their Enterprises against ==> their Enterprizes against

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