Instruments to
discover it, their Brethren would not blame them, nor suffer a
Misunderstanding to arise between them on this Account: They would
sweep the Road clean, and wipe all the Blood away; and desired their
Brethren would be satisfied with this, and not weep too much for a
Misfortune that might not happen again as long as the Sun and Moon
shone.'
'The Person who delivered me Le Tort's Letter, brought this Bundle of
Skins as a Present to me; but I told the Messenger, I would not meddle
with it; he might leave it if he pleased: The Affair appear'd to me in a
bad Light, and I would represent it to the Six Nations, who were
expected in Town every Day. This is the Fact as I have it from Le Tort:
I desire to be inform'd if you know any thing of this Matter; and if you
do not, that you will make diligent Enquiry who committed the Murder,
and who are the unhappy Sufferers, and assist us to obtain Satisfaction,
if it shall appear to be any of our Fellow-Subjects that have been treated
in this Manner.'
To inforce this Request, I present you with this String of Wampum.
The Onondago Chief, in Reply, said:
'BRETHREN,
'We take this Information kind at your Hands; we will take this String
of Wampum home with us to our Lodgings, and there consult about the
most regular and proper Steps to be taken by us to answer your
Expectations; and when we have duly considered the Matter, we will
return you an Answer.'
Upon this the Governor put an End to the Conference; and calling for
Wine and other Liquors, according to the Indian Custom, after a decent
and chearful Entertainment, the Indians withdrew.
* * * * *
At a COUNCIL held at the PROPRIETOR'S HOUSE, July 5. 1742.
PRESENT
The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS Esq; Lieut. Governor.
James Logan, } Clement Plumsted, } Esqrs.
With several Gentlemen of the Town,
The Chiefs of the Six Nations
It being judg'd proper, at this critical Time, when we are in daily
Expectation of a French War, to sound the Indians, and discover what
Dependence we might have on them, in case their Aid should be
wanted; an handsome Dinner was provided for their Chiefs; and after
they had made an hearty Meal, and drank his Majesty's Health, the
Proprietor's, and the Health of the Six Nations, the Chiefs gave the
solemn Cry, in Testimony of their Thanks, for the Honour done them.
And soon after, the Governor began, in a free Way, to enquire for what
Reason the Senecas were not come down, since they had an equal Right
to a Share of the Goods with the other Nations.--Canassateego, their
Speaker, said, 'The Senecas were in great Distress, on Account of a
Famine that raged in their Country, which had reduced them to such
Want, that a Father had been obliged to kill two of his Children to
preserve his own and the rest of his Family's Lives; and they could not
now come down, but had given Directions about their Share of the
Goods.'--The Governor express'd his Concern for the unhappy
Circumstances of their Brethren of the Seneca Nation; and, after a short
Respite, enquired if any of their Deputies were then at Canada, and
whether the French Governor was making any warlike Preparations?
And on their answering, Yes; the Governor said, with a smiling,
pleasant Countenance, 'I suppose if the French should go to War with
us, you will join them.' The Indians conferr'd together for some Time,
and then Canassateego, in a chearful lively Manner, made
Answer.--'We assure you, the Governor of Canada pays our Nations
great Court at this Time, well knowing of what Consequence we are to
the French Interest: He has already told us, he was uncovering the
Hatchet and sharpening it, and hoped, if he should be obliged to lift it
up against the English, their Nations would remain neuter and assist
neither Side.--But we will now speak plainly to our Brethren: Why
should we, who are one Flesh with you, refuse to help you, whenever
you want our Assistance?--We have continued a long Time in the
strictest League of Amity and Friendship with you, and we shall always
be faithful and true to you our old and good Allies.--The Governor of
Canada talks a great deal, but ten of his Words do not go so far as one
of yours.--We do not look towards them; We look towards you; and
you may depend on our Assistance.' Whilst the Onondago Chief made
this open and hearty Declaration, all the other Indians made frequently
that particular Kind of Noise which is known to be a Mark of
Approbation.--The Governor bid the Interpreter tell Canassateego, 'He
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