Chapter VI: A Memorial concerning the Furr-Trade of New-York, by C. Colden, (1)

Esq;

T O T H E

K i n g's Most Excellent Majesty in Council,

The Humble Petition and Representation of _Samuel Baker, Samuel
Storke, John Bayeux, Richard Jeneway, Robert Hackshaw, Joseph
Low, Joseph Paice, George Streatfield, William Parkin_, and
_John Evered_, Merchants of _London_, trading to _New-York_, in
behalf of themselves, and the rest of the Persons concern'd in
the _New-York_ Trade.

_S H E W E T H_,

That by an Act passed in _New-York_ the 19th of _November_, 1720, entitled, _An Act for Encouragement of the_ Indian _Trade, and rendering it more beneficial to the Inhabitants of this Province, and for prohibiting the selling of_ Indian Goods _to the_ French, all Trade whatsoever is prohibited in the strictest Manner, and under the severest Penalties, between the Inhabitants of _New-York_ Government, and the _French_ of _Canada_, or any Subjects of the _French King_, or any Person whatsoever, for or on the behalf of any such Subjects; and which Act was to continue in force for three Years.

That the Reasons assigned in the Preamble of this Act, for the passing thereof, are, For that the _French_ at _Canada_, by means of _Indian_ Goods purchased from the Inhabitants of _New-York_, had not only almost wholly engrossed the _Indian Trade_ to themselves, but had, in great measure, withdrawn the Affections of the _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ from the Inhabitants of _New-York_, and render'd them wavering in their Faith and Allegiance to your Majesty; and would, if such Trade was not prevented, wholly alienate the Minds of the said _Indians_, which might prove of dangerous Consequence to the _English Interest_ in _America_.

That this Act was sent home for your Majesty's royal Consideration, but your Petitioners do not find that your Majesty ever signified your Allowance or Disallowance thereof; from whence, and from the Act's being to continue but three Years, your Petitioners humbly conceive the same was suffered to lie by probationary, to see whether the said Act, in its Effects, was really advantageous or prejudicial to the _British Trade_ and _Interest_ in _America_.

That your Petitioners have received Advice, That the Government of _New-York_ either have, or are about passing an Act, to revive and continue the said Act for prohibiting all Trade between _New-York_ and _Canada_.

Upon which Occasion, your Petitioners humbly beg leave to represent to your Majesty, That the said Act, tho' in the first Intention of it, it might be well designed, yet, in its Effects, it has proved very pernicious to the _British Trade_ in general, and to the Interest of _New-York_ in particular: For, besides the Nations of _Indians_ that are in the _English_ Interest, there are very many Nations of _Indians_, who are, at present, in the Interest of the _French_, and who lie between _New-York_, and the Nations of _Indians_ in the _English Interest_; and this Act prohibiting all Trade between _New-York_ and the _French_ of _Canada_, or any of the Subjects of _France_, the _French_, and their _Indians_, would not permit the _English Indians_ to pass over by their Forts, so as to carry on a free Trade with _New-York_, but prevented their Passages, as much as possible, whereby that most considerable and only valuable Branch of Trade from _New-York_, hath, ever since the passing the said Act, very much lessened, from the great Difficulties of carrying on any Trade with the _English Indians_, and the Prohibition of all Trade with the _French_; and all the _Indian Goods_ have, by this Act, been raised in their Price 25_l._ to 30_l._ _per Cent_.

Whereas, on the other hand, this Branch of the _New-York_ Trade, by the Discouragements brought upon it by this Act, is almost wholly engrossed by the _French_, who have already, by this Act, been encouraged to send proper _European Goods_ to _Canada_, to carry on this Trade; so that should this Act be continued, the _New-York_ Trade, which is very considerable, must be wholly lost to us, and center in the _French_.

And your Petitioners further beg leave humbly to represent, That as they conceive nothing can tend more to the with-drawing the Affections of the _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ from the _English Interest_, than the Continuance of the said Act, which, in its Effects, restrains them from a free Commerce with the Inhabitants of _New-York_, and may, too probably, estrange them from the _English Interest:_ Whereas by a Freedom of Commerce, and an encourag'd Intercourse of Trade with the _French_, and their _Indians_, the _English Interest_ might, in time, be greatly improved and strengthened among the _Indians_ in general, who, by such Latitude of Trade, might be link'd to our Friendship in the strongest Ties of their own Interest, as well as Inclinations.

That therefore, and as the said Act was, in its Effects, so plainly destructive and prejudicial to the Trade and Interest of these Kingdoms, and so much for the Interest of the _French_, and greatly promoted that Mischief which it was intended to prevent,

Your Petitioners most humbly pray your Majesty, That you would
be graciously pleased to give the necessary Directions to your
Governor of _New-York_, not to pass any new Act for the reviving
or continuing the said Act prohibiting Trade with the _French_
of _Canada_; and that if any such Act, or any Act of the like
Tendency, be already passed, that the same may be repealed. _And
your Petitioners shall ever pray_, &c.

_Samuel Baker_,
_Rob. Hackshaw_,
_Jo. Lloyd_,
_Sam. Storke_,
_J. Bayeux_,
_Sam. Fitch_,
_Rich. Jeneway_,
_Jos. Lowe_,
_Asher Levy_,
_John Paine_,
_J. Bull_,
_Fra. Wilks_,
_Wm. Parkin_,
_John Gilbert_,
_Jos. Paice_, jun.
_Rich. Mico_,
_Jo. Miranda_,
_Geo. Streatfield_,
_John Everet_,
_Thompson Hayne_.

* * * * *

_At the Court at_ St. James'_s the 30th Day of_ April, 1724.

P R E S E N T

The K i n g's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

Upon Reading this Day at the Board the humble Petition and Representation of _Samuel Baker, Samuel Storke_, and several others, Merchants of _London_, trading to _New-York_, in behalf of themselves, and the rest of the Persons concern'd in the _New-York_ Trade, which _Petition_ sets forth, That great Discouragements have been brought upon the _British Trade_, by an Act passed in the said Colony of _New York_, the 19th of _November_, 1720, entitled, _An Act for the Encouragement of the_ Indian Trade, _and rendering of it more beneficial to the Inhabitants of this Province, and for prohibiting the selling of_ Indian Goods _to the_ French. And that as the said Act was to continue in force only for three Years, they are informed the Government of _New-York_ either have, or are about passing an Act to revive and continue the same: Wherefore they humbly pray, that the Governor of that Colony may be ordered, not to pass any new Act for that purpose; and if any such Act be already pass'd, that it may be repealed.

It is ordered by his Majesty in Council, That the said Petition (a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed) be, and it is hereby referred to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, to examine into the same, and report to his Majesty, at this Board, what they conceive fit to be done therein.

Signed,

_James Vernon_.

* * * * *

_Extract of the Minutes of the Right Honourable the Lords
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, the_ 7_th of_ July,
1724.

Mr. _Sharp_ attending, as he had been desired, with several _New-York_ Merchants, their Lordships took again into Consideration the Order of Council of the 30th of _April_, mentioned in the Minutes of the first of _May_ last, referring to the Board their Petition against the Renewing an Act passed in _New-York_, in _November_, 1720, entitled, _An Act for the Encouragement of the_ Indian _Trade_, _and rendering of it more effectual to the Inhabitants of this Province, and for prohibiting the selling of_ Indian _Goods to the_ French. And Mr. _Sharp_, in behalf of the several Merchants, acquainted their Lordships, That he conceived this Act, tho' its Intention of gaining the _Indians_ to the _English_ Interest might be good, would have quite a contrary Effect, because, if the Trade with the _French_ was prevented, and the Merchants should discontinue that with the _Indians_, (as he was informed they would) the _French_ might lay hold of this Opportunity to furnish themselves with Goods from _Europe_, and supply the Five Nations of _Indians_, and thereby gain them to their Interest: And this, by reason of their Situation, would not be in the Power of the _English_ to prevent: That they were two or three hundred Leagues distant from _Albany_, and that they could not come to trade with the _English_ but by going down the River _St. Laurence_, and from thence through a Lake, which brought them within eighteen Leagues of _Albany_.

And that the _French_ having made Settlements along the said River, it would be in their Power, whenever they pleased, to cut off that Communication.

That this Act had been so great a Discouragement to the _British Trade_, in general, that there had not been, by far, so great a Quantity of Beaver, and other Furs, imported into _Great-Britain_ since the passing the said Act, as there was before; nor half the Quantity of _European Goods_ exported.

That several Merchants who had sent over to _New-York_ considerable Quantities of _European Goods_, had received Advice from their Correspondents, That should another Act of the like Nature be passed, they could not find a vent for them, and desired they would send no more.

Upon the whole, Mr. _Sharp_ desired, in behalf of the Merchants, that Mr. _Burnet_ might be directed not to pass any Act of the like Nature for the future.

To the K i n g's Most Excellent Majesty.

_May it please your Majesty_;

In Obedience to your Majesty's Commands, signified to us by your Order in Council of the 30th of _April_ last, referring to us the Petition of several Merchants of _London_ trading to _New-York_, setting forth "The great Discouragements that have been brought upon the _British Trade_ by an Act passed in _New-York_ the 19th of _November_, 1720, entitled, _An Act for the Encouragement of the_ Indian Trade, _and rendering of it more beneficial to the Inhabitants of this Province, and for prohibiting the selling of_ Indian Goods _to the_ French. And that as the said Act is now expir'd, the said Merchants are informed the Government of _New-York_ either have, or are about passing an Act to revive and continue the same; and therefore pray, that a stop may be put thereto." We humbly take leave to represent to your Majesty,

That we have been attended by the Petitioners, who informed us, that they have found this Act, by Experience, to be so great a Discouragement to the _British Trade_, that there has not been, by far, so considerable a Quantity of Beaver, and other Furs, imported into _Great-Britain_, from _New-York_, since the passing the said Act, as heretofore, nor half the Quantity of _European Goods_ exported thither; in consequence whereof the Price of Furs is raised _Five and Twenty_ and _Thirty per Cent._ to the great Prejudice of several _British_ Manufactures.

They likewise affirmed, That it was impracticable to hinder the _French_ from supplying the _Indians_ with _European_ Goods: For tho' _New-York_ should not furnish them, the _French_ would find another way to be supplied therewith, either from some other of his Majesty's Plantations, or, it might be, directly from _Europe_. That it was of dangerous Consequence to force this Trade into a new Channel, many of the Goods which the _Indians_ want being as easy to be had directly from _France_ or _Holland_, as from _Great-Britain_.

They further added, That it was not likely the Act, in question, should produce the Effects expected from it, more particularly that of securing the Five _Indian_ Nations firmly to the _British_ Interest; because, if the _French_ should once get a Supply of the Goods necessary for the _Indian_ Trade, from any other Place, as the Five _Indian_ Nations are settled upon the Banks of the River of _St. Lawrence_, directly opposite to _Quebeck_, two or three hundred Leagues distant from the nearest _British_ Settlement in _New-York_, the Vicinity of the _French_ would furnish them with the Means of supplying even the _Five Nations_ with these Goods, and consequently of alienating their Affections from the _British_ Interest. And that there was no Prospect of obtaining a Trade with the _French Indians_ by this means, because the French would always be able to prevent their Passage cross the Lakes and River of _St. Lawrence_ to our Settlements.

These were the most material Objections made by the Merchants against the Bill.

* * * * *

On the other hand, the Preamble of the Act sets forth, That it was found by Experience, that the _French_ of _Canada_, by means of _Indian_ Goods brought from that Province, had not only almost wholly engrossed the _Indian_ Trade, but had in great Measure, withdrawn the Affections of the _Five Nations_ of _Indians_ from the Inhabitants of that Province, and rendered them wavering in their Allegiance to your Majesty; and would, if such Trade were not prevented, altogether alienate the Minds of the said _Indians_, which would prove of dangerous Consequence to the _English_ Interest in _America_.

And Mr. _Burnet_, your Majesty's Governor of _New-York_, informs us, That, since the passing of this Act, several of the far _Indians_ had come to _Albany_ to trade; That some of them came above one thousand Miles, and are now incorporated with the _Five Nations_: That he had likewise Intelligence of more far _Indians_ that design'd to come to _Albany_, which he conceives to have been a good Effect proceeding from this Act: And likewise adds, That he did not doubt but the Cheapness of Goods in _Albany_ would induce the _Indians_ to trade there, rather than with the _French_ at _Montreal_; and that the Traders of _Albany_ began to be sensible of their Error in sharing a Trade with the _French_, which they now perceive they can keep wholly to themselves.

* * * * *

_Upon the whole_, being doubtful of some of the Facts alledged by the Merchants, and considering how far the _British Trade_ may be affected by this Act, on the one hand; and how much the Security and Interest of your Majesty's Colonies in _America_ may be concerned, on the other, we are humbly of Opinion, That no Directions should be sent to _New-York_, upon the Subject-Matter of this Act, till Mr. _Burnet_ shall have been acquainted with the Objections of the Merchants thereto, and his Answers and Observations received thereupon. For which end, if your Majesty shall be graciously pleased to approve of this our Proposal, we shall forthwith send him Copies both of the Merchants Memorial, and of what Objections they have made before us to the Subject-Matter of this Bill.

Which is most humbly submitted. Signed,

_J. Chetwind_,
_T. Pelham_,
_M. Bladen_,
_R. Plummer_,
_Ed. Ashe_.

_Whitehall_,
_July_ 14, 1724.

* * * * *

_The Report of a Committee of the Council held at_ New-York,
November 6, 1724.

_May it please your Excellency_,

In Obedience to your Excellency's Commands in Council, the 29th of _October_, referring to us a Petition of several Merchants in _London_, presented to the King's most excellent Majesty, against renewing an Act passed in this Province, entitled, _An Act for Encouragement of the_ Indian _Trade, and rendering it more effectual to the Inhabitants of this Province, and for prohibiting the selling of_ Indian _Goods to the_ French; as likewise the several Allegations of the said Merchants before the Right Hon. the Lords of Trade and Plantations, we beg Leave to make the following Remarks.

In order to make our Observations the more distinct and clear, we shall gather together the several Assertions of the said Merchants, both in their Petition, and delivered verbally before the Lords of Trade, as to the Situation of this Province, with respect to the _French_ and _Indian Nations_, and observe on them, in the first Place, they being the Foundation on which all their other Allegations are grounded. Afterwards we shall lay before your Excellency, what we think necessary to observe on the other parts of the said Petition, in the Order they are in the Petition, or in the Report of the Lords of Trade.

In their geographical Accounts they say, "Besides the Nations of _Indians_ that are in the _English_ Interest, there are very many Nations of _Indians_, who are at present in the Interest of the _French_, and who lie between _New-York_ and the Nations of _Indians_ in the _English_ Interest.----The _French_ and their _Indians_ would not permit the _English Indians_ to pass over by their Forts."

The said Act "Restrains them (_the Five Nations_) from a free Commerce with the Inhabitants of _New-York_.

"The _Five Indian Nations_ are settled upon the Banks of the River _St. Lawrence_, directly opposite to _Quebeck_, two or three Hundred Leagues distant from the nearest _British_ Settlements in _New-York_.

"They (_the Five Nations of Indians_) were two or three Hundred Leagues distant from _Albany_; and that they could not come to trade with the _English_ but by going down the River _St. Lawrence_, and from thence through a Lake, which brought them within eighteen Leagues of _Albany_."

These Things the Merchants have thought it safe for them, and consistent with their Duty to his sacred Majesty, to say in his Majesty's Presence, and to repeat them afterwards before the Right Hon. the Lords of Trade, though nothing can be more directly contrary to the Truth. For there are no Nations of _Indians_ between _New-York_ and the Nations of _Indians_ in the _English Interest_, who are now six in Number, by the Addition of the _Tuscaroras_. The _Mohawks_ (called _Annies_ by the _French_) one of the Five Nations, live on the South-side of a Branch of _Hudson's-River_, (not on the North-side, as they are placed in the _French_ Maps) and but forty Miles directly West from _Albany_, and within the _English_ Settlements, some of the _English_ Farms upon the same River being thirty Miles further West.

The _Oneidas_ (the next of the Five Nations) lie likewise West from _Albany_, near the Head of the _Mohawks-River_, about one Hundred Miles from _Albany_.

The _Onondagas_ lie about one Hundred and Thirty Miles West from _Albany_. And the _Tuscaroras_ live partly with the _Oneidas_, and partly with the _Onondagas_.

The _Cayugas_ are about one hundred and sixty Miles from _Albany_.

And the _Sennekas_ (the furthest of all these Nations) are not above two hundred and forty Miles from _Albany_, as may appear by Mr. _De L'Isle_'s Map of _Louisiane_, who lays down the Five Nations under the Name of _Iroquois_.

And Goods are daily carried from this Province to the _Sennekas_, as well as to those Nations that lie nearer, by Water all the Way, except three Miles, (or in the dry Seasons, five Miles) where the Traders carry over Land between the _Mohawks-River_ and the _Wood Creek_, which runs into the _Oneida-Lake_, without going near either _St. Lawrence-River_, or any of the _Lakes_ upon which the _French_ pass, which are entirely out of their Way.

The nearest _French_ Forts or Settlements to _Albany_, are _Chambly_ and _Monreal_, both of them lying about North and by East from _Albany_, and are near two hundred Miles distant from it. _Quebeck_ lies about three hundred and eighty Miles North-East from _Albany_. So far is it from being true, that the Five Nations are situated upon the Banks of the _River St. Lawrence_, opposite to _Quebeck_, that _Albany_ lies almost directly between _Quebeck_ and the _Five Nations_. And to say that these _Indians_ cannot come to trade at _Albany_, but by going down the _River St. Lawrence_, and then into a _Lake_ eighteen Leagues from _Albany_ (we suppose they mean _Lake Champlain_) passing by the _French_ Forts, is to the same Purpose as if they should say, that one cannot go from _London_ to _Bristol_, but by Way of _Edinburgh_.

Before we go on to observe other Particulars, we beg Leave further to remark, that it is so far from being true, that the _Indians_ in the _French_ Interest, lie between _New-York_ and our _Five Nations of Indians_, that some of our Nations of _Indians_ lie between the _French_ and the _Indians_, from whence the _French_ bring the far greatest Quantity of their Furs: For the _Sennekas_ (whom the _French_ call _Sonontouons_) are situated between _Lake Erie_ and _Cataraqui Lake_, (called by the _French Ontario_) near the great Fall of _Jagara_, by which all the _Indians_ that live round _Lake Erie_, round the Lake of the _Hurons_, round the Lake of the _Illenois_, or _Michegan_, and round the great _Upper Lake_, generally pass in their Way to _Canada_. All the _Indians_ situated upon the Branches of the _Misissippi_, must likewise pass by the same Place, if they go to _Canada_. And all of them likewise in their Way to _Canada_, pass by our Trading-Place upon the _Cataraqui Lake_, at the Mouth of the _Onondaga River_. The nearest and safest Way of carrying Goods upon the _Cataraqui Lake_ towards _Canada_, being along the South-side of that Lake, (near where our _Indians_ are settled, and our Trade of late is fixed) and not by the North-side and _Cataraqui_, or _Frontinac Fort_, where the _French_ are settled.

Now that we have represented to your Excellency, that not one Word of the Geography of these Merchants is true, upon which all their Reasoning is founded, it might seem needless to trouble your Excellency with any further Remarks, were it not to show with what earnestness they are promoting the _French Interest_, to the Prejudice of all his Majesty's Colonies in _North America_, and that they are not ashamed of asserting any Thing for that End, even in the Royal Presence.

_First_, They say, "That by the Act passed in this Province, entitled, _An Act for Encouragement of the_ Indian _Trade, &c_. All Trade whatsoever is prohibited in the strictest Manner, and under the severest Penalties, between the Inhabitants of _New-York_ Government, and the _French_ of _Canada_."

This is not true, for only carrying Goods to the _French_, which are proper for the _Indian Trade_, is prohibited. The Trade as to other Things, is left in the same State it was before that Act was made, as it will appear to any Person that shall read it: And there are yearly large Quantities of other Goods openly carried to _Canada_, without any Hindrance from the Government of _New-York_. Whatever may be said of the Severity and Penalties in that Act, they are found insufficient to deter some from carrying Goods clandestinely to the _French_; and the Legislature of this Province are convinced that no Penalties can be too severe, to prevent a Trade which puts the Safety of all his Majesty's Subjects of _North America_ in the greatest Danger.

Their next Assertion is, _All the_ Indian _Goods have by this Act, been raised_ 25 l. _to_ 30 l. _per Cent_. This is the only Allegation in the whole Petition, that there is any Ground for. Nevertheless, though the common Channel of Trade cannot be altered without some Detriment to it in the Beginning, we are assured from the Custom-house Books, that there has been every Year, since the passing of this Act, more Furs exported from _New-York_, than in the Year immediately before the passing of this Act. It is not probable, that the greatest Difference between the Exportation any Year before this Act, and any Year since, could so much alter the Price of Beaver, as it is found to be this last Year. Beaver is carried to _Britain_ from other Parts besides _New-York_, and it is certain that the Price of Beaver is not so much altered here by the Quantity in our Market, as by the Demand for it in _Britain_. But as we cannot be so well informed here, what occasions Beaver to be in greater Demand in _Britain_, we must leave that to be enquired after in _England_. However, we are fully satisfied that it will be found to be for very different Reasons from what the Merchants alledge.

The Merchants go on and say, _Whereas on the other Hand, this Branch of the_ New-York _Trade, by the Discouragements brought upon it by this Act, is almost wholly engrossed by the_ French, _who have already by this Act, been encouraged to send proper_ European Goods _to_ Canada, _to carry on this Trade, so that should this Act be continued, the_ New-York _Trade which is very considerable, must be wholly lost to us, and center in the_ French.----_Though_ New-York _should not furnish them, the_ French _would find another_ Way _to be supplied therewith, either from some other of his Majesty's Plantations, or it might be directly from Europe_.----_Many of the Goods which the_ Indians _want being as easy to be had directly from_ France _or_ Holland, _as from_ Great-Britain.

This is easily answered, by informing your Excellency, that the principal of the Goods proper for the _Indian Market_ are only of the Manufactures of _Great-Britain_, or of the _British Plantations, viz_. Strouds, or Stroud-Waters, and other Woollens, and Rum. The _French_ must be obliged to buy all their Woollens (the Strouds especially) in _England_, and thence carry them to _France_, in order to their Transportation to _Canada_. The Voyage to _Quebeck_ through the Bay of _St. Lawrence_, is well known to be the most dangerous of any in the World, and only practicable in the Summer Months. The _French_ have no Commodities in _Canada_, by reason of the Cold and Barrenness of the Soil, proper for the _West-India_ Markets, and therefore have no Rum but by Vessels from _France_, that touch at their Islands in the _West-Indies_. _New-York_ has, by Reason of its Situation, both as to the Sea and the _Indians_, every Way the Advantage of _Canada_. The _New-York_ Vessels make always two Voyages in the Year from _England_, one in Summer and another in Winter, and several Voyages in a Year to the _West-Indies_. It is manifest therefore, that it is not in the Power of the _French_ to import any Goods near so cheap to _Canada_, as they are imported to _New-York_.

But to put this out of all Controversy, we need only observe to your Excellency, That Strouds (without which no considerable Trade can be carried on with the _Indians_) are sold at _Albany_ for 10 _l._ a Piece: They were sold at _Monreal_ before this Act took Place, at 13 _l._ 2 _s._ 6 _d._ and now they are sold there for 25 _l._ and upwards: Which is an evident Proof, that the _French_ have not, in these four Years Time (during the Continuance of this Act) found out any other Way to supply themselves with Strouds, and likewise that they cannot trade without them, seeing they buy them at so extravagant a Price.

It likewise appears, that none of the neighbouring Colonies have been able to supply the _French_ with these Goods; and those that know the Geography of the Country, know it is impracticable to do it at any tolerable Rate, because they must carry their Goods ten Times further by Land than we need to do.

We are likewise assured, that the Merchants of _Monreal_ lately told Mr. _Vaudreuil_ their Governor, that if the Trade from _Albany_ be not by some Means or other encouraged, they must abandon that Settlement. We have Reason therefore to suspect, that these Merchants (at least some of them) have been practised upon by the _French_ Agents in _London_; for no doubt, the _French_ will leave no Method untried to defeat the present Designs of this Government, seeing they are more afraid of the Consequences of this Trade between _New-York_ and the _Indians_, than of all the warlike Expeditions that ever were attempted against _Canada_.

But to return to the Petitioners, _They conceive nothing can tend more to the withdrawing the Affections of the_ Five Nations of Indians _from the_ English Interest, _than the Continuance of the said Act, which in its Effects restrains them from a free Commerce with the Inhabitants of_ New-York, _and may too probably, estrange them from the_ English Interest, _whereas by a Freedom of Commerce, and an encouraged Intercourse of Trade with the_ French _and their_ Indians, _the_ English _Interest might in Time, be greatly improved and strengthened_.

It seems to us a strange Argument to say, that an Act, the whole Purport of which is to encourage our own People to go among the _Indians_, and to draw the far _Indians_ through our _Indian Country_ to _Albany_ (and which has truly produced these Effects) would on the contrary, restrain them from a free Commerce with the Inhabitants of _New-York_, and may too probably estrange them from the _English Interest_, and therefore that it would be much wiser in us to make use of the _French_, to promote the _English Interest_; and for which End, we ought to encourage a free Intercourse between them and our _Indians_. The reverse of this is exactly true, in the Opinion of our _Five Nations_; who in all their publick Treaties with this Government, have represented against this Trade, as _The Building the_ French _Forts with_ English _Strouds_: That the encouraging a Freedom of Commerce with our _Indians_, and the _Indians_ round them, who must pass through their Country to _Albany_, would certainly increase both the _English Interest_ and theirs, among all the Nations to the Westward of them; and that the carrying the _Indian Market_ to _Monreal_ in _Canada_, draws all the far _Indians_ thither.

The last Thing we have to take Notice, is what the Merchants asserted before the Lords of Trade, _viz. That there has not been half the Quantity of_ European _Goods exported since the passing of this Act, that used to be_.

We are well assured, that this is no better grounded than the other Facts they assert with the same Positiveness. For it is well known almost to every Person in _New-York_, that there has not been a less, but rather a greater Quantity of _European Goods_ imported into this Place, since the passing of this Act, than was at any Time before it, in the same Space of Time. As this appears by the Manifests in the Custom-house here, the same may likewise be easily proved by the Custom-house Books in _London_.

As all the Arguments of the Merchants run upon the ill Effects this Act has had upon the Trade and the Minds of the _Indians_, every one of which we have shown to be asserted without the least Foundation to support them, there nothing now remains, but to show the good Effects this Act has produced, which are so notorious in this Province, that we know not one Person that now opens his Mouth against the Act.

Before this Act passed, none of the People of this Province travelled into the _Indian Countries_ to trade: We have now above forty young Men, who have been several Times as far as the Lakes a trading, and thereby become well acquainted, not only with the Trade of the _Indians_, but likewise with their Manners and Languages; and these have returned with such large Quantities of Furs, that greater Numbers are resolved to follow their Example. So that we have good Reason to hope, that in a little Time the _English_ will draw the whole _Indian_ Trade of the Inland Countries to _Albany_, and into the Country of the _Five Nations_. This Government has built a publick Trading-house upon _Cataraqui Lake_, at _Irondequat_ in the _Sennekas_ Land, and another is to be built next Spring, at the Mouth or the _Onondagas River_. All the far _Indians_ pass by these Places, in their Way to _Canada_; and they are not above half so far from the _English_ Settlements, as they are from the _French_.

So far is it from being true what the Merchants say, _That the_ French _Forts interrupt all Communication between the_ Indians _and the_ English, that if these Places be well supported, as they easily can be from our Settlements, in case of a Rupture with the _French_, it will be in the Power of this Province, to intercept the greatest Part of the Trade between _Canada_ and the _Indians_, round the Lakes and the Branches of the _Misissippi_.

Since this Act passed, many Nations have come to _Albany_ to trade, and settle Peace and Friendship, whose Names had not so much as been heard of among us.

In the Beginning of _May_ 1723, a Nation of _Indians_ came to _Albany_ singing and dancing, with their Calumets before them, as they always do when they come to any Place where they have not been before. We do not find that the Commissioners of _Indian_ Affairs, were able to inform themselves what Nation this was.

Towards the End of the same Month, eighty Men, besides Women and Children, came to _Albany_ in the same Manner. These had one of our Five Nations with them for an Interpreter, by whom they informed the Commissioners, that they were of a great Nation, called _Nehkereages_, consisting of six Castles and Tribes; and that they lived near a Place called by the _French Missilimakinak_, between the Upper Lake and the Lake of the _Hurons_. These _Indians_ not only desired a free Commerce, but likewise to enter into a strict League of Friendship with us and our _Six Nations_, that they might be accounted the _Seventh Nation_ in the League; and being received accordingly, they left their Calumet as a Pledge of their Fidelity.

In _June_ another Nation arrived, but from what Part of the Continent we have not learned.

In _July_ the _Twightwies_ arrived, and brought an _Indian_ Interpreter of our Nations with them, who told, that they were called by the _French Miamies_, and that they live upon one of the Branches of the River _Misissippi_.

At the same Time some of the _Tahsagrondie Indians_, who live between _Lake Erie_ and the Lake of the _Hurons_, near a _French_ Settlement, did come and renew their League with the _English_, nor durst the _French_ hinder them.

In _July_ this Year, another Nation came, whose Situation and Name we know not. And in _August_ and _September_, several Parties of the same _Indians_ that had been here last Year. But the greatest Numbers of these far _Indians_ have been met this Year, in the _Indian_ Country by our Traders, every one of them endeavouring to get before another, in order to reap the Profits of so advantageous a Trade, which has all this Summer long, kept about forty Traders constantly employed, in going between our Trading-places in our _Indian_ Country, and _Albany_.

All these Nations of _Indians_ who came to _Albany_ said, that the _French_ had told them many strange Stories of the _English_, and did what they could to hinder their coming to _Albany_, but that they had resolved to break through by Force. The Difference on this Score between the _Tahsagrondie Indians_ and the _French_ (who have a Fort and Settlement there, called by them _Le Detroit_) rose to that Height this Summer, that Mr. _Tonti_ who commanded there, thought it proper to retire, and return to _Canada_ with many of his Men.

We are for these Reasons well assured, that this Year there will be more Beaver exported for _Great-Britain_, than ever was from this Province in one Year; and that if the Custom-house Books at _London_ be looked into, it will be found, that there will be a far greater Quantity of Goods for the _Indians_, (Strouds especially) sent over next Spring, than ever was at any one Time to this Province; for the Merchants here tell us, that they have at this Time, ordered more of these Goods, than ever was done at any one Time before.

These Matters of Fact prove beyond Contradiction, that this Act has been of the greatest Service to _New-York_, in making us acquainted with many Nations of _Indians_, formerly entirely unknown and Strangers to us; in withdrawing them from their Dependance upon the _French_, and in uniting them to _us_ and _our Indians_, by Means of Trade and mutual Offices of Friendship. Of what great Consequence this may be to the _British Interest_ in general, as to Trade, is apparent to any Body. It is no less apparent likewise, that it is of the greatest Consequence to the Safety of all the _British Colonies_ in _North-America_. We feel too sensibly, the ill Effects of the _French Interest_ in the present War betwixt _New-England_, and only one Nation of _Indians_ supported by the _French_. Of what dismal Consequences then might it be, if the _French_ should be able to influence in the same Manner, so many and such numerous _Nations_, as lie to the Westward of _this Province, Pensylvania_ and _Maryland_? On the other Hand, if all these _Nations_ (who assert their own Freedom, and declare themselves Friends to those that supply them best with what they want) be brought to have a Dependance upon the _English_ (as we have good Reason to hope, in a short Time they will) the _French_ of _Canada_, in case of a War, must be at the Mercy of the _English_.

To these Advantages must be added, that many of our young Men having been induced by this Act to travel among the _Indians_, they learn their Manners, their Languages, and the Situation of all their Countries, and become inured to all Manner of Fatigues and Hardships, and a great many more being resolved to follow their Example; these young Men, in case of a War with the _Indians_, will be of ten Times the Service, that the same Number of the common Militia can be of.

The Effects of this Act have likewise so much quieted the Minds of the People, with Respect to the Security of the Frontiers, that our Settlements are now extended above thirty Miles further West towards the _Indian_ Countries, than they were before it passed.

The only Thing that now remains to answer, is an Objection which we suppose may be made, _What can induce the Merchants of_ London _to petition against an Act, which will be really so much for their Interest in the End_? The Reason is in all Probability, because they only consider their present Gain; and that they are not at all concerned for the Safety of this Country, in encouraging the most necessary Undertaking, if they apprehend their Profit for two or three Years may be lessened by it. This Inclination of the Merchants has been so notorious, that few Nations at War with their Neighbours, have been able to restrain them from supplying their Enemies with Ammunition and Arms. The Count _D'Estrade_, in his Letters in 1638 says, That when the _Dutch_ were besieging _Antwerp_, one _Beiland_, who had loaded four Fly-boats with Arms and Powder for _Antwerp_, being taken up by the Prince of _Orange_'s Order, and examined at _Amsterdam_, said boldly, _That the Burghers of_ Amsterdam _had a Right to trade every where: That he could name a Hundred that were Factors for the Merchants at_ Antwerp, _and that he was one. That Trade cannot be interrupted, and that for his Part he was very free to own, that if to get any Thing by Trade it were necessary to pass through Hell, he would venture to burn his Sails_. When this Principle so common to Merchants, is considered, and that some in this Place have got Estates by trading many Years to _Canada_, it is not to be wondered that they have acted as Factors for _Canada_ in this Affair, and that they have transmitted such Accounts to their Correspondents in _London_, as are consistent with the Trust reposed in them by the Merchants of _Canada_.

In the last Place, we are humbly of Opinion, that it may be proper to print the Petition of the Merchants of _London_, and their Allegations before the Lords of Trade, together with the Answers your Committee has made thereto, in Vindication of the Legislature of this Province, of which we have the Honour to be a Part, if your Excellency shall approve of our Answers: That what we have said may be exposed to the Examination of every one in this Place, where the Truth of the Matters of Fact is best known; and that the Correspondents of these Merchants may have the most publick Notice to reply, if they shall think it proper, or to disown in a publick Manner, that they are the Authors of such groundless Informations.

All which is unanimously and humbly submitted by

_Your Excellency's_

_Most obedient humble Servants_,

_R. Walter_,
_Rip Van Dam_,
_John Barberie_,
_Fr. Harrison_,
_Cadwallader Colden_,
_Ja. Alexander_,
_Abraham van Horn_.

* * * * *

_A Memorial concerning the Furr-Trade of the Province of_
New-York.

_Presented to his Excellency_ William Burnet, _Esq_; _Captain
General and Governor_, &c. _by_ Cadwallader Colden, _Surveyor
General of the said Province_, the 10_th of_ November 1724.

It has of late been generally believed, that the Inhabitants of the Province of _New-York_ are so advantageously situated, with respect to the _Indian Trade_, and enjoy so many Advantages as to Trade in general, that it is in their Power not only to rival the _French_ of _Canada_, who have almost entirely engrossed the Furr-Trade of _America_, but that it is impossible for the _French_ to carry on that Trade in Competition with the People of this Province. The enquiring into the Truth of this Proposition, may not only be of some Consequence, as to the Riches and Honour of the _British Nation_, (for it is well known how valuable the Furr-Trade of _America_ is) but likewise as to the Safety of all the _British Colonies_ in _North-America_. _New-France_ (as the _French_ now claim) extends from the Mouth of the River _Misissippi_, to the Mouth of the River _St. Lawrence_, by which the _French_ plainly show their Intention of enclosing the _British Settlements_, and cutting us off from all Commerce with the numerous Nations of _Indians_, that are every where settled over the vast Continent of _North-America_. The _English_ in _America_ have too good Reason to apprehend such a Design, when they see the _French_ King's Geographer publish a Map, by which he has set Bounds to the _British Empire_ in _America_, and has taken in many of the _English Settlements_ both in _South-Carolina_ and _New York_, within these Boundaries of _New-France_. And the good Services they intend us, with the _Indians_, but too plainly appears at this Day, by the _Indian War_ now carried on against _New-England_.

I have therefore for some Time past, endeavoured to inform myself, from the Writings of the _French_, and from others who have travelled in _Canada_, or among the _Indians_, how far the People of this Province may carry on the _Indian Trade_, with more Advantage than the _French_ can; or what Disadvantages they labour under, more than the _French_ do. As all Endeavours for the good of ones Country are excusable, I do not doubt but my Intention in this will be acceptable to your Excellency, though I be not capable of treating the Subject as it deserves.

I shall begin with _Canada_, and consider what Advantages they have either by their Situation, or otherwise. _Canada_ is situated upon the River of _St. Lawrence_, by which the five great Lakes (which may properly be called, _The five Inland Seas of North-America_) empty themselves into the Ocean. The Mouth of this great River is in the Lat. of 50 Degrees, overagainst the Body of _Newfoundland_. It rises from the _Cataracui Lake_, (the Eastermost of the five great Lakes) about the Lat. of 44 Degrees, and runs from thence about North-East to the Ocean, and is about nine hundred Miles in Length, from that Lake to the Ocean. The five great Lakes which communicate with each other, and with this River, extend about one thousand Miles Westward, further into the Continent. So far the _French_ have already discovered, and their Discoveries make it probable, that an Inland Passage may be found to the _South-Sea_, by the Rivers which run into these Lakes, and Rivers which run into the _South-Sea_.

The Method of carrying Goods upon the Rivers of _North-America_, into all the small Branches, and over Land, from the Branches of one River to the Branches of another, was learned from the _Indians_, and is the only Method practicable through such large Forests and Deserts as the Traders pass thro', in carrying from one Nation to another, it is this; the _Indians_ make a long narrow Boat, made of the Bark of the Birch-tree, the Parts of which they join very neatly. One of these Canoes that can carry a Dozen Men, can itself be easily carried upon two Men's Shoulders; so that when they have gone as far by Water as they can (which is further than is easily to be imagined, because their loaded Canoes don't sink six Inches into the Water) they unload their Canoes, and carry both Goods and Canoes upon their Shoulders over Land, into the nearest Branch of the River they intend to follow. Thus, the _French_ have an easy Communication with all the Countries bordering upon the River of _St. Lawrence_, and its Branches, with all the Countries bordering upon these In-land Seas, and the Rivers which empty themselves into these Seas, and can thereby carry their Burdens of Merchandize thro' all these large Countries, which could not by any other means than Water-carriage be carried thro' so vast a Tract of Land.

This, however, but half finishes the View the _French_ have, as to their Commerce in _North-America_. Many of the Branches of the River _Misissippi_ come so near to the Branches of several of the Rivers which empty themselves into the great Lakes, that in several Places there is but a short Land-Carriage from the one to the other. As soon as they have got into the River _Misissippi_, they open to themselves as large a Field for Traffick in the southern Parts of _North-America_, as was before mentioned with respect to the northern Parts. If one considers the Length of this River, and its numerous Branches, he must say, _That by means of this River, and the Lakes, there is opened to his View such a Scene of inland Navigation as cannot be parallel'd in any other Part of the World_.

The _French_ have, with much Industry, settled small Colonies, and built stockaded Forts at all the considerable Passes between the Lakes, except between _Cataracui Lake_ (called by the _French Ontario_) and _Lake Erie_, one of our Five Nations of _Indians_, whom we call _Sennekas_, (and the _French Sonontouans_) having hitherto refused them leave to erect any Buildings there.

The _French_ have been indefatigable in making Discoveries, and carrying on their Commerce with Nations, of whom the _English_ know nothing but what they see in the _French_ Maps and Books. The Barrenness of the Soil, and the Coldness of the Climate of _Canada_, obliges the greatest number of the Inhabitants to seek their living by travelling among the _Indians_, or by trading with those that do travel. The Governor, and other Officers, have but a scanty Allowance from the King, and could not subsist were it not by the Perquisites they have from this Trade; neither could their Priests find any means to satisfy their Ambition and Luxury without it: So that all Heads and Hands are employ'd to advance it, and the Men of best Parts think it the surest way to advance themselves by travelling among the _Indians_, and learning their Languages; even the Bigotry and Enthusiasm of some hot Heads has not been a little useful in advancing this Commerce; for that Government having prudently turn'd the Edge of the Zeal of such hot Spirits upon converting the _Indians_, many of them have spent their Lives under the greatest Hardships, in endeavouring to gain the _Indians_ to their Religion, and to love the _French Nation_, while, at the same time, they are no less industrious to represent the _English_ as the _Enemies of Mankind_. So that the whole Policy of that Government, both civil and religious, is admirably turn'd to the general Advancement of this Trade. Indeed the Art and Industry of the _French_, especially that of their religious Missions, has so far prevail'd upon all the _Indians_ in _North-America_, that they are every where directed by _French Councils_. Even our own _Five Nations_, (the _Iroquois_) who formerly were mortal Enemies of the _French_, and have always liv'd in the strictest Amity with the _English_, have, of late, (by the Practices of the _French Priests_) been so far gain'd, that several of the _Mohawks_, who live nearest the _English_, have left their Habitations, and are gone to settle near _Monreal_ in _Canada_; and all the rest discover a Dread of the _French Power_. That much of this is truly owing to the _Priests_, appears from many of the Sachems of the _Iroquois_ wearing Crucifixes when they come to _Albany_: And those _Mohawk Indians_ that are gone to _Canada_, are now commonly known, both to the _French_ and _English_, by the Name of _The Praying Indians_, it being customary for them to go through the Streets of _Monreal_ with their Beads, praying and begging Alms.

But notwithstanding all these Advantages, the _French_ labour under Difficulties that no Art or Industry can remove. The Mouth of the River of _St. Lawrence_, and more especially the Bay of _St. Lawrence_, lies so far North, and is thereby so often subject to tempestuous Weather and thick Fogs, that the Navigation there is very dangerous, and never attempted but during the Summer Months. The Wideness of this Bay, together with the many strong Currents that run in it, the many Shelves, and sunken Rocks that are every where spread over both the Bay and River, and the want of Places for anchoring in the Bay, all increase the Danger of this Navigation; so that a Voyage to _Canada_ is justly esteem'd much more dangerous than to any other Part of _America_. The many Shipwrecks that happen in this Navigation, are but too evident Proofs of the Truth of this, particularly the Miscarriage of the last Expedition against _Canada_. The Channel is so difficult, and the Tides so strong, that after their Shipping get into the River, they never attempt to sail in the Night, tho' the Wind be fair, and the Weather good. These Difficulties are so considerable, that the _French_ never attempt above one Voyage in a Year to _Europe_, or the _West-Indies_, tho' it be really nearer _Europe_ than any of the _English Colonies_, where the Shipping that constantly use the Trade, always make two Voyages in the Year.

The Navigation between _Quebeck_ and _Monreal_ is likewise very dangerous and difficult: The Tide rises about 18 or 20 Feet at _Quebeck_, which occasions so strong a Stream, that a Boat of six Oars cannot make way against it: The River in many Places very wide, and the Channel at the same time narrow and crooked; there are many Shelves and sunken Rocks, so that the best Pilots have been deceived; for which reason the Vessels that carry Goods to _Monreal_ are always obliged to anchor before Night, tho' both Wind and Tide be fair. The Flood goes no further than _Trois Rivieres_, half way to _Monreal_, and about ninety Miles from _Quebeck_: After they pass this Place they have a strong Stream always against them, which requires a fair Wind and a strong Gale to carry the Vessels against the Stream. And they are obliged in this Part of the River, as well as under the _Trois Rivieres_, to come to an anchor at Night, though the Wind be good. These Difficulties make the common Passages take up three or four Weeks, and sometimes six Weeks; tho' if they have the chance of a Wind to continue so long, they may run it in five or six Days.

After they pass _Monreal_ they have a strong Stream against them till they come near the Lakes; so that in all that, which is about one hundred and fifty Miles in Length, they force their Canoes forward with setting Poles, or drag them with Ropes along shoar; and at five or six different Places in that way the River falls over Rocks with such Force, that they are obliged to unload their Canoes, and carry them upon their Shoulders. They never make this Voyage from _Monreal_ to _Cataracui_ in less than twenty Days, and frequently, twice that Time is necessary.

Now we are come so far as the Lake, my Design leads me no further, for at this Lake all the far _Indians_, that go to _Canada_, must pass by our Traders. And from thence the Road to the _Indian Countries_ is the same from _Albany_ that it is from _Monreal_.