Chapter X: Part II (4)

They desired the Governor not to say any Thing particularly of _Cadarackui_, 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 of _Canada_; 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 at _Onondaga_.

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.

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ being met at _Onondaga_, to consult on the Terms offered by the _French_, they were divided in their Opinions; the _Cayugas_, and Part of the _Senekas_, were most favourable to the _French_ Proposals; but the major Part was absolutely against allowing the _French_ to rebuild a Fort at _Cadarackui_, nor would they consent to include all the _French_ Allies in the Treaty, with some of which they had particular Causes of Animosity.

The Party that was most for Peace obtained Leave to go to _Canada_, to try whether they could obtain Terms less disagreeable. They accordingly went thither, within the Time prefixed by the Governor of _Canada_, for an Answer; and to make themselves more acceptable to the _French_, they carried thirteen Prisoners with them, and delivered them up. The Jesuit _Milet_ was of this Number, who had been taken in the Year 1689, and one _Jonscaire_, who had been long a Prisoner among the _Senekas_: He had been delivered up to a Family of the _Senekas_, 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 a _Sachem_, and preserved their Esteem to the Day of his Death; whereby he became, after the general Peace, very useful to the _French_ in all Negotiations with the _Five Nations_, and to this Day they shew their Regard to his Family and Children.

When the Governor of _Canada_ came to Particulars with these Deputies, he could obtain nothing but ambiguous or dubious Answers, as to the rebuilding of _Cadarackui Fort_, and the including of all the _French_ Allies 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 the _French Indian_ Allies were present, when the Governor of _Canada_ refused any Agreement without his Allies being included in it, and this attached them exceedingly to the _French_ Interest. This Regard, which the _French_ generally 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.

[Footnote 38: When the Affair of which they speak concerns the Government of _New-York_, the _Indians_ always address themselves to the Governor, whether he be present or not.]

[Footnote 39: This, in the _Indian_ Idiom, signifies a trifling Excuse of an unwilling Person.]

[Footnote 40: The _French_ call it _la Famine_, near Oswego. The Treaty with Mr. _de la Bar_ was made there.]

CHAP. XI.

_The War renewed_. _The_ French _repossess themselves of_ Cadarackui _Fort_, _and find Means to break off the Treaty between the_ Five Nations _and_ Dionondadies.

The _Five Nations_ refusing to come to the Governor of _Canada_'s Terms, he resolved to force them; and as he suspected that they continued obstinate, by the Advice of the _English_, and the Confidence they had of the _English_ Assistance, he thought he would most effectually lessen that Confidence, by attacking and destroying the remainder of the _Mohawks_, who liv'd adjoining to the _English_ Settlements. For this Purpose he resolved to march, in the Winter, the whole Force of _Canada_ against that Nation; but one of the Prisoners learning their Design, made his Escape, and informed the _Mohawks_ of it. This made him alter his Measures, knowing well enough, that if the _English_ were 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 between _Lake Erie_ and _Cadarackui Lake_, the usual hunting Place of the _Five Nations_, in hopes of surprising them while they hunted carelessly there, and at the same Time to view the old _French_ Fort 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 at _Montreal_. So far the Count _de Frontenac_ thought it more proper to imitate the _Indians_ in 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 the _Five Nations_ fell upon the _Dewagunhas_, in their Way to _Canada_, and entirely routed them. Ten Prisoners were taken, nine of which were burnt alive, in revenge of the same Fate the four Men of the _Five Nations_ had received at _Montreal_.

This Year also some sculking _French Indians_ murdered some People near _Albany_ and _Schenectady_.

The Party sent to view _Cadarackui Fort_ found it in a better Condition than they expected, the _Indians_ having neglected to demolish and level the Bastions, and probably they had not Instruments sufficient to do it. The Count _de Frontenac_ therefore, in the Summer of the Year 1695, sent a considerable Body of Men, both _French_ and _Indians_, thither, to repair the Fortifications, and to cover those that should be at work. The _Five Nations_, in _August_, sent Messengers to _Albany_, to acquaint the _English_ that the _French_ had taken Possession of _Cadarackui_, and were repairing of it. They demanded, in Consequence of the Promise Colonel _Fletcher_ had 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 of _New-England_ might be told, that many of the _Owenagungas_ were gone with the _French_ to _Cadarackui_, and that this was a proper Time to fall upon those that remained, and to destroy them, and the Women and Children.

Coll. _Fletcher_ came to _Albany_ in _September_; there, in a Speech to the _Five Nations_, he blamed them for being asleep, when they suffered the _French_ to take Possession of _Cadarackui_; 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 of _New-York_ have, on all Occasions, been exceedingly to be blamed, in not having some Men of Experience among the _Five Nations_ to advise and direct them on all Emergencies of Importance. The _French_ are very careful of this, and the _Officers_ of the regular Troops are obliged to take their Tours among their _Indians_, while the Captains of the independent Companies of Fusiliers at _New-York_ live like military Monks, in Idleness and Luxury.

The _French_ gained a great Advantage, by possessing this Place, as it is of great Security to their Traders, in their passing between _Montreal_ and _Missilimakinak_. It served likewise as a Place of Stores, and Retreat in all their Enterprizes against the _Five Nations_, that Place being nearly about half Way between _Montreal_ and the Country of the _Five Nations_. It likewise exposed the _Five Nations_ in their hunting, to the Incursions of that Garison, by its being in the Neighbourhood of their principal hunting Place for Bever.

The _French_ grew exceedingly uneasy, when they found, that the _Dionondadies_, who live near _Missilimakinak_, had almost concluded a Peace with the _Five Nations_, and that the rest of their Allies were like to follow their Example: Some of these Nations had been at _Montreal_, and at their Return forwarded the Peace, that thereby they might be at Liberty to go to _Albany_; for they informed their Neighbours, that the _Five Nations_ had intirely shut up the Path to _Montreal_; and besides that, the _French_ were 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 the _French_, it might probably have put an End to the _French_ Colony; for as the Lands of _Canada_ barely produce sufficient for the Subsistence of its Inhabitants, the only Means they have of purchasing Cloathing and other Necessaries is by their Trade with the _Indians_. The _French_ likewise had been in Danger of greater Mischief by the Peace, for these Nations being at War with the _Five Nations_, and lying on the Back of them, obliged the _Five Nations_ to 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, the _Five Nations_ could have turned their whole Force against _Canada_, and probably might have persuaded these Nations to have joined with them in warring on the _French_.

The _French_ Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ had 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 from _Montreal_, he ordered the Stores of his Fort to be sold to the _Indians_ at the cheapest Rate, and assured them, that great Quantities were every Day expected from _France_, 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 Count _de Frontenac_ would never make Peace with the _Five Nations_, but was resolved to extirpate them; for which Purpose he was now rebuilding _Cadarackui Fort_. At the same Time he took all possible Methods to extinguish the Beginnings of Friendship, which appeared between the _Five Nations_ and _Dionondadies_.

The _Dionondadies_ durst not avow their treating with the _Five Nations_ to the _French_, neither durst the _Five Nations_ trust their Agents in a Place where they knew the _French_ had 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 the _Dionondadies_ treated these Prisoners, their dismissing them, and their receiving again Prisoners which had been taken by the _Five Nations_, gave the Commandant sufficient Ground to suspect what was doing. The _Dionondadies_ at last took seven Men of the _Five Nations_ Prisoners, and carried them to _Missilimakinak_. The _French_ perceiving, by their Manner of bringing them in, that the _Dionondadies_ intended 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 the _Dionondadies_ immediately 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.

The _French_ were forced in like Manner to stand to their Arms, and as there are always many different Nations at _Missilimakinak_ trading, some of which were inveterate Enemies of the _Five Nations_, they joined with the _French_. The _Utawawas_ stood 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 the _French_ shared with the _Dionondadies_ in all the Dangers and Losses sustained by the War, they ought in like Manner to partake with them in any Advantage. The _Dionondadies_ on this were persuaded to deliver up one of the Prisoners. What I am about to relate, I think, gives Room to charge the _French_ with 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 the _Five Nations_, the _French_ gave a publick Invitation to feast on the Soup to be made on this Prisoner, and, in a more particular Manner, invited the _Utawawas_ to the Entertainment.

The Prisoner being first made fast to a Stake, so as to have Room to move round it, a _Frenchman_ began 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 an _Utawawa_, 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 their _Indians_ mocked 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. An _Utawawa_ being desirous to outdo the _French_ in 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, an _Utawawa_ flead 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 these _Frenchmen_, 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 the _Indians_, 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 of _French_ History is taken from _Histoire de l'Amerique Septentrionale, par Monsr. de la Poterie_, published at _Paris_ with 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 the _Five Nations_ and _Dionondadies_, it did not prevent the Peace; and it had very near raised a Civil War with their own _Indians_, which was only prevented by the dextrous Conduct of the _French_ Officers, who, in all kind of Artifice, have always been superior to the _Indians_. 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.

CHAP. XII.

_The Count_ de Frontenac _attacks_ Onondaga _in Person_, _with the whole Force of_ Canada. _The_ Five Nations _continue the War with the_ French, _and make Peace with the_ Dionondadies.

The Count _de Frontenac_ having secured _Cadarackui 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 the _Five Nations_ feel his Resentment of their refusing his Terms of Peace. For this Purpose he assembled all the regular Troops of _Canada_, the Militia, the _Owenagungas_, the _Quatoghies_ of _Loretto_, the _Adirondacks_, _Sokokies_, _Nepiciriniens_, the _Praying Indians_ of the _Five Nations_, and a few _Utawawas_, at _Montreal_, in _June_ 1696. The other western _Indians_ near _Missilimakinak_, by their late Correspondence with the _Five Nations_, and the Dissatisfaction they had manifested, were not trusted. The Manner of making War with the _Indians_ in a Country wholly covered with Woods, must be so much different from the Methods used in _Europe_, that I believe the Reader will be pleased to have a particular Account of the Count _de 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 the _Five Nations_ with 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 Count _de Frontenac_ marched from _la Chine_, in the south End of the Island of _Montreal_, the fourth of _July_. He divided five hundred _Indians_ so, 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 Chevalier _de Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_; he had with him two large Battoes, which carried two small Pieces of Cannon, small Mortars, Granadoes, and the Utensils of the Artillery. The Count _de Frontenac_ was 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 with _Indians_, were then more depended on than the regular Troops; these were commanded by Monsieur _Ramsay_, Governor of _Trois Rivieres_. The Rear, which consisted of two Battalions of regular Troops, and of the rest of the _Indians_, was under the Command of the Chevalier _de Vaudreuil_. All the _Indians_ had _French_ Officers 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 of _Indians_ on 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 at _Cadarackui Fort_, one hundred eighty Miles from _Montreal_. Here they waited for the _Utawawas_, who disappointed them; and in the mean Time raised a Bark, which had remained sunk since _Cadarackui Fort_ was deserted. They crossed over _Cadarackui_ Lake to _Onondaga_ River (now _Ohswega_). 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 the _Indians_ had, in their Manner, painted the _French_ Army, and had laid by it two Bundles of cut Rushes. This was a Defiance in the _Indian_ Manner, and to tell them by the Number of Rushes, that fourteen hundred thirty four Men would meet them. The _French_ passed the little Lake, between _Ohswega_ and _Onondaga_, 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. A _Seneka_, who had been some time a Prisoner in _Canada_, and pretended an Attachment to the _French_, was sent out to make a Discovery. He deserted to the _Onondagas_. He found them waiting for the _French_, with a Resolution to defend their Castle, and to fight the _French_; for which Purpose they had sent away their Women and Children. The _Seneka_ told them that the _French_ Army 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 another _Seneka_, who deserted. Upon which the _Onondagas_ thought 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 Chevalier _de 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 the _Indians_ of this Division were upon the Right, who continually sent out Scouts. The second Line was commanded by the Chevalier _de Vaudreuel_, composed of the same Number of Battalions, and in the same Order. The Count _de Frontenac_ was 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 the _Indian_ Corn, which covered a large Field in thick Ranks.

An _Indian Sachem_, about one hundred Years old, would not retire with the rest, but chose this Time to end his Days. The _French Indians_ had the Pleasure of tormenting him, which he bore with surprising Evenness of Mind, and with that Resolution which becomes a _Sachem_ of the _Five 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 of _Frenchmen_ may learn how to suffer like Men. You _Indians_, their Allies, you Dogs of Dogs, think of me when you shall be in the like State. Thus this old _Sachem_, 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 Chevalier _de Vaudreuil_ was sent with a Detachment of six or seven hundred Men to destroy the _Oneydoes_ Corn, who liv'd but a small Distance from _Onondaga_, which he performed without any Resistance. The Jesuit _Milet_ had lived for the most Part with the _Oneydoes_; he had infused into them the most favourable Sentiments of the _French_, and they had been the most inclined to Peace on the _French_ Terms. Thirty five of them staid in their Castle to make the _French_ welcome; but the only Favour they obtained, was to be made Prisoners, and carried to _Montreal_. The _French_ Governor declared his Resolutions to extirpate the _Onondagas_, 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 Count _de Frontenac_ to return as speedily as possible. Though the _French_ Army was much an Overmatch for the _Onondagas_, both in Number of Men and in their Arms, the _Onondagas_ were 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 to _Montreal_ the tenth of _August_.

The _Onondagas_ suffered nothing by this chargeable Expedition, but the Loss of their Corn, and their Bark Cottages. They lost not one Man, but the old _Sachem_, who resolved to die a Martyr to his Country's Honour. The _French_ suffered 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 in _Canada_, where all the Men, fit to bear Arms, have been employed in such like Expeditions. If the _Oneydoes_ had 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 Jesuit _Milet_ had obtained over the _Oneydoes_ was such, that some Time after this, thirty of them deserted to the _French_, and desired that he might be appointed their Pastor.

In the following Winter the _Mohawks_, with the Governor of _New York_'s Privacy, =sent one to the _Praying Indians_ with 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 the _Praying Indians_ had taken: But his real Design was, to learn the State of their Country, and what Designs were forming. Notwithstanding the Influence and Artifice of the _French_ Priests over these Converts, they still retained an Affection to their Countrymen; for which Reason the Count _de Frontenac_ entertained 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 of _Canada_ by Famine.

A Party of the _French_ was sent out in the Winter, to make some Attempt upon the _English_ Settlements near _Albany_; but some _Mohawks_ and _Scahkook Indians_ meeting with them, before they reached the Settlements, they were intirely routed. The commanding Officer, one _du Bau_, and two others, saved themselves from the Fury of the _Indians_, by running to _Albany_; the rest were either killed or perished in the Woods, so that not one Man of this Party got back to _Canada_.

It was much easier for the _French_ to set the _Praying Indians_ upon the _English_, against whom it is possible many of them had personal Animosities, that made them go over to the _French_, than to fight their Countrymen. Several of them came this Winter skulking about _Schenectady_ and _Albany_; and being well acquainted with the Country, and speaking likewise the _Mohawk_'s Language, by which they sometimes deceived the Inhabitants, they surprised some of the Inhabitants, and carried away their Scalps.

The _Five Nations_, to shew that the Count _de Frontenac_'s Expedition had no Way discouraged them, sent out several Parties against _Canada_. One of them met with a Party of _French_ upon _St. Laurence River_, near _Montreal_. The _French_ were routed, and their Captain killed. As soon as this was heard at _Montreal_, _Repentigni_ was sent out after them with a considerable Party of _French_, _Nepicirinien Indians_ and _Praying Indians_; but this Party was likewise defeated, and the Captain, with many of his Men, killed.

Thus the War was continued till the Peace of _Reswick_, by small Parties of _Indians_, on both Sides, harassing, surprising, and scalping the Inhabitants near _Montreal_ and _Albany_.

Some Time this Year the chief _Sachem_ of the _Dionondadies_ (whom the _French_ call the _Baron_) went to _Quebeck_, pretending a strong Attachment to the _French_, but really to conceal the Treaty of Peace that he was on the Point of concluding with the _Five Nations_; for which Purpose he had =sent his Son with nineteen Belts= to the _Senekas_. The Substance of whose Commission was as follows:

The _French_ have 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 the _French_ know nothing of the Matter. The Commandant at _Missilimakinak_ has 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 the _French_ could make. The _French_ Authors say, the only Reason that induced the _Dionondadies_ was, that the _English_ sold them Goods cheaper than the _French_ could.

Some Time before the News of the Peace arrived, the _French_ at _Montreal_ being informed that a Party of the _Five Nations_ were discovered near _Corlear's Lake_, sent out a Captain with a Party of Soldiers and _Indians_, who being well experienced in the Manner of making War with _Indians_, 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. The _Utawawas_ being then trading at _Montreal_, the Count _de Frontenac_ invited them to a Feast to be made of this Prisoner, and caused him to be burnt publickly alive at _Montreal_, in the Manner of which I have already given two Accounts from the _French_ Authors.

CHAP. XIII.

_The Conduct which the_ English _and_ French _observed_, _in regard to the_ Five Nations, _immediately after the Peace of_ Reswick.

Soon after the News of the Peace of _Reswick_ reached _New-York_, the Governor sent an Express to _Canada_, to inform the Governor there of it, that Hostilities might cease. The _Five Nations_ having an Account of the Peace earlier than they had it in _Canada_, took Advantage of it, in hunting Bever near _Cadarackui Fort_. The Governor of _Canada_ being informed of this, and believing that the _Five Nations_ thought themselves secure by the general Peace, resolved to take his last Revenge of them. For this Purpose he sent a considerable Party of _Adirondacks_ to 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 the _Five Nations_ the 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 the _Adirondacks_.

A Dispute at this Time arose, between the Government of _New-York_ and _Canada_, about the _French_ Prisoners which the _Five Nations_ had in their Hands. The Earl of _Bellamont_, then Governor of _New-York_, would have the _French_ receive those Prisoners from him, and directed the _Five Nations_ to bring them to _Albany_ for that Purpose. The _French_, on the other Hand, refused to own the _Five Nations_ as subject to the Crown of _Great-Britain_, and threatened to continue the War against the _Five Nations_, if they did not bring the Prisoners to _Montreal_, and deliver them there. The Count _de Frontenac_ sent some of the _Praying Indians_ with a Message to this Purpose, and to have all the _French_ Allies included in the general Peace.

The Messenger on his Return told the Count, publickly in Presence of several _Utawawas_, that the _Five Nations_ refused to include several of his Allies, but were resolved to revenge the Injuries they had received. The _Utawawas_ were 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 the _Five Nations_ with the whole Force of _Canada_.

The Earl of _Bellamont_ being informed of this, sent Captain _John Schuyler_ (of the Militia) to tell the Count, that he had the Interest of the King his Master too much at Heart, to suffer the _French_ to treat the _Five Nations_ like 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 the _French_ or 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 the _French_ Threatening, 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 the _Indian Nations_, to be determined by Commissioners, to be appointed pursuant to the Treaty of _Reswick_.

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? The _French_ have 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 at _Reswick_, the noted _Therouet_ died at _Montreal_. The _French_ gave 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 the _Jews_ crucified, 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 at _Montreal_, three considerable Men of the _Praying Indians_ came to _Albany_; 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 of _Indian 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 the _English_ with that Care and Assiduity, with which they are by the _French_.

While Captain _Schuyler_ was in _Canada_, he entered into some indiscreet Discourse with Monsieur _Maricour_, for whom the _Five Nations_ had a particular Esteem, and call _Stowtowisse_. Captain _Schuyler_, in asserting the Dependency of the _Five Nations_ on _New-York_, said, that those Nations were their Slaves. Mr. _Maricour_ told this Discourse to an _Onondaga_, with all the Aggravations he could, and added, that it was intirely owing to the _English_ that the Peace was not absolutely concluded, and that Captain _Schuyler_ prevented their Prisoners being restored, because he would have them sent to _Albany_, as being Slaves to the _English_. That the _French_ had no Dispute with the _English_, but for the Independency of the _Five Nations_. This indiscreet Conduct of Captain _Schuyler_ was so much resented by the _Five Nations_, that a Deputation of the most considerable _Sachems_ was sent to _Albany_ in _June_ 1699, to complain of it; and they sent at the same Time Deputies to _Canada_ to conclude the Peace, independently of the _English_. These Deputies that came to _Albany_ were so far convinced that the _French_ had abused them, and how much more it was for their Security to be included in the general Peace with the _English_, than to have only the _French_ Faith for their Security, that they immediately dispatched a Messenger after their Deputies that were gone to _Canada_. 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 the _English_ in the Peace, as they had been in the War, that they insisted that the Exchange of Prisoners be made at _Albany_. At the same Time the Messenger was sent after their Deputies to _Canada_, Colonel _Peter Schuyler_ was sent with others to _Onondaga_, to remove the Prejudices they had received there.

The Count _de Frontenac_ died while these Disputes continued. Monsieur _de Callieres_, who succeeded him, put an End to them, by agreeing to send to _Onondaga_ to regulate the Exchange of Prisoners there; for which Purpose Monsieur _Maricour_, _Ioncaire_, and the Jesuit _Bruyas_, were sent.

When the _French_ Commissioners were come within less than a Mile of _Onondaga_ Castle, they put themselves in Order and marched with the _French_ Colours carried before them, and with as much Show as they could make. _Decanesora_ met them without the Gate, and =complimented them with three Strings of Wampum=. By the first he wiped away their Tears for the _French_ that 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 Monsieur _Maricour_, passed the Time in visiting and conversing with the _French_ Prisoners. The General Council being at last met, the Jesuit made the following Speech, which I take from the Relation the _Five Nations_ afterwards made of it to the Earl of _Bellamont_.

"1. I am glad to see the _Five Nations_, and that some of them
went to _Canada_, notwithstanding _Corlear_ forbid them: I am
sorry for the Loss of your People killed by the remote
_Indians_; 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 the _Five Nations_ had 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 at _Onondaga_.

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

"5. Deliver up the _French_ Prisoners 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 at _Onondaga_, 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 the _Rondaxe_, or _French
Indians_, to desire Restitution of the Prisoners taken from
them."

The Jesuit in the Conclusion said; "Why does not _Corlear_ tell
you what passes between the Governor of _Canada_ and him? He
keeps you in the Dark, while the Governor of _Canada_ conceals
nothing from his Children. Nor does the Governor of _Canada_
claim your Land, as _Corlear_ does."

The General Council immediately rejected the Belt by which the Jesuit offered to stay with them, saying, We have already accepted _Corlear's_ Belt, by which he offers us Pastors to instruct us. _Decanesora_ added, The Jesuits have always deceived us, for while they preached Peace, the _French_ came and knocked us on the Head. To this the Jesuit replied, that if he had known that _Corlear_ intended to send them Pastors, he would not have offered this Belt.

It is to be observed that the _Indian_ Council refused to hear the _French_, or to give them an Answer, but in Presence of the Commissioners from _Albany_.

The _French_ Commissioners having assured the Peace with the _Five Nations_, the Inhabitants of _Canada_ esteemed it the greatest Blessing that could be procured for them from Heaven; for nothing could be more terrible than this last War with the _Five 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 the _Indian_ Country, 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.

The _French_ Commissioners carried several of the principal _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ back with them, who were received at _Montreal_ with great Joy. They were saluted by a Discharge of all the great Guns round the Place, as they entered. The _French_ Allies took this amiss, and asked if their Governor was entering. They were told, that it was a Compliment paid to the _Five Nations_, whose _Sachems_ were then entering the Town. We perceive, they replied, that Fear makes the _French_ shew more Respect to their Enemies, than Love can make them do to their Friends.

Monsieur _de Callieres_ assembled all the _French_ Allies, (who were then very numerous at _Montreal_) to make the Exchange of Prisoners, and they delivered the Prisoners they had taken, though the _Five Nations_ had 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 the _French_ Commissioners took all the Pains possible to carry Home the _French_, that were Prisoners with the _Five Nations_, and they had full Liberty from the _Indians_, 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 the _English_ had as much Difficulty to persuade the People, that had been taken Prisoners by the _French Indians_, to leave the _Indian_ Manner of living, though no People enjoy more Liberty, and live in greater Plenty, than the common Inhabitants of _New-York_ do. No Arguments, no Intreaties, nor Tears of their Friends and Relations, could persuade many of them to leave their new _Indian_ Friends 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 the _Indians_, and ended their Days with them. On the other Hand, _Indian_ Children have been carefully educated among the _English_, 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 the _English_, but returned to their own Nations, and became as fond of the _Indian_ Manner of Life as those that knew nothing of a civilized Manner of living. What I now tell of Christian Prisoners among _Indians_, relates not only to what happened at the Conclusion of this War, but has been found true on many other Occasions.

_The End of the_ Second Part.

=Transcriber's Notes:=
hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in the original
Page ii, extra word to removed
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 83, which he gave to to an _Indian_ ==> which he gave to an _Indian_
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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