Chapter III: Part I (1)

_The History of the_ Five Nations, _from the Time the Christians first knew any Thing of them, to that of the Revolution in_ Great-Britain.

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CHAP. I.

_Of the Wars of the_ Five Nations _with the_ Adirondacks _and_ Quatoghies.

The first Settlers of _New-York_ having been little curious in inquiring into the _Indian Affairs_, further than what related to Trade; or, at least, having neglected to transmit their Discoveries to Posterity, it is much more difficult to give a just History of these Nations before, than since the Time of their being under the _Crown of England_. What we can learn of Certainty, however, is this. The _French_ settled at _Canada_ in the Year 1603, six Years before the _Dutch_ possessed themselves of _New-Netherlands_, now called _New-York_, and found the _Five Nations_ at War with the _Adirondacks_, which, they tell us, was occasioned in the following Manner.

The _Adirondacks_ formerly lived three-hundred Miles above _Trois Rivieres_, where now the _Utawawas_ are situated; at that Time they employ'd themselves wholly in Hunting, and the _Five Nations_ made planting of Corn their Business. By this Means they became useful to each other, by exchanging Corn for Venison. The _Adirondacks_, however, valued themselves, as delighting in a more manly Employment, and despised the _Five Nations_, in following Business, which they thought only fit for Women. But it once happened, that the Game failed the _Adirondacks_, which made them desire some of the young Men of the _Five Nations_ to assist them in Hunting. These young Men soon became much more expert in Hunting, and able to endure Fatigues, than the _Adirondacks_ expected or desired; in short, they became jealous of them, and, one Night, murdered all the young Men they had with them. The _Five Nations_ complained to the Chiefs of the _Adirondacks_, of the Inhumanity of this Action; but they contented themselves with blaming the Murderers, and ordered them to make some small[3] Presents to the Relations of the murdered Persons, without being apprehensive of the Resentment of the _Five Nations_; for they looked upon them, as Men not capable of taking any great Revenge.

This however provoked the _Five Nations_ to that Degree, that they soon resolved, by some Means, to be revenged; and the _Adirondacks_ being informed of their Designs, thought to prevent them, by reducing them with Force to their Obedience.

The _Five Nations_ then lived near where _Mont Real_ now stands; they defended themselves at first but faintly against the vigorous Attacks of the _Adirondacks_, and were forced to leave their own Country, and fly to the Banks of the Lakes where they live now. As they were hitherto Losers by the War, it obliged them to apply themselves to the Exercise of Arms, in which they became daily more and more expert. Their _Sachems_, in order to raise their People's Spirits, turned them against the _Satanas_[4], a less warlike Nation, who then lived on the Banks of the Lakes; for they found it was difficult to remove the Dread their People had of the Valour of the _Adirondacks_. The _Five Nations_ soon subdued the _Satanas_, and drove them out of their Country; and their People's Courage being thus elevated, they, from this Time, not only defended themselves bravely against the whole Force of the _Adirondacks_, but often carried the War into the Heart of the _Adirondacks_'s Country, and, at last, forced them to leave it, and to fly into that Part of the Country, where _Quebeck_ is now built.

There are more Instances than one in History, of poor dispirited Nations, that by some signal Affront or Abuse have had their Spirits so raised, that they have not only performed notable Things on a sudden, but, if they happened, at the same Time, to be led and governed by wise Men, have so far kept up, and improved that Spirit, that they have become, in a Manner, a different People. Let us examine History, and we shall find, that the different Figure every Country has made in the World, has been ever principally owing to the Principles which were inculcated into, and carefully cultivated in the People. In this chiefly consists the Art of making a Nation glorious, or the Crime of debasing them into Servitude or Slavery. It was from the Notions of Liberty, Honour, and Glory, and such wise and generous Principles, which the meanest Citizen among the old _Romans_ entertained, that they became so great and powerful, and a Terror to all Nations; as the sordid, timorous, cunning Artifices, and the Love of Wealth and sensual Pleasures, cultivated among the present _Romans_, has debased them now into the meanest and least feared Nation on the Earth. The History of the _Five Nations_ will readily shew, how far the ancient _Roman_ Principles have been cultivated among them.

Soon after this Change of the People of these Nations, the _French_ arrived at _Canada_, and settled at _Quebeck_; and they thinking it adviseable to gain the Esteem and Friendship of the _Adirondacks_, in whose Country they settled, _Monsieur Champlain_, the first Governor of _Canada_, joined the _Adirondacks_ in an Expedition against the _Five Nations_. They met a Party of two-hundred Men of the _Five Nations_ in _Corlar's Lake_, which the _French_, on this Occasion called by _Monsieur Champlain's_ Name, and both Sides went ashore to prepare for Battle, which proved to the Disadvantage of the _Five Nations_. The _French_, in short, kept themselves undiscover'd, till the Moment they began to join Battle; and their Fire-arms surprised the _Five Nations_ so much, that they were immediately put into Confusion; for, before that Time, they had never seen such Weapons. The Trade with the _French_, soon after this, drew most of the neighbouring Nations to _Quebeck_, and they all joined in the War against the _Five Nations_.

The _Adirondacks_ having their Numbers thus increased, and their Fire-arms giving them new Confidence, proposed nothing less to themselves, than the intire Destruction of the _Five Nations_. Upon this, their young Warriors became fierce and insolent, and would not be kept under any Discipline or Subjection to their Captains; but, upon all Occasions, rashly attacked the Enemy, who were obliged to keep themselves upon the defensive; and to make up what they wanted in Force, by Stratagems, and a skilful Management of the War. The young Men of the _Five Nations_ soon perceived the Advantages they gained by this Conduct, and every Day grew more submissive to their Captains, and diligent in executing any Enterprize.

The _Five Nations_ sent out small Parties only, who meeting with great Numbers of the _Adirondacks_, retired before them with seeming Terror, while the _Adirondacks_ pursued them with Fury, and without Thought, till they were cunningly drawn into Ambuscades, where most of their Men were killed or taken Prisoners, with little or no Loss to the _Five Nations_.

The _Adirondacks_, by this Means, wasted away, and their boldest Soldiers were almost intirely destroy'd, while the Number of the _Five Nations_ were increased, by the Addition of the Prisoners, which they took from the _Satanas_.

The wisest and best Soldiers of the _Adirondacks_, when it was too late, now at length discovered, that they must learn the Art of War from those Enemies that they at first despised; and now five of their Captains endeavoured to perform by themselves singly, with Art and by Stratagem, what they could not do by Force at the Head of their Armies; they had however no longer any Hopes of conquering, their Thoughts were only set on Revenge.

It is not improper to observe here, once for all, that in writing the History of _Indians_, it is often necessary to give an Account of the Enterprizes of single Persons, otherwise the _Indian_ Genius can never be known, or their Manner of making War understood. An _Indian_ named _Piskaret_ was at this Time one of the Captains of greatest Fame among the _Adirondacks:_ This bold Man, with four other Captains, set out for _Trois-Rivieres_ in one Canoe, each of them being provided with three Musquets, which they loaded with two Bullets apiece, joined with a small Chain ten Inches long; they met with five Canoes in _Sorel River_, each having ten Men of the _Five Nations_ on Board. _Piskaret_ and his Captains, as soon as those of the _Five Nations_ drew near, pretended to give themselves up for lost, and sung their Death Song,[5] then suddenly fired upon the Canoes, which they repeated with the Arms that lay ready loaded, and tore those Birch Vessels betwixt Wind and Water. The Men of the _Five Nations_ were so surprized, that they tumbled out of their Canoes, and gave _Piskaret_ and his Companions the Opportunity of knocking as many of them on the Head as they pleased, and saving the others, to feed their Revenge, which they did, by burning them alive with the most cruel Torments. This however was so far from glutting _Piskaret_'s Revenge, that it seemed rather to give a keener Edge to it; for he soon after undertook another Enterprize, in which none of his Countrymen durst accompany him: He was well acquainted with the Country of the _Five Nations_, and set out about the Time the Snow began to melt, with the Precaution of putting the hinder Part of his Snow Shoes forward, that if any should happen upon his Footsteps, they might think he was gone the contrary Way; and, for further Security, went along the Ridges and high Grounds, where the Snow was melted, that his Track might be often lost; when he came near one of the Villages of the _Five Nations_, he hid himself till Night, and then entered a Cabin, while every Body was fast asleep, murdered the whole Family, and carried their Scalps into his lurking Place. The next day the People of the Village searched for the Murderer in vain. The following Night he murdered all he found in another Cabin. The Inhabitants next Day searched likewise in vain for the Murderer; but the third Night a Watch was kept in every House. _Piskaret_ in the Night bundled up the Scalps he had taken the two former Nights, to carry, as the Proof of his Victory, and then stole privately from House to House, till at last he found an _Indian_ nodding, who was upon the Watch in one of the Houses; he knockt this Man on the Head; but as this alarmed the rest, he was forced immediately to fly. He was however under no great Concern from the Pursuit, being more swift of Foot than any _Indian_ then living. He let his Pursuers come near him from Time to Time, and then would dart from them. This he did with Design to tire them out with the Hopes of overtaking Him. As it began to grow dark, he hid himself, and his Pursuers stop'd to rest. They not being apprehensive of any Danger from a single Man, soon fell asleep, and the bold _Piskaret_ observing this, knock'd them all on the Head, and carried away their Scalps with the rest. Such Stories as these are told among the _Indians_, as extraordinary Instances of the Courage and Conduct of their Captains. The _Indians_ will often travel thus three or four Hundred Miles singly, or two or three in Company, and lurk about their Enemy's Borders for several Weeks, in Hopes to revenge the Death of a near Relation or dear Friend. Indeed they give themselves so very much up to Revenge, that this Passion seems to gnaw their Souls, and gives them no Rest till they satisfy it. It is this Delight in Revenge, that makes all barbarous Nations cruel; and the curbing such Passions is one of the happy Effects of being civilized.

The _Five Nations_ are so much delighted with Stratagems in War, that no Superiority of their Forces ever make them neglect them. They amused the _Adirondacks_ and their Allies the _Quatoghies_ (called by the _French Hurons_) by sending to the _French_, and desiring Peace. The _French_ desired them to receive some Priests among them, in Hopes that those prudent Fathers would, by some Art, reconcile them to their Interest, and engage their Affections. The _Five Nations_ readily accepted the Offer, and some _Jesuits_ went along with them: But after they had the Jesuits in their Power, they used them only as Hostages, and thereby obliged the _French_ to stand neuter, while they prepared to attack the _Adirondacks_ and _Quatoghies_, and they defeated the _Quatoghies_ in a dreadful Battle fought within two Leagues of _Quebeck_.

The _French_ own, That if the _Five Nations_ had known their Weakness at that Time, they might have easily destroyed the whole Colony.

This Defeat, in Sight of the _French_ Settlements, struck Terror into all their Allies, who were at that Time very numerous, because of the Trade with the _French_, which furnished them with many the most useful Conveniences; for before that Time the _Indians_ had no Iron Tool among them.

The _Nipeceriniens_, who then lived on the Banks of _St. Laurence River_, fled upon this to the Northward, believing that the extreme Coldness of the Climate, and a barren Soil, would be the securest Defence against the Ambition of the _Five Nations_. The Remainder of the _Quatoghies_ fled with the _Utawawas_ Southwestward; and for the greater Security, settled in an Island, which being further than the Name of the _Five Nations_ had then reached, they trusted to the Distance of the Place, and the Advantage of its Situation.

Their last Expedition having succeeded so well, the _Five Nations_ gave out, that they intended next Winter to visit _Yonnendio_, (the Name they give to the Governor of _Canada_;) these Visits are always made with much Shew. Under this Pretence they gathered together 1000 or 1200 Men. Their out Scouts met with _Piskaret_ near _Niccolet River_, and still pretending a friendly Visit to the Governor of _Canada_, as their only Design, he told them, that the _Adirondacks_ were divided into two Bodies, one of which hunted on the North Side of _St. Laurence River_ at _Wabmake_, three Leagues above _Trois Rivieres_, and the other at _Nicolet_. As soon as they had gained this Information, they killed him, and returned with his Head to the Army. The _Five Nations_ divided likewise into two Bodies; they surprized the _Adirondacks_ in both Places, and in both cut them in pieces.

Thus the most warlike and polite Nation of all the _Indians_ in _North America_, was almost intirely destroyed by a People they at first despised, and by a War which their Pride and Injustice brought upon them; and we here see, that all the Advantages of Numbers, Courage and Weapons, is not equal to good discipline in an Army.

A very few _Adirondacks_ only now remain in some Villages near _Quebeck_, who still waste away and decay, by their drinking strong Waters, tho' when the _French_ first settled at _Quebeck_, 1500 fighting Men of them lived between that Place and _Sillerie_, which are only a League distant, besides those that lived at _Saquenay, Trois Rivieres_, and some other Places. And since this decisive Battle, the _Adirondacks_ have never been considered as of any Consequence, either in Peace or War.

The _Quatoghies_ and _Atawawas_ now soon began to be in Want of the _European_ Commodities, which had made them considerable among their new Friends. In order therefore to supply themselves anew, they returned to Trade at _Quebeck_; and by this Means the Place of their Retreat was discovered to the _five Nations_; and they not having their Revenge satiated, while the _Quatoghies_ had a Being, soon convinced them, that no Extent of Country could set bounds to that Passion, when it rages in the Hearts of the _Five Nations_, for they soon after attack'd them in their new Settlement. The _Quatoghies_ had the good Fortune to discover the _Five Nations_ Time enough to make their Escape, and fled to the _Putewatemies_, who lived a Day's Journey further, where they, and all the Neighbouring Nations, secured themselves in a large Fort. The _Five Nations_ followed, but, being in Want of Provision, they could not attempt a Siege, and therefore proposed a Treaty with the _Putewatemies_, which was accepted. The _Putewatemies_ acknowledged the _Five Nations_ as Masters of all the Nations round them, applauded their Valour, and promised them their Friendship, and to supply them with Provisions; they would not however trust themselves out of their Fort, but sent out a Supply; and even this they did, only with Design to do that by Treachery, which they durst not attempt by Force; for the Provisions were poisoned. The Treachery was discovered however to the _Five Nations_, by an old _Quatoghie_, who had a Son Prisoner among them; his Affection for his Son overcoming even his Hatred to his Country's Enemies. This Treachery highly enraged the _Five Nations_ against the _Putewatemies_, and the neighbouring People; but Famine obliging them to retire at this Time, they divided their Armies into Parties, the better to provide for their Subsistence, by Hunting; one of these Parties in their Chace fell in with a Village of the _Chicktaghicks_ (called by the _French Hinois_) and surprized the old Men, Women and Children, when the young Men were abroad hunting; but the young Men, upon their Return, gathering together all the rest of the Villages, pursued this Party of the _Five Nations_, and recovered the Prisoners.

This was the first Time that the _Five Nations_ had been seen in those Parts, but their Name was become so terrible, that the _Chictaghicks_, notwithstanding this Advantage, left their Country, and fled to the Nations that lived westward, till the General Peace was settled by the _French_, and not till on that Occasion returned to their own Country.

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

[Footnote 4: They are called _Shaouonons_, by the _French_, and live now on one of the Banks of the Misissipi.]

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

CHAP. II.

_The Wars and Treaties of Peace of the_ Indians _of the_ Five Nations _with the_ French, _from_ 1665 _to_ 1683, _and their Affairs with_ New-York _in that Time_.

In _June_ 1665 _Monsieur De Trasi_ appointed _Vice-Roy_ of _America_ by the _French King_, arrived at _Quebeck_, after he had visited the _French Islands_ in the _West Indies_, and brought with him four Companies of Foot; and in _September_ of the same Year, _Mr. Coursel_ arrived Governor General of _Canada_; he brought with him a Regiment and several Families, with all Things necessary for establishing of a Colony. Their Force being now thus considerably augmented, the _French_ Governor resolved to chastise the Insolence of the _Five Nations_; and for that Purpose, in the Winter, sent out a Party against the _Mohawks_, but these by the Cold, and their not knowing the Use of Snow Shoes, suffered very much, without doing any Thing against the Enemy.

This Party however fell in with _Skenectady_[6], a small Town which _Corlear_ (a considerable Man among the _Dutch_) had then newly settled. When they appeared near _Shenectady_, they were almost dead with Cold and Hunger; and the _Indians_, who were then in that Village, had intirely destroyed them, if _Corlear_, (in Compassion to his fellow Christians) had not contriv'd their Escape. He had a mighty Influence over the _Indians_; and it is from him, and in Remembrance of his Merit, that all Governors of _New-York_ are called _Corlear_ by the _Indians_ to this Day, tho' he himself was never Governor. He persuaded the _Indians_, that this was a small Party of the _French_ Army come to amuse them, that the great Body was gone directly towards their Castles, and that it was necessary for them immediately to go in Defence of their Wives and Children. This they believed, and readily obeyed; and as soon as the _Indians_ were gone, he sent to the _French_, and supplied them with Provisions and other Necessaries to carry them back. The _French_ Governor, in Order to reward so signal a Service, invited _Corlear_ to _Canada_; but as he went through the great Lake, which lies to the Northward of _Albany_, his Canoe was overset, and he was drowned; and from this Accident that Lake has ever since been called _Corlear_'s _Lake_, by the People of _New-York_. There is a Rock in this Lake, on which the Waves dash and fly up to a great Height; when the Wind blows hard, the _Indians_ believe, that an old _Indian_ lives under this Rock, who has the Power of the Winds; and therefore, as they pass it in their Voyages over, they always throw a Pipe, or some other small Present to this old _Indian_, and pray a favourable Wind. The _English_ that pass with them sometimes laugh at them, but they are sure to be told of _Corlear_'s Death. Your great Countryman _Corlear_ (say they) as he passed by this Rock, jested at our Fathers making Presents to this _Old Indian_, and in Derision turned up his Backside, but this Affront cost him his Life.

In the following Spring the _Vice-Roy_ and the _Governor of Canada_, with twenty eight Companies of Foot, and all the Militia of the Colony, marched into the Country of the _Mohawks_, with a Design to destroy this Nation, which by their Wars not only prevented their Commerce with the western _Indians_, but likewise often put their Colony in Danger. It certainly was a bold Attempt, to march above 700 Miles from _Quebeck_ through vast unknown Forests. The _Mohawks_ however, on their Approach, Men, Women, and Children, retired into the Woods, and all that the _French_ were able to do, was to burn some Villages, and to murder some old _Sachems_ that (like the old Roman Senators,) chose rather to dye than to desert their Houses.

The _French_ were so conceited before, of their Superiority over the _Indians_ in their Skill of War, and their Weapons, that they thought they could not escape, but the little Honour or Advantage they got by this Expedition lessened their Vanity, and made them desirous of Peace; and the _Five Nations_ remaining fearful of the _French fire Arms_, it was without much Difficulty concluded in the Year 1667.

The _Five Nations_ however being naturally very enterprizing and haughty, one of their Parties some Time after met with some _French_ in their hunting, and quarrelled with them. The _Indians_ had the Advantage, they killed several of the _French_, and carried one Prisoner into their own Country. _Monsieur de Coursel_ sent on this to threaten the _Five Nations_ with War, if they did not deliver up these Murderers; and the _Five Nations_, to shew their publick Displeasure at this Breach of Peace, sent _Agariata_, the Captain of the Company that did the Mischief, with forty others, to beg Pardon; but _Monsieur Coursel_ was resolved to make an Example of _Agariata_, and ordered him to be hanged in Sight of his Countrymen; and the _French_ think that this Severity was a great Means of preserving the Peace till the Year 1683.

The _Dutch_, who settled in the _New Netherlands_, now called _New-York_, in 1609, entered into an Alliance with the Five Nations, which continued without any Breach on either Side, till the _English_ gained this Country. The _Dutch_ gained the Hearts of the _Five Nations_ by their kind Usage, and were frequently useful to the _French_, in saving those of them that were prisoners from the Cruelty of the _Indians_.

In 1664, _New-York_ being taken by the _English_, they likewise immediately entered into a Friendship with the _Five Nations_, which has continued without the least Breach to this Day; and History, I believe, cannot give an Instance of the most Christian or most Catholick Kings observing a Treaty so strictly, and for so long a Time as these Barbarians, as they are called, have done.

The _English_ and _French_ (Peace being every where settled) now endeavoured to extend their Commerce and Alliances among the _Indian Nations_, that live to the westward of _New-York_. The _French_ however, in their Measures, discovered always a Design of conquering and commanding; for with this View _Mr. de Frontenac_, who had succeeded in the Government of _Canada_, in the Year 1672, persuaded the _Five Nations_ to allow him to build a Fort on the north Side of _Cadarackui Lake_, under Pretence of a Store for _Merchandise_, and the Security of his Traders, and under the same Pretence built several other Forts at some other considerable Places far in the Country.

The _English_ and _Dutch_, on the contrary, prosecuted their Measures only with the Arts of Peace, by sending People among the _Indians_ to gain their Affections, and to persuade them to come to _Albany_ to trade; but the War with the _Dutch_, which happened about this Time, prevented even these honest Designs from having the Success they otherwise might have had; for in the Year 1673, _New-York_ being surprised by the _Dutch_, and restored the next Year to the _English_, the Alterations of Government, and of Masters, obstructed very much any Measures that could have been taken for the publick Good. Their Trade was likewise considerably hindered by the War which the _Five Nations_ had at that Time with the River Indians[7], which forced many of those _Indians_ to seek Shelter among the _Utawawas_, who fell under the _French_ Government at last; however, the _English_, _Dutch_ and _French_ having all made Peace in _Europe_, and the Government of _New-York_ likewise having obtained a Peace between the _Five Nations_ and _Mahikandars_ or _River Indians_, both the _English_ and _French_ were at full Liberty to prosecute their Designs of extending their Commerce among the _Indians_, which both did with very considerable Success and Advantage to the Inhabitants of their respective Colonies.

But this Justice must be done to the _French_, that they far exceeded the _English_ in the daring Attempts of some of their Inhabitants, in travelling very far among unknown _Indians_, discovering new Countries, and every where spreading the Fame of the _French_ Name and Grandeur. The _Sieur Perot_ travelled in the Year 1667 as far as _the Fall St. Mary_ beyond _Missilimakinak_, and having learned those _Indians_ Language, gained them over to his Country's Interest.

The Courage and Resolution of many of these Adventurers are deservedly recorded by the _French_; but the _English_ give it another Turn, and say it is the Barrenness and Poverty of _Canada_ that pushes the Men of Spirit there, upon Enterprizes, that they would not have attempted, if they had lived in the Province of _New-York_. The chief Reason, in my Opinion, however, of the _French_ having so far succeeded beyond the _English_ is, that the _Indian Affairs_ are the particular Care of the Governor and other principal Officers in _Canada_, who have the greatest Knowledge and Authority; whereas those Affairs in _New-York_ are chiefly left to the Management of a few Traders with the _Indians_, who have no Care for, or Skill in publick Affairs, and only mind their private Interest.

[Footnote 6: The _French_ call this Town _Corlear_, from the Persons Name who first settled there. It is situate on the _Mohawks_ River sixteen Miles from _Albany_.]

[Footnote 7: The _Indians_ living on the Branches of _Hudson_'s River, within or near the _English_ Settlements at that Time.]

CHAP. III.

_Of the Transactions of the_ Indians _of the_ Five Nations _with the neighbouring_ English _Colonies_.

The _Five Nations_ being now amply supplied by the _English_ with Fire-Arms and Ammunition, give full Swing to their warlike Genius, and soon resolved to revenge the Affronts they had at any Time received from the _Indian_ Nations that lived at a greater Distance from them. The nearest Nations, as they were attack'd, commonly fled to those that were further off, and the _Five Nations_ pursued them. This, together with a Desire they had of conquering, or Ambition of making all the Nations round them their Tributaries, or to acknowledge the _Five Nations_ to be so far their Masters, as to be absolutely directed by them in all Affairs of Peace and War with their Neighbours, made them overrun great Part of _North-America_. They carried their Arms as far South as _Carolina_, to the Northward of _New-England_, and as far West as the River _Mississipi_, over a vast Country, which extends twelve hundred Miles in Length, from North to South, and about six hundred Miles in breadth; where they intirely destroyed many Nations, of whom there are now no Accounts remaining among the _English_.

These warlike Expeditions often proved troublesome to the Colonies of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_; for not only the _Indians_ that were Friends to those Colonies became Victims to the Fury of the _Five Nations_, but the Christian Inhabitants likewise were frequently involved in the same Calamity.

The _French_ having a long Time felt the Inconveniencies and Dangers they were in from this restless warlike Spirit of the _Five Nations_, made use of this Time of Peace to guard against it for the future, and were very diligent in pursuing the most prudent Measures. They sent some of their wisest Priests and Jesuits to reside among them, and the Governors of _New-York_ were ordered, by the _Duke of York_, to give these Priests all the Incouragement in their Power. The chief View of these Priests was, to give the _Indians_ the highest Opinion of the _French Power_ and Wisdom, and to render the _English_ as suspected and as mean as possible in their Eyes. They waited likewise for every Opportunity to breed a Quarrel between the _English_ and the _Indians_, and to withdraw the _Five Nations_ from fighting with those Nations that traded to _Canada_. For these Purposes these Priests were instrumental in turning the Resentment of the _Five Nations_ against the _Indians_, that were in Friendship with _Virginia_ and _Maryland_. The Governor of _Maryland_, on the other Hand, to prevent the ill Consequences, that might happen by Wars between Nations that were in Friendship with the _English_, and lived in their Neighbourhood, sent _Colonel Coursey_, in the Year 1677, to _Albany_, to increase the Friendship between _Virginia_ and _Maryland_ on the one Part, and the _Five Nations_ on the other; and, accordingly, both Sides gave mutual Promises at _Albany_: But this good Understanding was soon shaken by some Parties of the _Oneydoes_, _Onondagas_, and _Senekas_, who were out when this Treaty was made, and were ignorant of it. One of them met with the _Susguehana Indians_, who were in Friendship with _Maryland_, and fell upon them; they killed four of the _Susguehanas_, and took six Prisoners. Five of these Prisoners fell to the Share of the _Senekas_, who, as soon as they arrived in their own Country, sent them back with Presents, to shew that they kept their Promises with _Maryland_; but the _Oneydoes_ detained the Prisoner they had.

Another Party, that went against the _Canagesse Indians_ (Friends of _Virginia_) were surprised by a Troop of Horse, who killed one Man, and took a Woman Prisoner: The _Indians_, in Revenge, killed four of the Inhabitants, and carried away their Scalps, with six Christian Prisoners.

The _Mohawks_, all this while, kept strictly to their Words, and suffered none of their Men to go towards _Virginia_ and _Maryland_.

There is Reason to think that the _Dutch_, who lived about _Albany_ at that Time, spirited up the _Indians_ against the _English_; the national Differences, that were then recent, bred a Rancour in their Spirits. Some _Dutchmen_ persuaded the _Oneydoes_, that the _English_ at _New-York_ were resolved to destroy them, and put them into a terrible Disturbance; for here the _Dutch_ and the _French_ Priests joined in the same Measures. The Commandant at _Albany_ hearing of this, sent two Interpreters of the _Indian_ Language, to persuade the _Oneydoes_ to come to _Albany_, in Order to be assured of the _English_ Friendship, and to have their Jealousy removed; which being done, _Swerise_, one of the chief _Sachems_ of the _Oneydoes_, excused his Countrymen at _Albany_ the fifteenth of _February_ 1678/9, by laying the Blame on the People of _Schenectady_, who had informed not one, but several of their People, and at several Times, that the _English_ designed to cut them all off; and said, had they not Reason to believe the People of _Schenectady_, who are Friends and Neighbours to the _English_? They brought with them a Christian Woman and her Child, that had been taken Prisoners, and restored them, praying the Governor to use his Interest to have their People restored, that had been taken by the People of _Virginia_; but they kept another Christian Woman and her two Children, which they said they did only till such Time as their Prisoners should be restored, or some _Canastoga Indians_ given in their Place.

When the _Five Nations_ make Peace with another Nation, that has taken some of the _Five Nations_ Prisoners, if these Prisoners be dead, or cannot be restored, they usually demand some _Indians_, in Friendship with the _Five Nations_, in their stead; who either are adopted in Place of their dead Friends, or restored to their own Nation; and sometimes they desire some of their Enemies to be given to them, and even those frequently are adopted by a Father in Place of a Son, or by a Sister in Place of a Brother, and, most frequently, by a Wife in Place of a Husband lost in the Wars; but if they chance not to be agreeable to the Relations, then they are certainly made Sacrifices to their Revenge.

Governor _Andross_, being acquainted by Letter with this last Proposal of the _Oneydoes_, required the immediate Delivery of the Christian Prisoners, and promised to write to _Virginia_ to have the _Indian_ Prisoners sav'd. Some Presents being given to the _Oneydoes_, and they promised to bring them in a Month's Time.

They, at the same Time, informed the Commandant at _Albany_, that eight of their Men were then out against the People of _Virginia_; that they knew nothing of what was now promised; and therefore, in Case they should do any Harm, they desired that it might not be taken as a Breach of their Promises they now made. They promised likewise to inform the Governor of every Thing these Parties shou'd happen to do. In the last Place they said, we shall be very sorry if any Thing should happen to the Prisoners that we have promised to restore, lest it should create some Jealousies of us, we hope that you will consider that they are mortal. Accordingly, in _May_ following, the _Oneydoes_ brought the other three Prisoners to _Albany_, and, on the Twenty-fourth of that Month, _Swerise_, when he delivered them to the Commandant at _Albany_, and the Commissioners for _Indian_ Affairs, said,

"_Brethren_,

"We are come to this Place with much Trouble, as we did last
Winter, and renew the Request we then made, that six _Indians_
be delivered to us in the Room of these six Christians, in Case
our People, who are Prisoners, be dead. None of us have gone out
against the Christians since we were last here; but we told you
then that some were then out, who knew nothing of the Governor's
Orders, and we desired, that if any Thing happened it might not
be taken ill. Now thirteen of our People, who went out against
our _Indian_ Enemies, met eighteen Men on Horseback, as far from
any of the _English_ Plantations as _Cahnuaga_ is from _Albany_,
they fired upon our People; our Men, being Soldiers, returned
their Fire, and killed two Men and two Horses, and brought away
their Scalps.

"It would be convenient that the Governor tell the People of
_Virginia_, not to send their Men so far from Home; for if they
should meet our Parties in their Way against our Enemies, the
_Cahnowas_, whom the _English_ call _Arogisti_, we cannot answer
for the Consequences.

"We have now observed the Governor's Orders, in bringing the
three other Christian Prisoners; and we trust the Affair of our
Prisoners wholly to the Governor.

"We have now performed our Promises: But where are our
Prisoners; or, if they be dead, the others in their Room, now
when it is so late in the Spring? However, we will still trust
this to the Governor."

Then delivering the Prisoners one by one, said, "We have, we
say, now performed our Promises, and are not ashamed. We hope
_Corlaer_, who governs the whole Country, will likewise do that,
of which he need not be ashamed.

"_Corlaer_ governs the whole Land, from _New-York_ to _Albany_,
and from thence to the _Senekas Land_; we, who are his
Inferiors, shall faithfully keep the Chain: Let him perform his
Promise, as we have ours, that the Chain be not broken on his
Side, who governs the whole Country."

Then the Commissioners gave them Presents for their kind Usage
of the Prisoners.

After which _Swerise_ stood up again and said; "Let _Corlaer_
take Care, that the _Indian_ Woman, that is wanting, be
restored, and, for those that are killed, others in their Room.
If _Corlaer_ will not give Ear to us in this Affair, we will not
hereafter give Ear to him in any Thing."

Hearing afterwards, that these last Words were ill taken,
_Swerise_, with two more of the chief _Oneydoe Sachems_, excused
it, saying; "What we said, of not hearkening any more to
_Corlaer_, did not proceed from the Heart, but was spoken by Way
of Argument, to make _Corlaer_ more careful to release our
People that are Prisoners; and you may be convinced it was so,
when you consider that it was said after your Answer, and
without laying down either Bever, or any Belt or Wampum, as we
always do, when we make Propositions[8]; therefore we desire,
that, if it be noted, it may be blotted out, and not made known
to _Corlaer_, for we hold firmly to our Covenant, as we said in
our Propositions."

They, at the same Time, told them, That the _Sinondowans_[9] came to them with eight Belts, desiring them no longer to prosecute the War with the _Virginia Indians_, but to go to War against the _Dewaganas_[10], a Nation lying to the North-westward; and that the _Sennekas_ did desire them to set these Christians at Liberty, and to carry them to _Albany_; all which we promised to do.

The _Five Nations_ continuing however still to be troublesome to _Virginia_, that Government, in _September_ following, sent Colonel _William Kendall_, and Colonel _Southley Littleton_, to _Albany_, to renew and confirm the Friendship between _Virginia_ and the _Five Nations_. Colonel _Littleton_ died at _Albany_, before the _Indians_ arrived; and Colonel _Kendall_ spoke first to the _Oneydoes_, and told them in a set Speech, "That their People had taken away and destroyed their Goods and People, and brought some of the Women and Children of _Virginia_ Captives into their Castles, contrary to that Faith and Promise, and in Breach of the Peace made with Colonel _Coursey_, without any the least Provocation, or Injury done, by the People of _Virginia_. However, through the great Respect _Virginia_ has to their Nations, and by the Persuasions of the Governor of _New-York_, and the Information he has given the Government of _Virginia_, that they had quietly and peaceably delivered to him the Prisoners taken from _Virginia_, who were returned safely; and their excusing the same, and Inclination to live peaceably, without injuring _Virginia_ for the future; the Government of _Virginia_ did forgive all the Damages the _Five Nations_ have done to the People of _Virginia_, though very great; provided that they, or any living among them, for the future, do not offend, or molest the People of _Virginia_, or _Indians_ living among them."

He spoke to the _Mohawks_ and _Sennekas_, separately from the _Oneydoes_, because they had not done any Mischief, and promised them kind and neighbourly Usage when they came to _Virginia_, and gave them Presents; they returned the Compliment, with an Assurance of their Friendship, and condoled Colonel _Littleton_'s Death, after the _Indian_ Manner, by a =Present of a Belt of black Wampum=, besides the Belt given, on renewal of the Friendship.

The _Onnondagas_ did not come till _November_; on the fifth of which Month the _Virginia_ Agent spoke to them, in the same Words he did to the _Oneydoes_. It does not appear, by the Register of _Indian_ Affairs, what Answer the _Oneydoes_ and _Onnondagas_ made, but it is certain they did not observe Friendship with _Virginia_, but molested them with reiterated Incursions of their Parties. It is observable, however, that these two Nations, and the _Cayugas_, only had _French_ Priests among them at that Time, and that none of the rest ever molested the _English_; for which Reason, Colonel _Dongan_, notwithstanding the Orders he had received from his Master, and that he himself was a Papist, complained of the ill Offices these Priests did to the _English_ Interest, and forbid the _Five Nations_ to entertain any of them; though the _English_ and _French_ Crowns, while he was Governor of _New-York_, seemed to be more than ever in strict Friendship.

The _French_ had no Hopes of persuading the _Five Nations_ to break with _New-York_ directly, but they were in Hopes, that, by the _Indian_ Parties doing frequent Mischief in _Virginia_, the Government of _New-York_ would be forced to join, in resenting the Injury, and thereby that Union, between the Government of _New-York_ and the _Five Nations_, would be broke, which always obstructed, and often defeated, the Design the _French_ had, of subjecting all _North America_ to the Crown of _France_. For this Reason, the Governors of _New-York_ have always, with the greatest Caution, avoided a Breach with these Nations, on Account of the little Differences they had with the neighbouring Colonies. These new Incursions of these two Nations were so troublesome to the People of _Virginia_, that their Governor, the Lord _Howard of Effingham_, thought it necessary, for their Security, to undertake a Journey to _New-York_.

I shall give a particular Account of this Affair, which was thought of such Consequence, that a Peer of _England_ left his Government, and travelled four-hundred Miles, to treat with the _Five Nations_; and shall take this Opportunity of describing some Ceremonies they use, in making Peace.

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ being called to _Albany_, eight _Mohawks_, three _Oneydoes_, three _Onnondagas_, and three _Cayuga Sachems_, met his Lordship there; and, on the thirteenth of _July_, 1684, he, accompanied by two of the Council of _Virginia_, spoke to the _Sachems_ as follows, in the Presence of Colonel _Thomas Dongan_, Governor of _New-York_, and the Magistrates of _Albany_. The _Senekas_ being far off, were not then arrived.

_Proposals made by the Right Honourable_ Francis _Lord_ Howard
of Effingham, _Governor-general of his Majesty's Dominion of_
Virginia.

_To_

_The_ Mohawks, Oneydoes, Onnondagas, _and_ Cayugas.

"It is now about seven Years, said he, since you (unprovoked)
came into _Virginia_, a Country belonging to the great King of
_England_, and committed several Murders and Robberies, carrying
away our Christian Women and Children Prisoners into your
Castles. All which Injuries we designed to have revenged on you,
but at the Desire of Sir _Edmond Andross_, then Governor-general
of this Country, we desisted from destroying you, and sent our
Agents, Colonel _William Kendal_, and Colonel _Southley
Littleton_, to confirm and make sure the Peace, that Colonel
_Coursey_ of _Maryland_ included us in, when he first treated
with you. We find, that as you quickly forgot what you promised
Colonel _Coursey_, so you have wilfully broke the Covenant-chain
which you promised our Agent, Colonel _Kendal_, should be kept
more strong and bright, if we of _Virginia_ would bury, in the
Pit of Oblivion, the Injury then done us; which, upon Governor
_Andross_'s Intercession, and your Submission, we were willing
to forget: But you not at all minding the Covenant then made,
have every Year since, come into our Country in a war-like
Manner, under Pretence of fighting with our _Indians_, our
Friends and Neighbours, which you ought not to have done, our
Agent having included them likewise in the Peace. You not only
destroyed, and took several of them Prisoners, but you have also
killed and burnt our Christian People, destroying Corn and
Tobacco, more than you made Use of, killed our Horses, Hogs, and
Cattle; not to eat, but to let them lie in the Woods and stink:
This you did, when you were not denied any Thing you said you
wanted.

"I must also tell you, that, under the Pretence of Friendship,
you have come to Houses at the Heads of our Rivers (when they
have been fortified) with a white Sheet on a Pole, and have laid
down your Guns before the Fort; upon which, our People taking
you for Friends, have admitted your great Men into their Forts,
and have given them Meat and Drink, what they desired. After the
great Men had refreshed themselves, and desiring to return, as
they were let out of the Fort-gates, the young Men commonly
rushed into the Fort, and plundered the Houses, taking away, and
destroying all the Corn, Tobacco, and Bedding, and what else was
in the Houses. When they went away, they generally also took
several Sheep with them, and killed several Cows big with Calf,
and left them behind them cut to Pieces, and flung about, as if
it were in Defiance of us, and in Derision of our Friendship.
These, and many more Injuries that you have done us, have caused
me to raise Forces, to send to the Heads of our Rivers, to
defend our People from these Outrages, till I came to
_New-York_, to Colonel _Thomas Dongan_, your Governor-general,
to desire him, as we are all one King's Subjects, to assist me
in warring against you, to revenge the Christian Blood that you
have shed, and to make you give full Satisfaction for all the
Goods that you have destroyed: But by the Mediation of your
Governor, I am now come to _Albany_ to speak with you, and to
know the Reason of your breaking the Covenant-chain, not only
with us and our neighbour _Indians_, but with _Maryland_, who
are great King _Charles_'s Subjects; for our _Indians_ have
given King _Charles_ their Land; therefore I, the Governor of
_Virginia_, will protect them, as your Governor, under the great
_Duke of York_ and _Albany_, will henceforth you, when the Chain
of Friendship is made between us all.

"Now I have let you know, that I am sensible of all the Injuries
you have done us, and by the Desire of your Governor-general, I
am willing to make a new Chain with you for _Virginia_,
_Maryland_, and our _Indians_, that may be more strong and
lasting, even to the Word's End; so that we may be Brethren, and
great King _Charles_'s Children.

"I propose to you, _first_, That you call out of our Countries
of _Virginia_ and _Maryland_, all your young Men or Soldiers
that are now there.

"_Secondly_, That you do not hinder or molest our friendly
_Indians_ from hunting in our Mountains, it having been their
Country, and none of yours; they never go into your Country to
disturb any of you.

"_Thirdly_, Though the Damages you have done our Country be very
great, and would require a great deal of Satisfaction, which you
are bound to give; yet we assure you, that only by the
Persuasions of your Governor, who is at a vast deal of Trouble
and Charge for your Welfare, which you ever ought to
acknowledge, I have pass'd it by and forgiven you; upon this
Condition, that your People, nor any living among you, for the
future, ever commit any Incursions upon our Christians or
_Indians_ living among us, or in _Maryland_.

"For the better Confirmation of the same, and that the Peace now
concluded may be lasting, I propose to have two [11] Hatchets
buried, as a final Determination of all Wars and Jarrings
between us; one on behalf of us and our _Indians_, and the other
for all your _Nations_ united together, that ever did us any
Injury, or pretended to war against our _Indian_ Friends, or
those of _Maryland_.

"And that nothing may be wanting for Confirmation thereof (if
you desire it) we are willing to send some of our _Indian
Sachems_, with an Agent, next Summer, about this Time, that they
may ratify the Covenant with you here, in this prefixed House,
where you may see and speak together as Friends.

"That the Covenant now made between us, in this prefixed House,
in the Presence of your Governor, may be firmly kept and
performed on your Parts, as it always has been on ours; and that
you do not break any one Link of the Covenant-chain for the
future, by your People's coming near our Plantations; when you
march to the Southward, keep to the Feet of the Mountains, and
do not come nigh the Heads of our Rivers, there being no
Bever-hunting there; for we shall not for the future, though you
lay down your Arms as Friends, ever trust you more, you have so
often deceived us."

The next Day the _Mohawks_ answer'd first by their Speaker, saying:

"We must, in the first Place, say something to the other three
Nations, by Way of Reproof, for their not keeping the former
Chain, as they ought; and therefore we desire you, great _Sachem
of Virginia_, and you _Corlaer_, and all here present to give
Ear, for we will conceal nothing of the Evil they have done."
[Then turning to the other Nations.] "You have heard Yesterday
all that has been said; as for our Parts, we are free of the
Blame laid on us; we have always been obedient to _Corlaer_, and
have steadily kept our Chain with _Virginia_, _Maryland_, and
_Boston_; but ye are stupid and brutish, and have no
Understanding, we must stamp Understanding into you. Let the new
Chain made Yesterday be carefully preserved for the future. This
we earnestly recommend to you, for we are ready to cry for Shame
of you; let us be no more ashamed on your Account, but be
obedient, and =take this Belt=, to keep what we say in your
Memory.

"Hear now, now is the Time to hearken; the Covenant-chain had
very near slipt, by your not keeping it firmly. Hold it fast
now, when all former Evils are buried in the Pit.

"You _Oneydoes_, I speak to you as Children; be no longer
childish, or void of Understanding.

"You _Onondagas_, our Brethren, you are like deaf People, that
cannot hear, your Senses are covered with Dirt and Filth.

"You _Cayugas_, do not return into your former Ways. There are
three Things we must all observe.

"_First_, The Covenant with _Corlear_. _Secondly_, the Covenant
with _Virginia_ and _Maryland_. _Thirdly_, with _Boston_. We
must stamp Understanding into you, that you may be obedient; and
=take this Belt= for a Remembrancer."

Then _Cadianne_, the same _Mohawk_ Speaker, turning to my Lord, said:

"We are very thankful to you, great _Sachem_ of _Virginia_, that
you are persuaded by _Corlear_, our Governor, to forgive all
former Faults. We are very glad to hear you, and see your Heart
softened. =Take these three Bevers= as a Token.

"We thank the great _Sachem_ of _Virginia_ for saying, that the
Axe shall be thrown into the Pit. =Take these two Bevers=, as a
Token of our Joy and Thankfulness.

"We are glad that _Assarigoa_[12] will bury in the Pit what is
past. Let the Earth be trod hard over it; or rather, let a
strong Stream run under the Pit, to wash the Evil away out of
our Sight and Remembrance, and that it may never be digged up
again.

"_Assarigoa_, you are a Man of Knowledge and Understanding, thus
to keep the Covenant-chain bright as Silver; and now again to
renew it, and make it stronger. (Then pointing to the three
other Nations, said,) But they are Chain-breakers. I lay down
this as a Token, that we _Mohawks_ have preserved the Chain
intire on our Parts. =Gives two Bevers and a Racoon.=

"The Covenant must be kept; for the Fire of Love of _Virginia_
and _Maryland_ burns in this Place, as well as ours, and this
House of Peace must be kept clean. =Gives two Bevers.=

"We now plant a Tree[13], whose Top will reach the Sun, and its
Branches spread far abroad, so that it shall be seen afar off;
and we shall shelter ourselves under it, and live in Peace
without Molestation. Here he =gave two Bevers=.

"You proposed Yesterday, that if we were desirous to see the
_Indians_ of _Virginia_, you are willing to send some of their
_Sachems_ next Summer, about this Time, to this Place. This
Proposal pleases me very much, the sooner they come the better,
that we may speak with them in this House, which is appointed
for our speaking with our Friends; and =give two Belts= to confirm
it.

"You have now heard what Exhortation we have made to the other
three Nations; we have taken the Hatchet out of their Hands; we
now therefore pray, that both your Hatchets may likewise be
buried in a deep Pit. =Giving two Bevers.=

"_Assarigoa_, some of us _Mohawks_ are out against our Enemies,
that lie afar off, they will do you no Harm, nor plunder, as the
others do. Be kind to them, if they shall happen to come to any
of your Plantations; give them some Tobacco and some Victuals;
for they will neither rob nor steal, as the _Oneydoes_,
_Onnondagas_, and _Cayugas_ have done.