Chapter VII: Part II (1)

_The History of the_ Five Indian Nations _of_ Canada, _from the Time of the Revolution to the Peace of_ Reswick.

* * * * *

CHAP. I.

_The State of Affairs in_ New-York _and_ Canada, _at the Time of the_ Revolution _in_ Great-Britain.

We left the _Five Nations_ triumphing over the _French_ in _Canada_, and they almost reduced to Despair. The Revolution, which happened at this Time in _England_, seemed to be a favourable Conjunction for the _Five Nations_; the _English_ Colonies, by the War at that Time declared against _France_, becoming Parties in their Quarrel: For one will be ready to think, that the _Five Nations_ being by themselves too powerful for the _French_, as appears by the preceding Chapter, when these were assisted by the _Utawawas_, _Quatoghies_, _Twihtwies_, _Chictaghicks_, _Putewatemies_, and all the _Western Indian Nations_, and when the _English_ stood neuter; now certainly, when not only all these _Indian Nations_ had made Peace with the _Five Nations_, but the _English_ joined with them in the War, the _French_ would not be able to stand one Campaign.

But we shall find what a Turn Affairs took, contrary to all reasonable Expectations, from the general Appearance of Things, and of what Importance a resolute wise Governor is to the well-being of a People, and how prejudicial Divisions and Parties are. For this Reason, it will be necessary to take a View of the Publick Affairs in the Province of _New-York_, and in _Canada_, at that Time, in order to understand the true Causes of the Alterations, which afterwards happened in Favour of the _French_.

The Revolution occasioned as great Divisions and Parties in the Province of _New-York_, in Proportion to the Number of People, as it did in _Britain_, if not greater. The Governor and all the Officers either fled or absconded; the Gentlemen of the King's Council, and some of the most considerable or richest People, either out of Love, or what they thought Duty, to King _James_, or rather from an Opinion they had that the _Prince of Orange_ could not succeed, refused to join in the Declaration the People made in favour of that Prince, and suffered the Administration to fall into different Hands, who were more zealous for the Protestant Interest, and who were joined by the far greatest Number of the Inhabitants. After the Revolution was established, they that had appeared so warmly for it, thought that they deserved best of the Government, and expected to be continued in the Publick Offices; the others were zealous to recover the Authority they had lost, and used the most persuasive Means with the Governors for that Purpose, while the former trusted to their Merit. This begat great Animosities, which continued many Years. Each Party, as they were at different Times favoured by several Governors, opposed all the Measures taken by the other, while each of them were by Turns in Credit with the People or the Governor, and sometimes even prosecuted each other to Death. The publick Measures were by these Means perpetually fluctuating, and often one Day contradictory to what they were the Day before. The succeeding Governors, finding their private Account in favouring sometimes the one Party, and at other Times the other, kept up the Animosities all King _William_'s Reign, though very much to the publick Prejudice; for each Party was this while so eager in resenting private Injuries, that they intirely neglected the publick Good.

The Constitution of Government in the _English Plantations_, where the Governors have no Salary, but what they can attain with the Consent of the Assemblies or Representatives of the People, gave Occasion to imprudent Governors to fall upon these Expedients, as they sometimes call them, for getting of Money. And a prevailing Faction, knowing for what Purpose the Governments in _America_ were chiefly desired by the _English_ Gentlemen, used this great Privilege to tempt a Governor to be the Head of a Party, when he ought to have been the Head of the Government. Indeed _New-York_ has had the Misfortune, too frequently, to be under such as could not keep their Passion for Money secret, though none found it so profitable a Government, as they did who followed strictly the true Maxims of governing, without making Money the only Rule of their Actions.

The frequent Changes of Governors were likewise prejudicial to the publick Affairs. Colonel _Slaughter_, the first Governor after the Revolution, happened to die soon after his Arrival, when steady, as well as resolute Measures, were most necessary. But some think, that the Occasion of all the Misfortunes lay in the Want of Care in the Choice of Governors, when the Affairs of _America_ wanted able Hands to manage them; they think that the Ministry had the saving of Money chiefly in View, when, to gratify some small Services, they gave Employments in _America_ to those that were not capable of much meaner Offices at Home. The Opinion the People had of Colonel _Slaughter_'s Capacity gave ground to these Surmises; but, if it was so, it happened to be very ill saved Money; for the Mismanagements in this Country occasioned far greater Expence to the Crown afterwards, than would have bought such Gentlemen handsome Estates, besides the great Losses they occasioned to the Subjects.

The greatest Number of the Inhabitants of the Province of _New-York_ being _Dutch_, still retained an Affection to their Mother Country, and by their Aversion to the _English_ weakened the Administration. The common People of _Albany_, who are all _Dutch_, could not forbear giving the _Indians_ some ill Impressions of the _English_; for the _Mohawks_, in one of their publick Speeches, expressed themselves thus: "We hear a _Dutch Prince_ reigns now in _England_, why do you suffer the _English_ Soldiers to remain in the Fort? put all the _English_ out of the Town. When the _Dutch_ held this Country long ago, we lay in their Houses; but the _English_ have always made us lie without Doors." It is true, that the Plantations were first settled by the meanest People of every Nation, and such as had the least Sense of any Honour. The _Dutch_ first Settlers, many of them I may say, had none of the Virtues of their Countrymen, except their Industry in getting Money, and they sacrificed every Thing, other People think honourable or most sacred, to their Gain: But I do not think it proper to give particular Instances of this.

The People of _New-England_ were engaged in a bloody War at this Time with the _Owenagungas_, _Ouragies_, and _Ponacoks_, the _Indians_ that lie between them and the _French_ Settlements. The _Scahkooks_ were originally Part of these _Indians_. They left their Country about the Year 1672, and settled above _Albany_, on the Branch of _Hudson's River_ that runs towards _Canada_. The People of _New-England_ were jealous of the _Scahkook Indians_, that they remembering the old Difference they had with the People of _New England_, and the Relation they bore to the _Eastern Indians_, did countenance and assist these _Indians_ in the War against _New England_. They had Reason for these Jealousies, for the _Scahkook Indians_ received privately some _Owenagunga_ Messengers, and kept their coming among them secret from the People of _Albany_; and some _Scahkooks_ had gone privately to the _Owenagungas_. They were afraid likewise, that the _Mohawks_ might have some Inclination to favour those _Indians_, because some of the _Eastern Indians_ had fled to the _Mohawks_, and were kindly received by them, and lived among them.

Notwithstanding all these Failures of good Policy, in the Government of _New-York_, the _French_ had not gained so great Advantages, if they had not carefully observed a different Conduct, which it is now necessary to consider.

_Canada_ was at this Time in a very distressed Condition, the Country and out Plantations burnt and destroyed, their Trade intirely at a stand, great Numbers of their People slain, and the remainder in danger of perishing by Famine, as well as by the Sword of inveterate cruel Enemies. When such Misfortunes happen to a Country, under any Administration, though in Truth the Conduct of Affairs be not to be blamed, it is often prudent to change the Ministers; for the common People never fail to blame them, notwithstanding their having acted with the greatest Wisdom, and therefore cannot so soon recover their Spirits, that are sunk by Misfortunes, as by putting their Affairs into different Hands.

For these Reasons, it is probable, the _French_ King recalled Mr. _de Nonville_, but rewarded him for his Services, by an honourable Employment in the Houshold. The Count _de Frontenac_ was sent in his Place. This Gentleman had been formerly Governor of that Country, and was perfectly acquainted with its Interest; of a Temper of Mind fitted to such desperate Times, of undaunted Courage, and indefatigable, though in the sixty-eighth Year of his Age. The Count _de Frontenac_ arrived the second of _October_ 1689. The Country immediately received new Life by the Arrival of a Person, of whose Courage and Conduct every one had entertained a high Opinion. Care was taken to increase this Impression on the Minds of the People, by making publick Rejoicings with as much Noise as possible. He wisely improved this new Life, by immediately entering upon Action, without suffering their Hopes to grow cold. He staid no longer at _Quebeck_, than was necessary to be informed of the present State of Affairs, and in four or five Days after his Arrival set out in a Canoe for _Montreal_, where his Presence was most necessary; and the Winter was already so far advanced, that the Ice made it impracticable to go in a larger Vessel. By this the old Gentleman increased the Opinion and Hopes the People entertained of him, that, without staying to refresh himself after a fatiguing Sea-Voyage, he would immediately undertake another, that required all the Vigour and Heat of Youth to withstand the Inclemencies of the Climate and Season, and the Difficulty of such a Passage.

When the Count _de Frontenac_ came to _Montreal_, he increased the Admiration the People had of his Vigour and Zeal, by pretending to go to visit _Cadarackui Fort_, now abandoned, which he had built in the Time he was formerly Governor. The Clergy and People of _Montreal_ came jointly with stretched out Arms, representing the Danger of such an Attempt, and the Difficulties and Hardships that would necessarily attend it, praying him not to expose a Life that was so necessary for their Safety. He, with seeming Reluctance, yielded to their Intreaties; I say with seeming Reluctance, for it was inconsistent with his Prudence really to have such a Design. This Shew of the Governor's offering to go in Person, animated some of the Gentlemen of the Country, who voluntarily went in the Winter, with one Hundred _Indian_ Traders, to visit that Fort; and finding it in better Condition than they expected, by the Report of those who had abandoned it, they staid there, and made some small Reparations in the Walls, which the _Indians_ had thrown down.

The Count _de Frontenac_ brought back with him _Tawerahet_, a _Capiga Sachem_, one of the thirteen Prisoners that Mr. _de Nonville_ took at _Cadarackui_, and sent to _France_. He was in Hopes this _Indian_ would be useful in procuring a Treaty of Peace with the _Five Nations_, for they had an extraordinary Opinion of _Tawerahet_; and the _French_ had found, by sad Experience, that they could not be Gainers by continuing the War: For this Purpose the Count used _Tawerahet_ with much Kindness, during his Voyage, and, after he arrived at _Quebeck_, lodged him in the Castle under his own Roof, and took such Pains with this _Sachem_, that he forgot all the ill Usage he had formerly received.

The _French_ had the more Reason to desire a Peace with the _Five Nations_, because they knew, that they would now certainly have the _English_ Colonies likewise upon them; and if the _Five Nations_ had been able to do so much Mischief by themselves alone, they were much more to be feared, when they would be assisted, in all Probability, with the Force and Interest of the _English_ Colonies.

Four _Indians_ of less Note, who were brought back along with _Tawerahet_, were immediately dispatched, in this _Sachem_'s Name, to the _Five Nations_, to inform them of his Return, and of the kind Usage they had received from the Count _de Frontenac_; and to press them to send some to visit their old Friend, who had been so kind to them when he was formerly Governor of _Canada_, and who still retained an Affection to the _Five Nations_; as appeared by the Kindness _Tawerahet_ and they had received from him. This was the only Method left to the _French_ of making Proposals of Peace, which it was their Interest by all Means to procure.

The Governor of _Canada_, as I said, conceived that there was no Way so proper to keep up the Spirits of the People, who had got new Life by his Arrival, as by putting them upon Action; and indeed their present miserable Condition made them forward enough, to undertake the most desperate Enterprize, when the frequent Incursions of the _Indians_ made it as dangerous to be at Home, as to attack the Enemy Abroad.

For this Purpose he sent out three Parties in the Winter; one was designed against _New-York_, the other against _Connecticut_, and the last against _New-England_.

The _Five Nations_ followed Colonel _Dungan_'s Advice, in endeavouring to bring off the _Western Indians_ from the _French_, and had all the Success that could be expected, before Mr. _de Frontenac_ arrived.

They were overjoyed when they heard, that the _English_ had entered into War with the _French_, and came several Times to _Albany_ to know the Certainty of it, while it was only rumoured about. The People of _Albany_ desired them to secure any of the praying _Indians_ that should come from _Canada_, if they found that they were still ruled by the Priests; but to encourage them, if they came with a Design to return to their own Country.

The _Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas_, and _Oneydoes_, the twenty seventh of _June_ 1689, before any Governor arrived, renewed the old Covenant (as they said) which was first made many Years ago with one _Tagues_, who came with a Ship into their River. "Then we first became Brethren, said they, and continued so till last fall, that Sir _Edmond Andross_ came and made a new Chain, by calling us Children; but let us stick to the old Chain, which has continued from the first Time it was made, by which we became Brethren, and have ever since always behaved as such. _Virginia, Maryland_, and _New-England_, have been taken into this silver Chain, with which our Friendship is locked fast. We are now come to make the Chain clear and bright. Here they =gave two Bevers=."

King _James_, a little before his Abdication, sent over Sir _Edmond Andross_ with arbitrary Powers, and he, in Imitation of the _French_, changed the Stile of speaking to the _Indians_, of which they were very sensible.

They discovered a great Concern for their People that were carried to _Canada_; they long hoped (they said) that the King of _England_ would have been powerful enough to deliver them, but now they began to lose all Hopes of them.

CHAP. II.

_A Treaty between the Agents of_ Massachuset's Bay, New-Plymouth, _and_ Connecticut, _and the_ Sachems _of the_ Five Nations, _at_ Albany, _in the Year_ 1689.

About the Beginning of _September_ 1689, Colonel _John Pynchon_, Major _John Savage_, and Captain _Jonathan Bull_, Agents for the Colonies of _Massachuset's Bay, New-Plymouth_, and _Connecticut_, arrived at _Albany_, to renew the Friendship with the _Five Nations_, and to engage them against the _Eastern Indians_, who made War on the _English_ of those Colonies, and were supported by the _French_.

The _Five Nations_ had received four Messengers from the _Eastern Indians_, which gave the People of _New-England_ some Apprehensions, and they were therefore desirous to know what Reception these Messengers had met with.

The _Five Nations_ answered by _Tahajadoris_, a _Mohawk Sachem_, on the twenty fourth of _September_. He made a long Oration, repeating all that the Agent from _New-England_ had said, the Day before, and desired them to be attentive to the Answer now to be made to them. They commonly repeat over all that has been said to them, before they return any Answer, and one may be surprized at the Exactness of these Repetitions. They take the following Method to assist their Memories: The _Sachem_, who presides at these Conferences, has a Bundle of small Sticks in his Hand; as soon as the Speaker has finished any one Article of his Speech, this _Sachem_ gives a Stick to another _Sachem_, who is particularly to remember that Article; and so when another Article is finished, he gives a Stick to another to take Care of that other, and so on. In like Manner when the Speaker answers, each of these has the particular Care of the Answer resolved on to each Article, and prompts the Orator, when his Memory fails him, in the Article committed to his Charge. _Tahajadoris_ addressing himself to the Agents, said:

"Brethren,

"You are welcome to this House, which is appointed for our
Treaties and publick Business with the Christians; we thank you
for renewing the Covenant-chain. It is now no longer of Iron and
subject to Rust, as formerly, but of pure Silver, and includes
in it all the King's Subjects, from the _Senekas_ Country
eastward, as far as any of the great King's Subjects live, and
southward, from _New-England_ to _Virginia_. Here he =gave a
Bever=.

"We are glad to hear of the good Success our great King has had
over the _French_ by Sea, in taking and sinking so many of their
Men of War. You tell us in your Proposals that we are one
People, let us then go Hand in Hand together, to ruin and
destroy the _French_ our common Enemy. =Gives a Bever.=

"The Covenant-chain between us is ancient (as you tell us) and
of long standing, and it has been kept inviolably by us. When
you had Wars some time ago with the _Indians_, you desired us to
help you; we did it readily, and to the Purpose; for we pursued
them closely, by which we prevented the Effusion of much of your
Blood. This was a certain Sign that we loved truly and
sincerely, and from our Hearts. =Gives a Belt.=

"You advise us to pursue our Enemies, the _French_, vigorously;
this we assure you we are resolved to do to the utmost of our
Power: But since the _French_ are your Enemies likewise, we
desire our Brethren of the three Colonies to send us an hundred
Men for the Security of this Place, which is ill provided, in
Case of an Attack from the _French_; the Christians have
Victuals enough for their Entertainment. =Gives one Belt.=

"We patiently bore many Injuries from the _French_, from one
Year to another, before we took up the Axe against them. Our
Patience made the Governor of _Canada_ think, that we were
afraid of him, and durst not resent the Injuries we had so long
suffered; but now he is undeceived. We assure you, that we are
resolved never to drop the Axe, the _French_ never shall see our
Faces in Peace, we shall never be reconciled as long as one
_Frenchman_ is alive. We shall never make Peace, though our
Nation should be ruined by it, and every one of us cut in
Pieces. Our Brethren of the three Colonies may depend on this.
=Gives a Bever.=

"As to what you told us of the _Owenagungas_ and _Uragees_, we
answer: That we were never so proud and haughty, as to begin a
War without just Provocation. You tell us that they are
treacherous Rogues, we believe it, and that they will
undoubtedly assist the _French_. If they shall do this, or shall
join with any of our Enemies, either _French_ or _Indians_, then
we will kill and destroy them. =Gives a Bever.="

Then the _Mohawks_ offered five of their Men, to guard the Agents Home against any of their _Indian_ Enemies, who they were afraid might be laying in wait for the Agents, and =gave a Belt=.

Afterwards the Speaker continued his Speech, and said: "We have spoke what we had to say of the War, we now come to the Affairs of Peace: We promise to preserve the Chain inviolably, and wish that the Sun may always shine in Peace over all our Heads that are comprehended in this Chain. We =give two Belts=, one for the Sun, the other for its Beams."

"We make fast the Roots of the Tree of Peace and Tranquillity, which is planted in this Place. Its Roots extend as far as the utmost of your Colonies; if the _French_ should come to shake this Tree, we would feel it by the Motion of its Roots, which extend into our Country: But we trust it will not be in the Governor of _Canada_'s Power to shake this Tree, which has been so firmly and so long planted with us. =Bevers.="

_Lastly_, He desired the Magistrates of _Albany_ to remember what he had said, and =gave them a Bever=.

But the Agents perceiving, that they had not answered any Thing about the _Owenagunga_ Messengers, and had answered indistinctly about the War with the _Eastern Indians_, desired them to explain themselves fully on these two Points, about which the Agents were chiefly concerned.

The _Five Nations_ answered:

"We cannot declare War against the _Eastern Indians_, for they
have done us no Harm: Nevertheless our Brethren of _New-England_
may be assured, that we will live and die in Friendship with
them. When we took up the Axe against the _French_ and their
Confederates, we did it to revenge the Injuries they had done
us; we did not make War with them at the Persuasions of our
Brethren here; for we did not so much as acquaint them with our
Intention, till fourteen Days after our Army had begun their
March."

After the Company had separated, the _Sachems_ sent to the _New-England_ Agents, desiring to speak with them in private; which being granted, the Speaker said, we have something to tell you, which was not proper to be spoken openly, for some of our People have an Affection to the _Owenagungas_; and we were afraid, that they would discover or hinder our Designs.

Now we assure our Brethren, that we are resolved to look on your Enemies as ours, and that we will first fall on the _Owaragees_[29]; and then on the _Owenagungas_, and lastly on the _French_; and that you may be convinced of our Intention, we design to send five of our young Men along with our Brethren to _New-England_, to guard them, who have Orders to view the Country of the _Owaragees_, to discover in what Manner it can be attacked with the most Advantage. This we always do before we make an Attempt on our Enemies. In a Word, Brethren, your War is our War, for we will live and dye with you.

But it is to be observed, that they confirmed nothing relating to these _Indians_, by giving Belts.

It is probable, that the _Sachems_ acted with some Art on this Occasion, for they really had favourable Inclinations towards the _Owenagungas_; and they had Reason not to increase the Number of their Enemies, by making War on the _Eastern Indians_, who avoided doing them any Injury. The People of _Albany_ likewise have always been averse to engage our _Indians_ in a War with the _Eastern Indians_, lest it should change the Seat of the War, and bring it to their own Doors.

On the 25th the Magistrates of _Albany_ had a private Conference with the _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_, and desired to know their Resolutions as to the War with _Canada_, and the Measures they resolved to follow. In this Conference the _Indians_ saw that the People of _Albany_ were so much afraid of the _French_, that their Spirits were sunk under the Apprehensions of the approaching War; and for this Reason made the following Answer.

"We have a hundred and forty Men out-skulking about _Canada_; it
is impossible for the _French_ to attempt any Thing, without
being discovered and harassed by these Parties: If the _French_
shall attempt any Thing this Way, all the _Five Nations_ will
come to your Assistance, for our Brethren and we are but one,
and we will live and dye together. We have desired a hundred Men
of our Brethren of _Boston_ to assist us here, because this
Place is most exposed; but if the Governor of _Canada_ is so
strong, as to overcome us all united together, then he must be
our Master, and is not to be resisted; but we have Confidence in
a good and just Cause; for the great God of Heaven knows how
deceitfully the _French_ have dealt with us, their Arms can have
no Success. The Great God hath sent us Signs in the Sky to
confirm this. We have heard uncommon Noise in the Heavens, and
have seen Heads fall down upon Earth, which we look upon as a
certain Presage of the Destruction of the _French_: Take
Courage! On this they all immediately joined in singing and
crying out, Courage! Courage!"

[Footnote 29: Called by the People of _New-England Panocok Indians_.]

CHAP. III.

_An Account of a general Council of the_ Five Nations _at_ Onondaga, _to consider the Count_ De Frontenac'_s Message_.

On the 27th of _December_ 1689, two _Indians_ came to _Albany_, being sent by the _Onondaga_ and _Oneydo Sachems_, with seven Hands of Wampum from each Nation, to tell their Brethren in _New-York_ and _New-England_, that three of their old Friends, who had been carried Prisoners to _France_, were come with Proposals from _Canada_; that there was a Council of the _Sachems_ appointed to meet at _Onondaga_, and that they therefore desired the Mayor of _Albany_, _Peter Scheyler_, and some others of their Brethren, to come thither, to be present and to advise on an Affair of so great Consequence; for they were resolved to do nothing without the Knowledge and Consent of all those that were included in the Chain with them.

The same Messenger told them, that some Letters were sent to the Jesuit at _Oneydo_; and that they would neither burn, nor suffer those Letters to be opened, till the Brethren should first see them.

All that the Magistrates of _Albany_ did on this important Occasion, was to send three _Indians_ with Instructions in their Name, to dissuade the _Five Nations_ from entertaining any Thoughts of Peace, or yielding to a Cessation of Arms.

On the 4th of _January_ one of the chief _Mohawk Sachems_ came to _Albany_, to tell the _Magistrates_, that he was to go to _Onondaga_, and desired the Brethren's Advice how to behave there; on which the Magistrates thought it necessary to send likewise the publick Interpreter, and another Person to assist at the general Meeting, with written Instructions; but no Person of Note, that had any Influence on the _Indians_, went.

When the Messengers arrived at _Oneydo_, they discoursed privately with one of the Prisoners that had returned from _France_, and found that he had no Love for the _French_; but it is impossible but that _Indians_, who had seen the _French_ Court, and many of their Troops, must be surprised at their Grandeur: he complained however of the ill Usage he had met with. The _French_ chose, on this Occasion, to send first to _Oneydo_, because of the Assistance they expected the Jesuit, that resided there, would give to their Negotiation.

I believe it will not be tedious to the Reader, that desires to know the _Indian Genius_, if I give a circumstantial Account of this general Council or Parliament of the _Five Nations_, that he may see in what Manner a People that we call Savages behave on such important Occasions.

On the 22d of _January_ the general Council was opened at _Onondaga_, consisting of eighty _Sachems_; in the first Place _Sadekanaghtie_, an _Onondaga Sachem_, rising up, addressed himself to the Messenger of _Albany_, saying,

Four Messengers are come from the Governor of _Canada_, _viz_. three
who had been carried Prisoners to _France_, and a _Sachem_ of the
_Praying Indians_ that live at _Montreal_.

The Governor of _Canada_ notifies his Arrival to us, that he is the
Count _de Frontenac_, who had been formerly Governor there; that he
had brought back with him _Tawerahet_ a _Cayuga Sachem_, and twelve
Prisoners, that had been carried to _France_; then taking the Belt
of _Wampum_ in his Hand, and holding it by the Middle, he added,
what I have said relates only to one Half of the Belt, the other
Half is to let us know, that he intends to kindle again his Fire at
_Cadarackui_ next Spring, and therefore invites his Children, and
_Dekanasora_ an _Onondaga Captain_ in particular, to treat there
with him about the old Chain. Then _Adarahta_ the chief _Sachem_ of
the _praying Indians_ stood up, and said, with three Belts in his
Hand, I advise you to meet the Governor of _Canada_ as he desires;
agree to this, if you would live, and =gives one Belt of _Wampum_=.

_Tawerahet_ sends you this other Belt, to inform you of the
Miseries, that he and the rest of your Countrymen have suffered in
their Captivity; and to advise you to hearken to _Yonondio_, if you
desire to live.

This third Belt is from _Thurensera_[30], _Ohguesse_[31], and
_Ertel_[32], who say by it, to their Brethren: We have interceded
for you with _Yonondio_, and therefore advise you to meet him at
_Cadarackui_ in the Spring, because it will be for your Advantage.

When this _Sachem_ had done speaking, the _Mohawk_ Messenger sent from _Albany_ delivered his Message Word for Word, as he had received it, without omitting the least Article. The Interpreter, while the _Indian_ was speaking, read over a Paper, on which the Message was set down, lest any Thing should have been forgot.

After this _Cannehoot_ a _Seneka Sachem_ stood up, and gave the general Council a particular Account of a Treaty made last Summer, between the _Senekas_ and the _Wagunha_ Messengers, (one of the _Utawawa_ Nations) who had concluded a Peace for themselves, and seven other Nations, to which the other four Nations were desired to agree, and their Brethren of _New-York_ to be included in it. He said the Proposals made in several Propositions were as follow.

1. We are come to join two Bodies into one. Delivering up at the same Time two Prisoners.

2. We are come to learn Wisdom of you _Senekas_, and of the other _Five Nations_, and of your Brethren of _New-York_. =Giving a Belt.=

3. We by this Belt wipe away the Tears from the Eyes of your Friends, whose Relations have been killed in the War, and likewise[33] the Paint from your Soldiers Faces. =Giving another Belt.=

4. We now throw aside the Ax, which _Yonondio_ put into our Hands, by this =third Belt=.

5. Let the Sun, as long as he shall endure, always shine upon us in Friendship. Here he =gave a red Marble Sun= as large as a Plate.

6. Let the Rain of Heaven wash away all Hatred, that we may again smoke together in Peace, =giving a large Pipe= of red Marble.

7. _Yonondio_ is drunk, but we wash our Hands clean from all his Actions. =Giving a fourth Belt.=

8. Now we are clean washed by the Water of Heaven, neither of us must defile ourselves by hearkening to _Yonondio_.

9. We have twelve of your Nation Prisoners, who shall be brought home in the Spring; there he =gave a Belt=, to confirm the Promise.

10. We will bring your Prisoners when the Strawberries shall be in blossom,[34] at which Time we intend to visit _Corlear_, and see the Place where the Wampum is made. (_New-York_.)

The Speaker added, we will also tell our Friends the other _Utawawa_ Nations, and the _Dionondadies_, who have eleven of your People Prisoners, what we have now done, and invite them to make Peace with you.

He said further, we have sent three Messengers back with the _Wagunhas_, in order to confirm this Peace with their Nation.

After the _Seneka_ Speaker had done, the _Wagunha_ Presents were hung up in the House, in the Sight of the whole Assembly, and afterwards distributed among the several Nations, and their Acceptance was a Ratification of the Treaty. A =large Belt was given= also to the _Albany_ Messengers as their Share.

The Belt of Wampum sent from _Albany_ was in like Manner hanged up, and afterwards divided.

_New-England_, which the _Indians_ call _Kinshon_ (that is a Fish) sent likewise the Model of a Fish, as a token of their adhering to the general Covenant. This Fish was handed round among the _Sachems_, and then laid aside to be put up.

After these Ceremonies were over, _Sadekanahtie_, an _Onondaga_ Speaker, stood up, and said, Brethren, we must stick to our Brother _Quider_, and look on _Yonondio_ as our Enemy, for he is a Cheat: By _Quider_ they meant _Peter Schyler_ the Mayor of _Albany_, who had gained a considerable Esteem among them; as they have no Labeals in their Language, they pronounce _Peter_ by the Sound _Quider_.

The Messenger from _Canada_ had brought Letters, and some medicinal Powder, for the Jesuit _Milet_, who resided at _Oneydo_. These Letters and the Powder were delivered to the Interpreter from _Albany_ to be carried thither, that the Contents of them might be made known to the _Sachems_ of the several Nations. The Jesuit was present all this While in their Council.

Then the Interpreter was desired to speak what he had to say from their Brethren at _Albany_. He told them, that a new Governor was arrived, who had brought a great many Soldiers from _England_. That the King of _England_ had declared War against _France_, and that the People of _New-England_ were fitting out Ships against _Canada_. He advised them, that they should not hearken to the _French_, for when they talk of Peace, said he, War is in their Heart, and desired them to enter into no Treaty but at _Albany_, for the _French_, he said, would mind no Agreement made any where else.

After this they had Consultations for some Time together, and then gave the following Answer by their Speaker.

Brethren, our Fire burns at _Albany_. We will not send _Dekanasora_ to _Cadarackui_. We adhere to our old Chain with _Corlear_; we will prosecute the War with _Yonondio_, and will follow your Advice in drawing off our Men from _Cadarackui_. Brethren, we are glad to hear the News you tell us, but tell us no Lies.

Brother _Kinshon_, we hear you design to send Soldiers to the eastward against the _Indians_ there; but we advise you, now so many are united against the _French_, to fall immediately on them. Strike at the Root, when the Trunk shall be cut down, the Branches fall of Course.

_Corlear_ and _Kinshon_, Courage! Courage! In the Spring to _Quebeck_, take that Place, and you'll have your Feet on the Necks of the _French_, and all their Friends in _America_.

After this they agreed to the following Answer to be sent to the Governor of _Canada_.

1. _Yonondio_, you have notified your Return to us, and that you have brought back 13 of our People that were carried to _France_, we are glad of it. You desire us to meet you at _Cadarackui_ next Spring, to treat of the old Chain; but _Yonondio_, how can we trust you, after you have acted deceitfully so often? Witness what was done at _Cadarackui_; the Usage our Messengers met with at _Utawawa_, and what was done to the _Senekas_ at _Utawawa_. This was their Answer; however, they sent a Belt with this, which always shews a Disposition to treat.

2. _Therhansera, Ohguesse_ and _Ertel_, do you observe Friendship with us, if you have not, how come you to advise us to renew Friendship with _Yonondio_, they sent them likewise a Belt?

3. _Tawerahet_, the whole Council is glad to hear, that you are returned with the other twelve. _Yonondio_, you must send home _Tawerahet_ and the others this very Winter, before Spring, and we will save all the _French_ that we have Prisoners till that Time.

4. _Yonondio_, you desire to speak with us at _Cadarackui_: Don't you know that your Fire there is extinguished? It is extinguished with Blood, you must send home the Prisoners in the first Place.

5. We let you know that we have made Peace with the _Wagunhas_.

6. You are not to think, that we have laid down the Axe, because we return an Answer; we intend no such Thing: Our Fair-fighters shall continue the War till our Countrymen return.

7. When our Brother _Tawerahet_ is returned, then will we speak to you of Peace.

As soon as the Council broke up, their Resolutions were made publick to all their People, by the _Sachems_ of their several Nations.

Two _Sachems_ were sent to _Albany_, by their general Council, to inform their Brethren there of their Resolutions, and to bring back the Contents of the Letters sent from _Canada_ to the Jesuit.

As soon as they arrived, one of the _Mohawks_, that had been sent from _Albany_ to the Council, delivered the _Wagunha_ Belt, and repeated over distinctly all the Articles agreed to with that Nation, and referred to the _Onondaga Speaker_, being one of those sent by the Council of _Albany_, to recite the Answer to the Governor of _Canada_. He rising up, repeated over the whole as before set down, and added; The _French_ are full of Deceit; but I call God to witness, we have hitherto used no Deceit with them, but how we shall act for the future, Time only can discover. Then he assured the Brethren, that the _Five Nations_ were resolved to prosecute the War, in Token whereof he presented _Quider_[35] with a Belt, in which three Axes were represented. Perhaps by this Representation only three Nations joined in sending it, the _Cayugas_ and _Oneydoes_ being more under the Influence of the Jesuit _Milet_, who lived among them intirely, according to their Manner of Life, and was adopted by the _Oneydoes_, and made one of their _Sachems_. The Letters from _Canada_ to him were read, they contained nothing but common News and Compliments.

The _Mohawk_ Messengers, that had been sent from _Albany_, had carried with them Goods to sell at the general Council. This was taken Notice of at the general Council, and gave the _Indians_ a mean Opinion of the People of _Albany_, and particularly of _Peter Schyler_; for it is exceedingly scandalous among the _Indians_, to employ a Merchant in publick Affairs; Merchants, (I mean the Traders with the _Indians_) are looked upon by them as Liars, and People not to be trusted, and of no Credit, who by their Thoughts being continually turned upon Profit and Loss, consider every Thing with that private View. As this made a Noise at _Albany_, by its giving the Jesuit an Opportunity of setting the Messengers from _Albany_ in an ill Light, _Peter Scheyler_ cleared himself by Oath, of his having any Interest directly or indirectly in those Goods, and sent a Belt back with his publick Justification. The _Mohawk_ Messengers had refused to take the Goods, as being scandalous to the Business they went on; but were persuaded, by being told that the Goods belonged to _Quider_.

The Magistrates of _Albany_ advised the _Sachems_, to send the Jesuit Prisoner to _Albany_, where he might be kept securely, without having it in his Power to do Mischief, but they could not prevail. The _Indians_ were resolved to keep all the Means of making Peace in their own Hands.

[Footnote 30: _Thurensera_ signifies the Dawning of the Day, and was the Name given by the _Indians_ to the Jesuit _Lamberville_, who had formerly resided at _Onondaga_.]

[Footnote 31: Monsr. _le Morne_, the Word signifies a Partridge.]

[Footnote 32: _Ertel_ signifies a Rose, the Name of some other _French_ Gentleman, for whom the _Indians_ had an Esteem.]

[Footnote 33: The _Indians_ always paint their Faces when they go to War, to make themselves look more terrible to the Enemy. A Soldier in the _Indian_ Language is expressed by a Word, which signifies a Fair-fighter.]

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

[Footnote 35: _Peter Schyler_, Mayor of _Albany_.]

CHAP. IV.

_The_ French _surprise_ Schenectady. _The_ Mohawks _Speech of Condoleance on that Occasion_.

The _Count De Frontenac_ being desirous, as before observed, to raise the drooping Spirits of the _French_ in _Canada_, by keeping them in Action, and engaging the most daring of them, in Enterprizes that might give Courage to the rest, had sent out three Parties against the _English_ Colonies, in Hopes thereby to lessen the Confidence which the _Five Nations_ had in the _English_ Assistance, now that _England_ had declared War against _France_. The Party sent against _New-York_ was commanded by _Monsr. De Herville_, and was ordered to attempt the surprising of _Schenectady_, the nearest Village to the _Mohawks_; It consisted of 150 _French Bush-lopers_ or _Indian_ Traders, and of as many _Indians_, the most of them _French_ Converts from the _Mohawks_, commonly called the _Praying Indians_, settled at a Place near _Montreal_, called _Cahnuaga_. They were well acquainted with all that Part of the Country round _Schenectady_; and came in Sight of the Place the 8th of _February_ 1689-90.

The People of _Schenectady_ were at that Time in the greatest Security, notwithstanding that they had Information from the _Indians_, of a Party of _French_, and _French Indians_ being upon their March that Way. They did not think it practicable, in that Season of the Year, while it was extremely cold, and the whole Country covered with Snow. Indeed _Europeans_ will hardly think it possible, that Men could make such a March through the Wilderness in the severest Frosts, without any Covering from the Heavens, or any Provision, except what they carried on their Backs.

Tho' the People of _Schenectady_ were informed in the Evening before the Place was surprised, that several sculking _Indians_ were seen near the Place, they concluded, that they could be only some of the neighbouring _Indians_; and as they had no Officer of any Esteem among them, not a single Man could be persuaded to watch in such severe Weather, tho', as the _French_ owned afterwards, if they had found the least Guard or Watch, they would not have attempted the Place, but have surrendered themselves Prisoners: They were so exceedingly distressed with the Length of their March, and with Cold, and Hunger, but finding the Place in fatal Security, they marched into the Heart of the Village, without being discovered by any one Person; then they raised their War Shout, entered the Houses, murdered every Person they met, Men, Women, and Children, naked and in cold Blood; and at the same Time set Fire to the Houses. A very few escaped, by running out naked into the Woods in this terrible Weather: And several hid themselves, till the first Fury of the Attack was over; but these were soon driven from their lurking Places by the Fire, and were all made Prisoners.

Captain _Alexander Glen_, at this Time, lived at a Distance by himself, on the other Side of the River, and was the most noted Man in the Place. He had at several Times been kind to the _French_, who had been taken Prisoners by the _Mohawks_, and had saved several of them from the Fire. The _French_ were sensible what Horror this cruel sacking of a defenceless Place, and murdering People in cold Blood, must raise in Mens Minds; and to lessen this, they resolved to shew their Gratitude to Captain _Glen_. They had passed his House in the Night, and observing that he stood on his Defence the next Morning, some of them went to the River Side, and calling to him, assured him, that they designed him no Injury. They persuaded him to come to the _French_ Officer, who restored to him all his Relations that were Prisoners.

Some _Mohawks_ being also found in the Village, the _French_ dismissed them, with Assurance, that they designed them no Hurt.

This Conduct was not only necessary to promote the Peace which the _Count De Frontenac_ with so much Earnestness desired, but likewise to secure their Retreat, by making the _Mohawks_ less eager to pursue them.

The _French_ marched back, without reaping any visible Advantage from this barbarous Enterprize, besides the murdering sixty-three innocent Persons in cold Blood, and carrying twenty-seven of them away Prisoners.

The Care the _French_ took to sooth the _Mohawks_ had not intirely it's Effect, for as soon as they heard of this Action, a hundred of their readiest young Men pursued the _French_, fell upon their Rear, and killed and took twenty-five of them.

This Action frightened the Inhabitants in and about _Albany_ so much, that many resolved to desert the Place, and retire to _New-York_. They were packing up and preparing for this Purpose, when the _Mohawk Sachems_ came to _Albany_ to condole, according to their Custom, with their Friends, when any Misfortune befals them. I shall give their Speech on this Occasion, as it will be of Use to the Reader, in order to his forming a true Notion of the _Indian Genius_. They spoke the twenty-fifth of _March_ as follows.

"Brethren, the Murder of our Brethren at _Schenectady_ by the
_French_ grieves us as much, as if it had been done to our
selves, for we are in the same Chain; and no Doubt our Brethren
of _New-England_ will be likewise sadly affected with this cruel
Action of the _French_. The _French_ on this Occasion have not
acted like brave Men, but like Thieves and Robbers. Be not
therefore discouraged. We =give this Belt= _to wipe away your
Tears_.

"Brethren, we lament the Death of so many of our Brethren, whose
Blood has been shed at _Schenectady_. We don't think that what
the _French_ have done can be called a Victory, it is only a
farther Proof of their cruel Deceit. The Governor of _Canada_
sends to _Onondaga_, and talks to us of Peace with our whole
House, but War was in his Heart, as you now see by woful
Experience. He did the same formerly at _Cadarackui_, and in the
_Senekas_ Country. This is the third Time he has acted so
deceitfully. He has broken open our House at both Ends, formerly
in the _Senekas_ Country, and now here. We hope however to be
revenged of them. One Hundred of our bravest young Men are in
Pursuit of them, they are brisk Fellows, and they will follow
the _French_ to their Doors. We will beset them so closely,
that not a Man in _Canada_ shall dare to step out of Doors to
cut a Stick of Wood; But now _we gather up our Dead, to bury
them_, by =this second Belt=.

"Brethren, we came from our Castles with Tears in our Eyes, to
bemoan the Bloodshed at _Schenectady_ by the Perfidious
_French_. While we bury our Dead murdered at _Schenectady_, we
know not what may have befallen our own People, that are in
Pursuit of the Enemy, they may be dead; what has befallen you
may happen to us; and therefore _we come to bury our Brethren
at_ Schenectady with =this third Belt=.

"Great and sudden is the Mischief, as if it had fallen from
Heaven upon us. Our Forefathers taught us to go with all Speed
to bemoan and lament with our Brethren, when any Disaster or
Misfortune happens to any in our Chain. Take this Bill of
Vigilance, that you may be more watchful for the future. _We
give our Brethren Eye-Water_ to make them sharp sighted, =giving
a fourth Belt=.

"We are now come to the House where we usually renew the Chain;
but alas! we find the House polluted, polluted with Blood. All
the _Five Nations_ have heard of this, and we are come to wipe
away the Blood, and clean the House. We come to invite
_Corlear_, and every one of you, and _Quider_ (calling to every
one of the principal Men present by their Names) _to be revenged
of the Enemy_, by =this fifth Belt=.

"Brethren, be not discouraged, we are strong enough. This is the
Beginning of your War, and the whole House have their Eyes fixed
upon you at this Time, to observe your Behaviour. They wait your
Motion, and are ready to join in any resolute Measures.

"Our Chain is a strong Chain, it is a Silver Chain, it can
neither rust nor be broken. We, as to our Parts, are resolute to
continue the War.

"We will never desist, so long as a Man of us remains. Take
Heart, do not pack up and go away, [36] this will give Heart to
a dastardly Enemy. We are of the Race of the Bear, and a Bear
you know never yields, while one Drop of Blood is left. _We must
all be Bears_; =giving a sixth Belt=.

"Brethren be patient, this Disaster is an Affliction which has
fallen from Heaven upon us. The Sun, which hath been cloudy, and
sent this Disaster, will shine again with its pleasant Beams.
Take Courage, said he, Courage, repeating the Word several Times
as they =gave a seventh Belt=.

(_To the_ English.)

Brethren, three Years ago we were engaged in a bloody War with the _French_, and you encouraged us to proceed in it. Our Success answered our Expectation; but we were not well begun, when _Corlear_ stopt us from going on. Had you permitted us to go on, the _French_ would not now have been able to do the Mischief, they have done, we would have prevented their sowing, planting or reaping.

We would have humbled them effectually, but now we dye. The Obstructions you then made now ruin us. Let us after this be steady, and take no such false Measures for the future, but _prosecute the War vigorously_. =Giving a Bever Skin.=

The Brethren must keep good Watch, and if the Enemy come again, send more speedily to us. Don't desert _Schenectady_. The Enemy will glory in seeing it desolate. It will give them Courage that had none before, _fortify the Place_, it is not well fortified now: The _Stockadoes_ are too short, the _Indians_ can jump over them. =Gave a Bever Skin.=

Brethren, The Mischief done at _Schenectady_ cannot be helped now; but for the future, when the Enemy appears any where, let nothing hinder your sending to us by Expresses, and fire great Guns, that all may be alarmed. We advise you to bring all the _River Indians_ under your Subjection to live near _Albany_, to be ready on all Occasions.

Send to _New-England_, tell them what has happened to you. They will undoubtedly awake and lend us their helping Hand. It is their Interest, as much as ours, to push the War to a speedy Conclusion. Be not discouraged, the _French_ are not so numerous as some People talk. If we but heartily unite to push on the War, and mind _our Business, the_ French _will soon be subdued_.

The Magistrates having returned an Answer on the twenty seventh, to the Satisfaction of the _Indians_, they repeated it all over, Word by Word, to let the Magistrates see how carefully they minded it, and then added,

Brethren, we are glad to find you are not discouraged. The best and wisest Men sometimes make Mistakes. Let us now pursue the War vigorously. We have a hundred Men out, they are good Scouts. We expect to meet all the _Sachems_ of the other Nations, as they come to condole with you. You need not fear our being ready, at the first Notice. Our Ax is always in our Hands, but take Care that you be timely ready. Your Ships, that must do the principal Work, are long a fitting out. We do not design to go out with a small Company, or in sculking Parties; but as soon as the Nations can meet, we shall be ready with our whole Force. If you would bring this War to a happy Issue, you must begin soon, before the _French_ can recover the Losses they have received from us, and get new Vigour and Life, therefore send in all Haste to _New-England_. Neither you nor we can continue long in the Condition we are now in, we must order Matters so, that the _French_ be kept in continual Fear and Alarm at home; for this is the only Way to be secure, and in Peace here.

The _Scahkok Indians_, in our Opinion, are well placed where they are (to the Northward of _Albany_); they are a good Out-guard; they are our Children, and we shall take Care that they do their Duty: But you must take Care of the _Indians_ below the Town, place them nearer the Town, so as they may _be of most Service to you_.

Here we see the _Mohawks_ acting like hearty Friends, and if the Value of the Belts given at that Time be considered, together with what they said on that Occasion, they gave the strongest Proofs of their Sincerity. Each of these Belts amount to a large Sum in the _Indian_ Account.