Chapter VIII: Part II (2)

The _English_ of _New-York_ and the _French_ of _Canada_ were now entering into a War, in which the Part the _Five Nations_ are to take is of the greatest Consequence to both; the very Being of the _French_ Colony depended on it, as well as the Safety of the _English_. The _Indians_ at this Time had the greatest Aversion to the _French_, and they desired nothing so much, as that the _English_ might join heartily in this War. We shall see by the Sequel how a publick Spirit, directed by wise Counsels, can overcome all Difficulties, while a selfish Spirit loses all, even natural Advantages. In the present Case, the Turn Things took seems to have been entirely owing to one Thing. The French in making the Count _de Frontenac_ Governor of _Canada_, chose the Man every Way the best qualified for this Service: The _English_ seemed to have little Regard to the Qualification of the Person they sent, but to gratify a Relation or a Friend, by giving him an Opportunity to make a Fortune; and as he knew that he was recommended with this View, his Counsels were chiefly employed for this Purpose.

By this Means an _English Governor_ generally wants the Esteem of the People; while they think that a Governor has not the Good of the People in View, but his own, they on all Occasions are jealous of him; so that even a good Governor, with more Difficulty, pursues generous Purposes and publick Benefits, because the People suspect them to be mere Pretences to cover a private Design. It is for this Reason, that any Man, opposing a Governor, is sure to meet with the Favour of the People, almost in every Case. On the other Hand, the Opinion the _French_ had of the Count _de Frontenac_'s publick Spirit, and of his Wisdom and Diligence, made them enter into all his Measures without hesitating, and chearfully obey all his Commands.

[Footnote 36: This was spoke to the _English_, who were about removing from _Albany_.]

CHAP. V.

_The_ Five Nations _continue the War with the_ French; _the_ Mohawks _incline to Peace_; _their Conferences with the_ Governor _of_ New-York.

The _Governor_ of _Canada_ received Hopes that the _Five Nations_ inclined to Peace, by their returning an Answer to _Therawaet_'s Message, and thought he might now venture to send some _French_ to them with further Proposals. The Chevalier _D'O_, with an Interpreter called _Collin_, and some others, went; but they had a much warmer Reception than they expected, being forced to run the Gauntlet through a long Lane of _Indians_, as they entered their Castle, and were afterwards delivered up Prisoners to the _English_.

The _Five Nations_ kept out at this Time small Parties, that continually harassed the _French_. The Count _de Frontenac_ sent Captain _Louvigni_ to _Missilimakinak_, to relieve the Garison, and he had Orders, by all Means, to prevent the Peace which the _Utawawas_ and _Quatoghies_ were upon the Point of concluding with the _Five Nations_. He carried with him one hundred forty three _French_, and six _Indians_, and was likewise accompanied with a Lieutenant and thirty Men, till he got one hundred twenty Miles from _Montreal_. They were met in _Cadarackui River_, at a Place called the _Cats_, by a Party of the _Five Nations_, who fell vigorously on their Canoes, killed several of the _French_, and made them give Way; but _Louvigni_, by putting his Men ashore, at last got the better, after a smart Engagement, in which the _Indians_ had several Men killed, and two Men, and as many Women, taken Prisoners. I am obliged to rely on the _French_ Account of these Skirmishes; they do not mention the Number of the _Indians_ in this Rencounter, but I suspect them to have been much fewer than the _French_; for when the Enemy are equal in Number, or greater, they seldom forget to tell it. One of the _Indian_ Prisoners was carried by them to _Missilimackinak_, to confirm this Victory, and was delivered to the _Utawawas_, who eat him. The Lieutenant carried the other back with him. He was given to _Therawaet_.

To revenge this Loss, the _Five Nations_ sent a Party against the _Island of Montreal_, who fell on that Part called the _Trembling Point_; and though they were discovered before they gave their Blow, they attacked a Party of regular Troops, and killed the commanding Officer, and twelve of his Men: Another Party carried off fifteen or sixteen Prisoners from _Riviere Puante_, over against _Trois Rivieres_. This Party was pursued, and finding that they were like to be overpowered, murdered their Prisoners and made their Escape. These Incursions kept all the River, from _Montreal_ to _Quebeck_, in continual Alarm, and obliged the Governor to send all the Soldiers to guard the south Side of the River. Notwithstanding this, five Persons were carried away in Sight of _Sorel Fort_, by a small skulking Party, but they were soon afterwards recovered by the Soldiers. About the same Time another Party burnt the Plantations at _St. Ours_.

The _Five Nations_ had conceived great Hopes from the Assistance of the _English_, as the Magistrates of _Albany_ had promised the _Mohawks_, when they came to condole, after the surprising of _Schenectady_; but the _English_ were so far from performing these Promises, that many of the Inhabitants retired from _Albany_ to _New-York_; and they who had the Administration of Affairs, were so intent on their party Quarrels, that they intirely neglected the _Indian_ Affairs. Indeed the People of _New-York_ have too often made large Promises, and have thereby put the _Indians_ upon bold Enterprizes, when no Measures were concerted for supporting them. This made the _Indians_ think, that the _English_ were lavish of _Indian_ Lives and too careful of their own. The _Mohawks_, who lived nearest the _English_, were most sensible of these Things, and soon entertained Notions prejudicial to the Opinion they ought to have had of the _English_ Prudence and Conduct; it is even probable, these _Indians_ began to entertain a mean Opinion of both the _English_ Courage and Integrity. It is not strange then, that the _Mohawks_ at last gave Ear to the assiduous Application of their Countrymen, the _praying Indians_, who, with _French_ Arguments, persuaded them to make Peace as soon as possible, without trusting longer to the _English_, who had so often disappointed or deceived them.

The _Mohawks_ sent one of their _Sachems_, _Odigacege_, to the _praying Indians_, who introduced him to the Count _de Frontenac_. The Count made him welcome, and told him, that he was sorry for the Injuries his Predecessors had done them; but that he would treat them like Friends, if their future Conduct did not prevent him, and =gave him a Belt=, with Proposals of Peace to his Nation.

Colonel _Slaughter_, who was then Governor of _New-York_, being informed that the _Five Nations_ were like to make Peace with the _French_, by their having lost much of their Confidence in the _English_ Assistance, found it necessary to meet them, which he did in the End of _May_ 1691. There were present at that Time six _Oneydo_, eleven _Onondaga_, four _Cayuga_, and ten _Seneka Sachems_. He renewed the Covenant with them, and gave them Presents. The _Mohawks_ having entered into a Treaty with the _French_, did not join with the other four Nations in their Answer.

On the second of _June_ the Speaker, in Name of the other four Nations, told him, they were glad to see a Governor again in this Place; that they had learned from their Ancestors, that the first Ship which arrived in this Country surprized them exceedingly; that they were curious to know what was in its huge Belly. They found Christians in it, and among them one _Jacques_, with whom they made a Chain of Friendship, which has been preserved to this Day. By that Chain it was agreed, that whatever Injury was done to the one, should be deemed, by both Sides, as likewise done to the other. Then they mentioned the Confusion that had lately been in the Government of _New-York_, which had like to have confounded all their Affairs, but hoped all would be reduced to their wonted Order and Quiet. They complained of several of the Brethren leaving _Albany_ in Time of Danger, and praised those by Name who staid, and then said: Our Tree of Peace, which grows in this Place, has of late been much shaken, we must now secure and fasten its Roots; we must frequently manure and dress it, that its Roots may spread far.

They assured the Governor, that they were resolved to prosecute the War against the _French_ as long as they lived, and that they would never speak of Peace, but with the common Consent. They abhor those that do otherwise, and desired that the Brethren might not keep a Correspondence with _Canada_ by Letters. You need not (said they) press us to mind the War, we mind it above all Things; do you but your Parts, lay aside all other Thoughts but that of the War, for it is the only Thing we have at Heart. They =gave Bevers= at the End of every distinct Part of their Answer.

On the fourth the _Mohawks_ spoke to the Governor, in Presence of the other four Nations: They confessed the Negotiations they had with the _Praying Indians_, and with the Governor of _Canada_, and that they had received a Belt from him. Then they restored one of the Prisoners taken at _Schenectady_, as the Fruit of that Negotiation. They desired the Governor's Advice, and the Advice of the whole House, what Answer to return to the Governor of _Canada_; and lastly, desired the _Senekas_ to release the Prisoners they had taken from the _Praying Indians_.

Colonel _Slaughter_ check'd the _Mohawks_ for entering into a separate Treaty with the Enemy, and said he could admit of no Proposals of Peace. He told them, that the Prisoners taken from the _Praying Indians_ must not be restored; putting them in mind, that some of them having been formerly released, soon after returned and murdered several People, and burnt several Houses.

He assured them of his Assistance, and then added, You must keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. The _Mohawks_ thanked him for his Assurance of Assistance; but took Notice of his saying, _You_ must keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. Why don't you say, they replied, We will keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm. In the last Place, the _Mohawks_ renewed their League with all the _English_ Colonies; adding, Though an angry Dog has endeavoured to bite the Chain in Pieces, we are resolved to keep it firm, both in Peace and in War: We now renew the old Chain, that so the Tree of Peace and Prosperity may flourish, and spread its Roots through all the Country.

In the last Place, the four Nations answered the _Mohawks_.

"_Mohawks_, our Brethren, in answer to your Proposals from the
Governor of _Canada_, we must put you in Mind of his Deceit and
Treachery; we need only give one recent Instance, how he lately
sent to the _Senekas_ to treat of Peace, and at the same Time
fell upon _Schenectady_, and cut that Place off. We tell you,
that the Belt sent by the _French_ Governor is Poison; we spew
it out of our Mouths, we absolutely reject it, and are resolved
to prosecute the War as long as we live."

Then they left the Belt lying on the Ground.

CHAP. VI.

_The_ English _attack_ Montreal _by Land_, _in Conjunction with the_ Indians, _and_ Quebeck _by Sea_.

It was now evident that the _Indians_ could no longer be amused with Words, and that, unless the _English_ entered soon upon Action, the _French_ would carry their Design of making Peace with the _Five Nations_, and the _English_ be left to carry on the War in _America_ by themselves. Certainly a more proper Opportunity of doing it with Success could not be expected, than at present, while the _French_ in _Canada_ had neither recovered their Spirits, nor the Strength they had lost, by the terrible Incursions of the _Five Nations_. A joint Invasion on _Canada_ was concerted with _New-England_, they were to attack _Quebeck_ by Sea, while _New-York_ attacked _Montreal_ by Land. The Governor therefore proposed to the _Indians_ to join with him in attacking _Canada_, for which Purpose he told them, that he designed to send a considerable Force this Summer. They desired Time to consult on it at their general Meeting, which was soon to be held at _Onondaga_, and to know what Number of Christians he designed to send, that they might join a suitable Number of their Men. To this the Governor answered, that he must not communicate the Particulars of his Design to so many, because they could not then be kept secret from the Enemy; as he found by the Discoveries that were last Year made to the _French_ by that Means.

It was at last agreed, that the _Mohawks_ should join with the Christians that were to march from _New-York_ directly against _Montreal_, and that the other four Nations should send a considerable Party down _Cadarackui Lake_, and join them before _Montreal_.

Major _Peter Schuyler_, the same whom the _Indians_ call _Quider_, commanded the Party sent from _New-York_, which consisted of three hundred Men, one half Christians, the other _Mohawks_ and _Scahkook Indians_. He set out from _Albany_ about Midsummer. As he was preparing his Canoes to pass _Corlear_'s Lake, he was discovered by the _French Indians_, who immediately returned to _Montreal_, to give Information of what they had seen. The Chevalier _Clermont_ was sent out to make further Discoveries: He found the _English_ above _Chamblie_, and went immediately back with the Intelligence he there gained. In the mean while Mr. _de Callieres_, Governor of _Montreal_, did all in his Power to give Major _Schuyler_ a proper Reception, by drawing the Militia and regular Troops together for the Defence of the Place. There happened to be a very considerable Number of _Utawawas_ trading at that Time at _Montreal_, Mr. _de Colliere_, in Order to engage them to join him, made a great Feast for them, went among them, and, after the _Indian_ Manner, began the war Song, leading up the Dance with his Axe in his Hand, and shouting and hollowing in the same wild Manner the _Indians_ do. This done, he carried his whole Force, which consisted of twelve hundred Men, cross the River, and encamped on the south Side, at _la Prairie de la Magdeleine_, together with a great Number of _Utawawas_, the _Praying Indians_, and other _French Indians_. The famous _Therawaet_ being now entirely gained by the Caresses of the Count _de Frontenac_, made one of the Number. They encamped round the Fort, which stood on a steep rising Ground between two Meadows.

Major _Schuyler_ having left forty of his Men to guard his Canoes, which had carried him cross the Lake, marched on without stopping. He got into a Hollow, which led into the Meadow, without being discovered; and marching under that Cover, he fell suddenly upon the Militia, who were soon put into Confusion, and many of them, and of the _Utawawas_, who were posted with them, were killed. He pursued them as they fled to the Fort, which he attacked briskly, but was obliged to leave it, by the Approach of the regular Troops who came to relieve it. He received them however bravely, and, after they had lost several Officers and many Men, they retired. Major _Schuyler_ finding the Number of the Enemy much greater than was expected, and being informed that a considerable Party of the Enemy had marched Southward, he began to apprehend, that this Party was sent to cut off his Retreat, by destroying his Canoes. It was resolved therefore immediately to follow this Party; he overtook them, and they covering themselves behind some large fallen Trees, he attacked them, and made his Way through them, but with considerable Loss.

In this Attack the _Mohawks_ signalized themselves, but the _Scahkook Indians_ did not behave themselves well. The _Mohawks_, upon no Occasion, yielded an Inch of Ground, till the _English_ first gave Way. The _French_, by their own Accounts, lost, in the several Attacks made by _Schuyler_, two Captains, six Lieutenants, and five Ensigns, and, in all, three hundred Men, so that their Slain were in Number more than Major _Schuyler_ had with him. The _Mohawks_ suffered much, having seventeen Men killed, and eleven wounded. They returned to _Albany_ the eleventh of _August_.

After the _English_ under Major _Schuyler_ had retired, an _Owenagunga Indian_ came from _New-England_, with an Account of the Preparations made there against _Canada_, and that they had actually sailed.

This Fleet, which was commanded by _Sir William Phips_, was discovered in _St. Laurence Bay_, while the Count _de Frontenac_ remained at _Montreal_; and thereupon he made all possible Haste to _Quebeck_, and carried three hundred Men with him.

The Fleet, which consisted of thirty Sail, did not reach _Quebeck_ till the seventh of _October_. Sir _William_ spent three Days in nothing but Consultation, while the _French_ made all possible Preparation for a Defence, and, by this Means, suffered them to get over the Fright and Consternation, into which the first Appearance of the Fleet had thrown them; for the Place was not in any Posture of Defence. It gave them Time likewise to draw all the Country round them into the Town. And on the fourth Day Sir _William_ summoned the _Count_ to surrender, who returned him such an Answer as his Conduct deserved.

The _English_ landed four Miles below the Town, and had thick Woods to march through, before they could come at it, in which Ambuscades of _French_ and _Indians_ were made at proper Distances, by whom the _English_ were repulsed with considerable Loss. They attempted the Wood again the next Day with no better Success.

The _French_, in their Account of this Action, say, that the Men, though they appeared to be as little disciplined as Men could be, behaved with great Bravery, but that Sir _William_'s Conduct was such, that, if he had been in Concert with them, he could not have done more to ruin the Enterprize; yet his Fidelity was never suspected. In short, this Descent was so ill managed, that the _English_ got on Board again in the Night, with the Loss of all the Cannon and Baggage which they had landed.

The _French_ thought themselves in such great Danger at that Time, that they attributed their Deliverance to the most immediate Protection of Heaven, in confounding the Devices of their Enemy, and by depriving them of common Sense; and for this Reason the People of _Quebeck_ make an annual Procession, in Commemoration of this Deliverance.

Sir _William_ cannonaded the Town for some Time with little Execution, and then returned in Hast, Winter approaching; indeed that Season was already so far advanced, that he lost eight Vessels in his Return.

The _Five Nations_ continued their Incursions all along _St. Laurence River_, from _Montreal_ to _Quebeck_, and carried away many Scalps. At one Time a _French_ Officer, with thirty eight Men, surprised some of the _Five Nations_ in a Cabin, which they had built near _Lake St. Piere_. Some of them escaped and informed two other Cabins, which the _French_ had not discovered, and they returned with their Companions, and killed the Captain and Lieutenant, and one half of the Men.

Notwithstanding that the _French_ preserved their Country, these warlike Expeditions, and the Necessity they were under of being on their Guard, prevented their cultivating the Ground, or of reaping the Fruit of what they had sowed or planted. This occasioned a Famine in _Canada_, and, to increase the Misery of the poor Inhabitants, they were forced to feed the Soldiers gratis, while their own Children wanted Bread.

In _October_ the _Onondagas_, _Cayugas_, and _Oneydoes_ came to _Albany_, to condole with the _English_, for the Men lost in the Expedition against _Montreal_, as they had already done with the _Mohawks_. They said it was ever their Custom to condole with their Friends when they lost any Number of Men in Battle, though they had the Victory. They at the same Time, as they had often done before, complained of the Dearness of Powder: Why, say they, do you call us your King's Soldiers, when you will not sell us Powder at the usual and reasonable Rates?

And in answer to a Complaint, of there not being a sufficient Number of _English_ sent against _Montreal_, the People of _Albany_ upbraided them with a Breach of Promise, in not sending that Party down _Cadarackui River_ which they promised, which they said was the chief Reason of the want of Success in that Expedition.

CHAP. VII.

_The_ French _and the_ Five Nations _continue the War all Winter with various Success_. _The_ French _burn a_ Captain _of the_ Five Nations _alive_.

The old _French_ Governor kept up his Vigour and Spirits wonderfully, no Fatigue made him ever think of Rest. He knew of what Use it would be to convince the _Five Nations_, that the joint Attack of the _English_ and _Indians_ had neither weakened him, nor frightened him from carrying on the War with as much Vigour as before.

It was absolutely necessary that the _Utawawas_ and other _Western Indians_, who came to _Montreal_ to trade, should return safe to their own Country, otherwise there would be an End to the _French_ Trade with those Nations, upon which the Being of _Canada_ depends; for it is only by the _Fur-trade_ with these Nations that they make Returns to _Europe_; and if these Nations did not return in Time, all the _Western Indians_ would look on the _French_ as lost, and consequently would make Peace with the _Five Nations_, and perhaps join in the Destruction of _Canada_.

Captain _la Forest_, with one hundred and ten Men, was sent to conduct the _Utawawas_ Home; he carried with him considerable Presents sent by the King of _France_, to confirm these Nations in the _French_ Interest.

Two _Indian_ Prisoners, taken at _la Prairie_, were given to the _Utawawas_, and carried with them, to confirm the Stories they were to tell of their Successes against the _English_ and _Five Nations_. These poor Men were there burnt alive; and if I should add, that it was done by _French_ Instigation, what I shall relate by and by will clear me of the want of Charity. I believe it was so, in Order to rivet the Hatred between these People and the _Five Nations_.

The _Five Nations_ continued their Incursions all Winter on _Canada_. Forty of the _Mohawks_ fell upon _Fort Vercheres_, and carried off twenty of the Inhabitants; but the Alarm reaching _Montreal_, Mr. _de Crizaei_, with one hundred Men of the regular Troops, was sent in pursuit of them, who recovered most of the Prisoners.

The Count _de Frontenac_ being informed, that a considerable Party of the _Five Nations_ hunted Bever on the Neck of Land between _Cadarackui Lake_ and _Lake Erie_, with great Security, resolved to give them a better Opinion of the Strength and Courage of the _French_. For this Purpose he sent three hundred and twelve Men to surprise them, under the Command of Mr. _Beaucour_, a young Gentleman. The _Praying Indians_ of _Montreal_ were of the Party. This Expedition being in the Winter, they were obliged to undergo cruel Fatigues, while they marched on the Snow with snow Shoes, and carried all their Provision on their Backs. Several of the _French_ had their Feet frozen, which obliged fifteen to return, with some old _Indians_, that could not bear the Fatigue; and it was with much Difficulty that _Beaucour_ could persuade the rest to continue their March. After a March to a surprizing Distance, at that Season of the Year, they surprised eighty of the _Five Nations_, who notwithstanding made a brave Defence, and did not run before they left most of their Men dead on the Spot. Three Women were made Prisoners, with whom the _French_ immediately turned back to _Montreal_. Some stragling Parties went towards _Albany_, but did no more Mischief than killing two or three stragling Persons, and alarming the Country.

The Trade to _Missilimakinak_ being still intirely stopt, by the Parties of the _Five Nations_ investing _Cadarackui River_, by which, and _Cadarackui Lake_, the Passage in Canoes is made to the _Western Indians_, Captain _la Noue_, with a Command of the regular Troops, was ordered early in the Spring to guard the Traders through that Passage; but when he reached the _Falls de Calumette_, he discovered the Enemy, and returned faster than he went.

_La Noue_ had Orders a second Time to attempt this Passage, and went as far as the River _du Lievre_ (thirty Leagues from _Montreal_) without any Obstruction; but there discovering several Canoes of the _Five Nations_, he went back as fast as before.

The _Quatoghies_ and the _Bullheads_[37] having informed the _French_ of another smaller River, which falls into _Cadarackui River_, and runs to the Northward of it, by which a Passage might be made to the Lakes, it was resolved to attempt this Passage, though it were much farther round, and more dangerous, there being many more rapid Falls in that River. Three Officers, with thirty Soldiers, were sent with the Traders for this Purpose, but a Party of the _Five Nations_ meeting with them in the long Fall, before they reached this River, they were all killed or taken, except four that escaped back to _Montreal_.

A considerable Party of the _Five Nations_, under the Command of _Blackkettle_, a famous Hero, continued a long Time on _Cadarackui River_, in hopes of meeting with other _French_ Parties, in their Passage towards _Missilimakinak_; but finding that no Attempts were made that Way, he resolved to make an Irruption into the Country round _Montreal_. The _French_ say he had six hundred Men with him; but they usually increase the Number of their Enemies, in the Relation they give of these Transactions, either to excuse their Fears, or to increase their Glory.

_Blackkettle_ overrun the Country (to use the _French_ Expression) as a Torrent does the Low-lands, when it overflows its Banks, and there is no withstanding it. The Soldiers had Orders to stand upon the defensive within their Forts. Mr. _de Vaudreuil_ pursued this Party (after they had burnt and ravaged the whole Country) at the Head of four hundred Men; he overtook them and surprised them. The _Five Nations_ fought desperately, though the same Author, at this Place, makes them no more than two hundred Men. After they had lost twenty Men on the Spot, they broke through the _French_, and marched off. The _French_ lost four Officers and many common Soldiers, and they took five Men, nine Women, and five Children Prisoners.

The _Five Nations_ in a few Days had however some Revenge; a Captain having had Orders to guard the Vessels from _Montreal_ to _Quebeck_, a Party of the _Five Nations_ attacked him in his Return, as he passed through the Islands in _Lake St. Pierre_. He himself was killed, and the whole Party intirely routed.

The _French_ all this Summer were obliged to keep upon the defensive within their Forts, while the _Five Nations_, in small Parties, ravaged the whole Country, so that no Man stirred the least Distance from a Fort, but he was in danger of losing his Scalp.

The Count _de Frontenac_ was pierced to the Heart, when he found that he could not revenge these terrible Incursions of the _Five Nations_; and his Anguish made him guilty of such a Piece of monstrous Cruelty, in burning a Prisoner alive after the _Indian_ Manner, as though I have frequently mentioned to have been done by the _Indians_, yet I forbore giving the Particulars of such barbarous Acts, suspecting it might be too offensive to Christian Ears, even in the History of Savages. Here however I think it useful to give a circumstantial Account of this horrid Act, to shew on one Hand, what Courage and Resolution, Virtue, the Love of Glory, and the Love of one's Country can instill into Mens Minds, even where the Knowledge of true Religion is wanting; and on the other Hand, how far a false Policy, under a corrupt Religion, can debase even great Minds.

The Count _de Frontenac_, I say, condemned two Prisoners of the _Five Nations_ to be burnt publickly alive. The Intendant's Lady intreated him to moderate the Sentence, and the Jesuits, it is said, used their Endeavours for the same Purpose. But the Count _de Frontenac_ said, there is a Necessity of making such an Example, to frighten the _Five Nations_ from approaching the Plantations, since the Indulgence, that had hitherto been shewn, had incouraged them to advance with the greatest Boldness to the very Gates of their Towns; while they thought they run no other Risque, but of being made Prisoners, where they live better than at Home. He added, that the _Five Nations_ having burnt so many _French_, justified this Method of making Reprizals. But with Submission to the Politeness of the _French_ Nation, may I not ask, whether every (or any) horrid Action of a barbarous Enemy, can justify a civilized Nation in doing the like?

When the Governor could not be moved, the Jesuits went to the Prison, to instruct the Prisoners in the Mysteries of our Holy Religion, _viz_. of the Trinity, the Incarnation of our Saviour, the Joys of Paradise, and the Punishments of Hell, to fit their Souls for Heaven by Baptism, while their Bodies were condemned to Torments. But the _Indians_, after they had heard their Sentence, refused to hear the Jesuits speak, and began to prepare for Death in their own Country Manner, by singing their Death Song.

Some charitable Person threw a Knife into the Prison, with which one of them dispatched himself: The other was carried out to the Place of Execution by the Christian _Indians_ of _Loretto_, to which he walked, seemingly, with as much Indifference as ever Martyr did to the Stake. While they were torturing him, he continued singing, that he was a Warrior brave and without Fear; that the most cruel Death could not shake his Courage; that the most cruel Torment should not draw an indecent Expression from him; that his Comrade was a Coward, a Scandal to the _Five Nations_, who had killed himself for fear of Pain; that he had the Comfort to reflect, that he had made many _Frenchmen_ suffer as he did now. He fully verified his Words, for the most violent Torment could not force the least Complaint from him, though his Executioners tried their utmost Skill to do it. They first broiled his Feet between two red hot Stones; then they put his Fingers into red hot Pipes, and though he had his Arms at Liberty, he would not pull his Fingers out; they cut his Joints, and taking hold of the Sinews, twisted them round small Bars of Iron. All this while he kept singing and recounting his own brave Actions against the _French_. At last they flead his Scalp from his Skull, and poured scalding hot Sand upon it; at which Time the Intendant's Lady obtained Leave of the Governor to have the _Coup-de-grace_ given, and I believe she thereby likewise obtained a Favour to every Reader, in delivering him from a further continuance of this Account of _French_ Cruelty.

Notwithstanding this Cruelty, which the _French_ Governor manifested towards the _Five Nations_, and thereby his Hatred of them, he found Peace with them so necessary to _Canada_, that he still pursued it by all the Means in his Power. For this Purpose the _Praying Indians_ (who, as I observed before, are _Mohawks_, and have always kept a Correspondence with their own Nation) were employed to bring it about, and to endeavour a Cessation of Arms, that the Governor might have an Opportunity of shewing what kind Things he had in his Heart towards the _Five Nations_, but without Success.

[Footnote 37: The _Bullheads_ are said to be cowardly People.]

CHAP. VIII.

_The_ Five Nations _treat with Captain_ Ingoldsby.

The Governor of _New-York_, Colonel _Slaughter_'s Death, soon after his Arrival, was very prejudicial to the Affairs of _New-York_; for Captain _Ingoldsby_, who had no other Commission but that of Captain of one of the Independent Companies of Foot, took upon himself the Government of the Province, without any Authority; and he having likewise highly offended a great Number of the People, by the Share he took in the late Party Quarrels, it was not easy for him to prosecute any vigorous Measures. He was reckoned to be much more a Soldier than a Statesman.

Captain _Ingoldsby_ met the Five Nations at _Albany_, the sixth of _June_ 1692. In his Speech, he told them of his vigorous Resolutions to prosecute the War, and then blamed them for not sending (according to their Promise) a Party down _Cadarackui River_, to join them that went from _Albany_ against _Montreal_, and for their Carelesness in suffering themselves to be surprised last Winter in their Hunting. He desired them to keep the Enemy in perpetual Alarm, by the Incursions of their Parties into the Enemy's Country, and to give him timely Notice of all their Motions. He told them in the next Place, that he heard the _French_ were still using their wonted Artifice, of amusing them with Offers of Peace; but the former Proceedings of the _French_ sufficiently demonstrates, said he to the Brethren, that while Peace is in their Mouths, War is in their Hearts, and the late horrid Murder of the Brethren, after Quarter given, sufficiently shews the Perfidy and Rancour of their Hearts. It is in vain, said he, to think of any Cessation of Arms, much less of a Peace, while the two Kings are at War at Home. He added, _Virginia_ is ready to assist us, and only waits the King's Orders, which are daily expected, and then renewed the Chain for _Virginia_. In the last Place he told them, that he heard the _Dionondadas_ had sent two Prisoners Home, with a View thereby to procure Peace; and advised them by all Means to make Peace with that Nation.

The _Five Nations_ answered by _Cheda_, an _Oneydo Sachem:_

"_Brother_ Corlear,

The _Sachems_ of the _Five Nations_ have with great
Attention heard _Corlear_ speak; we shall make a short Recital,
to shew you with what Care we have hearkened. After the Recital he
continued.

We heartily thank _Corlear_, for his coming to this Place to
view the Strength thereof, for his bringing Forces with him, and for
his Resolution of putting Garisons into the Frontier Places. =Giving
five Bevers and a Belt.=

Brother _Corlear_, as to what you blame us for, let us not
reproach one another, such Words do not favour well among Friends.
They gave nothing with this Article.

Brother _Corlear_, be patient under the Loss of your Men, as we
are of the _Mohawks_ our Brethren, that were killed at the same
Time. You take no Notice of the great Losses we have suffered. We
designed to have come to this Place to have condoled with you in
your Loss, but the War took up all our Time, and employed all Hands.
They =gave five Bevers, four Otters, and one Belt=, as a Gift of
Condolence.

Brother _Corlear_, we are all Subjects of one great King and
Queen, we have one Head, one Heart, one Interest, and are all
ingaged in the same War. You tell us, that we must expect no Peace
while the Kings are at War on the other Side the great Water. We
thank you for being so plain with us. We assure you we have no
Thoughts of Peace. We are resolved to carry on the War, though we
know we only are in danger of being Losers. Pray do you prosecute
the War with the same Resolution. You are strong and have many
People. You have a great King, who is able to hold out long. We are
but a small People, and decline daily, by the Men we lose in this
War, we do our utmost to destroy the Enemy; but how strange does it
seem to us! How unaccountable! that while our great King is so
inveterate against the _French_, and you are so earnest with us
to carry on the War, that Powder is now sold dearer to us than ever?
We are poor, and not able to buy while we neglect hunting; and we
cannot hunt and carry on the War at the same Time: We expect, that
this Evil we so justly complain of be immediately remedied. =Giving
nine Bevers.=

Brother _Corlear_, you desire us to keep the Enemy in perpetual
Alarm, that they may have no Rest, till they are in their Graves; Is
it not to secure your own Frontiers? Why then not one Word of your
People that are to join us? We assure you we shall continue to carry
on the War into the Heart of the Enemies Country. =Giving eight
Bevers.=

We the _Five Nations_, _Mohawks_, _Oneydoes_,
_Onondagas_, _Cayugas_, and _Senekas_, renew the
Silver Chain whereby we are linked fast with our Brethren of
_Assarigoa_ (_Virginia_) and we promise to preserve it as
long as the Sun shall shine in the Heavens. =Giving ten Bevers.=

But Brother _Corlear_, How comes it, that none of our Brethren
fastened in the same Chain with us, offer their helping Hand in this
general War, in which our great King is engaged against the
_French_? Pray _Corlear_, how come _Maryland_,
_Delaware River_, and _New-England_, to be disengaged from
this War? You have always told us, that they are our Brethren,
Subjects of the same great King. Has our King sold them? Or do they
fail in their Obedience? Or do they draw their Arms out of our
Chain? Or has the great King commanded, that the few Subjects he has
in this Place, should make War against the _French_ alone? Pray
make plain to us this Mystery? How can they and we be Brethren, and
make different Families? How can they and we be Subjects of the same
great King, and not be engaged in the same War? How can they and we
have the same Heart, the same Head, and the same Interest, as you
tell us, and not have the same Thoughts? How comes it, that the
Enemy burns and destroys the Towns in _New-England_, and they
make no Resistance? How comes our great King to make War, and not to
destroy his Enemies? When, if he would only command his Subjects on
this Side the great Lake to joyn, the Destruction of the Enemy would
not make one Summer's Work.

You need not warn us of the Deceit and Treachery of the
_French_, who would probably insinuate Thoughts of Peace; but
Brethren, you need not fear us, we will never hearken to them: Tho'
at the same Time, we must own, that we have not been without
Thoughts of your being inclined to Peace, by Reason of the
Brethren's Backwardness in pushing on the War. The _French_
spread Reports among us to this Purpose, and say, that they had in a
Manner concluded the Matter with you. We rejoice to be now assured
of this Falshood. We shall never desist fighting the _French_
as long as we shall live. And =gave a Belt of Wampum=.

We now renew the old Chain, and here plant the Tree of Prosperity
and Peace. May it grow and thrive, and spread its Roots even beyond
_Canada_. =Giving a Belt.=

We make the House clean, where all our Affairs of Importance are
transacted with these five Otters.

We return you Thanks for the Powder and Lead given us; but what
shall we do with them without Guns, shall we throw them at the
Enemy? We doubt they will not hurt them so. Before this we always
had Guns given us. It is no Wonder the Governor of _Canada_
gains upon us, for he supplies his _Indians_ with Guns as well
as Powder; he supplies them plentifully with every Thing that can
hurt us. =Giving five Otters.=

As to the _Dionondadas_ setting two of our Nation at Liberty,
we must tell you, that it was not the Act of that Nation, but the
private Act of one Person: We are desirous to make Peace with that
Nation as soon as we can, upon honourable Terms. And =gave a Belt=.

The _Mohawks_, before they left the Place, desired a private Conference with the Governor, and told him, that they were all exceedingly dissatisfied, that the other _English_ Colonies gave no Assistance, and that it might prove of ill Consequence. Captain _Ingoldsby_ promised to write to them, and hoped it would have a good Effect.

CHAP. IX.

_The_ French _surprise and take three_ Mohawk _Castles_.

The _Praying Indians_ promised their Endeavours to reconcile their Brethren the _Mohawks_ to the _French_, on whom the _French_ expected they would have much Influence; but their Endeavours proving ineffectual, their Correspondence began to be suspected. The _French_ thought they did more Hurt than Good, by the Intelligence the Enemy by their Means received. The _French_ in _Canada_ began to lose their Spirits, by being obliged to remain so long upon the defensive, as the _Five Nations_ gained more Courage by it. The Count _de Frontenac_ thought it therefore absolutely necessary to undertake some bold Enterprize, to shew the _Five Nations_, that they had to do with an Enemy still able to act offensively: An Attack on the _Mohawks_ he thought would be most effectual for this Purpose, because it would shew, at the same Time, that the _English_ would not protect their nearest Neighbours. As this was designed to be done by Surprize, the Winter Season was chosen for this Purpose, as least to be suspected at such a Time; and when the Enemy could not, without great Hardship, keep Scouts abroad, to discover them or the _English_ give any Assistance.

The Body of the _French_ designed for this Expedition was put under three Captains of the regular Troops, and thirty Subalterns, and consisted of picked Men of the regular Troops of the common Militia of the Country of the _Praying Indians_, the _Quatoghies_ of _Loretto_, _Adirondacks_, and _Sohokies_, who live to the eastward of _Boston_, making in all about six or seven hundred Men, so that a great Part of the Force of _Canada_ was employed in it. They were well supplied with all Sorts of Ammunition, Provision, Snow-Shoes, and such Conveniencies for Carriage, as were practicable upon the Snow, and through such great Forests as they had to pass. The _French_ at _Canada_ have a Kind of light Sledges made with Skins, and are drawn by large Dogs on the frozen Snow.

They set out from _la Prairie de Magdeleine_ the 15th of _January_ 1692-3, after having endured what might have been thought unsurmountable Hardships; they passed by _Schenectady_ at some Distance from it, on the 8th of _February_, at which Time one that had been taken Prisoner, when that Place was sacked, made his Escape from them, and gave the People of _Schenectady_ Intelligence of the _French_, who by an Express, immediately informed the Commandant of _Albany_. The Millitia was expeditiously raised, and a Lieutenant with fifty five Horse was immediately dispatched to _Schenectady_; but no Care was taken to give the _Mohawks_ Notice, which might have been done without much Danger, by sending up the South Side of the River, whilst the _French_ marched on the North. The _French_, on the 8th at Night, reached the first _Mohawk_ Castle, where there were only five Men, and some Women and Children in great Security, their other Men being all abroad, these were all taken without Opposition. The next Fort not far from it was in like Manner surprized, without any Opposition, both of them were very small, and being next the _English_, not fortified.

_Schenectady_ being the nearest _English_ Settlement to the _Mohawks_, and but a little Way from their nearest Castle, many of them are always there. The _Mohawks_ then in the Town were exceedingly enraged, that none went out to assist their Nation; some were sent therefore out the next Day, to gain Information of the Enemy, and to give the _Mohawks_ Notice; but they returned without doing their Duty.

The _French_ went on to the next _Mohawk_ Fort, which was the largest; and coming to that in the Night, they heard some Noise, and suspected they were discovered: But this Noise was only occasioned by a War Dance, forty of the _Indians_ designing to go next Day upon some Enterprize. The _French_ approached the Castle silently, and finding the _Indians_ no way on their Guard, opened the Gate, and entered before they were discovered; but notwithstanding this, and the Confusion the _Indians_ must be in, this Conquest was not without Loss of Blood, the _French_ having lost thirty Men, before the _Indians_ entirely submitted: The _French_ designed to have put them all to the Sword, but their own _Indians_ would not suffer it, and gave Quarter: They took three hundred Prisoners, of whom one hundred were fighting Men. I have no Account of the Number of _Mohawks_ killed, but no Doubt it was very considerable.

When the Account came to _Albany_, how much the _Mohawks_, who were at _Schenectady_, were enraged, that no Assistance was sent to their Countrymen; _Peter Schuyler_ a Major of the Militia offered himself to go with what Force could be got ready for their Assistance. He went himself immediately to _Schenectady_, and sent out to discover the Enemy: His Scouts brought him Intelligence, first, that the _French_ were in Possession of the two smallest Forts, afterwards, that they had heard great Firing at the largest Fort; and at last, that it was taken. Having received 200 Men, partly regular Troops, but most of the Militia, he began his March on the 12th in Quest of the Enemy; but hearing soon after, that six hundred Men of the upper Castles were on their March, 'tis probable he did not endeavour to be up with the _French_ so soon as he might; for I find by his Journal, that he was nearer them on the fourteenth, than he was two Days after. He had not sufficient Force to fight them: He sent therefore to the upper _Indians_, to hasten their March. On the 15th he was joined by these _Indians_, in all two hundred and ninety Men and Boys, very ill armed. His Body then consisted of two hundred and fifty Christians, and two hundred and ninety _Indians_, armed fighting Men. They had no other Provision but some Biscuit every Man had in his Pocket. On the 16th he was informed by an _Indian_, who pretended to be a Deserter, that the _French_ had built a Fort, where they designed to wait for him, and fight him; whereupon he sent an Express to Coll. _Ingoldesby_, then Commandant at _Albany_, to hasten more Men to join him, with sufficient Provision for the whole. He found afterwards, that this _Indian_ was sent by the French, on purpose to persuade the _Indians_ to give over the Pursuit. Major _Schuyler_ came up to the Enemy on the 17th; when he came near them he did not go on streight towards them, for Fear of Ambuscades, but marched round. As soon as he came in Sight, he was saluted with three loud Shouts, which were answered with as much Noise. The _Indians_ began in their Manner to secure themselves, by felling the Trees between them, and the Enemy sallied out to prevent them, but were soon beat back. The _Indians_ fell to Work again, and desired the Christians to assist them, which was done, but in such Confusion, that they themselves were in Danger from the falling Trees. The _French_ sallied a second Time with all their Force, crying out, _They run, we'll cut them off, and get their Provisions_; but they were warmly received, and beat back into their Fort. They sallied a third Time, and were beat back with considerable Loss, the _Indians_ bringing in several Heads and Scalps. As soon as the Skirmishing was over, the Major sent back an Express, to hasten the Men that were to reinforce him, and were to bring Provision, some of the Men having had no Provision for two Days. The _Major_ then secured himself, under the Cover of the fallen Trees, and kept out Watches to observe the _French_.

The 18th proving a cold stormy Day, with Snow, he was informed, by a Deserter, that the _French_ were upon their March, it not being easy to follow their Tracks, or to discover them in such Weather. The Officers were commanded to pursue and retard their March, till the Reinforcement should come up, but the Men refused to march without Provision. The Officers, with about 60 Men, and a Body of _Indians_, followed the Enemy till Night, when they began to secure themselves, by fortifying their Camp. The Officers wanting a sufficient Number to secure themselves in like Manner, or to sight the Enemy, returned, leaving about forty Christians, and one hundred _Indians_, to observe them. On the 19th the Provisions, with about 80 Men, arrived, under the Command of Captain _Sims_ of the regular Troops. Every Man, as he was served with Provision, marched towards the Enemy. The Van was commanded by Captain _Peter Matthews_ of the regular Troops, who coming up with the Enemy's Rear, would have attacked them, to retard their March, but the _Mohawks_ were averse to fighting. The French dropt on purpose several of their Prisoners, who told the _Mohawks_, that the _French_ were resolved to put all the Prisoners to the Sword, if they should be attacked. The Enemy passed the North Branch of _Hudson_'s River upon a Cake of Ice, which, very opportunely for them, stuck there in one Place, while it was open by a late Thaw, both above and below. The Weather continuing very cold, and the _Indians_ averse to fighting, Major _Schuyler_ gave over the Pursuit on the 20th, having lost only four private Men, and as many _Indians_, two Officers and twelve Men Christians and _Indians_ were wounded. The _French_ lost thirty three Men (the Bodies of twenty seven were found) of whom four were Officers, and twenty-six wounded, as the Deserters told him. Between forty and fifty Prisoners were recovered. I have been told, that Captain _Matthews_ desired Coll. _Schuyler_, when he came first up with the _French_, to summon them to surrender; he said, the _French_ are in great Distress, and this will give them an Opinion of our Strength; but Coll. _Schuyler_ refused, tho' he was brave, he was no Soldier; and it is very probable, that the _French_ observing the want of Conduct and Discipline, were encouraged. It is true, the _English_ were in great Want of Provisions at that Time. The _Indians_ eat the Bodies of the _French_ that they found. Coll. _Schuyler_ (as he told me himself) going among the _Indians_ at that Time, was invited to eat Broth with them, which some of them had ready boiled, which he did, till they, putting the Ladle into the Kettle to take out more, brought out a _French_ Man's Hand, which put an End to his Appetite.

The _French_ went home as fast as they could carry their wounded Men with them; but coming to a Place, where they had hid Provisions for their Supply in their return, they found it all spoiled. This put them in great Distress, so that they were forced to eat their Shoes; they sent some of the nimblest Men forward to _Montreal_, that Provision might meet them. As soon as they came near the Settlements they dispersed, every Man running home to eat, so that they returned to _Canada_ like an Army routed. The _French_ own they lost eighty Men, and had thirty three wounded in this Expedition.

One may wonder how it is possible for Men to march several hundred Miles in the Wilderness, while the Ground is every where covered with Snow, two or three Feet deep at least; but the foremost march on Snow Shoes, which beat a firm Track for those that follow. At Night, when they rest, they dig a Hole in the Snow, throwing the Snow up all round, but highest towards that Side from whence the Wind blows, so large, as to contain as many Men as can lye round a Fire: They make the Fire in the Middle, and cover the frozen Ground round it with the small Branches of the Fir-Trees. Thus they tell me a Man lyes much warmer, than one imagines that never tried it.

When the Information of the _French_ came to _Schenectady_, an Express was sent to _New-York_ to Coll. _Fletcher_ then Governor there; the Express reached _New-York_, an hundred and fifty Miles from _Albany_, the 12th at ten in the Night. The Governor got the City Regiment under Arms by eight the next Morning.