Chapter I: Part 1

THE

TREATY

Held with the

_INDIANS_

OF THE

SIX NATIONS

AT

_Philadelphia_, in _July 1742_.

To which is Prefix'd

An Account of the _first Confederacy_ of the _SIX NATIONS_, their present TRIBUTARIES, DEPENDENTS, and ALLIES.

_LONDON:_

Re-printed and Sold by T. SOWLE RAYLTON and LUKE HINDE, at the _Bible_ in _George-Yard, Lombard-Street_.

[Price Six-Pence.]

THE

PREFACE.

_A Copy of the following_ Treaty, _printed at_ Philadelphia _in 1743, having fallen into my Hands, upon perusal, I judg'd its Contents deserved to be more generally known, than probably would have been from the few Copies which might be sent over._

_To make it more instructive and entertaining, I had once Thoughts of prefixing an Account of the_ Customs _and_ Manners _of these_ People, _such an one as I could collect either from the_ Printed Relations _concerning them, or from such_ Materials _as my_ Correspondence _or_ Acquaintance _would have afforded: But, the_ accurate Description _drawn up and published by the memorable_ WILLIAM PENN, _deterr'd me from attempting a short One; and an ingenious Gentleman of_ New-York _will probably soon oblige the World with a large and curious History of the_ Five Nations,[1] _exceeding any thing in my Power to perform._

[Footnote 1: The History of the _Five Nations_, from the earliest Acquaintance of the _Europeans_ with them, to the _Treaty_ of _Reswick_, by C. COLDEN, a _Manuscript_ ready for the Press, in the Hands of a worthy Gentleman in _London_.]

_But, that the_ Reader _might have some Idea of these_ People, _I thought it necessary to subjoin the following succinct_ Account _of the_ Principles _in this_ Confederacy, _their_ Tributaries, Dependents _and_ Allies: _And the more so, as it is neither extant in_ Print, _nor is this Part taken Notice of so fully in the_ Manuscript History _above-mentioned. It was communicated by a Gentleman of good Understanding and Probity; one who is very well skill'd in the_ Indian _Affairs,[2] adopted into one of their_ Tribes, _is of their_ Council, _and their constant_ Interpreter _at the_ Philadelphia Treaties, _to a Friend of his, who sent it to his_ Correspondent _here._

[Footnote 2: "It is customary among them to make a Complement of _Naturalization_ into the _Five Nations_; and considering how highly they value themselves above all others, it must be accounted no small one.--I had this _Complement_ from one of their old _Sachems_, which he did by giving me his _own Name_: He had been a notable Warriour; and he told me, that now I had a Right to assume to my self all the Acts of Valour he had performed." C. COLDEN'S _History of the_ Five Nations, _M.S._]

_They have generally been stiled the_ Five Nations _of_ Indians, _bordering upon_ Pensilvania _and_ New-York; _but, since the Arrival of the_ Tuscarora's _from_ Carolina, _they are called the_ Six Nations. _An Account of whom is as follows,_

1. _The_ Conymkos _or_ Mohawks; _the first Promoter of the_ Confederacy.[3] _He is stiled in the Council of all the Nations,_ Dicarihoagan, _i.e._ President _or_ Eldest.

[Footnote 3: The _Indian_ Idiom; they always stile a _whole Nation_ in the _singular Number_.]

2. _The_ Onayiuts _or_ Onoyders, _were the first that join'd in the_ Confederacy _with the_ Mohawks, _by putting themselves under their_ Protection. _He calls the_ Mohawk _his_ Father, _and in Return [Transcriber's Note: original has "Retnrn"] he is called a_ Son: _The_ Mohawk _used him for his_ Ambassador _to the_ other _Nations: In Council he is stiled_ Niharontaquoa, _or the_ great Tree.[4]

[Footnote 4: A _Tree_ is their most frequent Emblem of _Peace_. To plant a Tree whose Top may reach to the Sun, and its Branches may extend over the whole Country, is a Phrase for a lasting Covenant of Peace.]

3. _The_ Onontago's _were the next that joined, and of their own Accord became_ Confederates; _they are therefore called by the_ Mohawks, Brothers; _and by the_ Onoyders, Fathers, _because they had not been forced into the Alliance as the_ Onoyders _were: He is called in Council_ Sagochsaanagechteront, _i.e. the_ Arms, _or_ Names-bearer.

4. _The_ Jenontowano's _or_ Sinikers _next joined in the_ Alliance _of their own Consent; they are stiled by the_ Mohawks _and_ Onontago's, Brothers, _and by the_ Onoyders, Fathers: _His Title in Council is_ Onughkaarydaawy, _whose Signification is not known, and_ Dyionenhookaraw, _i.e._ Open Doors for Friends and Enemies.

5. _The_ Caiukquo's, _the last of the_ Five-Nation _Alliance, being compelled thereto by the Rest, is_ Brother _to the_ Onoyders, _and_ Son _to the_ others; _is stiled in Council_ Ganunawantoowano, _or the_ great Pipe.[5]

[Footnote 5: The _great Pipe_, or _Calumet_ of the _Indians_, resembles the Olive-Branch of Antiquity, always a Badge of Peace.]

6. Tuscarora's _joined in the_ Alliance _about thirty Years ago, being compelled thereto by the_ English _of_ Carolina: _He is_ Brother _to the_ Onoyders _and_ Cayukquo's, _and_ Son _to the_ others; _has no Title in Council, but is frequently called a_ Fool.

_The_ Dependents _and_ Tributaries _of these Nations._

Mohickons, _who formerly lived on_ Hudson's _River, and in_ New-England; _they have been conquer'd by the_ Five Nations, _their_ Breech-Cloth _taken from them, and a_ Petticoat _put upon them. When they apply to their Conquerors, they humbly call themselves_ Women: _The_ Five Nations _call them by the same Name when they [Transcriber's Note: original has "thy"] speak severely to 'em: At other times they call them_ Cousins, _and are in Return called_ Uncles.

Delawares _are in the same Condition as the_ Mohickons, _were dealt with in like manner; and are Tributary in an_ Indian _Sense._[6]

[Footnote 6: "All the Nations round them have for many Years entirely submitted to them, (the _Five Nations_) and pay a Yearly Tribute in _Wampum_: They dare neither make War nor Peace without the Consent of the _Mohawks_. Two old Men commonly go about every Year or two to receive this Tribute; and I have had Opportunity to observe what Anxiety the poor _Indians_ were under, whilst the two old Men remained in that Part of the Country where I was. An old _Mohawk Sachem_, in a poor Blanket and a dirty Shirt, may be seen issuing his Orders with as absolute Authority as a _Roman_ Dictator, or King of _France_." C. COLDEN'S History.]

Shawanese _are_ Brethren _to the_ Six Nations, _but are not in the_ Confederacy: _Their Coming from the_ Spanish _Dominions is remember'd by many now living. The_ Five Nations _gave them Lands on the West Branch of_ Susquehanna, _and therefore claim a Superiority over them, for which the_ Shawanese _mortally hate them. The greatest Part of 'em, a few Years ago, went to settle on the River_ Ohio, _which is a Branch of the_ Missisippi, _and heads with the West Branch of_ Susquehanna. _One Tribe of them is quite gone down to_ New Spain; _there are a few left still at_ Wyomink _on the North Branch of_ Susquehanna, _and others have a large Town on an Island in the West Branch, about 50 Miles above the_ Forks. _They are the most restless and mischievous of all the_ Indians.

Conestogo Indians _have been all destroyed by the_ Five Nations, _except a few whom the_ Onoyders _adopted: When these had forgot their Language, they were sent back to_ Conestogo, _where a few are now left, and speak the_ Onoyder's _Language._

Nantikooks _are in_ Alliance _with the_ Six Nations, _and not_ Tributary; _acknowledging themselves to be shelter'd by their Wings: They live within the Borders of_ Maryland, _a Few about_ Conestogo, _and some have settled this_ Spring _at the Mouth of the River_ Skohooniaty _or_ Jeniaty, _which is a Creek that falls into the_ Susquehanna _from the West beyond the Mountains._

Tutolo's _originally lived in_ Virginia, _there are but Few of them; they settled this_ Spring _at_ Shamokin, (_on the East Side of_ Susquehanna, _just below the_ Forks) _and are intirely devoted to the_ Six Nations.

The several Nations of _Indians_ with whom the _Six Nations_
or _Iroquois_ are in Alliance; according to the Information
given CONRAD WEISER, Esq; in open Council at _Turpehawkin_, at
their Return from the Treaty at _Philadelphia_ in _July_ 1742.

1. _A Nation of_ Indians _living on the West Side of the Lake_ Erie, _and along the Streights of_ Huron's _Lake. They are called by the_ Iroquois, Unighkellyiakon; _consisting of about_ Thirty Towns, _each of about 200 Fighting Men._

2. _The second Nation lives among the preceeding, called ---- consisting of_ Four Towns _of their own People, and 400 able Men in all._

3. _The third Nation called by the_ Iroquois, Tshisagech Roanu,[7] _lives on the East Side of the_ Huron's _Lake; several of the Council have been there, and all agree they have_ Three large Towns _of 600, 800, and 1000 able Men._

[Footnote 7: _Roanu_ signifies _Nation_ or _People_, in the Language of the _Six Nations_.]

4. _The fourth, called_ Twightwis Roanu, Two large Towns, _and about 200 Men in all, live at the Heads of_ Huakiky _River, near the little Lakes._

5. Oskiakikas, _living on a Branch of_ Ohio, _that heads near the Lake_ Erie, Four large Towns, _of about 1000 Warriours._

6. Oyachtawnuh Roanu, _near_ Black-River, _consisting of_ Four Towns, _and 1000 Warriours._

7. Keghetawkegh Roanu, _upon the great River_ Missisippi, _above the Mouth of_ Ohio: Three Towns; _the Number of People uncertain._

8. Kerhawguegh Roanu, _several Savage Nations, as their Names signify_, (the People of the Wilderness) _live on the North Side of_ Huron's _Lake; they neither plant Corn, nor any thing else, but live altogether upon Flesh, Fish, Roots and Herbs; an infinite Number of People, of late become Allies to the_ Iroquois.

Thus far proceeds CONRAD WEISER'S Account.

_The_ Six Nations, _as was observed above, border upon the Provinces of_ Pensilvania _and_ New-York: _The Rest, which are mentioned as their_ Dependents _and_ Allies, _lie near the_ French _Settlements, some amidst, and some beyond them. The_ Wisdom _of the_ Chiefs _in this_ Confederacy _hath gained them no less_ Reputation _than their_ Courage; _which indeed has struck_ Terror _into the remotest_ Indian _Nations of North_ America, _and forc'd them to court the Friendship and Protection of such a formidable Power._

_The_ Moderation _and_ Equity _of the_ first _Proprietor of_ Pensilvania, _gained the absolute Confidence and Affection of this_ brave People: _They were convinced of his_ Tenderness _for them, and in Return they have erected him lasting Monuments in their grateful Hearts: They_ revere _this good Man's_ Memory, _and his Praises will only cease with the Nations themselves._

_The following Clauses from a Collection of_ Charters, &c.
_printed at_ Philadelphia 1740, _are, amongst many others,
strong Proofs of the_ Proprietor's _equitable Regard to these
People._

"That no Man, _says he_, shall by any ways or means, in Word or Deed, affront or wrong any _Indian_, but he shall incur the same Penalty of the Law, as if he had committed it against his _fellow Planter_: And if any _Indian_ shall abuse, in Word or Deed, any _Planter_ of this _Province_, that he shall not be his own Judge upon the _Indian_, but he shall make his Complaint to the _Governor_ of the _Province_, or his _Lieutenant_ or _Deputy_, or some inferior _Magistrate_ near him, who shall to the utmost of his Power, take Care with the KING of the said _Indian_, that all reasonable Satisfaction be made to the said injured _Planter_.

"That all Differences between the _Planters_ and the _Natives_, shall also be ended by _Twelve Men_, that is, by _Six Planters_ and _Six Natives_, that so we may live friendly together, as much as in us lieth, preventing all Occasions of Heart-burnings and Mischief."

_A Conduct regulated by such Principles of_ Love _and_ Justice, _could not fail to influence this discerning People, and biass them in Favour of the_ ENGLISH; _a Continuance of the like Conduct must attach them inviolably: And the present worthy_ Governor _and_ Council _seem so sensible of the Necessity of cultivating a good Understanding with the_ Six Nations, _as to be likely to omit no Opportunity of_ brightening the Chain, _or_ increasing the Fire of Friendship _with them._

_The Confidence which these Nations repose in their_ Interpreter, _is a Proof of his_ Industry, good Sense, _and_ Address: _Nothing could have happened more favourably to the_ English _Settlements, than that those delicate Affairs should be in the Hands of a Person equally just and a Friend to both._

_The_ FRENCH _are perpetually labouring to_ debauch _their Faith to the_ ENGLISH: _Their Emissaries, the Priests, an indefatigable, artful, insinuating Race, are constantly labouring to gain Admittance amongst them. They assume all Shapes, try every Spring; they magnify the Power and Grandeur of_ FRANCE; _they study to render the_ ENGLISH _diminutive and contemptible; they foment every little Occasion of Disgust, and leave no Stone unturned to prejudice us in their Esteem._

_Hitherto the Honour of the_ Six Nations, _and the experienced good Intentions and Probity of the_ ENGLISH, _have been a sufficient Barrier against all their Intrigues: But it cannot be imprudent to countermine the intended Mischief, by giving suitable Encouragement to proper Persons, to converse with the_ Indians, _and study their Genius. An open-hearted Generosity wins them effectually: The Temper of the_ ENGLISH _is happily suited to this; and the additional Qualifications of_ Integrity _and_ Prudence _must in Time pave the Way to an Ascendency in their Councils, and by this Means the Subtilty of the_ FRENCH _would be utterly defeated._

_One sees, in the following short Sketch of the Behaviour of the_ Indians, _strong Traces of_ good Sense, _a_ nice Address _in the Conduct of their Affairs, a_ noble Simplicity, _and that_ manly Fortitude _which is the constant Companion of_ Integrity. _The Friendship of a Nation like this, tho' under the Appellation of_ Savages _or_ Barbarians, _is an Honour to the most civiliz'd People: I say nothing of the Advantage which is derived from them by Commerce: And the_ FRENCH _well know, by dear Experience, how terrible they are to their Enemies in War._

"When we speak of the _Five Nations_ in FRANCE, (_says an_ Author[8] _of that Country_) they are thought, by common Mistake, to be meer _Barbarians_, always thirsting after human Blood: But their true Character is very different. They are the fiercest and most formidable People in _North America_; at the same Time as _politick_ and _judicious_, as well can be imagined: This appears from the Management of the Affairs which they transact, not only with the FRENCH and ENGLISH, but likewise with almost all the _Indians_ of this vast Continent."

[Footnote 8: DE LA POTERIE'S _History of_ North America, _in_ Dr. COLDEN'S _History_, &c.]

THE

TREATY, _&c._

The Deputies of the Six Nations having, at their last Visit, agreed to release their Claim to all the Land on both Sides of the River _Susquehanna_, as far South as this Province extends, and to the Northward to those called the _Endless Mountains_ or _Kittochtinny Hills_; in Consideration whereof, they then received a large Quantity of valuable _Indian_ Goods for the Lands situate on the Eastern Side of the said River, but declined at that Time to receive any for those on the Western Side of the said River, chusing to defer the same till another Visit: A large Number arrived from these Nations at _Philadelphia_, on _Wednesday_ the 30th of _June_, with Deputies duly impowered to receive the said Goods; and acquainted the Governor, that being weary, from the Fatigue of their long Journey, they should crave three or four Days to rest themselves before they proceeded to their Business: In the mean Time they would wait on the Governor to discourse, according to their usual Method, about News and other Occurrences; which the Governor readily agreed to, and ask'd them when they would chuse to pay their first Visit; which they desiring might be on _Friday_ the 2d of _July_ in the Afternoon; the Council was accordingly summon'd, and met at Mr. _Logan's_ House, where were

PRESENT,

The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieut. Governor.

_James Logan_, _Samuel Preston_, } _Clement Plumsted_, _Thomas Lawrence_, } Esqrs; _Samuel Hasell_, _Ralph Asheton_, } _Abraham Taylor_, _Robert Strettell_, }

The Chiefs of the SIX NATIONS, with the Chiefs of the SHAWANESE.

CANASSATEEGO, the _Onondago_ Chief, Speaker.

CONRAD WEISER, Interpreter.

The Governor opened the Conference as follows.

'_BRETHREN_,

'The Proprietor having purchased certain Lands from your Nations about Six Years ago, a Moiety of what was agreed to be given in Consideration of that Purchase was at that Time delivered to them, and the other being at their own Desire left in the Proprietor's Hands, He pressed you by _Shikalamy_, to send last Year for it, and would have been glad to have seen you and taken you by the Hand before his Departure. But as the Design of this Meeting is to hear your News, and converse together in a free and friendly Manner, I shall say no more about the Goods than that they lye ready at the Proprietor's House, and will be delivered when you shall have sufficiently rested from the Fatigue of your Journey.'

The Chief of the _Onondagoes_ spoke,

'_BRETHREN_,

'We propose to rest four Days, and then come to the main Business. At present we are at a private Conference about News, and have something of this Sort to mention to our Brother ONAS.' And on the Governor's signifying they would be glad to know what it was, the Chief proceeded.

'_BRETHREN_,

'It is our Way when we come to our Brethren, or any other Persons, whom we live in strict Friendship with, to remove all Obstructions to a good Understanding; with this View we are to inform you of a Piece of disagreeable News that happen'd in our Journey.--Some White People living at a Place called _Conegocheegoe_, whose Names we cannot tell, nor whether they belong to this or the neighbouring Government, but one of them, as we heard, had his House burnt over his Head some Years ago, and he was brought down a Prisoner and committed to the Goal of this City: These People lighting of our young Warriours, as they were hunting, made some Proposals about the purchasing of Land from them, and our young Men being indiscreet, and unacquainted with publick Business, were foolish enough to hearken to them, and to receive five Duffil Strowds for two Plantations on the River _Cohongoronto_. A _Conestogoe_ Indian, and a _French_ Indian, and some others that were in Company had three Duffil Strowds, and went away with them; and our young Men carried off the other two. As soon as this came to our Knowledge, we sent for our Warriours, and after examining and rebuking them severely, we took away their two Strowds, and publickly censured them for exposing us to our Brethren of _Pensilvania_, in doing a Thing so inconsistent with our Engagements to them; _You are_, said we aloud, that all our People might hear and take Notice, _to know and remember, that the Six Nations have obliged themselves to sell none of the Land that falls within the Province of_ Pensilvania _to any other but our Brother_ ONAS, _and that to sell Lands to any other is an high Breach of the League of Friendship_. Brethren, this rash Proceeding of our young Men makes us ashamed. We always mean well, and shall perform faithfully what we have promised: And we assure you, this Affair was transacted in the Manner we have related, without our Privity or Consent. And that you may be fully convinced of this, and of the Sincerity of our Intentions, we have brought you these Two Strowds [_here he presented two Red Strowds to the Governor_] they are the very Strowds our foolish young Men received; we took them from them, and we give them to you to return to those white People who made the Bargain, and desire when the Strowds are returned to them, they may be told what we now say, and that we shall not confirm such Bargains nor any other that may interfere with our Engagements to our Brother ONAS.'

The Governor then spoke:

'_BRETHREN_,

'I thank you for this Piece of News; you have taken this Matter perfectly right. All Bargaining for Land within this Province, is, to be sure, a manifest Breach of your Contract with the Proprietors, and what we know you will not countenance. We have hitherto found the _Six Nations_ faithful to their Engagements, and this is a fresh Instance of their Punctuality. You could not help these Mistakes of your young Men; they were not done in your Presence: But as several Inconveniencies may arise from these kind of clandestine Sales, or from any such loose Sales of Land by your People, we desire you will, on your Return home, give publick Notice to all your Warriours not to bargain for any Land; or if they do, that you will not confirm such Bargains; and that this very Affair, together with what you have done therein, may be particularly reported to all your Nation assembled in Council.'

The _Onondago_ Chief promised to give such publick Notice; and desiring Liberty to mend his former Speech, he proceeded:

'_BRETHREN_,

'I forgot one Circumstance: Our People who pretended to sell the Land, demanded a Belt of _Wampum_ of the Buyers to carry to their Chiefs; and on their declaring they had no _Wampum_, our Warriours said, they would not answer that their Chiefs would confirm this Bargain, since they never did any thing of this Nature without _Wampum_.'

The Governor, after a short Pause, spoke:

'_BRETHREN of the Six Nations_,

'I shall take this Opportunity to relate to you a Piece of disagreeable News I received some Days ago in a Letter from _Le Tort_ the Indian Trader, at _Allegheny_, who says, _That in_ May _last some_ Indians _of the_ Taway _Nation, supposed by us to be_ Twightwees, _in their Return from War, called and stayed sometime with the_ Shawanese; _who being asked, and denying they had brought either Scalps or Prisoners, the_ Shawanese _suspecting them, had the Curiosity to search their Bags, and finding two Scalps in them, that by the Softness of the Hair did not feel like_ Indian _Scalps, they wash'd them clean, and found them to be the Scalps of some_ Christians. _On this Discovery, the_ Twightwees _were so much ashamed, that they stole away from their Town in the Night-time; and coming, as they afterwards understood, to a little Village belonging to the_ Shawanese, _they told our People that their Hearts were full of Grief; for, as they came along the Road, they found it all bloody; and having good Cause to believe it was made bloody with the Blood of some of the White Brethren, they had very sorrowfully swept the Road; and desired them to inform the Governor of_ Pensilvania _of their (the_ Twightwees) _Grief; and how they had swept the Road clean.' Le Tort_ adds, on Behalf of the _Shawanese, 'That they were much troubled and grieved at this unfortunate Accident; and prayed as they had no Concern in it, more than by being Instruments to discover it, their Brethren would not blame them, nor suffer a Misunderstanding to arise between them on this Account: They would sweep the Road clean, and wipe all the Blood away; and desired their Brethren would be satisfied with this, and not weep too much for a Misfortune that might not happen again as long as the Sun and Moon shone.'_

'The Person who delivered me _Le Tort's_ Letter, brought this Bundle of Skins as a Present to me; but I told the Messenger, I would not meddle with it; he might leave it if he pleased: The Affair appear'd to me in a bad Light, and I would represent it to the _Six Nations_, who were expected in Town every Day. This is the Fact as I have it from _Le Tort_: I desire to be inform'd if you know any thing of this Matter; and if you do not, that you will make diligent Enquiry who committed the Murder, and who are the unhappy Sufferers, and assist us to obtain Satisfaction, if it shall appear to be any of our Fellow-Subjects that have been treated in this Manner.'

_To inforce this Request, I present you with this String of_
Wampum.

The _Onondago_ Chief, in Reply, said:

'_BRETHREN_,

'We take this Information kind at your Hands; we will take this String of _Wampum_ home with us to our Lodgings, and there consult about the most regular and proper Steps to be taken by us to answer your Expectations; and when we have duly considered the Matter, we will return you an Answer.'

Upon this the Governor put an End to the Conference; and calling for Wine and other Liquors, according to the _Indian_ Custom, after a decent and chearful Entertainment, the _Indians_ withdrew.

* * * * *

At a COUNCIL held at the PROPRIETOR'S HOUSE, _July_ 5. 1742.

PRESENT

The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS Esq; Lieut. Governor.

_James Logan_, } _Clement Plumsted_, } Esqrs.

With several Gentlemen of the Town,

_The Chiefs of the Six Nations_

It being judg'd proper, at this critical Time, when we are in daily Expectation of a _French_ War, to sound the _Indians_, and discover what Dependence we might have on them, in case their Aid should be wanted; an handsome Dinner was provided for their Chiefs; and after they had made an hearty Meal, and drank his Majesty's Health, the Proprietor's, and the Health of the _Six Nations_, the Chiefs gave the solemn Cry, in Testimony of their Thanks, for the Honour done them. And soon after, the Governor began, in a free Way, to enquire for what Reason the _Senecas_ were not come down, since they had an equal Right to a Share of the Goods with the other Nations.--_Canassateego_, their Speaker, said, 'The _Senecas_ were in great Distress, on Account of a Famine that raged in their Country, which had reduced them to such Want, that a Father had been obliged to kill two of his Children to preserve his own and the rest of his Family's Lives; and they could not now come down, but had given Directions about their Share of the Goods.'--The Governor express'd his Concern for the unhappy Circumstances of their Brethren of the _Seneca_ Nation; and, after a short Respite, enquired if any of their Deputies were then at _Canada_, and whether the _French_ Governor was making any warlike Preparations? And on their answering, _Yes_; the Governor said, with a smiling, pleasant Countenance, 'I suppose if the _French_ should go to War with us, you will join them.' The _Indians_ conferr'd together for some Time, and then _Canassateego_, in a chearful lively Manner, made Answer.--'We assure you, the Governor of _Canada_ pays our Nations great Court at this Time, well knowing of what Consequence we are to the _French_ Interest: He has already told us, he was uncovering the Hatchet and sharpening it, and hoped, if he should be obliged to lift it up against the _English_, their Nations would remain neuter and assist neither Side.--But we will now speak plainly to our Brethren: Why should we, who are one Flesh with you, refuse to help you, whenever you want our Assistance?--We have continued a long Time in the strictest League of Amity and Friendship with you, and we shall always be faithful and true to you our old and good Allies.--The Governor of _Canada_ talks a great deal, but ten of his Words do not go so far as one of yours.--We do not look towards them; We look towards you; and you may depend on our Assistance.' Whilst the _Onondago_ Chief made this open and hearty Declaration, all the other _Indians_ made frequently that particular Kind of Noise which is known to be a Mark of Approbation.--The Governor bid the Interpreter tell _Canassateego_, 'He did not set on foot this Inquiry from any Suspicion he had of the _Six Nations_ wanting a due Regard for the _English_.--Our Experience of their Honour and Faith would not permit us to think any other of them than that they would esteem our Friends their Friends, and our Enemies their Enemies, agreeable to the strict Union which had ever subsisted between us.--As to the Governor of _Canada_, they need not mind what he said.--The _English_, on equal Terms, had beat the _French_, and could beat them again: And were they but to consider the Advantages which the _English_ have, by possessing so many large and populous Countries, and so many good Ports on the Continent of _America_, they would soon see who had most Reason to fear a War, the _French_ or the _English_.'

Here the Conversation drop'd; and, after another Glass of Wine, the _Indians_ resumed the Discourse, by asking, whether their Brethren had not been for some Time engaged in a War with the King of _Spain_, and what Successes they had met with?

The Governor told them, the King of _Great Britain_ lived in an Island, and being surrounded with the Sea, his chief Strength lay in his Ships; in which he was so much superior to his Enemies, that they were seldom to be met with on the broad Ocean, but sculk'd and hid themselves, only venturing out now and then; and whenever they did, they were almost sure to be taken; and that the King of _Great Britain_ had, with his Ships, beat down or taken several of the _Spaniards_ Great Forts in _America_.--The _Indians_ said, they were pleased to hear their Brethren were an Over-match for their Enemies, and wish'd them good Success.

The Governor then enquired into the State and Condition of the Nations to the Westward of the Great Lakes, and whether they had any Warriours then in those Countries? Whether they had concluded Peace with the Southern _Indians_? And whether they had heard what their Deputies had done at _Albany_?

They made Answer: That they had always Abundance of their Men out amongst the Nations situate to the West of their Lakes.--That they had kindled a Fire with a vast many Nations, some whereof where Tributaries, and they had a good Understanding with all.--They set out from their own Country in Company with two Sets of Deputies, one going to hold a Treaty with the Southern _Indians_, and they believed a Peace would be concluded: The other going to meet the Governor of _New-York_, at _Albany_; but they could not tell what had been done at either Place.--On their Return, they were to hold a General Council, and would inform their Brethren of these Particulars.

Then the Governor put an End to the Conference, by telling the _Indians_ the Goods would be delivered to them at a Council to be held to morrow Afternoon at the Meeting-House.

* * * * *

At a COUNCIL held in the Meeting-House, _Philadelphia_, _July_ 6. 1742.

PRESENT,

The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieut. Governor.

_James Logan_, _Samuel Preston_, } _Clement Plumsted_, _Ralph Asheton_, } Esqrs; _Abraham Taylor_, _Robert Strettell_, }

CANASSATEEGO, Chief of the _Onondagoes_, Speaker,

SHICALAMY; and a great Number of _Indians_,

whose Names are as follow, _viz._

ONONTAGOES.

_Sawegaty_, } _Caxhayion_, } Counsellors. _Saguyassatha_, _Kayadoghratie_, alias _Slanaghquasy_. _Rotier-uwughton_, _Tokaughaah_, _Tiorughwaghthe_, _Tokano-ungoh_, _Aronty-oony_, _Tohanohawighton_, _Tioghwatoony_, _Auughrahysey_.

CAIYOUQUOS.

_Sahugh-sowa_, } _Tohatgaghthus_, } Chiefs. _Tokany-esus_, _Runho-hihio_, _Kanadoghary_, _Zior-aghquaty_, _Sagu-iughwatha_, alias _Cadcaradasey_. _Sca-yenties_, _Tats-heghteh_, _Alligh-waheis_, _Tayo-quario_, _Hogh degh runtu_, _Rotehn Haghtyackon_, Captain, _Sawoalieselhohaa_, _Sagughsa-eck_, _Uwantakeraa_, _Horuhot_, _Osoghquaa_, _Tuyanoegon_.

ANOYIUTS _or_ ONEIDAS.

_Saristaquoh_, } _Ungquaterughiathe_, alias _Shikelimo_, } Chiefs. _Tottowakerha_, _Taraghkoerus_, _Onughkallydawwy_, a noted young Chief. _Onughnaxqua_, Chief. _Tawyiakaarat_, _Tohathuyongochtha_, _Sughnakaarat_, _Taghneghdoerus_, _Tokanyiadaroeyon_, _Sagogughyatha_, _Rahehius_, _Tokanusoegon_.

JENONTOWANOS _or_ SENACAS.

_Karugh-iagh Raghquy_, Capt. _Tahn heentus_, _Onontyiack_.

TUSCARROROS.

_Sawontka_, } _Ti-ieroes_, } Chiefs. _Cloghsytowax_ } _Tokaryhoegon_, Captain. _Oghioghseh_, _Tieleghweghson_, _Tougrotha_, _Yorughianego_, _Ot-quehig_, _Squaghky_, _Sayadyio_, _Onughsowûghton_, _Cherigh wâstho_, _Aghsûnteries_, _Tion ogh scôghtha_, _Saligh wanaghson_, _Ohn-wâasey_, _Tocar-eber_, [died since at _Tulpehokin_.] _Tahanatâkqua_, _Kanyhâag_.

SHAWANOES.

_Wehwehlaky_, Chief. _Aset teywa_, _Asoghqua_, _Maya minickysy_, _Wawyia Beeseny_.

Canestogo _Indians that speak the_ Onayiut's _Language_.

_Tior Haasery_, Chief. _Tanigh wackerau_, _Karha Cawyiat_, _Kayen quily quo_.

CANOYIAS _or_ NANTIKOKES _of_ Canestogo.

_Des-seheg_, _Ichqua que heck_, _Quesamaag_, _Ayiok-ius_.

DELAWARES _of_ Shamokin.

_Olumapies_, } _Lingehancah_, } Chiefs. _Kelly macquan_, _Quitie-yquont_, _Pishquiton_, _Nena chy haut_.

DELAWARES _from the_ Forks

_Onutpe_, } _Lawye quohwon_ alias _Nutimus_, } Chiefs. _Toweghkappy_, _Cornelius Spring_, and others.

CONRAD WEISER, CORNELIUS SPRING, _Interpreters_.

And a great Number of the Inhabitants of _Philadelphia_.

The Governor, having commanded Silence, spoke as follows:

_Friends and Brethren of the Six Nations_,

'Six Years ago a Number of your Chiefs obliged us with a Visit, when they agreed, on Behalf of your Nations, to the Release of certain Lands on both Sides the River _Susquehanna_, to the Southward of the _Endless-Mountains_, and within the Limits and Bounds of the King's Grant of this Province. In Consideration of which, a certain Quantity of Goods was agreed on and delivered as a full Satisfaction for the said Lands lying on the Eastern Side of the said River: And for the Lands on the Western Side of the said River, you desired the Payment should be deferr'd till another Opportunity. These Goods, which are exactly the same in Quantity as those you received the last Time the Chiefs of your Nations were here, have been ready a considerable Time, and kept in Expectation of your Coming for them: And now you are come down fully impowered by your respective Councils to receive them, we are well pleased to deliver them: Leaving it to you to make a fair and equal Division of them amongst yourselves. We are sorry for the Absence of our Brethren the _Senecas_, and much more so that it should be owing to their Distress at Home by a Famine that rages in their Country:--A Famine so great, that you tell us a Father has been obliged to sacrifice one Part of his Family, even his own Children, for the Support and Preservation of himself and the other Part.--We heartily commiserate their Condition, and do not doubt but you will do them fair and ample Justice in the Disposal of their Part of the Goods in such Manner as they have instructed you. You shall now hear the List of the Goods read to you.'

Here, by the Governor's Order, the List of the Goods was read over, _viz._

500 _Pounds of Powder_. 600 _Pounds of Lead_. 45 _Guns_. 60 _Strowd-Matchcoats_. 100 _Blankets_. 100 _Duffil Matchcoats_. 200 _Yards Half-thick_. 100 _Shirts_. 40 _Hats_. 40 _Pair of Shoes & Buckles_. 40 _Pair of Stockings_. 100 _Hatchets_. 500 _Knives_. 100 _Hoes_. 60 _Kettles_. 100 _Tobacco-Tongs_. 100 _Scissars_. 500 _Awl-Blades_. 120 _Combs_. 2000 _Needles_. 1000 _Flints_. 24 _Looking-Glasses_. 2 _Pounds of Vermilion_. 100 _Tin Pots_. 1000 _Tobacco-Pipes_. 200 _Pounds of Tobacco_. 24 _Dozen of Gartering, &_ 25 _Gallons of Rum_.

Then the Governor told them that the Goods, of which the Particulars had been just Read to them, were in the Meeting-House, and would be sent to whatever Place they would direct.

The Governor then proceeded:

'_BRETHREN_,

'You have often heard of the Care that your great and good Friend and Brother _William Penn_ took at all Times to cultivate a perfect good Harmony with all the _Indians_: Of this your Nations have ever been fully sensible; but more especially a Number of your Chiefs, about ten Years ago, when, on the Arrival of a Son of your said great Friend _William Penn_, large and valuable Presents were exchanged by us with you; a new Road was made and clear'd; a new Fire kindled; and the Chain of Friendship made stronger, so as to last while the Sun and Moon endure.

'And now we cannot but congratulate ourselves that your Coming should happen at a Time when we are in daily Expectation of a War being declared between the King of _England_, and the _French_ King, well knowing, that should such a War happen, it must very sensibly affect you, considering your Situation in the Neighbourhood of _Canada_. Your Coming at this Juncture is particularly fortunate, since it gives us an Opportunity of mentioning several Things that may be necessary to be settled between People so strictly and closely united as we are.--An Union not to be express'd by any thing less than the affectionate Regards which Children of the same Parents bear for each other, as conceiving ourselves to be one Flesh and one People.

'The utmost Care therefore ought mutually to be taken by us on both Sides, that the Road between us be kept perfectly clear and open, and no Lets, nor the least Obstruction be suffered to lie in the Way; or if any should by Accident be found, that may hinder our free Intercourse and Correspondence, it must forthwith be removed.

_To inforce this, We lay down a String of_ Wampum.

'In next Place, We, on our Part, shall inlarge our Fire that burns between us. We shall provide more Fewel to increase it and make it burn brighter and clearer, and give a stronger and more lasting Light and Warmth.

_In Evidence of our sincere Intentions, We lay down this Belt
of_ Wampum.

'In the last Place, considering the Obligations we are mutually under by our several Treaties, _That we should hear with our Ears for you, and you hear with your Ears for us_. We shall at all Times very willingly give you the earliest and best Intelligence of any Designs that may be form'd to your Disadvantage.--And if you discover any Preparations that can hurt us, we desire you will immediately dispatch some suitable Person in whom we can place a Confidence, to give us a proper Information.'

_To inforce this Request, as well as to brighten the Chain, we
lay down this other Belt of_ Wampum.

On the Governor's concluding the Speech, the solemn Cry, by way of Approbation, was repeated by the _Indians_, as many Times as there were Nations present; and then _Canassateego_ rose up and spoke.

'_BRETHREN_, [Transcriber's Note: original has "BRRTHREN"]

'We thank you for your kind Speech: What you have said is very agreeable to us; and to-morrow when we have deliberated on the several Matters recommended to us, we will give you our Answer. We desire, as our Time will be wholly taken up in Council, you will order the Goods to be carried back to the Proprietaries to prevent their being lost, and that they may continue there till we call for them.'

* * * * *

At a COUNCIL held in the Meeting-House, _July_ 7. 1742.

PRESENT,

The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieut. Governor.

_James Logan, Samuel Preston,_ } _Thomas Lawrence, Samuel Hasell,_ } Esqrs; _Abraham Taylor, Robert Strettell,_ }

CANASSATEEGO'S Speech on Behalf of the _Six Nations_.

'_BRETHREN, the Governor and Council, and all present_,

According to our Promise we now propose to return you an Answer to the several Things mentioned to us Yesterday, and shall beg Leave to speak to publick Affairs first, tho' they were what you spoke to last. On this Head you Yesterday put us in Mind, first, _Of_ William Penn's _early and constant Care to cultivate Friendship with all the_ Indians; _of the Treaty we held with one of his Sons, about Ten Years ago; and of the Necessity there is at this Time of keeping the Roads between us clear and free from all Obstructions._ We are all very sensible of the kind Regard that good Man _William Penn_ had for all the _Indians_, and cannot but be pleased to find that his Children have the same. We well remember the Treaty you mention held with his Son on his Arrival here, by which we confirmed our League of Friendship that is to last as long as the Sun and Moon endure: In Consequence of this, We, on our Part, shall preserve the Road free from all Incumbrances: in Confirmation whereof, we lay down this String of _Wampum_.

'You in the next Place said, _You would inlarge the Fire and make it burn brighter_, which we are pleased to hear you mention; and assure you, we shall do the same, by adding to it more Fewel, that it may still flame out more strongly than ever: In the last Place, you were pleased to say, _that we are bound, by the strictest Leagues, to watch for each others Preservation; that we should hear with our Ears for you, and you hear with your Ears for us_: This is equally agreeable to us; and we shall not fail to give you early Intelligence whenever any Thing of Consequence comes to our Knowledge: And to encourage you to do the same, and to nourish in your Hearts what you have spoke to us with your Tongues, about the Renewal of our Amity and the Brightening of the Chain of Friendship; we confirm what we have said with another Belt of _Wampum_.'

'_BRETHREN_,

We received [Transcriber's Note: original has "rececived"] from the Proprietor's, yesterday, some Goods in Consideration of our Release of the Lands on the West-Side of _Susquehanna_: It is true we have the full Quantity according to Agreement; but if the Proprietor had been here himself, we think, in Regard of our Numbers and Poverty, he would have made an Addition to them.--If the Goods were only to be divided amongst the _Indians_ present, a single Person would have but a small Portion; but if you consider what Numbers are left behind, equally intituled with us to a Share, there will be extreamly little. We therefore desire, if you have the Keys of the Proprietor's Chest, you will open it, and take out a little more for us.

'We know our Lands are now become more valuable: The white People think we do not know their Value; but we are sensible that the Land is everlasting, and the few Goods we receive for it are soon worn out and gone. For the Future we will sell no Lands but when Brother ONAS is in the Country; and we will know beforehand the Quantity of the Goods we are to receive. Besides, we are not well used with Respect to the Lands still unsold by us. Your People daily settle on these Lands, and spoil our Hunting.--We must insist on your Removing them, as you know they have no Right to settle to the Northward of _Kittochtinny-Hills_.--In particular, we renew our Complaints against some People who are settled at _Juniata_, a Branch of _Susquehanna_, and all along the Banks of that River, as far as _Mahaniay_; and desire they may be forthwith made to go off the Land; for they do great Damage to our Cousins the _Delawares_.

'We have further to observe, with Respect to the Lands lying on the West Side of _Susquehanna_, that tho' Brother ONAS (meaning the Proprietor) has paid us for what his People possess, yet some Parts of that Country have been taken up by Persons whose Place of Residence is to the South of this Province, from whom we have never received any Consideration. This Affair was recommended to you by our Chiefs at our last Treaty; and you then, at our earnest Desire, promised to write a Letter to that Person who has the Authority over those People, and to procure us his Answer: As we have never heard from you on this Head, we want to know what you have done in it. If you have not done any thing, we now renew our Request, and desire you will inform the Person whose People are seated on our Lands, that that Country belongs to us, in Right of Conquest; we having bought it with our Blood, and taken it from our Enemies in fair War; and we expect, as Owners of that Land, to receive such a Consideration for it as the Land is worth. We desire you will press him to send us a positive Answer: Let him say _Yes_ or _No_: If he says _Yes_, we will treat with him; if _No_, we are able to do ourselves Justice; and we will do it, by going to take Payment ourselves.

'It is Customary with us to make a Present of Skins whenever we renew our Treaties. We are ashamed to offer our Brethren so few; but your Horses and Cows have eat the Grass our Deer used to feed on. This has made them scarce, and will, we hope, plead in Excuse for not bringing a larger Quantity: If we could have spared more, we would have given more; but we are really poor; and desire you'll not consider the Quantity, but, few as they are, accept them in Testimony of our Regard.'

_Here they gave the Governor a Bundle of Skins._

The Governor immediately replied:

'_BRETHREN_,

We thank you for the many Declarations of Respect: you have given us in this solemn Renewal of our Treaties: We receive, and shall keep your String and Belts of _Wampum_, as Pledges of your Sincerity, and desire those we gave you may be carefully preserved, as Testimonies of ours.

'In Answer to what you say about the Proprietaries.--They are all absent, and have taken the Keys of their Chest along with them; so that we cannot, on their Behalf, enlarge the Quantity of Goods: Were they here, they might, perhaps, be more generous; but we cannot be liberal for them.--The Government will, however, take your Request into Consideration, and, in Regard to your Poverty, may perhaps, make you a Present. I but just mention this now, intending to refer this Part of your Speech to be answered at our next Meeting.

'The Number of Guns, as well as every Thing else, answers exactly with the Particulars specified in your Deed of Conveyance, which is more than was agreed to be given you. It was your own Sentiments, that the Lands on the West Side of _Susquehanna_ were not so Valuable as those on the East; and an Abatement was to be made, proportionable to the Difference in Value: But the Proprietor overlooked this, and ordered the full Quantity to be delivered, which you will look on as a Favour.

'It is very true, that Lands are of late become more Valuable; but what raises their Value? Is it not entirely owing to the Industry and Labour used by the white People in their Cultivation and Improvement? Had not they come amongst you, these Lands would have been of no Use to you, any further than to maintain you. And is there not, now you have sold so much, enough left for all the Purposes of Living?--What you say of the Goods, that they are soon worn out, is applicable to every Thing; but you know very well, that they cost a great deal of Money; and the Value of Land is no more than it is worth in Money.

'On your former Complaints against People's Settling the Lands on _Juniata_, and from thence all along on the River _Susquehanna_ as far as _Mahaniahy_, some Magistrates were sent expresly to remove them; and we thought no Persons would presume to stay after that.

Here they interrupted the Governor, and said:--'_These Persons who were sent did not do their Duty: So far from removing the People, they made Surveys for themselves, and they are in League with the Trespassers. We desire more effectual Methods may be used and honester Persons imploy'd._'

Which the Governor promised, and then proceeded:

'_BRETHREN_,

According to the Promise made at our last Treaty with you, Mr. _Logan_, who was at that Time President, did write to the Governor of _Maryland_, that he might make you Satisfaction for such of your Lands as his People had taken up; but did not receive one Word from him upon that Head. I will write to him again, and endeavour to procure you a Satisfactory Answer. We do not doubt but he will do you Justice: But we exhort you to be careful not to exercise any Acts of Violence towards his People, as they likewise are our Brethren, and Subjects of the same Great King; and therefore Violence towards them must be productive of very evil Consequences.

'I shall conclude what I have to say at this Time with Acknowledgments for your Present; which is very agreeable to us, from the Expressions of Regard used by you in presenting it: Gifts of this Nature receiving their Value from the Affection of the Giver, and not from the Quantity or Price of the Thing given.'

* * * * *

At a COUNCIL held at _Philadelphia_, _July_ 8. 1742.

PRESENT

The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS Esq; Lieut. Governor.

_James Logan_, _Samuel Preston_, } _Clement Plumsted_, _Thomas Lawrence_, } Esqrs; _Samuel Hasell_, _Ralph Asheton_, } _Abraham Taylor_, _Robert Strettell_, }

The Board taking into Consideration, whether it be proper or not at this Time, to make a Present to the _Indians_ of the _Six Nations_, now in Town, in Return for their Present to this Government at Yesterday's Treaty:

_Resolved_,

That it is highly fit and proper that a Present be made to the said _Indians_ at this Time.

And it is the Opinion of this Board, that the said Present should be of the Value of £.500, or at least £.300.

And it is recommended to Mr. _Logan_, Mr. _Preston_, and Mr. _Lawrence_, to acquaint Mr. _Kinsey_, the Speaker of the Assembly, with the Opinion of this Board; and that they request him to confer with such other Members of Assembly as are in Town, and report their Sentiments thereupon.

The Board taking into Consideration the Threats express'd by the _Indians_, at the Treaty Yesterday, against the Inhabitants of _Maryland_, settled on certain Lands on the West Side of _Susquehanna_, which the _Indians_ claim, and for which they require Satisfaction; and considering, that should those Threats, in any sort, be put in Execution, not only the Inhabitants of _Maryland_, but of this Government, and all his Majesty's Subjects on the Northern Continent of _America_, may thereby be involved in much Trouble: It is the Opinion of this Board, that the Governor write to the Governor of _Maryland_ without Delay, to inform him of the _Indians_ Complaints and Threats, and to request a satisfactory Answer; and that his Letter be sent by a special Messenger, at the Publick Expence.

* * * * *

At a COUNCIL held _July_ 9. 1742.

PRESENT,

The Hon'ble GEORGE THOMAS Esq; Lieut. Governor.

_James Logan_, _Samuel Preston_, } _Clement Plumsted_, _Ralph Asheton_, } Esqrs; _Samuel Hasell_, _Thomas Lawrence_, } _Robert Strettell_, }

And Mr. _Peters_.

The Governor informed the Board, that the _Indian_ Chiefs dining with him Yesterday, after Dinner delivered their Answer to two Affairs of Consequence:

The first related to the violent Battery committed on _William Webb_, in the Forks of _Delaware_, whereby his Jaw-bone was broke, and his Life greatly endangered, by an unknown _Indian_. _Canassateego_ repeating the Message delivered to the _Six Nations_ by _Shickalamy_, in the Year 1740, with a String of _Wampum_, said in Answer: 'The _Six Nations_ had made diligent Enquiry into the Affair, and had found out the _Indian_ who had committed the Fact; he lived near _Asopus_, and had been examined and severely reproved: And they hoped as _William Webb_ was recovered, the Governor would not expect any further Punishment; and therefore they returned the String of _Wampum_ received from their Brethren, by the Hand of _Shickalamy_, in Token that they had fully Comply'd with their Request.'

I thank'd them for their Care; but reminded them, that tho' the Man did not die, yet he lay a long Time in extreme Misery, and would never recover the free Use of his Speech, and was rendred less able to get his Livelyhood, and in such Cases the _English_ Laws obliged the Assailant to make good all Damages, besides paying, for the Pain endured.--But as the _Indian_ was, in all Probability, Poor and unable to make Satisfaction, I told them, that for their Sake I would forgive him; adding, had _Webb_ died I make no Doubt but you would have put the _Indian_ to Death, just as we did two of our People who had killed an _Indian_; we caused them to be hung on a Gallows, in the Presence of many Hundreds of our People, to deter all others from doing the like. _Canassateego_ made me this Reply: 'The _Indians_ know no Punishment but Death; they have no such Thing as pecuniary Mulcts; if a Man be guilty of a Crime, he is either put to Death, or the Fault is overlook'd. We have often heard of your Hanging-up those two Persons; but as none of our _Indians_ saw the Men die, many believe they were not hanged, but transported to some other Colony: And it would be satisfactory to the _Indians_, if, for the Future, some of them be sent for, to be Witnesses to such Executions.' I assured them, that whoever gave them that Information, abused them; for the Persons certainly suffered Death, and in the Presence of all the People.